Written Answers Nos. 382-398
382. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the use of the chemical Cypermethrin, a hazardous chemical used in Irish forests; and if there has been an impact study into the effects of this chemical on the woodland bio-diversity. [28543/15]
View answer418. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason Coillte has only conducted one water test on the impacts of Cypermethrin; and if he will initiate independent testing on random sites to ascertain the impacts of this poison on flora, fauna, water, soil and human health, given that it is an endocrine, immune system disrupter in mammals. [29208/15]
View answer419. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the Forest Service, as the regulator of the Irish forest sector, has not conducted any testing or monitoring of the impacts of Cypermethrin on soil, water, flora, and fauna in Irish public forests, as 100,000 litres of this toxic chemical have been used by Coillte over a ten year period. [29209/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 382, 418 and 419 together.
My Department is responsible for the regulatory (licensing) system for pesticide products in Ireland. This system is entirely based on European legislation and is designed to ensure a very high level of protection for humans and the environment.
As part of the product authorisation system under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market, risk assessments are carried out to ensure that:
a) there are no harmful effects for spray operatives, workers, bystanders or consumers,
b) there are no unacceptable risks to non-target species (e.g. birds, fish, wild mammals, bees or other insects, earthworms and soil macro- and micro-organisms),
c) surface and ground waters are protected.
Consequently, only products that can be used safely, without any unacceptable risks to humans or the environment are authorised for use.
In addition, Directive 128/2009/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides, aims to reduce the risks associated with pesticide use. This Directive enhances the high level of protection achieved through the product approval system and places obligations on users, advisors and distributors to be trained and requires equipment to be tested at regular intervals. The Directive also prohibits the aerial spraying of pesticides, requires a more restrictive approach to applying pesticides in certain vulnerable areas and makes the application of integrated pest management a legal requirement.
In addition it requires each Member State to derive and implement a National Action Plan to achieve a more sustainable use of pesticides.
A screening monitoring programme in 2005-2006 looked for Cypermethrin at targeted sites but did not result in any detections. My Department is not aware of any subsequent detections.
The licensing system, involves the evaluation of data and the assessment of risks, to ensure that there are no harmful effects for spray operators, workers, bystanders or consumers. In addition, risk assessments are also carried out to ensure that there are no unacceptable impacts on non-target species such as birds, fish, wild mammals, bees or other insects. Additionally, risk assessments are undertaken to ensure that surface and ground waters are protected to the highest level possible.
A plant protection product is not approved unless it has been proven that it can be used in a particular use scenario without undue risks to non-targets. Therefore, when used in a proper way (dipping and individual application, i.e. no indiscriminate broadcast application), it is not expected to result in widespread deleterious effects to non-target organisms.
The system I have just outlined is similar to that which exists in all EU Member States. During the assessment, each Member State, including Ireland, takes local conditions, such as climate and pest pressure, into account.
Cypermethrin is used to control the large pine weevil Hylobius abietis which can be a devastating pest in replanted conifer sites. It is predominantly used as a dipping treatment where plants are allowed to dry before being transplanted in the field. No effects on non-target organisms are envisaged using this method. It can also be applied to individual plants if infestation of Hylobius spp. recurs in year 2 by placing a nozzle on the top of the saplings growing point and administering a dose by pressing a trigger. There is no spray or overall application. Thus exposure of non-target organisms is minimised as much as is practicable.
Cypermethrin is included in the Environmental Protection Agency's Water Framework Directive groundwater quality monitoring programme as an operational monitoring parameter. My Department is not aware of any impact studies in Ireland into the effects of Cypermethrin on the woodland bio-diversity.
My Department has been involved in research for alternative control mechanisms and some certainly offer some promise. Currently, my Department is supporting a research project, called Multi-agent control options for pine weevil. The aim of the project, building on previous research, is to investigate the potential of entomopathogenic (insect-killing) fungi (EPF) alone and in combination with nematodes, for weevil population suppression.
In relation to Coillte’s use of the pesticide, the company has advised me that Coillte has signed up to the Forest Stewardship Council’s® (FSC®) forest certification scheme, a voluntary international forest certification scheme since 2001 and that, under this forest certification scheme, cypermethrin is classed as ‘highly hazardous’ and can only be used in FSC-certified woodlands under a derogation from FSC International. Coillte further advised that there is currently no effective treatment available to control this pest which can cause significant damage to young trees other than using cypermethrin. Coillte state that it currently has specific controls to minimise use, consider non-pesticide management options and trials for practical alternatives to the use of cypermethrin but added that, until a suitable alternative is available cypermethrin is the only option available to control large pine weevil.
The company also advised that the FSC® cypermethrin derogation is currently up for renewal and that Coillte therefore has applied to FSC International for its continued use in Coillte’s forests. Coillte added that a consultation process has just been completed with stakeholders on the derogation for continued use of cypermethrin.
Coillte advise me that it fulfils its legal obligations and ensures that both staff and contractors engaged in the manual application of cypermethrin are fully trained and certified and that all pesticides are applied according to Environmental & Health and Safety guidelines. In relation to the specific query about water testing, Coillte advise me that it is not obliged to conduct water testing for the impacts on the environment but, to address stakeholder concerns, it conducted a water testing exercise on one site resulting in no cypermethrin being detected in any of the samples taken.
383. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has not received a grant under the dairy equipment scheme, for which the person was approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28674/15]
View answerThe person concerned is an applicant under the Dairy Equipment Scheme. An application for payment was received on 28 April 2015 and is under consideration at present.
384. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will support a proposal (details supplied) regarding a maritime museum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28682/15]
View answerI am aware of the proposal to locate a Maritime Museum in Howth; my Department has met with the Committee in relation to this issue.
Properties located at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre are, when appropriate, offered for tenancy under lease agreement by means of an open competitive tendering process in accordance with good practice and public procurement guidelines.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that two properties at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre were made available by competitive public tender on 15 June 2015. Details of the competition can be viewed on my Departments website.
The specific property of interest to the Committee is not included in this first tranche of tenders, but will be made available following some planning clarifications and decisions on the necessity of works on the existing roof of the building. These tenders will be publicly advertised and are open to all interested parties including the Friends of Howth Maritime Museum Committee.
385. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding payments under the rural environment protection scheme in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28751/15]
View answerThe first person named was granted full REPS payments following a decision of the Agriculture Appeals Office on 27 June 2014 regarding a dispute whether a valid REPS application was submitted to the Department or not. Full payments were then made on foot of this decision which covered the period 1 June 2008 to the 31 December 2013. Payments in this case commenced on 27 November 2014 with the final payment being made on 28 January 2015.
The second person named had a REPS plan which commenced on 1 June 2008 and was paid for the full 5 years and 7 months of the contract. His contract ended on 31 December 2013.
All REPS payments due to both persons named have been made in full.
386. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he took to investigate allegations of wrongdoing within the Irish Greyhound Board, which were contained in a resignation letter from a member of the board (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28769/15]
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. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
I understand that the correspondent in question referred to a range of issues in relation to regulation, finance and governance in Bord na gCon. My Department sought information from Bord na gCon in relation to a number of these issues, including in relation to a review of an incident at Dundalk Racecourse, which is published on its website.
On the question of Artificial Insemination, 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.
In March 2014, Bord na gCon invited industry stakeholders 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 1 November 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.
I should also say that at the time of receipt of the letter referred to, I had already commissioned a review by Indecon International Consultants into finance, regulatory, governance and welfare issues relating to Bord na gCon, and that process involved a stakeholder consultation process that sought and collected submissions from interested parties. Submissions received were provided to the consultants for consideration and assessment in the context of carrying out the review and compiling the report.
The Indecon report has made a significant number of recommendations to improve the governance, regulatory and financial framework in Bord nag Con, which has published an action plan with an appropriate timetable, which I expect it to implement.
387. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of all of the circumstances which led to the departure of the internal auditor from the Irish Greyhound Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28770/15]
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. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Accordingly, the matter raised by the Deputy is the responsibility of Bord na gCon. It is an operational matter between Bord na gCon and the individual concerned and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on it.
388. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the €100,000 spent on the modifications to the racing circuit at Limerick Greyhound Stadium, as described in the Comptroller and Auditor General's special report, has been a success; if the statistics on racing collisions since the renovations will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28771/15]
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 question of works on tracks is a matter for Bord na gCon.
Bord na gCon has informed me that tracks are regularly upgraded and improved to enhance the standard and spectacle of racing. These are operational matters for Bord na gCon.
In this instance I understand that the work on the Limerick track arose from a positive consultation process with trainers and owners concerning an issue with the first bend for middle and wide runners, i.e. greyhounds that are in traps 3 and 4, and 5 and 6, respectively. This work involved increasing the width of the bend and modification of the hare rail so that the lure would run straight for longer, thus providing a more gradual sweep on the bend. I will ask Bord na gCon to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy.
389. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Statutory Instrument No. 494/2014 legalises the use of frozen semen that should have been destroyed under section 14 of the 2005 artificial insemination of greyhounds regulations; if he will confirm that the previous regulations were ignored; the person and bodies responsible for this; the sanction that was taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28772/15]
View answer390. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Statutory Instrument No. 494/2014 legalises the greyhounds registered in breach of section 14 of the 2005 artificial insemination of greyhounds regulations before November 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28773/15]
View answer391. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 339 of 30 June 2015, if the procedural issues referred to by him in his reply in relation to the breaches of the 2005 artificial insemination of greyhounds regulations have damaged the integrity of the national greyhound stud book; the steps he has taken to ensure the integrity of the stud book is restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28774/15]
View answer392. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 343 of 30 June 2015, when the scientific study referred to in his reply will be available; the persons and bodies carrying it out; his views that it would have been prudent to carry out the study before changing the two-years after death limit for stud sires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28775/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 389 to 392, inclusive, together.
The 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 and thereafter any unused semen had to be destroyed.
My Department was informed by BnG in early 2013 that procedural issues had arisen in relation to the registration of greyhounds conceived following artificial insemination which were at variance with the provisions set down in the 2005 Regulations referred to above.
As a result of the operational difficulties in the implementation of certain provisions of the aforementioned Regulations, BnG invited industry stakeholders in March 2014 to submit proposals regarding the suitability of these Regulations in the context of meeting industry requirements. Having discussed the situation at a meeting on 18 September 2014, the Board of BnG after consultation with the ICC, decided to remove the two-year time limit on the use of semen for artificial insemination following the death of a stud dog.
Following that consultation and with my consent, as is required under section 39 of the 1958 Act, the Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds (Amendment) Regulations 2014 were introduced by BnG and came into effect on 1 November 2014, thus removing the two-year time limit on the use of semen for artificial insemination following the death of a stud dog. These regulations did not have retrospective effect.
I understand that the Board has decided to commission a scientific study in order to inform any decision as to what time limit, if any, should be applied in the future to the use of semen in AI after the death of a stud sire. In this regard, but prior to commissioning the study BnG and the ICC have carried out preliminary research and discussions with various experts in the areas of Quantitative Genetics, Animal & Bioscience Research and Canine Genetics on specific aspects of interest to the proposed AI study, 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.
I am informed by BnG that the scientific study referred to above will provide relevant information to assist the Board with regard to further development of policy in this area.
In relation to the studbook, I have received assurances from the ICC that sire and dam and resulting offspring are all verifiable and all details registered in the stud book are correct.
393. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the deal between the Irish Greyhound Board and a company (details supplied) was advertised and procured under the procurement rules for semi-State bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28776/15]
View answerBord na gCon is a statutory body responsible for the regulation of greyhound racing under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958. BNG operates the hospitality service at each of the greyhound stadia, and the purchase of goods and services in that regard is an operational matter for it.
Bord na gCon is bound by the code of Governance for State Bodies and is required to adhere to national and EU procurement rules. In the case of the contract referred to by the Deputy I am advised that the Bord sought proposals from all three suppliers in this country and that the named company was the successful tenderer.
394. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason Indecon failed to mention the 2005 artificial insemination of greyhound regulations in its review (details supplied); if he will confirm if Indecon examined this legislation during its review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28777/15]
View answerIndecon International Consultants were commissioned to review certain matters relating to Bord na gCon, including legislation, governance structures, funding and management of Bord na gCon and the wider greyhound industry.
The terms of reference were as follows:
- Assessment of the appropriateness of the existing legislation in the current operating environment, particularly with regard to the governance of Bord na gCon;
- Evaluation of whether the current structure and size of the board and management structure of Bord na gCon is appropriately designed to ensure that the organisation operates efficiently and effectively, in order to maximize the potential of the industry and make recommendations as to any changes required;
- Against the background of the current financial environment, identify opportunities to increase the commercial income of Bord na gCon, assess levels of debt sustainability and outline the actions required in this regard;
- Assessment of the appropriateness and effectiveness of the systems operated by Bord na gCon with regard to the regulation of the industry and greyhound welfare. Indecon also considered ways in which Bord na gCon could assist in supporting an adequate supply of racing greyhounds.
Figure 3.1 in the Indecon report lists legislation governing governance and structures within the Greyhound Racing Industry, in accordance with the terms of reference. The 2005 Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds Regulations relate specifically to greyhound breeding methods and do not fall within this category.
In this regard, 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.
In March 2014, Bord na gCon invited industry stakeholders 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 1 November 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.
395. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Irish Greyhound Board has assessed the financial impact and additional annual cost into the future of keeping its €23 million debt on interest-only terms and not making any capital repayments, as per note 24 to its annual accounts 2013. [28778/15]
View answer396. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department or the Irish Greyhound Board carried out any cost-benefit analysis on the option of paying off the board's debts to Allied Irish Banks in a lump sum, rather than maintaining the debt on interest-only terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28779/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 395 and 396 together.
Bord na gCon is the statutory body responsible for the regulation and development of greyhound racing under the Greyhound Act, 1958. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The issues to which the Deputy refers are an operational matter for Bord na gCon.
397. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the money owed to the Irish Greyhound Board by the sponsor of the 2013 Derby, as reported in an article (details supplied), was reflected in the 2013 accounts as a debt due to the company; his views on any due diligence carried out on the sponsor of the most high-profile race in the sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28780/15]
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. This is an operational matter for Bord Na gCon. Bord na gCon has informed me that the money owed to it by the sponsor is reflected in its 2013 Annual Accounts.
398. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the €1.4 million increase in loans the Irish Greyhound Board made to subsidiaries in 2013, as reported in note 7 of the 2013 accounts; the breakdown of debt among each of the subsidiaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28781/15]
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 provision of support to greyhound tracks is an operational matter for Bord na gCon, whose accounts are published and audited by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
