Written Answers Nos. 298-311
298. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he is taking and supports he is putting in place to support vegetable producers who are facing an income crisis due to a combination of atypical weather, rising input costs and labour issues; and his views on a review of farm-gate prices to reflect the farm business environment. [29916/18]
View answerThe Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector is the main support for individual growers within Ireland’s horticulture industry. This State funded scheme facilitates development of the horticulture sector, by providing grant aid at a rate of 40% (50% in the case of young applicants under 35 years of age) on approved costs associated with capital investment in a broad range of specialised horticultural equipment and buildings. I was able to increase funding for the Scheme from €4.5 million to €5 million in 2017 and again for 2018.
Each year under this Scheme my Department provides grant aid to a number of horticultural growers that wish to invest in specialised crop irrigation equipment.
I recognise that in addition to the weather, competitiveness and a lack of available labour are other significant issues affecting the horticulture sector at present.
As part of a longer term effort to address these issues Minister of State, Andrew Doyle, TD has co-chaired a number of meetings of the Horticulture Industry Forum. The Forum agreed its “Vision” document last autumn and work is underway to progress the necessary actions identified in that document.
The Government is acutely aware of the shortage of labour to work in horticulture and other sectors of the agrifood industry. This resulted in Minister Humphreys recently effecting changes to the Employment Permit Regulations. This will make it easier for certain businesses in the agri-food sector to source workers from outside the EEA. The changes, which will operate on a pilot basis initially, include provision for 500 employment permits for the horticulture sector.
In addition in recognition of the changed economy and labour market, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation is currently undertaking a review of the economic migration policies underpinning the current employment permits system.
The issue of a review of farm gate prices to reflect the farm business environment is an issue between each grower and his or her customers. However I would like to point out that Minister Humphreys has primary responsibility for matters relating to product pricing and competition.
299. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of BPS recipients with payment entitlements with an initial unit value less than 60% of the BPS national average in each of the years over the 2014 to 2020 period, by county in tabular form; the proportion in each county with an initial unit value less than 60% of the BPS national average out of total BPS recipients in each such year; and the date on which all BPS recipients will be above the 60% average in each county. [29918/18]
View answerTable A details the number of Basic Payment Scheme entitlement holders with an Initial Unit Value less than 60% of the Basic Payment Scheme national average from 2015 to 2019 by county.
Table B holds the percentage of Basic Payment Scheme entitlement holders with an Initial Unit Value less than 60% of the Basic Payment Scheme national average out of the total Basic Payment Scheme entitlement holders from 2015 to 2019 by county.
The Basic Payment Scheme came into being in 2015 therefore values are not available for 2014. The future of CAP in the year 2020 and beyond continues to be subject to discussion therefore values for 2020 are not available. As outlined in the following tables all Basic Payment Scheme entitlement holders will have entitlements values above or equal to 60% of the Basic Payment Scheme national average in 2019. All values are subject to rounding.
Table A: The number of Basic Payment Scheme entitlement holders with an Initial Unit Value less than 60% of the Basic Payment Scheme national average from 2015 to 2019 by county.
|
COUNTY |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
|
CARLOW |
163 |
147 |
136 |
121 |
0 |
|
CAVAN |
1137 |
1081 |
1005 |
944 |
0 |
|
CLARE |
1451 |
1317 |
1182 |
1032 |
0 |
|
CORK |
2112 |
1973 |
1815 |
1643 |
0 |
|
DONEGAL |
4310 |
4133 |
3913 |
3634 |
0 |
|
DUBLIN |
146 |
138 |
126 |
115 |
0 |
|
GALWAY |
3465 |
3319 |
3128 |
2909 |
0 |
|
KERRY |
2854 |
2697 |
2514 |
2286 |
0 |
|
KILDARE |
372 |
346 |
329 |
307 |
0 |
|
KILKENNY |
359 |
330 |
302 |
282 |
0 |
|
LAOIS |
396 |
368 |
333 |
292 |
0 |
|
LEITRIM |
1482 |
1373 |
1238 |
1101 |
0 |
|
LIMERICK |
1162 |
1072 |
970 |
869 |
0 |
|
LONGFORD |
432 |
399 |
366 |
332 |
0 |
|
LOUTH |
241 |
230 |
211 |
195 |
0 |
|
MAYO |
4154 |
3949 |
3687 |
3401 |
0 |
|
MEATH |
618 |
584 |
553 |
506 |
0 |
|
MONAGHAN |
711 |
672 |
621 |
569 |
0 |
|
OFFALY |
631 |
596 |
553 |
514 |
0 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
1286 |
1163 |
1061 |
954 |
0 |
|
SLIGO |
1306 |
1209 |
1100 |
985 |
0 |
|
TIPPERARY |
949 |
878 |
806 |
728 |
0 |
|
WATERFORD |
355 |
321 |
292 |
266 |
0 |
|
WESTMEATH |
617 |
578 |
540 |
499 |
0 |
|
WEXFORD |
400 |
375 |
354 |
323 |
0 |
|
WICKLOW |
454 |
432 |
401 |
362 |
0 |
Table B: The percentage of Basic Payment Scheme entitlement holders with an Initial Unit Value less than 60% of the Basic Payment Scheme national average out of the total Basic Payment Scheme entitlement holders from 2015 to 2019 by county.
|
COUNTY |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
|
CARLOW |
10 |
9 |
8 |
8 |
0 |
|
CAVAN |
24 |
23 |
21 |
20 |
0 |
|
CLARE |
24 |
22 |
20 |
17 |
0 |
|
CORK |
16 |
15 |
14 |
13 |
0 |
|
DONEGAL |
52 |
50 |
47 |
44 |
0 |
|
DUBLIN |
24 |
23 |
21 |
19 |
0 |
|
GALWAY |
29 |
28 |
26 |
24 |
0 |
|
KERRY |
37 |
35 |
33 |
30 |
0 |
|
KILDARE |
18 |
17 |
16 |
15 |
0 |
|
KILKENNY |
10 |
10 |
9 |
8 |
0 |
|
LAOIS |
14 |
13 |
11 |
10 |
0 |
|
LEITRIM |
43 |
40 |
36 |
32 |
0 |
|
LIMERICK |
23 |
21 |
19 |
17 |
0 |
|
LONGFORD |
18 |
17 |
16 |
14 |
0 |
|
LOUTH |
16 |
15 |
14 |
13 |
0 |
|
MAYO |
36 |
34 |
32 |
30 |
0 |
|
MEATH |
17 |
16 |
15 |
14 |
0 |
|
MONAGHAN |
18 |
17 |
16 |
14 |
0 |
|
OFFALY |
21 |
20 |
18 |
17 |
0 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
23 |
21 |
19 |
17 |
0 |
|
SLIGO |
33 |
31 |
28 |
25 |
0 |
|
TIPPERARY |
14 |
13 |
12 |
11 |
0 |
|
WATERFORD |
15 |
13 |
12 |
11 |
0 |
|
WESTMEATH |
21 |
20 |
18 |
17 |
0 |
|
WEXFORD |
10 |
9 |
9 |
8 |
0 |
|
WICKLOW |
22 |
21 |
19 |
17 |
0 |
300. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter raised by an organisation (details supplied). [29919/18]
View answerThe Government does not have a role in setting retail food prices.
The Grocery Goods Undertakings Regulations, 2016, introduced by my colleague the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, set down national requirements with regard to unfair trading practices. These regulations apply to food retailers or wholesalers with a worldwide turnover of over €50 million.
Any complaints regarding possible breaches of these Regulations should be referred to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
301. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the targeted amount in terms of tonnes and euro value of the export to Qatar of Irish beef, sheepmeat and poultry following the agreement with Qatar's Ministry of Public Health. [29920/18]
View answerI announced this week that Ireland has agreed a Veterinary Health Certificate for the export of beef, sheepmeat and poultry to Qatar. This is a result of a concerted joined-up effort between my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The certificate is for meat and meat products and applies for beef, sheep and poultry meats.
It is not possible to put a figure on how much Ireland will export to Qatar. The role of my Department and the Government is to facilitate access to international markets, to allow trade to commence. It is then up to the industry to avail of this opportunity.
However, I am pleased that Ireland has gained access to a market with excellent opportunities. Ireland has already established some trade links with Qatar; Irish agri-food exports to Qatar amounted to €8.8 million in 2017 of which around 70% is accounted for by dairy exports. Meat consumption in Qatar is estimated to be high compared to global averages, and lamb accounts for around one-third of meat consumption.
My Department will continue to work towards new market access agreements worldwide, in line with the market diversification theme of Foodwise 2025 and as a response to some of the challenges posed by Brexit.
302. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of discussions at EU Council of Agriculture Ministers level regarding increased tariffs placed on agricultural produce in reaction to the US decision to place tariffs on European steel. [29921/18]
View answerAt its meeting on 28 June, the European Council concluded that, in reaction to the United States' decision to impose tariffs on the EU for steel and aluminium products - which it said could not be justified on the grounds of national security - it fully supported the rebalancing measures, the potential safeguard measures to protect the EU market, and the legal proceedings at the WTO, as decided on the initiative of the Commission. It stated that the EU must respond to all actions of a clear protectionist nature, including those calling into question the Common Agriculture Policy.
The Council of Agriculture Ministers receives regular updates from the Commission on international trade matters. My Department will also continue to remain in close contact with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation on the matter.
303. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of ESB public charge points for electric vehicles in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the proposals to provide additional charge points; the locations in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29829/18]
View answer304. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to provide fast-charge points for electric vehicles in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29830/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 303 and 304 together.
There are currently charging posts at five locations in County Cavan. As each charging post consists of two charging points, this gives a total of ten charging points in the county.
There are also charging posts at five locations consisting of a total of ten charging points in County Monaghan. In addition, there is a fast charging station located in Monaghan Town.
The National Policy Framework: Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland 2017 to 2030 sets out the need for electric vehicle charging in Ireland. Although the existing capacity of the public charging network is considered adequate, development of infrastructure to meet the growing demand is necessary.
A key aspect of the work of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce, co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, involves examining how best to support the development of the public charging network. The first phase of the Taskforce's work, which focuses on electric vehicles, is nearing completion and I expect to bring forward proposals that will support the provision of effective and efficient publically accessible electric vehicle charging later this year.
Funding for public charging in local communities is already available through the Better Energy Communities Scheme. The scheme, which is administered by the SEAI, supports community based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of homes, businesses and community facilities in a local area.
To support home charging, where the majority of electric vehicle charging takes place, I introduced the Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant this year. This supports the cost of installing a home charger up to a maximum of €600 for buyers of both new and second-hand electric vehicles.
305. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the training his Department and agencies under its aegis will receive on GDPR legislation; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29842/18]
View answerMy Department has procured E-Learning GDPR training for all staff working in the Department. It will cover the essential material in the legislation and will be tailored to the Department’s Data Protection policies. This training will be rolled out to all staff later this month. There have also been advanced training courses undertaken by staff such as the the Data Protection Officer.
I have been informed by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform that they have issued a request for tenders in relation to the award of a contract for the provision of services to deliver training for Data Protection Officers within the civil service and bodies across the public sector. The submitted tenders have been assessed and the winning tenderer will be notified shortly.
GDPR training for the bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the bodies concerned. I have asked them to reply directly to the Deputy on the matter.
306. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there are property rights associated with the fishing licence from the western regional fisheries board or the ESB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29924/18]
View answerA State Licence is required to fish for salmon and sea trout and is issued by Inland Fisheries Ireland. There are no property rights attaching to such public licences. The ESB issue a permit to fish on waters managed by them and no property right attaches to this either.
307. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the recommendations in a report (details supplied) have been implemented; and if there is a timeline for their implementation if this is not already in place. [30012/18]
View answerI am aware of the general recommendations on electromagnetic fields in the report of the Council of Europe's Committee on the Environment, Agriculture and Local and Regional Affairs adopted in 2011. A substantial volume of further research on these issues is being carried out internationally by regulatory bodies with responsibilities for monitoring the health effects of electromagnetic fields. The findings of this research are being collated by the World Health Organization's (WHO) EMF Project. My Department monitors these developments to ensure that public health is paramount in Government's policy on electromagnetic fields.
To ensure that Ireland's policies and response to potential health effects of electromagnetic fields are informed by the latest scientific evidence in this area, the Government commissioned a report titled 'Electromagnetic Fields in the Irish Context' in 2016, to examine and synthesise the most up to date, peer-reviewed research on the possible health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields
This report, prepared by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands (RIVM), is available at: https://www.dccae.gov.ie/documents/Electromagnetic%20Fields%20in%20the%20Irish%20Context%202015.pdf.
The recommendations from the report reaffirmed Ireland's current approach to the issue on electromagnetic fields, which follows best practice in adopting internationally recognised standards and guidelines for public exposure to electromagnetic radiation developed by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
The ICNIRP guidelines ensure adequate protection measures for the public from any EMF sources, limiting exposure from mobile phones and masts in addition to power line fields. This is also in line with the conclusions of the EU Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) in its 2015 opinion.
308. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the barriers precluding those in the direct provision services from applying for a driver licence will be examined in view of the recent directive on the right to work measures announced for persons in the direct provision system. [29784/18]
View answerIndividuals in receipt of direct provision services are not issued with driving licences.
Under EU law, Member States issue driving licences to people whose normal residence is in their jurisdiction. By definition, the residence status of an asylum-seeker is not yet determined. I am currently seeking legal advice on the question of whether it would nonetheless be possible to issue driving licences in these cases.
309. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the necessary measures will be taken to ensure that the Garda vetting process commences when an applicant applies to the NTA to become a taxi driver and not several months later when the SPV tests have been passed by the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29835/18]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. Also, under this Act, An Garda Síochána (AGS) is responsible for the granting of SPSV driver licences, which includes the administration of the associated Garda vetting process.
While decisions regarding the detail as to how these procedures are administered by the NTA and An Garda Síochána respectively are clearly not for me or for my Department, I am aware that my Department has had discussions with taxi industry representatives in relation to a number of matters, including the phasing as to when the Garda vetting process commences for SPSV applicants. Following that engagement, my Department has given a commitment, within the context of the Department's regular liaison with the NTA, to discuss this issue with the NTA as the Taxi Regulator.
310. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Fáilte Ireland retains the function to encourage, promote and support the recruitment, training, education and development of persons for the purposes of employment in connection with the tourism industry here. [29729/18]
View answerUnder the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003, Fáilte Ireland is to encourage, promote and support the recruitment, training, and education and development, of persons for the purposes of employment in connection with the tourism industry in the State.
As the carrying out of this function is an operational matter for the Board of Fáilte Ireland, I have asked Fáilte Ireland for further information on how it delivers this function and to send a direct reply to the Deputy. I ask the Deputy to contact my private office if he has not received a reply within ten working days.
311. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of funding and the purpose to which it is allocated for Ireland's Hidden Heartlands for 2018. [29730/18]
View answerI secured an initial €2 million in Exchequer funding in 2018 (€1 million capital and €1 million current funding) to allow Fáilte Ireland start the development stage of the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands tourism brand experience.
The development and promotion of this new brand is being managed by Fáilte Ireland and I have asked the agency to respond directly to the Deputy in regard to their work in developing Ireland's Hidden Heartlands in 2018. I ask the Deputy to contact my private office if he has not received a reply within ten working days.
