Michael Healy-Rae
Question:428. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a GLAS payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33396/16]
View answerGLAS Payments
Questions (428)
Written answers
The person named has been approved under Tranche 1 of GLAS with a contract start date of 1 October 2015.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue.
The application of the person named has now successfully completed the pre-payment validation checks in respect of the 2015 scheme year and full entitlement due for 2015 was processed on 4 November 2016 and should issue to the applicant in the coming days.
GLAS Appeals
Questions (429)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:429. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33398/16]
View answerWritten answers
An application for Tranche 2 of the GLAS Scheme was received in this case on the dedicated GLAS online system on the 29 November 2015.
The pre-approval validation checks on the application of the person named found that the Low Input Permanent Pasture (part parcel) and Traditional Hay Meadow (part parcel) actions were not in accordance with scheme specifications and were therefore excluded as valid actions from the application.
The application was ranked as a Tier 3 application, scoring 7.50 which was below the minimum required pass mark of 16.50 and it was therefore unsuccessful for admission to the scheme. A letter issued to the person named on the 10 March 2016 notifying them of this decision and giving an option of appeal to GLAS Section.
An appeal has been received from the Agricultural Advisor of the person named and is currently being processed by my Department. The person named will be notified in writing this week of the outcome of this appeal.
GLAS Payments
Questions (430)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:430. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a 2015 GLAS payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33402/16]
View answerWritten answers
An application under Tranche 1 of GLAS was received in my Department on the 22 May 2015 and the person named was approved into GLAS 1 with effect from 1 October 2015.
Under the EU Regulations governing the scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue.
Following the checking process on the application of the person named, one parcel of the Hen Harrier action (2.56 hectares) was disallowed. The application was processed for payment in respect of the 2015 scheme year on this basis and the 2015 first instalment was paid on 8 March 2016.
Subsequent to the issue of the first instalment of the 2015 payment, Department officials are reviewing the decision to disallow the 2.56 hectares of Hen Harrier. Once this review is complete 2015 balancing payment will be processed.
Agriculture Scheme Appeals
Questions (431)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:431. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the case of a person (details supplied) who has appealed a decision on area aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33413/16]
View answerWritten answers
A decision on an appeal concerning the person named was issued on 12 August 2015 by the independent Agriculture Appeals Office. Further correspondence submitted since that decision requesting a review of the decision is currently being examined by that Office. I am advised that the examination and assessment of the case has not yet concluded.
Agricultural Colleges Courses
Questions (432)
Niamh Smyth
Question:432. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that are being taken to reduce the waiting times for green cert courses at a college (details supplied); the numbers waiting at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33424/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Green Cert Programme is delivered by Teagasc education staff on a full-time, part-time and distance education basis at the 7 Teagasc agricultural colleges and at their local and regional education centres. The organisation and location of Green Cert courses within the Teagasc network is a matter for Teagasc management to determine.
The current exceptional demand reflects renewed interest and opportunities in agriculture, but is also directly linked to the education requirements of the Young Farmers Scheme and National Reserve, which require applicants to have a prescribed Level 6 agricultural qualification - a Green Cert or equivalent in order to qualify for payment. This was to ensure that payments were targeted at ‘trained young farmers’ who have a genuine interest in farming as a career. Approximately 2,000 young farmers required Green Cert places arising from the education requirements of the Young Farmers Scheme and National Reserve.
In order to address this situation, it was agreed that additional temporary resources would be provided to Teagasc to enable them to rapidly expand the number of Green Cert places and clear the back log of applications in the shortest possible timeframe. In conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Teagasc was approved to appoint 70 education officers and 7 administrative staff on two year employment contracts. The allocation of those resources to the different agricultural colleges etc. is an internal operational matter for Teagasc and not my Department. I understand that most have been hired and are helping to deliver record numbers of Green Cert enrolments, which are forecasted to top 4,500 for the period 2014 to 2016.
As can be expected, the Young Farmers Scheme and National Reserve has stimulated added interest in the adult Green Cert among other farmers who have “registered an interest” with Teagasc in completing the course. My Department has asked Teagasc to explore other staffing measures, beyond further temporary recruitment, to ensure that any residual demand for the Green Cert can be accommodated within a realistic time-frame. My Department will continue to monitor the Green Cert situation in Teagasc closely.
TB Eradication Scheme
Questions (433)
Niamh Smyth
Question:433. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a breakdown of TB detections for counties Cavan and Monaghan to date in 2016 in tabular form; the measures that are being taken to assist farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33428/16]
View answerWritten answers
The following table details the herd incidence levels for TB and the numbers of reactors in the Cavan and Monaghan areas for the current year to 30 October 2016.
|
1 January to 30 October 2016
|
Cavan |
Monaghan |
|
Herds currently restricted
|
78 |
102 |
|
Number of reactors identified year to date
|
562 |
775 |
|
Herd Incidence
|
2.99% |
4.07% |
Herd incidence nationally stands at 3.12% at present.
The TB eradication programme includes comprehensive compensation arrangements designed to address both direct and indirect income losses experienced by herdowners when a herd is restricted and reactors are removed. My Department has recently carried out a full review of these arrangements. Following this review, the compensation arrangements have been enhanced as follows:
(i) the ceiling limits payable for reactor animals removed under the On Farm Market Valuation scheme have been increased,
(ii) the rates of payment under the Income Supplement for dairy cows have been substantially increased and special arrangements have been made for dairy herds to qualify for this scheme,
(iii) the 100 animal ceiling in the income supplement scheme has been abolished, and
(iv) dairy herds now qualify for the Hardship Grant Schemes even when supplying milk.
I am satisfied that these measures assist farmers greatly in the event of a TB breakdown.
Basic Payment Scheme Payments
Questions (434)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:434. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in having a basic farm payment issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [33429/16]
View answerWritten answers
An application under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2016 which included afforested lands.
In line with EU Regulations, land which was afforested since 2009 will be eligible to draw down a BPS payment provided that certain requirements are met, one of which is that applicants must retain at least 10% of the eligible hectares declared in 2008 in an agricultural activity subject to a minimum of 3 hectares. The person named did not retain sufficient land and is ineligible for payment on the afforested land declared. An official from my Department has contacted the person named to clarify the position.
Basic Payment Scheme Payments
Questions (435)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:435. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the case of a person (details supplied) who has received no farm payments for 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33455/16]
View answerWritten answers
The person named submitted a 2016 Basic Payment Scheme / Areas of Natural Constraint scheme application on 5 May 2016. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a remote sensing eligibility inspection. This inspection is currently being processed with the intention of issuing any payments due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise, officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.
Farm Inspections
Questions (436)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:436. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the date on which in 2016 farmers were randomly selected for administrative checks or remote sensing inspections by his Department; if selected farmers were informed that their ANC and SFP payments would be delayed in advance of the date the Department commenced making payments to farmers; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33464/16]
View answerWritten answers
Under EU Regulations, all Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme applications are subject to robust administrative checks prior to payment. The main element of the administrative check is an area assessment. This is achieved by using the Land Parcel Identification System which currently records some 1 million individual land parcels.
The work of my Department in this critical area must meet demanding EU and national audit requirements. Only valid applications under the BPS and ANC that fully comply with the requirements of the EU legislation are paid. Consequently, all applications under the schemes are subject to administrative checks. In 2016 these administrative checks commenced on 31st May when on-line applications were subject to preliminary checks to identify in particular over-claims and dual claims. An overall validation process was then carried out on all applications once the data capture of 31,000 paper applications was completed.
Cases that did not pass the validation process went into error and cannot be paid until the error concerned is resolved. These errors include over-claims, dual claims and incomplete application forms. My Department entered into correspondence, mainly through the issuing of query letters to farmers, in order to resolve these error cases.
The selection of cases for on-the-spot-checks, either by means of ground or remote sensing inspection, is governed by EU regulations. All cases to be selected for inspection must be eligible beneficiaries under the various area-based schemes. Therefore the selection of cases for inspection, while commencing after the closing date for receipt of applications, i.e. 15 May for the 2016 Scheme year, is an on-going process so as to ensure this specific regulatory requirement is adhered to.
The process of a remote sensing inspection involves the comprehensive review of a range of satellite imagery received at various stages during the year to ensure that the actual claimed area in the application form corresponds to the area farmed by the applicant, that the different crop types are as claimed, and that ineligible land or features are not included for payment purposes. The EU regulations prescribe that for on-the-spot checks involving land eligibility, any notice of an inspection must be strictly limited to the minimum period necessary and must not exceed 14 days. As the commencement of a remote sensing inspection is dependent on the receipt of a range of satellite imagery throughout the year it is not possible to give a definitive notice date. Furthermore, it is not possible to notify an applicant of errors on their case until such time as the inspection process is fully completed, given the phased process of a remote sensing inspection.
Payments under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme commenced on 17 October, which is the earliest date allowed under the EU legislation. In addition, following discussions with the EU Commission I confirmed that the level of the advance payment under this scheme would be set at 70% for 2016, rather than 50% as provided for in the EU legislation.
To date payments in excess of €770m have issued to over 117,000 applicants under the Basic Payment Scheme. A further €183m has issued to some 84,500 applicants under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme.
My Department is prioritising the processing of all outstanding cases subject to administrative checks or inspection and cases continue to be finalised to payment stage on a daily basis. Regular payment runs are being made for both the BPS and ANC to ensure prompt payment of fully processed cases.
GLAS Payments
Questions (437)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:437. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for a GLAS 2015 payment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33475/16]
View answerWritten answers
The person named has been approved under Tranche 1 of GLAS with a contract start date of 1 October 2015.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue.
The application of the person named has successfully completed the pre-payment validation checks in respect of the 2015 scheme year and full entitlement due for 2015 was processed on 27 October 2016.
Single Payment Scheme Payments
Questions (438)
Lisa Chambers
Question:438. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of single farm payments in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33492/16]
View answerWritten answers
The persons named changed the herd number shown in 2015 from being held in a single name to being held jointly in both names shown. My Department had no record of having received a 2015 Transfer of Entitlements Allocation Right and Reference Value application from the persons named in order to transfer the Basic Payment Scheme entitlements allocation rights and reference values into the jointly held herd number. My Department contacted the persons named and arranged for this application form to be submitted.
This application is now being finalised and any outstanding payment under the Basic Payment Scheme and the Young Farmers Scheme will issue shortly.
Question No. 439 withdrawn.
Transfer of Entitlements Application
Questions (440)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:440. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the case of a person (details supplied) who was late applying for entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33617/16]
View answerWritten answers
The person named submitted a 2016 transfer of entitlements application to my Department on 16 August 2016. The closing date for receipt of such applications was the 16 May 2016. The application was not successful as it was submitted after the closing date. The person named was notified of this decision and was offered the opportunity to submit an appeal.
My Department has now received an appeal from the person named in relation to their Transfer of Entitlements application. This appeal will be considered by my Department based on the information set out by the applicant and a decision with regard to the outcome of the appeal will be notified in writing to the applicant as soon as possible.
Disability Support Services
Questions (441)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:441. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has produced a new statement of strategy since May 2016; and if so, the measures in it to support persons with disabilities. [33633/16]
View answerWritten answers
In line with the requirements of the Public Service Management Act, 1997 the Department has drafted a new Statement of Strategy (SOS) for the three year period 2016 – 2019, which will issue shortly. One of the objectives of this SOS is to “Continue to develop a highly skilled, diverse and gender balanced work force” with implementation of the Department’s HR Strategy listed as a KPI for the achievement of this objective. The Department’s HR Strategy lists the putting in place of Disability Awareness Policy/Guidelines as a policy priority over its lifetime of this Strategy.
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme
Questions (442)
Brendan Griffin
Question:442. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of a milking parlour grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33661/16]
View answerWritten answers
A payment claim has been submitted by the person named to the online TAMS payment system. The details of the claim submitted are currently being examined and it is expected that processing of the claim will be finalised shortly.
Aquaculture Licences
Questions (443, 445)
Clare Daly
Question:443. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amendment he proposes to make to the aquaculture licence for Altan Lough held by a company (details supplied) as a result of the company's breach of licence conditions; and the assurances that can be given to the public that the company will abide by the amendment. [33672/16]
View answerClare Daly
Question:445. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will commission an independent outside body to take over from his Department the task of examining overstocking at other sites in view of the conflict of interest that arises for his Department and in view of his decision not to revoke the licence held by a company (details supplied) at Altan Lough due to commercial reasons. [33674/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 443 and 445 together.
As the Deputy is aware my Department is currently examining possible overstocking in respect of a number of aquaculture sites operated by the company referred to by the Deputy.
In relation to one of the sites, Lough Altan Hatchery, I have concluded my consideration of the issue and I have determined that an amendment to the license held by the company in respect of this site would be appropriate. My Department is currently examining the nature of the amendment and will be following up with the company in relation to the matter.
As my Department’s examination in respect of the other sites is ongoing as part of a statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
Aquaculture Licences
Questions (444)
Clare Daly
Question:444. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his proposed review of his Department's aquaculture licensing system will commence; and the assurances that can be given to the public that it will be genuinely independent in view of his decision not to revoke a company's aquaculture licence (details supplied) for Altan Lough for commercial reasons rather than for public interest reasons. [33673/16]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland’s first National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development was published by my Department in December 2015. That Plan proposes 24 actions to drive the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector and sustainably grow production in the sector by 45,000 tonnes. Action number 22 of the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development commits my Department to a review and revision of the aquaculture licence process, including the applicable legal framework. This Review is echoed by the recommendations of Food Wise 2025. My Department is actively examining the terms of reference and structure of the proposed review, including in relation to its independence, and I would expect to make an announcement soon.
In relation to the licence referred to by the Deputy, my Department has concluded its examination of the issues involved and I have determined that an amendment of the licence held by the company in respect of this site would be appropriate. My Department is currently examining the nature of the amendment and will be following up with the company in relation to this matter.
Question No. 445 answered with Question No. 443.
Trade Missions Data
Questions (446)
Brendan Smith
Question:446. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of trade promotion visits organised by agencies under the remit of his Department, such as Bord Bia and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, which had representation from Northern Ireland on such missions in each of the years 2010 to 2015 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33686/16]
View answerWritten answers
My Department, with the assistance of its agencies (Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Bord Iascaigh Mhara), has organised nine trade promotional visits during the period referred to. These missions have been to a range of destinations, such as China, United States, Africa and the Gulf region, which are of strategic importance in the development of the agri-food sector.
Opening new markets, and building on successful trading relationships, are key to the continued growth of the agri-food sector. Indeed, the development of new markets is a central component of Food Wise 2015, the sector's strategy for development over the coming decade. This work has taken on renewed importance in light of the decision of the UK to leave the EU.
During these trade missions all areas of the Irish Agri-food sector have been represented, including companies that operate in both jurisdictions on this island. However, there has been no specific representation from Northern Ireland companies on these missions.