Tuesday, 6 Nov 2018

Written Answers Nos. 759-782

Pharmacy Regulations

Questions (759)

Seán Fleming

Question:

759. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position on the proposal to change the working arrangements for pharmaceutical assistants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45926/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Pharmacy Act 2007 established the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) and the functions of the Society are set out in the Act. The functions of the PSI are carried out on its behalf by the Council of the Society.

Section 30 of the Pharmacy Act 2007 provides for an exception to the general provision in the Act which requires the sale and supply of medicines at a pharmacy to be conducted under the personal supervision of a registered pharmacist, and specifies that no offence is committed where a registered pharmaceutical assistant “acts on behalf of a registered pharmacist during the temporary absence of the registered pharmacist”.

Section 30 also permits the Council to make rules as to:

1. What may or may not be done by a registered pharmaceutical assistant when acting on behalf of a registered pharmacist; and

2. What constitutes the temporary absence of a registered pharmacist.

On June 21 2018, the Council of the PSI approved for issuance for public consultation the proposed draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2018. This public consultation commenced on 17 July and ran until 14 August and afforded any interested party the opportunity to make representations on the matter directly to the PSI.

Following completion of the public consultation phase, the Council of the PSI considered the proposed draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2018 at its meeting on the 20th September 2018 where the Council approved the draft rules without amendment.

I understand that since that date the PSI has undertaken to redraft the Rules in relation to what may or not be done by a registered pharmaceutical assistant when acting on behalf of a registered pharmacist. The redrafted Rules will require approval of the Council of the PSI before a public consultation phase. Subsequent to any public consultation phase the draft Rules must again be approved by the Council before submission for my consent. This Council approval is not anticipated until early in the New Year.

My role in relation to this process is limited to the consideration of any such Rules once submitted for my approval. I must consider any Rules presented to me from a fair and impartial perspective, without prejudice or prejudgement.

I await the receipt of the Rules for my consideration from the PSI and, until that time, I am unfortunately not in a position to comment any further on the matter raised.

Animal Breeding Regulations

Questions (760)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

760. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a breed of cattle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44637/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Droimeann Cattle Society Ltd was recognised by my Department to maintain a herd book for pure-bred breeding animals of the Droimeann breed since 4th November 2016 in line with Statutory Instrument 19 of 2009 European Communities (Bovine Breeding) Regulations 2009 (SI 19 of 2009). The Droimeann Cattle Society Ltd will continue to be considered as a recognised breed society following the introduction of the new Animal Breeding legislation, Commission Regulation 2016/1012.

The Society has established a breeding programme for the preservation of the breed. Currently all animals entering the Droimeann herdbook are genomically tested to establish their purity and they are classified accordingly in the herd book based on these scientific results. The establishment of such a herd book in this manner based on science, is the beginning of creating a solid foundation in the preservation of the breed. I am pleased to say also that my Department was in a position to provide some funding to the Society to assist them in establishing the herdbook.

Agriculture Scheme Payments

Questions (761)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

761. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when natural constraints and single farm payments will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44658/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named submitted a 2018 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Schemes application on the 17th February 2018. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.

The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing eligibility inspection. This inspection has been completed and the results processed to finalisation. The person named was notified of the final inspection outcome by letter dated 29th October 2018.

Payments due under the Basic Payment Scheme and Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme issued to the nominated bank account of the person named on 30th October and 2nd November, respectively.

Departmental Meetings

Questions (762)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

762. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he, his departmental officials and-or his ministerial predecessors have met companies and an organisation (details supplied) and-or representatives of same in the past three years to date; if so, if a schedule of those meetings and the associated minutes will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44768/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I wish to advise the Deputy that neither I nor the staff of my Department have met with the company/organisation or representatives of the company/organisation mentioned, in the past three years.

Fishing Licences

Questions (763)

Noel Grealish

Question:

763. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if salmon farm companies need a first buyer's licence in order to purchase wild cleaner fish such as wrasse from fishermen; if so, the name of all salmon farm companies that have such licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44810/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The issue referred to by the Deputy is an operational matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. My Department has referred the issue to the Authority for direct response to the Deputy.

Marine Safety

Questions (764)

Noel Grealish

Question:

764. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if clear sea lice have been found by the Marine Institute on farmed salmon at salmon farms here (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44811/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The control protocols for the management of sea lice are operated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State. The sea lice management and control protocols and in particular the Pest Management Strategy introduced in 2008 lay down conditions for the compulsory control of sea lice infestation levels on marine salmon farms.

These protocols are more advanced than those operated in other jurisdictions for the following reasons:

- The inspection regime is totally independent of the industry.

- Data obtained as a result of inspection is published and made widely available.

- Treatment trigger levels are set at a low level.

The sea lice monitoring and control programme in Ireland has been acknowledged by the Environment Directorate (DG Environment) of the EU Commission as representing international best practice.

The salmon louse, Lepeoptheirus salmonis, is a small crustacean ecto-parasite of salmon. It is found on the skin and fins of the fish and is clearly visible to the naked eye with adult females being approximately the size of a thumbnail.

In relation to cleaner fish, I can confirm that, several species of this fish are used in Ireland as a method of controlling sea lice. The cleaner fish, which include several species of wrasse, supplement their diet by removing and eating the lice. This biological method of control is very effective and can reduce the reliance on medicines to control sea lice.

Fishing Industry

Questions (765)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

765. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce rules or new regulations that govern the types of materials that can be used in the construction of fishing nets and lines in view of the fact that some methods require the use of pollutant plastics; if his attention has been drawn to licensed trawlers that use a biodegradable net or line in the course of their work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44812/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) is carrying out a programme of work under Ireland's European Maritime Fisheries Fund Operational Programme through the "Fishing for litter" initiative in several ports around the coast, which involves the collection of litter, including waste fishing gear, bringing it ashore and recycling it.

As the Deputy may be aware, there is at present a Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. This proposal has the main objective of the prevention and reduction of plastic marine litter from single use plastic items and fishing gear containing plastic by complementing the measures already envisaged under the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy adopted in January 2018.

This proposal for a Directive, if adopted, would provide for measures for the improved management of waste fishing gear containing plastic returned to shore and its financing. These mechanisms and incentives are expected to increase the share of recovered fishing gear at the end of their life. In this context, I understand that BIM are working with fishermen and net manufacturers in the main fishing ports to put in place a better system to track fishing gear from purchase to end of life. By Improving accountability will help to reduce the amount of waste fishing gear being dumped at sea.

I understand that it is expected that the Council and the European Parliament will enter into negotiations under the EU co-decision process to agree the details provisions of the Directive .

Furthermore, I am advised by BIM that the use of biodegradable fishing gear is quite limited at present. I understand that there have been numerous experimental trials of biodegradable nets but all have found catch rates are greatly reduced while the costs of production are very high compared to traditional monofilament and nylon nets. I am informed that there are examples, including from Ireland, of fishermen fitting biodegradable escape panels to lobster and crab pots which, when the pot is lost, degrade over time, letting any catch inside the pot escape.

Departmental Consultations

Questions (766, 767)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

766. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the location of the submissions made to the consultations undertaken by his Department in each of the past ten years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44851/18]

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

767. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consultations undertaken by his Department in each of the past ten years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44869/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 766 and 767 together.

The information on public consultations carried out by my Department is available from 2011 to date and is set out in the attached table.

2011

Name of Public Consultation undertaken  by Department	Indicate where the submissions  received are located/available (web link/address)
Deer Management Policy Vision	Consultations 2011
Fishery Management Plan and Appropriate Assessment for Dundalk Bay 2011-2016	Marine Programmes Division Email;- [e-mail]
Fisheries Natura Plan/Appropriate Assessment for Roaringwater Bay 2011-2016	Marine Programmes Division Email;- [e-mail]
Fisheries Natura Plan and Appropriate Assessment for Castlemaine Harbour	Marine Programmes Division Email;- [e-mail]
Consultation on the implementation of the Directive on the sustainable use of pesticides	Pesticide Controls Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Backweston Campus, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
CAP Post 2013 Public Consultation process (see also 2012 below)	EU Division Email: [e-mail]
The impact of CFP Reform Proposals	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email:[e-mail]
Fishing Opportunities for 2012	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]

2012

Name of Public Consultation undertaken by Department	Indicate where the submissions received are located/available (web link/address)
Deer Management policy Vision - Second Draft	Consultations 2012
Food Harvest 2020 - Public Consultation on Environmental Analysis Report and Agriculture Sectoral Roadmap	https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodwise2025/foodharvest2020/
CAP Post 2013 Public Consultation process(continued) (CAP 2014-2020)	Details available at [e-mail]
Invitation for submissions on Rural Development Programme 2014 -2020	Consultations 2012
Independent Review of Certain Matters Relating to Bord na gCon, Stakeholder Consultation	State Bodies Division (Horses and Greyhounds )Department of Agriculture Food and Marine, Farnham Street , Cavan
Food Harvest 2020 (Environmental Assessment)	Consultations 2012 submissions are available on request from [e-mail]
Fishing Opportunities for 2013	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]
Herring Policy Review	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]
Independent Review of Certain Matters Relating to Horse Racing Ireland ,Stakeholder Consultation	Information available at :State Bodies Division (Horses and Greyhounds ) Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Farnham Street, Cavan

2013

Name of Public Consultation undertaken by Department	Indicate where the submissions received are located/available (web link/address)
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Draft Forest Policy Review Report	Consultations 2013 Consultations 2013
Food Harvest 2020 - Public Consultation on Environmental Analysis Report and Agriculture Sectoral Roadmap (extension of 2012 consultation)	https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodwise2025/foodharvest2020/
Climate Change and Low Carbon Adaptation Roadmap for the Marine Sector	Marine Programmes Division Email;- [e-mail]
Lobster Management Consultation 2013	Consultations 2013
Shrimp Management Consultation 2013	Consultations 2013
Consultation on Assessment of Sea-Fishing and Aquaculture in Roaringwater Bay SAC	Marine Programmes Division Email;- [e-mail]
Assessment of impacts of Sea-Fishing in the Irish Sea, including a Fishery Natura Plan for seed mussel (2013-2017) on Natura 2000 sites	Consultations 2013
Consultation on the preparation of the Seafood Development Programme 2014-2020	https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/emff/swotconsultation/
Agricultural Sector Mitigation Roadmap	Submissions are available on request from [e-mail]
Food Harvest 2020 (Environmental Assessment)	Consultations 2013 Submissions are available on request from [e-mail]
Fishing Opportunities for 2014	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]
Independent Review of Certain Matters relatingto Bord na gCon, Stakeholder Consultation	State Bodies Division (Horses and Greyhounds ) Dept of Agriculture Food and Marine, Farnham Street Cavan
Dog Microchipping Initiative	[e-mail]

2014

Name of Public Consultation undertaken by Department	Indicate where the submissions received are located/available (web link/address)
Forestry Programme 2014 -2020	Consultations 2014
North Irish Sea Razor Clam Consultation 2014	Marine Programmes Division Email;- [e-mail]
Consultation on changes to the razor clam fishery in the vicinity of Natura 2000 sites off Wexford at Cahore and Rosslare	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]
Open call for further submissions following the announcement of proposed RDP measures	Consultations 2014
Strategic Environment Assessment of Draft Rural Development Programme 2014-2020	Consultations 2014
Fishing Opportunities for 2015	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]
Draft Policy Statement on Blue Whiting (2014)	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]
Fur Farming Code	[e-mail]

2015

Name of Public Consultation undertaken by Department	Indicate where the submissions received are located/available (web link/address)
Forest Reproductive Material Consultation. Accepted Tree Species for Grant Aid and Accepted Seed Origins/Provenances.	Consultations 2015
Public Consultation on 2025 Agri-Food Strategy	https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/2025strategy/publicconsultation/
Foodwise 2025 – final environmental analysis	https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/finalenvironmentalanalysisfoodwise2025/
Non-Commercial Pot Fishing Consultation 2015	Marine Programmes Division Email;- [e-mail]
Seafood Development Programme 2014-2020 & Draft Environmental Report and AA Screening	https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/emff/publicconsultationlaunch27march2015/ Consultations 2015
National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development	Consultations 2015
Potential for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation within the Agriculture and Forest sector	https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/ghgmitigationconsult/submissionsreceived/
Foodwise 2025 – draft Environmental Analysis	Consultations 2015
Agri-Food Strategy 2025 Environmental Report	https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/2025strategy/publicconsultation/
Fishing Opportunities for 2016	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]
Proposal to limit the number of multi-rigged fishing gear towed simultaneously	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]
Proposal to increase the allocation to the Celtic Sea Herring Sentinel Fishery for 2016	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]

2016

Name of Public Consultation undertaken by Department	Indicate where the submissions received are located/available (web link/address)
Plan for Forestry and Freshwater Pearl Mussel in Ireland	Consultations 2016
Environmental Requirements for Afforestation, Water, biodiversity, archaeology and landscape, including 20% Rule policy review	Consultations 2016
A stakeholder consultation was undertaken on the proposed review of the EU fertiliser Regulation in September 2016.	Contact: Feedingstuffs, Fertiliser, Grain and Poultry Division DAFM Office, Backweston, Celbridge, Co. Kildare [e-mail]
Draft Mitigation Response Plan for scallop fishery off Wexford Coast	Marine Programmes Division Email;- [e-mail]
Draft Fisheries Natura Plan for Castlemaine Harbour 2016 - 2026	Marine Programmes Division Email;- [e-mail]
Draft Fisheries Natura Plan for Dundalk Bay 2016-2020	Marine Programmes Division Email;- [e-mail]
Stakeholder consultations held on behalf of Indecon Consultants for their Independent Review of the Irish Harness Racing sector.	State Bodies Division (Horses and Greyhounds ) Dept of Agriculture Food and Marine, Farnham Street, Cavan
Adaptation Planning	Consultations 2016 Submissions are available on request from [e-mail]
Fishing Opportunities for 2017	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]
Licensing Review	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]
Proposal to increase the minimum cod-end mesh for Irish vessels targeting Nephrops	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]
2016 North West Herring Scientific Quota	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]
Stakeholder consultations held on behalf of Indecon Consultants for their Independent Review of the Irish Harness Racing sector.	State Bodies Division (Horses and Greyhounds ) Dept of Agriculture Food and Marine, Farnham Street, Cavan
Review of certain matters relating to the Horse Sport Industry	Indecon International Consultants, Indecon House, 4 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2, Tel: [phone] [e-mail]
Scientific Advisory Committee on Animal Health and Welfare (SACAHW) Public Consultation on SACAHW Opinion on animal husbandry practices	[e-mail]
National Farmed Animal Health Strategy	Consultations 2016

2017

Name of Public Consultation undertaken by Department	Indicate where the submissions received are located/available (web link/address)
Mid Term Review of the Forestry Programme 2014-2020	Consultations 2017
Forest Road Manual Review	Consultations 2017
Forests, products and people, Ireland’s forest policy – a renewed vision.	Consultations 2017
Management of Velvet Crab	http://www.fishingnet.ie/sea-fisheriesconsultations/velvetcrab/
Independent Aquaculture Licensing Review	http://www.fishingnet.ie/independentaquaculturelicensingreview2017/
Possible Role of Financial Instruments under RDP & EMFF Operational Programme	Consultations 2017 The submissions will be made available on Department website as soon as the outcome of the consultation process is finalised.
Fishing Opportunities for 2018	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]
Consultation on amendment to Statutory Instrument 621 of 2011 – Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 (Prescribed Organisations for the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board) Regulations 2011.	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]
Consultation on amendment to Statutory Instrument 621 of 2011 – Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 (Prescribed Organisations for the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board) Regulations 2011. A second consultation was approved by the Minister due to the fact that only one submission was received from the first consultation	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]
Review of Mackerel Allocation Policy between the Fleet segments (2017)	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]
Quota Balancing for Pelagic Stocks (2017)	Published on Fishing Net website and can be requested from email: [e-mail]

2018

Name of Public Consultation undertaken by Department	Indicate where the submissions received are located/available (web link/address)
Ash Dieback Policy Review	Consultations 2018
Proposal for conservation measures for Brown Crab	Marine Programmes Division Email;- [e-mail]
Proposal to Increase the MnCRS for Razor Clam in the North Irish Sea	Marine Programmes Division Email;- [e-mail]
Draft Fishery Natura Plan for Irish Sea Mussel Seed Fishery for the years 2018-2023	Consultations 2018
Review of National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides - 2018	Pesticide Controls Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Backweston Campus, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Strategy for the Organic Sector	Organic Unit, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Trawling Activity inside the 6 nautical mile zone	To be published shortly on DAFM website.
CAP Post 2020 Public Consultation process	Consultations 2018
A New Animal Welfare Consultation Document	[e-mail]
Public consultation on the advertisement and sale of pet animals	Summary of submissions received will be published on https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/ in due course

Horse Sport Ireland

Questions (768)

John McGuinness

Question:

768. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the funding to Horse Sport Ireland will be increased for 2019; if funding will be provided to an organisation (details supplied) based on the pre-budget submission made; his plans to develop this part of the sector and to promote its efforts at home and abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44919/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I met with representatives from The Sport Horse Alliance and they presented their strategy for the Irish sport horse sector. This strategy outlined certain initiatives that would bring about improvements in the sector.

My Department is fully committed to maximising the potential of the Sport Horse industry and continues to provide support to it both financially and with policy initiatives. I have demonstrated my commitment to the industry by increasing the budget allocated to Horse Sport Ireland from €2.0m in 2017 to €2.5m in 2018 and I have approved a further increase of €500,000 to €3.0m in 2019. This is an increase of 50% on the 2017 allocation.

In 2016 my Department commissioned Indecon International Consultants to undertake a review of Horse Sport Ireland. Indecon found that additional resources will be needed to support the expansion of the sector and reports like the strategy report from The Sport Horse Alliance make this point clearly.

Horse Sport Ireland have been making huge strides in implementing the Indecon recommendations. The proposals to rationalise the board is close to finality with only the Northern representative outstanding. A recruitment process through the Public Appointments Service was undertaken to select a new chairperson and three board members. These members are now in place alongside the 4 industry representatives.

I remain committed to the sport horse industry and I am confident that this additional Government support will help the sector increase its economic and social contribution into the future.

Pesticide Use

Questions (769, 770, 771)

Clare Daly

Question:

769. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Coillte maintains full and comprehensive records of all pesticide used by the company. [44934/18]

Clare Daly

Question:

770. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that none of the pesticides used by Coillte is a threat to human or animal health. [44935/18]

Clare Daly

Question:

771. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps taken with Coillte to ensure that pesticides used by the company do not contaminate groundwater and thus pose health and environmental risks. [44936/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 769, 770 and 771 together.

Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the usage and application of pesticides, are the responsibility of the company.

Coillte advises that it implements and enforces procedures to ensure all Coillte operators who apply chemicals are fully trained in health and safety and appropriate safe handling and application of chemicals and wear appropriate protective equipment at all times. Coillte further advise that all Coillte operatives are trained on environmental aspects of chemical application such as protection of watercourses and other important natural features. Coillte adds that it erects notice signs in its forests to inform the public where chemicals have been applied.

The company also advises that Coillte’s environmental management systems are certified externally to ISO standards on health and safety and the environment (ISO 14001 & OHSAS 18001) and Coillte’s overall forest management is dual certified as fully sustainable by both the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for Endorsing Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC).

Coillte advises that it uses two plant protection products in forestry, a herbicide, glyphosate, and an insecticide, cypermethrin and that it only uses plant protection products that are statutorily approved as safe to use in forestry. Coillte add that it continually monitors and updates all research in regard to this to ensure that its forests are maintained to the highest standard and with regard to the best silvicultural expertise available.

Glyphosate and cypermethrin have been approved for use in forestry nationally by the Pesticide Registration and Control Division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and further approved for use in the European Union by the European Commission.

Coillte advises that it records all of its use of plant protection products on its lands and that the company’s procedures are checked and audited regularly both internally and externally.

Inshore Fisheries

Questions (772)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

772. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to protect inshore fishermen (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44941/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

This Government has committed to the development of the inshore sector in the current Programme for a Partnership Government. The programme identifies a number of methods for supporting the sector, such as ensuring smaller inshore boats are given new opportunities for commercial fishing. Support is being provided under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme (EMFF OP) for enhanced management and conservation of inshore stocks, including v-notching of lobster, more selective fishing gear and preparation and implementation of management plans for a sustainable inshore fishery. Funding of some €6 million has been earmarked under the programme for the Inshore Fisheries Conservation Scheme.

I meet regularly with the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF). The NIFF and its supporting network of six Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums (RIFFs) cover the entire coast. The Inshore Forums provide a platform for the discussion of problems facing the inshore sea-fisheries sector and have been making recommendation to me on issues of concern for their sector.

The NIFF is taking the lead in setting priorities for the inshore sector, including developing for the first time a dedicated strategy. From my meetings with the NIFF, I have introduced a number of industry-led initiatives, developed through the forum structures, following extensive consultation. These include conservation measures for inshore stocks such as velvet crab and scallop off the coast of Wexford. Public consultations were also held earlier this year (2018) on proposed management measures recommended to me by the NIFF in respect of brown crab and razor clam in the North Irish Sea.

I also recently undertook a public consultation process to examine the arrangements for trawling inside the six nautical mile zone and inside the baselines. This consultation ended on 11 June 2018.

Over 1,000 responses were received in relation to the public consultation and these are currently being examined. Taking into account the submissions received and following any necessary further analysis I will carefully consider any possible measures to be introduced. My decision will be published on the Department’s website as early as possible.

Farm Data

Questions (773)

Pat Breen

Question:

773. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 416 of 9 October 2018, when the inspection will be processed for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45099/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named submitted a 2018 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Schemes application the 12th May 2018. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.

The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing eligibility inspection. The processing of this inspection is nearing completion with the intention of issuing any payments due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.

Agriculture Scheme Payments

Questions (774)

Pat Breen

Question:

774. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45100/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named submitted a 2018 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Schemes application the 12th May 2018. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.

The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing eligibility inspection. The processing of this inspection is nearing completion with the intention of issuing any payments due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.

Agriculture Scheme Payments

Questions (775)

Pat Breen

Question:

775. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 263 of 24 October 2018, when the inspection for remote-sensing eligibility will be completed; when payments will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45176/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named submitted a 2018 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Schemes application on the 11th May 2018. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.

The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing eligibility inspection. The processing of this inspection is nearing completion with the intention of issuing any payments due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.

GLAS Payments

Questions (776)

Mary Butler

Question:

776. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of 2017 GLAS payments outstanding by county in tabular form; when these payments will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45185/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The below table displays the 2017 scheme year GLAS payments. Payments continue to be processed on a weekly basis as all requirements are fulfilled. My Department has again reminded GLAS participants with outstanding obligations that they must meet the obligations or they risk missing the upcoming 2018 payments and also expulsion from the scheme.

		GLAS 1			GLAS 2
County	Cases	Advance Paid	Balance Paid	Cases	Advance Paid	Balance Paid	Cases
Carlow	271	268	251	124	123	115	127
Cavan	899	897	867	427	425	411	531
Clare	1598	1,589	1,540	684	680	651	797
Cork	2115	2,105	2,022	986	975	934	927
Donegal	1919	1,890	1,684	989	969	810	1,399
Dublin	57	56	56	17	17	16	19
Galway	3032	3,006	2,878	1,276	1,257	1,165	1,577
Kerry	1756	1,724	1,403	864	849	674	763
Kildare	239	235	222	75	72	70	113
Kilkenny	422	418	392	206	203	194	187
Laois	365	362	351	191	187	181	227
Leitrim	1011	1,007	958	419	416	399	524
Limerick	1039	1,036	1,009	296	293	282	401
Longford	508	506	489	339	337	327	327
Louth	145	143	139	78	76	75	93
Mayo	2523	2,499	2,344	1,314	1,280	1,169	1,655
Meath	417	414	388	195	194	175	245
Monaghan	571	568	555	143	142	139	333
Offaly	472	471	458	274	271	265	292
Roscommon	1512	1,504	1,459	546	538	525	712
Sligo	928	922	889	359	354	341	489
Tipperary	1111	1,105	1,065	495	485	466	497
Waterford	349	336	316	130	117	108	119
Westmeath	637	634	620	261	257	252	277
Wexford	744	740	716	258	250	243	308
Wicklow	324	320	282	151	148	116	198
TOTAL	24,964	24,755	23,353	11,097	10,915	10,103	13,137

TABLE CONT

	GLAS 3			Total
County	Advance Paid	Balance Paid	Cases	Advance Paid	Balance Paid
Carlow	126	100	522	517	466
Cavan	527	445	1,857	1,849	1,723
Clare	786	615	3,079	3,055	2,806
Cork	913	799	4,028	3,993	3,755
Donegal	1,376	999	4,307	4,235	3,493
Dublin	19	16	93	92	88
Galway	1,558	1347	5,885	5,821	5,390
Kerry	747	558	3,383	3,320	2,635
Kildare	111	89	427	418	381
Kilkenny	179	146	815	800	732
Laois	223	185	783	772	717
Leitrim	521	412	1,954	1,944	1,769
Limerick	399	339	1,736	1,728	1,630
Longford	323	257	1,174	1,166	1,073
Louth	93	72	316	312	286
Mayo	1,632	1318	5,492	5,411	4,831
Meath	241	170	857	849	733
Monaghan	333	274	1,047	1,043	968
Offaly	287	205	1,038	1,029	928
Roscommon	703	587	2,770	2,745	2,571
Sligo	485	353	1,776	1,761	1,583
Tipperary	490	363	2,103	2,080	1,894
Waterford	111	99	598	564	523
Westmeath	273	211	1,175	1,164	1,083
Wexford	301	209	1,310	1,291	1,168
Wicklow	196	139	673	664	537
TOTAL	12,953	10,307	49,198	48,623	43,763

Departmental Properties

Questions (777)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

777. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a company (details supplied) has undertaken work within his Department's remit to build or renovate projects over the past ten years; if so, the project name and location; the year in which it was built; if building fire safety inspections have been carried out on the projects since construction; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45192/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In general, queries relating to building or renovation projects for Government Departments/Offices, including my Department, are a matter for the Office of Public Works (OPW).

As regards the twelve State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.

Forestry Sector

Questions (778)

Bobby Aylward

Question:

778. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the potential funding streams available to assist and-or supplement a person (details supplied) in the replanting of Sitka spruce following the conclusion of the felling process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45227/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Forestry in Ireland operates within a legal and regulatory framework. This is necessary in order to protect forests and also to ensure that forestry operations and activities are carried out in compliance with the principles of sustainable forest management. The obligation to replant felled trees is required under the Forestry Act, 2014 and the Forestry Regulations, SI 191/2017.

Due to the extent of deforestation by the early 20th Century, legislation was introduced to regulate tree felling. This has facilitated, in part, sustainable forest management. There is a need to avoid deforestation in relation to economic and social considerations and particularly in an environmental context such as carbon, landscape and amenity considerations. Reforestation after felling is essential to prevent deforestation, which would otherwise counteract the benefits of the initial afforestation.

While my Department funds initial afforestation through a grant and the payment of premia, all replanting is to be carried out at the land owner’s expense regardless of whether the site was initially grant-aided or not. In the majority of cases, landowners fund the replanting of their lands from the proceeds of the sale of the extracted timber. The proceeds are tax free which gives an additional boost to the clearfell income of the landowner.

I understand a tree felling licence, for the person named, issued in July this year, providing for the felling of over 18 ha of Sitka spruce and to thin a small area of Ash. The issued licence also included details of the replanting operations. As is normal for such cases, an inspection of the licensed works and replanting will be arranged at a later date to check that the person named has fully complied with the conditions of the licence.

Basic Payment Scheme Appeals

Questions (779)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

779. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a request for a review or an appeal lodged on behalf of a person (details supplied) in relation to basic payment scheme payments and force majeure will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45296/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An appeal letter was recently submitted on behalf of the person named. The appeal relates to the person named not having submitted Single Payment Scheme (SPS) applications for scheme years 2013 & 2014 and a Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application in 2015.

As the Deputy is aware, the establishment of the right to a payment under BPS is dependent on the reference years 2013, 2014 and 2015. Any decision to accept applications for those years has to be carefully considered given the considerable time that has elapsed. The documentation is currently being examined and with a view to completing this review at the earliest possible opportunity.

As soon as the full review of the case has been completed an official from my Department will contact the person named directly.

Basic Payment Scheme Payments

Questions (780)

Seán Fleming

Question:

780. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an overdue farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45387/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named submitted a 2018 Basic Payment Scheme application on the 13th April 2018. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.

The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing eligibility inspection. This inspection is currently being processed with the intention of issuing any payment due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (781)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

781. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied) regarding agricultural activity on a land parcel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45405/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An official of my Department has made direct contact with the Deputy's office on this matter.

Coillte Teoranta Activities

Questions (782)

James Browne

Question:

782. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding Coillte’s possible sale of forest acreage at a location (details supplied); the reason for this potential sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45438/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as land transactions, are the responsibility of the company.

The matter was, however, raised with Coillte who confirm that the company has put property at the location mentioned on the market, following receipt by the company of an expression of interest. Coillte add that consultation was carried out in relation to a possible sale and the property was put on the market for sale by private treaty. I understand that a local auctioneer is handling the sale which has been advertised in the local newspapers and a sign put up on the property.