Written Answers Nos. 741-760
741. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost in 2017 of permitting young farmers who are under 40 years of age, who have been farming for five years or more and who do not qualify for the 60% TAMS grant aid rate to qualify for an intermediary grant aid level of 50%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24126/16]
View answerThe figure requested by the Deputy is not readily available and work is now underway to calculate an estimate of the additional cost. My Department will communicate with the Deputy when this work is concluded.
742. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a single farm payment will continue to be drawn on land that is developed for solar energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24141/16]
View answerSupport under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is payable upon activation of an eligible hectare per payment entitlement. In general terms an eligible hectare is one that is used for an agricultural activity or, where the area is also used for a non-agricultural activity, is predominantly used for such activities. An area is predominantly used for agricultural activity if that activity can be exercised without being significantly hampered by the intensity, nature, duration and timing of the non-agricultural activity.
While cases involving solar panels will be examined on an individual basis, the European Commission has advised that the area covered by the solar panels will be deemed ineligible for the purposes of claiming BPS. Furthermore, in line with the Department’s current approach on land eligibility, where the area of a parcel covered by solar panels is 70% or greater of the overall parcel, that parcel will be wholly ineligible. If less than 70% is covered by solar panels and the agricultural activity is not hampered by the presence of the solar panels, the area not covered by solar panels may be eligible.
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has informed me that before a final decision is taken on introducing a new support scheme - which may include support for solar PV - that Department will run a public consultation, which will give all interested parties an opportunity to participate in the development of the scheme. Details of the next public consultation will be advertised on their website www.dcenr.gov.ie. Before any such scheme could be introduced, it would have to secure Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission.
743. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.50 for all employees directly employed, or in agencies funded, by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24154/16]
View answerBased on introducing a minimal threshold hourly rate of €11.50, the estimated additional annual cost in 2016 for current staff employed by my Department would be approximately €129,000, after the sanctioned increase of 2.5% under the Lansdowne Road Agreement is taken into account.
The parallel information in respect of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the Bodies themselves.
744. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions his Department has had with suppliers or service contractors to his Department or to agencies of his Department to ensure that employees of such suppliers and contractors are paid the living wage of €11.50 per hour; the cost of implementing this wage for these employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24169/16]
View answerThe living wage is a voluntary concept at this stage and has no legislative basis. It is not a statutory entitlement and for that reason it cannot be imposed on either suppliers or contractors by the Department. Therefore my Department has not had any discussions with suppliers or service contractors in relation to the payment of the living wage to employees.
In relation to State Agencies this issue is an operational matter for themselves.
747. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the guidelines used for the reappointment of chief executive officers to agencies under his aegis; the term limits suggested by these guidelines; the number of instances in which he has extended the term of a CEO beyond these guidelines and his reason for doing so in each case; the protocols in place to ensure transparency in such reappointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24231/16]
View answerThe appointment of Chief Executive Officers to State Bodies is a matter for the Board of each State Body, with the approval of the relevant line Minister and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The guidelines for such appointments are issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Those for commercial State Agencies provide that CEOs appointed after July 1999 should not serve more than seven years in that position.
Since my appointment as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine there have not been any re-appointments of CEOs to any of the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department.
748. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a farm building grant application for a person (details supplied). [24272/16]
View answerThe person concerned is an applicant under the TAMS II Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme. The application is currently being processed. Once it has been determined that all the terms and conditions of the Scheme have been complied with a letter of approval to carry out the works will issue.
749. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department to date in 2016; the number of requests fully refused; and the number of requests partially refused. [24275/16]
View answerAs of the 18th July, my Department has received 191 requests this year under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. Data in respect of these FOI requests are set out in the following table.
|
Number of FOI Requests..... |
Granted |
Part granted |
Refused |
Withdrawn |
Transferred |
Responded to outside of FOI |
Ongoing |
Total |
|
- |
45 |
46 |
16 |
26 |
6 |
15 |
37 |
191 |
The figure in the “ongoing” column arises as, under the Freedom of Information Act, my Department has in most cases four weeks to make a decision and issue a response. There are also a number of provisions in the FOI Act which allow for the completion of requests outside of the standard four week time frame including where the request is for a large number of records and the requirement for third party consultation.
750. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of miles claimed for and the amount of travel expenses paid to him and to each Minister of State in his Department in respect of their functions as a Minister in his Department between 1 January 2016 and 10 March 2016; between 11 March 2016 and 6 May 2016; and since 7 May 2016. [24290/16]
View answerThe information requested by the deputy is set out in the attached table. The kilometres and other travel expenses were claimed and paid in accordance with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations.
|
Time Period |
Minister /Minister of State |
Kilometres claimed |
Kilometre costs paid |
Other domestic expenses paid |
Foreign travel expenses paid |
|
01/01 / 2016 to 10 /03/2016 |
Minister - Simon Coveney |
5,978 |
€ 3,531.20 |
€ 356.85 |
Nil |
|
01/01 /2016 to 10/03/2016 |
Minister of State - Tom Hayes |
5,799 |
€ 3,425.47 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
01/01 /2016 to 10/03/2016 |
Minister of State - Ann Phelan |
3,374 |
€ 2,391.23 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
11 /03/ 2016 to 06 /05/ 2016 |
Minister - Simon Coveney |
10,434 |
€3,110.02 |
Nil |
€390.61 |
|
11/03/2016 to 06 /05/2016 |
Minister of State - Tom Hayes |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
11/03/2016 to 06 /05/2016 |
Minister of State - Ann Phelan |
1,420 |
€1,006.64 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Since 07 May 2016 |
Minister - Michael Creed |
10,566 |
€ 4,977.45 |
Nil |
€1,100.32 |
|
Since 07 May 2016 |
Minister of State - Andrew Doyle |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
751. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide the name, position and annual salary awarded to his special advisers; to provide details for requests, if any, for an increase above the special advisers' pay cap, as set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24307/16]
View answerIn response to the Deputy’s question, political staff appointments are in progress and decisions regarding these appointments are imminent.
In accordance with the Ethics legislation, Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and the Standards in Public Office Act 2001, information relating to staff appointed by me will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas upon their appointment.
752. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department hope to be in a position to pursue and secure new markets for Irish exports with particular reference to the challenges arising from Brexit; if he expects to utilise a multifaceted approach in this endeavour regardless of deadlines associated with Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24323/16]
View answerThe pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agrifood exports is of course an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agrifood sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. Indeed, this is all the more relevant after the UK’s decision to leave the EU, which presents significant new challenges for the agrifood sector in particular.
Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agrifood exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region. This is where our efforts will be focused for the foreseeable future, particularly given the need to diversify our markets and to reduce our reliance on traditional destinations such as the UK.
In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025, I intend to lead a Trade Mission that will visit Vietnam, Singapore and China in early September. My Department is currently working with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland to finalise the arrangements for this mission, which will include participants from across the agrifood sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as political discussions with my counterparts in the host countries.
I am also considering a range of other destinations for later in 2016 and for 2017, although no decision has yet been made in terms of content or timing.
753. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the rationale for Inland Fisheries Ireland to cease all fish farm operations. [23755/16]
View answerThe proposal around rationalising the fish farm operations of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is a day to day operational matter for the Board of IFI.
I acknowledge the huge positive impact made by angling to the Irish economy and expect the Board of IFI to be mindful of that in all decisions they make.
I am informed by IFI that, from a structural perspective, the fish farming operation is based on physical structures and facilities designed and built in the late 1950s. Since that time, meeting the operational and financial demands and increasing regulatory requirements from facilities that are dated has become more complex and challenging. In that context, I recently visited IFI's broodstock and hatchery facility at Cullion (Mullingar) to see at first hand the existing facilities where I was briefed by a member of IFI's senior management team.
IFI has already written to affected stakeholders advising them that the farms are operating as normal for 2016 and that a consultation process is underway to hear the views of stakeholders while making efforts to ensure continued supply of trout for stocking for anglers.
I understand that the Board proposal is based on an expert review it commissioned of its production capabilities, operational processes, facility design and technologies as well as operational costs. However, I have recently met with the Board of IFI to reiterate my position that a report of the public consultation process is to be made to my Department prior to any action being taken.
All stakeholders are encouraged to make a submission under the process. Submissions should be made in writing to Fish Farm Consultation, Inland Fisheries Ireland, 3044 Lake Drive, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin D24 Y265, Ireland.
754. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the figures for his Department on the percentage of working days lost to sickness absence through certified leave and uncertified leave in each year from 2011 to 2015 inclusive. [23408/16]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following table:
|
Year |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
|
Lost Time Rate - Uncertified |
0.46% |
0.32% |
0.26% |
0.23% |
0.25% |
|
Lost Time Rate - Certified |
3.55% |
3.85% |
3.18% |
2.38% |
2.44% |
Notes: The lost time rate shows the percentage of working time lost due to sick leave per year.
755. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the outcome of any recent discussions he or his Department has had with the Commission for Communications Regulation or with mobile telephone companies on the inadequate mobile telephone coverage, particularly in counties Cavan and Monaghan; his plans to improve coverage without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23471/16]
View answerThe provision of mobile telephony services is undertaken by telecommunications service providers operating in a fully liberalised market under licences provided by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). It is subject to a requirement to secure access to the required radio spectrum by way of licence. The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of ComReg under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 as amended, and accordingly I have no function in this matter.
Notwithstanding the independent role of ComReg, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the establishment of a mobile phone and broadband Taskforce which will consider immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland. I am in discussion with my colleague the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in this regard and arrangements are being made to put this in place as a matter of priority. Discussions have also taken place with mobile operators and with ComReg in relation to the issues impacting on mobile phone coverage and possible measures which could be considered to address deficiencies. These can be considered in the context of the work of the Taskforce.
Licences issued by ComReg apply terms and conditions on Mobile Network Operators, such as quality of service and minimum population coverage obligations. Responsibility for both monitoring compliance and addressing non-compliance with such obligations rests with ComReg. The design of the individual networks is a matter for the operator concerned, although operators tend to exceed their minimum coverage requirements for commercial reasons.
The provision of services to all customers can be affected by several factors given that mobile telephone services are a radio based technology and therefore services can be affected by topography, quality of handsets, the capacity of the network and proximity to mobile telephone antennas.
Any customer, including those in Cavan and Monaghan, who experiences service difficulties should raise the matter with the service provider in the first instance. If this fails to resolve matters, customers can refer a complaint to ComReg, who will investigate the service provider’s compliance with its contractual obligations.
My Department also understands that two mobile operators are in the process of upgrading their networks in the Monaghan and Cavan area. Further significant investment, particularly in 4G technology, is planned throughout 2016. Upgrades to mobile networks can cause temporary disruptions to coverage, as new equipment is installed and commissioned. The positive outcome of such disruption is, however, a deployment of an improved service.
Local Authorities also have an important role to play in terms of facilitating the siting of necessary infrastructure such as masts and antennae. The Telecoms and Internet Federation, part of IBEC, has been proactive in seeking to meet with Local Authorities and public representatives to fully discuss the various issues around mobile coverage and the factors that can impact on the quality of service consumers’ experience. I would encourage all Local Authorities and public representatives to engage with the Telecoms and Internet Federation on these important issues.
756. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a person on jobseeker's allowance who has one 17 year old daughter living with him or her is eligible to apply for the better energy warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23479/16]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department. The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures at no cost to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty, who meet the defined eligibility criteria. Typical measures available under the scheme include attic and cavity wall insulation, draught proofing, lagging jackets and low energy light bulbs.
This scheme is available to homeowners living in non-Local Authority homes, constructed before 2006 and tenants of approved housing associations. In addition, a householder needs be receipt of one of the following:
- Fuel Allowance as part of the National Fuel Scheme;
- Job Seekers Allowance for over six months and with children under 7 years of age;
- Family Income Supplement;
- One Parent Family Payment.
If the applicant referred to by the Deputy meets one of these criteria then they are eligible for the scheme and can make an application via SEAI.
Following a public consultation, these eligibility criteria were examined in the new National Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty published in February of this year. That strategy commits my Department to keep the eligibility criteria for energy poverty under review to ensure that they are aligned with the basic deprivation indicators used across Government. On foot of the publication of this strategy, the eligibility criteria were broadened to include tenants of voluntary housing associations and one parent families as these groups appear to be particularly vulnerable to suffering from deprivation.
757. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to improve broadband telecommunications infrastructure in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23565/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area, which is the subject of procurement. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services and includes Bailieborough in the townland of Tanderagee, County Cavan. The Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that those services are delivered.
The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention and includes Canningstown in the Townland of Tullylorcan, County Cavan.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including Cavan. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by scrolling through the map online or entering their Eircode. The Department also has a dedicated mailbox and anyone with a query in relation to the Map should email the Department, quoting their Eircode, to broadband@dcenr.gov.ie.
Over 750,000 premises are the focus for the procurement process, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ( 'PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum. On 5 July 2016, I announced that my Department has also identified a further 170,000 premises which are currently marked BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map and which are unlikely to get access to services. My Department is currently in the process of identifying these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process.
The Department has now moved to the next stage in the procurement process. In this Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase, the Department are now commencing the formal dialogue process with three qualifying bidders. The qualifying bidders will shortly be furnished with a draft contract, with detailed specifications for a quality and affordable high speed broadband network.
Following the ITPD stage, which will take a number of months, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the NBP Intervention Strategy. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). The current schedule envisages contract(s) award in June 2017.
The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors including the number of bidders short-listed and the complexities that may be encountered during the dialogue process. It must be noted that bidders will need several months to prepare their draft bids and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at these stages of the process.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and / or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed roll-out plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services. These investments will further improve the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits also to measures to assist in the roll-out of the broadband network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
758. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the current position regarding submitting proposals to the European Union for a grant scheme for the provision of wood pellet burners in houses and for commercial use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23741/16]
View answerThe White Paper on Energy Policy includes a commitment to introduce a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) designed to encourage the development of Ireland’s abundant, diverse and indigenous renewable energy resource, including bioenergy. The Programme for Government commits to facilitating the development of bioenergy projects in Ireland and the development of the RHI.
My Department is working on the introduction of a new Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) to support the deployment of renewable energy for commercial and industrial users of heat in the non-Emissions Trading Sector (ETS). Analysis is underway to inform the actual cost of the RHI and, while no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported, biomass combustion is one of the technologies being examined as part of the assessment process. The primary aim of the RHI is to build on the progress already made in the renewable heat sector and help to reach Ireland's 12% renewable heat target by 2020.
Before a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is introduced, the overall costs and technologies to be supported will be subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission. It is expected that a new scheme will become available in 2017.
759. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for submitting proposals to the European Union for grants for the installation of solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23751/16]
View answerThe White Paper on Energy Policy includes a commitment to introduce a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) designed to encourage the development of Ireland’s abundant, diverse and indigenous renewable energy resources, including solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. The Programme for Government also commits to facilitating the development of solar energy projects.
My Department is currently undertaking in-depth economic analysis to inform the cost of a new scheme and the design of the support tariff - whether in the form of a grant payment or feed-in tariff. While no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported, the cost and technical viability of solar photovoltaic (PV) - both roof-top and utility-scale - is being examined as part of the assessment process.
Once the detailed economic analysis is complete, there will be an additional public consultation phase on the design of the new scheme. The details of this will be advertised on the Department’s website www.dcenr.gov.ie.
The introduction of any new scheme - including the overall costs and technologies to be supported - will be subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission. It is expected that a new scheme will become available in 2017.
The Deputy may be also interested to know that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland currently provides supports for the use of solar thermal heating technology to both large industry and SMEs. Households can also avail of grant support for investment in renewable energy installations, including solar thermal, under the Better Energy Homes Scheme.
760. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the authority or organisation that has responsibility for the rivers in Dublin city and county; the body with responsibility for physical boundaries such as river banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23791/16]
View answerMy Department holds no function in relation to this question. It would be a matter in the first instance for the landowner.
Inland Fisheries Ireland, which comes under the aegis of my Department, is the state agency responsible for the protection, management and conservation of Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources. Should the Deputy have a particular issue relevant to IFI, I can have them contact him directly.
