Jackie Cahill
Question:452. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health when an assessment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7434/18]
View answerDisabilities Assessments
Questions (452)
Written answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health and Safety Regulations
Questions (453)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:453. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health his plans to regulate the piercing and tattoo sector; the status of guidelines on the sector; the age of consent for such procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7491/18]
View answerWritten answers
There is no specific legislation in Ireland in relation to the regulation of tattooing and body piercing businesses. However, they are required to comply with public health, and health and safety legislation in the same way as any other business. In the absence of sector specific regulation, my Department and the Health Service Executive are finalising guidelines on infection control for use by the tattooing and body piercing industry. The purpose of the document is to provide guidance in relation to infection control, and is aimed at achieving the highest standards of safety and prevention. The guidelines are being finalised and are expected to be published later this year.
With respect to consent, including the age of consent, under the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act, 1997, and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 1935, tattooing and body piercing may be construed as a criminal offence if proper informed consent is not obtained; or in the case of minors, if tattooing or body piercing is carried out on certain parts of the body, with or without consent. Consequently, any queries relating to these issues would be a matter for An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice and Equality.
Disability Support Services
Questions (454)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:454. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be placed in adult services. [7492/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Livestock Issues
Questions (455)
Pearse Doherty
Question:455. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the growing problem facing sheep farmers at slaughter facilities whereby, following an examination of lambs prior to entry, processors are turning livestock away and refusing entry for slaughter due to a more stringent implementation of clean livestock policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6731/18]
View answerWritten answers
Food legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter. My Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders. The policy document was finalised in February 2017. This policy is a public health measure, intended to reduce the potential risk to consumers that may arise if meat is contaminated by dirty fleeces.
My Department currently applies a 3-category system for both the bovine and the sheep CLP, requiring food business operators at slaughtering establishments to categorise as follows:
Category (A) Satisfactory –
Sheep that can be slaughtered, without an unacceptable risk of contaminating the meat during the slaughter process, by using the standard hygienic dressing procedures routinely employed by the plant.
Category (B) Acceptable –
Sheep that can only be slaughtered, without an unacceptable risk of contamination of the meat during the slaughter process, by putting in place additional interventions including extra defined dressing controls.
Category (C) Unacceptable –
Sheep unfit for slaughter because of fleece condition. These sheep must not be presented for ante-mortem in this condition and it is the responsibility of the Food Business Operator (FBO) to take the required remedial action.
The cleanliness of a fleece is related to the farming practices from where the sheep originates as well as being influenced by the stakeholders along the supply chain. All stakeholders can influence the cleanliness of the sheep fleece.
Teagasc has produced “A Guide for Sheep Producers”, which sets out key advisory recommendations for sheep producers to assist them in the production of sheep with fleece that are suitable for slaughter for human consumption, a copy of this guide was issued to all registered flockowners along with the 2017 sheep census forms in early December 2017. My Department has also written to all sheep farmers and transporters directly. Full details regarding the policy are available on the Department's website-
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodsafetyconsumerissues/foodsafetycontrolsonmeat/cleanlivestockpolicy/.
The production of sheep meat suitable for human consumption is the primary objective and responsibility of the food business operator in line with food legislation. Each food business operator must draw up procedures to demonstrate how they achieve this. This involves a fleece evaluation and actions, as necessary, to ensure cleanliness of the fleece prior to slaughter.
My Department monitors the cleanliness of the sheep presented for slaughter on a daily basis. It should be noted that the vast majority of sheep are deemed acceptable at the slaughter plant.
The need for an effective clean livestock policy is regarded as being very important not just in terms of basic food safety, but also as a reputational issue for Ireland’s meat industry and our export trade.
Tuberculosis Eradication Programme
Questions (456)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:456. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to put in place a scheme to cull badgers to stop the spread of tuberculosis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6733/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am informed that the outbreak in the Iveragh Peninsula is largely confined to eight electoral divisions, namely Loughcurrane, Derriana, Canuig, Emlagh, Ballinskelligs, Castlequin, Bahaghs and Killinane. During 2017, 53 herds in these areas were restricted with a total of 302 reactors removed. 32 of the restrictions followed reactor disclosure at a contiguous herd test.
Since the first breakdown in the area in Autumn 2016, the outbreaks have been investigated and managed by my Department’s Veterinary Inspectorate (in cooperation with local herd-owners and veterinary practitioners). They have conducted epidemiological investigation of all herds with more than 2 reactors, blood sampling of all reactors for quality control purposes, diagnostic blood testing of high risk groups within the herd, identification of contiguous holdings and additional testing as required, as well as subjecting the herd to further diagnostic tests where it is considered that the infection is of a more chronic nature.
Ireland’s TB Eradication Programme incorporates a wildlife strategy since 2004 which includes the removal of badgers from areas where there has been a TB outbreak with evidence of an epidemiological link to badgers. Badgers are protected by national legislation and are captured under licence, issued by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. This strategy is informed by considerable scientific evidence of a link between badgers and cattle in the context of the spread of bovine TB. In line with this policy, where badgers are identified as a likely source in the Iveragh Peninsula a survey is carried out and badgers are captured and removed.
My Department has recently introduced the vaccination of badgers against tuberculosis as an integral part of the bovine TB eradication programme. This marks a major step forward in the bovine TB eradication programme and follows years of scientific research. The most recent research findings confirm that vaccination of badgers can play a role in reducing the level of infection in cattle. It will enable Ireland move forward towards eradication of bovine TB in a controlled holistic way, which will serve to protect the badger population whilst also protecting cattle and the livelihoods of farmers. The vaccination programme has commenced in the areas which have already been part of the field trials demonstrating the effectiveness of badger vaccination. It will roll out incrementally to other parts of the country over time, with vaccination gradually replacing the need to remove badgers. It is not appropriate to initiate a vaccination programme in an area where there is an active outbreak of disease.
I would also point out that there are other factors that contribute to the spread of tuberculosis which may be contributing to the problem in this area. For example, there are a significant number of animals traded locally within the area and the clustering of outbreaks indicates that the contiguous spread between herds is likely a factor. Farmers in the area are to be congratulated for their efforts to increase biosecurity which will further reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Finally, while it is too early to formulate any definitive conclusions, early indications are that the situation in South Kerry is showing signs of improvement. The rate of reactor disclosure and herd restrictions has abated. A significant number of herds have recently had one clear test and a smaller number have had their second clear test and are no longer restricted.
GLAS Payments
Questions (457)
Joe Carey
Question:457. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS, payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; the reason for the delay in issuing payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6735/18]
View answerWritten answers
The above named was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2017.
Administrative checks must take place on all GLAS claims. All cases must clear validation checks before payment can issue. My Department is working proactively to complete these checks. Once this case clears the validations the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS 2017 advance payments are being made on a weekly basis.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (458)
Dara Calleary
Question:458. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount spent by his Department on photography, by photographer and-or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Department by agency and month, in tabular form since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6740/18]
View answerWritten answers
My Department generally does not employ external public relations firms and did not employ any external public relations firms in the year 2016. Public relations advice is provided by my Department’s Press Office.
In April of 2017, the services of "All Good Tales", a public relations company, were used to provide training for staff members for the National Animal Surveillance Programme. The cost of this training was €5,965.
The information requested by the Deputy with regard to photography is available on my Department's website at www.agriculture.gov.ie/aboutus/ministers/photographycosts. This information is regularly updated by my Department. Wherever possible, the Department avails of internal photography skills.
In relation to the State Bodies under the aegis of this Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. In accordance with the new procedures effective since September 2016, as notified by the Clerk of the Dáil, my Department has provided contact details for all of our agencies. Details of dedicated email addresses for State Bodies are available for Oireachtas members through the Clerk of Dáil Éireann.
GLAS Payments
Questions (459)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:459. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS, payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6759/18]
View answerWritten answers
The person named was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2017.
The Department is aware of an issue with this case in relation to the 2017 advance payment and this issue is being addressed. It is expected that payment will issue shortly. GLAS 2017 advance payments are continuing to issue on a weekly basis.
Livestock Issues
Questions (460)
Martin Kenny
Question:460. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has changed its policy relating to sheep being presented for slaughter and meat processing plants in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6770/18]
View answerWritten answers
Food legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter. My Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders. The policy document was finalised in February 2017. This policy is a public health measure, intended to reduce the potential risk to consumers that may arise if meat is contaminated by dirty fleeces.
An effective Clean Livestock Policy is very important not just in terms of basic food safety but also as a reputational issue for Ireland’s meat industry and to safeguard our ongoing major export trade in meat and hides. This policy is underpinned by EU and national regulatory requirements.
It was clear that there was a need to significantly improve performance in relation to the cleanliness of incoming sheep, to ensure the continuation and expansion of this trade. Sending dirty sheep to slaughter increases the contamination risk from harmful bacteria. Dirty sheep risk our valuable sheep and fleece markets.
My Department monitors the cleanliness of the sheep presented for slaughter on a daily basis. It should be noted that the vast majority of sheep are deemed acceptable at the slaughter plant.
Livestock Issues
Questions (461)
Martin Kenny
Question:461. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that meat processing plants are refusing to accept sheep due to the fact they are wet or dirty and are telling farmers to shear their sheep before presenting them for slaughter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6771/18]
View answerWritten answers
Food legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter. My Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders. The policy document was finalised in February 2017. This policy is a public health measure, intended to reduce the potential risk to consumers that may arise if meat is contaminated by dirty fleeces.
My Department currently applies a 3-category system for both the bovine and the sheep CLP, requiring food business operators at slaughtering establishments to categorise as follows:
Category (A) Satisfactory –
Sheep that can be slaughtered, without an unacceptable risk of contaminating the meat during the slaughter process, by using the standard hygienic dressing procedures routinely employed by the plant.
Category (B) Acceptable –
Sheep that can only be slaughtered, without an unacceptable risk of contamination of the meat during the slaughter process, by putting in place additional interventions including extra defined dressing controls.
Category (C) Unacceptable –
Sheep unfit for slaughter because of fleece condition. These sheep must not be presented for ante-mortem in this condition and it is the responsibility of the Food Business Operator (FBO) to take the required remedial action.
The cleanliness of a fleece is related to the farming practices from where the sheep originates as well as being influenced by the stakeholders along the supply chain. All stakeholders can influence the cleanliness of the sheep fleece.
Teagasc has produced “A Guide for Sheep Producers”, which sets out key advisory recommendations for sheep producers to assist them in the production of sheep with fleece that are suitable for slaughter for human consumption, a copy of this guide was issued to all registered flockowners along with the 2017 sheep census forms in early December 2017. My Department has also written to all sheep farmers and transporters directly. Full details regarding the policy are available on the Department's website-
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodsafetyconsumerissues/foodsafetycontrolsonmeat/cleanlivestockpolicy/.
The production of sheep meat suitable for human consumption is the primary objective and responsibility of the food business operator in line with food legislation. Each food business operator must draw up procedures to demonstrate how they achieve this. This involves a fleece evaluation and actions, as necessary, to ensure cleanliness of the fleece prior to slaughter.
My Department continues to monitor the cleanliness of the sheep presented for slaughter on a daily basis. It should be noted that the vast majority of sheep are deemed acceptable at the slaughter plant.
The need for an effective clean livestock policy is regarded as being very important not just in terms of basic food safety, but also as a reputational issue for Ireland’s meat industry and our export trade.
Livestock Issues
Questions (462)
Martin Kenny
Question:462. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will intervene and stop meat processing plants from refusing to accept wet and-or dirty sheep and charging for shearing of sheep before slaughter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6772/18]
View answerWritten answers
Food legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter. My Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders. The policy document was finalised in February 2017. This policy is a public health measure, intended to reduce the potential risk to consumers that may arise if meat is contaminated by dirty fleeces.
My Department currently applies a 3-category system for both the bovine and the sheep CLP, requiring food business operators at slaughtering establishments to categorise as follows:
Category (A) Satisfactory –
Sheep that can be slaughtered, without an unacceptable risk of contaminating the meat during the slaughter process, by using the standard hygienic dressing procedures routinely employed by the plant.
Category (B) Acceptable –
Sheep that can only be slaughtered, without an unacceptable risk of contamination of the meat during the slaughter process, by putting in place additional interventions including extra defined dressing controls.
Category (C) Unacceptable –
Sheep unfit for slaughter because of fleece condition. These sheep must not be presented for ante-mortem in this condition and it is the responsibility of the Food Business Operator (FBO) to take the required remedial action.
The cleanliness of a fleece is related to the farming practices from where the sheep originates as well as being influenced by the stakeholders along the supply chain. All stakeholders can influence the cleanliness of the sheep fleece.
The production of sheep meat suitable for human consumption is the primary objective and responsibility of the food business operator in line with food legislation. Each food business operator must draw up procedures to demonstrate how they achieve this. This involves a fleece evaluation and actions, as necessary, to ensure cleanliness of the fleece prior to slaughter.
My Department monitors the cleanliness of the sheep presented for slaughter on a daily basis. It should be noted that the vast majority of sheep are deemed acceptable at the slaughter plant.
The need for an effective clean livestock policy is regarded as being very important not just in terms of basic food safety, but also as a reputational issue for Ireland’s meat industry and our export trade.
Fishing Industry
Questions (463)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:463. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a system to facilitate persons (details supplied) fishing will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6785/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, on 27 October 2016, the Supreme Court issued a judgment in a case taken by a number of mussel seed fishermen. In the judgment, the Supreme Court found that fishing by Northern Ireland boats within the 0 to 6 nautical mile zone of the territorial waters of the State under the Voisinage arrangements is not permitted by law. The Voisinage arrangements are long-standing reciprocal arrangements which have allowed fishing boats from Northern Ireland access to fish within the 0 to 6 nautical mile zone of the territorial waters of the State and vice versa.
It is important to note that the Supreme Court upheld the High Court finding that the Voisinage arrangements are not invalid but that, as it stands, there is insufficient provision for them in domestic law. The Supreme Court in fact noted that the arrangements were a sensible recognition at official level of practice and tradition, where fishing boats traditionally fished neighbouring waters.
The application of the judgment is to all fishing by Northern Irish fishing boats in the 0 to 6 nautical mile zone, measured from the baselines, relying on the Voisinage arrangements. Foreign fishing vessels are not permitted to fish inside the baselines. Fishing activities that have a legal basis are not affected, such as those reliant on the access arrangements to Ireland's 6 to 12 nautical mile zone set out in Regulation (EU) No. 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
The Government approved the publication of the Sea-Fisheries (Amendment) Bill to address issues raised by the Supreme Court judgment, in so far as it relates to access for Northern Irish vessels. If enacted and commenced, the Bill will give the Voisinage arrangements a proper legal footing. The Bill was published in February 2017 and is available on the Oireachtas website. The Bill has commenced debate in the Seanad.
In July 2017, the UK Government formally announced that it is leaving the 1964 London Fisheries Convention. The Convention deals primarily with access rights to countries 6 to 12 nautical mile zones and much of these are also included in Common Fisheries Policy. Article 2 of the Convention precludes countries from fishing in another country’s 0 to 6 nautical mile zone. However, Article 9 of the Convention gave countries the option to come to arrangements with their neighbours to allow access inside the 0 to 6 nautical mile zone if so desired. This was the basis for the Voisinage arrangements.
The UK has intimated it would like to retain the Voisinage arrangements element of the London Fisheries Convention. Ireland will continue to reflect on all relevant issues in the context of Brexit negotiations and the progress ofthe Bill.
Under EU Regulation, every commercial sea-fishing boat needs to have a licence, held by the owner of the boat, and in accordance with the Common Fisheries Policy, every Member State must manage the size and scale (capacity) of its fishing fleet. Fishing capacity in Ireland, in theform of gross tonnage and engine power, is a privately owned, tradable asset that, with certain exceptions, may be sold, traded or realised as a financial asset on the tonnage market. To licence a sea-fishing boat, capacity must be provided by the applicant as part of the licensing process. Currently the licensing process for a sea-fishing boat does not incur a charge. I do not consider that the proposal set out meets the terms of EU Regulation and accordingly I do not see scope to explore this option.
GLAS Payments
Questions (464)
Pearse Doherty
Question:464. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an outstanding 2017 GLAS payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6791/18]
View answerWritten answers
The person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016 and has received all payments in respect of scheme year 2016 and the 2017 advance payment. There are no payments outstanding in this case.
Live Exports
Questions (465)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:465. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the procurement of a ship for live cattle and calf exports to mainland Europe; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the capacity of this ship is crucial. [6831/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am very conscious of the vital role live exports play in stimulating live competition for domestic cattle and providing an alternative market outlet for calves. I am pleased to confirm that the ‘Stena Carrier’ is undergoing the final approval procedures as a replacement for the ‘Stena Horizon’, on the Rosslare to Cherbourg route, starting later this month
Since this issue of the withdrawal of the Stena Horizon from service for routine maintenance first came to notice in October 2017, senior officials from my Department have been actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders on the matter. Whilst I and my Department have no direct involvement in the commercial activities or operational decisions of ferry companies, we were acutely conscious of the potential impact that lack of capacity could have on the ability of the industry to export livestock in the busy spring period.
While it is difficult to predict future market developments, the expectation is that in the region of 35 000 calves will be exported via the replacement ferry on the Rosslare to Cherbourg route during the 4 week period commencing on 20 February with additional numbers exported also on the Dublin to Cherbourg route.
Forestry Sector
Questions (466)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:466. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Coillte is in dispute with persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6834/18]
View answerWritten answers
Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the Coillte Farm Partnership Scheme, are the responsibility of the company.
Coillte has, however, advised that it is conducting a thorough review following issues raised by a small number of farmers on agreements under the above Scheme. Coillte has confirmed that having reviewed its contracts with farm partners, it is satisfied that there are no cases where farmers have not been paid what they are due and that it is satisfied that it is fulfilling all of its contractual obligations.
Fur Farming
Questions (467)
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:467. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to cease fur farming practices here further to the European Commission report stating that fur farming impairs mink welfare. [6838/18]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is not aware of the report to which the Deputy refers. Policy in this area is guided by the review which my Department conducted in 2011. The Terms of Reference of the Review Group were:
(i) To review fur farming in Ireland taking into account existing legislative provisions for the licensing of mink farming;
(ii) To comment on the economic benefits of the sector;
(iii) To consider the effectiveness of existing welfare controls; and
(iv) To make appropriate recommendations.
The Review Group invited submissions from the public and interested parties and considered over four hundred submissions which were received.
The Group concluded that it did not find the arguments in favour of banning the farming of fur animals in Ireland compelling and recommended that instead, fur farming be allowed continue under licence and subject to official control.
On foot of the Review Group’s deliberations, my Department introduced more rigorous controls on licence holders in the areas of animal welfare, animal accommodation, security and nutrient management. Licensees are subject to regular inspections, including unannounced inspections by Department officials.
Also my Department has statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals under the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations, 2010 (Statutory Instrument No 311/2010) and the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. Irish fur farmers are, in this regard, subject to the same animal welfare legislation as other livestock farmers.
In the circumstances, I have no plans to amend the current regulatory provisions around fur farming.
Animal Welfare
Questions (468)
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:468. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that there are adequate resources available to effectively enforce the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act 2013; and his views on whether the consequences for breaching the Act are effective deterrents. [6839/18]
View answerWritten answers
The introduction of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provided for increased levels of penalties for animal welfare offences committed. Upon summary conviction these are €5,000 and/or up to six months in jail. For major cases taken on indictment, the maximum penalty was increased from €100,000 to €250,000, with a maximum custodial sentence of five years imprisonment. These penalties are in keeping with Irish jurisprudence and therefore I do not envisage further changes at this time.
Penalties imposed upon successful conviction vary at the discretion of the court, with the Act containing provisions that an individual convicted of serious animal welfare offences may be banned by the courts from keeping animals, or have the numbers of animals they may keep restricted.
The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 however has importantly changed the basis upon which animal owners must treat their animals and is specifically designed to allow early intervention in a much wider range of cases than the previous legislation allowed for. Thus minor cases can be tackled before they escalate and the Act is a vehicle to encourage and educate animal keepers. This new approach means that Authorised officers are addressing problems while they are relatively minor, reducing the risk of escalation.
Enforcement is a complex issue, so a progressive aspect of the Act is that it does not just focus on prosecution, which is only appropriate in cases where there have been serious welfare issues that can be clearly demonstrated to the courts. The new enforcement approach reflects the need to intervene as early as possible in animal welfare situations. This approach is aided by The Early Warning/Intervention System (EWS) initiative introduced by the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council involving, amongst others, my Department, the Irish Farmers' Association and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which provides a framework within which farm animal welfare problems can be identified before they become critical or overwhelming.
The Act provides for Animal Health & Welfare Notices to be issued by Authorised Officers. This means that minor situations can be addressed at an early stage and that encouragement, guidance and best practice are introduced rather than just punishment. It also provides for Fixed Penalty Notices to be issued in minor cases. These alternatives to prosecution mean greater efficiency in terms of enforcement of the Act.
The provisions of the Act are enforced by Authorised officers of my Department, An Garda Síochána, officers of Customs & Excise and authorised officers of ISPCA and DSPCA, along with individual officers of the Turf Club. This approach provides a large cross section of experienced officials who are aware of welfare issues and can flag them up as and when they arise.
Harbours and Piers Development
Questions (469)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:469. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when applications will be invited from local authorities for the development and maintenance of piers under the fishery harbour development scheme; the amount of funding that has been allocated to the scheme in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6858/18]
View answerWritten answers
The responsibility for the development, and maintenance of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each Local Authority in the first instance and their parent Department, the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government thereafter.
However, as part of its annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, my Department provides limited funding to assist coastal Local Authorities in carrying out small scale projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways in their ownership.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have approved funding of €2m for the Local Authority element of my Departments 2018 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.
On 31 January 2018 Local Authorities were invited to submit prioritised lists of projects for consideration. The closing date for receipt of these applications is 14th February 2018. Following this, detailed applications will be requested from Local Authorities for short-listing and the finalized suite of projects will be prepared.
GLAS Payments
Questions (470)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:470. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6869/18]
View answerWritten answers
The person named is fully up to date with their GLAS payments.
Appointments to State Boards Data
Questions (471)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:471. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the State boards under the remit of his Department; the number of persons on each of those boards; the number of those persons who are male and female, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6945/18]
View answerWritten answers
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the twelve State Bodies under the aegis of my Department is outlined in the following table.
I am personally committed to achieving the Government target of 40% gender balance on the Boards of State Bodies. I wrote to the Chief Executives of some agri-business companies asking them to support women within their companies who express an interest in being appointed to the Boards of State Bodies and to encourage those who may not as yet have considered putting themselves forward to do so.
In relation to six of the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, some of the board appointments are made by me on the basis of nominations from third-party organisations for specified vacancies as set out in legislation. These State Bodies are the Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board, Bord Bia, Horse Racing Ireland, National Milk Agency, Teagasc and the Veterinary Council of Ireland. I actively encourage the relevant nominating organisations to be pro-active in encouraging women within their membership to consider putting themselves forward for nomination for appointment to the Board of the State Body to which the organisation makes a nomination.
I will continue to take every opportunity to achieve gender balance on the Boards of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department.
|
- |
Gender Breakdown |
||
|
State Body |
Current Number of Members Including the Chairperson |
Current Male Members |
Current Female Members |
|
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board |
6 |
5 |
1 |
|
Bord Bia |
13 |
10 |
3 |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
6 |
5 |
1 |
|
Bord na gCon |
7 |
6 |
1 |
|
Coillte |
7 |
5 |
2 |
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
14 |
12 |
2 |
|
Irish National Stud |
7 |
5 |
2 |
|
Marine Institute |
7 |
6 |
1 |
|
National Milk Agency |
14 |
14 |
0 |
|
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
Teagasc |
9 |
8 |
1 |
|
Veterinary Council of Ireland |
19 |
11 |
8 |
Departmental Advertising Expenditure
Questions (472)
Martin Kenny
Question:472. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of advertising campaigns paid for by his Department to promote Irish food and drink; the associated cost of each campaign in each of the years 2008 to 2017. [6991/18]
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My Department is precluded under EU law (State Aid Rules) from advertising to promote specific Irish food and drink.
Bord Bia is the State Agency under my remit charged with the marketing and promotion of Irish agri-food and drink both at home and abroad.
Should the Deputy require further details on the marketing and promotion activities of Bord Bia in the years requested, the Deputy is referred to the agreed Oireachtas contact address: info@Bordbia.ie or the Bord Bia website www.bordbia.ie where the annual reports from 1998 to 2016 are available.