Written Answers Nos. 44-61
44. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider reviewing the Food Wise 2025 targets in view of the upcoming potential difficulties which may be caused by Brexit. [12200/17]
View answerFood Wise 2025, the ten year strategy for the agri-food sector published in July 2015, 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 believed that ambitious growth projections were achievable by 2025; including
- increasing the value of agri-food exports by 85% to €19 billion; and
- 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.
With regard to the Oireachtas Committee’s recommendation to review the strategy in the light of Brexit, it is important to understand that Food Wise 2025 is a living and evolving strategy. I chair quarterly meetings of the High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC), with high level representatives from all the relevant Departments and State agencies. The committee reviews progress on detailed actions on a quarterly basis, in order to identify and solve problems quickly. Brexit has now been included as a standard item on the agenda of each meeting of the HLIC.
It is not yet clear what the final outcome of the UK's Brexit decision will be. While the value of agri food exports to the UK declined in 2016, primarily as a result of the reduction in the value of sterling, the overall value of exports increased. A hard Brexit involving the imposition of WTO tariffs would have a more significant adverse effect on the value of exports, but our stated aim is to avoid such a scenario.
In any event it is clear that the implementation of the Food Wise recommendations, particularly those related to market development, competitiveness and innovation, will assume even greater importance in the light of the UK decision, regardless of the ultimate outcome.
45. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of persons in County Mayo that have not received 85% of their total 2016 payment under GLAS 1, GLAS 2 and AEOS; the reason for this delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12366/17]
View answerUnder the EU Regulations governing the Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) and the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue.
MY Department as the accredited Paying Agency must ensure that, before payment issues, everything in an application that can be checked is checked as required under the regulations. Therefore, payments can only issue where all the required validation checks have been successfully passed.
In relation to 2016 payments, under AEOS the previous agri-environment Scheme, just over 8,600 AEOS participants were due a payment. AEOS II participants completed their 5-year contracts on 31 December 2016. Under the EU Regulations governing this Scheme and all other area-based payment schemes, a full check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System must take place before the final payment can issue. As all AEOS II participants will be receiving their final payments under the scheme, re-checks on payments made for all scheme years must be completed before final payment can be processed. This is the same procedure as applied to AEOS 1 participants finishing in that Scheme.
To date, AEOS 2016 payments amounting to over €22m have issued. The remaining cases are currently being checked and payments will continue to issue on an ongoing weekly basis as these cases are cleared.
A total of 1399 farmers in Co. Mayo were due a 2016 payment in AEOS of which 1134 have been paid and 265 are awaiting payment.
2016 payments represent the first full year of payment under GLAS. At the end of December 2016, there were approximately 37,500 active participants in the GLAS scheme, of which 27,400 or over 71% received payments valued at over €97m, representing 85% of their 2016 payment.
As issues with outstanding GLAS cases are resolved they are being paid in weekly payment runs. Further payments are issuing on a weekly basis with payments valued at over €110m now issued and over 84% of participants now paid. Further payments are issuing on a weekly basis.
Some 2,571 farmers are active GLAS 1 and a further 1354 are active in GLAS 2 in County Mayo of which 2,149 in GLAS 1 and 1,029 in GLAS 2, have successfully completed the GLAS prepayment checks in respect of the 2016 scheme year and a first payment instalment of 85% has issued.
The current position is that 422 farmers in GLAS 1 and 327 farmers in GLAS 2 have yet to receive their payment and their applications continue to be processed.
Outstanding payments under both GLAS 1 and GLAS 2 are largely delayed due to declaration of incompatible parcel usage on the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application for a chosen GLAS action; changes in parcel boundaries on which a GLAS action is chosen including splitting or merging of parcels; an applicant no longer claiming a parcel on their 2016 BPS; incomplete documentation such as incorrect information on Low-Emission Slurry Declaration; incomplete interim commonage management plans and incompatible data and parcel history on Department databases.
Payments under the Scheme will continue to issue on an ongoing basis as issues are resolved and cases are cleared for payment.
46. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to address the scientific mistakes made by the European Commission in its allocation of mackerel TAC for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12196/17]
View answerThe 2017 TAC for this shared stock was agreed by the Coastal States (EU, Norway, Faroes, Iceland) on the basis of the scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES). At the December Agrifish Council, the Coastal State agreed TAC was confirmed by Ministers and the internal EU allocation agreed in accordance with the longstanding relative stability rules. This has now been given legal effect in Council Regulation (EU) 2017/127 of 20 January 2017.
The one aspect that has changed since then is that ICES has issued revised advice for the stock for 2017 and I assume that this is what the Deputy is referring to. Due to an overestimation of the stock size during the assessment phase, ICES has stated that its TAC advice for Mackerel is now 857,185 tonnes as opposed to 944,302 tonnes in its original advice - a 9% reduction in the advice. It is important to note that the Coastal States set the 2017 TAC at 1,020,996 tonnes in line with the agreed Long Term Management Plan. As such, there were no mistakes in how the allocation of the mackerel Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for 2017 was made.
The revised ICES advice was issued on 26 January 2017.
As the mackerel stock is subject to the Coastal States process, the way that 2017 TAC would be changed is if there were agreement in the first instance at Coastal States level. In that situation it is likely that the AgriFish Council would amend the current EU Regulation. If an adjustment to the TAC, based on the new advice, were to be agreed and given legal effect, the increase for Ireland in 2017 would amount to 2,627 tonnes instead of 10,589 tonnes.
I have not received any indication from the Commission that any adjustment to the TAC is being actively considered, notwithstanding the revised ICES advice, given the practicalities and the situation that most Coastal Sates have already made their allocations to operators for 2017. The revised estimation of the overall stock size will play a part in determining the advice for 2018.
47. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that Bord Bia is properly funded in view of the challenge faced by the food industry following the withdrawal of Britain from the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12203/17]
View answerAdditional funding has been progressively made available to Bord Bia to support a strong market intelligence and promotion activities that will assist companies seeking to sustain and diversify markets. This will be kept under review.
Following the UK referendum, Bord Bia developed targeted market and business support programmes for which an additional €1.6 million was made available in 2016. A further €2 million has been provided in 2017, building on substantial increased funding since 2014 and approval for an additional 20 staff, of whom 16 have been recruited to date.
This funding will enable Bord Bia to undertake a number of new activities in 2017, including the doubling of unique client company participation.
Bord Bia has engaged with food and drink companies challenged by Brexit and has developed a four pillar strategy to provide them with market research, advice and support services. The four pillars are - Managing Volatility, Obtaining Consumer and Market Insight, Deepening Customer Engagement and Extending Market Reach.
An additional €2 million in 2017 builds on increased funding in recent years and will enable Bord Bia to undertake a number of activities in 2017, including
- an export marketing strategy programme to help individual companies to maintain and grow their position in the UK and/or diversify their market reach
- research to identify priority market opportunities
- participation in three new trade fairs in Asia
- increased presence at key shows such as Gulf Food, where space for Irish companies was doubled, and Anuga in Germany.
The activities planned build on the supplementary market and business support programmes, which were developed by Bord Bia following the UK referendum and for which additional funding of €1.6 million was made available to Bord Bia in 2016.
Skills are an important element in delivering market related research and services. In 2016 sanction was given to Bord Bia to recruit 20 additional staff. The recruitment programme is well advanced, with just four positions to be filled in 2017. These additional staff resources have supported a number of initiatives including
- the opening of offices in Warsaw and Singapore
- the establishment of The Thinking House, a consumer insight and innovation centre which provided services to over 100 client companies in 2016
- the addition of a trade marketing specialist in Shanghai
- an additional trade marketing specialist in the UK and
- participation in an increased number of international trade fairs during 2017.
At present, a review of staff resources is underway as part of an overall workforce planning exercise by my Department and its agencies. Bord Bia is assessing priorities and needs and preparing an updated workforce plan for 2017 and the years ahead. This will include identifying strategies and further measures to support market diversification for food and drink producers and companies.
48. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase the live export of Irish cattle to world markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12188/17]
View answerI am very conscious of the vital role that live exports play in stimulating price competition for domestic cattle and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers.
The outlook for live cattle exports in 2017 is positive. Already in the first two months of this year, just over 20,000 head, including 12,000 calves, were exported, up from 18,900 in the same period last year. The number of calves exported in January and February increased by 3,000 over last year. I recently reduced the veterinary inspection fee payable on live exports of calves under three months of age to €1.20 per animal from €4.80, in order to bring greater equity in the fees payable per consignment in respect of calves, weanlings and adult cattle. The live calf export trade with the EU has proved difficult in recent years for a number of reasons, including changes in animal health rules in Belgium and changes in the interpretation of the EU rules on animal transport in the Netherlands. However, my Department has been working closely with the Dutch authorities on the transport issue and nearly 7,000 calves were exported to the Netherlands in February, double the number for February 2016.
Last year saw significant developments in exports of cattle to third countries. We exported almost 20, 000 head to Turkey in 2016 and the indications are that there will be further shipments this year. In relation to the other significant potential third country markets for live exports, Ireland reached agreement with Egypt in 2016 on a health certificate for slaughter cattle. My Department has been actively discussing with the Egyptian authorities the possibility of agreement on a health certificate for fattening cattle. Good progress has been made on this matter and I am optimistic that an agreement can be finalised in the near future.
My Department is also looking at the possibility of bilateral health certificates for the export of cattle to Kazakhstan and has identified Israel as a live export market of potential interest to exporters. Agreement on health certificates has been reached by my Department with all other live export markets identified as being of potential interest to Ireland. At present 9 non-EU markets (Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Montenegro, Morocco, Serbia, Tunisia, and most recently Turkey) are currently open to live cattle from Ireland, in addition to all EU Member States. Demand from North Africa and the Middle East for live cattle will depend on the political environment there as well as, Ireland’s cost competitiveness.
My Department works with all those involved – including farmers, marts, exporters, assembly centre operators and transporters - to ensure the export trade is carried out to the highest animal health and welfare standards. We have a comprehensive legislative framework in place governing vessels that export animals and we have rigorous controls and procedures in place to ensure compliance with this legislation. My Department also supports on-going efforts by international organisations such as The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), to improve welfare standards at slaughter plants worldwide and will continue to promote and maintain an environment in which live exports can continue in both an economic and sustainable manner and with due regard for the welfare of all animals exported.
49. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he is engaged in the identification of alternative markets for Irish food and food products within the EU and elsewhere with a view to amelioration of the impact of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12342/17]
View answerIn keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025 and with a view to ameliorating the impact of Brexit, Minister Doyle and I led Trade Missions to Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore and China in early September 2016. I also led a trade mission to Morocco in early November. During 2016 senior officials also led missions to Iran, Turkey and Algeria. This was done in co-operation with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland.
Last week I led a Trade Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The mission served to enhance and improve our existing levels of market access in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. I used the opportunity to promote Ireland’s reputation as a producer of high quality, safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy products in the Gulf region.
I am also considering a range of other destinations for the remainder of 2017, although no decision has yet been made in terms of content or timing. Again, markets in Asia, Africa and America are likely to feature prominently in these considerations, and I am of course ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities that may arise.
50. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a large percentage of planted forestry land here features the Sitka spruce species as opposed to native Irish trees; the criteria for the selection of specific tree species for planted forestry land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12185/17]
View answerForest cover in Ireland is now at almost 11% and Sitka spruce forests occupy 52.4% of this forest land. The remainder is made up of a wide range of species including over 25% broadleaves including several native species, mostly ash, oak and birch.
Ireland, however, has very few native tree species compared to other European countries. Native trees are often selected by landowners whose objectives include optimising the recreational and biodiversity aspects of the new forest while Sitka spruce is normally selected by landowners whose objectives include optimising the economic return. Where a landowner wishes to plant Sitka spruce they must plant a minimum of 10% broadleaves and have 10 to 15% unplanted Areas of Biodiversity Enhancement. In all cases the landowners plan must be examined and approved by my Department.
Under the Forestry programme 2014 – 2020 my Department operates a package of measures, aimed specifically at protecting and expanding Ireland’s native woodland resource. These measures, which are 100% funded by the exchequer, represent a key biodiversity component within Ireland’s national forest policy. My Department provides higher grants and annual premiums to landowners who wish to establish native woodlands.
Native Woodland Establishment as represented by Grant & Premium Categories (GPC) 9 and 10 under the Afforestation Scheme, funds the establishment of new native woodland on open ‘greenfield’ sites. The Native Woodland Conservation Scheme promotes the appropriate restoration of existing native woodland, including the conversion of non-native forest to native woodland, through the provision of financial support to forest holders towards the cost of appropriate works. A third strand in my Department' strategy to support and expand Ireland’s native woodlands is the Seed Stand and Seed Orchard Scheme. This Scheme encourages the registration of seed stands comprising of native species on the National List of Basic Material. Most importantly the scheme supports the improvement and management of sessile oak and pedunculate oak seed stands within ancient woodlands. The establishment of indoor and outdoor seed orchards for both native and non native species is also supported under this scheme.
Ireland’s climate allows a wide range of native and exotic species to be grown, as can be seen from the great diversity of both herbaceous and woody species that grow successfully side-by-side in Ireland’s gardens and arboreta. The ability to grow many species of trees presents foresters with opportunities to use different species, not only to maximise site productivity for the production of specific wood products, but also to enhance the amenity, landscape and biodiversity values of the forests. Under the Afforestation and Creation of Woodlands measure the selection of species, and provenances of trees take into account all the site conditions of the area concerned. The need to select species resilient to climate change has been described in my Department’s recent “Draft Adaptation Plan for the Agriculture and Forest Sector”.
Species selection to ensure that the most suitable species are planted is guided by the COFORD publication ‘A Guide to Forest Tree Species Selection and Silviculture in Ireland’.
51. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that the Sligo regional veterinary laboratory will remain open following the recently completed review of the veterinary laboratory services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12351/17]
View answerMy Department commissioned a Working Group led by Prof. Alan Reilly to undertake a comprehensive review of the Department’s Laboratories. The Group has presented a report to the Department, which makes recommendations on:
- Oversight and co-ordination of the laboratories activities
- Re-organisation of Divisions and support functions within the Central Laboratory complex
- Options for the future development of the Regional Laboratories – with a view to improving disease investigative and surveillance capability but with the over-riding imperative of maintaining and enhancing services to farmers and
- Human resources management within the laboratories - with a focus on grading structures, career development opportunities and workforce planning
My Department is currently consulting with all relevant stakeholders.
A decision on any of these recommendations will await the outcome of this consultative process. In the case of the Regional Veterinary Laboratories, any decision will also be informed by a cost benefit analysis of the various options that have been proposed for their future development.
52. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to implement additional measures to assist the mushroom sector as a result of the particular difficulties facing this sector due to a weakening in the value of sterling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12373/17]
View answerI am only too well aware of the challenges that the mushroom sector is experiencing in the aftermath of the UK Referendum decision last June to exit the EU, particularly in light of recent fluctuations in currency. I am focused on working with the industry to meet these difficulties in the months and years ahead.
Budget 2017 underpins my Department’s efforts through strategic investment in key areas, such as in its agencies and in the agrifood sector. As part of Budget 2017 I secured an additional €700,000 in funding for capital investments in the Commercial Horticulture sector. This means that this year’s budget for the scheme will be €5 million. In addition, the Horticulture sector will have access to the €150 million low interest cash flow support loan fund announced in Budget 2017, providing access to highly flexible loans for up to six years, for amounts up to €150,000, at an interest rate of 2.95%.
The impact that the devaluation of Sterling is having on mushroom producers and grower margins is a problem that has happened over a very short space of time. Grower production of this highly perishable product must be well aligned with demand and the mushroom sector, like many other exporting sectors, is particularly at risk because of the high dependency on the UK market. I am monitoring the situation regarding Sterling volatility closely and in my own Department I have established a dedicated unit to consider the direct impact of Brexit on our industry. Although it is still a serious situation, the Sterling exchange rate has stabilised and is now holding at around 85p to 86p to the Euro.
My Department, along with the various State agencies, in particular Bord Bia, Teagasc and Enterprise Ireland, are working closely with the industry to provide the necessary support and assistance. Bord Bia is actively supporting the sector in the areas of Market Intelligence, UK consumer research and Quality Assurance. Towards the end of 2016 they held a currency and negotiation workshop specifically targeted at the sector which I understand was very well received by the mushroom industry. Bord Bia is also running a Marketing Intensification Programme which aims to provide targeted marketing supports to companies with high dependency on UK markets. Grant supports will be prioritised to assist companies in strengthening their position in that market, and in their efforts to identify new markets. The CEO of Bord Bia and I have held a series of meetings with senior executives from the UK retailers, to highlight the obstacles that our producers are facing. I understand that representatives of mushroom growers have recently met with a more positive reaction from their UK Multiple customers, to their need for fair and reasonable returns for their produce from the marketplace. A pilot programme on LEAN processes has been initiated, with the assistance of Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland. The programme has commenced with 6 mushroom growers, to assess efficiency across all aspects of the business, including supply chain, innovation, marketing and logistics. It is hoped that a template could be developed through this programme that will enable growers to optimise their production costs further.
I would also draw attention to support being provided to the industry through National and EU Schemes.
Under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2007 – 2013 my Department implemented the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. During this period my Department paid out over €4 million in grant payments to mushroom growers which supported €10.1 million in investment.
To ensure ongoing support for the sector, my Department extended, under EU sanction, the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector to run until 31 December 2019. In the years to 2016, a further amount of €2.0 million in grant aid was paid to mushroom growers. The grant aid paid supported some €5.0 million in investment by these growers.
Under the 2017 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector, my Department received a total of 164 applications, 20 of these from mushroom growers. All applications received are currently being assessed and it is hoped to issue approvals shortly. I have also provided a commitment to ensure that payments under this scheme are made as early as possible, so as to try to alleviate any financial pressure that growers are currently facing.
The EU Producer Organisation Scheme is also a vital support for mushroom growers, with around 80% of Irish growers in a producer organisation at present. This scheme provides an important mechanism for growers to achieve greater bargaining power in the marketplace by becoming part of a larger supply base. Between 2005 and 2016, a total of €40.5 million was paid to mushroom producer organisations as part of the EU Producer Organisation scheme.
In February 2017 my Department received applications for EU aid, under this scheme from participating producer organisations. These applications are currently being processed and will be paid as soon as practically possible.
53. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of persons in County Cork enrolled in the areas of natural constraint scheme; the status of the process of reviewing qualifying areas for the areas of natural constraint scheme; if his Department has completed the mapping exercise in County Cork; when the maps will be published; the consultation that will be undertaken with persons in County Cork on the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12370/17]
View answerThere were 6,479 applicants under the 2016 ANC scheme in County Cork.
Under the Rural Development Regulation each Member State must designate areas eligible for payments under the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme. The ANC scheme replaces the previous Disadvantaged Areas Scheme/Less Favoured Areas Scheme. The designation of eligible areas under these schemes to date has been based on a range of socio-economic factors. From 2018 eligible areas must instead be designated using a set list of bio-physical criteria. In cases where a Member State does not introduce this new system for payment, the old scheme remains in place but payments must phase out on a digressive basis.
The biophysical criteria set out in the legislation to underpin the new system of designation are:
- Low temperature
- Dryness
- Excess soil moisture
- Limited soil drainage
- Unfavourable texture and stoniness
- Shallow rooting depth
- Poor chemical properties
- Steep slope.
My Department has commenced work on this project, and relevant technical experts are currently working on sourcing and analysing the data in relation to the new criteria. Department officials have also been in contact with the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and DG Agri in the EU Commission in relation to technical issues arising. Over the coming months this analysis will identify areas deemed to be facing natural constraints, which will in parallel be subjected to a refinement process. It is envisaged that stakeholders will be consulted as this process develops.
54. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the avenues available to persons outside of the EU wishing to seek asylum in the EU or a specific country in the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12612/17]
View answerIn accordance with international norms, applications for international protection in Ireland are not accepted from persons who are resident or present in other countries as our protection process is based on applications being made within the Irish jurisdiction. Section 15(1) of the International Protection Act 2015 provides that a person who is at the frontiers of the State or who is present in the State may make an application to the Minister for international protection status.
The EU Dublin Regulation (604/2013) establishes the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the EU Member States. The arrangements applicable in other EU Member States with regard to acceptance of applicants for international protection are a matter for the individual Member State concerned.
Ireland remains fully committed to playing our part in addressing the migration crisis in the Middle East and elsewhere. The Deputy will be aware that, in addition to accepting applications for protection status from persons who are inside or at the frontiers of the State, Ireland is a voluntary participant in the EU Relocation Programme which establishes provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece arising from the EU migrant crisis situation in the Mediterranean area. This programme, which was agreed at European level in September 2015, provides for the transfer of 160,000 persons in clear need of international protection from Italy and Greece to other Member States where their applications for protection will be examined. The programme provides for the relocation of persons on a phased basis. Approximately 2,600 asylum seekers are expected to be relocated to Ireland over the course of the Programme. In addition, the Deputy will also be aware that 1,040 programme refugees will be resettled from Lebanon to Ireland as part of the UNHCR-led Resettlement programme. These commitments are being delivered under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme.
Ireland continues to participate at EU and international level in ongoing efforts to address the migrant crisis.
55. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vehicles seized by the Garda and disposed of for each year from 2010 to 2016, in tabular form; the amount of money raised each year from the sale of the vehicles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12441/17]
View answerI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the information requested by the Deputy and I will contact the Deputy directly upon receipt of the relevant information.
56. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the action she will take to deal with those persons who continue to flout the law by driving while it is further reported that banned drivers are responsible for killing 11 to 14 persons on roads every year, in view of the recent reports that there are almost 8,000 drivers who have multiple concurrent disqualifications on their licences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12442/17]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I am deeply conscious of the serious issue of road safety and mindful of the increase in 2016 of road traffic fatalities on the corresponding figure for 2015. I am also mindful of the traumatic impact of road traffic collisions on those directly affected and their families, as well as the impact of dangerous driving more generally on the quality of life of residents in local communities across the country.
The Deputy will appreciate that I have no direct role in the enforcement of road traffic legislation, which is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am informed that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high visibility road safety and enforcement operations, carried out in partnership with other state agencies. Garda operations specifically target road use behaviour known to contribute significantly to collisions, including driving while intoxicated, as well as speeding and use of a mobile phone. Both strategic, targeted operations and general methods of enforcement have a valuable role to play in An Garda Síochána's road traffic enforcement programme, which targets locations with a view to preventing the commission of offences, detecting errant motorists, changing their behaviour and ultimately reducing death and injuries on our roads. An Garda Síochána will continue to target persistent offenders, make optimal use of the Garda PULSE system and utilise Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to identify and target vehicles, with 'warnings' also placed on the ANPR system. I am informed by the Garda authorities that 19,290* offences of driving without a driving licence, contrary to section 38 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 as amended, were detected in 2016. This is the category of offence which drivers caught driving while disqualified are prosecuted under.
An Garda Síochána has identified a number of key road traffic initiatives in the Annual Policing Plan 2017, as follows:
- Work in partnership with other agencies including the Road Safety Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and Road Safety Officers in local authorities to reduce road deaths and serious injuries,
- Increase use of technologies and analytical tools to develop and implement plans to reduce the occurrence of road collisions, and the use of our roads for criminal activity,
- Expand the Fixed Charge Processing System, including penalty points,
- Strengthen and re-develop the Traffic Corps to tackle all forms of criminality on our road network, and
- Ongoing planning, risk assessment and operational preparation for major emergencies in conjunction with major emergency management partners.
Underpinning road traffic enforcement measures, An Garda Síochána’s Modernisation and Renewal Programme (2016-2021) sets out key strategic objectives for Road Policing which will inform and guide An Garda Síochána's Road Policing plans over the next 5 years. Under the Programme, the Garda Commissioner will undertake a number of road safety traffic enforcement initiatives, including expanding the use of technology and increasing checkpoints.
A number of important actions are being taken to build on the vital work of An Garda Síochána, Road Safety Authority (RSA) and other stakeholders: In January, An Garda Síochána indicated that there will be a 10% increase in the traffic corps during the course of 2017, which should also lead to better outcomes in relation to road traffic enforcement. An Garda Síochána also indicated that it was intended to have a stronger focus on road traffic enforcement in the training provided to new recruits at Templemore;
- The Deputy will be aware that road traffic legislation is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr Shane Ross, T.D. I am, however, informed that the Road Traffic Act 2016 (the 2016 Act) provides for insurance companies to collect driver numbers and other details when selling insurance policies, and to validate them with the National Vehicle and Driver File, which will ensure that disqualified drivers are not able to obtain insurance. I am further informed that this project is currently in development and a test version is due to be ready later this year;
- The Deputy will also be aware that the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is working with key stakeholders to introduce the new roadside tests for drugs provided for in the 2016 Act, which will be known as preliminary drug tests. It is intended that the provisions will be commenced at the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. This will provide a valuable opportunity to highlight the dangers of drug driving over the Bank Holiday weekend. I look forward to the introduction of the preliminary drug tests and am confident that these new road traffic enforcement measures will impact positively on road safety;
- The Deputy is aware that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport announced earlier this year that his Department will review Section 29 of the Road Traffic 2010 with the intention of ensuring that all drivers, if caught drink driving, will, in future, receive a mandatory disqualification. I support Minister Ross's intention to amend section 29 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, which should assist us in ensuring more effective enforcement of road traffic offences and making our roads safer. My Department will continue to assist the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in bringing these changes forward.
By working together with the RSA and other agencies, An Garda Síochána will continue to confront dangerous road-user behaviour through public presence, legislative enforcement, education and partnership.
*(Figure is operational, provisional and liable to change and is valid as of 6 March 2017.)
57. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of samples from persons that are on the national DNA database since its establishment to date; if a review of its performance has or is being undertaken in view of the fact that this database has been established since November 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12443/17]
View answerForensic Science Ireland (FSI) is responsible for the operation of the national DNA Database System. The database constitutes a major intelligence resource for the investigation of crime. The database is being populated with samples taken from persons suspected/convicted of serious crime and from crime scenes. I have been informed by FSI that to date the number of person samples added since the establishment of the database is 10,988.
The Deputy may be aware that Section 71 of the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA database System) Act 2014 provides for the establishment of a committee to oversee the management and operation of the DNA Database System for the purposes of maintaining the integrity and security of the System and to satisfy itself that the provisions of the Act in relation to the System are being complied with. A total of 6 meetings have taken place and the Committee will soon produce an annual report in relation to the performance of its functions and the DNA Database System. It will in due course be submitted to me as Minister and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
My Department also chairs meetings of the DNA Database Implementation Group which assesses progress and discusses operational issues since the enactment of the Act and live operation of the Database at the end of 2014. Representation on the Group includes the Garda Technical Bureau, Forensic Science Ireland, the National Forensic Co-ordination Office, Irish Youth Justice Service, Irish Prison Service and GSOC.
58. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí currently assigned to the Dublin metropolitan region west division; the number assigned to each individual Garda station in the DMR west division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12444/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I am informed by the Commissioner that in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Garda Division. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division.
Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána. It provides a means of recognising that every community – both urban and rural – has its own concerns and expectations. In this regard I welcome the strong emphasis placed by the Garda Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 on further developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. Proposed initiatives include the establishment of local Community Policing Teams (CPTs) headed by an Inspector and made up of Gardaí from across a range of areas to proactively work with the community to prevent and detect crime; and the establishment of Community Safety Fora in every District comprising local Gardaí, local communities and key stakeholders.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. This year, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
I am informed by the Commissioner, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, that 838 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 76 of whom have been assigned to the DMR West Division. I am also informed that another 750 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing numbers of Community Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the DMR West Division, in the coming years.
This investment in personnel is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to An Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million for new Garda vehicles has been allocated over the lifetime of the plan. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and I have no doubt that these new resources now coming on stream will see an increase in Garda visibility in our communities.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the number of Community Gardaí assigned to each Garda station in the DMR West Division as of 31 January 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is 53 and are as set out in the following table.
DMR West Community Gardaí 31 January 2017
|
Station |
- |
|
Cabra |
6 |
|
Finglas |
10 |
|
Blanchardstown |
11 |
|
Lucan |
6 |
|
Ronanstown |
7 |
|
Ballyfermot |
4 |
|
Clondalkin |
7 |
|
Rathcoole |
2 |
|
Total |
53 |
59. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who have now been assigned with responsibilities to deal with the disclosures tribunal, by rank; if the tribunal is now the sole matter that any of these gardaí is dealing with; the units and operations these gardaí have come from to deal with tribunal matters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12447/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I am informed by the Commissioner that a Tribunal Coordination Office has been established by An Garda Síochána. This office is staffed by one full-time member, seconded temporarily from the Office of Corporate Communications. A number of additional personnel are facilitating the work of this office on an ad hoc basis as requirements dictate. I am further informed that liaison persons have been nominated from relevant sections/Regions to deal with specific requests from the Tribunal.
60. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in determination of eligibility for a long-stay visa in the case of a person (details supplied); when the application is likely to be determined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12480/17]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the application referred to was made on-line on 14 September 2016. The Visa Office subsequently telephoned the applicant to request additional information. However, this has not yet been received and therefore no decision has been made. The applicant is advised to submit this information as quickly as possible.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
In addition, members of the public may themselves e-mail queries directly to INIS (visamail@justice.ie).
61. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for permission to remain in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12483/17]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned applied for a right of residency, accompanied by a right to work, based on their parentage of an Irish citizen child. During the processing of the application, received from the person referred to by the Deputy, an issue arose in relation to their identity. The passport of the person concerned has been referred to an external service provider for verification. On completion of this process, INIS will continue processing this application.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
