Written Answers Nos. 184-201
184. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a claim for a parcel of land in a 2014 single payment application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be reviewed in light of new information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7681/16]
View answerThe person named submitted an application for the 2014 Single Payment Scheme which was received in the Department on 13 May 2014. A dual claim and over claim were identified during the Department’s administrative checks on a land parcel. The Department issued a letter on foot of this, and a reply has recently been received and is under review.
An Official from my Department will be in direct contact with the person named to establish further information regarding both the dual claim and over claim and a decision regarding the review will issue thereafter.
185. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding payments to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7682/16]
View answerThis case involves a double transfer of entitlements. As the first step in the double transfer the person named submitted a Transfer of Entitlements Allocation Right and Reference Value application to my Department seeking the transfer of allocation rights and values by Change of Registration Details of Herd Number to a Farm Partnership as transferor. This application was processed, following which the allocation rights and values are now held by the person named and another person under the Partnership number.
As the second step the person named submitted a Private Contract Clause application to my Department seeking the transfer of allocation right with sale/lease of land to a third party. The PCC form submitted was signed by the person named only. As the allocation rights and values are now held by the person named and another person under the Farm Partnership it was necessary to have the PCC application form returned to have it signed by both persons on the herd number. This form has been returned to my Department duly signed by both persons. The Private Contract Clause application can now be fully processed to facilitate the discharge of the Basic payment to the person named in respect of his remaining entitlements as soon as possible.
186. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has to establish a pork forum, similar to the beef forum, representative of all the interests within the pigmeat sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7687/16]
View answerThe development of a viable pigmeat sector is a priority for me given the crucial role which the industry plays. I am very conscious of the fact that prices have come under pressure over the last year and the difficulties that this is causing for producers. It is for this reason that I proposed measures at the March meeting of Agriculture Ministers specifically for the sector including the re-opening of the PSA scheme for pigmeat which I am pleased to say was accepted by Commission.
Given the strategic importance which the sector plays in our agri-economy, I established last year a Pig Industry Stakeholder Group which was chaired by Dr Sean Brady and whose membership was drawn from across the sector, including farmers and processors. This Group’s remit was to address these challenges facing the sector under themes such as biosecurity, animal welfare, quality assurance, antibiotic usage, animal health, salmonella control programme, marketing, feed, non-intensive sector and other production models. This was a very comprehensive exercise stretching over many months which also included a public consultation phase during which submissions were received and presented to the Committee by many different stakeholders. The Group completed its report in February and presented it to the High Level Implementation Committee overseeing the implementation of the Food Wise 2025 strategy. This reflected the fact that the preparation of this report is one of the key recommendations under the Food Wise Strategy.
This timely report afforded all industry stakeholders including farmers, processors and Government Agencies a chance to take a collective view of how best to address the challenges facing the industry in order to support its development in accordance with the Food Wise 2025 vision. The focus now must turn to its implementation and my Department is working on a plan for its implementation in the context of the Food Wise 2025 strategy. Given the comprehensive nature of the report, its support from stakeholders and its wide-ranging conclusions I believe that a focus on its implementation represents best use of available resources for all parties and most importantly will deliver the most meaningful outcome for the sector in its current difficulties.
187. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at the recent European Union Agriculture Council in relation to the serious problems facing the pigmeat sector; the proposals there are to provide additional assistance at European level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7688/16]
View answerThe development of a viable pigmeat sector is a priority for me given the crucial role which the industry plays in supporting approximately 7,000 jobs including production, slaughter, processing, feed manufacture and services. In 2015 export volumes increased by approximately 8%, with growth to the UK, Continental Europe and International markets. Export values at €570 million, fell marginally by 2% during 2015 due to lower pig prices. Pigmeat prices tend to be cyclical in nature with periods of lower prices followed by a supply response and/or a recovery in demand. My Department carefully monitors developments in the pig sector, both domestically and internationally.
I am conscious of the fact that prices have come under pressure over the last year and a half and the difficulties that this is causing for producers. This is not an exclusively Irish phenomenon, and Irish prices have actually remained ahead of the EU average for the last five months. However I would also add that like any other EU Minister I do not have a role in the setting of prices. This is a function of the market.
At the March meeting of the Council of Agriculture Ministers in Brussels, I put forward a number of measures for the pigmeat and dairy sectors which I believe were needed immediately to help producers through their current difficulties. On pigmeat my priority was to secure the re-opening of the Pigmeat Private Storage Aid Scheme as I believe its closure did not appear justified by the current state of the EU and global pigmeat market. Given that the sector does not enjoy direct EU supports, market tools available in times of extreme price volatility must be deployed when necessary. I am pleased to note that the Commission has agreed to the re-opening of this scheme in 2016. At the April meeting I reiterated the need to move quickly on the proposals agreed in order to bring about the desired stabilising effects.
In relation to the Russian pigmeat ban, the adverse effects of the effective closure of this market are still being felt by farmers. Ireland has requested the Commission to continue and intensify its political, technical and diplomatic efforts to unlock the Russian market for EU pigmeat. We proposed that the Commission reengage and secure access for products outside the scope of the Presidential decree, such as pig fats and offals.
In the interim, a direct aid package payment will issue in the coming week to all pig farmers in Ireland with a minimum level of supply of 200 pigs slaughtered in 2015. This means a flat rate payment of over €3,000 to each farmer. This will ensure that the payment is directed to those farmers most affected by price volatility, thus meeting the requirements of the EU Regulations providing the funding. Furthermore, Commissioner Hogan has reiterated his determination to promote the EU’s interests and open up new markets for EU products, with a specific €30 million envelope for dairy and pigmeat available under the EU Promotion Scheme to reflect the market disturbances in those sectors. Ireland, through Bord Bia, will be making an application for a proportion of this funding in the very near future.
188. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at the recent European Union Agriculture Council in relation to the serious problems facing the dairy sector; the proposals there are to provide additional and much needed assistance at European level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7694/16]
View answerThe price of milk and dairy commodities is determined by a range of factors, including supply and demand at international level. Food commodity markets including dairy markets have been characterised by significant levels of volatility for a number of years and this trend has continued throughout 2015 and into early 2016.
Factors contributing to global price volatility in 2015 included the Russian Ban and the softening of Chinese demand on one side, coupled with increased production among key global producers including the EU on the supply side. The longer term demographic and demand perspectives remain positive, but 2016 will be a challenging year.
Production decisions are made by producers, taking prevailing market conditions as well as their efficiency of production and price of inputs into account. The challenge posed by price volatility has been highlighted by my Department and others over a number of years, and indeed my Department has, including through its agencies, invested significant resources in providing farmers with advice and technology designed to improve on farm efficiency, reduce production costs, and make farm businesses more resilient in times of downward price pressure. The abolition of dairy quotas in April 2015 allows farmers the freedom to make these production decisions on a commercial basis.
That said, we obviously must offer support to the sector in times of prevailing difficulty such as we are now experiencing. In this respect, I very much welcome the Presidency conclusions on the proposal for the package of support measures to address challenges in the dairy and pigmeat sectors which was agreed in Brussels at last month’s Council. This follows on from an earlier package of measures agreed in September of last year and takes account of the ongoing difficulties being experienced in the sector, where the duration of market turbulence has gone well beyond previous expectations.
The package includes a number of proposals by Ireland to the Commission and other Member States in advance of Council, in particular the doubling of the intervention ceiling for skimmed milk powder and butter. I also welcome the Commissioner’s undertaking to consider further flexibilities in the PSA scheme for Skimmed Milk Powder, and to look at further flexibilities in the State Aid regime.
In terms of input costs at farm level, I have called on the Commission to consider looking at temporary suspension of EU import tariffs on fertilisers to reduce input costs for Irish and EU farmers and I understand that the Commission is looking favourably on this request. The Presidency conclusions also refer to the possibility of advance payments under CAP, as was done in 2015. In addition my Department is in the final stages of issuing €26.4m in direct aid to dairy farmers funded by the exchequer and the EU.
Furthermore, with respect to financial instruments, I welcome the proposal for the European Investment Bank (EIB) and member states to work together with the Commission on the feasibility of an EU export credit tool.
It remains clear that we need to deal urgently and effectively with this temporary problem. We must ensure that EU farmers are protected from the worst impacts of low commodity prices in an appropriate way, but remain well placed to avail of emerging opportunities when markets recover. Ireland is strongly positioned as a competitive producer of dairy, and while conditions are extremely difficult at present, Irish dairy farmers will be well placed to avail of the opportunity presented by market recovery in due course.
189. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a single payment for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7701/16]
View answerAn application under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 6 May 2015. The processing of this application is on-going. An official from my Department will be in direct contact with the person named to finalise processing in this case.
190. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he proposes to take in conjunction with his European Union colleagues to protect the concept of the viability of the family farm enterprise throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7742/16]
View answer192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied that farm families here will continue to benefit from Common Agriculture Policy reform in a fair and equitable fashion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7744/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 192 together.
The need to protect the viability of the family farm is an imperative that informs all discussions with my counterparts at European level, and I am fully satisfied that farm families in Ireland will continue to benefit in a fair and equitable manner from the ongoing reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. These twin imperatives informed my approach to the negotiations in 2012 and 2013, and they continue to inform the process by which the various elements of CAP reform are now being delivered.
Taking the direct payments system as an example, the Deputy may recall that I proposed an alternative approach to the redistribution of direct payments than that originally advocated by the European Commission, precisely because I wanted to ensure that the direct payments system could be made fairer and more equitable while at the same time ensuring that the level of transfer of payments between farmers was not of a scale that might jeopardise our objectives for the development of the sector. We now have a system which satisfies these two requirements. Last year’s payments under the Basic Payment and other schemes represented the start of a process that, by 2019, will see a considerable shift in the balance of payments from those previously receiving very high rates per hectare to those previously receiving much lower rates of payment. I believe that this not only makes the direct payments system fairer, but also ensures that it continues to provide support and income stability that will allow farmers to respond to the demands of the market. As such, it also provides a vital tool to help us achieve the objectives outlined in the Food Wise 2025 strategy.
I have also taken significant steps to encourage the participation of young farmers in agriculture, which is vital in terms of securing the critical role that farm families play in the development of the sector. In addition to providing for a top-up of direct payments, I have ensured that young farmers are prioritised in the allocation of payment entitlements from the national reserve. These direct payments measures are further complemented by supports under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme where, for example, enhanced support for capital investment by young farmers has been made available under the TAMS schemes.
More generally under Pillar 2 of the CAP, I am focussed on the socio-economic development of our farms and of our rural areas so that all farm families have an opportunity to realise their potential. Schemes for improving sustainability (such as GLAS and the Beef Data and Genomics Programme) and competitiveness (such as TAMS) are complemented by continued strong support for disadvantaged areas (now known as Areas of Natural Constraint). I believe this combination provides a vital range of supports that will allow farm families to continue to benefit from the CAP in an equitable manner while supporting their development over the coming years.
191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which all farm support payments already due in 2016 have been paid up to date; the number, if any, outstanding for technical or other reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7743/16]
View answerThe position in relation to the main farm support payments in 2016 is as follows:
The closing date for applications under the 2016 Areas of Natural Constraints scheme is 16 May 2016. Payments are due to commence in late September on cases which have fulfilled the necessary area and stocking requirements under the scheme.
The closing date for applications under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) scheme is 16 May 2016. Under European Union legislation governing the implementation of the BPS, the earliest date on which advance payments may be made, in respect of fully processed and clear applications, is 16 October of this year.
Payment applications under BDGP, AEOS, GLAS and Organics Schemes will be processed later this year when programme requirements are met by applicants and required checks completed.
193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which indicators in respect of the Food Harvest 2020 and Food Wise 2025 remain in line with expectations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7745/16]
View answer196. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects agriculture production to increase throughout each sector in the next four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7748/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 196 together.
The main targets set out in the Food Harvest report published in 2010 were, by 2020, to increase the value of: primary output by 33% and agri-food exports by 42% (both from a 2007-09 average baseline); and to increase value added production by 40% (from a 2008 baseline). In addition to these value increases, the dairy industry targeted a 50% increase in milk production by 2020, to be progressed following the abolition of milk quotas in April last year.
Progress on those targets were monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis. The fourth annual report “Milestones for Success 2014", published September 2014, showed that the sector had achieved very significant progress on these targets and illustrated the manner in which the Food Harvest 2020 vision of ‘smart, green, growth’ is being attained.
Food Wise 2025, the new ten year strategy for the agri-food sector published in July last year, builds on the successful vision of Food Harvest 2020. It identifies the opportunities and challenges facing the sector and provides an enabling strategy that will allow the sector to grow and prosper. Food Wise includes more than 400 specific recommendations, spread across the cross-cutting themes of sustainability, innovation, human capital, market development and competitiveness; as well as specific sectoral recommendations.
If these recommendations are implemented, the expert committee which drew up the Food Wise 2025 Strategy believes that the following growth projections are achievable by 2025: increasing the value of agri-food exports by 85% to €19 billion; increasing value added in the sector by 70% to in excess of €13 billion; and increasing the value of primary production by 65% to almost €10 billion. With regard to employment, Food Wise foresees the creation of 23,000 additional jobs in the agri-food sector all along the supply chain from primary production to high value added product development. Realising these growth projections will be challenging, but I am confident that they can be achieved.
I chair the High Level Implementation Committee, including senior officials from relevant Departments and State agencies, which will drive implementation of the Food Wise recommendations. The HLIC has met three times so far. The fourth meeting takes place tomorrow and will deal specifically with competitiveness and the dairy sector.
194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which new markets for beef, lamb, pigmeat, poultry or products thereof continue to be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7746/16]
View answerThere is a strong demand for meat globally and my role as Minister is to facilitate market access and to enable Irish exporters to take advantage of the opportunities that arise. My Department engages on an ongoing basis with many Third countries, in collaboration with Bord Bia, the meat industry, Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade and the European Commission on various market access issues. 2015 was a very successful year for meat exports. According to Bord Bia overall exports of beef, sheepmeat, pigmeat and poultry increased by €140 million to €3.5 billion. Although exports to the EU account for the majority of meat exports, Third Country markets are increasingly an important alternative outlet for the industry.
I am constantly seeking to develop long-term trading relationships in new and expanding international markets for Irish meat products, raising the profile of Ireland and increasing international confidence in Irish meat production and control systems. Since taking office I have led trade missions to a wide variety of destinations, including China, the United States, Algeria, Japan, West Africa and the Gulf States, in order to promote Irish food and beverages, including meat exports, and to open up new markets abroad.
These initiatives and efforts have led to several notable successes in securing agreement to export Irish beef to the USA, Japan, the Philippines, Canada, Singapore, Egypt, Iran and Oman; to export sheepmeat to Canada, Singapore, South Africa, the Philippines, Hong Kong, the UAE, Canada and Oman; to export pigmeat to Australia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Serbia; and to export poultry meat to Singapore and the UAE.
The opening of the US market to Irish beef in early 2015 has provided an important outlet that holds enormous potential for future development given that we are the first EU Member State to gain access. An estimated 1,800 tonnes valued at € 14 million was exported in 2015. In Quarter 1 of 2016 approximately 700 tonnes with a value of €6 million are estimated to have been exported, continuing the positive trends from last year. My Department remains engaged with the US authorities to allow for the extension of beef exports to include manufacturing beef/Beef Intended for Grinding (BIFG).
Significant progress has been made along the path to securing access to the Chinese market for Irish beef with the lifting of the BSE ban by China in February 2015, and an inspection visit by a delegation from AQSIQ to Ireland was hosted in January 2016. Steps have been taken towards the opening of the Israeli market for beef exports once again following an audit visit to approve selected plants in February 2016. A delegation from South Korea is expected to conduct a systems audit visit regarding beef access in May.
Other market access opportunities being actively pursued at present include beef access for Vietnam, pigmeat access for Mexico and beef and pigmeat access for the Ukraine. The search for new markets will continue in conjunction with various stakeholders. This will also be guided by the implementation of Food Wise 2025 strategy which identified the future global growth opportunities which Ireland is well placed to benefit from, including: our reputation for food safety and controls; our natural competitive advantage in sustainable grass-based production; and a world class agri-food industry, backed by strong State support services. These strengths and opportunities should enhance our search for new Third Country markets.
195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy and frequency of checks and inspections in respect of food and food product labelling here and throughout the European Union with particular reference to the need to preserve the integrity of the food industry and recognise its importance to the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7747/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, I attach great importance to the food and drink industries exports and their contribution to our economic recovery. Agri food exports account for 7% of GDP and continue to grow year on year.
My colleague, the Minister for Health, has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation and new EU food information regulations which were adopted by the Council of Health Ministers in December 2011. However, my Department plays an important role in the enforcement of this legislation under service contract to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
Primary responsibility under EU law for the safety and traceability of food placed on the market lies with food business operators. The role of National Competent Agencies is to verify compliance with this requirement. This is done via a combination of inspecting establishments and auditing the food safety management systems which operators have in place. These controls are applied at different stages in the food supply chain. Regulation (EC) No. 178 of 2002 sets out the general principles and requirements of EU food law and stipulates that food business operators must, at all stages of production, processing and distribution within their business, ensure food law requirements are satisfied. In regard to traceability, the regulations require that food business operators have systems to identify any person who supplies the business with a food, and a system to identify other businesses to which their product has been supplied. This is referred to as the ‘one step forward, one step backward’ traceability system. There are additional requirements for certain fishery and aquaculture products under the Control Regulation (Regulation 1224/2009 and Implementing Regulation 404/2011) from first sale to subsequent stages of production, processing and distribution up to retail.
My Department has a permanent veterinary presence at all its approved slaughter plants. Controls at plants only engaged in secondary processing are carried out at a frequency based on an annual risk assessment. An annual audit of imported products is carried out in each Department-approved plant, including checks on physical identity, labelling and documentary checks for product originating in EU Member States and third countries. Labelling and documentary checks are routinely conducted by the Department.
The import of products of animal origin from third countries is governed by a comprehensive and robust legislative framework laid down at EU level, controlled by Member States in the first instance, and audited by the European Commission’s Food and Veterinary Office (FVO), to ensure compliance with all of the relevant food safety standards. The legislation imposes health and supervisory requirements designed to ensure that imported products meet standards equivalent to those required for production and trade between Member States. Border Inspection Posts are operated by my Department. Import control procedures on products of animal and fish origin are highly prescriptive and strictly audited by the FVO to ensure compliance. Inspection finding reports are published on the FVO’s website.
197. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine why there is a mandatory charge for the use of water and refuse services for all boats, irrespective of size and whether they avail of both services or not, under charge number 5 and under charge number 10 of the Schedules of SI 214 of 2012 (Fisheries Harbour Centres (Rates and Charges) Order 2012); if he will amend these regulations and provide an exemption for currachs that do not use these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7767/16]
View answerPursuant to the Fishery Harbour Centres Act 1968 (as amended), my Department is responsible for the six Fishery Harbour Centres located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros an Mhíl. Charges for the use of facilities and services at each of the Fishery Harbour Centres are levied by virtue of the Fishery Harbour Centres (Rates & Charges) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 214 of 2012) which came into effect on 1 July 2012. Different rates apply according to the type and nature of the vessel, the different use made of the facilities by the vessel, the size of the vessel and the quantity and species of fish landed (where applicable).
The mandatory nature of the charges referred to is nothing new, and is consistent with the situation as it pertained in the previous Order S.I. No. 439 of 2003. For ease of reference and for clarification, the relevant charges under S.I. No. 214 of 2012 are set out in the following table.
S.I. No. 214 of 2012 provides inter alia that charge no. 9 of Schedule 1 for the use of fresh water is “...mandatory on all vessels using a Fishery Harbour Centre whether or not they use fresh water...” other than vessels paying under charge no. 5, charge no. 10 in Schedule 1 or charge no. 17 in Schedule 2. In this regard, please note the following:
- Charge no. 5 of Schedule 1 relates to landing of whitefish. It is generally only larger fishing vessels that opt to be invoiced under this charge.
- Charge no. 10 of Schedule 1 relates to use of the harbour by passenger boats/vessels and cruise vessels.
- Charge no. 17 of Schedule 2 relates to berthing of yachts and pleasure crafts.
- Charge 9 takes account of different types of vessel, drawing a distinction as it does between fishing vessels, pelagic vessels and other vessels. Within this framework, it also differentiates on size, between fishing vessels over and under 6 metres in length overall.
Waste charges are mandatory on all vessels using a Fishery Harbour Centre whether or not waste is disposed of, as set out in Charge 10 of Schedule 2. The mandatory nature of the charge arises from national and EU legislative requirements and is also designed to reduce any incentive to discharge waste at sea. A key principle underpinning this charge is that larger vessels generally tend to generate more waste and are charged more accordingly. The 2012 Order revoked its 2003 predecessor and while vessels were categorised somewhat differently under the 2003 Order, there has been no increase in the quantum of water or waste charges since then.
In March 2015, following a complaint the Office of the Ombudsman found no issue with the mandatory nature of these particular charges.
That said, the Department is currently undertaking an internal review of the Fishery Harbour Centres (Rates & Charges) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 214 of 2012), with the intention of introducing a new Order in 2017. It should be noted that Statute requires a full public consultation process to be undertaken before any new Rates and Charges Order is introduced.
|
Charge No/ Schedule No |
Description of Facility or Service |
Rate or Charge |
|
Charge 9/Schedule 1 |
Use of fresh water (mandatory on all vessels using a Fishery Harbour Centre whether or not they use fresh water) other than vessels paying under charge no. 5 and charge no. 10 in this Schedule and charge no. 17 in Schedule 2: (a) fishing vessels (6 metres or more in length overall — Loa) |
€30 per month per vessel or €2.50 per cubic metre metered |
|
(b) pelagic vessels |
€90 per month per vessel or €2.50 per cubic metre metered |
|
|
(c) all other vessels *Note: If a charge for fresh water is levied at one Fishery Harbour Centre this charge will not be levied in another Fishery Harbour Centre used within that month. |
€2.50 per cubic metre metered |
|
|
Charge 10/Schedule 2 |
Disposal of ship generated waste*. A vessel of — (a) less than 10 gross tons |
€20 per month |
|
(b) 10 or more gross tons |
€40 per month |
|
|
(c) 20 or more gross tons |
€60 per month |
|
|
(d) 30 or more gross tons |
€80 per month |
|
|
(e) 100 or more gross tons |
€100 per month |
|
|
*Note: 1. This charge is mandatory on all vessels using a Fishery Harbour Centre whether or not waste is disposed of. 2. If a charge for disposal of waste is levied at one Fishery Harbour Centre in a month this charge will not be levied in another Fishery Harbour Centre used within that month. |
198. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when sanction will be given for the dredging of Howth fishery harbour centre, given that it is silting up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7777/16]
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 and 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 11th 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 year’s 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.
A draft report from a €150,000 site investigation project which was commissioned in 2015 was received in March 2016. The draft report is being assessed by the Department ’s engineers. This report includes 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 which will be submitted to the EPA in due course. Depending on the outcome of this process Dredging Works will be considered subject to available funding.
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.
199. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Mayo following their successful appeal to the agriculture appeals office; why the case is being further reviewed by his Department’s inspectorate; and if he will make a full statement on the matter particularly as the appeal decision was made on 3 March 2016. [7785/16]
View answerIn order to comply with EU requirements, the 2013 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 50%. Based on the terms and conditions of the scheme this resulted in no payment being due under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme and the application of an administrative fine to be offset against any future EU payments.
The person named was notified of this decision on 2 January 2014. 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 20 November 2014. 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 allow the appeal and the person named was notified of this decision by the Agriculture Appeals Office on 3 March 2016.
My Department is currently examining this appeal decision and will be seeking clarification on some aspects of the decision from the Agriculture Appeals Office. This clarification on detailed points is needed before any payment can be made. The person named will be notified when this examination is completed and any payments due will be processed as soon as possible thereafter.
200. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when jobs (details supplied) in his Department will be advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7819/16]
View answerThroughout 2016, my Department is seeking to recruit up to 200 new staff in a range of disciplines including veterinary and agricultural science graduates, laboratory and Information Technology experts, technical agricultural officers, engineers, and general administrative staff with a range of expertise.
Competitions are carried out in conjunction with our recruitment partners the Public Appointments Service (PAS) through their dedicated website www.publicjobs.ie. A competition for Engineer Grade 1 was announced on 1 April 2016, and Forestry Inspector Grade 3, and Technical Agricultural Officer competitions launched on 15 April 2016. It is expected that Assistant Agricultural Inspector posts will be advertised in the coming weeks, with Veterinary Inspectors following later in the year. Additionally PAS carries out on-going recruitment for the general administrative grades for all Government Departments and my Department continues to fill critical business needs from these recruitment processes.
201. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Defence if he will expedite and approve three separate applications for assistance under the flood damage schemes submitted by businesses (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [7312/16]
View answerThe Government approved the allocation of €5m for an emergency humanitarian support scheme to small businesses and community, sporting and voluntary bodies which through no fault of their own have been unable to secure flood insurance and suffered flood damage during the severe weather in December 2015 to January 2016. The scheme is being administered by the Irish Red Cross.
The Irish Red Cross Society is an independent charitable organisation with full power to manage its own affairs. I as Minister for Defence have no function in the administration of the Irish Red Cross Society and do not get involved in the day to day running of its affairs.
I am advised that the Irish Red Cross is in correspondence with the applicants.
