Parliamentary questions

Fallen Animal Collection Scheme

Billy Kelleher

1127. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which the 125 km rule and the restriction on the removal of category 1 offal originated; the way in which the 125 km rule came through EU regulation; the way in which the distance of 125 km was chosen; the regulatory references to the implementation of the rule; and his plans to have the 125 km rule reviewed. [18389/19]

Brexit Preparations

Billy Kelleher

470. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to protect Irish fishing interests at EU level; the measures he will take to protect the fishing sector in the event of a no-deal Brexit; the position regarding discussions from the most recent EU Council meeting of fisheries ministers; the position regarding the current common fisheries policy; and if a review will take place in 2019. [16041/19]

Brexit Preparations

Billy Kelleher

471. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to protect Irish agrifood interests and farmers at EU level; the measures he will take to protect the sector and farmers in the event of a no-deal Brexit; the position regarding discussions from the most recent EU Council meeting of agriculture ministers; the position regarding the common agriculture policy post-2020; and the latest developments in relation to the European Commission proposals published in June 2018. [16042/19]

Horse Sport Ireland

Billy Kelleher

493. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied with the supports provided to an organisation (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the importance of the industry to rural Ireland; his views on whether more funding should be provided for dispersal to various persons and organisations that support and underpin this sector of the equine industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12107/19]

Skills Shortages

Billy Kelleher

5. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to cater for the shortage of skilled labour in the agricultural sector and the competitiveness issues arising if unaddressed. [51188/18]

Skills Shortages

Billy Kelleher

58. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to address the labour and skills shortages in the agricultural sector; and the way in which this deficit will be met in order to reach Foods Wise 2025 targets. [51187/18]

Proposed Legislation

Billy Kelleher

469. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the 2019 allocation for the future growth loan scheme in view of the fact that the explanatory memo to the European Investment Fund Agreement Bill 2018 indicates that the cost will be €62 million over a five-year period. [48902/18]

Meat Processing Plant Inspections

Billy Kelleher

149. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied with his Department's inspection system in meat factories; if the grading of cattle in the quality assurance scheme is independently validated; if the calibration of grading equipment is regularly inspected to ensure farmers are receiving the correct grades; if his Department has sufficient inspectors overseeing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47476/18]

Brexit Supports

Billy Kelleher

157. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 8 November 2018, the details of EU agricultural state aid rules and regulations in question; and the ceilings that apply for each regulation. [47649/18]

Brexit Supports

Billy Kelleher

194. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of meetings that have taken place to date since the formation of the working group comprising representatives from the Directorate General for Competition, his Department, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with state aid rules; the dates of all such meetings; the remaining meetings planned for 2018 and Q1 2019; the progression on new potential schemes that fall within state aid rules and their operational date; if he or Enterprise Ireland submitted or discussed proposals in the forum requesting that the state aid ceiling under EU Regulation No. 1407/2013 be temporarily adapted as a policy response to protect Irish companies and exporting businesses exposed to a no-deal hard Brexit and the UK becoming a third country; and when such proposals were formally submitted. [46370/18]

Regulatory Impact Assessments

Billy Kelleher

1991. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of proposals (details supplied) over the period 2011 to 2018 on an annual basis, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35134/18]

Living Wage Implementation

Billy Kelleher

594. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.90 for all employees directly employed and or in agencies funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32215/18]

Ministerial Advisers Data

Billy Kelleher

437. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of part-time and full-time media advisers employed in his Department; the Civil Service grade of each media adviser; and the cost over a full year of employing all such advisers. [31239/18]

Dairy Sector

Billy Kelleher

398. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to address labour shortages in the dairy sector; and the way in which this deficit will be met in order to reach Food Wise 2025 targets. [20101/18]

Bioenergy Strategy

Billy Kelleher

399. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has examined the study published by the EU Commission in March 2017, "Optimal Use of Biogas from Waste Stream. An Assessment of the Potential of Biogas from Digestion in the EU beyond 2020", which highlights that Ireland has the highest potential for biogas production per capita within the EU by 2030 and a potential of 13 TWh/annum forecast; and if he examined rolling out a scheme to increase biogas production from farm waste via co-operatives and the potential costs incurred. [20102/18]

Departmental Functions

Billy Kelleher

469. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the powers he has delegated to the Ministers of State in his Department; the date on which such delegation was made; if there were changes in powers delegated relative to the situation in place prior to 14 June 2017; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42772/17]

Crop Losses

Billy Kelleher

539. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline his plans to introduce a compensation scheme for costal grain growers following the problems with the 2016 harvest (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39455/16]

TAMS Applications

Billy Kelleher

494. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) was deemed to be a producer when issued with a pig number; if he will re-examine this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35837/16]

Forestry Grants

Billy Kelleher

205. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the review of the case of a person (details supplied) has been carried out; the outcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28827/16]

Crop Losses

Billy Kelleher

189. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to reconsider the decision to refuse compensation to a person (details supplied) for lost crops which has resulted in financial hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18623/16]

Afforestation Programme

Billy Kelleher

483. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will immediately review the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17022/16]

Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme

Billy Kelleher

187. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will process and issue payments under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme 2; if he is aware that the delay is causing financial hardship and difficulties for families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16164/16]

TAMS Applications

Billy Kelleher

188. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in processing grant applications under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme 2; the measures he is putting in place to resolve this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16165/16]

Transfer of Entitlements Application

Billy Kelleher

976. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will issue payment to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9363/16]

Basic Payment Scheme Payments

Billy Kelleher

201. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay with a payment to a person (details supplied) in County Cork under the single payment scheme; and when payment will issue. [5223/16]

Basic Payment Scheme Payments

Billy Kelleher

42. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in a person (details supplied) in County Cork receiving a grant under the area aid scheme; when the application will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4489/16]

Greyhound Industry

Billy Kelleher

389. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if public consultations have taken place with interested parties on the proposed muzzling of greyhounds at open coursing events; the reason for these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37173/15]

Departmental Reports

Billy Kelleher

326. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his Department's annual report for 2014 will be published. [30206/15]

Horticulture Sector

Billy Kelleher

107. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of investment his Department is making in horticulture; if his Department liaises with local authorities to foster a greater appreciation of horticulture, especially in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27932/15]

Freedom of Information Requests

Billy Kelleher

375. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the number of occasions since the start of 2014 in which the Secretary General of his Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under freedom of information legislation. [11792/15]

Organic Farming

Billy Kelleher

281. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce a new fodder growing system for organic farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9157/15]

Departmental Legal Costs

Billy Kelleher

288. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, use solicitors firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors each year, from 2011 to 2014, by his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department; the date until which his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, are contracted to use these solicitors firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9187/15]

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Billy Kelleher

92. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork had their single farm payment penalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47499/14]

Departmental Contracts

Billy Kelleher

251. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department, or any agency of his Department, has awarded any contracts to a company (details supplied) since 9 March 2011. [45339/14]

Programme for Government Implementation

Billy Kelleher

919. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update in tabular form of the commitments in the programme for Government that relate to his Department; and the progress that has been made in the implementation of each commitment. [14107/14]

Departmental Reports

Billy Kelleher

175. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide in tabular form the reports, reviews and studies commissioned by him or his Department or agencies under the aegis of his Department since 9 March 2011; the date on which they were commissioned; the date on which they were completed; the date on which they were published; the cost of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12424/14]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Applications

Billy Kelleher

176. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not received their payment under the disadvantaged areas scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7101/14]

Departmental Contracts Data

Billy Kelleher

496. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will name each company awarded a contract for the provision of professional services by his Department and agencies under his aegis since May 2011; the value and purpose of the contract; if a competitive tendering process was undertaken in line with public procurement best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6448/14]

Ministerial Advisers Remuneration

Billy Kelleher

209. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the names and amount by which each programme manager or special adviser in his Department has exceeded the relevant pay guidelines, as laid down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54744/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Applications

Billy Kelleher

185. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in the review of the disadvantaged area aid in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49892/13]

Forestry Grants

Billy Kelleher

59. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications on hand for planting grants and premiums to plant forestry; the number of these on hand for more than three months, six months, nine months, 12 months and 15 months; the reason for the delay in making decisions in these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39530/13]

Aquaculture Licences Applications

Billy Kelleher

60. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an application by Bord Iascaigh Mhara for a licence for a fish farm in Galway Bay; the progress made to date in evaluating this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39517/13]

Programme for Government Implementation

Billy Kelleher

975. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide, in tabular form, the commitments in the programme for Government within his remit; if the commitment has been met or is in the process of being met; the estimated time for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34673/13]

Consultancy Contracts Issues

Billy Kelleher

976. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will detail, in tabular form, the names of all external public relations, communications consultants and organisations used by organisations or agencies within the remit of his Department since 9 March 2011; the details of the services supplied by each; the expenditure on each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34689/13]

Aquaculture Licences Application Numbers

Billy Kelleher

19. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications on hand for aquaculture licences; the year they were lodged; the number it is hoped to approve this year; the plans he has to expedite this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29370/13]

Fallen Animal Statistics

Billy Kelleher

67. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of fallen animals recorded each month this year compared to the same month last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29346/13]

Public Relations Contracts Expenditure

Billy Kelleher

434. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations, communications consultants and organisations used by his Department since 9 March 2011; the details of the services supplied by each; the expenditure on each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28804/13]

Dairy Hygiene Scheme Eligibility

Billy Kelleher

805. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a provision, or if one can be made under the dairy hygiene grant to allow for emergency works for milk cooling systems to be done retrospectively for small works such as compressors and milk bulk tanks due to the nature of the process and the time constraints on farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27518/13]

Coillte Teoranta Harvesting Rights Sale

Billy Kelleher

232. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to the sale of the harvesting rights of Coillte, the impact, if any, that this will have on the people's millennium forests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23145/13]

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Billy Kelleher

29. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers that have not yet paid their single payment for 2012; the number paid; the percentage paid broken down on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21470/13]

Aquaculture Licences Applications

Billy Kelleher

53. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of money expended by his Department and Bord Iascaigh Mhara to date on the development of applications for aquaculture licences for a series of large finfish farms around the coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21490/13]

Forestry Premium

Billy Kelleher

481. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a forestry aid application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20262/13]

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Billy Kelleher

138. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers not yet paid their single payment for 2012; the number paid; the percentage paid broken down on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14651/13]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Billy Kelleher

616. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an agri-environment option scheme grant in respect of a person (details supplied); when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8265/13]

Common Agricultural Policy Reform

Billy Kelleher

120. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is still pursuing his proposals on internal convergence in relation to common agricultural policy reform; the support he has for these proposals in the Council of Ministers, the EU Commission and the EU Parliament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6982/13]

Horse Slaughtering Data

Billy Kelleher

137. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of horses slaughtered for the food chain in licensed meat plants in each of the last five years; the numbers of meat plants that have been licensed for the slaughter of horses in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6966/13]

Vacancies on State Boards

Billy Kelleher

172. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide in tabular form the number of organisations or agencies under the aegis of his Department that have vacancies on their board; the length of time any such vacancies have been unfilled; the number of vacancies that have been advertised; the number of applications to fill such vacancies that have been received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4852/13]

Ministerial Staff

Billy Kelleher

552. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of immediate or extended family members employed by his Department; the names and remuneration in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2892/13]

Food Safety Standards Regulation

Billy Kelleher

562. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will extend the traceability system in place for cattle, sheep and pigs to horses in view of the adulteration of beef burgers with horse meat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3040/13]

Dairy Sector

Billy Kelleher

31. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has discussed the Irish Farmers' Association/dairy industry proposals for a tax relieved loan scheme to help the development of the dairy industry here with the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55964/12]

Aquaculture Licences Applications

Billy Kelleher

38. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects to make a decision on the licence application by BIM for a fish farm licence in Galway Bay; the progress made to date with the consideration of this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55983/12]

Departmental Expenditure

Billy Kelleher

540. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide in tabular form the amount currently being spent on, or budgeted for by State agencies under his remit for spending, on the areas of communication, public relations, consultancy, advertising and human resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49645/12]

Harbours and Piers Expenditure

Billy Kelleher

100. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the spend to date in 2012 on marine works allocated funding by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48273/12]

Harbours and Piers Expenditure

Billy Kelleher

131. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation made in each of the past five years to local authorities for marine harbours and piers and coastal protection works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48272/12]

Departmental Staff Rehiring

Billy Kelleher

846. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the names of each staff member within his Department that has been rehired since March 2011 and the cost involved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47287/12]

Departmental Offices

Billy Kelleher

448. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine his plans to transfer staff from the District Veterinary Office at Darrara, Clonakilty, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42084/12]