Tuesday, 8 Dec 2015

IDA Supports

Questions (210, 211, 212)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

210. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the Industrial Development Agency Ireland's office in Letterkenny in County Donegal. [44140/15]

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Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

211. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of site visits in County Donegal organised by the Industrial Development Agency Ireland for potential investors, for each of the years 2007 to 2014. [44141/15]

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Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

212. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the numbers of new Industrial Development Agency Ireland supported companies that have located in County Donegal and the numbers of jobs created for each of the years 2011 to date. [44142/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 to 212, inclusive, together.

IDA Ireland's North-West regional office in Letterkenny is situated in the Colab building in the Institute of Technology. The office is manned by two permanent IDA Ireland staff; one dedicated regional official and one official from IDA Ireland's Engineering and Industrial Technology Division. The office is jointly shared with Enterprise Ireland. Donegal also has the additional resources of IDA Ireland regional staff in Sligo including a full-time manager focussed on the North-West region.

IDA Ireland is satisfied that its foot print in the North-West of the country is sufficient to meet the requirements for Foreign Direct Investment in Donegal. Marketing of any regional area including Donegal for Foreign Direct Investment occurs through IDA Ireland's network of overseas offices. IDA Ireland actively incentivises and encourages investors to consider a range of potential locations in Ireland. The agency markets Letterkenny as a gateway location for the region. The ultimate locations selected are always decided by the clients and not IDA Ireland.

There were 6 IDA Ireland-sponsored site visits to Donegal in 2014 and in 2015 there were 3 up to the end of September. It should be noted that 70% of new IDA Ireland jobs come from existing client companies, not from new investments. The numbers of IDA Ireland-sponsored site visits for the years 2007 to 2015 inclusive are set out in Table A attached.

IDA Ireland markets Donegal as part of its North-West Region, which also comprises Leitrim and Sligo. The main FDI activity clusters that have emerged in the North-West are in the life sciences and engineering sectors, particularly in the manufacture of medical devices and automotive components. There are also a small number of large employers in the financial services sector, particularly in Letterkenny and a growing pharma sector in Sligo.

The number of jobs in IDA Ireland client companies in county Donegal, as per the 2014 Annual Employment Survey, rose from 1,854 in 2010 to 2,612 in 2014. I attach the breakdown in Table B. The figures for this year will not be available until the 2015 Annual Employment Survey is published early next year. There are 41 multinational companies in total based in the North-West, employing 5,294 across the Region. Given the global economic operating environment in recent years, the existing client base has performed well in not only retaining their presence in Donegal, but expanding the number of employees. The most recent example of this was the announcement in July of this year by Pramerica of the expansion of its facility in Donegal by 330 jobs.

Achieving a balanced regional dispersal of employment is challenging. IDA Ireland's new five year strategy Winning – Foreign Direct Investment 2015-2019 contains a strong focus on regional development, setting forth aims and strategies to achieve a significant increase in investment going into regional locations. To support that aim, IDA Ireland is rolling out a €150million capital investment programme to help attract more multinational jobs into each region over a 5-year period. This programme will include investments over the coming years in building advanced technology buildings and office facilities in a number of regional locations to provide state-of-the-art property solutions for clients.

In addition to attracting Foreign Direct Investment to Donegal, I am very committed to encouraging start-ups and nurturing small, high technology companies, with potential for growth. There are 3,302 people directly employed in Enterprise Ireland client companies in Donegal. Enterprise Ireland has supported, through various programmes, 101 start-up entrepreneurs in Donegal in addition to a further 196 supported by the Local Enterprise Office in Donegal. A strong indigenous sector is also key to ensuring all the necessary supports are in place for potential FDI investors.

My Department published its North-East/North-West Regional Action Plan last month as part of the wider Actions Plan for Jobs programme. This regional plan seeks to maximise the strengths and assets of the region to support enterprise growth and job creation.

Table A

IDA Ireland-sponsored Site Visits to Donegal 2009 to end Q3 2015

Year	Number of Site Visits
2007	3
2008	3
2009	3
2010	4
2011	2
2012	1
2013	7
2014	6
2015 (up to end Q3)	3

Table B

IDA Ireland Client Company Jobs in Donegal 2010-2014

Year	No. Companies	Total Jobs
2010	13	1,854
2011	13	2,106
2012	14	2,228
2013	14	2,387
2014	14	2,612

Departmental Legal Costs

Questions (213)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

213. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total cost to his Department, and those under his aegis, for the procurement of legal services in the State from 2011 to 2015 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44576/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The following table shows the total cost to my Department, for the procurement of legal services from 2011 to 2 December 2015:

1 January – 2 December 2015	€298.743.72
1 January – 31 December 2014	€27,336.75
1 January – 31 December 2013	€394,082.38
1 January – 31 December 2012	€612,643.88
1 January – 31 December 2011	€578,994.01

My Department seeks, where possible, to minimise legal costs and has adopted a number of measures to achieve this. The Department/offices avail of the services of the Chief State Solicitor's office and the Attorney General's office in terms of the provision of legal advice and in terms of representation of the Department/offices in Court cases. The services of legal cost accountants are availed of where fees demanded appear to be high.

The issue of procurement of legal services by Agencies under my remit is a day-to-day matter for the individual Agencies concerned, for which I have no direct function.

I have asked all Agencies under the aegis of my Department to advise me of any procurement of legal services for the dates concerned, and I will communicate that information to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Basic Payment Scheme Payments

Questions (214)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

214. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of payment under the 2015 area aid scheme due to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal, if the person will receive the full payment, if not, the reason for the deduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43511/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An application under the 2015 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Schemes was received from the person named on 18 May, 2015. The processing of the Basic Payment Scheme application has been and completed and payment has issued. Processing of the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme application has recently been finalised and payment will issue shortly, directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.

Dairy Equipment Scheme Applications

Questions (215)

Noel Coonan

Question:

215. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an application under the dairy equipment scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary, the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43512/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Interest in TAMS to date has exceeded expectations and clearly many Irish farmers are looking once again at the benefits of investing in their enterprises and expanding production. Under the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme a total of 520 applications have been received with over 200 of these applying for dairy investments while over a thousand applications have been submitted for the Dairy Equipment Scheme.

All applications received are being examined and approvals will commence when all of the required checks have been undertaken. This is a complex process and as all applications for TAMS 2 must be made under a tranche-based approach, we are required to evaluate, rank and assess all applications received together. Applications cannot be approved individually or on a rolling basis as they are submitted.

It is anticipated that approvals will commence shortly and will continue throughout December and into the New Year. Every effort is being made to facilitate approvals in cases where milking equipment is urgently required.

TAMS Applications

Questions (216)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

216. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on an application for a grant for a milking parlour by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43513/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Interest in TAMS to date has exceeded expectations and clearly many Irish farmers are looking once again at the benefits of investing in their enterprises and expanding production. Under the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme a total of 520 applications have been received with over 200 of these applying for dairy investments while over a thousand applications have been submitted for the Dairy Equipment Scheme.

All applications received are being examined and approvals will commence when all of the required checks have been undertaken. This is a complex process and as all applications for TAMS 2 must be made under a tranche-based approach, we are required to evaluate, rank and assess all applications received together. Applications cannot be approved individually or on a rolling basis as they are submitted.

It is anticipated that approvals will commence shortly and will continue throughout December and into the New Year. Every effort is being made to facilitate approvals in cases where milking equipment is urgently required.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Questions (217)

Michael Ring

Question:

217. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a payment under the agri-environment options scheme. [43516/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named commenced his AEOS 3 contract on 1 May 2013 and has been paid in full for the 2013 and 2014 scheme years.

Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue.

It is expected that AEOS payments for the 2015 scheme year will commence shortly for those that have successfully come through the administrative checks and where there are no outstanding issues for those who have had on-the-spot inspections in 2015.

Basic Payment Scheme Applications

Questions (218)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

218. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the basic payment scheme and the areas of natural constraint scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43518/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named submitted a 2015 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme application on 8 April 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 processed with the intention of issuing any payments due under the Direct Payments Schemes as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.

The person named submitted a Force Majeure application under the 2015 Basic payment scheme. This application did not include the required documentation to fully process the case and a query letter issued to the person named on the 9 November 2015. Upon receipt of the information requested in this letter processing of the force majeure application will be finalised and a decision letter will issue accordingly.

Basic Payment Scheme Applications

Questions (219)

Tom Fleming

Question:

219. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43520/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An application under the 2015 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) Schemes was received from the person named on 21 May, 2015. Under the 2015 ANC Scheme, eligible applicants are required to occupy and farm at their own risk a minimum of 3 hectares of eligible forage land. Unfortunately the person named has not met the above requirements and thus cannot be considered for payment.

Processing of the Basic Payment Scheme application has been finalised with payment due to issue shortly to the nominated bank account of the person named.

Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Applications

Questions (220)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

220. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person ( details supplied) in County Donegal will receive a payment for 2015 under the headage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43523/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An application under the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme was received from the person named on 10 May, 2015. Processing of the application is currently in progress. On completion of this process, the application will be further reviewed with a view to payment issuing directly to the nominated bank account of the person named at the earliest possible date.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Questions (221)

Seán Kyne

Question:

221. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine why a person (details supplied) in County Louth has been issued with a debt repayment order, why the person was in breach of the terms and conditions of the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43524/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named was approved for participation in the 2010 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 1) with effect from 1 November 2010, and has received payments in respect of the scheme years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue.

In this case, the cross check with the 2014 Single Payment system revealed that three of the AEOS parcels on this person's contract had not been declared on their Single Payment Scheme application for 2014. Under the Terms and Conditions of the scheme, all undertakings under AEOS must be continued for a minimum period of five years. As this did not happen for the parcels in question, they were no longer eligible for payment under the scheme and payments made on these parcels for previous years had to be recouped. The person named was informed in writing of this decision in a letter dated 14 November 2014 and he was also informed that he should contact the Single Farm Payment Section if he believed the parcels were omitted in error from his SPS application.

My Department then proceeded to recoup the payments already made on these parcels and a further letter issued to the person named on 11 February 2015, informing them that a debt had been raised and advising them that interest would accrue until such time as the debt was paid in full.

Some recoupment has been made to date and will continue from future Department payments until such time as the debt has been paid in full. A quarterly debt statement was issued to the person named directly from Accounts Section in Cavan on 3 November 2015.

TAMS Eligibility

Questions (222)

Tom Fleming

Question:

222. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 559 of 4 February 2014, the status of eligibility of conversion of old buildings such as the conversion of an existing silage pit and shed, the extension of an existing shed and the installation of slotted units and cubicles with an underground slurry tank; if the building will qualify for the new grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43533/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In general the retrofitting and refurbishment of existing farm buildings is not being grant aided under TAMS II. The conversion of an existing silage pit and shed is not allowed. However an extension on to an existing animal house is allowed and the provision of new slatted units and cubicles with underground slurry tank is eligible under the scheme. Further details are available on my Department's website www.agriculture.gov.ie.

Single Payment Scheme Eligibility

Questions (223)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

223. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine why a person (details supplied) in County Offaly did not receive a single payment in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43539/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In order to comply with EU requirements, the 2012 Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application of the person named was selected for a ground eligibility inspection. The inspection identified discrepancies between the areas declared and the area found resulting in an over-declaration in area of greater than 20%. Based on the terms and conditions of the schemes this resulted in no payments being due under the 2012 Direct Payment Schemes. The person named was notified of this decision on 22 November 2012.

The person named sought a review of this decision and the outcome was to uphold the original inspection decision. The person named was notified of this outcome on 14 May 2013. The person named submitted an appeal to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office and an oral hearing was held. The outcome of the appeal process was to disallow the appeal and the person named was notified of this decision by the Agriculture Appeals Office on 14 May 2014. Further correspondence was received by that office on 5 November 2015, the issues raised are currently being examined and a reply will issue shortly directly to the person named.

Aquaculture Development

Questions (224)

Clare Daly

Question:

224. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 243 and 244 of 10 November 2015, given that the basic factual questions asked in each case were not addressed and given the limited reply, if his Department remains publicly accountable for the administration of fisheries and aquaculture. [43546/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My response to Questions No. 243 and 244 of 10 November 2015, concerning both monies paid to aquaculture enterprises and persons employed in aquaculture enterprises respectively, provided the Deputy with the figures concerned for the period of office of this Government. In light of the Deputy's further question, I have asked both Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Údarás na Gaeltachta to compile the historic data requested concerning the period of office of previous Governments and to forward it directly to the Deputy at the earliest possible date.

Aquaculture Licences

Questions (225)

Clare Daly

Question:

225. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 242 of 10 November 2015, why he is not implementing the explicit commitment in Food Wise 2025 to commission an independent review of his aquaculture licensing system which would report by early 2016; if he is willing to accept an independent review of the aquaculture licensing system, and if he will implement the other commitments in Food Wise 2025. [43547/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My response to Question No. 242 of 10 November 2015 clearly stated that my Department will implement the recommendations of Food Wise 2025 within the timeframe of that Report.

My Department is presently making arrangements to publish a National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development. I consulted with stakeholders on a draft of the Plan earlier this year. Action number 22 of that Plan commits my Department to a review and revision of the aquaculture licence process, including the applicable legal framework. I expect that Review to get underway early in the new year and to report in the first half of 2016.

Aquaculture Development

Questions (226)

Clare Daly

Question:

226. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 246, 248, and 249 of 10 November 2015, if he will indicate the accreditation and audit body or bodies certifying the organic status of salmon farms run by Marine Harvest Ireland from 2014 to date. [43548/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The control/certification body for organic salmon produced by Marine Harvest Ireland during the period referred to by the Deputy is SAI Global Trust Cert. Ltd.

This information is available on my Department's website via the following link:

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/farmingsectors/organicfarming/OrganicOperators16102015.pdf.

Equine Industry

Questions (227)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

227. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the designated inspection role of Horse Sport Ireland in respect of sports and draught horses; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43559/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has been approved by my Department to maintain studbooks for the Irish Sport Horse and Irish Draught breeds. Breeding programmes are operated by HSI according to Breeding Objectives for both these breeds.

The Irish Sport Horse Studbook Breeding Objective is to produce a performance horse that is sound, athletic with good paces and suitable temperament and capable of winning at the highest international level in FEI disciplines.

The Irish Draught Horse Studbook Breeding Objective is to breed Irish Draught Horses with conformation, movement and temperament that conform to the breed standard, which will make good quality, sound and versatile horses .

Irish Sport Horse and Irish Draught Horse Studbook inspections have been carried out annually with the purpose of identifying quality stallion and mares that adhere to the studbook breeding objectives.

An inspection has consisted of veterinary aspects and linear profiling. Linear profiling is used to assess conformation, movement and athleticism. A series of veterinary traits are assessed by a veterinary surgeon. A number of composite scores are used to classify the stallions and mares.

However HSI have informed me that this inspection process is currently under review.

Inspections have been held at regional centres throughout the country in spring and autumn and conducted by teams of inspectors appointed by Horse Sport Ireland. HSI have advised that the total cost of inspections for stallions and mares for 2014 is €200,000 approximately. This includes cost for inspector training, employment costs and overheads allocated, this figure is net figure inclusive of inspection income.

TAMS Applications

Questions (228)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

228. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a grant for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43576/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Interest in TAMS to date has exceeded expectations and clearly many Irish farmers are looking once again at the benefits of investing in their enterprises and expanding production. Under the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme a total of 520 applications have been received with over 200 of these applying for dairy investments while over a thousand applications have been submitted for the Dairy Equipment Scheme.

All applications received are being examined and approvals will commence when all of the required checks have been undertaken. This is a complex process and as all applications for TAMS 2 must be made under a tranche-based approach, we are required to evaluate, rank and assess all applications received together. Applications cannot be approved individually or on a rolling basis as they are submitted.

It is anticipated that approvals will commence shortly and will continue throughout December and into the New Year. Every effort is being made to facilitate approvals in cases where milking equipment is urgently required. The applicant in question has passed the first stage of approvals and will be contacted by the local office shortly.

Basic Payment Scheme Applications

Questions (229)

Noel Harrington

Question:

229. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a single payment for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43578/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named submitted a 2015 Basic Payment Scheme application to my Department on 5 May, 2015. This application has been fully processed and payment has now issued to the nominated bank account of the person named.

Basic Payment Scheme Applications

Questions (230)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

230. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the basic payment scheme and the areas of natural constraint scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43590/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named submitted a 2015 Basic Payment Scheme/Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) Scheme application on 11 May, 2015. Processing of the application under both schemes has been fully processed. Payment in respect of the Basic Payment Scheme has issued, and payment in relation to the ANC Scheme will issue shortly to the nominated bank account of the person named.

Departmental Meetings

Questions (231)

Robert Troy

Question:

231. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of meetings requested by private external lobby groups and the number of meetings held in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43592/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As you will appreciate, in view of the range of my remit as Minister I receive representations, including requests for meetings from a broad range of sources, including members of the Oireachtas, local and voluntary groups, private individuals, companies and representative associations.

While my Office does not maintain a register of all such requests for meetings or invitations received, I can advise that since January 2014, I have attended some 65 meetings with private external lobby groups. This figure would not include informal unscheduled meetings that might arise from time to time.

You will be aware that the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 has recently been enacted by the Oireachtas. The Act provides that the Standards in Public Office Commission (the Standards Commission) will establish and maintain an online register of lobbying and oversee compliance with the legislative provisions. The purpose of the register is to make information available to the public on the identity of those communicating with designated public officials. Persons lobbying are required to register with the Standards Commission and are also required to submit returns on their lobbying activities.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (232)

Robert Troy

Question:

232. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department's photography costs since he came into office, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance by year in tabular form; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the costs associated with each occasion; the policy in place regarding the booking of photographers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43624/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The information requested by the Deputy is available in the Ministers' Information Centre on my Department's website at http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/. When possible, the Department avails of internal photography skills.