Written Answers Nos. 144-163
144. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeframe for finalising a veterinary health certificate with AQSIQ for Irish beef access to China; if an inspection visit by the Chinese certification and accreditation administration to approve individual processing plants for export will take place in 2017 or 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43349/17]
View answer145. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding receiving access for Irish meat products to China; the remaining stages in the approval process outstanding; and the timeframe for all stages to be completed and full access granted. [43350/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.
China is a high priority for beef market access and significant progress has already been made. The BSE ban in respect of Irish beef was lifted by the Chinese authorities in early 2015. This was a very positive development which paved the way for the start of the process to secure access. The Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) then carried out a systems audit in Ireland in January 2016. In April 2017 together with the AQSIQ Minister Zhi Shuping, I signed a Protocol on the requirements for Frozen Beef to be exported from Ireland to China. The signing of this Protocol was another significant step towards securing beef market access. A veterinary health certificate based on this Protocol is being finalised and will be submitted to the Chinese Authorities shortly.
In August 2017 my Department hosted an audit visit from the Chinese Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) who undertook a series of plant inspection visits in order to assess the applications by Irish beef processors to gain access to the Chinese market. Feedback from the audit team was broadly positive and we are now awaiting the official report of their audit visit.
Despite this significant progress, the fact is that the pace of market access will be determined by the Chinese authorities, and not by my Department. My officials continue to liaise closely with their Chinese counterparts to ensure every assurance is provided in relation to the quality and safety of Irish beef.
Ireland currently has access for fresh/frozen pig meat and pig offals and by-products to China. Exports of pig meat to China in 2016 totalled approximately 73,090 tonnes valued at €119.29m.
Applications have also been submitted to AQSIQ China for access for Irish poultrymeat and sheepmeat. AQSIQ will only consider one commodity at a time and when the process of access for beef has been completed, they will in due course move on to assessment of other market access applications.
146. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding receiving access for Irish meat products to South Korea; the remaining stages in the approval process outstanding; and the timeframe for all stages to be completed and full access granted. [43351/17]
View answerBeef market access to South Korea is a high priority for my Department. This process began with the submission of market access questionnaires. In late 2015 we were informed via the European Commission that South Korea was to undertake inspection visits to Ireland in May 2016.
In May 2016 a delegation of 3 inspectors from the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA) within the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) held a week long inspection visit to Ireland. They had meetings with the Department and site visits including two beef production establishments, beef & sheep farm, laboratories, rendering plant and knackery.
A follow on questionnaire was then submitted to South Korea as part of the process of seeking beef market access during the trade mission in September 2016. In June 2017, a delegation from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) inspected a number of meat processing plants and cold stores.
Ireland is currently at step four in a six step process for beef market access to South Korea. We are awaiting reports from both the QIA delegation and the MFDS visit. These reports will recommend whether market access should be granted to Ireland. This recommendation represents step five of the process. Should Ireland be successful in gaining market access for Irish beef, the delegation will return to inspect individual plants that want to export to Korea.
I intend to raise the matter of beef access and try to expedite the process during the Trade Mission to South Korea next month. In parallel, my officials plan to meet their counterparts for technical discussions aimed at moving the process forward.
Ireland currently has access for fresh/frozen pig meat and by-products to South Korea and a successful re-inspection visit was carried out in October/November 2016. Exports of pig meat to South Korea in 2016 totalled approximately 5048 tonnes valued at €11.2m.
When full access for beef has been granted, my Department can then proceed with an application to seek access to export sheepmeat to South Korea should anticipated demand for Irish sheepmeat indicate this as priority.
147. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons who applied to the 2017 national reserve without having completed a Green Cert by the May deadline. [43352/17]
View answerProcessing of applications under the 2017 National Reserve is ongoing. Details of the number of applicants that applied to the 2017 National Reserve without having completed the required agricultural educational qualification by the closing date for receipt of applications of 16th May 2017 will be available when processing of all applications has been completed.
Payments under the 2017 National Reserve are due to commence in early December 2017 following the issuing of balancing payments under the Basic Payment Scheme.
148. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the 2016 expenditure figures for his Department released in the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General and the gross deficit in spending of €106 million; the reason there was a €144 million payment made relating to the 2007 to 2013 rural development programme; and the gross surplus or deficit in spending in each of the years 2010 to 2016, in tabular form. [43353/17]
View answerThe recent report by the C&AG outlined gross savings in 2016 of €106m for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.
The total gross voted allocation for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for 2016 was €1,363m and total gross expenditure of €1,257m.
As the Deputy will be aware, 2016 was a challenging year for many farmers financially. This resulted in slower than anticipated draw down of funding in some demand led schemes such as the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS), where matching investment was required and the forestry programme, which is also demand led.
While savings unavoidably arose across a number of demand-led schemes in 2016, this expenditure will arise at a later stage of implementation of these schemes, particularly with regard to spending allocated under the Rural Development Programme and the Seafood Development Programme.
Notwithstanding the slower than expected drawdown of funds in these Programmes I want to assure you that Government is firmly committed to fully funding the RDP and SDP Programmes; drawdown is simply a matter of timing.
As is often the case with multi-annual programmes, drawdown can vary from year to year and indeed some of the multi-year RDP scheme payments related to entrants to schemes which commenced under the previous Rural Development Programme.
It should be noted that there were increased levels of payments in support schemes such as the Areas of Natural Constraints scheme and the Beef Data and Genomics Programme due to strong compliance with conditions and a fast turnaround of claims.
The €144m in EAFRD receipts referred to in the report was mainly due to the timing of the formal closure of the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme (RDP) and the subsequent release by the EU of 5% of receipts retained as provided for in EU Regulation until formal closure.
Table 1. Gross Surplus/Deficit in Expenditure 2010-2016
|
Year |
Voted Allocation (includes capital carryover) €’000 |
Expenditure €’000 |
Excess/Surplus €’000 |
|
2010 |
1,785,282 |
1,731,131 |
54,151 |
|
2011 |
1,647,506 |
1,421,280 |
226,226 |
|
2012 |
1,338,835 |
1,317,973 |
20,862 |
|
2013 |
1,241,740 |
1,206,697 |
35,043 |
|
2014 |
1,219,700 |
1,191,460 |
28,240 |
|
2015 |
1,325,068 |
1,264,640 |
60,428 |
|
2016 |
1,363,101 |
1,257,014 |
106,087 |
These arose from savings in a variety of capital and current expenditure subheads across the vote and are not limited to schemes under the Rural Development Programme.
It is very important to articulate that there is no underspend in the RDP. Ireland's drawdown of EU Rural Development Programme funding is 2nd highest of any Member State. Our rate is 38%, almost double the EU average of 20%.
149. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the 20% rule on planting unenclosed land and replacing it with a system that assesses productivity and environmental suitability for forestry will be removed; the evidence base that was based at formulating the 20% figure; if other member states have such a rule; and if they assess a geographic area for planting on a case-by-case basis. [43354/17]
View answerThe Department's Land Types for Afforestation document, released in March 2016, sets out a system to assess the productivity of land for afforestation. This system is based on the scoring of various indicator plant species and is derived from previous work spearheaded by Teagasc. This system is used to identify to which, of three separate categories, land is assigned; these categories are either Suitable Land (Grant and Premium Category 2-12), Suitable Land (Grant and Premium Category 1) or Unsuitable Land. The second category, Suitable Land: Grant and Premium Category 1, is referred to as productive marginal land. Currently, the ‘20% rule’ still applies. This rule, introduced in 2010 for silvicultural and environmental reasons, stipulates that such land cannot exceed 20% of the total area of an afforestation application.
As it forms part of the Forestry Programme 2014-2020, my Department cannot unilaterally lift this restriction. However, my Department has held discussions with the European Commission with a view to revising this rule, in light of the Land Types for Afforestation procedure and the new Environmental Requirements for Afforestation, released in December 2016. A further meeting with the European Commission on this subject is planned for next month.
My Department is not aware of similar arrangements regarding the 20% rule in other Member States.
150. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers and non-farmers participating in planting schemes under the forest programme 2014 to 2020. [43355/17]
View answerMy Department publishes annual Afforestation statistics, which are available on its website. Those statistics include numbers of farmers and non-farmers who participate in afforestation planting each year. A breakdown of numbers is indicated in the table below, for 2014 to 2016, which are the most recent available figures.
It should be noted that the non-farmer category is primarily made up of recently retired farmers or the family members of the landowner in question. On that basis I am satisfied that the vast bulk of the investment under the programme is delivered to, and remains in, rural Ireland.
|
Year |
Farmer |
Non-Farmer |
|
2014 |
950 |
49 |
|
2015 |
852 |
130 |
|
2016 |
652 |
357 |
151. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to revising the reference number allocated to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal in relation to the sheep welfare scheme. [43357/17]
View answerI launched the Sheep Welfare Scheme in 2016 to contribute to the continued development of animal and health welfare in the sheep sector. The scheme requires farmers to undertake two actions for a menu of possible actions in order to enhance the standards of animal welfare in the Irish sheep flock.
Under the scheme the number of breeding ewes returned on Sheep Census for the years 2014 and 2015 is used to establish a reference number for payment for the duration of the scheme. This approach to setting a reference number was a prerequisite for agreeing the Scheme with the EU Commission for inclusion in our Rural Development Programme, 2014-2020.
All flock owners are required to return an annual Sheep Census, and this is the basis for the calculation of reference numbers under the Scheme. The person named has been assigned a reference number of 72, which has been calculated on the following numbers declared by the person named in his Census return:
|
Census Return - Year |
Breeding Ewes |
|
2014 |
65 |
|
2015 |
78 |
|
Average = Reference Number |
72 |
The person named lodged an appeal regarding his reference number with my Department in August 2017. This appeal was not upheld and the person named has been advised of this outcome, and of the option to further appeal this finding to the Agriculture Appeals Office.
152. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Donegal was refused payment under the young farmers capital investment scheme for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43364/17]
View answerThe person named made an application under the Young farmer Capital Investment Scheme on 16 March 2016. A payment claim was submitted on 23 August 2017. Following checks of the submitted supporting documents, a penalty was applied. This was because the investment item was not owned in full by the person named at the time of submission of the payment claim. As the value of this item exceeds 50% of the total claim, the entire application was rejected as it was deemed the receipts submitted were ineligible. The person named was advised of this decision in writing on 29 September 2017. The person named was also advised of the option to request a review of the decision made.
153. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding Eircodes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43226/17]
View answerCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, was awarded a 10 year contract in December 2013 to develop, implement, maintain and promote the National Postcode System "Eircode".
The Eircode Finder is a free to use online app that members of the public and businesses use to find Eircodes for addresses and get directions to address locations using the Eircode. Increasing numbers of the public are looking-up Eircodes on the free to use Eircode Finder app, which remains very popular and can be used on mobile devices. The Eircode Finder has just over 14m searches since Eircode was launched in July 2015.
In addition there are a number of free to use satnav type apps on the Apple and Google store. These apps are another useful way to find Eircodes and navigate to address locations. Eircode is now available in Google Maps and TomTom, along with other satnav providers, are currently integrating Eircodes into their various products.
However, the Deputy's specific query is an operational matter for Capita, as the Project Management Licence Holder. Therefore, I have asked staff in my Department to contact the person you mentioned (details supplied) and subject to his approval will pass on his contact details to Capita for their direct reply.
154. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to ban or limit the use of bituminous fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43255/17]
View answerThe ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal, or ‘the smoky coal ban’ as it is commonly known, was first introduced in Dublin in 1990, and subsequently extended to our major cities. Following a public consultation process, it was further extended in 2012, and now applies in 26 urban areas nationwide. The ban has proved very effective in reducing particulate matter and sulphur dioxide levels and has had the effect of significantly improving public health. Research indicates, for example, that the ban has resulted in over 350 fewer annual deaths in Dublin alone.
In the meantime, monitoring has revealed that the air quality in some of our smaller towns in winter is worse than that in larger towns where the ban is in place. Given the clear human health benefits, I am committed to extending the ban nationwide.
This process necessarily involves discussion and consultation with a wide number of stakeholders, including with the European Commission, relevant Government Departments and Agencies, the residential fuel industry, and the general public. Discussions with many of these stakeholders on issues that may arise in connection with the proposed nationwide ban are underway.
My next step will be to introduce the specific legal measures to give effect to the ban over a twelve month period commencing in Autumn 2018.
155. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if special provision has been made in the tender for the national broadband scheme to ensure that the offshore islands will have priority access to high-speed broadband at an early date in view of their dependence on telecommunications; if it is planned to ensure that they are provided with broadband of 100 Mb or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43268/17]
View answerMy Department is engaged in an on-going procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network for the State led intervention under the National Broadband Plan. This procurement process has now reached its final stages following receipt of "Detailed Submissions" from two bidders last month.
Following the conclusion of the procurement process my Department will engage with the winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and/or high demand and rollout to Ireland's offshore islands will form part of that engagement.
156. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied) forwarded recently to his Department regarding a prospecting licence; his views on each of the issues detailed in this correspondence in view of the fact an earlier reply from his Department did not provide a reply to all the issues raised in detailed letters from persons and on behalf of the local community; if a reply will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43361/17]
View answerOn 17 August 2017, in accordance with the relevant legislation, my Department issued a public notification announcing my intention to issue prospecting licences with regard to Prospecting Licence (PL) areas 1695 and 4087 in County Cavan. In early September, in response to that notification process, my Department received a number of objections to the proposed granting of these licences.
At the end of the public consultation period, all the submissions received were considered and, on 28 September 2017, my Department issued a letter to all of those who had raised objections responding to the issues raised. The issues addressed in that letter included the formal/legal provisions for public notice and consultation; environmental safeguarding, conservation and heritage concerns; the farming community and access to land; and the difference between prospecting and mining. The legislative provisions underpinning the administration and consideration of Prospecting Licences were also clarified in the Department’s letter.
Although the majority of objections received were in the form of a template letter circulated by the Cavan Mining Objection Group (CMOG), a small number of individual objections were also received. The issues raised in the individual objections mirrored the concerns of the CMOG letters and the response of 28 September sought to address all of the issues as comprehensively as possible. A copy of that response was provided to the Deputy for his information.
On 6 October 2017, further correspondence was received by email from the Cavan Mining Objection Group repeating their objections to the proposed granting of the prospecting licences and seeking the information provided in the letter of 28 September to be further clarified in relation to the specific concerns that had been previously raised. The letter is now being considered by my officials and a full response will issue as soon as possible. I have asked my officials to ensure that the Deputy is copied on that response.
157. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an application to extend the speed limit at the entrances to Abbeyknockmoy along the N63 has been submitted (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43259/17]
View answer158. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the provision which has been put in place to address resurfacing, signage, reducing open space, reducing of the speed limit and downgrading of the old N63 of Annagh Hill, Ballyglunnin, Abbeyknockmoy, County Galway (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43260/17]
View answer159. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the provision which has been put in place to address resurfacing, signage, reducing open space, reducing of the speed limit and downgrading of the old Athenry Road, Annagh Cross, Ballyglunnin, Abbeyknockmoy, County Galway (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43261/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 157 to 159, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and operation of individual road projects is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
As regards speed limits on national roads, the application of Special Speed Limits, i.e. speed limits other than the default speed limits, are provided for in Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004, which gives local authorities the power to make bye-laws ("special speed limit bye-laws") in respect of any specified public road or specified part of a public road or specified carriageway or lane of a public road within its administrative area. Under the Act, local authorities are required to give notice to and consider representations from, any borough or town in the administrative county concerned and also the Garda Commissioner. The public must be informed by way of Press Notice in at least two daily newspapers.
The 2004 Act also states that a county council or city council shall not make bye-laws relating to a national road or a motorway without the prior written consent of the National Roads Authority (now Transport Infrastructure Ireland or TII).
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
160. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide funding to upgrade the N24 through south County Tipperary to motorway status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43284/17]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
161. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding provided to Transport Infrastructure Ireland in 2017 for resurfacing of the national road network; the priority list for resurfacing of the national road network as determined by TII by area and year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43304/17]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
162. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be allocated for a joint plan between Leitrim and Roscommon county councils to construct a pedestrian foot bridge on Rooskey bridge in the interests of ongoing health and safety concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43363/17]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the local authority's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the relevant local authorities.
The Department initiated a regional road bridge inspection programme in 2011 to assess the condition of bridges on the network and this has been followed up with a Bridge Rehabilitation Grant programme. Under the Bridge Rehabilitation Grant scheme local authorities submit a list of bridges in order of priority for consideration for funding. Within the constraints of the overall roads budget, allocations are made to local authorities for remedial bridge works. Given the current spending constraints it is the Department's policy when grant applications are received from local authorities for bridge improvement works to prioritise rehabilitation works over widening projects and proposed new bridges.
As regards higher cost bridge projects these have to be considered under the Specific Grant Programme. This Grant Programme was curtailed significantly during the recession and while the Capital Plan 2016-2021 does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network it will take some years yet to reach the level required for the adequate maintenance and renewal of the network. There is, therefore, limited scope at present for funding projects under the Specific Grant Programme.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under this Programme will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with particular consideration given to higher cost Bridge Rehabilitation Works, significant safety schemes and improvement works that promote employment. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Capital Appraisal Framework and it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
As regards Roosky bridge, Leitrim County Council wrote to the Department in January this year regarding the provision of funding for 4 bridges. In its response the Department indicated that if any of these bridges were to be considered for funding under the Specific Grant programme the first step was for the Council to undertake a preliminary appraisal as required in the Department’s Common Appraisal Framework for Transport Projects and Programmes. A preliminary appraisal has not been submitted to date in relation to Roosky bridge.
163. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the list of roads in each county to be repaired under the local improvement scheme recently announced by him will be published; the latest date for county councils to make claims to his Department in order to receive payment for these road works in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43262/17]
View answerOn 21st September, I announced the provision of €10 million for a Local Improvement Scheme which supports improvement works on private and non-public roads. The funding granted was based on lists of eligible roads submitted to my Department by the Local Authorities.
Within the budget available for 2017, it was not possible to fully support the level of demand which the Local Authorities stated they could deliver in 2017. It is a matter for each Local Authority to decide which works should be completed from the list of potential projects submitted to my Department, and having regard to the funding allocated to them.
Local Authorities will be required to submit to my Department revised lists of projects which they prioritise for funding. My Department has requested that these revised lists be provided by 13th October and, once received, I will publish them on my Department's website.
Drawdown of the approved LIS funding will be contingent on Local Authorities certifying that at least 50% of the works have been completed and that full completion will be achieved by the end of the year. Local Authorities have been asked to submit claims to my Department by 17th November 2017 to facilitate the processing of payments.
