Written Answers Nos. 469-488
469. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to date and to completion, respectively, of the children's satellite hospital unit at Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown; when it is planned to be open and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3094/19]
View answer470. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to date and to completion, respectively, of the children’s satellite hospital unit at Tallaght Hospital; when it is planned to be open and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3095/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 469 and 470 together.
Works at Connolly are on target for practical completion of the building in the Spring with the opening scheduled for July 2019. Works at Tallaght are underway with a target handover date of July 2020. The estimated construction and fit out costs for the two OPD Urgent Care Centres at Tallaght and Connolly are €53.4m (ex VAT).
With regards to your queries in relation to regarding the estimated costs to date and the costs for completion of each centre, I have asked the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board to respond to you directly.
471. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address matters (details supplied) in relation to the HPV vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3107/19]
View answerThe Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is responsible for monitoring the safety and quality of all medicines including vaccines that are licensed in Ireland. The HPRA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) continually monitor adverse events to vaccination. HPV is one of the most closely studied and monitored medicinal products.
All medicines, including vaccines are subject to on-going review and evaluation of all available data from a range of sources, including systematic scientific literature review, to consider any impact that their data may have on the overall assessment of the benefits and risks of a medicinal product. Taking into account the totality of the available information, the benefits of the HPV vaccines continue to outweigh their risks. The safety of these vaccines continues to be monitored at EU level through the EMA and its expert committees, which includes representatives from member state competent authorities such as the HPRA.
The initial authorisation of Gardasil was supported by the results from the study known as Future II. This study concluded that in young women who had not been previously infected with HPV-16 or HPV-18, those in the vaccine group had a significantly lower occurrence of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia related to HPV-16 or HPV-18 than did those in the placebo group.
Subsequently the results from Future III updated the product information for Gardasil in relation to the vaccination of women up to 45 years old.
The trials for Future II or Future III were not conducted in Ireland and therefore the HPRA did not have access to the original clinical trial submissions, however, the results of the studies are publically available at www.ema.europa.eu/documents/scientific-discussion/gardasil-epar-scientific-discussion_en.pdf).
In both the Future II and Future III studies participants were randomised to either a vaccine group or placebo group. The currently licensed quadrivalent Gardasil product contains 0.225 mg amorphous aluminium hydroxyphosphate sulfate per 0.5 ml dose. Placebo product used in the control arms of the referenced studies contained the same amount of aluminium-containing adjuvant. The use of the aluminium-containing adjuvant in the placebo group is stated in the study documents referenced above.
A placebo arm is an important aspect of many clinical studies and supports the evaluation of the true overall effect of the experimental drug under study. There is a strong rationale for using a placebo in large pivotal studies as it is widely considered to be the most rigorous method of evaluating the efficacy of treatment or prevention interventions. The only difference in composition between the placebo and vaccine in the above-mentioned Gardasil trials was the absence of active substances (HPV virus type proteins) in the placebo. This allows the effects observed in the clinical study to be attributed to the vaccine product.
472. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the way in which a person (details supplied) can access the local general practitioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3108/19]
View answerI understand the person concerned does not hold a medical card or GP visit card and is having difficulty finding a GP.
People who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis. GPs are private contractors and it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients. In some instances GP practices have a full list of patients and cannot take on new patients. If this happens, patients should contact other GP practices in their area.
While I have no role in relation to such matters, I would expect clinicians to consider the importance of patients having access to a GP service close to home when deciding whether or not to accept private patients.
473. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the case of a folio (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2319/19]
View answerMy Department, has been actively engaged in efforts to resolve the complex conveyancing issues concerned in this case which centred on establishing ownership of a piece of land bordering Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre.
With further legal oversight my officials have re-engaged with Cork County Council to definitively establish who can deal with the transfer of the property in question. Maps have been prepared and will be the subject of legal correspondence.
My officials are progressing the matter through the appropriate channels, however as with all legal property matters of this nature, resolution may take some time.
474. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 485 of 18 December 2018, the length of time a person (details supplied) must keep the sheep under the GLAS 2 scheme. [2363/19]
View answerThe above named person was accepted into GLAS 2 with a start date of 1 January 2016 and is fully up to date with payments.
As the GLAS contract of the person named contains the commonage action, Commonage Management Plans (CMP) were developed, in consultation with shareholders, for each of the five commonages claimed by the appointed Commonage advisor. These plans set out defined stocking levels, a grazing regime and other activities for GLAS participants farming the commonages. Under the CMPs in question the person named is required to graze the commonages for a six month period annually from 1 April to 30 September. It is open to the person named to contact the Commonage Advisor if clarification is required in relation to any aspects of the Commonage Management Plan.
475. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the annual planting targets per hectare for all categories in each of the years 2015 to 2018 and to date in 2019 of the forestry programme 2014 to 2020; the number of hectares planted in each year to date for these categories; and the number of hectares planted out of each annual target set on a percentage basis in tabular form. [2369/19]
View answerWhile overall targets are set for planting programme as a whole, only Native Woodland, Agroforestry, and Forestry for fibre have specific planting targets and there are no specific targets for the other Grant and Premium Categories (GPC) 1 to 8 inclusive. The relevant data is provided below in tabular form as requested.
Planting Programme
|
Scheme |
2015 target |
2015 Actual |
% of target planted |
2016 target |
2016 Actual |
% of target planted |
|
Afforestation, ha |
6,000 |
6,293 |
105% |
6,660 |
6,500 |
98% |
|
of which afforestation (GPC 1- 8) |
5,440 |
6,159 |
113% |
5,990 |
6,340 |
106% |
|
of which NWS establishment (GPC 9&10) |
450 |
134 |
30% |
450 |
159 |
35% |
|
of which Agro-forestry (GPC 11) |
10 |
0 |
0% |
20 |
1 |
3% |
|
of which energy and fibre (GPC 12) |
100 |
0 |
0% |
200 |
0 |
0% |
table contd.
|
Scheme |
2017 target |
2017 Actual |
% of target planted |
2018 Target |
2018 Actual |
% of target planted |
2019 Target |
|
Afforestation, ha |
7,140 |
5,536 |
78% |
7,205 |
4025 |
56% |
8,115 |
|
of which afforestation (GPC 1- 8) |
6,165 |
5,261 |
85% |
6,215 |
3,649 |
59% |
6,615 |
|
of which NWS establishment (GPC 9&10) |
450 |
270 |
60% |
450 |
374 |
83% |
450 |
|
of which Agro-forestry (GPC 11) |
25 |
5 |
20% |
40 |
1 |
2% |
50 |
|
of which energy and fibre (GPC 12) |
500 |
0 |
0% |
500 |
1 |
0% |
1,000 |
476. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of agricultural land in each county that has been planted with forestry to date, in tabular form. [2370/19]
View answerI refer the Deputy to his question raised last October, (41679/18 – Dáil Question No 153), in which he requested the same data.
The area of land afforested in each county is indicated in the table below, which is taken from the third NFI. The area of forest is estimated to be 770,020 ha or 11% of the total land area of Ireland (NFI 2017).
|
County |
% Area |
|
Carlow |
9.4 |
|
Cavan |
9.3 |
|
Clare |
17.2 |
|
Cork |
12.1 |
|
Donegal |
11.4 |
|
Dublin |
6.5 |
|
Galway |
9.9 |
|
Kerry |
12.1 |
|
Kildare |
6.1 |
|
Kilkenny |
9.6 |
|
Laois |
15.4 |
|
Leitrim |
18.9 |
|
Limerick |
10.4 |
|
Longford |
8.4 |
|
Louth |
2.9 |
|
Mayo |
9.2 |
|
Meath |
5.7 |
|
Monaghan |
4.6 |
|
Offaly |
14.7 |
|
Roscommon |
11.1 |
|
Sligo |
11.4 |
|
Tipperary |
11.8 |
|
Waterford |
14.7 |
|
Westmeath |
8.2 |
|
Wexford |
6.2 |
|
Wicklow |
17.9 |
477. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the regulatory provisions in place with respect to forestry planting; the setback distances from dwelling houses and associated buildings, respectively; if changes to set back distances are being considered; and the process involved to adjust such provisions. [2371/19]
View answerThe Forestry Act 2014, which was commenced on 24th May 2017, along with the Forestry Regulations 2017 (SI No 191/2017) are the regulatory provisions in place with regard to forestry operations. In tandem with this, there are a number of guidelines and standards, which detail the technical requirements of forestry plantations. These are readily available on my Department's website.
Setback distances from dwelling houses are laid down in the Forestry Standards Manual and are 60 metres or 30 metres with the written consent of the dwelling owner. There are no plans to adjust these provisions.
478. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of broadleaf forestry planting as a percentage of total planting in 2018. [2372/19]
View answerA specific condition of State Aid approval for the Forestry Programme 2014 -2020 is to aim for annual planting of 30% broadleaves. Following the Mid-term Review of the Forestry Programme I introduced increased grant and premium rates for native woodlands, agro-forestry and forestry for fibre Grant and Premium Categories in early 2018 aiming at increasing the annual broadleaf planting rates. I am pleased to note that the increased rates in the broadleaf categories have already provided results, with broadleaves comprising 27% of trees planted in 2018, compared to 21% in 2017. It is our full intention to drive this figure higher in 2019 based on the increased grants and premia offered above.
479. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if trade missions are planned in 2019 in order to secure new markets for dairy products; and if so, the details of such missions. [2373/19]
View answerThe pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry's strategy for development over the coming decade. Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Gulf region. This is where our efforts will be focused for the foreseeable future, particularly given the need to diversify our markets and to reduce our exposure to the UK market in particular following Brexit.
Trade Missions play an important role in market development, and I have been very active on this front in recent years as we strive to gain, and then develop, a presence in as many global markets as possible. I have led very successful missions to the Gulf Region, the US, Mexico, Japan and Korea in 2017, and to the US, Canada, China, Indonesia and Malaysia in 2018. These missions included participants from across the agri-food sector and featured extensive trade contacts as well as high-level political discussions.
The destinations for trade missions for 2019 are currently under consideration and I expect to be in a position to announce them shortly.
480. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a TAMS appeal process will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2376/19]
View answerThe application in question was in relation to investments under the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme of TAMS II.
This application was the subject of an on-farm inspection. It is a requirement that the payments claimed be verified as part of such an inspection. In this case an issue arose in relation to non-compliance with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme resulting in the withholding of the Young Farmer 20% top up payment.
The applicant was advised of the position in a letter from the Department dated 23 October 2018 and requested a review of this decision. An appeal was submitted to the Agriculture Appeals Office and it is understood that an oral hearing was requested and will be arranged shortly.
481. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expenditure incurred in each of the years 2014 to 2018 for each measure under the Rural Development Programme 2014 to 2020 (details supplied), in tabular form; the original budget allocations made for each of the years in the 2014 to 2020 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2380/19]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out below.
Table 1. DAFM Expenditure by Measure Level 2014-2017 and provisional for 2018
|
- |
Expenditure 2014 |
Expenditure 2015 |
Expenditure 2016 |
Expenditure 2017 |
Expenditure 2018 provisional |
|
Measure 1 - Knowledge transfer and information actions |
48,881 |
9,667 |
8,668,524 |
19,531,480 |
29,136,302 |
|
Measure 2 - Advisory services, farm management and farm relief services |
0 |
0 |
288,053 |
643,996 |
283,657 |
|
Measure 4 - Investments in physical assets |
4,616,074 |
14,774,478 |
10,094,541 |
32,258,179 |
67,528,093 |
|
Measure 7 - Basic services and village renewal in rural areas |
0 |
0 |
725,488 |
752,358 |
835,685 |
|
Measure 10 - Agri-environment-climate |
170,820,857 |
132,805,931 |
183,601,526 |
251,501,887 |
278,113,018 |
|
Measure 11 - Organic farming |
0 |
1,844,024 |
5,145,977 |
6,530,788 |
9,811,311 |
|
M12 Natura 2000 and Water Framework Directive payments |
25,729,388 |
11,550,542 |
4,380,542 |
2,084,117 |
795,113 |
|
Measure 13 - Payments to areas facing natural or other specific constraints |
195,655,247 |
206,525,119 |
206,470,513 |
205,303,634 |
228,616,740 |
|
Measure 14 – Animal Welfare Scheme |
0 |
0 |
0 |
15,850,949 |
17,649,626 |
|
Measure 16 - Co-operation |
0 |
79,717 |
333,717 |
1,331,405 |
3,536,248 |
|
Measure 19 - Support for LEADER local development |
|||||
|
Measure 20 - Technical Assistance |
0 |
65,182 |
902,151 |
1,383,207 |
1,361,368 |
|
M97 Early Retirement |
0 |
0 |
4,248,250 |
2,430,121 |
808,357 |
Table 1 does not include information for Measure 19 - Support for LEADER local development as this is not operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.
Table 2. Financial Allocations for RDP 2014–2020 by Measure
|
- |
Total Allocation 2014-2020 |
|
Measure 1 - Knowledge transfer and information actions |
125,800,000 |
|
Measure 2 - Advisory services, farm management and farm relief services |
8,300,000 |
|
Measure 4 - Investments in physical assets |
425,000,000 |
|
Measure 7 - Basic services and village renewal in rural areas |
6,000,000 |
|
Measure 10 - Agri-environment-climate |
1,531,005,630 |
|
Measure 11 - Organic farming |
56,000,000 |
|
M12 Natura 2000 and Water Framework Directive payments |
73,250,000 |
|
Measure 13 - Payments to areas facing natural or other specific constraints |
1,370,000,000 |
|
Measure 14 – Animal Welfare Scheme |
100,000,000 |
|
Measure 16 - Co-operation |
62,000,000 |
|
Measure 19 - Support for LEADER local development |
250,000,000 |
|
Measure 20 - Technical Assistance |
8,145,000 |
|
M97 Early Retirement |
9,207,547 |
While the RDP Regulation provides for a structure according to measures and sub-measures, the annual breakdown is made at aggregate level and is not formally subdivided down to measure/sub-measure level or scheme level. Essentially, any unspent EAFRD funds in a year are carried forward to subsequent years.
482. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expenditure incurred in each of the years 2014 to 2018 under each scheme under the Rural Development Programme 2014 to 2020 (details supplied), in tabular form; the budget allocations for each scheme in each of the years 2014 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2381/19]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tables.
Table 1. DAFM Expenditure by Scheme 2014-2017 and provisional for 2018
|
- |
Expenditure 2014 |
Expenditure 2015 |
Expenditure 2016 |
Expenditure 2017 |
Expenditure 2018 provisional |
|
Beef Data and Genomics Programme |
0 |
28,989,048 |
59,272,461 |
45,811,279 |
46,156,692 |
|
Rural Environment Protection Scheme |
133,622,090 |
25,121,052 |
1,952,872 |
56,905 |
5,819 |
|
Agri-Environment Option Scheme |
60,773,433 |
79,801,168 |
32,118,964 |
16,198,514 |
7,444,847 |
|
Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme |
0 |
11,452,500 |
100,922,200 |
195,651,754 |
231,978,144 |
|
Knowledge Transfer Scheme |
0 |
0 |
0 |
13,783,625 |
21,665,185 |
|
Locally led Environmental Schemes |
0 |
0 |
228,380 |
1,792,238 |
4,158,882 |
|
Organic Farming Schemes |
4,381,000 |
7,969,133 |
8,053,390 |
8,234,664 |
10,519,034 |
|
Land mobility |
0 |
0 |
4,248,250 |
2,430,121 |
808,357 |
|
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme |
0 |
7,607,854 |
7,806,640 |
31,295,788 |
66,751,235 |
|
Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme |
195,655,247 |
206,525,119 |
206,527,774 |
205,298,367 |
228,616,740 |
|
Collaborative Farming |
0 |
79,717 |
333,717 |
440,878 |
180,674 |
|
Technical Assistance |
74,851 |
902,151 |
1,388,127 |
1,361,368 |
|
|
Advisory Services |
0 |
0 |
301,481 |
529,239 |
280,962 |
|
Animal Welfare scheme for Sheep |
0 |
0 |
0 |
15,850,949 |
17,649,626 |
|
Traditional Farm Building Scheme |
0 |
0 |
725,488 |
752,358 |
835,685 |
|
Food Producer Scheme |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Continuous Professional Development |
0 |
0 |
0 |
114,757 |
2,695 |
|
European Innovation Programme |
0 |
0 |
0 |
75,275 |
198,124 |
Table 1 does not include information for the Horticulture Scheme as this is not part of the RDP 2014 – 2020.
Table 2. Voted Allocations for RDP Schemes 2014 – 2020 by Scheme.
|
- |
Allocation 2014 |
Allocation 2015 |
Allocation 2016 |
Allocation 2017 |
Allocation 2018 |
Allocation 2019 |
|
Beef Data and Genomics Programme |
23,000,000 |
35,000,000 |
52,000,000 |
49,000,000 |
49,500,000 |
46,500,000 |
|
Rural Environment Protection Scheme |
123,000,000 |
53,550,000 |
2,194,000 |
310,000 |
106,900 |
20,575 |
|
Agri-Environment Option Scheme |
61,000,000 |
71,000,000 |
40,850,000 |
10,940,000 |
5,893,100 |
477,830 |
|
Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme |
0 |
20,000,000 |
139,500,000 |
228,500,000 |
226,000,000 |
202,888,805 |
|
Knowledge Transfer Scheme |
0 |
0 |
0 |
22,821,000 |
23,000,000 |
25,000,000 |
|
Locally led Environmental Schemes |
0 |
0 |
1,200,000 |
6,000,000 |
11,320,000 |
11,515,230 |
|
Organic Farming Schemes |
0 |
6,000,000 |
10,000,000 |
10,500,000 |
10,500,000 |
10,999,185 |
|
Land mobility |
10,010,000 |
7,394,000 |
4,602,000 |
2,611,000 |
1,210,000 |
191,000 |
|
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme |
17,200,000 |
30,500,000 |
35,800,000 |
49,965,280 |
69,965,280 |
69,969,580 |
|
Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme |
195,000,000 |
207,000,000 |
202,000,000 |
206,500,000 |
227,000,000 |
250,000,000 |
|
Collaborative Farming |
0 |
0 |
899,000 |
500,000 |
492,375 |
350,000 |
|
Technical Assistance |
1,425,000 |
100,000 |
1,000,000 |
1,000,000 |
1,350,000 |
1,470,000 |
|
Advisory Services |
0 |
450,000 |
0 |
993,220 |
981,000 |
967,270 |
|
Animal Welfare scheme for Sheep |
0 |
0 |
0 |
17,000,000 |
20,000,000 |
18,000,000 |
|
Traditional Farm Building Scheme |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1,000,000 |
1,000,000 |
1,250,000 |
|
Food Producer Scheme |
0 |
0 |
988,800 |
100,000 |
1,249,380 |
2,000,000 |
|
Continuous Professional Development |
0 |
0 |
0 |
200,000 |
300,000 |
50,000 |
|
European Innovation Programme |
0 |
0 |
0 |
700,000 |
950,000 |
920,000 |
The above are the total allocations for the schemes. In a few cases small parts of the allocation for schemes are not co-funded. The allocations for 2020 will be determined as part of the 2020 estimates process.
483. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to resolve the industrial dispute between an organisation (details supplied) and his Department; and the status of mediation talks to date. [2382/19]
View answerMy Department has recently concluded an agreement relating to current issues of dispute between ourselves and the named organisation for the provision of new arrangements for the delivery of meat inspection services.
The proposed agreement will be balloted upon by members of this organisation over the course of the next three weeks, to conclude no later than 1 February 2019.
The said organisation is to recommend acceptance of the agreement to their members. In the interim, meat inspections will continue in accordance with current operational arrangements.
484. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of temporary veterinary inspectors employed in each of the years 2012 to 2018. [2383/19]
View answerMy Department engages Temporary Veterinary Inspectors (TVIs) for the purpose of providing meat inspection services at meat plants and a small number of portal duties throughout the country. TVIs are engaged as and when required to assist permanent Veterinary staff and are selected from panels for duties at some point during the year in question.
The numbers engaged for the periods in question are listed in the table below:
|
Year |
TVIs |
|
2012 |
651 |
|
2013 |
620 |
|
2014 |
624 |
|
2015 |
610 |
|
2016 |
606 |
|
2017 |
608 |
|
2018 |
606 |
485. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Ireland's CAP strategic plan is being drafted and designed for the period after 2020 based on the European Commission's draft budget proposals as published under the draft multi-annual financial framework 2021 to 2027; and the consultation he is planning with farming organisations regarding same. [2384/19]
View answerAt the outset, I would point out that in discussing the funding for the CAP post-2020, we should bear in mind that these discussions are taking place as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post-2020 proposals, which is a matter for Heads of State and Government. The retention of a sufficient budget for the CAP is an essential requirement for Ireland.
I have been actively engaging with my European counterparts on this issue. Along with counterparts from France, Spain, Finland, Portugal and Greece, we have called for the restoration of the CAP budget for the 2021 – 2027 period to current levels. Up to 20 Member States have joined this alliance and we will continue to work together in an effort to build consensus on this point. I recognise that to achieve the best outcome, we need to seek common ground with like minded Member States. Ireland will continue to seek to build alliances as the negotiations for the next CAP and its budgetary allocation progress and I will continue to fight for a strong CAP budget.
As regards the CAP legislative proposals themselves, the new regulations for the CAP 2021-27 were launched on Friday 1 June 2018 by Commissioner Hogan. The existing four CAP Regulations (1305/2013, 1306/2013, 1307/2013 and 1308/2013) are being replaced by three new Regulations. The Direct Payments Regulation (1307/2013) and the Rural Development Regulation (1305/2013 are being consolidated in one Regulation which establishes rules on the CAP strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States. The European Commission's objective is to have the proposals adopted by the co-legislators in Spring 2019, prior to the European Parliament Elections in May.
The proposals, as drafted, involve significant changes, including in relation to governance, the distribution of direct payments among farmers and the increasing environmental conditionality attaching to such payments. There will be some additional discretion for Member States in configuring the measures available, within parameters laid down in Council Regulations. Risk management measures, and measures to support young farmers and new entrants will be mandatory, and there will be a significant emphasis on education and technology adoption. At least 5% of rural development funds will be ring fenced for the LEADER Programme.
The current proposals require Member States to submit their draft CAP Strategic Plan to the Commission for approval before the deadline of 1 January 2020. My Department is working towards this deadline. The process of developing the draft CSP will be a complex process, involving a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analysis, a needs assessment, scheme design, ex ante evaluation including a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment. A central element of this process will be on-going and substantive stakeholder and public consultation which will include the farm organisations.
The new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) will be a key support in enhancing the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, achieving more sustainable management of natural resources and ensuring a more balanced development of rural areas.
486. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the fodder schemes introduced in 2018; the number of applications for each fodder scheme by county; the eligible and ineligible applicants, respectively; the number of eligible applicants who were granted funding; and the value of successful applications granted funding by county, in tabular form. [2385/19]
View answerIn response to ongoing pressures on fodder on foot of weather conditions, my Department introduced a series of four Fodder support Measures during 2018 – The Fodder Import Support Measure, The Fodder Import Support Measure Autumn 2018, The Fodder Transport Support Measure and the Fodder Production Incentive Measure for Tillage Farmers 2018.
The Fodder Import Support Measure and the Fodder Import Support Measure Autumn 2018 were designed to facilitate the importation of fodder by approved Co-ops and hauliers and paid a contribution at a set rate towards the cost of transportation. A total of 27 Co-Ops applied under the Fodder Import Support Measure of which some 20 were due for payment having actually imported fodder in compliance with the set criteria. The total amount payable to the Co-ops is €991,697.
Some 18 Co-ops and hauliers have applied under the Fodder Import Support Autumn 2018. In order to optimise the use of the funds available and to ensure funds were available to importers, interim payments totalling €457,610.65 were made to 6 importers during December 2018. Remaining payments under this measure will be paid further to the submission of relevant documentation by the remaining importers.
The details in relation to applicant numbers, and payments under the Fodder Transport Support Measure which are paid direct to individual applicants, are as follows -
Fodder Transport Support Measure
|
Fodder Transport |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
County |
Number of Applicants |
Eligible |
Ineligible |
Amount Paid to eligible applications |
|
Cavan |
19 |
19 |
0 |
€30,971.04 |
|
Clare |
51 |
41 |
10 |
€19,932.00 |
|
Cork |
211 |
45 |
166 |
€11,081.00 |
|
Donegal |
52 |
51 |
1 |
€47,352.00 |
|
Galway |
28 |
20 |
8 |
€19,074.00 |
|
Kerry |
47 |
22 |
25 |
€3,211.00 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
1 |
1 |
€217.76 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
1 |
0 |
€480.00 |
|
Leitrim |
20 |
11 |
9 |
€17,640.00 |
|
Limerick |
14 |
4 |
10 |
€3,584.00 |
|
Longford |
2 |
1 |
1 |
€252.64 |
|
Louth |
2 |
2 |
0 |
€462.24 |
|
Mayo |
19 |
14 |
5 |
€7,261.00 |
|
Meath |
3 |
3 |
0 |
€680.00 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
2 |
0 |
€2,364.00 |
|
Offaly |
4 |
4 |
0 |
€1,234.88 |
|
Roscommon |
31 |
6 |
25 |
€3,104.00 |
|
Sligo |
16 |
14 |
2 |
€7,196.00 |
|
Tipperary |
82 |
34 |
48 |
€9,987.66 |
|
Waterford |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
2 |
0 |
€447.04 |
|
Total |
609 |
297 |
312 |
€186,532.26 |
Fodder Production Incentive Measure for Tillage Farmers 2018
The Fodder Production Incentive Measure for Tillage Farmers provides an incentive of €155 per hectare for tillage growers who grow a temporary crop of short rotation grasses for fodder production over the winter months and €100 per hectare for those growing catch crops such as fodder rape, turnips etc.
The first tranche of payments issued in December 2018 to applicants with catch crops. A total of 848 applicants received just over €826,000. Payments to those with grasses cannot commence until after 1 February.
The total number of applications per county and the numbers paid to date are set out below.
|
County |
Number of Applicants |
Paid Applicants to Date |
Amount Paid to Date |
|
Carlow |
139 |
106 |
€106,859.00 |
|
Clare |
1 |
1 |
€1,580.00 |
|
Cork |
244 |
120 |
€101,946.69 |
|
Donegal |
5 |
2 |
€2,855.00 |
|
Dublin |
12 |
4 |
€4,315.00 |
|
Galway |
18 |
13 |
€11,411.00 |
|
Kerry |
30 |
9 |
€8,662.00 |
|
Kildare |
73 |
38 |
€44,039.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
138 |
56 |
€46,869.00 |
|
Laois |
150 |
70 |
€57,375.00 |
|
Limerick |
14 |
2 |
€1,292.00 |
|
Longford |
3 |
0 |
€0.00 |
|
Louth |
77 |
29 |
€30,853.00 |
|
Meath |
67 |
23 |
€26,653.00 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
0 |
€0.00 |
|
Offaly |
67 |
37 |
€27,437.00 |
|
Roscommon |
8 |
5 |
€3,079.00 |
|
Tipperary |
147 |
77 |
€72,482.00 |
|
Waterford |
59 |
30 |
€34,764.00 |
|
Westmeath |
18 |
6 |
€5,995.00 |
|
Wexford |
380 |
189 |
€208,409.00 |
|
Wicklow |
63 |
31 |
€29,933.00 |
|
Total |
1714 |
848 |
€826,808.69 |
487. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if extra funding will be provided for additional berthing space at Howth Harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2495/19]
View answerMy Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros an Mhíl under statute. In addition, my Department also has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of North Harbour at Cape Clear, as well as the maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights and Beacons Act.
I am happy to advise the Deputy that between the years 2010 to 2018, as part of my Department's Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, in excess of €10 million has been invested in maintenance, development and upgrading works at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre.
The provision of additional berthing space on the Middle Pier in Howth has been under consideration by the Department and some preparatory work has been carried out. Additional berthing space would, in addition to relieving vessel congestion issues, enable greater segregation between the activities of fishing vessels and the marine tourism and leisure activities which are mainly concentrated on the West Pier. This segregation is desirable from both operational and health & safety points of view.
As is the case for all developments in the six Fishery Harbour Centres, any decision with regard to initiating a project to provide additional berthing space in Howth will only be considered on the basis of available exchequer funding and competing national priorities
No final decisions have been made on the full suite of projects to be undertaken as part of the 2019 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, however I expect to make an announcement on this matter shortly.
488. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 413 of 11 December 2018, if he will provide a copy of the letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2557/19]
View answerA copy of the requested letter has been forwarded to the Deputy's office.
