Written Answers Nos. 161-176
161. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to confirm if the Government has handed back €5 million or any other amount to the European Fisheries Fund; and if so, the reason why. [3631/16]
View answerMy Department’s Operational Programme under the European Fisheries Fund provided funding for the development of the seafood sector over the period 2008 to 2015. The Programme was funded through an EU allocation of approximately €42 million and €24 million in Exchequer funding, bringing total funds to approximately €66 million. The Programme ended in December 2015 and funding for the seafood sector is now provided through my Department’s new €240 million EMFF Seafood Development Operational Programme, which I formally launched on 14 January 2016.
The accounts for the EFF Programme are not yet finalised, so I cannot provide the Deputy with a final figure on how much in EU or Exchequer funds were invested and how much was unused at the end of the Programme. Present estimates from my Department suggest that in the region of €2 million in EU funds were unused, giving a drawdown rate of 95%. This would be a very successful outcome for any EU funding programme and will compare very favourably with other Member States. It is worth noting that all of the funds available were awarded to investment projects, but inevitably some do not proceed, while others do not avail of the full amount of funds offered to them. When this happens in the final year of the Programme there is no scope to re-allocate funds to other projects.
162. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of inaccuracies in a recent report entitled potential for land based salmon grow out in recirculating aquaculture systems, RAS, in Ireland, which concludes that salmon farming in land-based RAS facilities here is unviable, and this may have influenced Ireland’s funding policy for land-based aquaculture. [3632/16]
View answer163. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Bord Iascaigh Mhara has assessed the accuracy and validity of the contents of a report (details supplied) and the conclusions reached in the report; and if Bord Iascaigh Mhara concurs with its findings. [3633/16]
View answer164. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine did Bord Iascaigh Mhara or any other agency or body under his control, grant aid a report (details supplied); the cost of the report; the percentage of grant aid that was approved for it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3634/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 to 164, inclusive, together.
In July 2015, the Irish Salmon Growers Association published its report ‘Potential for Land Based Salmon Growout in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) in Ireland’. The report describes in detail all technical aspects of RAS production and system design and operations. It also covers important biological aspects of land based salmon production. The Report states that its main aim is to assess the viability of land based salmon production in RAS under Irish conditions. This includes detailed information of capital expenditure and operational costs as well as the market situation for salmon. The core conclusions of the report are that RAS is a proven technology and has a role to play in the freshwater part of the life cycle of salmon. It is technically possible to produce market size salmon in an RAS system but based on the assumptions in the report, in Ireland, the capital cost of setting up a large scale commercial unit is very high. There are also still technical difficulties to be overcome to achieve reliability in the production of saltwater salmon in land based facilities. I under stand that the production of this Report cost €8,600 and that this was 100% funded by Bord Iascaigh Mhara through a 2014 call for projects under the Aquaculture Knowledge, Innovation and Technology Scheme.
I am advised by BIM that it has carefully considered the Report and is not aware of any inaccuracies in the report. Based on BIM’s own knowledge of the topic and informed from a number of sources, BIM considers the report to be thorough and that its findings are reasonable.
I was delighted to publish in December 2015 Ireland’s National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development. That Plan proposes 24 actions to drive the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector and grow production in the sector by 45,000 tonnes by 2023. The Plan targets a 30% increase in production derived from recirculating aquaculture systems. Considerable international developmental effort is being put into determining the commercial viability of land based RAS systems for the large scale production of salmon. There appears to be a market niche for such a product if the current technological challenges associated with an economically viable production system can be overcome. On 14 January 2016, I launched a new Aquaculture ‘Knowledge Gateway Scheme’as part of my Department’s ‘EMFF Seafood Development Operational Programme. I have provided BIM with a budget of €8.2 million for that Scheme. In close collaboration with aquaculture enterprises and researchers, the Scheme aims to develop knowledge, innovation and technology in the aquaculture sector to ensure its sustainable development. An important part of the focus of the Scheme will be the applied research and development required into RAS, identified on page 66 of the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development.
165. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the properties and sites owned by his Department in Killybegs, County Donegal, in tabular form; the current status of each, including the date on which each unit was acquired; the duration for which each vacant property has remained unoccupied; the efforts he has made to offer such properties for lease or sale to interested parties for various uses; the number of expressions of interest received with respect to each; where properties were offered but no agreement was reached, the reason why these offers were rejected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3656/16]
View answerThe property portfolio in Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre, one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department under Statute, encompasses a range of diverse properties reflecting its remit as a working fishery harbour and its unique features which facilitate a broad range of other diverse activities which are important from both an economic and social perspective. Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre (including all properties contained therein) was vested in the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries by virtue of Statutory Instrument number 210 of 1969 (as amended).
My Department manages the property portfolio, working within the Government Framework for the management of State property and other relevant legal frameworks. It is conscious of balancing the need to generate an economic return with fostering a diverse range of maritime activities and delivering on it’s public service remit. In this context my Department reviews the portfolio of properties on an ongoing basis.
There are 33 properties/sites on the Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre portfolio which are managed by my Department. Of these 9 are occupied by commercial entities, 10 are occupied by State/Public Bodies to support the fishing industry, 5 are used by my Dep artment for operational reasons and a further 3 are used for the provision of utilities. I am not in a position to provide details of individual property arrangements for confidentiality reasons.
The level of vacant properties/sites within the FHCs can vary from time to time due to changes in tenancies, expiration of leases etc and also for operational reasons. At present there are 6 vacant properties/sites in Killybegs. Two of these sites are about to be made available by public tender competition by my Department with the announcements planned for the end of this week. These same sites were last tendered in 2013 and the competition did not attract any interested parties. The remaining 4 vacant sites are not currently available for tender due to legal, planning or operational considerations.
166. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 414 of 13 January 2016, to address the specific issues posed in the question. [3670/16]
View answerI must apologise to the Deputy for an administrative error which saw the following reply to her original question misallocated.
Under Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 (the new Common Fisheries Policy basic regulation), changes to fisheries policy involving access or restriction to fishing opportunities or fishing areas come within the sole competency of the EU. Only the EU Commission may propose changes and any such proposal must be adopted under the co-decision process by the EU Parliament and EU Council. Member States, in consultation with the Commission, Member States affected and stakeholders are only permitted to introduce non-discriminatory measures for the conservation and management of fish stocks within the 12 mile zone subject to compliance with policy and procedures set down in CFP Regulation.
The monitoring and control of fishing vessels within Ireland’s Exclusive Fisheries Zone are matters for the Irish control authorities. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, all operational issues of this nature concerning sea fisheries control are, as a matter of law, exclusively for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Naval Service. As Minister, I am precluded from getting involved in operational matters including in relation to law enforcement.
In relation to the overall framework for fisheries control in the EU, in October 2009 a new regulation dealing with fisheries controls was adopted. Council Regulation 1224/2009 establishes a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy. Control and inspection is now focused where it is most effective through an approach based on systematic risk analysis. Inspection procedures are standardised and harmonised for all stages in the market chain, including transport and marketing. The Control Regulations were introduced so that there is a common EU level playing field and to provide for an effective range of controls across EU waters.
The SFPA and the Naval Service through the Fisheries Monitoring Centre have monitored the movements of these vessels when in our Exclusive Fisheries Zone, using the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), Automatic Identification System (AIS) and declared catches through Electronic Reporting System (ERS).
The SFPA is reliant on the seagoing fishery patrol activity of the Naval Service to verify compliance of vessels not landing into Ireland. The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority has advised that pelagic freezer trawler activity in the Irish Exclusive Fisheries Zone decreased significantly over the Christmas period with most of the vessels returning to port in the Netherlands in late December. It advises that several vessels have returned and despite problematic weather conditions the Irish Navy conducted two inspections within this group of vessels late in 2015, and three further inspections this month. It advises that additional inspections will be undertaken as appropriate and practicable.
167. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in payment being issued to persons (details supplied) in County Donegal under the 2015 basic payment scheme and areas of natural constraint scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3677/16]
View answerAn application under the 2015 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme was received from the persons named on 13 May 2015. Payment under the ANC scheme has issued to the nominated bank account of the person named. The persons named submitted 2015 Transfer of Allocation Right and Reference Value and Private Contract Clause applications to my Department. As the herd number is now held jointly by both persons named it was necessary to have the Private Contract Clause application signed by both persons on the herd number. The amended application was received by my Department and is currently being processed with a view to payment under the Basic Payment Scheme issuing as soon as possible.
The second person named has also submitted applications under the National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme to my Department. Once payment under the Basic Payment Scheme has been made, the applications submitted by the second person named will be finalised with a view to payment as soon as possible thereafter.
168. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a ewe premium of €20 to encourage the increase in sheep numbers; if he will provide a targeted agricultural environmental scheme for uplands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3693/16]
View answerThe sheep sector is an important component of our agriculture sector and the third largest farming sector in Ireland with over 34,000 producers. 2015 proved to be another good year for the sheep sector. A combination of higher carcase weight (up 1.9%) and higher factory prices (up 1.5%) meant that output value of the sector increased by over 3%. Total sheepmeat exports increased by an estimated 5% to €230 million between 2014 and 2015. At farm level, prices reached highs not seen in five years and thankfully these strong prices have continued into this year.
Sheep farmers will continue to benefit under the same wide range of schemes and supports that are available to farmers in other sectors. This includes, inter alia, the Basic Payments Scheme, which itself took into account payments under the former Grassland Sheep Scheme, and various schemes under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014 -2020 that have been designed to support the sheep sector. Many sheep farmers continue to be significant beneficiaries from the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme. The ANC Scheme is worth €195 million annually to some 100,000 farmers and in excess of €1.3 billion over the life time of the RDP. The GLAS scheme in the RDP will also benefit sheep farmers, many of whom qualify for priority Tier 1 access to GLAS as a result of their Priority Environmental Assets, which include Natura land and Commonage.
Increased provision has been made for improving efficiency and profitability in sheep production under Knowledge Transfer Groups. It is expected that the sheep Knowledge Transfer Groups will commence in the first quarter of 2016. A range of capital supports for sheep farmers is also available under the TAMS II scheme including grant aided support for sheep housing and both mobile and fixed handling equipment for sheep.
In relation to a further direct payment per ewe, such a coupled payment would generally come from the CAP Pillar 1 direct payments funded by the EU. This would involve cuts in other farm payments as the overall Pillar 1 funding envelope is strictly defined. A nationally-funded payment would raise issues of exchequer funding availability and would also have to pass a strict EU state aid test. Finally, under CAP Pillar 2/RDP, funding is already being provided as outlined already. Any consideration of further funding for the sheep sector under the RDP could only be considered within an overall review of RDP implementation when a full examination is undertaken of the performance of all existing measures and any emerging priorities.
Growth in the sheep and hill farming sector will come from an increase in consumer demand and export market opportunities as well as from improved technical efficiencies. My Department continues to search for new markets in cooperation with Bord Bia, Irish Embassies abroad and the meat industry. Last year Commissioner Hogan set up the Sheepmeat Reflections Group to examine the sheep sector and the support it needs going forward in order to continue to make an important contribution to agricultural output and to fragile economic areas. Ireland is participating fully in the new group and it is hoped that their deliberations will contribute to ensuring the sustainability of the sector into the future.
Turning to the possibility of a targeted agri-environmental scheme for the uplands, the possibility of introducing such a scheme or schemes is being considered as part of the proposed new Locally-Led Measure of my Department, which is being discussed at present with the European Commission. The first of the Locally-Led schemes to be rolled out will be the Burren Programme, for which applications have already been received and work is progressing on other schemes which will be included under the Locally-Led umbrella later in 2016 and 2017. Freshwater pearl mussel catchments, hen harrier habitats and peat uplands have all been identified as candidates for support. Other candidates will emerge from a competitive process which will be announced towards the end of 2016. However, it should be noted that for the most part, the Locally-Led approach provides for relatively small-scale interventions targeting quite specific environmental challenges. A much broader-based approach to supporting effective management of the uplands already exists in the form of the Commonages measure under GLAS, which offers farmers payment of €120 per hectare per annum, with a maximum of €5,000 a year over five years.
169. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the name, costs, date of commission, date or expected date of publication and name of the external consultant of all external reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011. [3760/16]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is provided in the table. Some of the reports outlined are mandatory in the context of EU obligations.
2011: March- December
|
Company |
Title of Report |
Date or Expected Date of Publication |
Costs - € |
|
University College Dublin |
Evaluation of the EU School Fruit Scheme/Food Dude Programme in Ireland 2011 - Commission Regulation 288 of 2009 |
10 January 2012 |
4,500 |
|
University College Dublin |
EU School Fruit Scheme/Food Dude Programme in Ireland – A review of evaluations completed to date - Commission Regulation 288 of 2009 |
6 February 2012 |
6,388 |
|
Drima Marketing Ltd |
Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire (JSFO) 2010
Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2010
Market Report for Ireland for the Timber Committee 2010 |
May 2011
January 2012
Sept 2011 |
12,792 |
|
Rockwell Automation |
Hazard and Operability Study |
13 December 2011 |
3,740 |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates |
Interm Evaluation, of 2007-2013 SDP |
3 June 2011 |
39,325 |
|
Brendan Riordan, Research Economist |
The Net Contribution of the Agri-Food Sector to the Inflow of Funds into Ireland: a New Estimate |
23 July 2012 |
6,000 |
|
Accenture |
An analysis of an internal review of procurement. |
Not for external publication. |
Work done on a pro-bono basis |
|
Accenture |
An examination of the opportunities and capacity for further shared services between the Department and its non-commercial state agencies. |
Not for external publication. |
Work done on a pro-bono basis |
|
Accenture |
A review of the Department’s role in regulating meat plants |
Not for external publication. |
Work done on a pro-bono basis |
|
KPMG |
An examination of the administration of the Single Payment Scheme. |
13 October 2011 |
Work done on a pro-bono basis |
|
Fitzmaurice Tingle Ltd. |
Refrigeration Consultancy on 6 Fishery Harbour Centre Sites |
Not for external Publication |
3,505 |
|
Brian Scott |
Port Security Assessment- Castleownbere Fishery Harbour Centre |
Not for external Publication |
4,680 |
|
Deloitte Ireland |
To examine recommendations of the Report of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities as applicable to be this Department to value the assets referred to and to make a series of recommendations. For internal Departmental information |
Not for external publication |
Work done on a pro-bono basis |
|
Michael Dowling |
Beef 2020 Activation Group: Growing the Beef Sector |
June 2011 – for input into FH 2020 Committee |
10,000 |
|
Stiofan Nutty |
Report on the Development of Ireland’s Organic Industry and an Organic and an Irish Organic Trade Board. |
For internal Departmental information Not for external publication |
29,040 |
|
Briggs Environmental Services |
Oil Spill Contingency Plans |
Not for external Publication |
4,424 |
|
Deloitte Ireland |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – Annual Accounts Certification. Required by EU Legislation. |
Not for external publication. |
509,830 |
2012: January- December
|
Company |
Title of Report |
Date or Expected Date of Publication |
Costs - € |
|
Drima Marketing Ltd |
Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire (JSFO) 2011
Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2011
Market Report for Ireland for the Timber Committee 2011) |
May 2012,
3 July 2012
Sept 2012 |
12,792 |
|
Irish Equine Centre |
Demographic study on the unwanted horse population in Ireland |
March 2012 |
10,000 |
|
Indecon |
Review of certain aspects of the Irish Horse Racing Industry |
20 July 2012 |
59,225 |
|
CMG Crime Management Ltd |
ISPS Port Security Plan- Castleownbere Fishery Harbour Centre |
Not for external Publication |
3,198 |
|
Philip Farrelly & Co. Ltd |
Food Harvest 2020 – Environmental Analysis Report |
January 2014 |
229,610 |
|
Team BDS |
Lean Review of the Meat Inspection Service |
16 December 2013 |
98,597 |
|
Compass Informatics Ltd |
Independent specialist review of all Geographical Information based computer systems in the Department, carried out as part of the effective and efficient administration of the Department’s EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) based payment schemes. |
Not for external publication. |
16,254 |
|
Deloitte Ireland |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – Annual Accounts Certification. Requirement of EU Legislation. |
Not for external publication |
514,169 |
|
|
|
|
|
2013: January- December
|
Company |
Title of Report |
Date or Expected Date of Publication |
Costs - € |
|
Norfolk Marine |
Survey works report to Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre |
Not for external Publication |
10,828 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brian Scott |
Port Facility Review, Killybegs |
Not for external Publication |
1,200 |
|
Drima Marketing Ltd |
Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire (JSFO) 2012
Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2012
Market Report for Ireland for the UNECE Timber Committee 2012) |
May 2013
July 2013
October 2013 |
11,400 |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates Economic Consultants |
Ex Ante Evaluation, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment of the 2014 – 2020 Rural Development Programme |
July 2015 |
48,401 |
|
Judith A Annett Countryside Consultancy |
Irish Deer Management Policy Vision |
Not for external publication |
2,500 |
|
Forest Solutions |
NPV and IRR analysis for New afforestation scheme |
Not for external publication |
1,968 |
|
Deloitte Ireland |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Annual Accounts Certification. Requirement of EU legislation |
Not for external publication |
468,277 |
2014: January- December
|
Company |
Title of Report |
Date or expected Date of Publication |
Cost - € |
|
Indecon |
Review of certain matters relating to Bord na gCon |
7 July 2014 |
60,885 |
|
Deloitte |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine -Annual Accounts Certification as required by EU legislation |
Not for external publication |
452,699 |
|
RSM McClure Watters |
Ex Ante Evaluation, SEA and AA of Seafood Development Programme 2014-2020 |
24 June 2015 |
64,083 |
|
NTA Monitor Ltd |
Independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures and security review of the Department’s infrastructure. Required for EU accreditation purposes. |
Not for external publication. |
18,382 |
|
Drima Marketing Ltd |
Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire (JSFO) 2013
Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2013 Market Report for Ireland for the Timber Committee 2013
|
Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire- completed May 2014 and submitted to the EUROSTAT/FAO Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2013- published as part of COFORD Woodflow 2013 in July 2014 UNECE report - was completed September/October 2014 for submission to the UNECE Committee on Forests and the Forest industry. |
11,780 |
|
RSM McClure Watters (Consulting) |
Ex Ante Evaluation Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment of 2014-2020 Forestry |
Published in 2014 as part of the consultative process on the new Forestry programme |
97,508 |
|
Forest Solutions |
NPV and IRR analysis for new forestry for Fibre scheme |
Was not specifically published but formed part of the deliberative and consultative process on the new Forestry programme |
2,214 |
|
Forest Solutions |
Cost Benefit Analysis- Forest Roads Programme 2014-2020 |
Was not specifically published but formed part of the deliberative and consultative process on the new Forestry programme |
2,952 |
|
Freshwater Bivalve Investigations Freshwater Bivalve Investigations |
Site Assessment of the River Lickey Site Assessment of the River Lickey |
Not for external publication
Not for external publication |
5,040
2,769 |
|
Occupational Physiotherapy Solutions |
To conduct an ergonomic assessment of tasks in Cork Blood Testing Laboratory. Internal use only. |
Not for external publication |
1,347 |
|
Crime Management Services Ltd |
ISPS Port Security Assessment: Castletownbere FHC |
Not for external Publication |
4,735 |
|
Crime Management Services Ltd |
ISPS Port Security Assessment: Killybegs FHC |
Not for external Publication |
4,735 |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates |
RDP 2014-2020 Ex Ante. Evaluation Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment |
June 2014 |
48,401 |
2015: January- to Date
|
Company |
Title of Report |
Date or expected Date of Publication |
Cost - € To date |
|
Philip Farrelly and Co |
Agri-Food Strategy 2025. Environmental Analysis Report (Provisional Title) |
December 2015
|
89,790 |
|
Deloitte |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine -Annual Accounts Certification as required by EU legislation |
Not for external publication |
137,111 |
|
BDO |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine -Annual Accounts Certification. |
Not for publication. Report is a requirement of EU Legislation. |
381,743 |
|
NTA Monitor Ltd |
Independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures and security review of the Department’s infrastructure. Required for EU accreditation purposes |
Not for external publication. |
16,279 |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates |
RDP 2014-2020 Ex Ante. Evaluation Strategic Environmental Assessment & Appropriate Assessment |
July 2015 |
50,130 |
|
Drima Marketing Ltd |
Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire (JSFO) 2014
Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2014
Market Report for Ireland for the Timber Committee 2013 |
May 2015
Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2014- published as part of COFORD Woodflow note.
Sept/Oct 2015 |
12,398 |
|
Bearing Point |
Technical code review of the Animal Health and Welfare System |
Q1 2016 Not for external publication. |
216,198 |
|
Deloitte |
Technical code review of the Integrated Fisheries System |
Q1 2016 Not for external publication. |
79,827 |
|
NTA Monitor Ltd |
Independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures and security review of the Department’s infrastructure. Required for EU accreditation purposes |
Not for external publication. |
35,611 |
|
Capt. Alan Coghlan |
Draft Report on the use of Tugs and Associated Pilotage at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre |
Not for external publication |
4,800 |
|
CMG Crime Management Ltd |
ISPS Port Security Plan: Killybegs FHC |
Not for external Publication |
4,245 |
|
CMG Crime Management Ltd |
Port Security Plan: Killybegs FHC |
Not for external Publication |
4,362 |
|
Martin Heraghty |
Confidential Report to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Commercial Mushroom Producers (CMP) participation as a Producer Organisation in the Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organisation Scheme |
21 September 2015 |
2,000 |
|
Dr. Claire Sansford, Independent Plant Health Consultant, York, UK. |
Revised assessment of the risk of spread of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus on untreated wood of ash (Fraxinus spp., particularly Fraxinus excelsior). |
4 September 2015 (no immediate plans to publish) |
18,691 |
|
McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan |
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) of Freshwater Pearl Mussel Plan for Ireland |
27 May 2016 |
54,710 |
|
ADAS UK lTD |
An Evaluation of the Green Low –Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) |
2021 |
1, 500,000 |
|
Smith Carter |
Structural Report on Amelioration Works |
Commissioned in December 2015. Not for Publication |
27,060 |
|
Presidion |
Aim Calf Survival Herd of Origin Deliverables Report |
Commissioned in December 2015. Completion February 2016 |
4,500 |
|
Gavin and Doherty Geosolutions Ltd |
Longford Slope Stability Appraisal |
Not for external Publication |
29,446 |
|
Clare Mulligan Consulting |
DAFM Culture and Gender Review |
4 November 2015 |
18,000 |
170. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of tribunals of inquiry, commissions of inquiry or investigations for which he or his Department have been responsible by name; by terms of reference; by cost including the cost to date where an inquiry has not been concluded; by date including the projected date of conclusion where an inquiry has not been concluded from 1991 to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3775/16]
View answerThere has been one judicial inquiry since 1991 and the details are below.
|
Date |
Name |
Terms of Reference |
Costs |
|
31 May 1991 |
Beef Tribunal |
To inquire into the following definite matters of urgent public importance: (i) allegations regarding illegal activities, fraud and malpractice in and in connection with the beef processing industry made or referred to: (a) in Dáil Éireann, and (b) on a television programme transmitted by ITV on 13 May 1991; (ii) any matters connected with or relevant to the matters aforesaid which the Tribunal considers it necessary to investigate in connection with its inquiries into the matters mentioned at (i) above; and 2. making such recommendations (if any) as the Tribunal, having regard to its findings, thinks proper |
€27.2m |
171. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expenses claimed, including the amount of mileage and the amount claimed by him and Ministers of State of his Department by calendar year during the current Dáil Éireann in tabular form. [3803/16]
View answerThe information regarding my expenses and those of the Ministers of State in my Department is set out in the following table. Minister of State Ann Phelan also holds ministerial responsibilities in the Departments of Environment Community and Local Government and also Transport Tourism and Sport, and consequently one third of the expenses claimed by Minister Phelan are reimbursed by these Departments.
|
Year |
Minister/Minister of State |
Number of Kilometres claimed |
Kilometre Expenses |
Subsistence and Overnight Expenses within Ireland |
Foreign Travel related Expenses |
|
2011 |
Minister Coveney |
41,806 |
€13,868.40 |
€615.12 |
€2,728.17 |
|
2011 |
Minister of State- Late Shane Mc Entee |
42,305 |
€14, 010.52 |
€1,369.72 |
€1,318.80 |
|
2012 |
Minister Coveney |
57,617 |
€18, 368.16 |
€962.70 |
€9,318.61 |
|
2012 |
Minister of State – Late Shane Mc Entee |
53, 309 |
€17,142.05 |
€1,987.18 |
€880.58 |
|
2013 |
Minister Coveney |
61,126 |
€19,366.84 |
€1,101.21 |
€9,988.91 |
|
2013 |
Minister of State Tom Hayes |
47,484 |
€15,484.32 |
€0.00 |
€1,156.52 |
|
2014 |
Minister Coveney |
63,707 |
€20,101.38 |
€1,074.88 |
€9,203.45 |
|
2014 |
Minister of State Tom Hayes |
54,255 |
€17, 411.33 |
€155.90 |
€1,455.81 |
|
2014 |
Minister of State Ann Phelan |
30,546 |
€12,796.41 |
€0.00 |
€1,648.75 |
|
2015 |
Minister Coveney |
64,798 |
€20,411.88 |
€1,188.57 |
€7,004.26 |
|
2015 |
Minister of State Tom Hayes |
69,022 |
€21,614.03 |
€228.41 |
€3,015.28 |
|
2015 |
Minister of State Ann Phelan |
71,125 |
€26,654.15 |
€4,072.58 |
€1,432.74 |
172. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount he spent on media clipping and media monitoring services in each calendar year from 2011 to 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3818/16]
View answerThe staff of the Press Office of my Department provide the media monitoring and media clipping services for the Department. No additional costs have been incurred for the period in question.
173. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has the promised report to hand on the urgently needed dredging of Howth Harbour, County Dublin; when detailed planning and dredging will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3848/16]
View answerHowth Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department under Statute. While first and foremost a working fishery harbour, Howth similar to the other five Fishery Harbour Centres, has its own unique features which is home to a broad range of diverse economic and social activities.
My Department is conscious of the importance of both fishing and non fishing activities in Howth and endeavours to facilitate and develop both. This involves day to day operational support by Harbour staff and management and development and repair of infrastructure subject to available financial resources.
I am happy to advise the Deputy that, notwithstanding the prevailing economic environment in which we operate, in excess of €5.9 million has been invested in maintenance, development and upgrading works at Howth FHC as part of my Department’s Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme from 2011 to 2015.
On the 11 of January I announced funding of €1.45 million for the maintenance and development of Howth Fishery Harbour Centre during 2016 , in addition I have set aside €420,000 for safety and maintenance, disability access and contractual commitments accruing from 2015. Significant works in this years programme include the continued upgrading of the electrical system, provision of pontoons to west pier for ferry landings and traffic management works.
Of importance in the context of a possible future dredging project at Howth is the allocation of €100,000 for the preparation of a Dumping at Sea Licence which will be required before any dredging project could commence.
The Deputy refers to the report from a €150,000 site investigation project, commissioned in 2015. This report is due shortly and will include vital information on the nature of the material to be dredged in any future dredging project. This information is necessary for the preparation of the Dumping at Sea licence. The groundwork is being undertaken to facilitate a dredging project at Howth, subject to funding being available.
As the Deputy is aware, all developments in the six Fishery Harbour Centres, including a possible future dredging project at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre will be considered under future Capital Programmes on the basis of available exchequer funding and competing priorities.
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the procedures to be followed to enable a person (details supplied) to practice in this jurisdiction; if further studies are required; if the person is entitled to practice on foot of a present qualification or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3884/16]
View answerIn accordance with the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) is the competent authority for the recognition of qualifications of veterinary practitioners from the EU or third countries. The Veterinary Practice Act provides for the mutual recognition of qualifications in veterinary medicine within the EU and for mutual recognition agreements between the VCI and relevant bodies in non-EU States. The VCI has mutual recognition agreements in place for Australasia and American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) accredited colleges in North America.
For those whose qualification is not recognised under EU legislation or mutual recognition agreements the Council provides a registration examination.
The person concerned should contact the Veterinary Council at info@vci.ie.
175. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the funding he allocated and the funding spent on capital projects and other initiatives in the constituencies of Louth and Meath-East, by project and initiative, by completion date and by cost, for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3558/16]
View answerThe Department is engaged in an ongoing building programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces.
Projects for completion under the programme are identified on an ongoing basis by the military and these projects are prioritised for inclusion as part of the annual programme.
The capital element of the programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings and facilities. The cost of design team services required in order to complete these projects are also charged to the capital building programme.
The following table shows the cost of projects committed to in the constituencies of Louth and Meath-East under the Department’s capital building programme in each of the years 2011 to 2015.
|
Works Commenced |
Project |
Cost to date |
|
2011 |
Dundalk - Locker Block refurbishment |
€ 920,567 |
|
2012 |
Nil |
- |
|
2013 |
Gormanston - Officers Mess heating system upgrade |
€ 76,054 |
|
2013 |
Dundalk - CCTV upgrade |
€ 107,133 |
|
2014 |
Nil |
- |
|
2015 |
Gormanston – Upgrade of Sewage Treatment Plant to provide tertiary treatment * |
€ 81,720 |
*Project not yet complete
In addition to the major capital projects as outlined above, there are ongoing works required to ensure the upkeep and repair of buildings and provide facilities generally for personnel. These works are charged as current expenditure under the programme. The main works which were committed to over the above period were as follows.
|
Works Commenced |
Project |
Cost to date |
|
2011 |
Nil |
- |
|
2012 |
Dundalk - Officers' Mess, Gate Bldg & Boiler house - reroof |
€ 53,646 |
|
2012 |
Dundalk - Ration Stores, walkway repair |
€ 28,665 |
|
2012 |
Dundalk - Roads and squares resurfacing |
€ 101,455 |
|
2013 |
Dundalk - Billet block upgrade |
€ 321,592 |
|
2013 |
Gormanston - repairs to waste water plant* |
€ 20,430 |
|
2014 |
Nil |
- |
|
2015 |
2 Bde - Redbarns Range - sundry resurfacing* |
€ 66,567 |
*Project not yet complete
176. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that members of the Reserve Defence Force are being told they have to wear a separate badge on their uniform to single them out as reservists; if this undermines the single force concept; and if he has discussed the issue with the Reserve Defence Forces representative association. [3619/16]
View answerI am advised by the Military Authorities, whilst acknowledging the concerns expressed by RDFRA in relation to Cultaca Flash, of the need to take cognizance of all concerns, representations and sensitivities in relation to identity, tradition and custom. The Cultaca Flash provides a method of ensuring that the proud heritage of Reserve Defence Force is preserved under the Single Force Concept and should not be regarded as a badge of separation.
I am advised that the issue of the Cultaca Flash was raised at recent High Level Implementation Group (HLIG) meetings and the minutes of same were forwarded to RDFRA. The issue was also (informally) discussed with the General Secretary of RDFRA on 30 September 2015 at a meeting of the RDFRA Forum.
Defence Force Regulations clearly distinguish between the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force. The Defence Force Regulations define both entities and therefore, it is prudent to identify both in regard to Dress Code. The dress code, including Flashes serve to avoid ambiguity or misunderstanding and support the single force concept.
It is also worthy of mention that Naval Service Reserve (NSR) has been using a similar Flash for a number of years and the adoption of the Cultaca Flash for the Army Reserve (AR) element of the RDF will bring the AR into line with their NSR colleagues.
