Tuesday, 16 Apr 2019

Written Answers Nos. 439-459

Beef Industry

Questions (439)

Denis Naughten

Question:

439. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to his correspondence of 9 April 2019 regarding the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 952 of 26 March 2019, the number of beef grading machines that would fail on inspection if the accuracy standard was set at the average accuracy of machines, which is over 90%, rather than the minimum set out in legislation, at 60% accuracy; if he will reduce the tolerance currently allowed on beef grading machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17553/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1184 of 20 April 2017 governs the monitoring of carcase classification, carcase presentation and weighing. The legal tolerances for authorisation of a mechanical classification system are set in that legislation.

The figure quoted of 60% is the minimum accuracy figure for conformation and fat cover that must be achieved for a mechanical classification system to be authorised for use in any EU state. The average performance for conformation in Ireland in 2018 was 91.8% for conformation and 94.8% for fat cover.   

In 2018, 23 machines were inspected during 412 inspections. During these inspections, on 112 occasions the accuracy was between 80% and 90% for both conformation and fat.  In all other instances, the machines were above 90% accuracy.  The Deputy should be aware that these accuracy figures include over-scores as well as under-scores when compared to manual grading.

Beef Industry

Questions (440)

Denis Naughten

Question:

440. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 957, 959 and 962 of 26 March 2019, when his Department took the decision to no longer hold digitised images in view of previous commitments by his officials to the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine; the reason his Department no longer has access to these images; if he will review this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17554/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The mechanical grading machines are the property of each individual meat plant and the images generated by these machines are therefore retained in each factory's own computer system.  While my Department has limited access to these images, it does not own, hold or control these images.

Harbours and Piers Development

Questions (441)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

441. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to develop and improve Cleggan Pier, Connemara, County Galway, in view of the high usage of the pier and the poor condition of much of it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17568/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Pursuant to the Fishery Harbour Centres Act 1968 (as amended), my Department is responsible for the management, control and operation of the six Fishery Harbour Centres located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros an Mhíl.

My Department also has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, which were constructed under the auspices of the ex-Congested Districts Board.  In addition, my Department has responsibility for infrastructural works it carried out under the Marine Works (Ireland) Act 1902, some works at Cleggan Pier being part of this. Galway County Council is responsible for the non-1902 Act infrastructure at Cleggan Harbour.

My Department does provide limited funding to assist coastal Local Authorities in carrying out small- scale projects for the development and repair of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways under the annual Fishery Harbour & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, subject to Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.

Most recently, funding of €82,500 was granted to Galway County Council under this Programme for repair works at Cleggan Harbour.  No application for funding in relation to Cleggan Harbour was received from Galway County Council under the 2017, 2018 or 2019 Fishery Harbour & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programmes.

Aquaculture Licence Applications

Questions (442)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

442. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when licences will issue to applicants in a bay (details supplied); if the necessary survey of the bay has been carried out under the habitats directive; if all licensees already operating in the bay will have their licences reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17570/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

All applications for aquaculture licences are considered by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act and (in the case of marine aquaculture) the 1933 Foreshore Act. The assessment process takes full account of all National and EU legislative requirements and reflects the full scientific, environmental, legal, public policy and engineering aspects of each application. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation which is currently ongoing in respect of licence applications in Kilmakilloge Harbour.

An Appropriate Assessment of Aquaculture and Fisheries Risk Assessment in Kenmare River Special Areas of Conservation was conducted by the Marine Institute on behalf of my Department.  The report is available to view on my Department’s website at  

Licences 

As the licence applications are currently under active consideration by my Department as part of a statutory process, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time.

GLAS Administration

Questions (443)

Eugene Murphy

Question:

443. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to streamline the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS, payment system to make it more user friendly for farmers in view of the excessive level of paperwork required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17578/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

GLAS is an online scheme supported by an online IT processing and annual payment system.  All GLAS applications were submitted by Advisors to an online system. Papers returns are required on a very limited basis and have been reduced significantly compared to earlier schemes. 

A condition of the scheme is that each applicant must engage the services of a GLAS accredited advisor. There is a dedicated GLAS helpline and email address available to assist participants or their GLAS advisors with any queries they may have in relation to the scheme.

The operation of the GLAS payment processing system is reviewed regularly and where possible, where  actions are identified, they are implemented as potential efficiencies are identified. 

Food Exports

Questions (444)

Eugene Murphy

Question:

444. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps taken by his Department and Bord Bia to seek out new niche markets for Irish grass-produced beef and lamb in view of the lack of stability and uncertainty in the market due to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17581/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My officials continue to work towards opening and enhancing access to as many markets as possible. This is a key part of our response to the challenges and uncertainty posed by Brexit, and is in line with the market development theme of the Food Wise 2025 strategy and the 7 Point Action Plan on market access that I launched in April 2017. 

The opening of the Chinese beef market to Irish beef in 2018 was a notable success, following several years of effort. My officials are currently in the process of trying to get additional beef establishments approved by the Chinese authorities and to progress our sheepmeat application to China. These will be the subject of discussions on my Trade Mission to China next month.  During 2018, markets for Irish beef, sheepmeat and poultry were also opened in Kuwait and Qatar.  I also recently announced the opening of the Ukrainian market to Irish beef and pigmeat. 

My Department requested Bord Bia to undertake an exercise to identify priority markets which can be targeted for promotion, markets access applications and trade missions. This exercise provides an invaluable tool for Irish exporters and for the Department and its agencies in determining the strategic priorities for agri-food trade.  In relation to meat, the 5 priority markets identified were Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Mexico and Malaysia.  Significant market access work is underway in relation to each of these markets at present and, in this regard, I will lead a trade mission to Japan & South Korea in June.

The long-term fundamentals of global meat markets are strong, with growing global demand projected from fast developing countries with increasing middle classes and more westernised diets. There is confidence that the Irish food industry is well placed to gain from the opportunity presented by expanding global demand, underpinned by the success of our efforts and those of the Irish food industry. 

Specifically in relation to "Grass-fed", Bord Bia and Teagasc are undertaking exploration of the development of “Grass-fed” standards in the dairy sector, with the potential to extend to other livestock types. 

Scéimeanna Talmhaíochta

Questions (445)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

445. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara an bhfuil aon airgead dlite d’fheirmeoir (sonraí tugtha) i gContae na Gaillimhe, bunaithe ar cinneadh ar athbhreithniú a rinne an Oifig Achomhairc ar iarratas ón Roinn de thoradh cinneadh a rinne an Oifig Achomhairc nach raibh siad sásta leis; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [17609/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Bhí an té atá ainmnithe ina ábhar do chigireacht Níotráití an 19 Feabhra 2016, arna cur i gcrích ag mo Roinnse thar ceann na Roinne Tithíochta, Pleanála agus Rialtais Áitiúil.  Aithníodh le linn na cigireachta sin go raibh réimse ceanglas tras-chomhlíontachta faoi na Rialacháin Níotráití nach rabhthas á gcomhlíonadh. De bharr chomh tromchúiseach is a bhí an neamhchomhlíonadh a bhí i gceist, agus de bharr go tharla an neamhchomhlíonadh arís eile, cinneadh 100% den phionós a chur i bhfeidhm i leith na Scéimeanna Íocaíochtaí Díreacha in 2016. Cuireadh an cinneadh sin in iúl don té atá ainmnithe an 31 Márta 2016.

Lorg an té atá ainmnithe athbhreithniú ar an gcinneadh sin. Scrúdaigh Cigire Ceantair an réigiúin an cinneadh agus sheas an cigire le torthaí na cigireachta. Cuireadh toradh an athbhreithnithe in iúl don té atá ainmnithe an 16 Bealtaine 2016.

Rinne an té atá ainmnithe achomharc ar an gcinneadh chuig an Oifig Achomharc Talmhaíochta neamhspleách agus tionóladh éisteacht ó bhéal. D'éirigh leis an achomharc i bpáirt agus laghdaíodh an pionós tras-chomhlíontachta ó 100% go dtí 15%. Ar chinneadh na nOifigeach Achomharc a scrúdú, d'iarr oifigigh shinsearacha ó mo Roinnse ar Stiúrthóir na hOifige Achomharc Talmhaíochta an cinneadh a athbhreithniú.  Ba é toradh an athbhreithnithe seo, a d'eisigh an Stiúrthóir an 28 Feabhra 2019, gur chóir pionós tras-chomhlíontachta 20% a chur i bhfeidhm i leith na bliana scéime 2016. Tá an cinneadh sin curtha i bhfeidhm ag oifigigh mo Roinne agus déanfar aon íocaíochtaí eile atá dlite a eisiúint chuig cuntas bainc sonraithe an té atá ainmnithe chomh luath agus is féidir.

GLAS Data

Questions (446)

Eugene Murphy

Question:

446. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in counties Roscommon and Galway who have received their 2018 GLAS payments to date; the number of applications; the payments still outstanding; the payments being processed for counties Roscommon and Galway for 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17611/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department has overseen the processing of 47,474 GLAS 2018 advance payments since 2018 payments commenced last November. This represents over 97% of scheme participants. The bulk of remaining cases have an outstanding issue on the participant's side. My Department continues to work with both farmers and their advisors to ensure that issues are resolved and outstanding payments are made as quickly as possible

The following table outlines the number of farmers in Roscommon and Galway actively participating in GLAS that have received a payment in respect of the 2018 scheme year.

Payments will continue to issue on a weekly basis as cases are finalised and compliance achieved by applicants.  

	GLAS 1	GLAS 1	GLAS 2	GLAS 2	GLAS 3	GLAS 3
County	Cases	Advance Paid	Cases	Advance Paid	Cases	Advance Paid
Galway	3,021	2,928	1,269	1,215	1,559	1,501
Roscommon	1,503	1,479	541	531	704	690

GLAS Payments

Questions (447)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

447. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2018 GLAS balancing payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17636/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and is fully up to date with GLAS payments.

It is anticipated that 2018 GLAS balancing payments will commence in mid-May.

Aquaculture Licence Applications

Questions (448)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

448. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding mussel lines in Kenmare Bay, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17751/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

All applications for aquaculture licences are considered by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act and, in the case of marine aquaculture, the 1933 Foreshore Act. The assessment process takes full account of all National and EU legislative requirements and reflects the full scientific, environmental, legal, public policy and engineering aspects of each application. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation which is currently ongoing in respect of licence applications in Kenmare Bay.

As the licence applications are currently under active consideration by my Department as part of a statutory process,  it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time.

Animal Slaughtering

Questions (449)

Denis Naughten

Question:

449. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 951, 953, 958 and 961 of 26 March 2019, the number of occasions on which inspectors from his Department identified torn flanks on carcases; when a flank is torn, if the carcase is graded manually in view of the impact this would have on the mechanical grading of conformation of the carcase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17838/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Torn flanks were identified by Beef Carcase Classification inspectors on less than 1% of carcasses inspected (0.82%).  

In the initial calibration of the mechanical classification system, torn carcasses formed part of the set of carcases used to calibrate the machine and, as a result, the mechanical classification system is capable of classifying a carcase with a torn flank with the same degree of accuracy as a carcase without a torn flank.

Animal Slaughtering Standards

Questions (450)

Denis Naughten

Question:

450. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 957, 959 and 962 of 26 March 2019, when his Department took the decision to no longer review or facilitate the appeal of a grade in view of previous commitments by his officials to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine; the reason his Department no longer facilitates such reviews of grades; if he will review this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17839/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1184 of 20 April 2017 governs the monitoring of carcase classification, carcase presentation and weighing.

The role of my Department is clearly defined in the legislation in terms of monitoring and supervision of classification, weights and carcase presentation.

This legislation does not provide for, nor did it ever provide for, any review mechanism by the competent authority in relation to the classification of carcasses by mechanical grading machines.  Prior to the introduction of mechanical grading in 2002/2003, it was possible to appeal manual grades. This facility remains under current legislation for manual grading but not for mechanical grading.

Electromagnetic Fields Studies

Questions (451)

Michael Harty

Question:

451. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has made an assessment of the health risks that may be associated with 5G wireless broadband radiation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17574/19]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Irish policy on the public health effects of non-ionising radiation is informed by a substantial volume of internationally-recognised scientific research and evidence. This includes the guidelines set down by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

These guidelines provide scientifically-based exposure limits that are applicable to both public and occupational exposure from electromagnetic fields (EMF), including 5G. ICNIRP guidelines apply up to a frequency of 300 gigahertz (GHz), well above the maximum frequencies being considered for 5G . ICNIRP guidelines are based on evidence gathered from all peer-reviewed scientific literature and not on the conclusions of any single scientific paper, event, or other source.

In 2015, the Irish Government commissioned a report by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment of the Netherlands (RIVM). This was published in 2016 and is entitled “Electromagnetic Fields in the Irish Context”. It examined and synthesised existing peer-reviewed research into clear findings, with particular focus on the potential health effects of electric and magnetic fields arising from high voltage power lines, and electromagnetic fields from base stations for mobile communication. This report reaffirms the overall conclusion of an earlier 2007 report, “Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields”, that there is insufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship between exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields and adverse health effects.

This Department continues to monitor scientific developments in this area.

Departmental Budgets

Questions (452)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

452. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the projects and initiatives that will be affected in 2019 from the €4 million adjustment in the 2019 Vote of his Department as a result of further Revised Estimates. [17209/19]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

My Department reprofiled €4 million, representing less than 1.5% of my Department's overall 2019 capital allocation, across the Subheads set out in the following Table, to support the additional costs arising this year on the National Children’s Hospital project. The timing of payments arising under these Subheads will be managed to ensure that service delivery is maintained and contractual commitments are met.

Subhead	REV 2019 Original Capital Allocation €000	FREV 2019 Revised Capital Allocation €000
A.3 - Information & Communications Technology Programme	62,690	62,190
A.5 - Information Society And eInclusion	3,000	2,500
D.4 - Mining Services	1,050	550
D.5 - GSI Services	11,770	10,770
F.4 - Carbon Fund	5,605	5,105
F.6 - Landfill Remediation	9,000	8,500
F.10 - Waste Management Initiatives	1,000	500

Better Energy Homes Scheme

Questions (453)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

453. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if an assessment of a property will be carried out for a person (details supplied) to allow access of heating upgrade works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17305/19]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures at no cost to low income households that are vulnerable to energy poverty. As Minister, I have no function in relation to individual grant applications under the Scheme.

In reference to the case raised by the Deputy, the SEAI has informed my officials that the applicant previously received works under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme in 2011. The rules of the Scheme stipulate that repeat upgrade visits are not provided. This rule is in place to ensure that the available Exchequer funding provides upgrades to as many eligible homes as possible. The SEAI also informed my officials that it attempted to contact the applicant directly by phone on a number of occasions to clarify the position but were unsuccessful. In addition, I understand that correspondence in relation to this matter was sent by the SEAI to the Deputy last month.

While not eligible for additional support under this Scheme, the applicant may wish to contact the relevant Local Authority and/or the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection to ascertain whether other supports may be available to them.

National Broadband Plan

Questions (454, 466)

Brendan Smith

Question:

454. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if consideration will be given to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17412/19]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

466. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the national broadband plan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17680/19]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 454 and 466 together.

The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. This is being achieved through a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.

The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. In 2012, less than 700,000, or 30% of premises had access to high speed broadband. Today, 74% of the 2.4 million Irish premises can access high speed broadband.

The tender for the National Broadband Plan State intervention network is technology neutral, in line with State Aid Guidelines, and does not mandate the delivery of service by any specific material or infrastructure. However, I understand the solution proposed is a mostly fibre to the home solution to meet the requirements for speed, capacity and future proofing set under the NBP.

The procurement process to appoint a bidder for the State intervention network is now at the final stage. I will bring a recommendation to Government in the coming weeks.

National Broadband Plan Implementation

Questions (455, 457, 458, 459)

Robert Troy

Question:

455. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if broadband service will be provided to a property (details supplied) under phase 1 of the national broadband plan. [17431/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

457. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a broadband supply will be provided to a property (details supplied) as part of phase 1 of the national broadband plan. [17453/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

458. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a broadband service will be provided to a property (details supplied) under phase 1 of the national broadband plan. [17454/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

459. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if broadband will be provided to a property (details supplied) as part of phase 1 of the national broadband plann. [17461/19]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 455 and 457 to 459, inclusive, together.

All of the premises referenced by the Deputy in these Questions are in the AMBER area of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map, which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP. This intervention is the subject of an ongoing procurement process.

The procurement process to appoint a bidder for the State intervention network is now at the final stage. I intend to bring a recommendation to Government in the coming weeks.

For those premises currently awaiting access to high speed broadband, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.

Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through Local Authority Broadband Officers is continuing. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements.

National Broadband Plan Implementation

Questions (456)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

456. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated time for connection in the roll-out of the national broadband plan in an area (details supplied); if this property was part of the additional 80,000 residential and businesses expansion recently announced by a company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17436/19]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I welcome recent announcements of further commercial investment in high speed broadband infrastructure by telecommunications operators. While my Department has received high level presentations from the operators with regard to their recent announcements, the operators have not published, or provided my Department with, detailed commercial or technical plans identifying the individual premises to be served.

The premises referenced by the Deputy is in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map, which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP. This intervention is the subject of an ongoing procurement process.

The procurement process to appoint a bidder for the State intervention network is now at the final stage. I will bring a recommendation to Government in the coming weeks.

For those premises currently awaiting access to high speed broadband, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.

Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through Local Authority Broadband Officers is continuing. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements.

Questions Nos. 457 to 459, inclusive, answered with Question No. 455.