Written Answers Nos. 167-186
167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the future of the cereal market is assured; the way in which it is likely to be affected by external forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41724/18]
View answerThe tillage sector is an integral component of the Agri-food industry, making a significant contribution to overall agricultural output. Crop production as a whole including Horticulture, contributes in the region of €700 million annually to agricultural output at farm gate prices.
In particular, the cereals sector is a major contributor to livestock production providing high quality grain to the animal feeding industry. The cereal sector is also a key source of seed production as well grain for the milling and malting industry and is therefore a significant stakeholder in our agri-food industry from a supply/food safety and sustainability viewpoint. I am most conscious that the maintenance of an efficient and viable tillage sector in Ireland is of the utmost importance as it reduces our dependence on imported cereals.
I acknowledge that cereal production has experienced difficult challenges in recent times in terms of weather conditions throughout the spring and summer of this year. In relation to cereal markets, Ireland only accounts for approximately 1% of EU production. Grain prices here are very much affected by European and world market price shifts linked to supply/demand issues and tend to experience volatility. The current situation for the cereal sector is that it has experienced, as a result of the drought in Europe, a spike in prices and a drop in the harvest forecast for the 28 Member States including Ireland.
I would like to add that my Department has provided and continues to provide, a range of supports to assist this vital sector. In 2017, I introduced the €150m Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme and extended it through provision of national exchequer funding to cover the tillage and horticulture sectors. As a further support to tillage farmers the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme under TAMS II covers specific areas of investment with over €3.9 million paid out to tillage farmers to date. My Department announced earlier this year the extension of the Protein Aid Scheme with the same level of funding as 2017. Furthermore in August this year I announced a €2.75 million fodder production incentive measure for tillage farmers to encourage tillage growers to actively engage in the fodder market and there has been very positive engagement.
My Department additionally provides a high quality official crop seed certification scheme to the industry, in addition to an extensive national crop variety evaluation programme.
The agri-food sector is exploring the development of niche and specialist markets for cereal products which have the potential to improve competitiveness and sustainability. The demand for Irish malting barley is growing in line with the sustained growth in demand for Irish whiskey. The opportunity offered by maximizing the amount of Irish grain must be developed to the benefit of all involved.
In conclusion I would also encourage tillage growers to fully implement the advice and research provided by Teagasc in relation to efficient and sustainable production of crops. I am committed to this important sector which plays a key role in the development of the wider agri-food industry.
168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of dairy exports over the past three years to various export markets; the extent to which he expects this to continue notwithstanding external issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41725/18]
View answerIn 2017, Ireland exported dairy products to 147 countries totalling over €4.6 billion worth of produce.
Irish dairy products have a highly rated and hard earned reputation in terms of quality, safety and sustainability, and this gives them a competitive edge in markets over the world. My Department, in conjunction with other stakeholders, including the Irish dairy companies and agencies such as Bord Bia, are playing a key role in building the market for Irish dairy with intensive Ministerial trade mission programmes and other promotional work. Against the backdrop of our efforts to significantly increase dairy output and grow the sector, export market diversification is of the utmost importance, and this is particularly true in the context of a post-Brexit scenario.
Aggregate dairy exports in 2017 increased by approx 17.6% in value against 2016, indicating another robust performance by the Irish dairy sector in international markets.
The long-term fundamentals of the global dairy market are strong, with growing global demand projected from fast developing countries with increasing middle classes and more westernised diets. Whilst significant challenges, in particular price volatility, have continued throughout recent years, there is confidence that the Irish and EU dairy sector is well placed to gain from the opportunity presented by expanding global demand whilst simultaneously addressing these challenges.
The following table, based on CSO data, shows the total dairy exports and exports, to some of Ireland's key markets from 2015 - 2017.
|
|
2015 |
|
2016 |
|
2017 |
|
|
Country |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
|
Total |
3,858,828 |
1,179,504 |
3,951,757 |
1,210,235 |
4,646,098 |
1,361,417 |
|
EU |
2,121,910 |
770,389 |
2,007,640 |
731,495 |
2,514,621 |
835,986 |
|
Of which United Kingdom (incl GB and NI) |
960,766 |
388,850 |
856,445 |
337,339 |
996,410 |
381,697 |
|
Non-EU |
1,736,917 |
409,115 |
1,944,117 |
478,740 |
2,131,477 |
525,431 |
|
Of which China (incl Hong Kong) |
486,516 |
55,823 |
643,120 |
69,630 |
667,238 |
74,542 |
|
Of which United States |
186,184 |
31,232 |
172,435 |
33,819 |
189,046 |
37,929 |
169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which adequate systems remain in place to identify food and food product imports from third world countries with a view to ensuring ready traceability and compliance with Irish and international standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41726/18]
View answerFood products placed on the European marketplace are covered by a range of legislation designed to ensure that products supplied to consumers are of the highest safety standards. My Department plays a part in the enforcement of this legislation along with Competent Authorities in other Member States, other Irish Government Departments and State Agencies such as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and the Health Service Executive.
The import of products of animal origin from third countries is governed by a comprehensive and robust legislative framework laid down at EU level, controlled by Member States in the first instance, and audited by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Food Safety, to ensure compliance with all of the relevant food safety standards. The legislation imposes health and supervisory requirements designed to ensure that imported products meet standards equivalent to those required for production and trade between Member States. Border Inspection Posts are operated by my Department. Import control procedures on products of animal and fish origin are highly prescriptive and strictly audited by the Directorate to ensure compliance. Inspection finding reports are published on the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety’s website. Veterinary checks are carried out on consignments of foods imported from Third countries outside the EU. 100% of consignments are documentary and identity checked and physical checks, including sampling of products, are carried out according to European regulations.
Primary responsibility under EU law for the safety and traceability of food placed on the market lies with food business operators. The role of National Competent Agencies is to verify compliance with this requirement. This is done via a combination of inspecting establishments and auditing the food safety management systems which operators have in place. These controls are applied at different stages in the food supply chain. Regulation (EC) No. 178 of 2002 sets out the general principles and requirements of EU food law and stipulates that food business operators must, at all stages of production, processing and distribution within their business, ensure food law requirements are satisfied.
170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the future of the mushroom industry here with particular reference to access to export markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41727/18]
View answerThe mushroom industry is a critical sector within the horticultural industry with a farm-gate output for 2017 estimated at €118 million. The UK is the most important market, given its proximity, for Irish mushrooms accounting for approximately 90% of our annual production.
The UK market continues to be highly competitive and ongoing uncertainty over BREXIT and the impact of currency fluctuations continues to be a challenge for the industry. However despite these challenges the industry continues to be very resilient and has benefited from the long term relationships built up with its UK retail customers.
Access arrangements to the UK market post-Brexit will depend on the outcome of the UK’s Brexit negotiations with the EU. Ireland's objective in the negotiations is to have a trading relationship with the UK which is as close as possible to the current arrangements. The Government will be firm in arguing that any agreement reached between the EU and the UK must take account of the very serious challenges presented by Brexit, particularly given the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland and the importance of our economic relationship with the UK.
Additionally, my Department and its State Agencies are currently providing supports on a number of fronts to the sector.
The EU Producer Organisation (PO) Scheme continues to be a vital support mechanism for mushroom growers, with 80% of Irish growers in a producer organisation at present. This EU funded scheme provides a mechanism for producers to work together to optimise production costs, stabilise prices and strengthen their position in the market place by becoming part of a larger supply base. Through the funding under the PO scheme, the industry has been focused on improving competitiveness through the implementation of LEAN processes and technologies.
An Bord Bia has commenced a 3-year mushroom promotion campaign on the Irish and UK markets. This campaign is co-funded by the industry and the European Commission. It is important to emphasise that the overall market for mushrooms in the UK and Ireland remains strong, showing good potential for further growth.
For the wider horticultural sector the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector continues to be the main support for individual growers in the horticulture industry who wish to make capital investments in specialised equipment or buildings. Funding under Budget 2019 for capital investments in the commercial horticulture sector has been increased by an additional €1 million to €6 million for 2019 in response to strong demand for investment within the sector and the emerging challenges of Brexit, further reflecting this Government's commitment to ongoing support for the sector.
The new Brexit Loan Scheme aims also to make up to €300 million of working capital finance available to SMEs and mid-cap businesses (up to 499 employees). This will give Brexit-impacted businesses, including potentially a number of mushroom exporters time and space to adapt and to grow into the future.
I am very much committed to working with the mushroom sector to assist it in adjusting to the challenges that lie ahead.
171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he monitors the various issues affecting animal welfare, including compliance and-or breaches of regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41728/18]
View answerI am fully committed to promoting good practices that respect the welfare of all animals and my Department devotes considerable resources to protecting animal welfare and in dealing with breaches of animal welfare legislation. The Act provides the framework within which the welfare of animals can be safeguarded and I am hopeful that the substantial and significantly increased levels of penalties for offences of animal cruelty provided for under the Act will act as a deterrent to animal welfare abuses.
Officials form my Department are directly involved in monitoring animal welfare on farms as part of their inspection duties in the areas of animal health, food safety, transportation and welfare. My Department also actively works via the regional Early Warning System to ensure that potential welfare problems in farming are identified at an early stage and wherever possible avoided.
This work is further underpinned by the Animal Welfare Helpline which my Department operates, Lo-call 0761 064408 , along with a dedicated email address, AnimalWelfare@agriculture.gov.ie, which facilitates the reporting by members of the public of concerns in regard to the welfare of animals. All calls received are treated in confidence. The animal welfare hotline exists for the reporting of specific incidents relating to animal welfare which come to the attention of members of the public, which they believe are in need of attention. All complaints received are investigated and followed up on.
Control in respect of animal welfare is a matter that is also dealt with by a wider range of organisations not just my Department. In the case of non farmed animals, a vital role is played by An Gárda Síochána, Local Authorities and authorised officers of the ISPCA and DSPCA. These latter are some of the many recipients of substantial ex-gratia funding which my Department provides to underpin important work done by many organisations in the area of supporting animal welfare. In December 2017, I announced the largest ever Department allocation of funding to animal welfare organisations of €2,560,000. A total of 111 organisations are benefitting under these arrangements.
172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects the sport of polo to be able to benefit from a ready support of suitable sport horses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41729/18]
View answerThe current sport horse population is estimated at 135,715 animals in Ireland. The Irish sport horse is a versatile animal which is adaptable for most disciplines including polo. However, it should be noted that the discipline of Polo prefers equines with Thoroughbred blood to ensure sufficient speed and stamina particularly where individual riders progress to the higher ranks in the sport. There already exists strong linkages between sport horses with Thoroughbred blood and the polo sector and such horses have played a significant role in the development of high performance polo ponies around the world.
Polo has a long tradition in Ireland and the number of participants is small (estimated to be less than 150) with the number of horses involved estimated to be less than 600.
I consider that the current sport horse population is not a limiting factor to the further development of the sport in Ireland.
173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which the artisan food sector continues to grow in value with consequent benefit to the home and export markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41730/18]
View answerFood Wise 2025, the strategy for the agri-food industry acknowledges the unique and important position of the artisan food sector in both the rural and national economy and its positive growth prospects and recommends actions to support the sector to realise its potential. These include supports for artisan food businesses, a pipeline for new entrants to the Artisan Food Market at Bloom, promoting meet the buyer opportunities, delivery of small business specific consumer and market insights, and programmes to assist producers to extend business reach and festival markets.
Supports for the artisan food sector are available from the development agencies. Many artisan businesses have participated in the Food Academy programme developed by Bord Bia, Local Enterprise Offices and Musgraves/Supervalu; the Food Works programme (developed by Bord Bia, Teagasc and Enterprise Ireland for start-up food entrepreneurs) and from technical assistance from Teagasc.
In terms of small food businesses in general, close to 500 food companies with a turnover of €100,000 to €3.5m are registered with Bord Bia for supports and services. These owner managed businesses produce high-end products with a strong focus on the domestic market.
The farmhouse cheese sector alone includes over 50 cheese-makers producing more than 150 types of cheese valued at over €12 million per annum at farm gate level. The sector is innovative with over 17 new farmhouse cheeses developed in the past year. My Department has supported a three year Bord Bia farmhouse cheese programme under the EU Promotion regime.
Farmers markets remain a valuable entry point for many potential food entrepreneurs and those building a local and visitor customer base. In the past year Bord Bia ran workshops for market managers to support the development of this important local route to market. Feedback was highly positive.
My Department provides bursaries for the UCC Diploma in Speciality Food Production, a food science and business course for food producers, potential start-ups and those interested in developing businesses and-or promoting the artisan sector. Bord Bia, Teagasc and the FSAI contribute to the work of the Diploma. Over 180 students have graduated; many are successfully running small artisan and speciality food businesses.
Growth prospects for the sector are positive overall, driven by increased consumer interest in the provenance of food, environmental concerns, health and a desire to support the local economy.
There is provision in the Rural Development Programme (RDP), for funding to support new and existing artisan, micro and small food producers to address emerging challenges through investment in areas such as market development, competitiveness and innovation. This funding is being delivered using the LEADER methodology. Earlier this year, my colleague Minister Ring and I launched the ‘LEADER Food Initiative’ for the artisan/small food and beverage businesses, which provides for funding of €15 million up to 2020.
The Initiative provides financial supports, including for the renovation and extension of production facilities and the purchasing of processing equipment, as well as supporting participants in the artisan food and beverage sector in areas such as market development, competitiveness, and innovation. The maximum amount of funding available is €200,000 per project and funding will be provided for both capital investment and softer supports related to analysis and development or training. This includes support for collaborative proposals where food businesses jointly address common processing and marketing challenges.
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which deer farming continues with consequent supply to the home market and-or exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41731/18]
View answerDeer farming in Ireland is an alternative enterprise which is dependent on the dynamics of supply and demand which affect all agricultural production systems. In 1996 there were approximately 500 deer farms with 20,000 deer in Ireland, but numbers have declined sharply since that time.
Today there are only a small number of farmers in Ireland actively supplying deer for meat production, which cater primarily to specialised niche markets. The sector is reliant upon producers and companies ensuring that a market exists for their product, an objective which Bord Bia assists in by identifying and developing potential market outlets.
There was some recent growth in the game (venison) market during 2016 for example with around 764 deer slaughtered for this market, but this declined to 271 deer for 2017, with 133 deer slaughtered so far in 2018.
Growth in the past was achieved as a result of improved distribution for game meats, especially in supermarkets. Game and exotic meats historically occupy a premium, niche segment of the meat market. Whilst there are opportunities to compete with the larger premium segment of the red meat/poultry categories, it is important to note that demand is seasonal, with the greatest concentration of retail shelf space dedicated to game in the Winter/Christmas period.
My Department has approved one factory for the slaughter of deer in Ireland, and two game handling plants. There may also be outlets for processing of venison in Local Authority approved plants, but this would be a matter for the Local Authority concerned.
175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which the agrifood sector relies on supplies of wild deer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41732/18]
View answerDeer farming in Ireland is an alternative enterprise which is dependent on the dynamics of supply and demand which affect all agricultural production systems. In 1996 there were approximately 500 deer farms with 20,000 deer in Ireland, but numbers have declined sharply since that time.
Today there are only a small number of farmers in Ireland actively supplying deer for meat production, which cater primarily to specialised niche markets. The sector is reliant upon producers and companies ensuring that a market exists for their product, an objective which Bord Bia assists in by identifying and developing potential market outlets.
There was some recent growth in the game (venison) market during 2016 for example with around 764 deer slaughtered for this market, but this declined to 271 deer for 2017, with 133 deer slaughtered so far in 2018.
Growth in the past was achieved as a result of improved distribution for game meats, especially in supermarkets. Game and exotic meats historically occupy a premium, niche segment of the meat market. Whilst there are opportunities to compete with the larger premium segment of the red meat/poultry categories, it is important to note that demand is seasonal, with the greatest concentration of retail shelf space dedicated to game in the Winter/Christmas period.
My Department has approved one factory for the slaughter of deer in Ireland, and two game handling plants. There may also be outlets for processing of venison in Local Authority approved plants, but this would be a matter for the Local Authority concerned.
There is no reliance on wild deer in the sector currently.
176. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if comments made by him (details supplied) at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment on 2 October 2018 will be clarified; the schedule of the meetings he has had with the person; the persons representing them and-or a consortium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41544/18]
View answerThis issues raised by the Deputy have been addressed in the House during statements by An Taoiseach this afternoon. Details of Deputy Naughten's diary for the period June 2018 to October 2018 have been placed on the record of the House.
177. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of rivers in State or private ownership in County Donegal; if in State ownership, when they were taken into ownership in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41548/18]
View answerThe current status (open; open to catch and release; or closed) of the rivers in the North Western River Basin District (NWRBD) is shown in the following table. Collation of data for scientific advice and public consultation process in respect of the proposals for the 2019 season is currently underway and will be published in due course.
|
|
Open Fisheries 2018 |
Open Fisheries - Catch & Release Only 2018 |
Closed Fisheries 2018 |
|
Ballyshannon District |
Drowes |
Eany |
Abbey |
|
Glen |
Ballintra (Murvagh) |
||
|
Oily |
Laghy (Stream) |
||
|
Bungosteen |
Erne |
||
|
Duff |
|||
|
Eske |
|||
|
Owenwee (Yellow) |
|||
|
Letterkenny District |
Gweebarra (brown tag required) |
Leannan (Catch & Release from 1st May) |
Bracky |
|
Clady |
Lackagh |
Isle (Burn) |
|
|
Crana |
Mill |
||
|
Owenea |
Clonmany |
||
|
Owentocker |
Straid |
||
|
Gweedore (Crolly) |
Owenamarve |
||
|
Tullaghobegley |
Swilly |
||
|
Donagh |
|||
|
Culoort |
|||
|
Glenna |
|||
|
Glenagannon |
|||
|
Ray |
|||
|
Leannan (Closed until 30th April) |
Many fisheries, including those in the NWRBD are in mixed ownership with both public (State) and private sections of varying sizes. In the time available, it has not been possible to comprehensively collate the information. If the Deputy has a particular river in mind I will seek to have Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) address that issue. If the Deputy prefers, I can request IFI to contact the Deputy directly as regards their records in relation to State owned fisheries.
178. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to a complaint to the European Commission by a group (details supplied); if he has engaged the Commission in respect of this issue; his plans to address the complaint at local level; if he or his officials are in a position to investigate the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41564/18]
View answerThere are a number of issues raised in the complaint, many of which do not fall under of the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment including issues pertaining to planning legislation which are matters for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.
In terms of waste management, the Waste Management Act 1996 and the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2004 govern the process under which waste licences are applied for and maintained. Once granted, each waste licence defines the nature of environmentally acceptable activities that can take place at a waste facility, including the acceptable types of waste that can be received. This is done by the conditions of the licence which are set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
I have no function in relation either to the setting of operating conditions or to their enforcement, and under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996, the Minister is precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by the Environmental Protection Agency, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.
179. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to roll out the warmth and wellbeing scheme on a nationwide basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41577/18]
View answerThe Warmth & Wellbeing scheme is a joint policy initiative between my Department and the Department of Health and is being delivered under the Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty and the Healthy Ireland Framework. The main aim of the scheme, which began in 2016 is to validate, in an Irish context, the strong international evidence that making homes warmer, drier and more energy efficient can have on the health and wellbeing of people vulnerable to energy poverty, who are living with chronic respiratory conditions.
The scheme is currently available in the HSE Community Health Area 7 in Dublin postal areas 8, 10, 12, 22 and 24, and my department is engaging with the health authorities to examine implementation in areas with characteristics of rural areas, with different settlement pattern a housing stock. The initial 3 year phase of the scheme will conclude at the end of this year, with the full allocation of €20m being spent and nearly 1,000 homes upgraded. There is already strong evidence of benefits of these upgrades to the health and wellbeing of participants. There are two strands to decision making around the future of the Warmth and Wellbeing approach, relating to health and energy. From the health perspective, the measurement and evaluation of the data gathered from participants is necessary to validate the effectiveness of energy efficiency improvements in supporting better health outcomes. From the energy perspective, an effective delivery infrastructure has been established by SEAI and the HSE in the pilot area, but more does need to be learned on the ground about how to scale this up, not least in the context of how we ramp up to meet the level of ambition in the NDP. Based on the outcomes of this first phase I will be considering the optimal next steps, bearing in mind that the quality of the client experience must be the first priority in any consideration of a wider roll out.
180. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the requirements that are set down in relation to the energy efficiency of boilers that are installed in new homes and new businesses and as replacements in existing homes and businesses. [41637/18]
View answerThe Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government are responsible for the Building Regulations. Technical Guidance Document L- Conservation of Fuel and Energy – Dwellings (2017), sets out the requirements in relation to the energy efficiency of boilers at 1.4.2 ‘Heating appliance efficiency’ for new dwellings and at 2.2.2 ‘Heating appliance efficiency’ for existing dwelling.
My Department has implemented the requirements for energy labelling and ecodesign under EU Directives; Directive 2010/30/EU transposed into Irish law through S.I. No. 366/2011 - European Union (Energy Labelling) Regulations 2011, and Directive 2009/125/EC transposed into Irish law through S.I. No. 203/2011 - European Union (Ecodesign Requirements for Certain Energy-related Products) Regulations 2011.
All new space or water heaters are subject to EU energy labelling and ecodesign requirements, and come with an energy label showing their energy efficiency class, ratings go from G (least efficient) to A++ (most efficient).
181. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to roll out a programme of state-of-the-art electric vehicle charge points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41654/18]
View answerThe majority of the existing network of publicly accessible charge points was rolled out by the ESB through its eCars programme. This network includes circa 80 fast chargers, mainly on national routes. A map showing the charge points, including the status and availability of the charge points, is available on the ESB's website at www.esb.ie/ecars.
The provision of charging infrastructure is a necessity for the uptake of electric vehicles. 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 will lead to an expanded range of supports for the provision of effective and efficient electric vehicle charging.
I would like to highlight the role of the Climate Action Fund. The first Call for Applications, which I launched in July, includes provision for supporting electric vehicle charging networks along with a range of other project types. The deadline for applications has now passed and I can confirm that almost 100 applications have been received. An assessment process of these applications is currently underway.
In addition, my Department, in conjunction with the SEAI, is working on how best to support the provision of greater levels of on-street public charging.
182. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the recent decision to enable Ireland to prohibit or restrict the cultivation of genetically modified organisms here in view of the fact that scientific experts have said that the next generation of gene edited crops has the potential to cut climate emissions in agriculture and boost global food security as outlined in an article (details supplied). [41657/18]
View answerThe Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (supported by the Environmental Protection Agency) is responsible for the authorisation of GM crops for cultivation. Earlier this year, the Government approved the transposition of Directive 2015/412 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2015, which will enable, though not compel, Ireland to opt out of cultivation of GMO crops approved for cultivation elsewhere in the EU. The legal instrument to give effect to the transposition will shortly be signed. Notwithstanding the transposition of this Directive, the Government intends to keep Ireland's GMO cultivation policy under ongoing review, particularly in light of scientific developments in this rapidly evolving sector.
The Department also notes the recent decision by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in relation to evaluating New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) under existing GMO regulations, and, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, will continue to monitor this situation with respect to implications for human and animal health and the environment. In relation to reducing climate emissions in the agriculture sector and food security, these issues come under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in terms of respective inputs to the National Mitigation Plan and International Food Security.
183. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will raise with Eir and the Commission for Communications Regulation the delays in having repairs and restoration of service on Eir landlines carried out in which difficulties arise; if there is a statutory obligation on telecommunication providers to have service restored or have repairs undertaken within an acceptable timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41734/18]
View answerIn accordance with the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Services and Users’ Rights) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No 337 of 2011) ComReg has designated Eir as the universal service provider of basic fixed line telephone services. This includes an obligation to clear line faults within timelines set in its universal service obligation.
Any complaint that Eir is failing to repair or restore landline services, within a reasonable period, should be forwarded to ComReg, for further examination.
ComReg as the statutorily independent regulatory body for telecommunications investigates complaints as part of its remit. This is a requirement of the EU regulatory framework for the telecommunications market, which is applicable across all member states of the EU and the EEA.
184. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 215 of 4 October 2018, if he will publish and-or supply a copy of his submission on the proposed BusConnects project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41583/18]
View answerAs I previously informed the Deputy, I made a submission, on behalf of my constituents, regarding the BusConnects proposals relating to the network redesign during the period of public consultation which closed on the 28th September.
A copy of that submission is available to view on my personal website at http://www.shaneross.ie/bus-connects-submission/.
I understand the consultation period elicited a large number of submissions and I expect all of those submissions will be carefully considered by the NTA in the coming months.
185. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an application for emergency funding for the repair of the Ivy Bridge at Cloghan, Stranorlar, County Donegal, was received in his Department; if emergency funding for the collapsed bridge in order to carry out the repair necessary to reopen the bridge will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41630/18]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (including bridges) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Applications for funding under the Department's Bridge Rehabilitation Scheme are invited on an annual basis for consideration for funding in the subsequent year. Councils are made aware of the conditions and are asked to submit applications in order of priority. Donegal County Council recently submitted applications for funding for 9 bridges and Cloghan Bridge was priority no. 5 among these applications. The Department will examine applications from all local authorities and Councils will be notified of their allocations early in the new year.
186. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a person was detained by the United States border and customs staff at Dublin Airport on 5 October 2018; and if so, the legal authority upon which the staff detained the person in view of the fact that as per the relevant legislation and agreement, passengers in pre-clearance remain in Irish legal jurisdiction and have the right to withdraw from the pre-clearance process. [41737/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, US Preclearance is carried out by officers of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Dublin and Shannon Airports under the terms of an international agreement between the two states, namely the US Ireland Preclearance Agreement, and in accordance with the Aviation Preclearance Act 2009.
The preclearance facilities that are operated at Dublin and Shannon Airports are within Irish jurisdiction and the laws of Ireland apply at all times. The United States, like all sovereign states, has the authority to determine the right of any individual to enter its territory. Decisions on who may enter the United States are entirely a matter for US officials and eligibility is determined by reference to US immigration rules. Passengers who wish to avail of preclearance do so voluntarily and on condition that they recognise and consent to the right of the US to grant or refuse preclearance in accordance with its immigration rules. Passengers retain the right to withdraw from the preclearance process.
It is not the policy, nor would it be appropriate, for me as Minister to refer to the detail of any individual case of a person availing of preclearance.
In general terms, the Aviation Preclearance Act 2009 permits Preclearance Officers to detain a person in a limited number of circumstances and any persons detained under these provisions must be delivered forthwith into the custody of An Garda Síochána.
