Written Answers Nos. 291-311
291. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the cost in 2013 and 2014 of issuing hard copy payslips to staff or retired staff by his Department and agencies under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30058/15]
View answerThe Department’s Payroll system provides electronic access to weekly and fortnightly payslips for over 90% of its staffing cohort. This electronic system has been operational across the Department’s IT network since October 2011.
For a small number of payees on the payroll there is still a weekly requirement to provide hardcopy payslips. Typically this ranges between 120-150 people per week and arises due to the fact that certain payees on payroll do not have always direct access to the Department’s computer network.
The postage costs associated with the hardcopy provision to these individuals is estimated at €3,500 per annum since 2012.
Pension payments for former staff of the Department are made through the Paymaster General and not via the Department’s payroll.
I have asked the enterprise agencies to provide the information relevant to their respective payroll operations directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
292. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline and itemise all expenditure undertaken by his Department on private travel for him and-or his private office, on legal fees, on consultancy fees and on hotel accommodation, during the 12-month period to 30 June 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30073/15]
View answerIn relation to legal fees and consultancy expenditure no such expenditure has been incurred by my private office. The expenditure for official travel undertaken by myself and my private office for 2014 and to the end of June 2015 is outlined in the following table. The expenditure covers national and foreign travel.
|
Category |
Full year 2014 |
2015 (to end June 2015) |
|
Flights |
€ 6,809.35 |
€ 826.70 |
|
Subsistence |
€ 7,566.60 |
€ 2,233.89 |
|
Motorised travel (home & foreign) |
€ 7,878.68 |
€ 4,872.91 |
|
Hotel Accommodation |
€ 1,014.58 |
€ 2,839.76 |
|
Miscellaneous |
€ 135.24 |
€ 13.20 |
|
Total |
€23,404.45 |
€ 10,786.46 |
293. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is responsible for all board appointments where such power to appoint persons to State boards is vested in him by statute; if any politically appointed State employee outside of his Department is involved in decision-making concerning such appointments, in particular, if, during the lifetime of the Government, a named person (details supplied) has had any influence over any appointments made by him; if he or officials from his Department have corresponded with that person regarding the composition of and appointments to State boards to which he has statutory power to make appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30113/15]
View answerIn respect of State Board appointments that are wholly within my discretion, my overriding priority has been to appoint the best people available for particular board positions. The credentials of the appointees vary depending on the requirements of the individual posts. I am satisfied, however, that in all cases, they have the skills and expertise to allow them to contribute positively to the functions of their individual board.
There has been no involvement of the person referred to in respect of the decision making for any appointments to State Boards.
294. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the current and capital funding allocated to his Department; the underspend or overspend in 2015 to date under each category based on his Department's spending profile; the funding made available within and external to his Department's functions to support innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30128/15]
View answer298. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total funds made available within his Department to support innovation, both within existing enterprise and new enterprise; the total funding made available within his Department for supporting enterprise and job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30256/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 294 and 298 together.
As published in the Revised Estimates Volume 2015, the total gross Exchequer provision to the Department to support the enterprise, job creation and innovation agendas for 2015 amounts to €810.18 million. This includes €20 million in capital carryover from 2014 for use in 2015.
The €810.18 million provision is broken down through a total capital allocation of €509 million and a current expenditure provision of €301.18 million.
The Deputy should note that the direct capital supports to industry and across Ireland’s research system are set out in the 2015 Revised Estimates Volume through two programme expenditure areas, namely "Expenditure Programme A – Jobs and Enterprise Development" and "Expenditure Programme B – Innovation". The respective 2015 capital allocations under these expenditure areas are set out in Tables 1 and 2 that follow.
Table 1: Programme A - Jobs and Enterprise Development
|
2015 Capital provision |
|
|
Enterprise Ireland |
€56.00m |
|
IDA Ireland |
€95.00m |
|
Local Enterprise Offices |
€18.50m |
|
InterTrade Ireland |
€ 5.53m |
|
InterReg Programme |
€ 3.00m |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
€ 0.50m |
|
Temporary Loan Guarantee Scheme |
€ 0.50m |
|
Total |
€179.03m |
Table 2: Programme B - Innovation
|
|
2015 Capital provision |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
€157.00m |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
€119.43m |
|
Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions |
€ 32.02m |
|
Tyndall National Institute |
€ 2.90m |
|
Ireland’s memberships of International Research Organisations (European Space Agency, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Molecular Biology Conference, Eureka, COST). |
€ 18.62m |
|
Total |
€329.97m |
Capital expenditure at the end of June 2015 amounted to €196.21 million. This is 6% ahead of the initial start-of-year profiled capital expenditure amount of €184.8 million for the first half of the year.
Current expenditure at the end of June 2015 amounted to €138m. This is 5% behind the initial start-of-year profiled current expenditure amount of €145.2 million for the first half of the year.
295. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his Department or agencies under the authority of his Department have performed an assessment of the potential savings to be accrued if current paper-based application processes by members of the public were replaced with a fully online application system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30143/15]
View answerMy Department is acutely aware of the benefits that can be gained, both in terms of providing enhanced services to the public and in securing greater value for money, by moving from paper based to on-line systems. In recent years, services provided to the public by my Department's Export Licensing Unit, the Companies Registration Office and the Patents Office and have been reviewed and are now all available on-line. Most recently, my Department has also made it possible to make applications to the Workplace Relations Bodies using eForms technologies.
These moves to on-line provision have allowed the services to continue to be delivered efficiently despite significant levels of staff reductions across the Department. For example, in 2014 the cost to customers of filing documents electronically with the Companies Registration Office was approximately €4.9 million less than it would have been had these documents been filed manually. For those forms where there is an eForm available, 80% were used electronically. Furthermore, since the commencement of the Companies Act 2014, the Companies Registration Office has mandated electronic filing, including electronic signing, in respect of certain forms and the Office remains committed to extending electronic filing further. It has also begun to offer digitally certified documents, which it intends to roll out throughout the year to all certificates that it currently issues to companies manually. This will generate savings in postage costs and ensure that the certificates are delivered to customers considerably faster.
The introduction of a system of filing applications for Trade Marks on-line has resulted in the saving of the salary costs of two Clerical Officer posts. In total, it is estimated the Patents Office will achieve financial savings of approximately €50,000 per annum from this initiative.
Procurement has commenced on a new system to allow applications for employment permits to be submitted on-line. The introduction of such a system will future-proof the service and make it capable of managing significant increases in volume demand, without the need for corresponding additional staffing and the resultant physical accommodation that would be required.
My Department will continue to seek opportunities to deliver services on-line as a more customer-friendly, cost-effective, resource-efficient and value for money means of delivering our range of services to our client-base.
296. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he will take to address the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30168/15]
View answerI am aware that the Westmeath LEO met with the company concerned during April 2014, when the attendees were fully briefed on LEO services. The company subsequently applied for tradeshow assistance and I understand from the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Westmeath that they were approved funding to exhibit at a tradeshow in the UK in 2015. The LEO received no further applications for any other assistance from the company.
LEO Westmeath is happy to meet with the company again and outline the services available to them. In this regard, I would suggest that the company should make contact again with the LEO to discuss their current situation and needs as the LEO is best placed to advise the company at this stage in its development. Further information is available from LEO Westmeath, Áras an Chontae, Mount Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Email: localenterprise@westmeathcoco.ie, website: www.localenterprise.ie/Westmeath.
In regard to Enterprise Ireland assistance, the Agency supports high potential start-ups which are companies that are internationally focused and that have the potential to employ at least 10 persons within three to four years of starting and to generate revenues of at least €1 million.
While I understand from Enterprise Ireland that they met with the company in 2014, I would nevertheless suggest that the company completes and returns the Outline Business Proposition which is available from Enterprise Ireland. This will enable the Agency to assess the business and its stage of development with regard to where Enterprise Ireland may be able to assist.
I would also recommend that the company consider attending an export workshop organised by Enterprise Ireland’s team from their Potential Exporters Division. In addition, the company have the option of using Enterprise Ireland’s Market Research Centre services to explore export markets. Further information on the Agency’s services is available at http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/.
297. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when his Department's annual report for 2014 will be published. [30216/15]
View answerMy Department is currently at an advanced stage in finalising the Department’s Annual Report for 2013 and I expect this will be published in the 3rd Quarter 2015.
Following publication of the 2013 Annual Report, work will urgently commence to prepare the 2014 Annual Report, with a view to publishing it before the end of 2015.
299. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the way his Department has attempted to increase job creation through the Action Plan for Jobs; the number of jobs expected to be created in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30305/15]
View answerThe goal of this Government has been to replace all of the jobs lost during the economic crisis and deliver sustainable full employment by the end of 2018. This whole of Government effort has been integrated into the Action Plan for Jobs process which aims to strengthen the enterprise base, support entrepreneurship and start-ups, regain Ireland’s lost competitiveness and ensure the potential of the regions for development and job creation through Action Plan for Jobs – Regional is fully realised, supported by competitive regional funds.
The Action Plan for Jobs complements the Government’s Pathways to Work which set outs actions to be taken in support of those who are currently unemployed in order to help them access the labour market and new job opportunities.
Action Plan for Jobs 2015, the fourth such Plan, was launched in January 2015 and as well as building on reforms in previous years introduces new areas of focus such as: the National Talent Drive which aims to improve the employability of all and ensure that work always pays; and new sources of employment growth such as Energy Innovation, Intellectual Property and Design.
The Action Plan for Jobs process is working. Over 104,000 more people are at work since the first plan was launched at the start of 2012 and unemployment has fallen to 9.7% in June 2015. Action Plan for Jobs 2015 commits to 40,000 additional jobs this year. IDA and Enterprise Ireland have specific targets for 27,000 new jobs in 2015.
To achieve our ambition of sustainable full employment, the 2015 Action Plan for Jobs sets out a comprehensive range of measures to support entrepreneurship, SMEs and the self-employed in the areas of education and research, business environment and supports, innovation and access to finance, networks and mentoring, and access to markets. Our key priority is driving implementation of the actions in the National Entrepreneurship Statement, which was published in October last year and to achieve the ambitions targets set out for a 25 per cent increase in the number of start-ups and in the scaling and sustainability of new enterprises.
The launch of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) was a major reform delivered in 2014 and in 2015 the LEOs will have ambitious and robust county strategies and targets for start-ups, enterprise engagements and supports to be effective first-stop-shops for enterprise information. Enterprise Ireland’s support system for young companies includes help with business planning, mentoring and development advice, feasibility funding and finance, often in the form of equity investment, as appropriate to the founder’s ambitions and the company’s potential and stage of growth. My Department through its agencies will build on the 2014 success of the awards programmes such as Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur with a renewed programme for 2015.
The launch of the simplified Startup Refunds for Entrepreneurs Scheme (SURE) in 2015 will provide additional finance for entrepreneurs. In many cases the lack of a first reference sale is a key barrier to accessing funding at an early stage. Early intervention through entrepreneur development programmes such as New Frontiers and other programmes help companies accelerate their business development. EI will support 130 new Entrepreneurs via the New Frontiers programme in 2015.
Improving our competitiveness remains a key focus of my Department and Government. The National Competitiveness Council’s Costs of Doing Business in Ireland 2015 report shows that Ireland’s cost base has improved across a range of metrics over the last five years, and driven by reforms set out in the Action Plan for Jobs, Ireland’s competitiveness position has improved in recent years. As noted in the Government’s Spring Economic Statement, this improvement in competitiveness has facilitated a reallocation of resources towards the tradeable sectors of the economy. To sustain employment growth, there is a role for both the public and private sectors alike to proactively manage their cost base and drive efficiency, thus creating a virtuous circle between the costs of living, wage expectations and cost competitiveness.
300. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is aware of the need to provide much needed additional job opportunities throughout County Monaghan; the proposals his Department and the State's industrial promotion agencies have to assist in job creation and in the maintenance of existing employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30334/15]
View answer301. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is aware of the need to provide much needed additional job opportunities throughout County Cavan; the proposals his Department and the State's industrial promotion agencies have to assist in job creation and in the maintenance of existing employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30335/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 300 and 301 together.
In general, the Government’s approach to supporting job creation at regional level is through the new Action Plan for Jobs: Regional initiative. Since the start of the national Action Plan for Jobs process in 2012, employment across the economy as a whole has increased, and has exceeded the Government’s initial target of having 100,000 people at work by 2016.
However, we are conscious that not all regions are yet fully experiencing the benefits of the recovery. To accelerate progress on the jobs agenda in the regions, last February, the Government announced details of the Action Plan for Jobs: Regional initiative which seeks to build on the existing strengths and assets of each region to maximise enterprise growth and job creation. This initiative will see Action Plans drawn up for eight regions. Cavan and Monaghan are included in the Border Region.
The first two regional Action Plans for Jobs, covering the Midlands and the South West regions, were published in the last number of weeks. My Department is continuing to work on the finalisation of a number of further regional Action Plans which will be launched shortly, including the Plan for the Border region. The Plan will focus on building the enterprise base across the region as a whole and there will be an emphasis on collaboration across counties to maximise the potential of the region.
In terms of direct job creation by my Department’s agencies, Enterprise Ireland activity is focused on working with established companies in its portfolio and supporting entrepreneurs in manufacturing and internationally traded services companies who are setting up high potential start-up companies. In 2014 Enterprise Ireland client companies created 394 full-time jobs in County Cavan and 382 full-time jobs in County Monaghan. To date in 2015, Enterprise Ireland has assisted two major investments, in 2015, Lakeland Dairies’ expansion of milk powder processing operations at Bailieboro and Combilift’s investment programme and new jobs in Monaghan.
Regional development is a major component of IDA Ireland’s new corporate strategy entitled “Winning: Foreign Direct Investment 2015-2019”. For the first time ambitious investment targets have been set for each region, with a strong focus on securing an increased share of investments. IDA client companies in the Border region now employ 9,734 people and include leading companies in the Engineering, Life Sciences, Financial and Services sector. IDA secured 47 projects for the Border Region over the past 5 years (2010-2014). A 30% to 40% uplift in projects would result in 61 to 66 projects for the region for the coming five years.
Counties Cavan and Monaghan are marketed by IDA as part of the North East Region and in 2014 there were 36 IDA clients in the Region. IDA Ireland continues to engage with all existing companies in its portfolio to influence, drive and support transformation initiatives designed to ensure longevity of investments and ongoing growth and job creation within the client base. IDA will consider all opportunities to leverage its property portfolio in smaller population centres like Cavan and Monaghan in order to facilitate investment and job creation.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the “First-Stop-Shop” service assisting in delivering start-ups and growth in the micro-enterprise sector in every County. The Cavan and Monaghan LEOs offer a range of supports and advice to anyone interested in starting or expanding a business. Further information can be found on the LEO website at www.localenterprise.ie.
At the end of 2014 there were 1,049 jobs in LEO client companies in Cavan with jobs growth of 108 in 2014, and there were 904 jobs in LEO client companies in Monaghan with jobs growth of 61 in 2014.
Each LEO can, subject to criteria, offer financial support to manufacturing and internationally traded services, as well as a suite of other supports to start-up and existing business including training, mentoring, access to loans by Micro Finance Ireland and trading on-line vouchers.
In addition to the normal suite of financial supports, the LEOs in every county are running Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur 2015, with an investment fund of up to €50,000 available to three category winners i.e. Best Business Idea, Best Start-Up Business and Best Established Business.
I am confident that the policies pursued by the State agencies and the Local Enterprise Offices will continue to support enterprise development and lead to an increase both in job creation and in entrepreneurial activity across Cavan and Monaghan throughout 2015 and beyond.
302. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the criteria in place to establish a long-term lease for the new location of the Tralee Oyster Fisheries Society's shellfish dispatch centre, with regard to securing funding (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29577/15]
View answerI understand that the lease in question is between the Tralee Oyster Fisheries Society and Kerry County Council (as successor of the Tralee and Fenit Harbour Commissioners) and is therefore a matter in which I have no statutory role.
303. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department's priorities for the remainder of this Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29578/15]
View answerMy Department is committed to implementing the priorities set out in the Programme for Government and in the Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016. These form the underlying basis of the work of my Department. The work of my Department is also driven by the objectives and strategies, goals and actions deriving from its Statement of Strategy 2015 – 2017. This is drawn in turn from the agri-food industry’s blueprint for the development and progression of the agri-food sector – “Food Harvest 2020” and its successor, “Food Wise 2025”, along with the Marine sector strategy “Harnessing our Ocean Wealth”.
Implementation of the various measures agreed under the CAP reform negotiations as well as the Rural Development Plan 2014 -2020 are among the key priorities for the remainder of my term in office. On CAP measures, my particular focus will be the approval of applications under first tranches of GLAS, Organic Farming Scheme and TAMS II. Also high on my agenda is completion of the roll out of the new Forestry Programme 2014-2020.
Another key priority for me is to deliver the best possible outcome for Ireland’s fishing fleets in the annual quota negotiations. In this area other policy priorities include ongoing implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy and the Coastal States Negotiations on key shared stocks i.e. Mackerel and Blue Whiting. I also plan to progress an amendment to the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006.
In addition to the above I expect to achieve significant progress on the Aquaculture License backlog, to conduct a full review of the Aquaculture Licensing procedures as per the commitments set out in Food Wise 2025.
In summary my main aim is to continue the sustainable development of the agri-food, marine and forestry sectors which have proven to be central to the success of our economy. My remit as Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine is broad and varied and I am committed to continuing to deliver progress on all areas that I have responsibility for.
304. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount paid on single farm payment, disadvantaged areas scheme, rural environment protection scheme in counties Westmeath and Longford, and nationally. [29648/15]
View answerThe following tables detail amounts paid up to end of December 2014 and to date in 2015 under 2014 Single Farm Payment Scheme and 2014 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme in counties Westmeath, Longford and nationally. Payments under both schemes continue to be made on an ongoing basis.
2014 Single Payment Scheme Payments
|
County |
2014: Amount Paid 2014 SPS |
2015: Amount Paid 2014 SPS |
|
CARLOW |
€23,471,063.86 |
€299,401.19 |
|
CAVAN |
€33,487,548.05 |
€332,184.71 |
|
CLARE |
€44,847,436.77 |
€591,915.5 |
|
CORK |
€159,474,090.64 |
€1,589,637.67 |
|
DONEGAL |
€45,274,266.56 |
€1,254,626.06 |
|
DUBLIN |
€8,627,475.96 |
€92,936.55 |
|
GALWAY |
€74,988,745.26 |
€1,152,045.61 |
|
KERRY |
€55,181,777.72 |
€658,817.48 |
|
KILDARE |
€30,189,289.29 |
€409,692.51 |
|
KILKENNY |
€52,507,907.96 |
€441,780.52 |
|
LAOIS |
€38,840,999.06 |
€599,863.90 |
|
LEITRIM |
€16,662,923.91 |
€188,356.44 |
|
LIMERICK |
€49,257,167.12 |
€417,162.02 |
|
LONGFORD |
€18,606,004.93 |
€286,203.05 |
|
LOUTH |
€19,095,790.39 |
€185,561.20 |
|
MAYO |
€56,534,983.63 |
€855,272.41 |
|
MEATH |
€52,936,984.78 |
€587,145.86 |
|
MONAGHAN |
€28,842,622.52 |
€174,782.87 |
|
OFFALY |
€34,750,164.66 |
€386,089.9 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
€38,235,989.02 |
€677,712.58 |
|
SLIGO |
€21,535,375.47 |
€298,686.9 |
|
TIPPERARY |
€96,067,992.37 |
€1,204,882.50 |
|
WATERFORD |
€37,096,362.53 |
€500,288.52 |
|
WESTMEATH |
€31,344,226.26 |
€987,237.08 |
|
WEXFORD |
€57,970,251.49 |
€994,098.69 |
|
WICKLOW |
€26,330,285.82 |
€537,872.37 |
|
TOTAL |
€1,152,157,726.03 |
€15,704,254.10 |
Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments 2014
|
County |
2014: Amount Paid 2014 DAS |
2015: Amount Paid 2014 DAS |
|
CARLOW |
€1,327,138.54 |
€43,416.07 |
|
CAVAN |
€9,171,640.12 |
€223,902.75 |
|
CLARE |
€12,608,417.46 |
€451,498.37 |
|
CORK |
€13,893,592.84 |
€664,654.81 |
|
DONEGAL |
€15,925,149.27 |
€2,018,374.91 |
|
DUBLIN |
€226,864.09 |
€24,582.37 |
|
GALWAY |
€21,972,465.20 |
€1,365,069.38 |
|
KERRY |
€15,727,916.87 |
€1,308,032.49 |
|
KILDARE |
€731,786.72 |
€60,602.54 |
|
KILKENNY |
€3,147,795.09 |
€111,996.06 |
|
LAOIS |
€2,837,527.47 |
€126,712.64 |
|
LEITRIM |
€6,642,644.63 |
€452,095.95 |
|
LIMERICK |
€4,747,517.25 |
€265,267.89 |
|
LONGFORD |
€4,415,753.09 |
€243,231.50 |
|
LOUTH |
€1,043,935.49 |
€47,485.24 |
|
MAYO |
€20,531,960.56 |
€1,981,892.09 |
|
MEATH |
€2,040,865.77 |
€85,953.66 |
|
MONAGHAN |
€6,962,493.27 |
€315,840.79 |
|
OFFALY |
€3,960,723.56 |
€199,013.42 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
€10,617,571.49 |
€619,901.60 |
|
SLIGO |
€7,422,454.28 |
€451,960.15 |
|
TIPPERARY |
€7,979,647.32 |
€402,505.21 |
|
WATERFORD |
€2,440,618.76 |
€89,660.91 |
|
WESTMEATH |
€4,470,631.28 |
€187,517.99 |
|
WEXFORD |
€2,108,677.49 |
€93,941.43 |
|
WICKLOW |
€3,574,841.94 |
€191,098.34 |
|
TOTAL |
€186,530,629.85 |
€12,026,208.56 |
REPS 2014
|
County |
2014: Amount Paid Under REPS4 |
2015: Amount Paid Under REPS4 |
|
CARLOW |
€1,850,818.74 |
€143,823.57 |
|
CAVAN |
€4,649,462.40 |
€374,596.98 |
|
CLARE |
€6,715,742.55 |
€792,386.40 |
|
CORK |
€16,735,523.65 |
€5,002,329.35 |
|
DONEGAL |
€7,641,235.61 |
€667,599.12 |
|
DUBLIN |
€216,680.03 |
€56,210.56 |
|
GALWAY |
€12,255,058.67 |
€3,053,368.62 |
|
KERRY |
€10,614,915.34 |
€2,546,019.04 |
|
KILDARE |
€1,716,759.28 |
€257,717.13 |
|
KILKENNY |
€3,698,830.34 |
€932,886.26 |
|
LAOIS |
€3,842,120.59 |
€441,585.05 |
|
LEITRIM |
€3,185,917.44 |
€559,006.11 |
|
LIMERICK |
€6,365,663.42 |
€843,777.98 |
|
LONGFORD |
€1,978,736.44 |
€114,514.51 |
|
LOUTH |
€987,981.11 |
€207,088.53 |
|
MAYO |
€14,322,072.04 |
€2,763,269.00 |
|
MEATH |
€2,172,883.96 |
€449,040.99 |
|
MONAGHAN |
€3,450,533.25 |
€418,098.70 |
|
OFFALY |
€3,138,299.18 |
€402,475.79 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
€4,908,322.34 |
€596,349.35 |
|
SLIGO |
€3,664,972.02 |
€547,466.33 |
|
TIPPERARY |
€9,162,940.82 |
€1,683,848.46 |
|
WATERFORD |
€2,912,603.18 |
€490,988.06 |
|
WESTMEATH |
€3,055,623.94 |
€389,243.65 |
|
WEXFORD |
€3,612,514.95 |
€461,098.06 |
|
WICKLOW |
€2,375,814.14 |
€293,255.87 |
|
TOTAL |
€135,232,025.43 |
€24,488,043.47 |
AEOS
|
County |
2015 |
2014 |
Total |
|
Carlow |
€196,789.29 |
€461,084.00 |
€657,873.29 |
|
Cavan |
€687,167.06 |
€1,742,512.31 |
€2,429,679.37 |
|
Clare |
€1,588,911.18 |
€3,968,368.52 |
€5,557,279.70 |
|
Cork |
€1,833,441.79 |
€3,530,077.65 |
€5,363,519.44 |
|
Donegal |
€3,501,057.08 |
€8,257,415.85 |
€11,758,472.93 |
|
Dublin |
€45,879.26 |
€66,047.86 |
€111,927.12 |
|
Galway |
€4,085,745.93 |
€8,987,629.27 |
€13,073,375.20 |
|
Kerry |
€1,843,179.86 |
€4,535,380.87 |
€6,378,560.73 |
|
Kildare |
€219,295.35 |
€397,216.62 |
€616,511.97 |
|
Kilkenny |
€677,625.56 |
€1,191,002.52 |
€1,868,628.08 |
|
Laois |
€425,380.95 |
€796,237.55 |
€1,221,618.50 |
|
Leitrim |
€1,461,740.93 |
€3,108,155.08 |
€4,569,896.01 |
|
Limerick |
€772,723.72 |
€1,758,444.54 |
€2,531,168.26 |
|
Longford |
€410,068.89 |
€708,721.61 |
€1,118,790.50 |
|
Louth |
€184,343.29 |
€277,982.90 |
€462,326.19 |
|
Mayo |
€4,262,266.93 |
€8,956,896.22 |
€13,219,163.15 |
|
Meath |
€416,856.17 |
€757,750.92 |
€1,174,607.09 |
|
Monaghan |
€589,966.91 |
€1,036,999.09 |
€1,626,966.00 |
|
Offaly |
€476,641.74 |
€880,253.20 |
€1,356,894.94 |
|
Roscommon |
€1,405,848.93 |
€3,092,143.53 |
€4,497,992.46 |
|
Sligo |
€1,064,591.96 |
€2,326,350.92 |
€3,390,942.88 |
|
Tipperary |
€1,113,753.81 |
€2,126,100.00 |
€3,239,853.81 |
|
Waterford |
€364,092.46 |
€703,037.01 |
€1,067,129.47 |
|
Westmeath |
€600,415.95 |
€1,176,811.39 |
€1,777,227.34 |
|
Wexford |
€505,445.13 |
€944,523.65 |
€1,449,968.78 |
|
Wicklow |
€293,487.81 |
€641,078.80 |
€934,566.61 |
|
Grand Total |
€29,026,717.94 |
€62,428,221.88 |
€91,454,939.82 |
305. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason there is a rule in place that lambs purchased in a mart may not be exported live for 30 days after such purchase, when calves can be exported live immediately after a mart purchase; if the introduction of electronic identification tags for lambs for live export would resolve this issue, and remove the cause of this delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29687/15]
View answerUnder EU legislation, breeding and fattening sheep must be certified as having been continuously resident on a holding of origin for at least 30 days prior to export, including a "standstill" period of 21 days prior to export during which time no sheep have been introduced on to the holding. A derogation applies where sheep introduced during the standstill period are completely isolated from all other animals on the holding. To avail of this derogation, isolation must be notified to and pre-approved by my Department. Sheep being exported for slaughter must be resident on the holding of origin for 21 days but a standstill period is not required if the animals are consigned directly to a slaughterhouse in another Member State. A 21 days standstill period is required in the event that sheep for slaughter are exported from an approved assembly centre or dealer's premises and/or stop at a staging point in another Member State (transit or destination).
In relation to intra-Community trade in calves, Member States are obliged under Council Directive 64/432 on intra-community trade to certify, among other things, that bovines being exported for breeding or production have been on a single holding during the 30 day period prior to export or, if such animals are younger than 30 days, that they have been on the holding of their origin since birth.
The somewhat more stringent rules on intra-Community trade in sheep compared with cattle, in particular, the "standstill" requirement, stem from the foot-and-mouth outbreak in 2001 when the general view was that movements of sheep largely contributed to the spread of the disease. With regard to identification of sheep, all ovine animals intended for intra-Community trade or export to third countries are required to be electronically identified in accordance with the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No. 21/2004, establishing a system for the identification and registration of ovine and caprine animals, to ensure complete traceability of each animal. The introduction of EID tags for lambs would not remove the obligations under the EU legislation relating to residency on a holding or the 21 day "standstill" period. The rationale for these requirements is to ensure that sheep going for export do not come in contact with other animals or become infected following such contact.
306. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to prevent caravans from entering and staying at the harbour piers in Howth in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29718/15]
View answerPursuant to the Fishery Harbour Centres Act 1968 (as amended), my Department has responsibility for the six Fishery Harbour Centres located at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, An Daingean, Ros An Mhil and Killybegs. Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is first and foremost a working fishery harbour and its primary objective is to provide for the needs of fishermen and the fishing industry generally. However, as the Deputy is aware, Howth is also a very important tourist and leisure destination and my Department has to be conscious of balancing the various unique features that pertain in Howth.
Parking is permitted within the limits of the Howth Fishery Harbour Centre for visitors and recreational users of the Harbour. The only requirement is that they comply with the traffic management markings and procedures.
Where there are safety concerns regarding traffic management and parking these should be brought to the attention of the Harbour Master in the first instance.
307. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason his Department has refused an application under the farm safety scheme for a cover for a slurry tank by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; his views that such provision should not be a priority under the scheme, given the significant risk to life, and particularly to children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29720/15]
View answerFarm Safety is a critical issue facing farming today and is something that I am seriously concerned about. The current Safety Scheme has been designed to overcome some of the particular hazards which may be present on farms. A total of €12.2m has been allocated to this scheme offering a 40 per cent rate of aid, up to a maximum eligible investment ceiling of €20,000, i.e. a maximum grant of €8,000. In the case in question, there were issues noted in relation to the investment area concerned which led to the original application being refused. However, the decision regarding this application is being reviewed and the applicant will be notified of the result of that review very shortly.
308. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will accept a late application under the beef data and genomics programme 2015 to 2020 by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29725/15]
View answerThe closing date for receipt of applications for participation in the Beef Data and Genomics Programme was extended to 5 June 2015 from the original closing date of 29 May. Applications received after this date are not eligible to participate in the Programme. However, if there are exceptional circumstances for the late submission of the application then the person named should write to Beef Schemes Section, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise outlining these reasons and providing any supporting documentation they deem relevant to the appeal.
309. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has undertaken an impact assessment on the possible effects of the European Commission’s proposal (details supplied) on the food and feed chain; the Government’s position on the proposal which is scheduled to be discussed at Council meetings over the coming month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29907/15]
View answerThe European Commission has put forward a proposal for a EU Regulation to permit Member States to ban the use of genetically modified food and feed on their territory. The proposal states that such prohibitions or restrictions must be reasoned and based on compelling grounds and must not conflict with a risk assessment prepared by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The matter was discussed at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels on 13 July and strong opposition to the proposal as it currently stands was shown by almost all Member States.
At the Council meeting, I, along with other colleagues, called upon the EU Commission to carry out an impact assessment of the proposal as a basis for further discussions. In addition I raised concerns on compatibility with WTO rules and highlighted that implementation of this proposal would have a disproportionate impact on those Member States that are most heavily dependent on imports of GM protein feed to supplement livestock diet, such as Ireland. I also expressed the view that the proposal should not undermine relations with third countries that currently export significant quantities of GM feed to the EU.
The concerns outlined by me at the Council meeting are shared by the Irish feed industry with whom my Department has been in consultation in relation to the EU Commission’s proposals.
310. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his position on Irish whiskey continuing to be included on the European Union list of GIs agreed with third countries in current and future free trade negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29908/15]
View answer311. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of European Union trade negotiations with Singapore and Vietnam; if Irish whiskey will be included on the list of protected GIs in both agreements, if concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29909/15]
View answer
