Written Answers Nos. 865-885
865. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the status of the previous three-day diagnostic angiogram service at University Hospital Waterford which was being provided by the mobile cath lab now removed from the hospital; the extent of the present angiogram waiting list; the proposed resumption of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24187/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
866. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which waiting lists for cataract treatment are being reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24198/20]
View answerReducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for Government. In recent years, my Department has worked with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and made considerable improvements to access for patients waiting for high volume procedures including cataracts. At the end of July 2017, the number of people waiting for a cataract procedure was 10,024. At the end of August 2020, there were 5,110 patients waiting for a cataract procedure. Of these, 1,219 are waiting over 9 months which represents a reduction of 72% when compared to July 2017, when there were 4,371 waiting over 9 months.
A key development in improving access to Ophthalmology services was the opening of a stand-alone high-volume consultant-led cataract theatre by the University of Limerick Hospital Group in Nenagh Hospital in 2018, with the intention that it would facilitate patients from surrounding geographical areas to avail of their treatment there.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for COVID-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
NPHET has since revised its recommendation on the pausing of all non-urgent health services, with a recommendation that the delivery of acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision making. Application of the essential risk mitigating steps set out in the guidance developed under the auspices of the NPHET Expert Advisory group will have operational implications, which will impact on throughput.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24 June. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on its website on 22 July.
As the system continues to deliver COVID-19 and non-COVID 19 care side-by-side over a more prolonged period, my Department and the HSE will continue to work closely together to protect essential non-COVID 19 acute care and progress the provision of more routine non Covid-19 care.
The NTPF has recommenced arranging treatment for patients in both private and public hospitals, for clinically suitable patients who have been waiting for long periods on public hospital waiting lists. A number of high-volume procedures, including cataract surgery, are being commissioned as part of the NTPF procurement process.
867. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications made to the register of sellers and suppliers and the register of premises by county. [23379/20]
View answerTo date, 190 applications have been received for addition to the Registers of Sellers and Suppliers of Pet Animals and Premises connected with the sale and supply of pets.
A breakdown of the applications received by county is provided below. It should be noted that the registration requirement does not apply to persons or organisations to whom the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 applies, or a local authority or a facility run by or on behalf of a local authority.
|
COUNTY |
TOTAL |
COUNTY |
TOTAL |
|
CARLOW |
5 |
LONGFORD |
2 |
|
CAVAN |
6 |
LOUTH |
8 |
|
CLARE |
8 |
MAYO |
5 |
|
CORK |
29 |
MEATH |
7 |
|
DONEGAL |
5 |
MONAGHAN |
0 |
|
DUBLIN |
26 |
OFFALY |
6 |
|
GALWAY |
12 |
ROSCOMMON |
4 |
|
KERRY |
8 |
SLIGO |
2 |
|
KILDARE |
4 |
TIPPERARY |
9 |
|
KILKENNY |
3 |
WATERFORD |
6 |
|
LAOIS |
7 |
WESTMEATH |
6 |
|
LEITRIM |
0 |
WEXFORD |
8 |
|
LIMERICK |
9 |
WICKLOW |
5 |
868. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will take to ensure that there is not a conflict between the requirements contained in recent letters being sent to farmers regarding TB and their requirements pursuant to the beef genomics scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24344/20]
View answerThere are no requirements whatsoever resulting from the recent TB letters. The objective of TB Herd Test History Statements and Reports that issued recently to all cattle herd owners is to help them to reduce the risk of Bovine TB in their herds.
The Bovine TB Forum Interim Report identified the need to provide more effective information to farmers to help them reduce the risk of TB in their herd and advocated for the development of herd risk categories that are “simple, clear, and convey sufficient information to enable farmers to make the decisions appropriate to their situation”. Against this background, the Department developed individualised reports that provide a simplified TB herd risk category for farmers, with herd-specific advice on how to reduce risk of TB. It is advice which they can choose to take, as soon as is practical for them, if they wish to reduce the risk of their herd to TB. My Department bases its policy and advice on the science - there is a large body of independent robust scientific research on how TB infects cattle, which must continue to be the basis of disease policy and advice. It is by acknowledging the science of how TB spreads between cattle that will help us eradicate this disease.
The information provided in TB Herd History risk reports does not conflict with Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) whose objective is
- To lower the intensity of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by improving quality and efficiency on national beef herd.
- Improve the genetic merit of the national beef herd through collection of data and genotypes of selected animals which will allow for genomic selection in the beef herd.
Farmers may choose to exit the BDGP I at the end of 2020 and make their own decisions regarding their breeding stock.
My Department is aiming to improve both our National Bovine Herd TB Disease situation along with our greenhouse gas emissions and genetic merit.
869. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will take to address the backlog in applications for planting permits and felling licences in the forestry section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24345/20]
View answerI am acutely aware that current delays in issuing licences has led to difficulties for some in the sector. My Department is intensively engaging with all relevant stakeholders on these issues. The current licensing difficulties are as a result of the changes made to internal Appropriate Assessment Procedures (AAP). These were introduced in response to important Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions and their subsequent interpretation by the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) and others. These findings meant that in order to grant licences which fully meet environmental requirements, fundamental changes to the licensing system were unavoidable. All licence applications are subject to a statutory public notification system.
I accept the current changes to procedures are very significant and they have been challenging to implement such is the scope and breadth of them, which has unfortunately meant that there have been delays in issuing licences. It has taken substantial resources and effort to introduce a robust and workable system, which meets the legislative requirements, and I believe we now have that in place. A majority of my Department's licensing decisions are being confirmed at the Forestry Appeals Committee which gives confidence in these revised procedures.
My Department has a detailed project plan in place for dealing with the current backlog and new applications, which includes significant investment in extra resources required to deliver the plan. These resources are a combination of additional ecologists, forestry inspectors and administrative staff where required.
The project plan is a targeted, process-driven approach which prioritises files in a manner which will result in an increased number of licences being issued in the short-term and will deliver a return to expected timelines in the longer term. Applicants who have or are prepared to submit a Natura Impact Statement, where appropriate, will be prioritised.
A Project Management Board, with a dedicated Project Manager, is overseeing and monitoring delivery. There will be a continuous review of the process, in order to effect efficiencies. A communication plan to keep stakeholders fully and regularly informed of progress, with a dedicated central resource to deal with queries, is a key element of the project. While much of the success of the project plan lies with my Department, stakeholders also need to engage with it. This will require a commitment from forestry companies to submit only applications which have a realistic chance of being planted, to ensure all applications are of the required standard and quality, and to submit NISs in accordance with the guidance provided.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to review the forestry appeals process to ensure that it is aligned with other comparable appeals processes. That is why a draft amendment to the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001 is being introduced. The public consultation period for the draft Bill recently closed, with almost 9,000 submissions received. These submissions will inform the updated version of the Bill which will be presented to the Oireachtas. The introduction of these amendments will be accompanied by an on-line portal on which forestry licence applications and site details will be easily accessible to any interested party.
I am more than aware that the current situation is challenging, but it is a temporary disruption which, when resolved, will make for a better, more sustainable and fit-for-purpose forestry licensing system for many years to come.
870. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which €5 billion Brexit Reserve Fund will be distributed within the EU and within Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24367/20]
View answerI welcome the agreement reached in July on the Multiannual Financial Framework, which included a €5 billion Brexit Adjustment Reserve for those Member States and sectors most affected by Brexit. This is a new Reserve, and the particulars of how it will be distributed will be agreed after the Commission has presented its proposal for the Reserve by November 2020.
It is important to recognise the disproportionate impact Brexit will have on Ireland, and especially on the Irish agrifood sector. We exported more than €1 billion worth of beef, and more than €1 billion of dairy products, to the UK in 2019. Based on the tariff schedule currently published by the UK, the tariffs that would be imposed on that trade on 1 January 2021 if there is no FTA agreed between the EU and the UK, and the customs and regulatory costs that will apply, whether there is an FTA or not, will have a significant impact on that trade.
My Department has ensured that financial and budgetary measures have been put in place to help the agri-food and fisheries sectors to deal with the Brexit challenges they have faced to date. These measures were also aimed at enhancing competitiveness, and market and product diversification. The Government's Brexit Readiness Action Plan makes it clear that further measures to support businesses and affected sectors will be considered in the coming months.
The Brexit Adjustment Reserve will be an important additional support for those adjusting to the new reality of trading with the UK as a third country. Every effort will be made to ensure that the agrifood sector gets an allocation from this Reserve that is commensurate with the impact on the sector.
871. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the nature of complaints made to his Department which caused an investigation into a pig farm owned by a person (details supplied); if information in relation to the case will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23280/20]
View answerThe matter is currently under ongoing investigation and it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.
872. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an appeal by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23332/20]
View answerMy Department wrote to the person named on 3 March 2020 outlining the current position in relation to his 2019 BPS application and the options available to him in relation to this over claim, including the right to seek a review.
A letter was received from the person named in my Department on 2 September 2020 regarding the burnt land. A member of staff has contacted the person named directly with regard to further information that is now required. Once this is received, the person named 2019 BPS application will be further reviewed.
873. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position in relation to a TAMS payment for a person (details supplied); when it will issue to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23335/20]
View answerThere are no outstanding payments for the person named.
The person named made an application under the Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme of TAMS II for which they received payment on 08 February 2018.
They also made an application under the Dairy Equipment Scheme on 29 May 2020 and full approval to proceed on these items issued on 19 August 2020. I would expect that a claim for payment will be submitted and when that is received, it will be considered for payment.
A further application was received under the Animal Welfare and Nutrient Storage Scheme on 29 May 2020 which is under going appraisal during which deficiencies in the supporting documents provided were noted. A query letter issued to the applicant and a reply was received on 08 Sept 2020, the application is now under going final technical appraisal before approval can issue.
874. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which the online sales of dogs is regulated; if this will be reviewed in view of the recent increase in dog thefts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23445/20]
View answerIn 2019, my Department introduced the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations (SI 681 of 2019), with a view to further controlling the sale and supply of pet animals, in the interests of supporting the welfare of animals and bringing greater transparency to the sale and supply of pets. The Regulations require anyone selling or supplying more than six pet animals a year to register with my Department. Advertisements of pet animals are required to contain certain information about the animals. These Regulations, which were welcomed by animal welfare charities on their introduction, are part of the on-going work of my Department towards improved animal health and welfare.
Also in 2019, my Department issued a voluntary Code of Practice for use by sellers or suppliers of pet animals, which contains guidelines on animal welfare for a range of species, and is available on my Department’s website. The Code and information about the new Regulations were sent to pet shops, animal welfare charities that receive ex gratia payments from my Department and to the Department of Rural and Community Development in respect of Dog Breeding Establishments, which fall under that Department's remit. Information about the Code and new Regulations was also transmitted by press release from my Department, and through an ad placed in national newspapers at the time the Regulations were introduced.
These initiatives are aimed at improving the welfare of animals in the context of their sale and supply. They are in addition to general animal health and welfare legislative requirement, as well as in the case of dogs, controls under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, where applicable.
My Department takes an active role in the issue of the welfare of pets being sold and supplied at the European level, as a member of a group of a number of EU Member States and animal welfare charities established to consider issues relating to the pet trade. The Department participates in the Irish Pet Advertising Advisory Group (IPAAG), a group formed in 2015 by a number of animal welfare organisations, veterinary professionals and classified advertising websites to address irresponsible advertising of pets online. Officials of my Department have engaged with and will continue to engage constructively with members of IPAAG, on the issue of online advertising and enforcement of the new Regulations.
The Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015 set out requirements in relation to the microchipping of dogs, and registration of chips with dog identification databases. The Regulations may be enforced by any authorised officer under that Act. This includes officers of my Department, An Garda Siochána, dog wardens, members of the local authority veterinary service, Customs agents and officers of the ISPCA and DSPCA.
875. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will work with farmers to ensure that participants in the beef data genomics programme will not face penalties due to not having sufficient four or five-star animals in their herd; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23479/20]
View answerThe Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) forms part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. It provides funding of €300 million over the six year programme and addresses widely acknowledged weaknesses in the maternal genetics of the Irish suckler herd, makes a positive contribution to farmer profitability and reduces the greenhouse gas intensity of Ireland’s beef production.
BDGP provides for annual payments to participating farmers for completion of defined actions as set out in the Terms and Conditions of the scheme. For 2020, a key requirement in BDGP I is for participating farmers to ensure that at least 50% of their reference animals are heifers/eligible suckler cows that are rated at 4/5 stars on the replacement index. Under BDGP II, which started in 2017, the requirement for replacement heifers is 20% of their reference animals.
Since 2017, ICBF has been posting “BDGP Eligibility” reports to participating herds after each genetic evaluation run to give herd owners an up to date picture of where their herds stood in relation to programme targets. Targeted letters were included with these reports which explained exactly what participating herds had to do and explained options for herds that were not on course to meet certain targets. These reports and letters continue to be posted after each evaluation.
ICBF has also been specifically targeting 4/5 star females for genotyping so that herds will have as many genotyped 4/5 star females as possible on 31st Oct 2020. In addition, my Department introduced flexibility in allowing the results of later evaluations be considered while also allowing animals whose rating improved while in the herd to be considered.
Over 2,000 herd owners have been telephoned by ICBF staff in recent months to explain that they were not on course to meet the genotyped 4/5 star female target on 31st Oct and to offer advice to these herd owners on the best course of action. ICBF will continue to monitor herds up to 31st Oct and will contact any herds that fall into non-compliance.
ICBF, in conjunction with my Department and ICOS, has assisted marts to arrange special sales of genotyped 4/5 star females. Herds with surplus females were notified of these sales by letter and text message. Herds that need to purchase these animals were also notified. These sales will continue to run between now and 31st Oct. A new ‘Mart Tracker’ facility was also made available by ICBF which allows farmers to see the numbers of genotyped 4/5 star females being traded through marts every day.
Articles have been published in farming media since the outset of the programme in 2015 with the focus in more recent times on ensuring farmers meet the 31st October requirement. The requirement has been in the programme since its inception and each participant would have been made aware of it as part of the compulsory training module that accompanied the programme and that each participant was required to attend. Failure to meet the requirement this year in either BDGP I or BDGP II will result in penalties being applied to payments as provided for in the Terms and Conditions of both programmes.
876. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the compensation provided to farmers for blanket bog land under their control; his plans to provide additional supports to those with land designations relating to the EU Habitats Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23480/20]
View answerMy Department does not have a role in designation of lands under EU directives. This matter is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government as the NPWS comes under their remit.
877. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to increase the upper limit ceiling in the pig and poultry investment scheme under TAMS II; if so, the new upper limit ceiling being considered; when such changes will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23481/20]
View answerThe indicative allocation for the TAMS II scheme over the course of the Rural Development Programme is €395 million. To date, €238 million has been paid across all the available schemes and we estimate that we have committed an additional €120m to scheme participants which they have yet to draw down. The scheme budget is part of our overall €4 billion Rural Development Programme. This Programme is fully subscribed and Ireland is second amongst all EU member states in our drawdown of EU funding.
Any additional TAMS funding from within the RDP would require a reallocation from an existing scheme which itself is fully subscribed.
A request for a revision to the ceiling for the Pigs and Poultry Investment Scheme of TAMS II has been received. The request is for an amendment to increase the upper investment limit under the Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme. The request to increase this investment limit will be considered in light of the available budget.
878. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of cow and calf pairs per applicant on which payments were made under the BEEP scheme in 2019, by county, in tabular form. [23489/20]
View answerThe objective of the Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot scheme (BEEP) was to further increase economic and environmental efficiency in the suckler herd through better quality data on herd performance, supporting decision making on the farm.
The table below sets out the number participating farms and the number of cow/calf pairs weighed by county.
|
County |
No. of herds |
Cow/Calf pairs weighed |
|
CARLOW |
227 |
7,098 |
|
CAVAN |
808 |
16,924 |
|
CLARE |
1,310 |
29,479 |
|
CORK |
1,240 |
29,215 |
|
DONEGAL |
773 |
12,501 |
|
DUBLIN |
42 |
1,328 |
|
GALWAY |
1,801 |
38,505 |
|
KERRY |
790 |
15,458 |
|
KILDARE |
187 |
5,800 |
|
KILKENNY |
466 |
15,818 |
|
LAOIS |
443 |
14,462 |
|
LEITRIM |
550 |
8,102 |
|
LIMERICK |
508 |
12,586 |
|
LONGFORD |
495 |
11,023 |
|
LOUTH |
154 |
4,367 |
|
MAYO |
1,499 |
25,703 |
|
MEATH |
390 |
12,468 |
|
MONAGHAN |
543 |
10,657 |
|
OFFALY |
415 |
12,524 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
970 |
19,763 |
|
SLIGO |
702 |
11,923 |
|
TIPPERARY |
751 |
23,006 |
|
WATERFORD |
259 |
9,018 |
|
WESTMEATH |
536 |
15,199 |
|
WEXFORD |
400 |
13,950 |
|
WICKLOW |
270 |
8,218 |
879. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the CAP allocation made available to Ireland in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23531/20]
View answer880. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of the CAP allocation paid to farmers in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23532/20]
View answer881. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the items the balance of the CAP was spent on; the names, addresses and amounts paid to entities; the justification for the payments; the reason they received an allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23533/20]
View answer884. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if meat processors received a CAP allocation; if so, the name and amount paid to each; the justification for each payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23536/20]
View answer885. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount returned to the EU by his Department; the justification proffered by his Department for the refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23537/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 879, 880, 881, 884 and 885 together.
The CAP allocation made to Ireland comprises of the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) for the programming period 2014-2020 and the European Agriculture Rural Development Fund (EAFRD) for the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme.
European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF)
For the programme period 2014 – 2020, €8.5 billion was allocated to EAGF Direct Payments for Ireland. Regulation (EU) 1307 of 2013 sets out the annual Direct Payment ceilings for each Member State for the relevant financial years. The annual ceiling in 2019 for Direct Payments was €1.211 billion of which approximately €1.2 billion has been paid to farmers. Where the ceiling has not been fully utilised, these amounts remain available to the Member States to pay applicants who subsequently become eligible for payment. Such payments are currently ongoing across all scheme years. Additional to this, annual provisions are made for market measures as per market demands. In 2019, Ireland received an additional allocation for Temporary Exceptional Aid (BEAM Scheme) from the EAGF amounting to €50 million. To date, €49.8 million has been paid to farmers from this fund.
European Agriculture Rural Development Fund (EAFRD)
€2.19 billion was allocated to Ireland from the EAFRD for the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme. The funding is for the full period of the programme and under the "N+3" rule expenditure up to 2023 is eligible to be claimed against the 2014-2020 allocation. As of 31st December 2019, Ireland incurred expenditure that attracted EAFRD funding of €1.65 billion. Our execution rate is one of the highest in Europe – the most recent being in excess of 80% as opposed to an EU average of 60%. In 2019, EAFRD funds claimed in Ireland amounted to €338.6million vs an indicative allocation of €312.7 million. While the Rural Development Programme Financial Plan sets out an indicative allocation of approximately €313million for each of the 7 years 2014-2020, where expenditure in a year is less than the indicative allocation the amount available for subsequent years of the programme is increased accordingly. Thus, the extent of unspent EU funds can only be measured at the end of the programming period, rather than on an annual basis.
Publication of CAP Beneficiaries
In accordance with Regulation (EU) 1306 of 2013, the Department is obliged to ensure the annual ex-post publication of all of the beneficiaries of CAP funding, which shall remain available for two years from the date of the initial publication. In accordance with this Regulation my Department must, by 31st May each year, publish the following data:
- The name of the beneficiary (unless the amount of payment under CAP funds is less than €1,250, in which case the individual will be identified by a code)
- The municipality where the beneficiary is resident
- The amount of payment corresponding to each measure received by a beneficiary, and
- The nature and description of each measure.
Information regarding payments made under these measures may be accessed in the CAP Beneficiaries Database via the following link https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/agri-foodindustry/euinternationalpolicy/ commonagriculturalpolicycap/capbeneficiariesdatabase/.
882. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation for his Department; the amount claimed by his Department, that is staff payroll costs, staff subsistence costs and other costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23534/20]
View answerI understand the Deputy is requesting information on allocations and expenditure for 2019.
The table below shows the 2019 allocations and expenditures for Salaries, Overtime and Travel and Subsistence for my Department:
|
- |
2019 Allocation |
2019 Expenditure |
|
Salary |
€179,731,0002019 Allocation |
€177,311,201.842019 Expenditure |
|
Overtime Salary |
€3,347,000€179,731,000 |
€3,043,920.56€177,311,201.84 |
|
Travel & SubsistenceOvertime |
€8,000,000€3,347,000 |
€9,002,130.59€3,043,920.56 |
|
Travel & Subsistence |
€8,000,000 |
€9,002,130.59 |
My Department had a payroll saving of approximately €2.4 million mainly due to the delays in Brexit throughout 2019 allowing for slower Brexit-related recruitment and savings in shift allowance.
In 2019, my Department exceeded the travel and subsistence vote allocation by €1 million. This arose due to a number of factors:
- an increase in staff numbers,
- additional activities associated with my Department's supervised food production facilities including new facilities coming under my Department's responsibility, increased livestock slaughter numbers and expansion of the dairy herd,
- Increased animal health surveillance work i.e. TB eradication
- Increased farm inspection activity associated with BPS, Pillar II schemes and new schemes.
My Department’s travel expenditure is continuously monitored and activities that require regular travel are reviewed with a view to reducing travel costs. Since 2007, expenditure on travel has been reduced by 39% (from €14.7m). These considerable savings have been delivered by deploying technology, improving business processes and rationalising inspections. However, it must be borne in mind that much of the Department’s business takes place on farms and other premises, which are in remote locations.
883. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of the total penalties imposed by his Department on farmers in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23535/20]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
