Written Answers Nos. 200-215
200. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment will issue to a person (details supplied) under the young farmers payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2932/16]
View answerThe person named submitted applications under the 2015 National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme to my Department. Processing of these applications is underway. A letter has issued to the person named requesting the submission of additional documentation in relation to the required educational qualifications to support his applications. Following receipt of these documents by my Department processing of the applications will be finalised and the person named will be advised of the outcome.
201. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment under the single payment scheme. [2936/16]
View answerAn application under the Basic Payment Scheme was received on 15 April 2015 and subsequently the herd number was transferred to the person named on 17 April 2015. Payments have been processed in respect of the application. When the necessary bank account details have been received those payments will be released. An official from my Department has been in direct contact with the person named to clarify the position.
202. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review over-claims on parcels in County Kerry under the single payment scheme 2013 and 2014 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2941/16]
View answerThe person named was subject to a LPIS Review in 2013 which identified ineligible features on three land parcels. Following an initial appeal the original decision was upheld and the person named notified accordingly. The person named subsequently sought a review of this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Committee. The person named was notified in writing dated 22 August 2014 that the original decision was being upheld. The person named was also advised that if remedial work was carried out on the relevant parcels that the claim could be increased in subsequent years. To date this does not appear to have happened.
203. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in issuing payment to a person (details supplied) in County Cork under the basic payment scheme and the areas of natural constraint schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2944/16]
View answerThe person named submitted a 2015 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) Scheme application on 29 May 2015.
This application was subject to land verification checks. As part of this verification process an error was found and the claimed area of 13.91ha was reduced to the determined area of 12.36.ha for ANC. The person named was notified of this error on 13 November 2015 and advised of their right of appeal. To date no appeal has been received. Payment issued on the reduced eligible ANC area to the nominated bank account of the person on 26 November 2015.
The person named submitted an application to transfer the registration details of the herd number and the Basic Payment Scheme allocation rights into her name during the 2014 Scheme year by Inheritance. The reference data pertaining to the 2013-2015 Basic Payment Scheme allocation rights has now been processed and payment under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme will issue shortly.
204. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway under the young farmers scheme; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2956/16]
View answerThe person named submitted applications to the ‘young farmer’ priority category of the 2015 National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme to my Department. One of the eligibility criteria under these schemes is that the applicant must have successfully completed a recognised course of education in agriculture at FETAC Level 6 or its equivalent, or have commenced such a course in 2015. The documentary evidence submitted by the person named in relation to his educational qualifications does not meet the standard required. The person named has been notified in writing of this decision and has been advised that he can appeal this decision, enclosing any additional documentation that may assist his case.
205. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review entitlements of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2962/16]
View answerThe number of entitlements to be allocated to any one farmer under the Basic Payment Scheme in 2015 is based on the number of eligible hectares declared in 2013 or 2015, whichever is lesser. The person named declared 62.15 hectares of eligible land in 2013 and, in 2015 declared 56.40 hectares, therefore, he has been allocated 56.40 entitlements. The 2015 value of entitlements is based on a fixed percentage of the total value of entitlements owned by the farmer in 2014 plus the value of any payment received under the Grassland Sheep Scheme in that year. The person named had an entitlement value of €18,719.11 in 2014. In 2015 the person named has established 56.40 entitlements with an estimated unit value of €215.90.
Under EU Regulations governing the Basic Payment Scheme all entitlements are subject to the process of internal convergence whereby the value of entitlements for some farmers will increase over the period 2015 -2019 while for others the value will decrease so that all farmers will reach at least 60% of the average value of entitlements by 2019. The estimated average value of entitlements in 2019 is €174. As the value of entitlements for the person named is above the estimated national average value of entitlements he is subject to a reduction in the value of his entitlements under the internal convergence process.
A payment of €9,623.17 including Basic Payment and Greening issued to the person named on the 23 November 2015 and a second instalment payment of €4652.94, issued on the 1 December, 2015. The remaining 3% balancing payment will issue in April 2016.
206. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine given the current flooding of the Shannon Basin and the benefits that trees can have to prevent flooding in river basin catchments and his wish to use forestry to offset greenhouse gas emissions from the livestock sector, if it is time to increase the planting targets to the past target of 20,000 ha as suggested in the 1996 Growing for the Future document and not the current target of 6,600 ha in 2016 increasing incrementally to 8,290 ha in 2020 as per the Forestry Programme 2014 to 2020 document; if it is time for him to consider a new approach to promoting tree planting, as it is obvious the current approach does not work, as only 6,252 ha were planted in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2966/16]
View answerThe launch of the new Forestry Programme last year marked an important milestone in the continued development of the forestry sector in Ireland. This ambitious action plan for forestry covers 11 different measures and has a budget allocation of €482m to be spent over six years.
The aim of the new programme is to plant almost 44,000ha of new forest over the period 2015-2020. In order to achieve this target the afforestation scheme was restructured to encourage more landowners to convert land from agriculture use to forestry. First of all, the grant rate for establishing forests was increased by 5% across all planting categories; this means that the entire cost of establishment is covered by the grant. Secondly, the annual premium rate was increased by 20% across the board and non-farmers are now entitled to the same premium rate as farmers. These premiums are paid at the same rate each year for 15 years. Up until now non-farmers received a fraction of the rate paid to farmers.
Furthermore, new planting categories have been introduced to provide additional options to landowners who may not otherwise have been interested in planting their land. The new Agro Forestry and Forestry for Fibre measures are targeted specifically at farmers, providing them with options for grazing livestock alongside forestry and, in the case of Forestry for Fibre, the option to harvest timber after 10-15 years rather than 35-40 years as is the case with other types of forestry. These are significant developments as the measures present real options for farmers for alternative income sources.
Separately, the Government introduced a new taxation provision in Budget 2016 which makes the income from forestry clear-felling free from income tax.
Increasing the planting target in itself will not deliver higher afforestation levels. The key to achieving this ambition is to create the conditions for landowners where the decision to plant is a good option for the landowner. In this regard data concerning planting levels for a single year is not enough information on which to make changes to the scheme. A comprehensive review of the scheme will however take place as part of a midterm review of the entire Forestry Programme; this review will take place in 2017.
207. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 14 January 2016, when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare, under the single payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2978/16]
View answerThe Inheritance Enquiry Unit of my Department issued a letter to the Legal Personal Representative of the person named on the 12 January 2016 requesting testamentary documentation which is required for the release of payments due to the estate of the deceased and requested that these documents be forwarded to the Department as soon as possible. To date the testamentary documents required have not been received.
208. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 487 of 3 November 2015 and 223 of 19 January 2016, the status of a review for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2979/16]
View answerAn application under the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme was received from the person named on 20 April 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.
Under EU Regulatory requirements, only farmers who were entitled to receive a direct payment in 2013 (Single Payment, Grassland Sheep Scheme, Burren Life Scheme, Beef Data Scheme) have an automatic allocation right under the Basic Payment Scheme in 2015. The European Commission has further stated that applications submitted 25 days after the Single Payment Scheme closing date are deemed inadmissible unless there are any force majeure or extenuating circumstances pertaining to the late submission of this application. As the person named submitted his 2013 Single Payment Scheme application form more on 28 June 2013, this application is deemed inadmissible and therefore he does not qualify for an automatic allocation right under the new Basic Payment scheme.
The person named was afforded an opportunity to submit a request to have his case reviewed and to enclose supporting documentation regarding any extenuating circumstances which may have prevented him from submitting his 2013 Single payment scheme application on time. A representative from my Department will now make direct contact with the person named to resolve the issue.
209. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ensure payment is made to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath under the agri-environment options scheme. [2984/16]
View answerThe person named commenced their AEOS 1 contract on 1 September 2010 and has been paid for the 2010-2014 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 take place. As it is their final scheme year re-checks on payments made for all scheme years must be completed before final payment can be processed. It is expected that these checks will be completed shortly.
210. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2987/16]
View answerThe applicant applied for his 2016 forestry premium using the online application procedure on January 14 2016. This has been processed and the applicant can expect payment in his bank account in the week beginning January 25 2016.
211. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of direct payments paid to farmers under European Union and national schemes from 2013 to 2015, inclusive, by pillar 1 and pillar 2 payments; the profiled amount to be paid to farmers in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2989/16]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following tables:
Pillar 1 2013 -2016 Direct Payment to Farmers €'000
|
Title of Scheme/Programme |
2013 Expenditure |
2014 Expenditure |
2015 Expenditure |
2016 Budget |
|
Single Payment Scheme |
1,202,000 |
1,178,000 |
25,216 |
0 |
|
Basic Payment Scheme (incl Greening & Young Farmer & Protein) |
0 |
0 |
1,096,491 |
1,200,000 |
|
Other Pillar 1 (Grassland Sheep Scheme, Burren Life & Dairy Efficiency, Beef Data Programme) |
19,000 |
24,000 |
10,532 |
0 |
|
Market Volatility Payment |
0 |
0 |
10,637 |
2,600 |
|
Total Pillar 1 |
1,221,000 |
1,202,000 |
1,142,876 |
1,202,600 |
Pillar 2 2013 -2016 Direct Payment to Farmers €'000
|
Title of Scheme/Programme |
2013 Expenditure |
2014 Expenditure |
2015 Expenditure |
2016 Budget |
|
Beef Data and Genomics Programme |
0 |
0 |
29,000 |
51,000 |
|
Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) |
138,841 |
133,342 |
30,173 |
315 |
|
Agri - Environment Option Scheme (AEOS) |
58,147 |
60,773 |
79,801 |
40,850 |
|
Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) |
0 |
0 |
11,453 |
142,000 |
|
Locally led Environmental Schemes |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1,200 |
|
Organic Farming Scheme |
236 |
4,428 |
7,969 |
10,000 |
|
Early Retirement Scheme |
14,719 |
10,523 |
7,143 |
5,016 |
|
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme |
11,017 |
16,456 |
24,830 |
35,800 |
|
Less Favoured Areas Scheme/Area of Natural Constraint Scheme and Area of Specific Constraint |
201,830 |
194,238 |
205,906 |
202,000 |
|
Total Pillar 2 |
424,790 |
419,760 |
396,275 |
488,181 |
National Schemes 2013 -2016 Direct Payment to Farmers €'000
|
Beef Genomics Scheme |
0 |
21,000 |
2,200 |
0 |
|
Market Volatility National Top –Up |
0 |
0 |
13,450 |
0 |
|
Beef Data Programme |
0 |
0 |
1,980 |
0 |
|
Afforestation |
95,523 |
98,892 |
96,601 |
99,500 |
|
Development of Commercial Horticulture |
3,080 |
3,984 |
3,961 |
4,300 |
|
Development of Organic Sector |
949 |
1,121 |
1,426 |
2,045 |
|
Technology Adoption Programmes |
8,928 |
7,939 |
4,750 |
800 |
|
Suckler Cow Scheme |
10,290 |
1,063 |
29 |
15 |
|
118,771 |
133,999 |
124,397 |
106,660 |
|
|
Total Pillar 1 + Pillar 2+ National |
1,764,561 |
1,755,759 |
1,663,548 |
1,797,441 |
The Burren Life scheme which was originally funded under Pillar 1 is included in the Pillar 2 from 2016. The data for afforestation shown above includes both establishment grants and premia.
212. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expenditure incurred in 2015 on the beef data and genomics programme, rural environment protection scheme, agri-environment option scheme, green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, locally-led environmental schemes, organic farming schemes, land mobility, targeted agricultural modernisation scheme, horticulture industry, the organic sector and areas of natural constraint scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2990/16]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following table:
|
Title of Scheme/Programme |
Expenditure for 2015 €000 |
|
Beef Data and Genomics Programme |
29,000 |
|
Rural Environment Protection Scheme |
30,173 |
|
Agri - Environment Option Scheme |
79,801 |
|
Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme |
11,453 |
|
Locally Led Environmental Schemes |
*1,044 |
|
Land Mobility |
7,143 |
|
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme |
24,830 |
|
Horticulture Industry |
3,961 |
|
The Organic Sector |
1,426 |
|
Organic Farming Schemes |
7,969 |
|
Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme |
205,906 |
*In 2015 the Locally Led Environmental Scheme was a fully funded EU Scheme
Expenditure on the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS), Horticulture Industry and €800,255 of the total expenditure on the Organic Sector related to capital payments.
213. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will publish the details of the scheme or schemes he is putting in place to assist farmers affected by recent flooding; the type of schemes envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2991/16]
View answerThe recent severe flooding caused widespread flooding of farmland and has impacted on a significant number of farmers. Farms in western counties and those located in the catchment areas of larger rivers including the Shannon were most significantly affected. The main issues affecting farmers are loss of fodder, damage to sheds/milking parlours and additional challenges in managing livestock during the flooding.
My Department is urgently addressing these problems through a range of actions.
The most serious consequence of the flooding for farmers was the immediate risk posed to the safety and welfare of livestock. The Animal Welfare Helpline operated throughout the period of the floods, including on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Arising from farm visits by Teagasc and Department personnel, as well as requests to the animal welfare Help Line, emergency arrangements were put in place to provide feed under Department Emergency Feed Provision Arrangements to the worst affected farms. More than 380 tons of concentrate feed has now been provided to 141 farmers, avoiding welfare issues arising.
Department staff continue to monitor the situation at farm level. Where the welfare of animals was threatened, it has been possible to relax some rules around the temporary movement of livestock in some situations. In the case of some very badly affected holdings guidance was issued to allow for the removal of flood water from overfull slurry tanks.
In addition to these emergency provisions funding has been provided by the Government for a new Fodder Aid scheme for farmers who have suffered fodder losses as a result of this flooding.
Support under this scheme will apply to the loss of silage, hay, straw and concentrates where there is evidence of damage caused by flooding during the months of December 2015 and January 2016. Assistance under this scheme is subject to the de Minimis provisions of EU state aid rules. In order to ensure swift payments under the scheme, the closing date for applications was Friday 22 January, by which date over 330 applications had been received. On-farm verification will take place in the coming week allowing prompt payment to follow.
A further measure will be launched shortly to cover a very small number of farmers who have experienced extreme hardship, including through the loss of livestock. Any such measure must comply with European Commission State Aid rules.
214. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the activities undertaken by the local implementation group, formed in 2012 as part of the 2011 Killybegs, County Donegal jobs initiative; how this group has advanced and ensured the delivery of the various targets, as set out in the high level group report into potential job creation; if the high level group has continued to meet on a biannual basis as previously agreed at its meeting on 5 November 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2995/16]
View answerOn 3 June 2011, I announced a pilot jobs initiative for Killybegs, following the launch of an economic report for the European Commission, which assessed the status, development and potential diversification of Killybegs as a fisheries dependent community. The aim of this initiative was to create 250 cross sectorial jobs in the Killybegs area by 2014. Seafood processing was just one of the areas identified as having the potential to create additional employment. To drive forward the initiative, I established a High Level Group on Job Creation in the Killybegs Region and requested that the Group identify the potential actions required to deliver job creation in the following five key areas, that is; promoting seafood value added activity; enhancing ancillary services; developing offshore supports; promoting tourism and marine leisure; and promoting the green economy and renewable energy.
The High Level Group comprised representatives of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation (who chaired the Group), Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Donegal County Council, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Enterprise Ireland, local industry and from my Department. BIM provided secretariat services to assist the chair. The High Level Group finished its work in 2011 and had its last meeting in November 2012. Its Report is available on my Department’s website at: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/publications/2011/KBHLGReport.pdf.
Since 2012, a local implementation group reporting to Donegal County Council has taken on responsibility for driving forward the initiative. Donegal County Council may assist the Deputies with any requests for information on the Local Implementation Group and its activities. My Department does not attend meetings of that Group. In relation to jobs created, I am informed by Bord Iascaigh Mhara that during the period 2010 to 2014, seafood processing companies in the Killybegs region invested €16.5 million with state supports of €3.56 million. During that time, the companies created 89 net new jobs and estimated additional revenue of €84.4 million. These companies are forecast to generate an additional 23 jobs by the end of 2017.
215. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive farm payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3032/16]
View answerThe person named submitted applications under the 2015 National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme to my Department. Payments under the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme commenced in mid-December and as publicised at that time will continue into January/February. The applications from the person named have been finalised and payment is due to issue shortly.
