Written Answers Nos. 179 - 201
179. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding unfair dismissals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27607/15]
View answerThe Deputy will understand that I cannot provide legal advice in relation to the law applying to any particular situation, or the interpretation of legislation. Independent legal advice should be sought if an individual has concerns about a specific employment situation.
The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) provides general information on employment, equality & industrial relations legislation, through the Workplace Relations Customer Service and Information Unit. It can be contacted at Lo-call: 1890 80 80 90 or via its website www.workplacerelations.ie.
The Deputy refers to delays “in the courts”. As the Deputy will appreciate, the administration of the courts system falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Ms. Frances Fitzgerald, T.D.
The Deputy’s question relates to people “unfairly dismissed” from their job. An avenue of redress in this regard, depending on the circumstances, may be the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2007 for which I have responsibility. Claims under the Unfair Dismissals Acts are currently heard, in the first instance, by a Rights Commissioner or the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT), with an appeal being possible to the EAT in cases where the first instance hearing was before a Rights Commissioner, or to the Circuit Court where the claim was heard in the first instance by the EAT.
I appreciate that there have in the past been significant backlogs in respect of both Rights Commissioner and EAT hearings. I took the view that these delays were unacceptable, and this is one of the reasons I undertook a root and branch reform of Workplace Relations Services and Structures.
There have been significant reductions in backlogs. In terms of Rights Commissioners, an offer of a first hearing for a referral under the Unfair Dismissal Acts to the Rights Commissioners Service is generally made in the region of 5-6 weeks outside of Dublin, and 9-10 weeks in Dublin. This waiting time is inclusive of the statutory 21 day “holding” period provided for in the legislation, during which time a party to the hearing may object to the case being heard by a Rights Commissioner. The current backlog in respect of EAT hearings stands at 60 weeks, which marks a significant reduction from a waiting time of 76 weeks in 2011.
When the relevant sections of the 2015 Act are commenced, it will deliver a two tier Workplace Relations structure. The activities of the Labour Relations Commission, the National Employment Rights Authority, the Equality Tribunal and the first instance functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal and the Labour Court will be merged into a new Body of First Instance, to be known as the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The appellate functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal will be incorporated into an expanded Labour Court. When the relevant sections of the 2015 Act are commenced, and the Workplace Relations Commission established, all complaints, including those under the Unfair Dismissals Acts, will fall to be referred to the Workplace Relations Commission in the first instance, and, on appeal, to the Labour Court.
It is envisaged that the relevant sections of the Workplace Relations Act 2015 will be commenced by Ministerial Order by 1st October.
180. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 6 of 12 February 2015, the position regarding the location of a tenant for a former plant (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27672/15]
View answer181. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation the status of a plant site (details supplied) in Cashel in County Tipperary, given that a to-let sign has been recently placed at the site, in contradiction to the announcement in February 2015 that the site had been sold and a jobs announcement was imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27713/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.
I am informed by the IDA that the former Johnson and Johnson/Alza plant in Cashel is not in the ownership of IDA Ireland, it is privately owned. IDA understands that discussions between the company and a private investment entity are ongoing at present.
The agency has informed me that they are prepared to work with the new owner at the appropriate time and may be in a position to offer an appropriate financial package of grants based on a viable and sustainable business plan, as they did for J&J when they operated the facility, to assist in delivering high value sustainable jobs for Cashel.
The South East Region consists of 5 counties, Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary. There are 63 multinational companies based in the South East, employing 11,919 people. Generally the existing IDA client base has performed well and retained their presence in the South East. The main clusters that have emerged in the South East are in high value manufacturing (pharmaceutical, medical devices and engineering), and International Financial Services. There is also a strong cluster of indigenous companies operating in the business services sector including Eishtec (Waterford and Wexford); Rigney Dolphin (Waterford); VHI, Bank of Ireland and Taxback.com (Kilkenny) and Maven TM (Carlow). In addition, the region has a strong cluster of food and beverage companies such as Glanbia, Bulmers, Finches, Danone, Coca-Cola and Slaney Foods.
In the South East region as a whole, the unemployment rate has fallen from 17.4% in quarter 1 of 2011 to 12.8% at the end of quarter 1 2015, and while much more remains to be done, that is a considerable achievement in such a short time.
Earlier this year IDA Ireland launched its 5 year strategy for the period 2015 to 2019 which aims to create 80,000 new jobs in the economy over the period and increase investment into each region by between 30% and 40%. Additionally, a €150 million property investment plan, spread out over five years, will support the achievement of the organisation’s regional goals. IDA’s property division is working to ensure each region has office and manufacturing buildings and Greenfield sites available to potential FDI and EI clients or other appropriate job creating enterprises and will work with local authorities and relevant infrastructure providers to influence the delivery of appropriate infrastructure to each region.
In February, the Government announced details of the Action Plan for Jobs: Regional initiative which seeks to capitalise on the strengths and assets of each region to maximise enterprise growth and job creation. The initiative will build on the success of the National Action Plan for Jobs, and encourage regional stakeholders - including enterprise agencies, Local Authorities, higher education institutions, other public bodies and the private sector - to come forward with innovative ideas to boost job creation in their own region.
In total, eight regional Action Plans will be developed and published this year. The first of these plans for the Midlands region covering counties Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath was launched on Monday 29th June. The regional Action Plan for the South East will be launched before the end of July.
182. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he is aware of any plans by the Irish Greyhound Board to close the track (details supplied) in Tralee in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26935/15]
View answer209. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the reason his Department authorised the redaction of a section of a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27508/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 209 together.
Bord na gCon is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of greyhound racing under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. The operation and or funding of race tracks is a day to day operational matter for it.
Indecon Economic consultants agreed to redact Table 2.6 as individual commentary on the financial performance of each venue would be commercially sensitive and not offer a fair commentary of the venues’ full activities.
Bord na gCon have informed me that a measure of track performance is being carried out based on a suite of activities to accommodate not only commercial performance but additional benefits to the wider industry to include sponsorship activities and promotion of greyhound ownership and related involvement. The first report on these combined track activities will be submitted to each venue after the completion of the mid-year financial report which is expected before the end of August 2015. This measure will be used to assess the level of funding required by each track.
The Indecon report which was published in July 2014 recommended that Bord na gCon actively engage in a programme of asset disposal in order to reduce debt levels. The report listed potential asset disposals that should be considered which include the site at Meelick near Limerick City, the old Henry Street head office Limerick, land in Cork and the Harold’s Cross track. The report further recommended that the timing of these asset sales should be made in a manner which maximises the value for Bord na gCon and should take account of planning/zoning issues and market developments.
Bord na gCon have assured me that they currently have no plans to close any further tracks.
183. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a forestry payment will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow, for which a planting date was approved on 1 July 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27009/15]
View answerAn application for payment by the person named under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme was received in my Department following completion of planting on 29 December 2014. On review of the application some additional information was required and the responses are now being considered by the Department. . Every effort will be made to expedite this application for payment.
184. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 28 April 2015, if he will confirm the names of the two former fur farm operators who have ceased to hold licences within the past three years. [27042/15]
View answerA licence from the Department is required for the keeping of mink under the Musk Rats Act, 1933 and Musk Rats Act 1933 (Application to Mink) Order, 1965. It is not the practice to divulge the names and addresses of licensees who hold, or have formerly held, licences to operate mink farms, as this may prejudice the security of the operators’ premises.
185. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the arrangements in place to ensure that all dairy farmers under 40 years of age benefit from the provisions in respect of young farmers under the rural development plan; his plans to extend the plan to other age cohorts, or to introduce a similar scheme for farmers over 40 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27085/15]
View answerThe Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme was launched on 14 May 2014 as part of the new Targeted Modernisation Schemes (TAMS II) under the new Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020. It provides support for the dairy sector, amongst other things, and includes grant-aid at 60% for investment in dairy buildings, milking machines, milk cooling and storage equipment and in-parlour feeding systems. Farmers must be below 40 years of age at the time of application and have been set up in farming within the previous five years. These qualifying criteria are laid down by EU regulation and I have no authority to vary them. However, on 29 June 2015 I also announced the opening of the new TAMS II Dairy Equipment Scheme. This Scheme is open to all farmers who meet the general eligibility criteria, offering a standard rate of aid of 40% to all. In recognition of the fact that there are young farmers out there who will not qualify for the Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme, I have directed that these farmers are to receive priority under the general scheme. The specific areas of investment in this Scheme will include milking machines; milk cooling and storage equipment and in-parlour feeding systems but not dairy buildings.
An indicative allocation of €120m has been made available under the Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme and €50m under the Dairy Equipment Scheme over the full RDP period. The total allocation for the various on farm investment schemes planned under TAMS II is €395m over the course of the programme.
All applications under these Schemes must be made on-line, either by the farmer or by an adviser authorised to act on his or her behalf. The online application system is open for the Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme and will go-live shortly for the Dairy Equipment Scheme.
186. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the concerns in the farming community regarding situations where farmers who have entered into partnerships with sons or daughters, and where the possibility of delays in issuing payments under the new Common Agricultural Policy is causing a cashflow problem towards the end of the year; if he will confirm that there will not be delays to payments in these situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27187/15]
View answerMy Department has received approximately 135,000 applications under the Basic Payment Scheme. Processing of these applications is underway. The applications include those submitted by individual farmers, farm partnerships and cases where a son or daughter was added to the herd number. If any errors or queries are discovered during the processing of the applications, the applicants will be written to by my Department. These applicants are urged to respond to queries without delay in order to ensure the prompt issue of payments when these commence on 16 October 2015.
187. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27227/15]
View answerThe range of investment items included under the various TAMS measures was informed by the SWOT and needs analyses undertaken as part of the development of the new Rural Development Programme, as well as by an extensive consultation process with the various stakeholders. The funding of sheep-wire did not emerge as a priority from that process. The nature of co-funded investment schemes like TAMS is that they are to be targeted at specific needs, over and above what is necessary in the context of general farm management. However, I will keep the matter under review.
188. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the meeting with representatives of the groups of farmers who commenced farming before October 2008, and who are excluded from national reserve (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27261/15]
View answerOfficials from my Department met with representatives of the group of farmers to which the Deputy refers on 1st April 2015. At this meeting it was agreed that my Department would carry out analysis of the group of farmers under the age of 40, who established their holdings prior to 2008 and who hold low value entitlements. The analysis carried out by my Department shows that 3,900 farmers fulfil this criteria and the estimated cost of increasing the value of existing entitlements to the National Average for these farmers would be €12.288 million, which is far greater than that anticipated at the time of the meeting. The result of this analysis was notified to the representatives of the group of farmers involved.
189. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Irish Greyhound Board's laboratory has accreditation for Stanozolol testing; if not, the reason; when it will receive accreditation; if so, if he will provide an up to date copy of the accreditation certificate to this Deputy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27348/15]
View answerBord na gCon is a commercial State body, established in 1958 under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. The sampling of greyhounds for the detection of prohibited substances is a key element of Integrity Management at Bord na gCon. Anabolic steroids such as Stanozolol are not authorised for use within the Irish greyhound industry, stanozolol is a therefore a prohibited substance.
I understand from Bord na gCon that the National Greyhound Laboratory (NGL) has accreditation status from the Irish National Accreditation Board which accredits the NGL to undertake sampling in compliance with the International Standard ISO/IEC 17025.
The National Greyhound Laboratory has flexible scope accreditation. This means the laboratory is in a position to validate and add any prohibited substance to its scope of accreditation at any time. It is not the practice for a racing laboratory to list all substances for which it is accredited.
The National Greyhound Laboratory, including through its relationship with other Laboratory services, provides the capacity to detect the anabolic steroid Stanozolol in samples obtained at licensed greyhound racing stadia. Bord na gCon is confident that these laboratory services, complemented by the use of intelligence lead sampling, can detect the unauthorised administration of Stanozolol to greyhounds where this has occurred. Bord na gCon has advised that it is currently awaiting confirmatory analysis of four samples obtained at licensed Stadia for the prohibited substance Stanozolol.
I understand that Bord na gCon has recently conducted a review of its integrity and regulatory systems under the guidance of Professor Tim Morris (School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham) with particular emphasis on sampling and analysis for the presence of prohibited substances and medication control issues.
This review is nearing completion and once it is finalised, I expect Bord na gCon to consider its recommendations with a view to identifying any amendments required to legislation, practices or policies to ensure both the advancement of Board na gCon’s commitment to greyhound welfare, and to underpin the integrity of the Irish greyhound industry.
The scope of this review encompasses the capacity of the National Greyhound Testing Laboratory in Limerick, the general adequacy of the equipment used and the levels of testing for prohibited substances. The objective is to ensure that Bord na gCon will conform with best international practice.
I understand from Bord na gCon that in addition to testing samples at the National Greyhound Testing Laboratory in Limerick, it also sends samples for analysis to an appropriate laboratory in the UK as required from time to time.
I commissioned the Indecon report in recognition of the need to review and reform aspects of the greyhound sector, including matters relating to integrity services, and I view it as critically important that its recommendations are implemented, with a view to ensuring that the greyhound industry can reach its full potential and prosper into the future.
190. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine given that the chairperson of the Irish Greyhound Board has referred to some greyhound owners who have campaigned for the removal of illegal drugs from the industry as stone throwers, his views on this characterisation; if his Department has ever discussed a strategy with the Irish Greyhound Board on the way to deal with compliant owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27349/15]
View answerI am not aware of any such statement by the Chairman of Bord na gCon. Regarding the strategy for regulatory controls mentioned by the Deputy; this matter was dealt with in the Indecon Report which was published in July 2014. My Department is in regular contact with Bord na gCon in relation to the implementation of the action plan they published in this regard.
I commissioned the Indecon report in recognition of the need to review and reform aspects of greyhound sector and I view it as critically important that its recommendations are implemented, with a view to ensuring that the greyhound industry can reach its full potential and prosper into the future.
191. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 121 of 25 June 2015, regarding a request for an analysis of the numbers of persons employed in the greyhound industry, if he will provide this detail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27350/15]
View answerAs outlined in Parliamentary Question Nos 399 of 26th May, 458 of 9th June and 121 of 25th June, 2015 an analysis of the numbers employed in the greyhound industry as of 1st January 2015 is not readily available. The figures currently available from Bord na gCon are based on a report entitled ‘The Economic & Financial Significance of the Irish Greyhound Industry’ published in April 2011. The report states: the industry employs just over 10,300 people directly and indirectly; employment in the greyhound industry is spread very widely across the country. This regional dispersion is reflected in the geographic spread of the 17 racetracks around the country and the ownership of greyhounds in every county; the employment is provided in catering at greyhound race tracks, staff employed at tracks owned by the Irish Greyhound Board, staff employed at the privately owned tracks, staff employed in cleaning and security services at all stadia, food and drink suppliers to catering operators, private and public trainers, greyhound food manufacturers and suppliers, ancillary services such as veterinary and medicine, dog owners, betting offices and a number of miscellaneous areas.
192. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding regulations for artificial insemination and the Irish Coursing Club; if this is an acceptable course of action; the course of action he will take following this; if he will make arrangements for the prize money to be paid to the owners of the highest placed compliant greyhounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27351/15]
View answerThe Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is responsible for the identification and registration of greyhounds in the Irish Greyhound Studbook. The ICC is subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon (BNG) under Section 26(2) of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 (the Act). BNG is the statutory body with responsibility for the improvement and development of the greyhound industry, greyhound racing and coursing. Detailed rules governing the practice of the artificial insemination of greyhounds were set down in the Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds Regulations, 2005, (S.I. No. 561 of 2005), which were made by BNG under Section 39 of the Act.
The Regulations included a two year limit on the use of semen for artificial insemination following the death of a stud dog, thereafter any unused semen had to be destroyed.
As I have already outlined to the Deputy in Parliamentary Question 25645 for answer on Thursday 25th June 2015, as a result of the operational difficulties in the implementation of certain provisions of the Artificial Insemination of Greyhound Regulations, 2005, Bord na gCon invited industry stakeholders in March 2014 to submit proposals regarding the suitability of the Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds Regulations 2005 in the context of meeting current industry requirements.
After a detailed consideration of submissions received, Bord na gCon decided in September 2014, having consulted with the ICC, to remove the two year limit on the use of semen following the death of a stud greyhound. Arising from this decision, and with the consent of the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, new regulations were introduced by Bord na gCon which came into effect on November 1st 2014 removing this two year limit on semen from an expired sire.
I am informed by Bord na gCon that in conjunction with the Irish Coursing Club they have carried out preliminary research and discussions with various experts in the areas of Quantitative Genetics, Animal & Bioscience Research and Canine Genetics on the specific aspects such as:
- pedigree analysis of inbreeding levels and rate of accumulation of inbreeding in the Irish Greyhound;
- developing a breeding program to ensure long term gains while simultaneously managing genetic diversity;
- the impact on the age of semen or age of semen donor on gene mutation rate.
Following on from this, I understand that Bord na gCon have commissioned a scientific study dealing with topics outlined above with a view to assisting the Board in relation to policy development in this area.
193. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the greyhound stadia in which the Jumping In The City series was held are fully compliant with their planning permission for the hosting and holding of such events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27352/15]
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 Greyhound Industry (Racing) Regulations 2007, S.I. 302 of 2007, which set out the detailed rules under which greyhound racing is conducted.
Bord na gCon has assured me that Shelbourne Park, Curraheen Park, Cork and Limerick Greyhound Stadia were fully compliant with all planning permission rulings for hosting the Jumping in the City series.
194. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide, in tabular form, for each year from 2011 to 2014 and for 2015 to date a schedule of the greyhounds that tested positive for illegal drugs; if he will separately identify those which were then dismissed by the control committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27353/15]
View answerBord na gCon is the statutory body responsible for the regulation and development of greyhound racing under the Greyhound Act 1958. The issue to which the Deputy refers is an operational matter for Bord na gCon.
The Control Committee and the Control Appeals Committee of Bord na gCon are established under legislation (Greyhound Industry, Control Committee and Control Appeal Committee Regulations 2007, S.I. Number 301 of 2007). These committees have powers to determine appropriate fines for breaches of these Regulations.
Under that legislation, full details of any laboratory findings can only be published at the conclusion of the proceedings by the Control Committee and the Control Appeals Committee. I understand from Bord na gCon that in all, a total of 147 sanctions were imposed on greyhounds that tested positive for banned substances in the period 2011 to 2015.
|
Year |
No of sanctions |
|
Mar 2011-Dec 2012 |
51 |
|
2013 |
16 |
|
2014 |
68 |
|
2015 (end March) |
12 |
|
Total |
147 |
These results have already been published in the sporting press.
As part of the ongoing regulatory reform, Bord na gCon has completed a public consultation process in relation to the possibility of publication of all adverse laboratory analytical findings at the time the report is received from the laboratory. Legislative proposals required to give effect to such publication are currently being considered by Bord na gCon.
Bord na gCon has assured me of its ongoing commitment to a robust regulatory framework based on an intelligence-led strategy. I understand that Bord na gCon is currently conducting a comprehensive review of all aspects relating to integrity, including its sampling and analysis procedures for prohibited substances and medication control.
Following the review, Bord na gCon will consider amendments to legislation, modify practices and policies as appropriate, and assess whether any improvements can be made to the current anti-doping and medication control structures that are in place. The objective is to strengthen regulation so that the highest standards in relation to integrity are achieved.
195. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of pet animals, birds, and reptiles brought into Ireland in each of the years 2010 to 2014 and to 30 June in 2015; the number in each category; the quarantine arrangements that were in place under the European Union travel scheme for pets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27385/15]
View answerThe statistics requested by the Deputy are not available in a readily accessible form and are being compiled from information held by my Department. They will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Prior to 2012, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No. 998/2003 on the animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movement of pet animals, my Department allowed the import of pet cats or dogs (accompanied by their owner) under (a) an import licence issued by the Department authorising the import of the animal into public quarantine for a period of six months, or (b) an EU Pet Passport issued in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) No. 998/2003 on the animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movement of pet animals. In this case, the pet could only be brought through an approved entry point by an approved carrier.
With effect from 1 January 2012, EU legislation no longer required pet cats, dogs and ferrets imported into the country to be quarantined. Arising from progress in the control and eradication of rabies in the EU, the quarantine obligations were replaced from that date by requirements relating to a passport/certificate showing identification and rabies vaccination at least 21 days before entry (or depending on the country of origin of the pet, a blood test to demonstrate immunity to rabies)
The EU Pet Travel Regulations were revised with effect from 29 December 2014 to ensure increased controls by distinguishing between dogs, cats and ferrets moving with their owners (non-commercial movement) and those where a sale or change of ownership is involved (commercial movements). In addition to the requirements relating to identification and rabies control etc., dogs/cats involved falling in the latter category may only be moved from a registered premises and must be accompanied during movement by a Pet Passport and a veterinary health certificate. Furthermore, the Member State of destination must be notified in advance of the arrival of the commercial consignment.
Systems are also in place to prevent commercial movements being passed off as non-commercial. In addition, household pets being moved in groups of more than 5 must also be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate and the Member State of destination must be notified in advance of the arrival of the consignment.
196. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the rural environment protection scheme 4 will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27390/15]
View answerThis matter is being considered and I will contact the Deputy as soon as it is concluded.
197. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding payment under the rural environment protection scheme for 2014 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27391/15]
View answerREPS4 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.
The 2014 REPS4 payment for the person named was issued in March of this year but there were substantial reductions to the payment due to non-compliance issues. The Department Inspector for the relevant area has recently received correspondence from the planner of the person named in relation to these reductions.
The Inspector intends to carry out a full review of this case based on the correspondence received at the earliest possible date. The Department will then contact the person named directly in writing at that stage with the result of the review.
198. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 330 of 30 June 2015, when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive correspondence in relation to an application under the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27398/15]
View answerBeneficiaries under the Agri-Environmental Options Scheme (AEOS) may make a case to withdraw from the scheme for reasons beyond their control under the Force Majeure provision as set out in Section 19 of the Terms and Conditions of the scheme.
As stated in PQ 26230/15 the Department did not have any record of a request from the person named to withdraw from the scheme. My officials are currently reviewing the case on its merits in light of the documentation submitted with this parliamentary question and will be writing to the person named shortly in relation to the matter.
199. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the costs involved in testing one greyhound for illegal substances at the laboratory in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27430/15]
View answerBord na gCon is a commercial State body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. The issue raised by the Deputy regarding the costs involved in testing is an operational matter for Bord na gCon.
200. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that the control committee of Bord na gCon is sufficiently independent, given that it is appointed by the board itself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27431/15]
View answerBord na gCon is a commercial State body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, charged with the regulation and development of the greyhound racing industry.
The Control Committee and the Control Appeals Committee of Bord na gCon are established under legislation (Greyhound Industry, Control Committee and Control Appeal Committee Regulations 2007, S.I. Number 301 of 2007).
The Control Committee consists of five members who are appointed by the Board of Bord na gCon. Under Article 5 of the legislation establishing the Control Committee and Control Appeal Committee, at least one practising solicitor or practising barrister and at least one veterinarian shall be appointed to the Control Committee from time to time and the term of office of members of the Control Committee shall be three years but retiring members shall be eligible for reappointment.
The existing Control Committee was appointed by the Board on the 29th August, 2013, in accordance with Article 5 of the same legislation.
Article 9 of the above legislation provides for situations where a member of the Control Committee has (other than in that capacity) a pecuniary interest or other beneficial interest in, or material to, any matter to be considered by the Control Committee.
I am satisfied that the Control Committee continue to discharge their statutory and other functions and obligations according to legislative requirements.
201. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 470 of 9 June 2015, if he will provide details of the group that carried out the review of the dietary contamination by prohibited substances in greyhounds; if he will provide the minutes of the meetings held with this group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27432/15]
View answerBord na gCon is a commercial State body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry.
Bord na gCon have informed me that a group comprising of the Head of the National Greyhound Laboratory in Limerick, three Veterinary Surgeons specialising in the care of greyhounds and a Bord na gCon executive was set up in December 2012, to examine certain issues including a review of the issue of dietary contamination by prohibited substances.
Resulting from the findings of the group Bord na gCon changed the threshold levels for certain prohibited substances in October 2013 , and in December 2013 issued a guidance document to greyhound owners and trainers with appropriate withdrawal times for various medications.
Regarding the details of the meetings held with the group; that is an operational matter for BNG.
