Finian McGrath
Question:322. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the annual funding provided to the Turf Club and Horse Racing Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32804/15]
View answerHorse and Greyhound Fund
Questions (322)
Written answers
Government support for the horse and greyhound racing industries is provided under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, established under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001. In accordance with the Act, 80% and 20% of the monies paid into the Fund each year are distributed between Horse Racing Ireland(HRI) and Bord na gCon, respectively. The amounts provided under this measure are approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas on an annual basis. An allocation of €43.376m was provided for HRI in 2014. In the same period, the total amount paid by HRI in relation to both integrity and racecourse services (being costs for camera patrol, starting stalls and photo finish operations) amounted to €8.914m with €5.982m paid to the Turf Club directly in relation to their integrity role. The Turf Club allocation in any given year is on the basis of a prior submission by the Turf Club which is subject to approval by the HRI Board.
The horse and greyhound racing industries generate very substantial economic activity and make a vital contribution to the rural economy including farm incomes. These industries attract significant inward investment into the country. The most recent estimates available report that the horse racing industry contributes approximately €1.1m to the economy and supports 14,000 jobs. A sum of €54.4m was provided for HRI in 2015.
Basic Payment Scheme
Questions (323)
Dara Calleary
Question:323. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a farmer (details supplied) in County Mayo will have an area of natural constraint payment processed; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32819/15]
View answerWritten answers
The person named submitted a 2015 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme application on 29 May 2015. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases Remote Sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue. The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing eligibility inspection. This inspection is currently being finalised with the intention of issuing any payment due under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.
Rural Development Programme Funding
Questions (324, 325, 326, 327)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:324. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a breakdown, in tabular form, of the total allocated spend on all schemes under the 2014 to 2020 rural development programme; if he will indicate how much of the spend has been outlaid so far from the programme on all schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32954/15]
View answerÉamon Ó Cuív
Question:325. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the spend on the agri-environment options scheme and the rural environment protection scheme for the years 2014 to 2018 is coming from the 2007 to 2013 rural development programme, RDP, or from the current 2014 to 2020 RDP; if it is the current RDP, what is the financial spend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32955/15]
View answerÉamon Ó Cuív
Question:326. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated payments still to be made under the rural environment protection scheme and the agri-environment options scheme, until their conclusion; whether this will come out of the 2014 to 2020 rural development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32956/15]
View answerÉamon Ó Cuív
Question:327. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any green low-carbon agri-environment scheme payments made after 2020 will come from the current rural development programme's, RDP, funding allocation or from the post-2020 RDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32957/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 324 to 327, inclusive, together.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is the Managing Authority for Ireland’s RDP. The Programme is co-funded by the EU’s European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the national exchequer. EU support for the RDP via the EAFRD will average €313 million annually, or an aggregate sum of €2.19 billion over the 7-year Programme lifespan. This EU funding will be supplemented by exchequer funding. The allocation of funding will be phased over the Programme period in line with the requirements of measure design.
EAFRD and national funding over the RDP
The RDP is structured on the regulatory framework set out in Regulation (EU) No. 1305/2013 and other supporting legislation. This framework is based on the concept of measures, rather than individual schemes and the financial plan for the RDP is of necessity also based on this measure structure. The overall allocations between measures are set out in the following table.
EAFRD and national funding over the RDP lifetime
|
Measure |
€ millions |
|
Measure 1 - Knowledge transfer and information actions Of which - €100m Knowledge Transfer Groups - €14m for training to be delivered as part of BDGP - €12m for training to be delivered as part of GLAS |
126 |
|
Measure 2 - Advisory services, farm management and farm relief services Of which - €2m for CPD for advisors - €6m for animal health advisory services |
8 |
|
Measure 4 - Investments in physical assets - Of which €395m is in respect of TAMSII, with the remainder for TAMSI transitional funding |
425 |
|
Measure 7 - Basic services and village renewal in rural areas - This is in effect part of GLAS |
6 |
|
Measure 10 - Agri-environment-climate - See below in relation to detail on Measure 10 breakdown, including transitional expenditure |
1,585 |
|
Measure 11 - Organic farming |
56 |
|
Measure 13 - Payments to areas facing natural/other specific constraints |
1,370 |
|
Measure 16 - Co-operation - Of which €3m for support for collaborative farming - €4m for European Innovation Partnerships |
7 |
|
Measure 19 - Support for LEADER local development |
250 |
Transitional arrangements have been put in place for expenditure spanning the programming periods of the 2007-2013 RDP and the 2014-2020 RDP. Transitional funding is included in the figures above in respect of Measures 4, 10 and 13. In addition to the figures outlined, the RDP financial plan also includes transitional funding allocated to measures from the 2007-2013 RDP which do not have a corresponding measure in the 2014-2020 RDP.
In certain instances, the measure structure is the same as our national scheme structure. For example, Measure 13 relates to the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme and in both instances the financial allocation over the lifetime of the RDP is the same – i.e. €1,370m. This is also the situation with regard to Measure 11 - Organic Farming, €56m.
However, in other cases the Measure and Scheme structure do not correspond directly. For example, Measure 10 includes expenditure on our two Measure 10 schemes GLAS and BDGP. However, there is also BDGP and GLAS expenditure in Measure 1 for the training elements to be delivered as part of these schemes at the national level.
Measure 10 includes €280m for BDGP which is then complemented by the allocation for BDGP training which is contained in Measure 1. The total expenditure envisaged for GLAS (Measure 10) over the lifetime of the scheme is €1.4bn. This includes an allocation of some €390m in transitional funding for remaining commitments arising from the Agri-Environment Measures in the 2007-2013 RDP, much of which may transfer directly to GLAS expenditure as these farmers ‘transform’ their existing contracts into new GLAS contracts. In order to ensure that the planned level of commitments under Measure 10 is achieved, the expenditure includes the arrangement that commitments which extend beyond the 2014-2020 period (for example GLAS contracts which commence in 2017 or later) can be funded from the transitional arrangements which will be in place for that programming period. This is a standard feature of RDP financing.
As Measures have been rolled out over the last few months, the only outlay to date has been in respect of transitional commitments and the recent announcement in relation to the first tranche of ANC payments.
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme
Questions (328)
Paul Connaughton
Question:328. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports available to the owner of a sand arena for horses to roof the arena; his plans to introduce a scheme, for example, a targeted agricultural modernisation scheme which could grant-aid such ventures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32976/15]
View answerWritten answers
There is currently grant aid available for Horse Stocks in the TAMS II Scheme but no grant aid is available for roofing sand arenas for horses and I have no plans to introduce such a measure.
Land Parcel Identification System
Questions (329)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:329. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an appeal submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Galway under the land parcel identification system will be completed; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33001/15]
View answerWritten answers
A review of the lands declared by the person named under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme revealed that a number of the land parcels declared contained ineligible features. In order to clarify the position regarding the area of any ineligible features my Department arranged for a ground verification check to be undertaken. This check confirmed the 2013 area over-declaration as 90.26% in the case of both the Single Farm Payment and the Disadvantaged Area Schemes. As the over-declaration was greater than 20% of the newly established eligible area in respect of both Schemes, no payment is due to the person named under the 2013 Single Payment and Disadvantaged Area Schemes.
A letter detailing the outcome of the verification check was issued to the person named on the 10 June 2014. The person named has availed of his right of appeal and the LPIS Appeals Committee are currently considering same. The person named will be notified in writing of the outcome of this appeal and in the event he is not satisfied he can appeal this decision to the Office of the Ombudsman if he so wishes.
Land Parcel Identification System
Questions (330)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:330. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an appeals process submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Galway under the land parcel identification system will be completed; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33002/15]
View answerWritten answers
The 2014 Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas’ scheme application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing inspection. A follow-up field inspection to determine the eligibility of commonage land s declared identified ineligible lands/features resulting in discrepancies between the area declared and the area determined. As the over-declaration in area was greater than 50%, under the terms and conditions of these schemes this resulted is no payment being due under the 2014 schemes. The person named appealed this decision and the outcome of this review is nearing finalisation. A letter detailing the outcome will issue to the person named shortly.
In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of this review, the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office, within three months.
Land Parcel Identification System
Questions (331)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:331. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Galway under the land parcel identification system will be completed; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33003/15]
View answerWritten answers
The 2014 Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas’ scheme application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing inspection. A follow-up field inspection to determine the eligibility of commonage lands declared identified ineligible lands/features resulting in discrepancies between the area declared and the area determined. As the over-declaration in area was greater than 50%, under the terms and conditions of these schemes this resulted is no payment being due under the 2014 schemes. The person named appealed this decision and the outcome of this review is nearing finalisation. A letter detailing the outcome will issue to the person named shortly.
In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of this review, the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office, within three months.
Departmental Legal Cases
Questions (332)
Willie O'Dea
Question:332. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received a notification from the IMPACT trade union, in relation to a retired Department of Agriculture official (details supplied); if he will re-examine the files pertaining to this case given that the ex-official has discontinued all legal proceedings due to lack of resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33005/15]
View answerWritten answers
The former DAFM official retired from my Department during 2006. The issues raised by this former official date back over some 20 years or more and were the subject of High Court action commenced in 2006. These proceedings were struck out in 2013 due to the lengthy delay in initiating proceeding and failure to abide by Court deadlines. Under these circumstances I do not intend to re-examine these matters.
Suckler Welfare Scheme Payments
Questions (333)
Noel Coonan
Question:333. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment for the 2012 suckler cow scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33066/15]
View answerWritten answers
The above applicant applied on fifty three animals under the 2012 Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme. The applicant was paid on twenty three animals on the 18 April 2012 and fifteen animals on the 29 April 2013. There was one animal with a weaning error and, therefore, was not eligible for payment. My Department has completed the processing of the other fourteen animals and confirmed that they are eligible for payment under the Scheme, which will be issue shortly.
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme
Questions (334)
Michael Creed
Question:334. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if grant aid is available from his Department for replacing slats in slatted cattle units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33056/15]
View answerWritten answers
There is grant aid available under the TAMS II schemes for the replacement of damaged slats in slatted cattle units and for the removal of existing internal agitation points and replacement by gang slats. All of the TAMS II schemes are now open for online applications.
Afforestation Programme
Questions (335)
Brendan Griffin
Question:335. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason an afforestation pre-approval application was not approved for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; if the case will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33118/15]
View answerWritten answers
The application by the person in question under the afforestation scheme was refused on the grounds that the proposed area consists of predominantly GPC1 (unenclosed) quality land and is incompatible with the requirements of the scheme and environmental protection at the location in question. The applicant was notified of his right to appeal this decision.
Single Payment Scheme Appeals
Questions (336)
Pat Breen
Question:336. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision on an appeal against a penalty on a large single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33212/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Agriculture Appeals Office has confirmed that an appeal was received from the person named on 15 September 2015. The file and a statement on the appeal have been received from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the appeal has been assigned to an Appeals Officer. The Appeals Officer will be in direct contact with the person named regarding the appeal and a decision will subsequently issue.
Forestry Premium Payments
Questions (337)
Áine Collins
Question:337. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding forestry payments to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [33213/15]
View answerWritten answers
The plantation in question was planted in April 2008 and the sixth annual forestry premium was paid to the applicant in April 2013. The second instalment of the establishment grant, which can be claimed four years after completion of the plantation once the Department is satisfied that the plantation has been properly established. It is Department policy not to pay beyond the sixth premium until the second instalment of the establishment grant is paid. The applicant was notified of this in writing in June 2012 and April 2015.
A form to claim the second instalment of the grant (Form 3) was sent to the applicant in June 2012 and a reminder letter regarding the outstanding Form 3 was then sent to the applicant in April 2015. The Form 3 was finally submitted to Department in August 2015. The application will now be processed. This involves a full check of the file, the mapping and the plantation and an on-site inspection may also take place. The applicant will be notified when the application has been fully processed.
Departmental Bodies
Questions (338)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:338. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 209 of 19 May 2015, if his Department has made a decision regarding the appointment of additional staff to a college (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33230/15]
View answerWritten answers
A request by BIM for an increase in staff resources is currently being considered by my Department. In addition my Department is in discussion with BIM in relation to delegated sanction under the Pay and Staffing Policy for the Department and its agencies. It is expected that these discussions will be concluded shortly.
Rural Development Programme
Questions (339)
Pat Deering
Question:339. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to review the knowledge transfer programme as a number of issues have arisen which are causing difficulty (details supplied). [33253/15]
View answerWritten answers
Under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme Knowledge Transfer groups across a range of sectors, including beef, dairy and sheep, will be established. The design of the measure has been informed by experience from previous discussion groups, extensive stakeholder consultation and the relevant articles from the respective EU regulations. Participants are required to attend Knowledge Transfer (KT) group meetings and complete a Farm Improvement Plan. I believe that the combination of both farmer knowledge exchange meetings and one to one interaction between the farmer and advisor in the development of a Farm Improvement Plan will ensure the transfer and exchange of information and best practice to participating farmers.
The analysis of previous discussion group schemes and consultations leading up to the design of the KT Programme highlighted the importance of addressing all aspects of a farming enterprise including profitability, environmental sustainability, farm safety and animal health and welfare measures. This is reflected in the scheme design which includes the requirement for a private veterinary practitioner (PVP) to oversee the preparation of an individual animal health and welfare plan. While a payment to cover the PVP’s involvement is not an eligible cost under the relevant article covering knowledge transfer, the time spent by the farmer in completing the Animal Health Measure aspect of the Farm Improvement Plan is and has been included in the total payment to participating farmers. Over the period of the programme this totals €160. In effect this reduces the PVP cost over the period of the programme by €160, thereby significantly reducing the net PVP cost.
Participation in more than one Knowledge Transfer group across sectors is not permitted. This is largely due to potential double funding which would arise from the completion of more than one Farm Improvement Plan for a single farming enterprise. I am however considering how farmers could participate in KT groups across two sectors, while at the same time avoiding double funding issues.
An appropriate named nominee will be allowed to attend in the place of a farmer participating in Knowledge Transfer.
Under the relevant article covering knowledge transfer the knowledge transfer facilitator is the beneficiary and all payments under this measure must issue to him/her in the first instance. There is no leeway in this regard. A robust payment procedure is being developed which will make the facilitator payment contingent on provision of confirmation that the payment has issued to his group participants, thereby ensuring timely payment to all participating farmers.
Basic Payment Scheme Applications
Questions (340)
Michael Creed
Question:340. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm receipt of an application for entitlements from the national reserve in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if the applicant meets the relevant criteria under the terms governing eligibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33270/15]
View answerWritten answers
The person named has submitted application under the 2015 National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme. Processing of applications is underway which involves administrative and on farm checks and verification of land details submitted under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme application. These checks are required under EU Regulation. In cases where additional information is required my Department will correspond directly with the applicant concerned. When all checks have been completed, and processing of applications has been finalised my Department will correspond directly with each applicant to advise them of the outcome of their application.
Payments to successful applicants under the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme will commence early in December 2015.
Basic Payment Scheme Applications
Questions (341)
Michael McNamara
Question:341. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment in respect of areas of natural constraint will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33274/15]
View answerWritten answers
An application under the 2015 Basic Payments/Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme was received from the person named on 16 April 2015. Processing of which has recently been finalised. Payment will issue shortly directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.