Written Answers Nos. 399-415
399. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway received a penalty of 100% in respect of the person's beef data and genomics programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28849/15]
View answerAn application to participate in the Beef Genomics Scheme was received from the person named on 25 March 2014. Under the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme, applicants were required to genotype test at least 15% of the animals on their herd based on the number of animals born in their herd in 2014, and return them to a Department approved laboratory. As all of the genotype samples were not received, the person named was deemed ineligible for payment under the Scheme. The person named requested a review of the decision and following consideration of the matter, the original decision was upheld. The person named has recently submitted an appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office.
400. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department received an application, dated 24 March 2015, from Sligo County Council for funding for the Rosses Point pier and pontoon scheme under the marine leisure and marine tourism scheme; if his Department offered the council a grant for the scheme; and if so, on what date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28857/15]
View answerRosses Point is in the ownership of Sligo County Council and responsibility for its development, repair and maintenance rests with the Local Authority in the first instance. That said, under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme this Department has in previous years provided funding for the development and repair of Local Authority owned harbours, piers and slipways subject to exchequer resources. I allocated €1.6m for the 2015 Local Authority Harbour Development and Marine Leisure Programme.
Sligo County Council submitted an application for Rosses Point for design and construction of a pontoon and access ramp under our 2015 Programme. When a detailed application was sought regarding the project, it emerged that the project involved planning, detailed design and tender documents and the costs attached thereto and that there would be no capital works involved.
Funding provided under our Programme is for the purpose of capital works only. Funding for studies, surveys, design fees or costs attached with obtaining necessary consents for a project are not allowable as projects or project costs under the programme. Thus this project did not qualify for funding under the 2015 Programme.
Any application submitted by Sligo County Council for funding under the Capital Programme in future years for capital works for Rosses Point will be given consideration based on Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
401. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision on an appeal under the single farm payment scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28890/15]
View answerThe person named submitted a 2014 Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas scheme application on 7 May 2014. A remote sensing inspection followed by a subsequent field visit identified discrepancies between the area declared and the area determined resulting in an over-declaration in area of greater than 50%. This resulted in no payment being due under the 2014 Single Payment Scheme. The person named has since requested a review of that decision. The examination of the review request in relation to the outcome of the Remote Sensing inspection on the 2014 Single Farm Payment application is nearing completion and the person named will be notified of the outcome shortly.
In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of the review the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office, within 3 months.
402. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 196 of 7 July 2015, the reason for the delay in the payment to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28912/15]
View answerThis matter is being considered and I will contact the Deputy as soon as it is concluded.
403. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 208 of 19 May 2015, the outcome of an appeal and oral hearing in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois. [29025/15]
View answerAn application under the 2014 Grassland Sheep Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2014. Payment has not issued to the person named as the holding concerned has not satisfied the Scheme minimum eligibility requirements namely, the submission of the annual Sheep Census form prior to the extended closing date of 14 February 2014. The person named unsuccessfully applied for the late acceptance of the form on the grounds of force majeure. The person named has been advised of the option to submit an appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office should he so wish. To date no appeal has been received by the Agriculture Appeals Office.
404. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the bovine viral diarrhoea eradication scheme in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29029/15]
View answerThe early removal of PI animals is essential for the success of the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) eradication programme. Earlier this year, my Department wrote to farmers who had retained PI animals stating that it was expected that some movement controls aimed at protecting the vast majority of clear herds would be introduced in the course of 2015. In June 2015, Restriction Notices were sent to almost 400 farmers who were retaining PI animals born before 1st January 2014. My Department is currently issuing Restriction Notices to farmers retaining PI animals born in 2014. Restriction notices will also be issued at a later date to herdowners who are retaining PI animals born in 2015.
Research has shown that the eradication of BVD will benefit the agricultural sector to the tune of €102m per annum and that the "pay-back" period for dairy farmers is 6 months, and 12 months for suckler farmers. The financial support available to farmers who dispose of their PI calves in a timely manner is focused on suckler herds and heifer calves in dairy herds. My Department has been in contact with the herdowner concerned by telephone several times and also by visits to the farm with a view to resolving the issue.
405. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 460 of 9 June 2015, when payments will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29087/15]
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 were deferred pending the outcome of the investigation. The application of the person named is one of these cases.
My Department wrote to the person named on 8 June 2015 requesting satisfactory alternative proof that the amount claimed for the purchase of trees under the capital investment action was correct. Satisfactory proof would include a certified copy (by the issuing bank) of the cheque used to pay for the trees supported by a bank statement and/or documentation submitted to Revenue when making returns to that Department. A reply to this letter from the person named was received on 3 July. However, satisfactory proof as requested was not received in this reply.
Cases where suitable proof of payment has been received will be processed as soon as possible with a number of cases already forwarded for payment. Other cases, such as this, where satisfactory proof has not been received will be examined on a case by case basis on their merits and in light of any replies received. Participants will be informed in writing when decisions have been made in these cases.
In relation to the Disadvantaged Area Scheme, payment for 2014 issued to the person named on 15 October 2014.
406. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the running costs of his Department for each of the years 2006 to 2014; if savings have been made; the origin of such savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29102/15]
View answerThe requested information in respect of my Department’s Administrative Budget which funds all of my Department’s operational costs is outlined in the Table 1 below showing the overall situation for each year from 2006 to 2014 and in Table 2 which shows greater detail for years 2006 and 2014. In the context of the achievement of pay and non pay savings in my Department’s Administrative Budget, my Department has, since 2005 been engaged in a major programme of re-organisation at all levels.
This has been facilitated by changes in the schemes administered by my Department, reductions in disease levels, the advanced use of information technology and a programme of internal reviews of business units, including major reviews of the local office network, which had led to improved business processes and greater efficiency.
This re-organisation also took account of the Government moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the Public Service.
Table 1 Administrative Budget Outturn 2006-2014
|
Year |
Pay € 000 |
Non - Pay € 000 |
Total € 000 |
|
2006 |
214,273 |
66,968 |
281,241 |
|
2007 |
223,816 |
72,500 |
296,316 |
|
2008 |
233,533 |
70,330 |
303,863 |
|
2009 |
226,126 |
50,697 |
276,823 |
|
2010 |
194,938 |
49,042 |
243,980 |
|
2011 |
189,733 |
47,631 |
237,364 |
|
2013 |
177,550 |
45,366 |
222,916 |
|
2013 |
172,103 |
45,341 |
217,444 |
|
2014 |
164,179 |
48,964 |
213,14 4 |
Table 2: Elements of the Administrative Budget 2006 and 2014 and % change
|
2006 |
2014 |
% Change 2006-2014 |
||
|
€000 |
€000 |
|||
|
SALARIES, WAGES AND ALLOWANCES |
214,273 |
164,179 |
-23.4% |
|
|
TRAVEL AND SUBSISTENCE |
13,518 |
6,995 |
-48.3% |
|
|
Training & Development and INCIDENTAL EXPENSES incl EU Presidency |
7,872 |
2,95 2 |
-62.5% |
|
|
POSTAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES |
6,428 |
4,076 |
-36.6% |
|
|
OFFICE MACHINERY AND OTHER OFFICE SUPPLIES (Capital) |
4,867 |
3,347 |
-31.2% |
|
|
OFFICE MACHINERY AND OTHER OFFICE SUPPLIES (Current) |
8,961 |
20,146 |
124.8% |
|
|
OFFICE PREMISES EXPENSES |
6,682 |
5,942 |
-11.1% |
|
|
CONSULTANCY SERVICES |
11,553 |
179 |
-98.5% |
|
|
SUPPLEMENTARY MEASURES TO PROTECT FINANCIAL INTERESTS OF EU |
425 |
536 |
26.0% |
|
|
Laboratory Costs (Current) |
4,184 |
3,975 |
-5.0% |
|
|
Laboratory Costs (Capital) |
2,478 |
802 |
-67.6% |
|
|
Total Administrative Budget |
281,241 |
213,144 |
-24. 2 % |
407. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason compensation from the National Parks and Wildlife Service to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry has ceased; the reason, since 2001, the matter has not been clarified with the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29107/15]
View answerA query in respect of loss of compensation and consequential losses for sheep destocking following the implementation of the National Commonage Framework plans introduced in 1998 was received by my Department from the person named on 12 March 2015.
A reply issued directly to the person named on 23 June 2015 outlining the process by which the person named benefitted in the calculation of his entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme by virtue of the destocking of part of his sheep flock. Under the provisions of the regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme, farmers, who had their stock numbers decreased due to the impact of an agri-environment measure, could use an alternative reference period (1997/98) for the calculation of their payment entitlements. Under these provisions, the total gross value of his entitlements increased from €5,542.94 to €14,744.93.
My Department subsequently received a further query on 3 July 2015 confirming that the question raised was in respect of sheep destocking and the compensation that was payable through the National Parks and Wildlife Services. Initial investigations indicate that the person named was in receipt of this compensation from 1999 through to and including 2001. My Department is currently trying to establish the reasons why the compensation was not paid to the person named in 2002. When this investigation is complete, my Department will reply directly to the person named.
408. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions he has had with the European Commission regarding long-term land lease and the timeframe for its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29115/15]
View answerThe relief of stamp duty on long-term leases was included in the Finance Act 2014, subject to a commencement order. It was one of a number of recommendations in the Agri-taxation Review designed to increase the mobility and the productive use of land. The relief is not currently in force as it cannot be introduced until it is granted State Aid approval by the European Commission.
The Department held initial discussions with the Commission in this regard but they indicated that the measure, as presented, was not State Aid compatible. The Department is currently engaged with the Commission with a view to determining whether there is a basis for its introduction under State Aid rules.
It should be noted that the 2014 Finance Act also introduced a comprehensive package of measures to encourage more widespread uptake of the long-term leasing income tax measure which were:
- A 50% increase on the thresholds for relief from leasing income
- A fourth threshold for lease periods of 15 or more years
- Removal of the lower age threshold of 40 years of age for eligibility
- Non-connected limited companies allowed as an eligible lessee.
409. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposed expenditure on developing the marine salmon farming industry directly and indirectly under the national strategic plan for aquaculture development; and the specific development targets planned as a result of the proposed expenditure, including expected timescales. [29120/15]
View answerIreland’s draft National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development along with its accompanying environmental reports is currently undergoing public consultation until 24 July. The draft Plan proposes a number of measures to develop the sector in keeping with the requirements set down in the Common Fisheries Policy and subsequent guidance from the EU Commission. Funding for these measures will be supported through the Seafood Development Programme. The Seafood Development Programme, having undergone public consultation and environmental assessment, has been submitted to the EU Commission for adoption and over the coming months a negotiation process will proceed between my Department and Commission officials with a view to agreeing a final document by the end of 2015 to allow full implementation to begin in 2016. I do not wish to compromise the ongoing consultation and the forthcoming negotiation processes by commenting on proposed expenditure for developing the aquaculture sector.
410. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to previous parliamentary questions, his views that placing responsibility for the governance of the Marine Institute and Sea Fisheries Protection Authority under the control of his Department's fisheries division creates an obvious conflict of interest for these advisory and regulatory agencies, and as this amounts to improper, unfair and unreasonable action on the part of his Department, the action he proposes to take in relation to this matter. [29121/15]
View answerFurther to replies to previous Parliamentary Questions, I remain satisfied that arrangements for corporate governance oversight of agencies under the aegis of my Department are appropriate. I also reiterate my previous statements on the independence of the performance of the functions of Sea Fisheries Protection Authority set down in section 46 of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, on the accountability of the Authority to Dáil Committees and the specific complaints procedure enshrined in section 49 of the Act. Both agencies are key contributors to Ireland’s role in the Common Fisheries Policy and the regulatory and advisory work of the respective agencies is held in high regard across the EU and internationally.
411. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 101 of 25 June 2015, his views that the targets for aquaculture production growth set out in the national strategic plan for aquaculture development are based on production peaks for various species achieved in different years, and are predicted on the highly implausible likelihood that the production peaks for these species will come together over the period of this plan; that this approach owes more to wishful thinking than to professional strategy; and that this plan should not therefore be the basis for spending public moneys. [29122/15]
View answerI stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 101 of 25 June 2015 that Ireland’s draft National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development along with its accompanying environmental reports is currently undergoing public consultation until 24 July. On 2 July the Taoiseach launched Food Wise 2025, a new ten year strategy which sets ambitious targets and milestones for the agri-food sector and identifies an important role for aquaculture in relation to the seafood sector. My Department has also recently submitted the Seafood Development Programme, having undergone public consultation and environmental assessment, to the EU Commission for adoption. Over the coming months a negotiation process will proceed between Department and Commission officials and it is hoped that a final agreed document will be in place by the end of 2015 to allow full implementation to begin in 2016. With these key policies also under way the climate is right to propose ambitious targets and I look forward to stakeholder feedback through the ongoing consultation process.
412. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 103 of 25 June 2015, if the definition of offshore aquaculture used by his Department in the national strategic plan for aquaculture development can be applied to salmon farms anywhere on the foreshore, and therefore that his previous strategy concerning the placement of salmon farms in deeper water is now exposed as nonsense. [29123/15]
View answerApplications for Aquaculture Licences for the cultivation of finfish in the marine environment are considered by my Department under the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 and the Foreshore Act 1933.
It is a matter for individual applicants to determine the precise location for which they wish to apply for a licence to operate a marine finfish farm. In its role as Licensing Authority my Department does not adopt a pre-disposition in respect of locations, and assesses each application on its merits and by reference to applicable legislation.
Determinations in respect of individual applications are only made following completion of the procedures set down in the applicable legislation and the consideration of all environmental, technical, scientific and public policy aspects of each application.
As the Deputy is aware, the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development has been published by my Department and is currently the subject of public consultation. It would not be appropriate for anyone to seek to pre-judge the outcome of the consultation process or any actions that might follow on from that process.
413. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 102 of 25 June 2015, in view of the role of the Marine Institute as scientific contributor to Bord Iascaigh Mhara's 15,000 tonne salmon farm licence application, as scientific adviser to his Department on the board's licence application, and as the scientific source for scaling guidelines set out in the national strategic plan for aquaculture development which recommended scales less than half of those in the board's application, his views that the Marine Institute has been placed in a compromising position by his Department in regard to the board's salmon farming licence application. [29124/15]
View answerAs indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 102 of 25 June 2015, Ireland’s draft National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development along with its accompanying environmental reports is currently undergoing public consultation until 24 July. I also stated that BIM’s application is still under consideration. The Marine Institute provides scientific advice in accordance with its functions.
414. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine given that the scaling recommendations for offshore salmon farms do not differentiate between sites in deep water and sites close to the shore, his plans to suspend his Department's consideration of Marine Harvest Ireland's application for Shot Head, until appropriate scaling recommendations can be prepared for sites close to the shore. [29125/15]
View answerThe application from Marine Harvest Ireland for an aquaculture licence for the cultivation of finfish at Shot Head, Bantry Bay is being considered by my Department under the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 and the Foreshore Act 1933.
As the application is under active consideration as part of the statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further in relation to this application at this time.
As the Deputy is aware, the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development has been published by my Department and is currently the subject of public consultation. It would not be appropriate for anyone to seek to prejudge the outcome of the consultation process or any actions, legislative or otherwise, that might follow on from that process.
In the meantime, and in the normal way, applications on hand and all new applications will continue to be assessed under the provisions of the existing legislation and licence determinations made in accordance with the legislation.
415. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding changes to the single farm payment scheme which affect those farmers who had previously been denied a payment because the amount was less than €100, in line with the Scottish derogation; his plans to change this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29144/15]
View answerUnder the Single Payment Scheme direct payments of less than €100 did not issue to farmers. As a consequence such farmers cannot be considered as having received a direct payment in 2013 and do not hold an automatic right to participate in the Basic Payment Scheme. However up to now such farmers were considered as holding entitlements and consequently were also excluded from the scope of the Scottish Derogation. Further to discussions with the EU Commission, Ireland obtained agreement that persons who were entitled to receive a payment of less than €100 in 2013 may be considered as fulfilling the same conditions as farmers who fall within the scope of the Scottish Derogation.
To ensure compatibility with the Scottish Derogation, only persons who held entitlements with a value of less than €100 for every year of the Single Payment Scheme will be considered as eligible. Persons who transferred out entitlements of a value greater than €100 at any time during the Single Payment Scheme will not be included in this exemption.
All other terms and conditions of the standard Scottish Derogation apply including the requirement for applicants to produce verifiable evidence that in 2013 they 'produced, reared or grew agricultural products through harvesting, milking, breeding animals and keeping animals for farming purposes'. My Department will make contact with persons who may be eligible under this exemption and will invite such persons to submit an application under the Scottish Derogation.
