Written Answers Nos. 482-500
482. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the figures of those who applied for the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30511/15]
View answerAlmost 27,000 applications to join GLAS were received under the first tranche of the new scheme this year, making this one of the most successful launches of any agri-environment scheme ever in Ireland. All applications are now being assessed and applicants will be notified in writing in October of the outcome of their application and of their contract commencement date. A full breakdown of the applications received is supplied below:
|
County |
Submitted |
|
Carlow |
299 |
|
Cavan |
961 |
|
Clare |
1684 |
|
Cork |
2347 |
|
Donegal |
2043 |
|
Dublin |
66 |
|
Galway |
3250 |
|
Kerry |
1853 |
|
Kildare |
305 |
|
Kilkenny |
473 |
|
Laois |
393 |
|
Leitrim |
1067 |
|
Limerick |
1130 |
|
Longford |
536 |
|
Louth |
160 |
|
Mayo |
2681 |
|
Meath |
481 |
|
Monaghan |
611 |
|
Offaly |
505 |
|
Roscommon |
1585 |
|
Sligo |
978 |
|
Tipperary |
1233 |
|
Waterford |
393 |
|
Westmeath |
680 |
|
Wexford |
859 |
|
Wicklow |
362 |
|
26935 |
483. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary may expect to receive a payment under the single payment scheme 2010, given that the person was informed on 12 June 2015 that his appeal was partially allowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30523/15]
View answerThe decision of the Agriculture Appeals Office resulted in a reduction of the over-declaration in area originally determined at inspection. This decision has been processed and payment due under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme will issue to the nominated bank account of the person named shortly.
484. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary may expect to receive a payment under the single payment scheme 2009, given that the person was informed on 12 March 2015 that his or her appeal was partially allowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30524/15]
View answerThe processing of the Appeals Office decision of 12 March 2015 in relation to the 2009 Single Farm Payment application of the person named is currently underway. Any payments which may fall due will issue in the near future.
485. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the designation of Renard Pier (details supplied) in County Kerry which would help stimulate employment and trade in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30555/15]
View answerThe SFPA has, in recent days, outlined its advice in relation to the request to designate Renard Pier for landings of Hake and Monkfish. I will give my full consideration to all relevant issues including this advice. When I have come to a determination I will inform the Deputy.
486. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funding will be made available for the development of Clogherhead Harbour, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30566/15]
View answerClogherhead Harbour is owned by Louth County Council and responsibility for its development, repair and maintenance rests with the Local Authority. That said, under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme my Department has, in previous years, provided funding to Local Authorities for the development and repair of their harbours, piers and slipways subject to the availability of exchequer funding.
Any application submitted by Louth County Council in respect of Clogherhead Harbour under a future Local Authority capital programme, will be given consideration in the context of the criteria set out, available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
487. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has received an application from Sligo County Council on 22 April 2015 for funding to complete the planning permission process, the detailed design and tender documentation production for the proposed Rosses Point pier and pontoon scheme; if the council advised his Department on 22 April 2015 that the council had submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála for the proposed scheme on 27 March 2015; if his Department has made a decision on the application for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30596/15]
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 €2.7 m 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 in the context of the criteria set out, available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
488. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the levels of funding received from the European Investment Bank for national resource management and primary production, transport storage-quality control infrastructure, processing facilities such as dairy processors, and by product usage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30599/15]
View answerEarlier this year, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) presented a model guarantee instrument for agriculture, developed within the framework of their Memorandum of Understanding on co-operation in agriculture and rural development within the EU. The model instrument aims to help ease access to finance for farmers and other rural businesses. Member States and regions can adapt and use this model to set up financial instruments funded by their rural development programmes (RDPs) under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). Financial instruments can take the form of loans, guarantee funds or equity investments. The funding for any such financial instruments would have to draw on Ireland's existing RDP allocation of European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development funding as well as National Exchequer funding. It is also possible to incorporate funding from other sources for such instruments.
In our RDP, we have made a commitment to examining the potential for the use of financial instruments. However, the inclusion of financial instruments by way of a modification to the RDP is required by EU regulation to be based on an ex ante evaluation which must assess:
- The existence of a market failure;
- The potential for added value;
- The resources required to implement a proposed financial instrument; and
- The proposed strategic approach to financial instruments.
Accordingly, I have asked my officials to engage with the European Commission, the EIB and other stakeholders in order to identify areas where financial instruments could be implemented to best strategic effect, and to explore the practical steps which are required in order to implement financial instruments. Any such financial instruments are required by EU regulation to be structured on a clear investment strategy which identifies real market failures and economic needs.
In addition to this, my Department has been exploring new and more competitive sources of funding and will continue to do so in the context of evolving market requirements. The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) was established by the Government as a strategic SME funding company and includes the EIB as one of its funding partners. Among its range of products is an ‘Agriculture Investment Loan’, available for investment by agricultural SMEs involved in primary agricultural production, the processing of agricultural products or the marketing of agricultural products. The features of these products compared with those currently on the market are lower interest rates, loan amounts up to €5m and increased repayment flexibility. Of the almost €45 million in loans approved and drawn down by SMEs between March and end-June from the SBCI, a third has been accessed by the agricultural sector.
489. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total spend under the Africa Agri-Food Development Fund; the current status of the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30600/15]
View answerThe Africa Agri-Food Development Fund (AADF) , a joint initiative of my Department and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, was launched in 2012. To date, the total spend on projects by AADF is €476,083. AADF was established to encourage the development of partnerships between the Irish agri-food sector and African countries in support of sustainable growth of local food industries, building markets for local produce and supporting mutual trade between Africa and Ireland.
AADF was initially set up for a pilot period of two years, but the experience to date has been that it has taken some time for project proposals to be developed and submitted, given the complexities of carrying out business in different African countries and the time needed to develop local partnerships in Africa. In this context AADF's operation has been extended beyond the initial pilot period. AADF is currently considering a number of potential project proposals and is open to receive new proposals. In addition to the provision of project funding, AADF has been successful in raising awareness amongst the Irish agri-food sector of potential opportunities available in Africa and has provided additional support to Irish companies seeking to establish markets in Africa in terms of development of local networks and the provision of advice on the business environments in specific African countries through the Irish embassy network in the region.
I believe that AADF is playing a valuable role in facilitating closer links between the Irish agri-food sector and the development of sustainable agriculture in Africa. In conjunction with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, my Department is considering undertaking a review of AADF to assess its structure and focus into the future.
490. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a breakdown of the individual investment allocations under the targeted agricultural modernisation or TAM II scheme, specifically the grant aid levels available for young farmer capital investments, dairy equipment, low emission slurry spreading equipment, organic capital investment, animal welfare, safety and nutrient storage, and pig and poultry investments in energy, water meters and medicine dispensers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30601/15]
View answerThe individual TAMS II Schemes budget allocation, applicable ceilings and grant rates are listed in the table below. The overall TAMS II ceiling, applicable across all Schemes, is €80,000. The higher 60% rate of aid shown is exclusively for qualifying young farmers.
|
Investment Ceiling |
Grant aid available % |
|
|
Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme |
€80,000.00 (€160,000.00 for eligible partnership) |
60%, 40% |
|
Dairy Equipment Scheme |
€80,000.00 (€160,000.00 for eligible partnership) |
40% |
|
Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme |
€80,000.00 (€160,000.00 for eligible partnership) |
40% |
|
Pig & Poultry Investment Scheme |
€80,000.00 (€160,000.00 for eligible partnership) |
40% |
|
Organic Capital Investment Scheme |
€80,000.00 (€160,000.00 for eligible partnership) |
60%, 40% |
|
Low Emission Slurry Spreading Scheme |
€40,000.00 (€60,000.00 for eligible partnership) |
40% |
491. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce measures that will stabilise the market situation with regard to the drastic reduction in milk prices and ensure there are no further reductions in milk prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30671/15]
View answerThe price of milk and dairy commodities are determined by supply and demand factors both domestically and at international level. These include the Russian Ban and the softening of Chinese demand on one side, coupled with increased production among key global producers on the supply side. The longer term perspectives remain very positive. Having witnessed dairy market developments affecting milk and dairy commodity prices in Ireland and the EU, I presented a six-point plan offering possible solutions to the Commissioner and my EU ministerial colleagues earlier this month. These were presented on the basis of my belief that they were appropriate for consideration by the Council and as a response to the market issues that had developed. This list was not exhaustive and I sought to reach common ground with other Ministers regarding a suite of appropriate solutions.
I am pleased to note that the final decision at Council on the aid package, including the 100% in the case of the PSA scheme for SMP, took account of significant elements in Ireland’s six point plan. I am satisfied that the improved PSA scheme for this product which will include longer periods for storage as well as the improved aid rates, can help stabilise this market. Other key elements of the Commission Aid proposal include an advance of 70% for next year’s Single Farm Payment which will assist with cash flow difficulties. I also welcome the almost €14 million in direct aid for Ireland, a new PSA scheme for cheese and an increase in funding for the promotion of dairy products. In conjunction with stakeholders, I will now consider how best to utilise these funds to support Irish farmers.
I also made it clear that from my perspective, it will be necessary to give consideration at EU level to responses to volatility issues in the future such as more price transparency through the EU's Milk Market Observatory. I believe that further consideration needs to be given to the role that might be played by futures markets. The use of financial instruments specifically designed to take account of the cash flow impact of downward price cycles in commodity markets requires further examination also.
In addition to measures at EU level, I have also been proactive in other areas in terms of ensuring the right balance of measures are in place to ensure that Irish dairy farmers will remain confident for the future. Among the Government's initiatives in this area are provisions allowing dairy and other farmers to use income averaging over five years when it comes to paying income tax bills. This also offers respite to the sector from a cash flow perspective. Furthermore, I have also ensured that priority has been given to measures for the dairy sector in the Rural Development Plan. In addition, I have impressed upon the Irish banks the need to show flexibility in their dealings with farmers experiencing temporary cash flow difficulties in 2015.
Finally I decided to make a 3 year interest free instalment arrangement available to all those affected by superlevy this year. This option has been availed of by approximately 3,700 producers and will be of assistance to farmers facing cash flow difficulties arising from superlevy in the final year of the milk quota regime.
492. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on representations from Louth Irish Farmers' Association regarding the urgent need to review reference thresholds or intervention prices for skimmed milk powder and butter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30677/15]
View answerHaving witnessed dairy market developments affecting milk and dairy commodity prices in Ireland and the EU, I presented a paper offering possible solutions to both the EU Commissioner and my EU ministerial colleagues earlier this month. These were presented on the basis of my belief that they were appropriate for consideration by the Council and as a response to the market issues that had developed. This list was not exhaustive and I sought to reach common ground with other Ministers regarding a suite of appropriate solutions. Whilst welcoming the steps previously taken by the Commission, including extensions to the dates for Aids to Private Storage and Intervention, I noted that having regard to the acute downturn in global milk prices over the past several months, and the severe impact this is having on farm incomes, that a number of further steps were urgently required including:
i. Utilising the provisions of Article 219 of the CMO Regulation to temporarily increase the threshold prices, with particular reference to skimmed milk powder.
ii. Restoring the scheme providing Aids to Private Storage for cheese which was introduced by the Commission in September 2014 but discontinued shortly after. In addition I called for the existing aid rates in the PSA schemes for butter and SMP to be reviewed immediately.
iii. Increasing the EU budget for market supports in light of the fact that the assigned revenues deriving from super levies will be some €400 million higher than originally foreseen in the draft budget for 2016.
iv. Using exceptional promotion measures to promote the consumption of dairy products on EU, but especially on 3rd country markets.
v. Increasing the advance of the Basic Payment and other elements of Direct Payments Scheme and from 16th October 2015 to 70%, to alleviate cash flow difficulties.
vi. I also called for the reopening of the scheme on Private Storage for Pigmeat which was closed in May of this year.
In the longer term, I also made it clear that from my perspective, it will be necessary to give consideration at EU level to responses to volatility issues in the future such as more price transparency through the EU’s Milk Market Observatory, further consideration of the role that might be played by futures markets, and the use of financial instruments specifically designed to take account of the cash flow impact of downward price cycles in commodity markets.
I am pleased to note that of the final decision at Council on the aid package, including the 100% in the case of the PSA scheme for SMP took account of Ireland’s six point plan.. Unfortunately a temporary top-up in the intervention price for SMP did not enjoy the support of all Ministers or the Commission. However the improved PSA scheme for SMP, which will include longer periods for storage as well as the improved aid rates, the reintroduction of PSA for cheese, the provision allowing 70% advance in the single farm payment, the provision of increased funding for promotion and the provision of almost €14m in targeted direct aid for farmers can go some way towards alleviating the worst effects of the current market downturn.
493. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on efforts to stabilise milk prices in Europe, a review of the hands-off policy in place and a programme for farmers who are struggling to make a profit on dairy transactions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30712/15]
View answer508. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will intervene in requesting the European Union Commissioner for Agriculture to secure a better price for dairy farmers here who are struggling for financial survival at present, as it is costing them more to produce their milk than what they are getting paid for it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31027/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 493 and 508 together.
The price of milk and dairy commodities are determined by supply and demand factors both domestically and at international level. These include the Russian Ban and the softening of Chinese demand on one side, coupled with increased production among key global producers on the supply side. The longer term perspectives remain very positive.
Having witnessed dairy market developments affecting milk and dairy commodity prices in Ireland and the EU, I presented a six-point plan offering possible solutions to the Commissioner and my EU ministerial colleagues earlier this month. These were presented on the basis of my belief that they were appropriate for consideration by the Council and as a response to the market issues that had developed. This list was not exhaustive and I sought to reach common ground with other Ministers regarding a suite of appropriate solutions.
I am pleased to note that the final decision at Council on the aid package, including the 100% in the case of the PSA scheme for SMP, took account of significant elements in Ireland’s six point plan. I am satisfied that the improved PSA scheme for this product, which will include longer periods for storage as well as the improved aid rates, can help stabilise this market. Other key elements of the Commission Aid proposal include an advance of 70% for next year’s Single Farm Payment which will assist with cashflow difficulties. I also welcome the almost €14 million in direct aid for Ireland, a new PSA scheme for cheese and an increase in funding for the promotion of dairy products. In conjunction with stakeholders, I will now consider how best to utilise these funds to support Irish farmers.
I also made it clear that from my perspective, it will be necessary to give consideration at EU level to responses to volatility issues in the future such as more price transparency through the EU's Milk Market Observatory. I believe that further consideration needs to be given to the role that might be played by futures markets. The use of financial instruments specifically designed to take account of the cashflow impact of downward price cycles in commodity markets requires further examination also.
In addition to measures at EU level, I have also been proactive in other areas in terms of ensuring the right balance of measures are in place to ensure that Irish dairy farmers will remain confident for the future. Among the Government's initiatives in this area are provisions allowing dairy and other farmers to use income averaging over five years when it comes to paying income tax bills. This also offers respite to the sector from a cashflow perspective. Furthermore, I have also ensured that priority has been given to measures for the dairy sector in the Rural Development Plan. In addition, I have impressed upon the Irish banks the need to show flexibility in their dealings with farmers experiencing temporary cashflow difficulties in 2015.
Finally I decided to make a 3 year interest free instalment arrangement available to all those affected by superlevy this year. This option has been availed of by approximately 3,700 producers and will be of assistance to farmers facing cashflow difficulties arising from superlevy in the final year of the milk quota regime.
494. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will make available a seat on the Discards Implementation Group for the Sea Fishery Advisory Group of the Irish Seal Sanctuary and other environmental non-governmental organisations to provide important oversight of the landings obligation where serious problems with its implementation have already emerged. [30718/15]
View answerTo facilitate the phasing in of the landing obligation under the reformed Common Fisheries Policy, I established a national Discards Implementation Group (DIG) under the Chairmanship of Dr. Noel Cawley. The remit of this Group is to advise me on issues arising in the effective implementation of the new policy and to recommend practical solutions and arrangements that take into account the situation of the Irish industry. The primary aim of the group is ensure that the Irish fishing industry are fully prepared for, and engaged in, the practical implementation of the discards ban. Under the reformed CFP, Member States with a direct management interest in a particular region may propose joint recommendations on fisheries management to the Commission. Prior to making any recommendation, those Member States must consult with the relevant Advisory Council.
The key policy decisions with regard to the landing obligation e.g. what species are covered and when - have been and will continue to be made in the Regional Groups of Member States. Under the new Common Fisheries Policy the Regional Group must consult with the Advisory Councils (which include environmental NGO’s). In North Western Waters, a regional Group of Member States (Ireland, UK, Netherlands, Spain, France and Belgium) has submitted a joint recommendation on a Discards Plan for demersal species that will come into effect in 2016. Representatives of the relevant Advisory Council – the NWWAC (of which the Irish Seal Sanctuary is a member) – have been invited to and attended all meetings of this Group and their views fully taken into consideration.
Since the establishment of the Group I have asked that interested environmental NGO’s are kept updated on its deliberations on a regular basis and this will of course continue. I do not consider it necessary that they become part of the DIG given its particular remit in terms of practical implementation. I consider that they have every opportunity to input into discussions and inform advice within the Advisory Councils.
Consequently, I do not consider it necessary that environmental non-governmental organisations, including the Irish Seal Sanctuary, which will not have any direct role in implementing the landing obligation, become part of the DIG. As I have said previously, I have provided that such organisations are kept updated on the Group’s deliberations and this will remain the case.
I would be happy to consider carefully any information the Deputy may have regarding “serious problems” regarding the implementation of the landing obligation which currently applies to pelagic species only.
495. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a penalty in relation to the Rural Environment Protection Scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30730/15]
View answerThe person named has submitted a request for a review of the penalty imposed on his Rural Environmental Protection Scheme payment to the Local Office of the Department. The Department will carry out a full review of the penalty imposed and will be in contact with the person named regarding the outcome in the near future.
496. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding gun clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30736/15]
View answerCoillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act 1988. Day-to-day operational matters, such as the recreational use of their forest estate including the issue of licences for hunting on their properties, are the responsibility of the company. Information was, however, sought from Coillte in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy. Coillte advise that it permits certain types of hunting on its estate where it is deemed compatible with forest management objectives and where it is not considered to compromise the safety of other forest users or negatively impact the sustainability of local populations of quarry species. This policy is in line with Coillte's Recreation Policy and Deer Management Policy, and fully reflects the principles of multiple use forestry.
The company also advises that hunting on Coillte land is carefully managed and strictly regulated through the issue of licences. Licences for the hunting of game, deer and other quarry species are issued for periods of up to 5 years. In the interests of fair competition, it is Coillte's general policy to advertise all available licensed areas to open public tender. Two such tender competitions are undertaken annually with catalogues of available licences, tender forms together with tendering instructions being published on the www.coillteoutdoors.com website. Interested parties can register online to be notified of forthcoming tender competitions. Tender competitions operate on a “sealed bid system” where bids are posted in sealed envelopes to the relevant regional offices. Following the closing date of the tender competition, tender bids are opened and all tender bids are evaluated based on a published scoring matrix with more information available on www.coillteoutdoors.ie.
The company state that cognisance is taken of the annual fee offered, the applicant's previous experience, their commitment to safety as well as environmental and local interest considerations. I understand that Coillte is moving towards a position whereby only persons who have completed an approved competence assessment will be permitted to hunt on its lands and that this is currently a mandatory requirement for all those intending to hunt wild deer. Coillte add that it has produced codes of practice which establish minimum standards expected of all persons engaged in these activities alongside compliance with national legislation and conditions of the licence agreement.
498. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify the situation in relation to parking on his Department's property in Howth, County Dublin; if there is any supervision or regulations regarding overnight parking; the specific rules that exist in relation to caravans, mobile homes and or camper vans; his views on the matter which occurred at times during the summer with caravans parking near the tourist information kiosk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30753/15]
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 Mhíl 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 free of charge within the limits of the Howth Fishery Harbour Centre for visitors and users of the Harbour. The only requirement is that they comply with the traffic management markings and procedures.
The Deputy may be aware that upgrading works to the car park, including lining of parking spaces, have taken place as part of the harbour’s ongoing traffic management improvements. In 2015 I have allocated €75,000 for the continuation of these improvements.
Furthermore, having regard to Health & Safety reasons and in the interests of proper traffic management generally, consideration is being given to the introduction of a Fixed Payment of €150 for parking offences within the Centre.
While my officials liaise with An Garda Síochána, Fingal County Council and other stakeholders on an ongoing basis on matters pertaining to traffic management within and in the vicinity of Howth harbour, 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.
499. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme 2 programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30802/15]
View answerThe range of investment items included under the various TAMS measures was informed by the SWOT and needs analyses undertaken as part of the development of the new Rural Development Programme, as well as by an extensive consultation process with the various stakeholders. The funding of the investment item referred to did not emerge as a priority from that process. However, I will keep the matter under review. In addition, I would like to point out that all eligible sheep farmers can currently benefit from grant aid for a range of investments under the various TAMS II Schemes. Approvals remain valid for an extended period of time, thus enabling farmers ample time to arrange the necessary financing.
500. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the take up of the beef data and genomics programme to date; if he will provide the details in tabular form for each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30814/15]
View answerThe closing date for the Beef Data & Genomics Programme was 5th June 2015. Almost 29,000 applicants have successfully applied to the Programme. The details requested by the Deputy are outlined as follows:
|
County Name |
Successful Applicants |
|
CARLOW |
380 |
|
CAVAN |
1453 |
|
CLARE |
2213 |
|
CORK |
1985 |
|
DONEGAL |
1552 |
|
DUBLIN |
73 |
|
GALWAY |
3175 |
|
KERRY |
1534 |
|
KILDARE |
359 |
|
KILKENNY |
683 |
|
LAOIS |
700 |
|
LEITRIM |
1148 |
|
LIMERICK |
948 |
|
LONGFORD |
763 |
|
LOUTH |
253 |
|
MAYO |
2842 |
|
MEATH |
689 |
|
MONAGHAN |
1057 |
|
OFFALY |
682 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
1654 |
|
SLIGO |
1118 |
|
TIPPERARY |
1153 |
|
WATERFORD |
406 |
|
WESTMEATH |
848 |
|
WEXFORD |
673 |
|
WICKLOW |
466 |
|
Total |
28807 |
