Written Answers Nos. 159-178
159. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress on the elimination of TB in County Wicklow in view of the high incidence of the disease in the west of the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22726/18]
View answerLevels of bovine TB have remained disappointingly high in Wicklow when compared with the progress achieved nationally where herd incidence stood at 3.47% at the end of 2017. However the number of reactors and the herd incidence for Wicklow has fallen considerably since 2015, as seen in the following table.
My Department remains of the view that infection from wildlife, in particular badgers, remains a particular issue in the Wicklow area. My Department continues to implement a badger removal programme in Wicklow as it does in other relevant areas. In relation to deer my Department is co-operating with the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht to oversee and co-fund a Steering Group to manage a limited deer density reduction programme in the Calary area of Co. Wicklow. The Wicklow Deer Management Group as well as hunting and farming groups in the county are involved and a co-ordinator has been appointed who is currently liaising with landowners and hunters in order to ascertain hunting patterns in the area and collect data. As part of the initiative samples are collected for TB testing by my Department.
Our TB Eradication strategy is achieving results. However we cannot be complacent and we continue to seek methods by which to improve to reach our goal of eradicating TB by 2030. To that end, we are engaging with stakeholders and hope to establish an inclusive TB Forum to involve the whole of industry and society,working collaboratively to identify solutions and eradicate TB within that timescale.
|
Year |
Wicklow |
East |
Wicklow |
West |
|
Reactors Numbers |
Herd Incidence |
Reactors Numbers |
Herd Incidence |
|
|
2015 |
568 |
6.78% |
616 |
12.89% |
|
2016 |
640 |
7.26% |
470 |
12.52% |
|
2017 |
421 |
5.97% |
309 |
11.05% |
160. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to ensure there is an adequate fodder supply for farmers in County Wicklow for the 2018-19 season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22727/18]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that in response to the recent pressures on fodder supplies caused by a long wet winter and spring I introduced a national Fodder Transport Support measure in January of this year, followed in April by a Fodder Import Support measure. Because ground conditions were slow to improve in some areas, in a concluding response to remaining fodder difficulties I decided to extend both measures by one week until 7 May. These two interventions working together effectively addressed issues around fodder availability in the country.
It is important that we all learn some of the lessons from this spring and build resilience into our systems into the future. Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority is the national body charged with providing appropriate research and advice to the farming community. In this connection I have asked it to convene and chair a representative group including stakeholders such as co-ops, banks, farm bodies amongst others to coordinate advisory messages to farmers this summer around replenishing stocks that have been used up. I have asked that this group continues to meet regularly until it is satisfied that the issue of securing adequate fodder supplies for next winter has been fully addressed.
161. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a matter regarding the deletion of parcels in the case of a person (detail supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22748/18]
View answerA 2017 Basic Payment Application in respect of the person named was received on 05 May 2017 and the relevant payments issued in October and December to the nominated bank account.
An issue arose post payment where a number of land parcels declared by the person named were also declared by another applicant. In order to resolve this issue the Department issued a dual claim letter on 23 February 2018 and a reminder on 09 May 2018. These letters outlined the issue and invited the applicant to substantiate their claim.
As you have indicated that the person named did not receive the correspondence issued by my Department I have arranged for these letters to be reissued.
162. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a basic payment scheme, BPS, payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22749/18]
View answerAll payments due under the Basic Payment Scheme and the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme for 2015, 2016 and 2017 have issued to the person named.
The issue here is that a dual claim arose in respect of the 2015 Scheme Year. The person named did not respond to the original query letter or the subsequent reminder and my Department proceeded with the processing of his application on this basis.
My Department is currently reviewing recently submitted documentation in relation to this case.
163. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the impact that the proposed changes to CAP payments will have on the agrifood sector in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22750/18]
View answerThe MFF proposals for 2021-2027 were published by Budget Commissioner Gunther Oettinger on 2 May 2018. The proposal indicates a 5% cut in the CAP budget for the next MFF period of 2021 - 2027.
The total CAP budget (EAGF and EAFRD) will be approximately €365 billion over the 7 year period (2021-2027). Pillar 1 (EAGF) will account for approximately €286 billon with Pillar 2 (EAFRD) accounting for approximately €79 billion.
My officials are continuing to analyse the proposals. The CAP regulations are due to be published in early June 2018 and are expected to include the allocations per Member State.
I will continue to work closely with other Member States, the European Commission and the European Parliament to ensure as strong a CAP budget as possible post 2020.
164. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the rules relating to farm entitlements in instances in which there is an injunction on a deceased person's estate; if it is possible for his Department to transfer entitlements to a person's name in such an instance; if it is possible to seek a change of herd number into another person's name before the probate process is complete without first informing the official herd keeper as appointed through the ER1 process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22783/18]
View answerIn relation to Basic Payment Scheme Entitlements and in instances where a deceased person's estate is subject to legal proceedings, following the resolution of the legal issues, my Department will work with the parties involved to ensure the estate of the deceased is administered as appropriate.
Regarding the re-activation of a herd number, in cases where a herd owner is deceased, a transfer of herd owner request would need to be made, requiring all the usual evidence as to the right of the transferee. The application for a herd number must be accompanied by proof of ownership of land (folio) or copy of a lease agreement. The ER1 is an application form for one single individual to register as a keeper of animals on a holding.
165. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a farm payment appeal by a person (details supplied); if same will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22808/18]
View answerThe person named submitted an online application for consideration under the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme on 14 June 2017, thus incurring a 100% late penalty as it was outside the application period for the scheme. The person named submitted an appeal and following a review the person named was deemed unsuccessful.
The person named was notified of this decision on 8 March 2018 and he was also informed that the decision could be further appealed to the Agriculture Appeals Office within 3 months. I understand that to date no such appeal has been received.
166. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the decision to remove a commonage for eligibility in GLAS and BPS payments can be reversed in view of the fact that the lands are being actively used; the status of the appeal lodged by a number of stakeholders (details supplied) on the commonage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22854/18]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine is obliged to ensure that lands declared for payment under the various areas based schemes meet the conditions of eligibility. These conditions are clearly set out in the BPS/ANC Terms and Conditions sent to all applicants on an annual basis and are also covered in the Guide to Land Eligibility sent to all applicants in 2015.
The Department is required annually to review imagery to ascertain if there are any ineligible features being declared for payment. The lands in question, based on an internal risk assessment process, were selected for a ground inspection in 2017. The result of this inspection determined that the lands were not being actively farmed and hence did not meet the definition of eligibility as set out in the Terms and Conditions.
An appeal has been received in my Department from the applicant's adviser with regard to the result of the inspection in 2017. The appeal is currently being considered and officials from my Department will be in contact with the applicants in due course.
167. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when e-fibre broadband is likely to be rolled out at a location (details supplied). [22743/18]
View answerThe Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. Today, almost 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. This will increase to nearly 8 out of 10 premises by the end of this year and by 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.
The location referred to by the Deputy is in an AMBER area on my Department’s High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. Access to high speed broadband will be brought to these premises through State Aid Intervention under the NBP.
My Department is the final stages of the formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area.
In the interim, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.
Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. The Department of Rural and Community Development maintain a list of Broadband Officers, a link to which is available on my Department's website at https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/latest-news/Pages/Broadband-Officers-Workshop.aspx.
168. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress of rural broadband roll-out in County Wicklow by area; the dates on which areas of the county will be connected to high speed broadband by area in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22745/18]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. Today, almost 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. By 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.
The High Speed Broadband Map, available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area. The map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode:
- The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the State led Intervention under the NBP and are the subject of an ongoing procurement process.
- The BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The LIGHT BLUE areas represent eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April 2017.
Premises in County Wicklow fall within areas to be served either commercially or through a State led intervention and are colour coded accordingly. There are c64,000 premises in Co Wicklow of which some 14,000 fall within the State led intervention under the NBP and are the focus of the procurement process which is now in its final stages. The remaining premises, circa 50,000, are or will be served by commercial operators and include approximately 3,000 premises which are part of eir’s 300,000 planned rural deployment. According to Q1 2018 figures provided to my Department by eir, over 3,000 premises in Co Wicklow have already been provided with access to a high speed service under this deployment, with a further 3,000 premises yet to be passed.
A breakdown of the number of premises which fall into each of these categories on a townland by townland basis will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.
For those premises awaiting access to high speed broadband, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.
Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. The Department of Rural and Community Development maintain a list of Broadband Officers, a link to which is available on my Department's website at https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/latest-news/Pages/Broadband-Officers-Workshop.aspx
169. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the preferred ratio of renewable energy sectors to operate here, that is, the percentage of onshore wind, offshore wind, photovoltaic and so on in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22754/18]
View answerThe Energy White Paper presents a long-term strategic vision that is intended to guide the direction of Irish energy policy from now until 2030. It identifies the long-term strategic importance of diversifying Ireland's energy generation portfolio and largely decarbonising the energy sector by 2050. It does not set out targets or preferred ratios for specific renewable technologies; rather it provides a framework to guide policy between now and 2030.
The National Mitigation Plan 2017 restates the Government’s commitment to move from a fossil fuel-based electricity system to a low-carbon power system. Investment in further renewable generation will be incentivised. Natural gas will continue to play a key role as a transition fuel.
The National Development Plan 2018-2027 sets out clear measures towards decarbonisation, including the upgrading of 45,000 homes every year from 2021 to make them energy efficient, up to 4,500MW of renewable electricity generation, roll-out of the support scheme for renewable heat, and commitments on electric vehicles and low-emission public transport. However, in the transition, the lowest CO2 emitting fossil fuel is still required to ensure a safe, secure and competitive path towards sustainability. In addition to this the planned closure of Moneypoint by 2025 and the ending of peat for electricity generation in advance of 2030 will have a positive impact.
In regard to future electricity demand, EirGrid have modelled a number of scenarios in their 2017 publication “Tomorrow’s Energy Scenarios". Each scenario predicts a different possible future for the generation and consumption of electricity out to 2040. A link to the document is available at: http://www.eirgridgroup.com/site-files/library/EirGrid/EirGrid-Tomorrows-Energy-Scenarios-Report-2017.pdf
170. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he or his Department is co-ordinating cross-Government responses or plans for the cybersecurity of Government Departments to ensure that enough actions are being taken against a matter which has been described by the FBI in the USA and the NCSC in London as a threat to the safety, security and integrity of the cyber ecosystem. [22574/18]
View answerThe National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is a unit of my Department, has been engaged in a series of actions around assisting Government Departments and State Agencies in preserving the security of their networks and data for a number of years. A key component of that work has involved building technical capacity and situational awareness as to trends and developments around Network and Information Security generally, and particularly those risks that might arise for Government and Critical Infrastructure. The NCSC operates an Advisories and Alerts System which allows the unit rapidly disseminate information to Government Departments, Agencies and Critical Infrastructure Operators. These entities have signed up to this formally managed system, which is governed by a Traffic Light Protocol (or TLP) setting out the manner in which any information contained therein should be treated. This system presently has around 120 constituents and has recently been augmented with an SMS alert system.
On 17th April 2018, the NCSC issued an Advisory related to the issues referred to by the Deputy in his question, setting out the nature of the threats, and the precise types of equipment that have been targeted. The Advisory also contained a series of mitigation measures that constituents should consider, and a reminder that any incidents, of this or any type, should be reported to the NCSC. The Advisory carried a TLP AMBER rating. The NCSC remains in contact with similar bodies in other jurisdictions and any further pertinent information will be passed to constituents as soon as it is received.
The NCSC is also engaged in a series of other actions in this area. For example, a new website for the NCSC has been launched, and this will shortly be updated with information to assist individuals and small and medium sized businesses to protect their information systems. The unit has also been heavily engaged in work to prepare for the EU Network and Information Security Directive, which will place binding security requirements on critical infrastructure operators and certain key Digital Service Providers. The Directive also places obligations on the State itself, in terms of ensuring that States can cooperate and share information in the event of a large scale incident affecting several countries and to ensure that every State has significant capacity of its own. To that end, the Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) within the NCSC received international accreditation in 2017 and plays an active role in a number of European and international organisations. The unit also participates in international exercises, including an upcoming European aviation security event.
My Department is also working on a new National Cyber Security Strategy, which will set out a series of measures to be taken in the coming years across the public and private sector. This Strategy will be consulted on later this year, in advance of finalisation.
171. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to remove the immunity from prosecution provided to the EPA in section 15 of the EPA Act of 1992, as was recommended by the Ombudsman in 2011; his views on whether one of the key weaknesses in the operations of the EPA is its immunity from prosecution (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22847/18]
View answerI have no plans to amend section 15 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992, either in response to the 2011 recommendation from the Environmental Protection Agency Review Group or otherwise. Notwithstanding the Review Group recommendation, I am not satisfied that a basis exists to support a proposal for amendment having regard, in particular, to the potential implications for the effective discharge by the Agency of its statutory functions and the potential impact of such a precedent on the effective operation of other State bodies.
On the specific case mentioned in the details supplied with the Question, it would not be appropriate for me to comment or interfere in any way in a licence application, the determination of which is a statutory function of the Environmental Protection Agency under Part IV of the 1992 Act.
172. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rules and regulations surrounding drones (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22759/18]
View answerThe Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has statutory responsibility for aviation safety regulation in Ireland, including the regulation of remotely piloted aircraft systems (drones), as provided for under S.I. No. 563/2015 - Irish Aviation Authority (Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets) Order, 2015. Under this Order, all drones weighing over 1 kilogram must be registered with the IAA. To date over 8,500 drones and model aircraft have been so registered.
The IAA is responsible for ensuring that drones are used properly and in safe locations. The IAA's safe use of drones’ guidance includes specific restrictions on their use, and the Authority responds to reports of misuse on a case-by-case basis when it is brought to their attention. In addition, any unauthorised use of a drone may be referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation.
Should the Deputy require further information about the implementation of S.I. No. 563 of 2015 the IAA is available to assist.
173. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request the Law Reform Commission to prepare consolidated legislation on road traffic law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22799/18]
View answerThe priorities in my Department in respect of road traffic legislation have been focused on the safe passage of both the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2017 and the Vehicle Registration Data (Automated Searching and Exchange) Bill 2018 through both houses of the Oireachtas. While the latter Bill has passed all stages, the Road Traffic (amendment) Bill 2017 remains in Report and Final
In addition, I have asked my officials to commence work on a road traffic bill to provide for graduated penalties for speeding offences. Consolidation of the Road Traffic Acts may ultimately require an element of outsourcing but this has yet to be fully examined.
174. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the State is estimating that the trial alone for the current pensioners of IASS will take up to 12 weeks and has cost nearly €1.5 million already to bring it to this stage; if he will request the SCA to engage in mediation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22836/18]
View answerIt is the advice of the Attorney General that this matter should be defended. As it is sub judice, I am unable to comment any further on the issue.
175. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in Limerick Junction railway station's waiting room there is a printed timetable for all services to Limerick, Cork and Dublin and no timetable for the two daily services which originate at the station for Tipperary town, Cahir, Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir and Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22738/18]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
176. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will reopen the public consultation process and arrange a public engagement day for local persons to meet with engineers to discuss route options for a planed TEN-T route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22757/18]
View answer177. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will reopen the public consultation process and arrange a public engagement day for local persons to meet with engineers to discuss route options for a planned TEN-T route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22758/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 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 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.
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.
178. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the criteria under which sports capital grant applications are assessed; the details of the criteria and the weighting of each category within the criteria; if there is a specific category in the marking of applications for clubs and organisations in RAPID areas; if he will provide additional detail regarding the part of the application process that deals with disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22769/18]
View answerThe full assessment process and scoring system for the 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme was published in advance of the assessment work commencing and is available on my Department's website at http://www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/publications/sport/english/sports-capital-programme-scoring-system-and-assessment-procedures/assessment-manual-2017-scp.pdf.
As outlined in the manual contained on the website, the assessment process was a three stage process:
1. Applications were first checked for validity;
2. Applications were then given a score between 0 and 3 for each of the six assessment criteria with each of these scores then being multiplied by the weighting for that criteria. The weighting for each criteria are set out in the table below. The weighted scores were then added together to give the total assessment score;
3. Allocation amounts were then calculated. The amount allocated to each project was based on a combination of its assessment score, the amount sought and the total amount available for that county based on a per-capita distribution.
|
Criteria |
Weighting |
|
Likelihood of increased participation/improved performance |
7 |
|
Sharing of facilities |
4 |
|
Level of socio-economic disadvantage in the area |
5 |
|
Technical merits of the project |
4 |
|
Level of own funding available (higher scoring for funding in disadvantaged areas) |
5 |
|
Level of SCP funding received in the past 10 years (projects with less previous funding receive more marks) |
4 |
The Pobal Deprivation Index was used to determine the disadvantaged status of an area. Projects from all disadvantaged areas, including RAPID areas, were awarded points under the criteria "Level of Socio-Economic Disadvantage in the Area". These projects also benefitted in terms of requiring a lower level of own funding to achieve comparable marks with projects in non-disadvantaged areas.
A full review of the 2017 round of the programme has now been finalised and published on my Department's website (www.dttas.ie). This review suggests some further improvements which should be considered prior to the next round of the programme opening for applications including the possibility of further enhanced weighting for disadvantaged areas. An announcement in relation to the timing of the next round is expected in the coming weeks.
