Written Answers Nos. 373-385
373. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the new suckler cow scheme in view of the six year rule that would result in farmers being penalised if they do not comply with all conditions in this time span, and if they decide to move to a different enterprise in that six years. [19943/15]
View answerThe Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) forms part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme and will provide suckler farmers in Ireland with funding of some €300 million over the next 6 years. The BDGP builds on the investment in data recording and genomics in recent years, and will ultimately bring about long-term improvements to the sector by fundamentally improving the genetic quality of the beef herd. The BDGP has been approved under the agri-environment provisions in the RDP regulations and can make an important contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the national herd. The six year commitment arises from the requirements of the EU Rural Development Regulation under which this scheme is co-funded by the EU and Irish taxpayers. Article 28 of this Regulation stipulates that all agri-environmental schemes must be at least 5 years in duration and farmers will be familiar with multi-annual schemes such as GLAS and REPS where similar conditions apply.
The six year timeframe provides a guaranteed and stable payment for suckler farmers allowing them to plan and budget on their farms for the duration of the programme. It is important to note that the penalty system includes appropriate tolerances where only minor non-compliances occur and no penalty will apply in these cases. In more serious cases there must of course be an applicable penalty however, on balance, I am satisfied that the approach reflects the most proportionate response consistent with the Regulations. The requirement to seek full refund of payment only applies in the event of permanent withdrawal from the scheme. As always in such cases, force majeure clauses have been included in the Terms and Conditions where withdrawal is due to circumstances beyond the applicant’s control such as illness or disease. There is also a provision included for transfers by gift or inheritance whereby the transferee can decide to take over the commitments or exit from the programme entirely.
The BDGP is a substantial commitment to the beef sector over the next 6 years and I will continue to monitor its implementation to ensure that it is fit for purpose. The BDGP, like all RDP Schemes, will be subject to mid-term review over the next five years. If aspects of the scheme can be improved in the future, I will seek to address these issues in consultation with the EU Commission.
374. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the requirement in the new beef data and genomics programme that 80% of all bulls used for artificial insemination are to be 4 or 5 star, if he will include in the scheme all imported new bulls that come in at 4 star until they are proven; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19962/15]
View answer375. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the requirement in the new beef data and genomics programme that 80% of bulls used for artificial insemination are to be 4 or 5 star, if he will include in the scheme all imported new bulls under 60% reliability as eligible for the requirements of the scheme, regardless of star, until proven; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19963/15]
View answer376. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the requirement under the new beef data and genomics programme that 80% of bulls used for artificial insemination are to be 4 or 5 star, if he will include in the scheme all new imported sires without progeny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19964/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 374 to 376, inclusive, together.
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) forms part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme and will provide suckler farmers in Ireland with funding of some €300 million over the next 6 years. The BDGP builds on the investment in data recording and genomics in recent years, and will ultimately bring about long-term improvements to the sector by fundamentally improving the genetic quality of the beef herd.
One of the requirements of the programme stipulates that from 30 June 2016, at least 80% of the AI used on participating holdings must be from 4 or 5 star bulls on either the terminal or replacement index. This complements the requirement that where a stock bull is used, at least one stock bull on the holding on the 30 June 2019 must be a genotyped 4 or 5 star bull on either the terminal or replacement index.
There is a very wide range of AI bulls available for pedigree beef breeding that are 4 or 5 stars on either the replacement or terminal index. For example, ICBF recently completed its listing of recommended sires for bull breeders involved in the Gene Ireland maternal beef breeding program. In total there are some 164 bulls in that catalogue of which 151 (92%) are 4 or 5 stars on either the replacement or terminal index within or across breeds.
For imported bulls, the ICBF assigns a rating based on the data available for each bull at that time. The approach used to assigning this rating is in line with that used for all other bulls under the eurostar rating system. It would not be appropriate to assign higher ratings to imported bulls without any scientific rationale for doing so. It is important that any rating is based on objective, scientific criteria which the ICBF can justify to each and every farmer using such bulls.
The fact that 20% of the AI used can come from other types of bulls gives scope for pedigree breeders that wish to use some outcross sires as part of the scheme. ICBF calculates a euro star evaluation for imported sires based on their foreign data so that they can be utilised under the programme. For example, there were 166 new beef AI sires coded last year, both Irish and internationally bred, and of these 69% are already compliant with the scheme. Indeed, ICBF can provide an indication of the likely euro star rating to be given to such bulls when imported into Ireland and it is likely that AI companies and breeders will be much more vigilant regarding the type of “outcross” bulls that they purchase/import in the future.
377. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a decommissioning scheme in the fishing industry, in any or all sectors; the way these schemes will be advertised; the selection process and grounds to be included in any such scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19948/15]
View answerUnder article 22 of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation (1380/2013), Member States are required to prepare each year a Fleet Report examining the balance between fishing capacity in each fleet segment and corresponding fishing opportunities, with a view to identifying structural over-capacity in any fleet segment. Where such over-capacity is identified in the Fleet Report, an action plan must be included in the Report, specifying the adjustment targets necessary to restore balance and the tools that will be employed to achieve those targets. The most recently published Fleet Report for 2013 did not identify structural over-capacity in any of our fleet segments, and so no decommissioning is presently recommended. The Fleet Report for 2014 is being compiled at present and will be available shortly.
In accordance with article 34 of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Regulation (508/2014), a decommissioning scheme may only be introduced where it is foreseen as a tool of an action plan under article 22 of the CFP. While there is presently no action plan recommending decommissioning for any fleet segment, I included an indicative allocation of €10 million for decommissioning in the draft Seafood Development Programme I published for consultation on 27 March 2015. I will be finalising that Programme in the coming weeks and will take account of the conclusions of the 2014 Fleet Report in this regard. Should a decommissioning scheme be included, details concerning scheme design and implementation will be developed in the coming months.
378. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a payment for 2014 under the agri-environment options scheme, considering that the ongoing investigation by his Department and the Garda Síochána into the non-productive capital investments claims submitted under the scheme is causing severe financial hardship to the person. [19967/15]
View answerA Department review of the non-productive capital investment claims submitted by applicants under AEOS was undertaken in 2014. This review identified irregularities with documentation submitted for reimbursement in some of these claims. A full Department investigation was then initiated, which in turn led to the matter being referred to the Gardaí. Payments to applicants under review have been deferred pending the outcome of the investigation.
The application of the person named is one of those being reviewed in the context of this wider investigation. My Department wrote to the person named on 28 January 2015 to explain the situation.
The initial stage of this investigation is now concluded and my Department plans to write very shortly to all participants with payments held seeking further evidence to support their claim for payment, in the amounts declared. Where satisfactory proofs are provided payments will then be processed.
379. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a flock number in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20014/15]
View answerAs expected, there has been a considerable increase in activity in regard to herdnumbers arising from the new Basic Payments Scheme negotiated in the context of CAP reform. As a result, there has been a significant increase in applicants to my Department’ Regional Veterinary Offices for new herdnumbers and amendments to existing herdnumbers and these are being processed as quickly as possible. In this context, priority is being given to cases relating to applicants under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme where a minimum stocking density requirement exists.
In the case of the person referred to, I understand that the processing of the application is at an advanced stage and it is anticipated that it will be finalised during the course of this week.
380. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 305 of 31 March 2015, the progress that has been made in relation to an application for a green low-carbon agri-environment scheme planner number in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20020/15]
View answerEU Regulations governing the Direct Payment Schemes requires my Department to operate a Farm Advisory System (FAS) to provide advice to farmers on a range of issues relating to land and farm management. The regulations require that advisors are suitably qualified and regularly trained. In addition, in order to be approved as a GLAS Advisor, an advisor must also be an approved FAS advisor.
In order to be approved as a FAS/GLAS advisor my Department requires that all advisors must have attained a HE TAC Level 8 Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Science/Land Management in Agriculture and must have taken soil science and an animal or crop production subject to a Level 8 (NFQ) degree standard. The educational qualification submitted by the person named were fully examined by Department Officials and it was determined than they did not meet the requirements specifically in relation to soil science. A letter outlining the position issued to the person named on 17 April 2015.
381. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a íocfar deontas faoin Scéim um Roghanna Comhshaoil Talmhaíochta, AEOS, do 2014 le feirmeoir i gContae na Gaillimhe (sonraí leis seo); cén fáth go bhfuil moill ar an íocaíocht seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [20086/15]
View answerCeadaíodh rannpháirteacht an duine ainmnithe sa Scéim um Roghanna Comhshaoil Talmhaíochta 2011 (AEOS 2) le héifeacht ón 1 Meán Fómhair 2011.
Roghnaíodh iarratas an duine ainmnithe le haghaidh cigireacht ar an bhfeirm in 2014, lena linn ar tugadh neamhchomhlíonadh le Téarmaí agus Coinníollacha na Scéime ar aird. Gearradh tobhach pionóis ina leith. Íocadh an chéad tráthchuid d'íocaíocht 2014 chuig an duine ainmnithe an 15 Bealtaine 2015 agus íocadh an t-iarmhéid an 21 Bealtaine 2015. Níl aon íocaíochtaí amuigh ar an gconradh seo.
382. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will consider re-issuing a letter to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo regarding entitlements under the single payment scheme; if a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20094/15]
View answerThe person named took over his brother’s herd number in 2006 but did not apply to transfer his Single Payment entitlements. As these entitlements were unused in 2006, 2007 or 2008 they were reverted to the National Reserve in 2009 for non usage.
The EU Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme provided that payment entitlements must be used at least once in a three year period. ‘Used’ in this context means that one hectare of eligible land must have been declared in respect of each entitlement held. The Regulations further provided that any entitlements that remain unused over a three year period must revert to the National Reserve and are thereby lost to the farmer.
Given the circumstances of this case taking into account the passage of time and the failure of the parties concerned to submit a Transfer of Entitlements Application, my Department is not now in a position to review their request at this late stage almost seven years later.
The Single Payment Scheme entitlements allocated to the brother of the person named had a total value of €1,277.35. As the person named received Grassland Sheep payments in the reference years, he is eligible for an allocation of payment entitlements under the new Basic Payment Scheme. He is eligible for an allocation of 26.99 new BPS entitlements with an initial unit value of €28.35 each. When the Greening Payment is added, his total payment for 2015 would be approximately €1,114.45. Under the convergence process, this payment would increase to approximately €4,000 by 2019.
A Provisional Statement issued to the person named in February 2015 advising him of the number and value of his entitlements under the new scheme.
383. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the agri-environment options scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20095/15]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 2) with effect from 1 September 2011. The application of the person named was selected for an on-farm inspection in 2014, during which non-compliances with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme were noted and penalties were applied. The first instalment of the 2014 payment due to the person named issued on 15 May 2015 and the balance issued on 21 May 2015. There are no outstanding payments due on this contract.
384. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the commonage framework plan enacted in 2002 still applies; and if there are proposals for a new plan to be devised. [20097/15]
View answerA review of the Commonage Framework Plans was carried out over the years 2013-2014 and the various stocking densities applying to each commonage were re-assessed. These have since been published on my Department’s website as part of the Commonage Information File and can be freely viewed by anybody. Under GLAS, the new agri-environment scheme under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme, a single Commonage Management Plan must be drawn up for each participating commonage, which will outline the appropriate stocking densities for each GLAS shareholder. As part of that process, which will be undertaken by a trained GLAS advisor working directly with the shareholders themselves, it is open for different stocking densities to be proposed, on foot of the advisor’s own assessment of the situation on the ground. My Department will examine all such proposals with an open mind.
385. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive a payment for 2014 under the agri-environment options scheme; the reason for the delay; the reason farmers were informed in reply to questions in Dáil Éireann that payment would be made as soon as possible, when no payment has yet issued as of mid-May 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20100/15]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 2) with effect from 1 September 2011.
The application of the person named was selected for an on-farm inspection in 2014, during which non-compliances with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme were noted and penalties were applied. Where penalties have been imposed under the scheme, they must be deducted and recorded electronically, to ensure full compatibility with all EU regulations and to provide an enhanced audit-trail. Payment was made as soon as the new functionality was available. The first instalment of the 2014 payment to the person concerned issued on 15 May 2015 and the balance issued on 21 May 2015. There are no outstanding payments due on this contract.
