Vol. 582 No. 4
10 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on calls from local authority vets that all such posts should be permanent appointments; his further views on whether these appointments should be made in toto for all vets who currently have temporary appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9157/04]
Local authorities have a statutory responsibility under a number of Acts to provide a variety of veterinary services requiring the employment of veterinary surgeons. Many of these services are now encompassed by service contracts between the local authorities individually and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI.
While the Local Government Act 1941 assigns to the Minister for Agriculture and Food certain functions concerning the appointment, conditions of service and remuneration of local authority veterinary inspectors, proposals on the creation and filling of whole-time permanent posts in respect of the local authority veterinary inspectorate service are, in the first instance, a matter for each local authority concerned. It falls to each local authority to make application for such appointments as it considers necessary and such applications are then processed by my Department.
Approval is on a case by case basis having regard to the merits of each case put forward by a local authority in respect of the creation or filling of a post within its own service. Such approval is also, inter alia, conditional on the requirement that the creation of the post is not breaking any restriction in regard to the overall staffing numbers within the local authority concerned and is within existing resources. Each year my Department receives and responds to a number of such applications and this will continue to be the case. In other words, my Department will continue to respond to the needs identified by local authorities on an individual basis.
11 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to ensure that border inspection posts are adequately resourced to ensure that foods from accession countries meet EU standards and that the level of traceability is the same as food produced in other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9170/04]
With effect from 1 May 2004, the ten accession countries comprising Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia will become member states of the European Community and, in accordance with the provisions of the treaty establishing the European Community and the Treaties of Accession, may, subject to meeting appropriate standards, trade with the other member states of the EU without the requirement for border controls for the purposes of animal and public health.
The standards with regard to trade are contained within Community legislation providing for health and safety controls on production and on intra-Community trade in animals, animal and plant products and foods. These controls apply in particular to the structure of and hygiene in establishments and the control and the health marking of the products.
It has been a key element of the enlargement negotiations in the agriculture sector that the candidate countries transpose the EU's veterinary legislation into their own national legislation and undertake its full and effective implementation from the date of accession. The objective has been to ensure that enlargement does not result in any dilution of the existing EU levels of public health, food safety, animal health, and animal welfare. Furthermore, candidate countries have been required to ensure that all their external borders satisfy the levels of controls required within the EU and to make sure that full and effective enforcement of the internal market control systems takes place from the day of accession. The Food and Veterinary Office, FVO, of the Commission monitors the implementation of these controls by the acceding states.
In order to facilitate the transition from the existing arrangements in the new member states to the EU control system and to take account of stocks of products and packaging on hand in those states at the date of accession, the Commission has taken a formal decision laying down transitional measures for the marketing of products originating in those states.
Practically speaking these ensure that with effect from 1 May 2004 products produced in accession states before the date of accession and which bear the national health mark may only be placed on the market within the state in question up to the end of 2004; and products that have been produced in the period before accession by an export approved establishment and which bear the EU approved health mark may, up to 30 August 2004 only, be traded within the EU provided the commercial document accompanying the products certifies they are products "Produced before 1 May 2004, in conformity with the Commission Decision".
12 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the additional resources he plans to provide to ensure that food borne businesses can ensure the full traceability of foods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9173/04]
The responsibility of my Department for the production of food covers controls at farm level up to and including the processing of certain products. The main products coming within the remit of my Department are those of animal origin including meat and milk. I am satisfied that the level of resources employed and the systems currently in place provide robust traceability for these products. Traceability and labelling are two separate issues. Traceability is the ability to track products from its production right through to purchase or consumption by the consumer, while labelling is a tool used to inform the consumer.
At the production stage, excellent systems exist to trace animals to the point of slaughter. Examples of these are the cattle movement monitoring system, CMMS, the national sheep identification system and the national pig identification and tracing system. Under the CMMS, there is a comprehensive identification and tracing system already in place comprising physical identification, accompanying documents and a central database which holds information on the origin, identity and life history of all bovine animals in Ireland. More than €62 million has been spent since 1997 in construction, development and enhancement of the bovine system. In 2004 in excess of €14 million will be spent to maintain, monitor and further develop the system and, in particular, to deliver a modern, flexible, fully networked computer system to support the Department's numerous and varied animal health and welfare activities.
The national sheep identification system, which came into effect in June 2001, provides full individual identification and traceability of sheep from farm of origin to slaughter. It is designed to be multi-functional, facilitating aspects such as flock management, consumer assurance and disease monitoring and control. The national pig identification and tracing system was launched in 2002. This identification programme involves tagging and slap marking of pigs together with movement documentation. It also entails the notification of all movement of pigs to a central database to provide full national traceability for all pigs.
The slaughtering plants in which these animals are processed are required to keep records of their origin and other pertinent details that can trace the animal back to the producer. The operators must be able to identify the animal during any point of the process. Records of the movement and destination of the product from plants must also be maintained.
Milk processors are required to maintain a register of the milk production holdings, which supply them with their milk. Production batches can be traced back to the suppliers who provided the milk for the particular batch.
My Department monitors the traceability controls operated by these food businesses.
While this process ensures the traceability of animal products, it is important that consumers can be assured of this through the labelling of products. In the first instance, this is done through the oval stamp, which identifies the premises in which the product was last processed.
In addition, the EU beef labelling regulations, which were introduced in 2000, require operators involved in the marketing of beef to label their product with: a reference code to enable the beef to be traced back to the animal or group of animals from which it was derived; the approval number of the slaughterhouse and the country in which it is located; the approval number of the de-boning hall and the country in which it is located; and an indication of the origin of the animal from which the beef was derived For the purpose of these regulations, marketing means all aspects of beef production and marketing up to and including retails sale.
These labelling requirements, which are compulsory in all member states, apply to the marketing of beef within the Community, regardless of whether that beef was produced within the Community or in a third country. Where beef is imported in to the Community from a third country and not all the above details are available, that beef must, at a minimum, be labelled as "Origin: non-EC" along with an indication of the third country in which slaughter took place.
However, these regulations do not currently apply to beef sold in the food service outlets. These regulations are currently being reviewed. In that context, I wrote to Commission Fischler asking him to consider including a provision for the labelling of origin of meat in such outlets. It is expected that a report on the review should be issued shortly.
The series of actions I have taken on food labelling have been guided by the report published in December 2002 of the food labelling group, which I established, and the subsequent consumer research on origin carried out, at my request, by the consumer liaison panel. In this context, I recently introduced two regulations for the labelling of poultry meat. The first of these regulations requires poultry meat, loose and pre-packaged, originating in a country outside the EU to bear an indication of the country of origin when offered for sale in a retail premises. The second requires information regarding class, price per unit weight, condition and slaughterhouse details in respect of loose poultry meat, that is, non-pre-packaged, to be provided to the consumer. Heretofore, while these labelling indications have been compulsory for pre-packaged poultry meat, it had not been a requirement to provide this information for poultry meat sold loose.
I have also arranged that each sector will be reviewed on a commodity by commodity basis to identify any deficiencies, from a consumer viewpoint, in the labelling regulations for those commodities. I intend to take further action over the coming period in all commodity areas as appropriate.
13 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action he intends to take to defend the rights of retired farmers to ensure that they are not unduly disadvantaged by virtue of having taken early retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9162/04]
My Department is involved in working groups and in continuing discussions with the European Commission on the detailed rules for implementing the mid-term review agreement. I have already raised a number of issues relating to farmers who have retired under the early retirement schemes, and the implications for them of decoupling and the single payment scheme.
Under the European Council regulation introducing the single payment scheme, a farmer may have access to the scheme if he or she was an active farmer during the reference years 2000, 2001 and 2002, and received payments under the livestock premia and/or arable aid schemes. In addition, farmers for whom entitlements will be established must activate those entitlements in 2005 by continuing to farm and submitting an area aid declaration in that year. In general, farmers must also have an eligible hectare of land for each payment entitlement.
Farmers participating in the early retirement scheme before the commencement of the reference period will not have any entitlements established for them under the single payment scheme. This is because they had already retired from farming; and their obligations under the early retirement scheme preclude them from returning to farming in the future. The persons who were leasing these retired farmer's lands, and were active farmers in the reference period, will have entitlements established for them. It should be noted that entitlements are attached to the farmer who was actively farming during the reference period, and not to the land. However, during the Council negotiations last year I secured agreement that farmers, including offspring of farmers who retired before the reference period, who take over the holding of the retired farmers at some date in the future will be able to apply to the national reserve for payment entitlements under the single payment scheme.
Farmers who entered the early retirement scheme during or after the reference period will have entitlements established for them, provided they were actively farming during the reference period and received payment under the relevant schemes. Since these farmers undertook to give up farming definitively when they joined the early retirement scheme, they will not be in a position to obtain payment under the single payment scheme in 2005 or thereafter. The European Council regulation provides for such entitlements to revert to the national reserve. However, the question of whether retired farmers in this category should be allowed to activate entitlements — not for their own use but with a view to leasing them out in 2005 and thereafter — is one of the items still under discussion in the context of the Commission detailed rules regulation. Agreement on the detailed rules is not expected until the end of this month or early in April and it would not be helpful to speculate on the final outcome.
14 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on whether farmers will receive sufficient support to cope with the changes in the agriculture industry introduced by European Commissioner Franz Fischler; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9160/04]
EU agricultural policy changes are decided by the Council of Agriculture Ministers. The most recent change of particular interest to Ireland was made in the mid-term review of Agenda 2000 which was decided by the Council in June 2003 and which provided for full decoupling of direct payments and a range of options for partial decoupling, at the discretion of member states. I decided to apply full decoupling in Ireland on the grounds that full decoupling is in the best interests of Irish farmers and the future development of the agricultural sector. The new regime will provide substantial direct payments to Irish farmers.
Significant measures exist to assist farmers in meeting environmental standards and waste control. Teagasc has a range of advisory programmes and, in particular, the post Fischler advisory programme, in place to assist producers under the new regime.
15 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will be discussing the broiler directive at any meeting of the EU Agriculture Council; and if he will be advocating the early implementation of this directive. [9203/04]
There are no proposals before this Council at present relating to this broiler sector. However, a number of meetings of an EU Commission working group on broiler welfare legislation have taken place since the beginning of last year with a view to formulating proposals. My Department has been represented at these meetings.
It is intended that the Commission in due course will formulate a document, which will be presented to the Council of Agriculture Ministers. Ireland's perspective will therefore be brought to bear at both official and political level as the matter progresses. I have been supportive of measures, which will improve welfare for animals.
16 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the initiatives his Department intends to take to ensure that employment opportunities for part-time farmers are supported and promoted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9164/04]
The need to develop viable full-time and part-time farming was one of the issues addressed in the agri-food 2010 plan of action. Subsequent actions taken by my Department were to ensure that part-time farmers had equal access to agricultural schemes on the same basis as full-time farmers and to encourage the development of off-farm employment opportunities. The availability of off-farm employment has improved significantly in recent years.
Schemes offered by my Department take full account of the wish of many farm families to supplement their incomes. For example, eligibility criteria for many grant schemes, such as farm waste management, dairy hygiene, commercial horticulture, organic sector and alternative enterprises, require applicants to have a minimum of 30 income units to meet a viability threshold and ensure that the investment is worthwhile. However, to facilitate part-time farmers only 20 of these income units need come from farming and the remaining ten can be from off-farm employment.
To qualify for installation aid and the early retirement scheme farmers are required to meet a minimum viability threshold of 50 income units but up to 30 of these can come from off-farm sources. The early retirement scheme also allows for participation by part-time farmers as transferors and transferees and the enlargement clause has been removed.
Part-time farmers are also eligible to receive the same direct payment as full-time farmers and have benefited from the increased payments under Agenda 2000. Similarly, other market support measures such as intervention and export refunds, which help maintain output prices, benefit both full and part-time farmers. In addition, part-time farmers will have the same ability to establish their entitlements to the single farm payment under the Luxembourg agreement as their full-time counterparts.
The rural viability service offered by Teagasc contributes to meeting the needs of part-time farmers and identifying methods of boosting their household incomes. Programmes such as Leader have also encouraged the development of off-farm local enterprises. The Government is committed to ensuring that small-scale producers have opportunities to supplement their incomes through off-farm work and that farm families have a choice in this matter. Obviously for part-time farmers, the availability of off-farm jobs in the economy is extremely important and is the key to their remaining in and contributing to the development of rural communities.
Since the Government came into office many additional job opportunities have been created that allow those farmers who wish to supplement their income through off-farm employment to do so. This, in effect, allows these farmers to benefit from the flexibility that is available in many of the schemes operated by my Department for full-time and part-time farmers and by the economic climate that has resulted from the policies of the Government, which has created substantial job opportunities for those wishing to avail of off-farm employment.
17 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the initiatives he and his Department will take to support farmers or part-time farmers to engage in small-scale specialist, high quality food production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9166/04]
The national development plan includes a number of food related measures. While geared towards food companies of all sizes, many of the initiatives assist developing small and micro-sized companies. Significant funding is provided for Bord Bia's company marketing schemes to improve the marketing capabilities of micro, small and medium sized food enterprises. Recipients include small producers engaged in the production of farmhouse cheeses and speciality foods.
Recently, I launched an industry-led group to provide a national framework for the strategic development of the traditional, artisan, and speciality food sector called the TASTE council. The council will focus on issues such as: consumer education; market entry, innovation and market share; and distribution.
A useful tool for small producers interested in setting up a farmers' market is Bord Bia's web based guide, pioneering routes to market. The guide identifies the benefits of these markets to producers, consumers and local economies, lists their locations, training days offers clear advice on what makes successful markets and outlines the benefits and expansion opportunities, in farmer markets.
The report of the organic development committee, published by Department of Agriculture and Food in April 2002, estimated that a target of 3% of land area in organic farming by 2006 was feasible for Ireland. A number of recommendations of the report have been implemented including the establishment of a national steering group to act as a driving force for the development of the organic sector. Progress was also made in the setting up of a demonstration farms and work on the possible development of a national label for organic produce.
Financial support for the sector is provided through a supplementary measure in the rural environment protection scheme. This measure was reviewed as part of the recent evaluation of REPS and changes to enhance the measure were included in the recent submission on REPS to the European Commission. There is also a scheme of grant aid for the development of the organic sector. A European action plan for organic food and farming is expected to be published in the first half of 2004.
These developments together with the decoupling of direct payments from production in January 2005, which will provide a greater market orientation, should provide new opportunities for producers both large and small to develop specialised food enterprises.
18 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the targets he and his Department have for organic food production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9167/04]
The organic development committee, in its 2002 report, estimated that a target of 3% of land area in organic farming by 2006 was feasible. The census of organic production, published last year, confirms that the land area under organic farming in Ireland is currently less than 1%.
The organic market development group, established on foot of a recommendation in the report, is to examine in detail the individual areas within the organic sector. Following this analysis, the group will review the preliminary 3% land target and also decide whether targets for the individual areas should be set. While I believe that organic farming offers real opportunities to some Irish farmers, particularly in view of the outcome of the mid-term review of the CAP, I believe that any targets set should reflect market realities.
19 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the research projects his Department funds to promote organic farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9168/04]
Teagasc, which operates under the aegis of, and is largely funded by my Department, provides integrated research, advisory and training services for the agriculture and food industry in Ireland. Teagasc has a number of organic research projects in progress. These include research into dairy, beef and sheep production systems, and tillage. The projects are located at the organic farm at Mellows centre in Galway, which, I am pleased to say, has become a dedicated organic research unit this year.
The partnership expert working group, established on foot of a recommendation in the report of the organic development committee, co-ordinates, facilitates and monitors the provision of training, education, advice and research in the organic sector. My Department recently approved a recommendation from this group to carry out a literature review of the organic poultry feed situation across Europe, along with a comprehensive examination of the situation in Ireland. I will await with interest the outcome of this study, as I am conscious of the problems that exist for organic poultry producers in relation to feed.
The group has also identified cereal research as a priority and seed trials will be carried out this year.
20 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to ensure the viability of the agriculture sector in the future; if the agricultural sector here is keeping pace with producers in other EU and non-EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9085/04]
As Minister for Agriculture and Food, it is one of my priorities to ensure that viability is maintained and improved for the farming sector as a whole. This is an ongoing process. In June 2003 the fourth Department statement of strategy was published. The statement of strategy describes the environment, both internal and external, within which my Department operates and identifies the challenges ahead. It states our mission for the years ahead and identifies the goals and strategies of my Department on a long-term basis. Among the major goals is the ongoing commitment to maintain farm viability.
Farm viability is critical to the maintenance of the maximum number of farm households in the rural economy. In line with this ongoing concern, my Department has successfully implemented a range of measures including substantial market supports and direct payments. In 2003 my Department spent €2.8 billion for this purpose with €1.6 billion of this going in direct payments to farmers. In addition, the general developments in the economy with greater availability of employment and increased levels of participation within the labour force has resulted in greater opportunities for those who wish to improve their incomes by combining an off-farm job with their farming activities.
The recent reform of the Common Agriculture Policy and the implementation of the Luxembourg agreement will have important consequences for farmers. These changes will make returns from the market and overall farm efficiency all the more important. This in turn emphasises the need on the part of farmers to avoid any inefficient practices and to maximise their productive potential to ensure that they produce what the market requires.
With an eye to the medium to long-term, I formed the agri-vision 2015 committee to examine the findings and recommendations of the previous agri-food 2010 committee. This is to reflect and act upon the changes that have occurred in the external environment in which Irish agriculture operates. Developments at WTO level are potentially significant and the enlargement of the EU eastwards to incorporate ten new member states will obviously have implications some of which will be challenging for the agri-food sector. However, perhaps the most notable of these changes have been the mid-term review of the CAP with the move toward the decoupling of payments. The central lesson to be learned from this change is the need to address all aspects of competitiveness and the increased emphasis to be placed on the market place.
This new committee is examining a range of options and likely scenarios for the agri-food sector and I expect that the issue of viability, for farmers of all sizes, will be given appropriate attention in its report.
One aspect that is vital in ensuring viability is the issue of competitiveness. As the changes referred to previously will inevitably mean a greater range of competitive pressures and a greater exposure to market forces in the agri-food sector, there is a consequent need to re-focus on competitiveness.
Given the degree of importance that I place on this issue my Department has sponsored considerable research into the issue of competitiveness so that we may better understand where Ireland stands vis-à-vis our competitors both inside and outside the EU.
There is an interesting conjunction in the findings of the three separate studies published to date. Broadly speaking, the Irish dairy and tillage sectors have retained their competitiveness when compared to other food exporting countries. While a reasonable level of competitiveness is indicated for all sectors — dairy, beef, sheep and cereals — which have been examined, there is no room for complacency particularly when compared with certain countries outside the EU.
I am sure these matters will be addressed by the 2015 committee and, in any event, I will tailor my Department's strategies and policies to see that viability is constantly addressed and remains a priority.
21 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which his Department has familiarised itself with and availed of alkaline hydrolysis in disposing of agriculturally derived waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9200/04]
In April 2002, the Government established an interdepartmental and interagency committee to consider viable options for the disposal of meat and bonemeal, MBM. The committee's report, which was presented to Government and published earlier this year, identified alkaline hydrolysis, coupled with anaerobic digestion, as possible disposal method for MBM and other animal by-products and recommended that the use of this technology be kept under review.
Although EU regulations envisage the use of animal by-products in the production of biogas, the use of alkaline hydrolysis technology has not yet been formally approved by the EU. It is expected that alkaline hydrolysis will be formally approved in the near future. Officials of my Department have met industry representatives interested in offering alkaline hydrolysis as an alternative method of disposal of animal waste in Ireland.
While my Department will advocate the use of EU approved disposal options for animal by-products, the decision to establish such facilities will ultimately be a commercial one for the industry.
22 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will make a statement on the decision by the British Government to allow the commercial growth of GM crops; and if he has consulted with the British Government regarding whether the decision will also apply to the Six Counties. [9072/04]
27 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of the British Government’s decision to proceed with limited commercial production of Chardon LL GM maize for commercial growing in the UK, he has sought assurances from the British Government that no commercial growing of GM crops will take place in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7788/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 27 together.
The recent announcement by the UK Government refers to the approval for the commercial cultivation of the GM herbicide-tolerant maize variety known as Chardon LL, subject to the variety being successful in the application for entry on to the UK national catalogue of approved varieties for marketing. This GM variety was first approved in 1998 for deliberate release within the EU under the then EU Directive 90/220 but Spain was the only member state which registered this GM variety on its national catalogue.
If this crop is grown in Northern Ireland, the issue is one of co-existence to ensure that it does not contaminate conventional or organic crops grown in this country. In formulating new EU legislation on GM crops and GM food, the Commission with agreement from the European Parliament and the Council decided that the issue of the coexistence of GM crops alongside non-GM crops should be addressed at member state level under a series of guidelines. As a result all member states, including Ireland and the UK, are currently in the process of drawing up strategies and best practices to ensure effective coexistence.
To establish the appropriate measures necessary for Irish farming practices and farming conditions an interdepartmental and interagency working group has been established within the Department of Agriculture and Food and has been given the task of: identifying and evaluating the issues and implications for crop production in Ireland that would arise from the cultivation of GM crops; and developing proposals for a national strategy and best practices to ensure the co-existence of GM crops with conventional and organic farming.
This working group, as part of its work programme, proposes to meet and discuss with relevant stakeholders the preparation of its recommendations on the strategies and best practices for coexistence. These discussions will include the Northern Ireland authorities with particular reference to their coexistence strategies.
23 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he and his Department have plans to promote the adding of value to liquid milk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9172/04]
It is generally accepted that the Irish dairy industry must continue to reduce its reliance on commodity products and develop a greater range of added value products. This will be an ongoing requirement if the industry is to offer the necessary returns to milk producers in the years ahead as they face an environment of reduced EU support prices and greater competitive pressures in the international market, notwithstanding the availability of direct payments.
The need for greater investment in research and development of added value products was a key recommendation of the recently published Prospectus report, which I commissioned along with Enterprise Ireland and the dairy industry, in order to identify the most appropriate strategies for the industry in the coming years. It is clear that while much has been done in this regard, there is considerable potential for increased value added in the dairy sector. The fact that we can freely trade in a soon to be enlarged EU of approximately 450 million consumers can only be of benefit to Ireland's dairy sector, given its extremely high export dependency. An essential element in exploiting this opportunity is the need to produce the type of products required by the market.
While the development of added value products is ultimately a matter for the industry, it is my policy and that of the Government to provide whatever encouragement is possible to bring this about. The availability of top class research facilities in both Teagasc and in the universities provides the type of infrastructure necessary to facilitate this development. This is underpinned by a grant aid programme, known as the food institutional research measure, operated by my Department. At company level, Enterprise Ireland also operates a programme of grant aid for suitable projects in the areas of R& D and value added initiatives.
At producer level, there is potential to increase the protein content of milk and, thus, increase the value of it to both the producer and the industry generally. Unlike fat content, there is no limit on protein content under EU quota rules and so any increase beyond Irelands relatively low level compared to EU average can only be of benefit.
24 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the mid-term review for farmers who participated in the early retirement scheme; his further views on the consequences of the review for the farmers who took early retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9156/04]
My Department is involved in working groups and in continuing discussions with the European Commission on the detailed rules for implementing the mid-term review agreement. I have already raised a number of issues relating to farmers who have retired under the early retirement schemes, and the implications for them of decoupling and the single payment scheme.
Under the European Council regulation introducing the single payment scheme, a farmer may have access to the scheme if he or she was an active farmer during the reference years 2000, 2001 and 2002 and received payments under the livestock premia and/or arable aid schemes. In addition, farmers for whom entitlements will be established must activate those entitlements in 2005 by continuing to farm and submitting an area aid declaration in that year. In general, farmers must also have an eligible hectare of land for each payment entitlement.
Farmers participating in the early retirement scheme before the commencement of the reference period will not have any entitlements established for them under the single payment scheme. This is because they had already retired from farming and their obligations under the early retirement scheme preclude them from returning to farming in the future. The persons who were leasing these retired farmers' lands and were active farmers in the reference period will have entitlements established for them. It should be noted that entitlements are attached to the farmer who was actively farming during the reference period and not to the land. I should point out, however, that during the Council negotiations last year I secured agreement that farmers — including offspring of farmers who retired before the reference period — who take over the holding of the retired farmers at some date in the future will be able to apply to the national reserve for payment entitlements under the single payment scheme.
Farmers who entered the early retirement scheme during or after the reference period will have entitlements established for them, provided they were actively farming during the reference period and received payment under the relevant schemes. Due to the fact that these farmers undertook to give up farming definitively when they joined the early retirement scheme, they will not be in a position to obtain payment under the single payment scheme in 2005 or thereafter. The European Council regulation provides for such entitlements to revert to the national reserve. However, the question of whether retired farmers in this category should be allowed to activate entitlements — not for their own use but with a view to leasing them out in 2005 and thereafter — is one of the items still under discussion in the context of the Commission detailed rules regulation. Agreement on the detailed rules is not expected until the end of this month or early in April and it would not be helpful to speculate on the final outcome.
25 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans he and his Department have to promote the sale of beef as a specialist product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9163/04]
I have availed of every opportunity to promote sales of Irish beef in the context of supporting promotional events organised by Bord Bia, by assisting the industry to establish new markets and by consolidating our presence in existing markets. I am also engaged in ongoing efforts to reopen traditional markets for Irish beef and secure access to third country markets.
Bord Bia implements a wide range of specialist marketing and promotion activities to enhance Ireland's reputation as a quality beef producer. Activities are focused on building consumer awareness of Irish beef at retail and food service level. In 2004, Bord Bia will undertake an intensive marketing campaign to attract new retail customers in France, Italy and Scandinavia. A marketing innovation programme will be established to assist the industry in moving up the value added chain. Bord Bia plans to establish a series of chef's Irish beef clubs in the United Kingdom, Italy and the Netherlands to enhance the brand image of Irish beef. A European meat forum is planned for Dublin in May 2004 to demonstrate the capability of the Irish meat industry, including the beef sector.
Irish beef exports reached record levels in 2003 as the industry exported 500,000 tonnes of beef valued at €1.28 billion. Exports to EU markets increased by 30% to 150,000 tonnes, as the industry took advantage of the resurgence in consumption in continental EU markets.
26 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of recent events, he intends to take action to ensure that the live export of animals is protected and that the welfare of animals in transit is not compromised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9158/04]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the recent lifting of a High Court injunction in relation to the carriage of livestock from Ireland by a particular ferry company. My Department has been in touch with the company concerned at senior level and has emphasised the importance to Irish farmers of the livestock trade. The company in question has pointed out that although the injunction has been lifted the substantive case for damages remains outstanding. It is not clear how long this will take to be resolved. Until such time as it has been resolved, I do not anticipate any change in practice by the company in respect of the carriage of livestock from Ireland. I will continue to monitor the situation closely.
I have stated on numerous occasions that I regard the live export trade as of vital strategic importance to the agriculture sector in Ireland and to the Irish economy. Regarding the proposal for a Council regulation on the protection of animals during transport, which in its initial form contained elements of concern to Ireland and many other member states, I assure the House that my determination to protect the live trade has been conveyed to all involved in the negotiations at EU level. The Irish Presidency has worked assiduously towards reconciling the positions of the various member states around a compromise proposal and I believe we have made good progress in that regard. While more work must be done, I am reasonably optimistic that a compromise can be reached which will command the support of the Agriculture Council and which will permit the live export trade to continue in a manner which ensures that animals are transported under the highest possible standards of animal welfare.
28 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there will be no change to the status of land classification in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9212/04]
Following the most recent revision in 1999 of the list of more severely handicapped areas in County Monaghan, some 85% of the land in the county is now classified as more severely handicapped. On the basis of the data used in the revisions which took place in the 1990s, the remaining 15% of County Monaghan could not be reclassified as more severely handicapped.
There is a commitment in Sustaining Progress to examine, in conjunction with the European Commission, the question of designating the remaining parts of County Monaghan as severely handicapped. My Department has raised this matter at a number of meetings with the Commission and on each occasion the Commission services strongly made the point that a review request for reclassification of any area could lead to a demand for justification of the current designation and classification of all Ireland's existing disadvantaged areas. On the most recent occasion when my Department's officials endeavoured to progress this matter — at a meeting with the Commission on 9 December last — they were advised again by the Commission to be well aware of the risk associated with an examination of any formal request for reclassification. In light of the Commission's attitude, which has its basis in negative comments by the Court of Auditors, my Department is examining at present how best it can progress this matter further.
29 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the degree to which hotels and restaurants currently use Irish beef, lamb, pork and poultry; if it represents an increase or decrease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9084/04]
It is primarily a commercial matter for the food service sector whether it chooses to use Irish beef, lamb, pork and poultry. Once meat is in free circulation on the EU market, operators have the right to offer it to their customers. However, consumers, whether at retail or the food service-catering stage, should have access to full information regarding the food they eat, particularly where origin is concerned.
With regard to beef, existing EU beef labelling regulations introduced in 2000 are applicable to sale at retail and wholesale level but do not apply to beef sold in the catering and food service sectors. In the context of an EU Commission report on the implementation of the beef labelling regulations due to be presented soon to the Agriculture Council, I have raised with the Commission the question of extending these regulations to the food service sector.
With regard to poultry meat, I recently implemented new legislation to require country of origin information to be provided at the point of retail sale. The possibilities of extending this requirement to sale at food service and catering establishments and to other meats is currently being examined.
Bord Bia introduced a Féile Bia scheme in June 2001 in response to growing consumer concerns about the quality and origin of ingredients used in the food service sector. Membership of Féile Bia is on a voluntary basis and over 1,290 hotels, restaurants, pubs and catering outlets nationwide have joined to date. Members are required to check and record the origin of the meat they are serving and are asked to label the origin of the meat on their menus.
It should be pointed out that figures available for total retail sales of meat in Ireland in 2003 showed an increase of 5% over the previous year. Beef sales were up by 10%, lamb by 6%, poultry by 7% while pigmeat sales remained at a similar level to the previous year.
30 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the actions being taken to ensure the promotion of healthy eating options in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9174/04]
While my Department's primary responsibility is to ensure that only food which meets the highest standards of food safety and quality enters the food chain, I also recognise the importance of a balanced diet in a healthy lifestyle. A good balance of diet and physical exercise is essential for well being and good health.
The food promotion agencies under the aegis of my Department, Bord Bia and Bord Glas, have comprehensive programmes in place to promote the virtues of good nutrition and healthy eating habits. Bord Bia has devised a range of initiatives including quality assurance schemes for the pigmeat, egg and poultry sectors, the expansion of the Féile Bia programme to encourage consumption of quality assured food and the establishment of the taste council to promote speciality food.
Bord Glas promotes the consumption of fruit and vegetables as a central part of a healthy diet. In 2003, Bord Glas and the health promotion unit of the Department of Health and Children launched a public awareness campaign "Vegetables — Because Fast Food Comes Naturally" to highlight the health benefits of vegetables. Consumers were encouraged to eat four or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day as part of a healthy lifestyle.
My Department is also co-funding with the European Commission and the trade, programmes to provide information about, and to promote food products on the internal market. These programmes aim to boost the image of Union food products, in particular as regards the quality, nutritional value, food safety and methods of production. To date, Ireland has funded programmes in the milk and mushroom sectors.
31 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans he has to encourage supermarkets and other food retailers to establish national targets for the use of local produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9171/04]
The rules governing the Single Market preclude national authorities from compelling retailers giving preference to domestic product, a rule that has operated in our favour as a food exporting nation. Some 80% of Irish food production is exported. The key to market access is producing what the market demands in terms of quality, convenience, price and product specification within the overriding need to remain competitive.
A key strategy for me is to ensure that agriculture and the food industry contribute to the maximum extent possible to the continued economic and social development of this country and to the maintenance of the physical environment. Central to this is improving competitiveness and innovative capability which will enable the sector to compete successfully in an increasingly competitive and fast moving environment. Under the national development plan significant funding has and is being made available for capital investment, research, technology and innovation, marketing and promotion and human resources.
I am confident that the strategies we have put in place will enable the industry to secure that vital shelf space on the domestic market. I will continue to encourage retailers to source product on the domestic market by taking every opportunity to extol the quality and safety of Irish product.
32 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress regarding his plans to decentralise the offices of his Department to Macroom from Cork city; when he expects this decentralisation to be complete; the number of personnel and appointments involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9068/04]
The Government decision on decentralisation as announced in the Budget Statement in December 2003 provided for the relocation of 70 staff from Cork city to Macroom. The decentralisation implementation committee established by the Government is examining all aspects of the implementation programme for decentralisation. The transfer of staff to Macroom is being considered as part of this process.
33 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress being made to reach targets set for forestry planting here; and the extent to which Ireland continues to rely on timber imports. [9199/04]
Current Government policy on forestry in Ireland is informed by Growing for the Future — A Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry Sector in Ireland. I recently announced a review of this strategy which will examine, inter alia, planting targets as well as national and international timber market developments. This review will be completed by September this year.
With regard to planting in the current year, applications for planting approval have been received for over 17,000 hectares in the current planting season. These applications are at various stages of processing. I am confident that planting levels of at least 10,000 hectares can be achieved in 2004 and that forestry will continue to be an attractive option under the reformed CAP.
In 2002 the Irish sawnwood market amounted to 1.4 million cu. m. Irish grown timber accounted for 602,000 cu. m., or 43% of the market. Irish processors are particularly strong in the pallet wood and fencing markets where they supply 75% of the market. A total of 34% of the needs of the construction market are served by Irish timber.
34 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action he intends to take following the consumer liaison panel of his Department reporting that 90% of respondents in a recent survey stated a specific preference for country of origin labelling on meat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9169/04]
The results of the research carried out at my request by the consumer liaison panel confirmed that consumers want information on the origin of the meat they consume, either in the home or when dining out. I am determined, in so far as it is within the powers available to me, to meet the wishes of consumers, as identified in the research.
In response to the results of the survey, I recently introduced two regulations in respect of the labelling of poultry meat. The first of these requires poultry meat — loose and pre-packaged — originating in a country outside the EU to bear an indication of the country of origin when offered for sale in a retail premises. The second requires information regarding class, price per unit weight, condition and slaughterhouse details in respect of loose poultry meat that is, non pre-packaged, to be provided to the consumer. Heretofore, while these labelling indications have been compulsory for pre-packaged poultry meat, it had not been a requirement to provide this information for poultry meat sold loose.
In addition to the above mentioned action, I have arranged that each sector will be reviewed on a commodity by commodity basis to identify any deficiencies, from a consumer viewpoint, in the labelling regulations for those commodities. I intend to take further action over the coming period in all commodity areas as appropriate.
In the beef sector, EU beef labelling regulations on origin do not currently apply to beef sold in the food service outlets. These regulations are currently being reviewed in Brussels. In the context of that review, I wrote to Commissioner Fischler asking him to consider including a provision for the labelling of origin of meat in such outlets. It is expected that a report on the review should be issued shortly.
35 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the estimate of the amount by which Ireland will overproduce milk for 2003-04; the likely cost of the resultant super levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9196/04]
The milk quota-super levy year runs from 1 April to 31 March. It is, therefore, too early to say whether the quota will be exceeded or to indicate the level of any possible excess.
However, at the end of February, the estimated position based on returns from co-operatives and dairies was that Ireland was approximately 1% over profile for the April-February period. At that stage and, indeed, over the previous months, I had advised producers to keep a close eye on their quota position and to keep in close contact with their co-operative or dairy in relation to the overall position. The situation at the end of March, therefore, will depend on the ability of producers to manage their quotas over the final few weeks of quota year.
If at the end of quota year, Ireland's milk production was 1% over quota, as it was at the end of February, the super levy to be paid by producers would be just over €19 million.
36 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the mechanisms in place to carry out seed trials on malting barley; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9069/04]
The malting barley industry, with the co-operation of the Department, is providing a service for malting barley producers in identifying new and better malting barley varieties.
The Department, from its ongoing nationwide trials on spring feeding barley, recommended list, national list and REPS trials, carried out by the Department's crop variety testing division, provides yield and agronomic data to the malting barley industry on varieties requested by them.
The samples of grain from varieties identified by the malting industry as having malting potential are taken in by the Department at its Moorepark facility and treated to produce agronomic data, that is, dried down to 12% moisture, dormancy is broken, and samples are monitored to achieve a minimum 96% germination figure. The dried samples are then sent to the malsters for micro-malting analysis. Using the agronomic and micro-malt data, the malting barley industry then decides what varieties are suitable for recommendation to the malting barley growers for production under Irish conditions.
37 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he is considering whether money paid for quota rights bought in 2002 can be converted into entitlements for the active farmer. [9195/04]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the purchase of suckler cow quota in 2002. I appreciate that farmers paid a high price for suckler cow quota in 2002 as there was a huge demand for it at the time. However, such farmers who purchased suckler cow quota in 2002 benefit from the suckler cow premium scheme at a rate of €224.15 per animal for the three years 2002, 2003 and 2004 plus top-ups on heifers under the national envelope and payment under the extensification premium on the suckler cows, if eligible. Furthermore the value of their single payment entitlements will be higher as a result of the purchase of quota in 2002 than if they had not increased their quotas. The detailed implementing provisions for the single payment scheme are still under negotiation with the European Commission.
Until such time as these detailed rules are agreed, which is expected at the end of this month or early in April 2004, it will not be possible to say what will be the final arrangements.
38 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in implementing the mechanical grading system for the meat factories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9213/04]
39 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself with the progress being made in relation to the introduction of mechanical grading in meat factories; if he has further satisfied himself with the level of grant aid application received by his Department for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9161/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 39 together.
I have already indicated my commitment to the early introduction of mechanical carcase grading in beef factories and regard it as an important step for the beef industry towards securing its future as a high quality supplier of beef to EU consumer markets. It is a policy that is favoured by the farm organisations and the beef processing industry and is included in Sustaining Progress. I was in a position earlier this year to officially approve three machines for commercial use in Ireland following the conclusion of formal trials conducted under the terms of EU Regulation 1215/2003.
In an effort to drive the implementation phase forward I announced a scheme of grant assistance towards the purchase and installation costs of the equipment. This included a grant rate of 40% of approved eligible expenditure, subject to a maximum of €170,000. This equated to a grant of up to €68,000 per machine installed.
The lack of take-up of the grant scheme is disappointing given the opportunity it presented to the industry to incorporate this modern method of classification of beef carcasses into their processing lines. This technology will be in widespread use in other EU countries later this year and would clearly enhance the producer processor supply chain and provide wider benefits to the industry in future years.
I remain confident that grading machines will be in operation in a large number of factories in the coming months.
40 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he intends to review the powers of the SIU of his Department; his views on whether it is appropriate that in the event of a dispute, his Department should investigate itself; his further views on whether it is appropriate that an external agency should be responsible for the resolution of disputes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9155/04]
The remit of the SIU is to assist different areas of my Department in the implementation of various schemes and in particular to investigate breaches of legislation governing animal disease control; identification and smuggling; animal medication; the production, processing, handling, trading or otherwise handling of animals, carcases or meat intended for human consumption or the manufacture or trading of feeding stuffs.
Staff of the SIU are departmental officers who operate fully in accordance with the provisions contained in a range of national and EU legislation. Their activities have formed the basis for almost all of the successful court prosecutions which in itself is clear evidence of the legalities of the actions taken and the integrity of the procedures applied. The investigative procedures comply with the standard requirements in regard to the taking and presentation of evidence and the rights of the person or persons being investigated. They follow the usual type of criminal investigation carried out by the Garda. On occasion, investigations by the unit involve the use of search warrants, with all the rules of evidence being complied with. Interviews are carried out under caution and statements are prepared for use in court by counsel on behalf of the Department.
A formal code of practice relating to the SIU's operations which codified existing guidelines has recently been finalised. While this provides that in the first instance, complaints will be dealt with through line management and if necessary subsequently through the quality service unit, complainants also have recourse to third party bodies such as the Ombudsman's office and, if necessary, the courts.
The reality is that the majority of farmers and others in the agri-food sector comply with the law and therefore have no reason to be concerned with the activities of the SIU. Indeed the operation of the SIU is protecting the interests of farmers generally and the reputation of the Irish food industry from the malpractices of the few. In the circumstances, I have no proposals to amend the powers exercised by officers of the SIU.
41 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the suggestion by Veterinary Ireland that there should be recommended retail prices for farm drugs; and his further views on whether this is price-fixing. [9197/04]
I have no function in the pricing of veterinary medicines. Within the context of the control regime which exists to ensure both legal and appropriate use of such medicines, I would, however, be anxious to see healthy price competition within the veterinary medicines market.
My Department is currently considering responses it has received from various stakeholders arising from my recent announcement of a range of proposed changes in the national regime governing the approval and distribution of veterinary medicines. That announcement followed a lengthy review by my Department of the current control regime, which included consultation with stakeholders, to take account of developments since that regime was put in place almost a decade ago and prospective developments, including at EU level.
While the question of formal price control as such would be a matter for my colleague, the Tanáiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, it is important that I place on record that, in so far as the changes proposed by my Department are concerned, it is not intended to reduce in any way the protection afforded by the regime to consumers of Irish food or to the health and welfare of animals. Rather, the overall objective of the proposed changes is to put in place a regime which, by addressing a number of difficulties which were identified arising in particular from inflexibilities in the existing regime, not least in regard to prescribing by veterinarians, would be more workable and through improved record-keeping, would be more amenable to supervision by my Department. It is my belief that certain of the changes I am proposing will promote price competition in the market while retaining the necessary safeguards.
Given the extensive nature of the consultation which has already taken place with stakeholders during the review, it is my intention that having considered and responded as appropriate to the most recent round of views expressed, to convene the animal remedies consultative committee as soon a possible with a view to finalising the changes to be made to the legislation.
42 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will review at any stage the redundancy package for the workers at Comerama, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, with a view to increasing the level of redundancy paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9351/04]
The new redundancy rates were agreed with the social partners, the unions, employers and relevant Departments during the talks on Sustaining Progress and given legislative effect by the Oireachtas with effect from 25 May 2003 when the required commencement order was signed by the Tánaiste.
I regret that the Comerama and other workers did not benefit from the increased redundancy payments as due to legal advice received retrospection is not possible. As a result I will not be reviewing the redundancy package for the workers at Comerama.
43 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to replace jobs at Comerama, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, in view of the serious impact that these job losses have had on the local economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9352/04]
The factory in question is currently for sale. A number of businesses viewed the property and expressed an interest in it. The closing date for tenders for the purchase of the premises was 19 March 2004, and it is expected that the outcome of the tendering process will be announced on 24 March 2004.
The development agencies are members of the Castlecomer area advisory forum which has undertaken the challenge of identifying and promoting quality employment opportunities for the town. Support has also been provided for the recruitment of an enterprise development executive. There has been significant progress to date with a wide range of projects initiated and in the pipeline. These cover a broad spectrum including local tourism based projects and the extension of the local enterprise centre.
In addition, a project has emerged in recent days which involves a two year contract to refurbish the electricity network in County Kilkenny and County Laois. I understand that this project will be based in Castlecomer.
44 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel enlisted in the FCA and Slua Muirí by month and brigade since 1 October 2003; the number of persons who have presented for enlistment in the FCA and Slua Muirí and been examined for hearing in the Military Hospital, Dublin, since 1 November 2003 by month; the number of persons who have presented for enlistment in the FCA and Slua Muirí who can be examined in that hospital each month in respect of hearing to July 2004; if his attention has been drawn to the considerable disquiet that has been expressed at the lack of processing ability at that institution in respect of hearing tests, not only for those who have presented for enlistment, but for those who currently await their periodic examination as serving members in the FCA and Slua Muirí in the eastern brigade, and the consequent reduction in enlistment to those Forces in 2004; the proposals to meet the problems that exist in respect of hearing examinations; and if he will make a statement on the implementation of proposals to address the evident difficulties that exist at the military hospital. [9386/04]
The material sought by the Deputy is not readily available. The details sought are being compiled by the military authorities and the related issues raised are being examined. I will be in touch with the Deputy on these matters as soon as possible.
45 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the number of PDF officers assigned as at 31 January 2004 to the FCA and Slua Muirí, distinguished by brigade and rank, indicating those who are serving exclusively with the FCA and Slua Muirí and those who are in addition or have other full-time assignments; the allowances over and above salary paid to PDF officers assigned to such duties in the year 2003, including mileage and subsistence; and the nature and quantum of allowances payable to such officers currently. [9387/04]
Permanent Defence Force officers assigned to the FCA and Slua Muirí by brigade and rank as on 31 January 2004 are as shown in the following tabular statement:
|
Reserve Defence Force |
Lt. Col. |
Comdt. |
Capt. |
Total |
|
2 Eastern Brigade |
||||
|
Posted |
1 |
8 |
5 |
14 |
|
In addition |
5 |
3 |
8 |
|
|
1 Southern Brigade |
||||
|
Posted |
1 |
12 |
11 |
24 |
|
In addition |
2 |
9 |
11 |
|
|
4 Western Brigade |
||||
|
Posted |
1 |
14 |
8 |
23 |
|
In addition |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
|
Defence Forces Training Centre |
||||
|
Posted |
1 |
5 |
1 |
7 |
|
In addition |
3 |
3 |
||
|
Slua Muirí |
||||
|
Posted |
2 |
1 |
3 |
Total Officers Posted 71.
Total Officers in Addition 31.
In 2003 the allowances, rates and total amounts, paid over and above salary to Permanent Defence Force personnel employed with the FCA and Slua Muirí are as follows:
|
Rate per Mile |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Engine Capacity |
|||
|
Miles in a year |
Up to 1200cc |
1201-1500cc |
Over 1500cc |
|
Up to 4000 |
27.59cent |
30.28cent |
45.94cent |
|
4001 and upwards |
35.68cent |
40.00cent |
43.92cent |
|
Rate |
Bands |
Current Annual Rates |
|
€ |
||
|
Rate 1 |
0-1200cc |
1,815.73 |
|
Rate 2 |
1201-1500cc |
2,148.39 |
|
Rate 3 |
1501-9999cc |
2,236.01 |
|
Officers |
Rates (depending on appointment) |
|
€ |
|
|
15.84 daily |
|
|
12.27 daily |
|
|
5.92 daily |
|
NCO’s/Privates |
Rates |
|
€ |
|
|
Urban Rate (weekly) |
33.44 |
|
Rural Rate (weekly) |
73.89 |
46 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the total cost incurred in the recent visit by the Chief of Staff of the German Army; and the breakdown of these costs. [9388/04]
The Chief of Defence Staff of the German Armed Forces and a delegation of five personnel visited the Defence Forces on 27 and 28 January 2004 as guests of the Chief of Staff. The total cost of this visit was €3,538.49 which included, VIP courtesy at Dublin Airport on arrival and departure, €508.30; visitor accommodation, €1,455.47; meals and entertainment, €1,450.60, and miscellaneous expenses, €120.22.
47 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation with respect to REP scheme 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9215/04]
My Department submitted proposals on REPS to the European Commission early in December 2003. Those proposals had emerged from a comprehensive consultative process involving the farming organisations and a wide range of other stakeholders and also reflected the significantly increased payment rates agreed in Sustaining Progress. My officials have since met the Commission services twice to progress the approval of the changes and remain in regular contact with them. I have written and spoken to Commissioner Fischler to enlist his help in getting early approval for the new scheme and I am confident of a favourable outcome.
48 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when he foresees EU support for agriculture decreasing; the extent to which he expects it to decrease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9233/04]
The European Council in October 2002 decided on the EU budget allocations for the CAP until 2013. As part of the mid-term review of Agenda 2000, the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers agreed in June 2003 to the introduction of a financial discipline mechanism, which will apply from 2007 to ensure CAP budget allocations will not be exceeded. I am not aware of any proposals for a reduction in the overall levels of EU support for agriculture.
49 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans for the future of the dairy industry. [9234/04]
The future of the Irish dairy sector will be influenced by a number of factors, including the implementation of the mid term reform, MTR, of the CAP and the enlargement of the EU on 1 May 2004.
Enlargement of the EU will provide increased marketing opportunities in the new member states while also bringing increased competition to the EU market. The MTR, by setting new intervention limits and reducing intervention prices, has highlighted the need to become less reliant on commodity products and to increase the added value nature of our output. This was also identified by the prospectus report which concluded that the future success of the industry was dependent on a number of factors including its ability to increase scale and efficiency, reduce costs, and increase research and development. There is a real need to ensure that our product mix meets the demands of the marketplace and allows for reasonable return on production.
During recent months, I have met most of the major players in the dairy sector to discuss the implementation of strategies for the future and to identify any areas where I may be able to assist or facilitate with the changes required in the Irish dairy industry. It is clear that the prospectus report provided the industry in general with an opportunity to examine its strengths and weaknesses, and to consider the best options for the future. While my Department and the other relevant State agencies will provide whatever assistance is possible in this process, the ultimate decisions in relation to processing structure and product mix are a matter for the management and boards of the individual undertakings.
On production at farm level, producers will also have to look at increasing the scale of their operations, reducing costs where possible, and improving the quality of the milk they produce. The MTR has ensured the extension of the quota regime until 2014-15. There is a clear need now, more than ever, to assist those who wish to expand their operations within this new environment. The decision, which I made to bring forward the decoupling of the dairy premium to 2005 should help those who wish to expand. Producers who have activated their entitlement will be able to cease production while retaining the direct payment, thus freeing up additional quota for those who remain in production. It will continue to be my policy that milk quota becoming available in Ireland benefits, as far as possible, those active, committed producers on whom the future of the industry depends.
50 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans for the future of the poultry industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9235/04]
The Irish poultry industry is an extremely important element within our domestic agri-food sector. It is worth €150 million to producers and is an important contributor to economic and social development, particularly in certain areas. Overall, it is my policy that this industry should develop to its full potential and be in a position to meet the demands of today's consumers and withstand the very strong competition from abroad.
The most recent strategic evaluation of the poultry industry is set out in the report of the agri-food 2010 committee. It is clear from this exercise that a significant issue facing the sector is its poor competitive position. The committee recommended a significant reduction in the number of poultry slaughter plants and a reduction in capacity of about 20%. Rationalisation of this nature is very much a matter for the industry itself but it is important that the industry position itself so that the current levels of producer incomes, employment and market share are maintained in the years ahead. The poultry sector will of course be included in the deliberations of the agri-vision 2015 committee which I established recently and I look forward to receiving their views in this regard.
Much of my Department's involvement with the poultry industry is in the area of ensuring food safety. Consumer confidence in the product is a fundamental requirement for any industry. To this end, my Department will continue to maintain an intensive food safety supervisory programme at processing plants. Also, the salmonella monitoring programme, which is operated at producer level, and involves extensive official sampling and testing by officials of my Department will continue to enhance poultry safety. Consumer confidence is also very much linked to appropriate labelling. It is my view that consumers have a right to full knowledge about the product they are buying and, therefore, over the past month or so, I have introduced legislation requiring country of origin to be indicated at the point of sale in the case of loose poultry. It is my intention to extend these measures to provide for full information to be supplied in respect of all poultry sales.
A chicken quality assurance scheme is due to be launched shortly. This has involved considerable effort on the part of Bord Bia working in conjunction with the poultry industry. The scheme's quality mark is viewed by consumers as a guarantee of quality and I am confident that the market position of our poultry will be enhanced as a result. My Department has assisted the development of this scheme and will be involved on an ongoing basis in its operation as well as in the continuation of the very successful egg quality assurance scheme.
51 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans for the development of the beef industry in view of increased competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9236/04]
The focus of the Irish beef industry has been to broaden and expand its market reach at EU retail level, shifting its orientation away from international commodity markets and into the higher priced internal EU marketplace. This contrasts sharply with the situation that prevailed throughout the 1990s when the industry exported 50% of its products into non-EU markets. Last year, this share dropped to just 17% while the EU share increased proportionately. These increased sales into continental Europe coincide with the emergence of an EU market deficit in beef for the first time in 25 years together with falling production levels aligned with a strong recovery in consumption.
Ireland is now well placed to consolidate this position, having demonstrated the quality and safety of Irish beef through its broad appeal to EU consumers. A targeted approach based on quality production represents the best and most profitable way forward to the Irish industry. This in turn highlights the importance of good breeding policies, payment related to quality and modern techniques which mechanical grading will provide.
It is the case that a high value market such as that which exists within the EU will attract competitively priced product from a range of markets, most particularly from South America. I believe the best way to withstand such competition and build on our own already strong presence there is for our beef industry to maximise its efficiency levels at all stages and continue to offer the type and quality of product required by the market.
52 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to expand the export markets for Irish dairy produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9238/04]
Ireland exports a wide range of dairy products to more than 100 countries worldwide. The main products exported include cheese, butter, casein, milk powders, and baby food. More than 85% of all dairy exports from Ireland are destined for other EU member states, making it a very important market for Irish dairy products. The value of this market is likely to grow even further with the improved market access provided by the enlargement of the EU on 1 May 2004. Ireland also exports a considerable volume of dairy product to countries outside the EU and this is likely to continue in the years ahead.
It is clear that the Irish dairy industry is highly dependent on exports and I recognise the need to increase and expand our presence in export markets. While my Department and Bord Bia will continue to assist the industry in anyway possible, the identification and exploitation of export opportunities for dairy products, in both commodity form and in the form of increasingly sophisticated ingredient and value-added products, is essentially a matter for the industry. The number of countries to which Ireland exports dairy products is testament to the success of the industry in the past and I am confident that this success will continue into the future.
53 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to improve meat labelling with particular reference to clear identification of the country of origin. [9239/04]
55 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself that adequate information is provided through product labelling to identify country of origin in respect of all meat, poultry and dairy products on sale here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9241/04]
56 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps he has taken to encourage hotels, pubs and restaurants to advertise the origin of the meat or poultry served; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9242/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 55 and 56 together.
The consumer liaison panel recently completed a survey, at my request, on consumer concerns regarding the origin of meat and the information provided in both the retail and catering sectors. The results of this research confirmed that consumers want information on the origin of the meat they consume either in the home or when dining out. I am determined, in so far as it is within the powers available to me, to meet the wishes of consumers, as identified in the research.
In the beef sector, the EU beef labelling regulations which were introduced in 2000 require operators involved in the marketing of beef to label their product with a reference code to enable the beef to be traced back to the animal or group of animals from which it was derived; the approval number of the slaughterhouse and the country in which it is located; the approval number of the deboning hall and the country in which it is located, and an indication of the origin of the animal from which the beef was derived. For the purpose of these regulations, marketing means all aspects of beef production and marketing up to and including retail sale. These labelling requirements, which are compulsory in all member states, apply to the marketing of beef within the Community, regardless of whether that beef was produced within the Community or in a third country. Where beef is imported in to the Community from a third country and not all the above details are available, that beef must, at a minimum, be labelled as 'Origin: non-EC' along with an indication of the third country in which slaughter took place.
However, these regulations do not currently apply to beef sold in the food service outlets. The regulations are currently, being reviewed by the EU Commission. In the context of that review, I wrote to Commission Fischler asking him to consider including a provision for the labelling of origin of meat in such outlets. It is expected that a report on the review should be issued shortly.
In the poultry sector, I recently introduced two regulations on the labelling of poultry meat. The first of these regulations requires poultry meat, loose and pre-packaged, originating in a country outside the EU to bear an indication of the country of origin when offered for sale in a retail premises. The second, requires information regarding class, price per unit weight, condition and slaughterhouse details in respect of loose poultry meat non-prepackaged, to be provided to the consumer. Heretofore, while these labelling indications have been compulsory for pre-packaged poultry meat it had not been a requirement to provide this information for poultry meat sold loose.
In addition to the above mentioned action, I have arranged that each sector will be reviewed on a commodity by commodity basis to identify any deficiencies, from a consumer viewpoint, in the labelling regulations for those commodities. I intend to take further action over the coming period in all commodity areas as appropriate.
On catering outlets, the Féile Bia scheme, which is a voluntary scheme organised by Bord Bia in conjunction with the Restaurants Association of Ireland and the Irish Hotels' Federation, requires members to undertake to source meat, chicken and eggs from suppliers that are: current members of Bord Bia quality assurance schemes, or members of recognised national or international quality assurance schemes that are deemed to be equivalent to the Bord Bia quality assurance schemes. A consumer entering a Féile Bia restaurant knows that the food has been monitored at all stages along the food chain and that the Féile Bia approved establishment is inspected and assessed by independent inspectors.
54 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to open up new export markets for Irish lamb; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9240/04]
Irish sheepmeat production last year amounted to 64,000 tonnes. The main export destination continues to be France, accounting for some 31,000 tonnes or almost half total production. Other important markets for Irish sheepmeat last year were the UK, Germany, Italy and Portugal, which together absorbed some 11,000 tonnes.
A significant feature of last year's trade was the recovery in domestic consumption. As a result, overall lamb consumption is estimated to have increased by some 8%, to 21,500 tonnes. The forecast is for a continuation of this level of domestic consumption, which will ensure that more than one-third of Irish sheepmeat production will be consumed on the home market, compared to one quarter ten years ago. The meat industry will continue, with the support of Bord Bia, to explore any new market opportunities that may have the potential to deliver a good return to the Irish sheepmeat industry.
57 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps he proposes to take to prevent a monopoly in the beef processing area in the event of a cessation of live exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9243/04]
60 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has plans to boost beef exports in order to compensate for a reduction or cessation in live exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9246/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 60 together.
It is my policy and that of the Government to ensure that Irish beef and livestock exporters have unrestricted access to all markets worldwide where exporters consider there are commercial possibilities. Every effort will continue to be made at political, diplomatic and technical level to have all potential markets open to Irish exporters.
Last year Irish live cattle exports reached some 220,000 head, an increase of almost 50% on the level of live exports achieved in 2002. The bulk of this growth was to continental EU markets driven by increased demand from Holland, Italy and Spain, which remains the principal destination for Irish cattle. Moreover, exports to the Lebanon were 15% higher last year than in 2002. I have no reason to expect that live exports in 2004 should be any less vibrant.
Clearly there is no shortfall in beef processing capacity in Ireland. The report of the beef task force concluded that there was a weekly slaughtering capacity in export approved beef plants of 75,000 head. Average weekly slaughterings in 2003 were 35,000 head. These figures would suggest that there is healthy competition for cattle supplies.
I am satisfied that there are valuable market outlets for our beef output. It is estimated that EU beef consumption in 2004 will exceed production by 400,000 tonnes. Last year exports to the UK amounted to some 265,000 tonnes representing an increase on the previous year's level. Markets for Irish beef in France, Netherlands, Italy, Germany and Sweden also remain strong. In the course of the past year Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary have lifted their restrictions on Irish beef imports.
With regard to non-EU markets, I am very keen to have existing restrictions, where they remain, removed at the earliest possible date and the most recent initiatives have focused on Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Region. In September 2002 Russia lifted its remaining BSE related restrictions on Irish beef imports. Egypt also re-opened its market and Irish exporters now have the option of trading with that market. As part of the efforts to regain access to the Egyptian market, I negotiated a special export refund of 30% above the normal rate for exports to that destination. In total, exports to international markets reached 85,000 tonnes in 2003.
The focus of the Irish beef industry has been to broaden and expand its market reach at EU retail level, shifting its orientation away from international commodity markets and into the higher priced internal EU market place.
58 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has met farming organisations to discuss alternatives to live exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9244/04]
I have stated on numerous occasions that I regard the live export trade as of vital strategic importance to the agriculture sector in Ireland. I and my Department are in frequent contact at national level with various stakeholders regarding many aspects of the trade and are well acquainted with their various perspectives.
In September 2003, for instance, my Department undertook a round of consultations with stakeholders regarding the proposal for a Council regulation on the protection of animals during transport. While the Commission's original proposal contained a number of elements, which were of concern to Ireland and other member states, the Irish Presidency has worked assiduously towards reconciling the concerns of all member states around a compromise proposal. I believe considerable progress has been made in this regard and while more work remains to be done, I am reasonably optimistic of securing agreement on a compromise which will respect the vital interests of all member states and which can in due course command the support of the agriculture Council.
I can assure the Deputy that my determination to protect the live export trade while ensuring the welfare of the animals in transit has been conveyed to all concerned with that trade, at national and international levels.
59 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which he expects the nitrates directive to affect output and employment here; if a similar impact is expected in competing economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9245/04]
The implementation of the nitrates directive is in the first instance a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Compliance with the nitrates directive is a legal requirement on all member states of the EU. A draft action programme prepared by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in conjunction with my Department and in consultation with Teagasc was presented in December last to representatives of the main farming organisations and other stakeholders. Written submissions on the draft action programme have been received from some 70 stakeholders. The issues raised in the submissions are being considered by officials from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and my own Department with regard to the need to finalise the terms of the action programme at an early date and submit definitive proposals to the EU Commission.
It is not envisaged that the draft action programme under the nitrates directive would have any significant impact on national output and employment, given that the national stocking rate is significantly below two dairy cows per hectare, which is equivalent to 170 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare specified in the nitrates directive. The current national stocking rate suggests that adequate land is available to sustain current output levels. However, some farmers may be required to adjust stocking levels or obtain additional spread lands to comply with the nitrates action programme. That will not necessarily result in reduced national output or employment.
The impact of action programmes introduced by other member states is dependent on the level of pollution, which they are required to address, and the type of action programme which they will be required to implement. In that regard, it is anticipated that the further implementation of the nitrates directive in some of the other member states will have greater impact on output compared with Ireland.
61 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to maintain viability in the farming sector with particular reference to small and medium-sized farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9247/04]
As Minister for Agriculture and Food, it is one of my priorities to ensure that viability is maintained and improved for the farming sector, regardless of farm size. To meet that objective, my Department implements a range of measures, including market supports and direct payments aimed at supporting farm viability.
In addition, the general developments in the economy, with greater availability of employment and increased levels of participation in the labour force, have resulted in greater opportunities for those who wish to improve their incomes by combining an off-farm job with their farming activities.
To consider the medium to long-term perspective, I formed the agri-vision 2015 committee to examine the findings and recommendations of the previous agri-food 2010 committee. That is to reflect and act upon the changes that have occurred in the external environment in which Irish agriculture operates. That new committee is examining a range of options and likely scenarios for the agri-food sector, and I expect that the issue of viability, for farmers of all sizes, will be given appropriate attention in its report.
62 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will make a statement on the way in which the Government proposes to address the problems facing farmers on the early retirement scheme under the decoupled single farm payment. [9248/04]
My Department is involved in working groups and in continuing discussions with the European Commission on the detailed rules for implementing the mid-term review agreement. I have already raised a number of issues relating to farmers who have retired under the early retirement schemes and the implications for them of decoupling and the single payment scheme.
Under the European Council regulation introducing the single payment scheme, a farmer may have access to the scheme if he or she was an active farmer during the reference years 2000, 2001 and 2002, and received payments under the livestock premia and/or arable aid schemes. In addition, farmers for whom entitlements will be established must activate those entitlements in 2005 by continuing to farm and submitting an area aid declaration in that year. In general, farmers must also have an eligible hectare of land for each payment entitlement.
Farmers participating in the early retirement scheme before the commencement of the reference period will not have any entitlements established for them under the single payment scheme. That is because they had already retired from farming and their obligations under the early retirement scheme preclude them from returning to farming in the future. The persons who were leasing those retired farmers' lands and were active farmers in the reference period will have entitlements established for them. It should be noted that entitlements are attached to the farmer who was actively farming during the reference period and not to the land. I should point out, however, that, during the Council negotiations last year, I secured agreement that farmers, including offspring of farmers who retired before the reference period, who take over the holding of the retired farmers at some date in the future will be able to apply to the national reserve for payment entitlements under the single payment scheme.
Farmers who entered the early retirement scheme during or after the reference period will have entitlements established for them, provided they were actively farming during the reference period and received payment under the relevant schemes. Since those farmers undertook to give up farming definitively when they joined the early retirement scheme, they will not be able to obtain payment under the single payment scheme in 2005 or thereafter. The European Council regulation provides for such entitlements to revert to the national reserve. However, the question of whether retired farmers in that category should be allowed to activate entitlements — not for their own use but with a view to leasing them out in 2005 and thereafter — is one of the items still under discussion in the context of the Commission detailed rules regulation. Agreement on the detailed rules is not expected until the end of this month or early in April, and it would not be helpful to speculate on the final outcome.
63 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will make a statement on the possible implications for agriculture of the decision by the British Government to allow the commercial growing of a GM crop. [9249/04]
The recent announcement by the UK Government refers to the approval for the commercial cultivation of the GM herbicide-tolerant maize variety known as Chardon LL, subject to the variety being successful in the application for entry onto the UK national catalogue of approved varieties for marketing. This GM variety was first approved in 1998 for deliberate release within the EU under the then Directive 90/220. Spain was the only member state which registered that GM variety on its national catalogue.
If that crop is grown in Northern Ireland, the issue is one of co-existence to ensure that it does not contaminate conventional or organic crops grown in this country. To develop proposals for a national strategy and best practices to ensure the co-existence of GM crops with conventional and organic farming, I have established an interdepartmental-interagency working group to carry out that task. The working group, as part of its work programme, proposes to meet and discuss the issue with relevant stakeholders in the preparation of its recommendations, and those discussions will include the Northern Ireland authorities with particular reference to their coexistence strategies.
64 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the supermarket policy of the own-label system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9257/04]
The own-label system of retail is part of modern commercial practice and is not peculiar to the Irish retail sector. It currently accounts for over 15% of Irish market share and over 30% in the British market and is therefore an important route to market for Irish producers at home and on the main export market. Retailers are now major brands in their own right. They offer own-label products at the value end of the market and, increasingly, at the premium end. In addition, they offer branded products so that the consumer has a choice across the range. The decision for Irish suppliers is whether to provide branded or own-label products or, indeed, both.
Regardless of label, all food and drink products on the retail market must comply with the traceability and food labelling requirements. Other important routes to market in the retail sector are, of course, branded products, co-packing and the speciality and organic sectors. Irrespective of the route to market, the ability of Irish producers and the Irish food industry to maintain and expand that market position will be contingent on the ability to maintain a competitive edge and be innovative and responsive to consumer demands and trends.
My Department, in co-operation with the relevant state agencies, will continue to assist the industry to establish new markets for Irish food produce and to consolidate our presence in existing markets. Significant funding is being provided to the food sector under the national development plan to improve competitiveness, market orientation and innovative capability. Those initiatives cover capital investment, marketing and promotion, research and training measures.
65 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on whether farm gate prices are satisfactory relative to consumer cost; if not satisfactory, the plans he has to assist in rectifying the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9258/04]
The prices received by producers and obtained in retail establishments are determined by the process of free negotiation within the market place. The level of supply of a certain product, the degree of competitiveness within a sector at both producer and processing level, and the level of consumer demand will all influence the final price received by the producer.
Similarly, the price paid by the consumer is dependent on a range of influences. The location of retailers, transport costs, the degree of processing and refinement of the product and other similar factors all have an impact upon the final pricing of foodstuffs. It is also important to note that there is a range of market support regimes in place, as well as a system that provides substantial direct income supports to farmers.
The recent reform of the CAP will strengthen the hand of farmers and permit them to produce more freely for the market place. That should in turn help bolster their position vis-à-vis the processing and retail trade. That is the best way of ensuring that producers get a fair price for their product.
66 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the recent review of the strategy for the development of the forestry industry will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9259/04]
The forest development strategy will be reviewed by outside consultants, who are to report to me in September this year.
67 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he intends to develop a vaccine strategy to assist in the fight against tuberculosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9260/04]
I refer the Deputy to the booklet entitled, Current Research, Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis, and in particular to pages 12 to 15, which have been forwarded to him and which outline my Department's research project on the development of a vaccine.
Work is progressing on the research, and my Department is pleased with the progress made to date. However, the development and licensing of a vaccine is a long process, and, even with good progress, it is unlikely that a vaccine will be available for general use for some time.
68 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation with regard to REP scheme 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9261/04]
My Department submitted proposals on REPS to the European Commission early in December 2003. Those proposals had emerged from a comprehensive consultative process involving the farming organisations and a wide range of other stakeholders, and they also reflected the significantly increased payment rates agreed in Sustaining Progress. My officials have since met the Commission services twice to progress the approval of the changes and remain in regular contact with them. I have both written and spoken to Commissioner Fischler to enlist his help in getting early approval for the new scheme, and I am confident of a favourable outcome.
69 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proposals there are for the evolution of the sheep tagging system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9262/04]
In the wake of the FMD crisis of 2001, I introduced a comprehensive individual sheep identification system — the national sheep identification system, or NSIS — which provides full individual identification and traceability of sheep from farm of origin to carcase and is designed to be multifunctional, facilitating aspects such as flock management, consumer assurance and disease monitoring and control. In the latter regard, the FMD crisis underscored the potential damage to which our economy and the agriculture sector are exposed in the event of serious disease outbreaks if shortcomings in animal identification and traceability are not addressed. Based on monitoring of NSIS and feedback to my Department from various quarters since 2001, I am satisfied that all elements of NSIS are now firmly bedded in across the sheep sector and working well. I have, however, made it clear consistently that I am always willing to enhance NSIS and to address any operational difficulties which might arise while maintaining its key components.
A new harmonised system of identification for the whole of the European Union was agreed at the December Council of Ministers. The system provides that there will be electronic individual identification of sheep from January 2008, together with a central movement database recording movements on a batch basis. The implementation date is subject to review following a Commission report in 2006. For the interim period, all sheep are to be double-tagged and identified individually, but all recording would be on a flock basis.
The regime agreed by the December Council affords member states which already have systems in place offering a higher level of traceability than would be the case under the interim period system the option of retaining their own systems until the advent of electronic identification a few years from now.
I support the broad principle which underlies the agreed system. I have always been in favour of making use of new and efficient technologies to achieve that end, subject of course to practicalities and cost-effectiveness, and I am very anxious that Ireland and other member states be able to move at the earliest possible date to an electronic system. In the interim, however, the system now in place and operating throughout the Irish sheep sector will continue to afford Ireland the level of protection and assurance regarding both identification and traceability which is strategically appropriate to this country.
The package agreed by the December Council envisages the retention of systems such as NSIS, albeit with some minor adjustments, over the period leading up to EU-wide introduction of individual electronic identification. I have no plans to dismantle NSIS and roll back the progress made in the area since 2001 only to see Irish sheep farmers, marts, meat processors, etc., being asked a few years from now once again to reinstate and accommodate individual identification and traceability. However, as I have stated, I am willing to examine and address aspects relating to the operation of NSIS in so far as those can be addressed within the EU system now agreed.
In conclusion, I might add that, in furtherance of an all-island animal health strategy within the context of the North-South Ministerial Council and arrangements established under the Good Friday Agreement, my Department has been working closely with its counterpart in Belfast to promote progress towards equivalence between sheep identification and tracing systems North and South. That would be an important development from many perspectives, not least that of facilitating sheep movements throughout the island for breeding, fattening or slaughter. I am satisfied that progress is being made in working towards that objective, and in that regard I have noted with positive interest a consultation paper on an enhanced system of sheep identification and tracing in Northern Ireland which was recently circulated.
70 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures he has put in place to assist the pig industry since January 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9263/04]
The current market for pigmeat is positive, and prices paid to Irish producers are considerably up on prices available at the start of the year. Irish pigmeat prices are currently above the EU average. While at EU level Ireland, along with other EU member states, experienced poor market prices in 2003, the increase in EU market supports in the form of aids to private storage and an export refund scheme earlier this year contributed to a significant increase in prices. Those measures were temporary in nature and, following the increase in prices, have been terminated.
Along with my Northern Ireland counterpart, I commissioned a comprehensive study of the all-island pig industry. The study was conducted by Prospectus consultants in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland and Enterprise Northern Ireland, and the report was produced in 2001. The key recommendations of the report highlight the need for rationalisation of the pig processing sector, improved supply-chain management and the need to develop more consumer convenient pigmeat products. While those findings are largely matters for the industry itself, my Department has been moving forward those recommendations with the main players in the pig industry, and that process will continue.
The health status of the pig herd is also a matter of major importance. My Department is engaged with the pig industry in the ongoing monitoring and control of a wide range of diseases, such as Aujeszky's disease, salmonella and PRRS, which, as well as improving the health status of the national herd, is necessary to maximise the acceptability of Irish pigmeat in export destinations. Also, pig processing plants operate under the supervision of the Department's veterinary service.
With regard to market access, it is my policy and that of the Government to ensure that Irish producers have access to markets world-wide. Irish pigmeat processors are currently trading pigmeat in significant markets such as Japan and the United States. My Department will continue to work with Bord Bia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the industry to identify and develop other potential markets.
The Teagasc programme of activities includes research in the area of pig nutrition, health and welfare. The main objectives of the advisory function regarding the pig sector are better profitability and competitiveness based on improved growth rates, and that is delivered to producers through farm visits, conferences, newsletters, etc.
71 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which he proposes to allocate funding available under modulation; when that will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9264/04]
The EU Commission has indicated that modulated funds will be available for use from 2006. Discussions are continuing at EU level on the detailed rules for eligible measures. On their completion, I will consult interested parties on the use of modulated funds. While the various options demand due consideration, I am confident that a decision will be taken well in advance of the 2006 deadline.
72 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason he is opposed to the concept of NVZs instead of a whole-country approach regarding the nitrates directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9284/04]
The implementation of the nitrates directive is in the first instance a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. There were extensive discussions and consultations with the main farming organisations and other interests during 2002 regarding the measures to be taken to improve environmental protection regarding agriculture and the approach to be taken for further implementation of the nitrates directive. That dialogue was continued in 2003, and in the context of the national partnership discussions with the farming pillar the Government indicated its preference for the application of an action programme under the nitrates directive regarding all areas.
On 29 May 2003, my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, made regulations which formally identified the whole national territory of Ireland as the area to which an action programme under the nitrates directive would be applied.
The whole-territory approach involves the development and implementation of an action programme applied to the whole territory and will provide statutory support for the application of established standards of good agricultural practice. That approach is considered the best option in the interests of both environmental protection and relevant stakeholders.
The advantages to farmers of a whole-territory approach, as opposed to designation of nitrate-vulnerable zones, include the following. A whole-territory approach would help preserve a clean, environmentally friendly image for Irish agricultural produce and avoid real or perceived labelling of particular areas in an environmental context. A whole-territory approach provides a level playing field, with all farmers subject to the same maximum application rates for livestock manure. A whole-territory approach would simplify the regulatory burden on farmers, whereby it will enable several aspects of environmental protection to be addressed by one set of regulations. The designation of nitrate-vulnerable zones involves the continuing uncertainty for farmers that additional areas might be designated in future years. The designation of nitrate-vulnerable zones would discriminate between individual farmers who are carrying out the same activities in different areas. The designation of nitrate-vulnerable zones may lead to real or perceived competitive variations regarding areas such as farm production costs or agricultural land values.
The adoption of the whole-territory approach was also supported by the necessity to give further effect to several other EU environmental directives, that is, the water framework directive, the framework waste directive and the dangerous substances directive.
Ireland has joined Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands in adopting the whole-territory approach for implementation of the nitrates directive. Furthermore, the whole-territory approach in Ireland was supported by a judgment of the European Court of Justice in June 2002 regarding a case involving the European Commission and France, which indicated a need to take action under the nitrates directive regarding eutrophic waters even where eutrophic conditions are due primarily to phosphorus, rather than nitrates, from agriculture.
73 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of live cattle exported for the years 1995 to 2003, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9285/04]
74 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the estimated annual value of the live cattle export trade to the agricultural industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9287/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together.
Live exports provide a vital market outlet for Irish farmers and facilitate price competition in the livestock sector. The role of my Department in the promotion and preservation of that trade is to maintain an environment in which it can be carried on in an economic and sustainable manner with due regard for the welfare of the animals. In that respect, the preservation of the animal health status of the country, the international reputation of veterinary certification services and the existence and application of a regulatory framework which ensures that good standards and welfare considerations are taken into account during transport are all essential to safeguarding the live export trade. I am acutely aware of the strategic importance to this country of the live trade, and that has informed my approach to various issues affecting live exports at both national and international levels. The table below sets out cattle exports in the years 1995 to 2003, inclusive, according to data collected by my Department.
|
Year |
EU (including Northern Ireland) |
Third Countries |
Total |
|
1995 |
107,495 |
253,712 |
361,207 |
|
1996 |
51,638 |
137,304 |
188,942 |
|
1997 |
49,545 |
6,614 |
56,159 |
|
1998 |
141,909 |
26,199 |
168,108 |
|
1999 |
338,773 |
73,828 |
412,601 |
|
2000 |
337,557 |
62,163 |
399,720 |
|
2001 |
88,841 |
10,361 |
99,202 |
|
2002 |
116,149 |
31,670 |
147,819 |
|
2003 |
184,174 |
36,919 |
221,093 |
The value of live exports from Ireland in 2003 exceeded €100 million.
75 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures that he proposes to assist those who, owing to their participation in the farm retirement scheme, are set to lose heavily under the mid-term review proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9293/04]
My Department is involved in working groups and in continuing discussions with the European Commission on the detailed rules for implementing the mid-term review agreement. I have already raised several issues regarding farmers who have retired under the early retirement schemes, and the implications for them of decoupling and the single payment scheme.
Under the European Council regulation introducing the single payment scheme, a farmer may have access to the scheme if he or she was an active farmer during the reference years 2000, 2001 and 2002, and received payments under the livestock premia and/or arable aid schemes. In addition, farmers for whom entitlements will be established must activate those entitlements in 2005 by continuing to farm and submitting an area aid declaration in that year. In general, farmers must also have an eligible hectare of land for each payment entitlement.
Farmers participating in the early retirement scheme before the commencement of the reference period will not have any entitlements established for them under the single payment scheme. That is because they had already retired from farming and their obligations under the early retirement scheme preclude them from returning to farming in the future. The persons who were leasing those retired farmers' lands and were active farmers in the reference period will have entitlements established for them. It should be noted that entitlements are attached to the farmer who was actively farming during the reference period, and not to the land. I should point out, however, that during the Council negotiations last year I secured agreement that farmers, including offspring of farmers who retired before the reference period, who take over the holding of the retired farmers at some date in the future will be able to apply to the national reserve for payment entitlements under the single payment scheme.
Farmers who entered the early retirement scheme during or after the reference period will have entitlements established for them, provided they were actively farming during the reference period and received payment under the relevant schemes. since those farmers undertook to give up farming definitively when they joined the early retirement scheme, they will not be in a position to obtain payment under the single payment scheme in 2005 or thereafter. The European Council regulation provides for such entitlements to revert to the national reserve. However, the question of whether retired farmers in that category should be allowed to activate entitlements — not for their own use but with a view to leasing them out in 2005 and thereafter — is one of the items still under discussion in the context of the Commission detailed rules regulation. Agreement on the detailed rules is not expected until the end of this month or early in April, and it would not be helpful to speculate on the final outcome.
76 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the submissions he made to the Department of Finance regarding income tax relief for land leasing in the Finance Act 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9294/04]
On 5 November 2003 I made a submission to my colleague the Minister for Finance seeking that the rental income exemption for long-term leases, which was, at that time, available only to farmers over 55 years, be extended.
On budget day 2004, the Minister for Finance announced that the age limit for qualifying lessors was being reduced from 55 to 40 years and that the annual exemption thresholds were being increased from €5,079 to €7,500 for leases of five to seven years and from €7,618 to €10,000 for leases of seven years or more. Those changes were made effective from 1 January 2004.
The changes will encourage better utilisation of land and will facilitate better long-term planning by farmers who may wish to scale up production at a reasonable cost. The measure is estimated to be worth €13 million in a full year.
77 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the composition of the appeals board for those who have applied under the force majeure clause and other categories as advertised for special consideration for entitlement recognition under the mid-term review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9296/04]
The single payment appeals committee will comprise an independent chairman, Mr. John Duggan, and appeals officers from the agriculture appeals office.
78 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the Future of Agriculture document, 2000 to 2010, is now obsolete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9297/04]
There has been considerable progress since the publication of the 2010 report in March 2000. This was a vibrant operational plan for Irish agriculture. The report was followed, at my instigation, by the 2010 plan of action, which laid out a series of action points to be undertaken by my Department. It was subsequently found that 94% of those action points were substantially completed.
The agri-vision 2015 committee, which I recently set up, has been asked to update the work of the agri-food 2010 committee. Strategic planning requires some form of review on an ongoing basis. Although many aspects of the agri-food 2010 approach and findings are still relevant, as with any good plan, it has been necessary to update it owing to changing circumstances and to ensure that the long-term blueprint for Irish agriculture reflects those changes.
79 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he can confirm that disadvantaged status will not be extended to all of the BMW region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9298/04]
Officials of my Department have raised the issue of extension of disadvantaged areas status to the entire BMW region at several meetings with the European Commission, most recently on 9 December last.
In those meetings Commission officials have warned strongly that any formal request for further classification of my area could lead to a demand for justification of Ireland's current designation and classification for all disadvantaged areas. The Commission's approach has its basis in negative comments by the Court of Auditors concerning the monitoring of disadvantaged areas classification and designation in the EU in general.
Given that background, it is important that the timing and nature of any submission requesting extension of the disadvantaged areas be given very careful consideration.
80 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation regarding his departmental officials who will be replaced by the mechanical grading system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9299/04]
My Department is making arrangements to have the officers concerned deployed on alternative duties in the Department. The possibility of transferring some of those officers to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to conservation ranger posts is also being explored.
81 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures he has taken to open new, or re-open old, markets for the live cattle trade since January 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9300/04]
It is my policy and that of the Government to ensure that Irish livestock or beef exporters have unrestricted access to EU and world markets. To achieve that goal, my Department ensures that the animal health, welfare and other conditions necessary to facilitate the live export trade are fully in place.
Ireland exported 220,000 animals in 2003, of which 143,000 were exported to the EU and 37,000 to Lebanon. Currently the main markets for live cattle are Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Portugal and Lebanon, and I believe the trade is operating satisfactorily.
With regard to live cattle exports to Egypt, the position is that a ban exists on all EU live cattle imports. Proposals for a trial shipment of live cattle from Ireland were submitted to the Egyptian authorities in 1997, but those proposals were not implemented. The lack of a market for live cattle exports to Egypt had been, however, more than offset by the volume of trade in beef exports to that country in the period up to 2001. The Egyptian market was re-opened to imports of Irish beef in late 2001 following an intensive political, technical and diplomatic campaign. Resumption of trade in commercial volumes had been hampered by conditions imposed by the Egyptian authorities on the type of cuts eligible for that market. Agreement was reached with the Egyptian authorities last September on the removal of those conditions and on new certification arrangements which now allow for a resumption in trade. An additional export refund of 30% over the normal rate was negotiated by Ireland regarding trade with Egypt. The extent to which the Egyptian market will take volumes of beef will depend on commercial decisions by exporters.
An agreement signed with Libya in June 2000 provided that Ireland would be officially listed as a source country for all Libyan tenders for the supply of live cattle. Since then, however, the Libyan Foreign Minister indicated that it had not been possible to import live cattle because of what he called logistical problems and that Libya would buy beef directly. Libya subsequently issued tenders for the supply of beef, and Ireland was included in the list of countries invited to tender. I understand that several Irish companies submitted bids at that time. Efforts at diplomatic and technical level are continuing to ensure that the agreement signed with Libya, in so far as it relates to cattle exports, is fully implemented.
82 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions he has had with Commissioner David Byrne regarding the live cattle transport proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9301/04]
I have raised this matter with Commissioner Byrne on numerous occasions, the latest being on Monday in Brussels on the margins of the Council meeting.
While I welcome in principle any proposal which improves the welfare of animals being transported, I have made it clear from the outset that any such proposal must also have regard to the right of operators in the livestock sector to avail of the benefits of the single European market. From an Irish perspective, I have indicated on several occasions that I regard the live trade as an essential market outlet for producers. This trade will only be sustainable in the long-term on the basis of having the highest possible standards for the protection of animal welfare.
Several elements in the Commission's original proposal, notably those regarding stocking densities, rest periods and unloading of animals, have the potential to impact adversely on the economics of the live trade from Ireland, while doing little, in my view, to improve the welfare of animals being transported. Since the draft regulation was first published during the Italian Presidency, and with the benefit of having met all of the stakeholder groups at national level and discussed their concerns, my officials and I have clearly articulated Ireland's views on those elements at Council and at working party level. Under Ireland's Presidency, I am pleased to say that progress is being made on a compromise proposal.
Ultimately, it will be the Council of Ministers which will decide whether to accept or reject the Commission's proposed regulation. There are divergent views among member states on several aspects at present, and it is clear that, if agreement is to be reached before the end of Ireland's Presidency, compromise will be required on all sides.
As President of the Agriculture Council, I will be doing my utmost to ensure that agreement is reached on a compromise which will address the legitimate concerns of those who are primarily exercised by the improvement of conditions for animals being transported, while ensuring that those engaged in live exports can continue to carry on their business in a manner which is economically viable.
83 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department made submissions to local authorities with respect to levies on agricultural developments or forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter [9393/04]
Following clarification from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, my Department wrote to the local authorities. It was pointed out that the afforestation of agricultural land is no longer covered by the local authorities planning regulations. It is now subject to the forest consent system introduced by the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 538 of 2001).
84 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food about the avian flu; the impact it had on production and sales of poultry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9395/04]
Avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds. Migratory waterfowl, most notably wild duck, are the natural reservoir of avian influenza viruses. They are also the most resistant to infection. Domestic poultry, including chickens and turkeys, are particularly susceptible to epidemics of rapidly fatal influenza.
Avian influenza viruses rarely affect humans and do not normally infect species other than birds. The virus has on occasion been isolated in humans. In Vietnam the H5N1 virus was isolated from a number of patients who died. There is no evidence that it can be transmitted from poultry to humans, other than by direct contact with infected birds. The risk from poultry meat to humans is negligible as the virus is destroyed during meat maturation, cooking and by stomach acids.
With effect from 23 January the European Commission invoked safeguard decisions to control the importation from those south east Asian countries approved to trade with the EU. These safeguard decisions ban importation of: live poultry, ratites, farmed and wild game and hatching eggs of these species of birds, including pet birds; meat preparations, meat products consisting of or containing meat of these species as well as eggs for consumption; raw pet food and unprocessed feed material containing any part of those species; non-treated game trophies from any birds and unprocessed feathers.
Thailand is the only country in the region currently approved to trade in poultry meat with the EU. The importation of poultry meat slaughtered prior to 31 December 2003, as well as cooked poultry meat, is permitted. A condition of importation is that the date of slaughter of fresh poultry meat or, in the case of cooked poultry meat, the specific heat treatment it has undergone must be certified on the health certificate. Certification of processing undergone is also required in respect of feathers imported from the region.
Avian influenza outbreaks were subsequently reported in certain regions of Texas in the US and British Columbia in Canada. The detected strains are highly contagious in poultry and birds and are known as H5N2 and H7N3, respectively. Both are different from that causing the epidemic in Asia. Current knowledge suggests that the risk to public health posed by these strains is inferior to the strain in Asia. In view of the animal health risk the EU Commission also introduced bans on importation similar to those at present in operation for Thailand. These took effect from 25 February 2004 in respect of the US and 11 March for Canada. This year there are derogations in respect of imports of poultry meat produced from birds slaughtered in the US before 27 January and before 17 February in respect of Canada and also in respect of cooked poultry meat. Conditions similar to those applying in respect of Thailand are required with regard to the health certification of consignments.
All consignments being imported into the EU must first be presented at an EU border inspection post. A documentary and identity check takes place and physical checks are carried out at frequencies laid down in EU law. Sampling for laboratory analysis for the purpose of safeguarding human and animal health is also carried out where required. Once imported meat has met all of the required conditions it is released for free circulation within the Community. Copies of the BIP clearance document and the health certificate must accompany the consignment to its destination.
No official statistics are available yet. There are some indications that demand was affected in late January and during February but it has now recovered. It may have been as a result of the avian flu scare in the Far East. I expect that there will not be a significant adverse effect on the consumption of poultry meat here.
I am keen to ensure that consumers of poultry meat have a right to the maximum amount of information about food offered for sale to allow them make an informed choice. Recently I introduced two statutory instruments concerning the labelling of poultry meat. I took account of the recommendations of the food labelling group and a recent consumer survey I commissioned to ascertain consumer labelling preferences. The first regulation requires poultry meat, loose and pre-packaged, originating in a country outside of the EU to bear an indication of its country of origin when offered for sale in a retail premises. The second regulation requires information on class, price per unit weight, condition and slaughterhouse details on loose poultry meat, or non pre-packaged meat, to be provided to the consumer. Labelling indications was compulsory for pre-packaged poultry meat but it had not been a requirement to provide the information for poultry meat sold loose.
85 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures he has taken since January 2003 to assist the grain sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9401/04]
The scheme of investment aid for the development of on-farm grain storage was funded under the National Development Plan 2000-06. The objective of this scheme was to improve the quality and safety of grain and to relieve pressure on commercial intake points at harvest time, by developing on-farm storage facilities. Since the scheme commenced in 2001 a total of €2.422 million has been paid to 62 applicants. Since January 2003 a total of €570,000 was paid to 12 applicants by way of capital grants for the provision of on-farm grain storage. Due to budgetary constraints there is no funding provided for the scheme in 2004.
Under the Department's capital investment scheme for marketing and processing of agricultural products — on-farm not included — the possibility of inviting new applications across a number of sectors, including the grain sector, in 2004 is under consideration.
86 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of first year full-time undergraduate non-EU students in each university and institute of technology in the academic year 2002-03 and 2003-04. [9328/04]
87 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of full-time undergraduate non-EU students in each university and institute of technology in the academic years 2002-03 and 2003-04. [9329/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.
Data on the number of first year non-EU undergraduate students is not collected by my Department or the Higher Education Authority. Information is available on the domicillary origin of the overall student enrolment stock, including postgraduate and undergraduate students in the universities and institutes of technology.
The following table outlines the domicillary origin of students enrolled in full-time courses in third level institutions in 2002-03, the latest year for which information is available. The data is provisional pending final publication of my Department's statistical report to the period.
|
County |
Teacher Training |
HEA |
Iot’s & Other |
Other Aided by Dept of Education |
Aided by Other Departments |
Non-Aided |
Total |
Religious |
Private |
Non-Aided |
RCSI |
Total Non Aided |
|
|
Primary |
Home Economics |
||||||||||||
|
Connaught |
|||||||||||||
|
Galway |
36 |
35 |
5,578 |
3,131 |
44 |
83 |
139 |
9,046 |
14 |
102 |
116 |
23 |
139 |
|
Leitrim |
19 |
24 |
410 |
533 |
11 |
13 |
10 |
1,020 |
4 |
6 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
|
Mayo |
57 |
40 |
2,249 |
2,341 |
52 |
47 |
63 |
4,849 |
11 |
41 |
52 |
11 |
63 |
|
Roscommon |
13 |
26 |
1,053 |
1,097 |
19 |
36 |
24 |
2,268 |
4 |
14 |
18 |
6 |
24 |
|
Sligo |
9 |
89 |
968 |
1,212 |
9 |
27 |
32 |
2,346 |
8 |
17 |
25 |
7 |
32 |
|
Leinster |
|||||||||||||
|
Carlow |
9 |
5 |
649 |
733 |
13 |
16 |
74 |
1,499 |
58 |
11 |
69 |
5 |
74 |
|
Dublin |
208 |
19 |
17,905 |
9,129 |
748 |
196 |
1,974 |
30,179 |
261 |
1,490 |
1,751 |
223 |
1,974 |
|
Kildare |
56 |
4 |
2,688 |
1,804 |
130 |
60 |
222 |
4,964 |
62 |
150 |
212 |
10 |
222 |
|
Kilkenny |
17 |
4 |
1,259 |
1,263 |
43 |
32 |
80 |
2,698 |
46 |
27 |
73 |
7 |
80 |
|
Laois |
17 |
8 |
828 |
761 |
29 |
23 |
49 |
1,715 |
27 |
18 |
45 |
4 |
49 |
|
Longford |
8 |
7 |
554 |
526 |
19 |
11 |
16 |
1,141 |
8 |
7 |
15 |
1 |
16 |
|
Louth |
10 |
3 |
1,127 |
1,681 |
46 |
19 |
96 |
2,982 |
31 |
59 |
90 |
6 |
96 |
|
Meath |
31 |
4 |
2,004 |
1,704 |
84 |
31 |
109 |
3,967 |
20 |
84 |
104 |
5 |
109 |
|
Offaly |
22 |
5 |
878 |
968 |
26 |
26 |
42 |
1,967 |
10 |
25 |
35 |
7 |
42 |
|
Westmeath |
13 |
4 |
1,141 |
1,208 |
40 |
19 |
47 |
2,472 |
8 |
32 |
40 |
7 |
47 |
|
Wexford |
32 |
6 |
1,423 |
1,781 |
43 |
40 |
88 |
3,413 |
34 |
45 |
79 |
9 |
88 |
|
Wicklow |
32 |
3 |
1,614 |
1,107 |
70 |
20 |
149 |
2,995 |
36 |
96 |
132 |
17 |
149 |
|
County |
Teacher Training |
HEA |
Iot’s & Other |
Other Aided by Dept of Education |
Aided by Other Departments |
Non-Aided |
Total |
Religious |
Private |
Non-Aided |
RCSI |
Total Non Aided |
|
|
Primary |
Home Economics |
||||||||||||
|
Munster |
|||||||||||||
|
Clare |
11 |
4 |
2,372 |
1,325 |
6 |
28 |
63 |
3,809 |
10 |
51 |
61 |
2 |
63 |
|
Cork |
35 |
23 |
9,954 |
5,546 |
30 |
169 |
343 |
16,100 |
22 |
293 |
315 |
28 |
343 |
|
Kerry |
19 |
6 |
2,750 |
2,367 |
20 |
45 |
68 |
5,275 |
8 |
51 |
59 |
9 |
68 |
|
Limerick |
9 |
13 |
3,975 |
2,114 |
10 |
54 |
180 |
6,355 |
15 |
152 |
167 |
13 |
180 |
|
Tipperary |
17 |
12 |
2,599 |
2,055 |
23 |
59 |
108 |
4,873 |
40 |
60 |
100 |
8 |
108 |
|
Waterford |
9 |
4 |
1,418 |
1,714 |
11 |
25 |
98 |
3,279 |
12 |
75 |
87 |
11 |
98 |
|
Ulster |
|||||||||||||
|
Antrim |
0 |
0 |
237 |
10 |
3 |
0 |
9 |
259 |
4 |
5 |
9 |
0 |
9 |
|
Armagh |
0 |
0 |
86 |
8 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
98 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Cavan |
19 |
13 |
749 |
978 |
29 |
16 |
33 |
1,837 |
6 |
23 |
29 |
4 |
33 |
|
Derry |
0 |
0 |
146 |
11 |
5 |
1 |
6 |
169 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
6 |
|
Donegal |
42 |
32 |
1,375 |
2,174 |
31 |
30 |
45 |
3,729 |
19 |
21 |
40 |
5 |
45 |
|
Down |
0 |
0 |
258 |
23 |
9 |
0 |
16 |
306 |
8 |
7 |
15 |
1 |
16 |
|
Fermanagh |
0 |
1 |
82 |
9 |
0 |
3 |
6 |
101 |
0 |
6 |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Monaghan |
10 |
3 |
569 |
835 |
36 |
10 |
26 |
1,489 |
9 |
14 |
23 |
3 |
26 |
|
Tyrone |
0 |
1 |
120 |
24 |
6 |
1 |
8 |
160 |
3 |
5 |
8 |
0 |
8 |
|
Ireland (Unspecified) |
0 |
0 |
321 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
321 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
TOTALS |
760 |
398 |
69,339 |
50,172 |
1,647 |
1,141 |
4,224 |
127,681 |
802 |
2,989 |
3,791 |
433 |
4,224 |
|
of which N. Ireland |
0 |
2 |
929 |
85 |
25 |
6 |
46 |
1,093 |
19 |
25 |
44 |
2 |
46 |
|
Country |
Teacher Training |
HEA |
Iot’s & Other |
Other Aided by Dept of Education |
Aided by Other Departments |
Non-Aided |
Total |
Religious |
Private |
Non-Aided |
RCSI |
Total Non Aided |
|
|
Primary |
Home Economics |
||||||||||||
|
European Union |
|||||||||||||
|
Austria |
0 |
0 |
10 |
16 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
26 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Belgium |
0 |
0 |
46 |
18 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
65 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Denmark |
0 |
0 |
14 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Finland |
0 |
0 |
45 |
50 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
97 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
France |
0 |
0 |
216 |
274 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
499 |
2 |
4 |
6 |
3 |
9 |
|
Germany |
0 |
0 |
282 |
182 |
1 |
0 |
9 |
474 |
4 |
2 |
6 |
3 |
9 |
|
Great Britain |
0 |
0 |
778 |
156 |
14 |
0 |
91 |
1,039 |
6 |
33 |
39 |
52 |
91 |
|
Greece |
0 |
0 |
45 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
49 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Italy |
0 |
0 |
104 |
42 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
154 |
0 |
7 |
7 |
1 |
8 |
|
Luxembourg |
0 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Netherlands |
0 |
0 |
32 |
18 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
57 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
2 |
7 |
|
Portugal |
0 |
0 |
14 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
15 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Spain |
0 |
0 |
123 |
112 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
241 |
2 |
4 |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Sweden |
0 |
0 |
36 |
30 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
73 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
6 |
|
TOTAL E.U. |
0 |
0 |
1,753 |
907 |
17 |
0 |
140 |
2,817 |
16 |
57 |
73 |
67 |
140 |
|
Rest of Europe |
0 |
0 |
285 |
89 |
3 |
0 |
183 |
560 |
16 |
33 |
49 |
134 |
183 |
|
America |
|||||||||||||
|
U.S.A. |
0 |
0 |
1,806 |
15 |
2 |
0 |
130 |
1,953 |
2 |
13 |
15 |
115 |
130 |
|
Canada |
0 |
0 |
186 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
79 |
270 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
74 |
79 |
|
Other America |
0 |
0 |
57 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
23 |
82 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
18 |
23 |
|
Africa |
0 |
0 |
343 |
60 |
13 |
0 |
180 |
596 |
69 |
58 |
127 |
53 |
180 |
|
Asia |
0 |
0 |
1,074 |
241 |
12 |
0 |
1,436 |
2,763 |
21 |
803 |
824 |
612 |
1,436 |
|
Australia |
0 |
0 |
36 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
24 |
67 |
3 |
3 |
6 |
18 |
24 |
|
TOTAL |
0 |
0 |
3,787 |
417 |
32 |
0 |
2,055 |
6,291 |
112 |
919 |
1,031 |
1,024 |
2,055 |
|
Origin Unknown |
0 |
0 |
43 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
480 |
534 |
0 |
480 |
480 |
0 |
480 |
|
GRAND TOTAL |
760 |
398 |
74,922 |
51,507 |
1,696 |
1,141 |
6,899 |
137,323 |
930 |
4,445 |
5,375 |
1,524 |
6,899 |
|
HEA |
Institutes of technology |
and other |
|
Ireland |
69,339 |
50,172 |
|
Other EU |
1,753 |
907 |
|
Non-EU |
285 |
89 |
|
USA |
1,806 |
15 |
|
Canada |
186 |
3 |
|
Other America |
57 |
2 |
|
Africa |
343 |
60 |
|
Asia |
1,074 |
241 |
|
Australasia |
36 |
7 |
|
Origin Unknown |
43 |
11 |
88 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the income received from tuition fees from full-time undergraduate non-EU students in each university and institute of technology in the academic years 2002-03 and 2003-04. [9330/04]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available. Institutions are being requested to provide same and it will be forwarded directly to her.
89 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science about an allocation of funding for a sports centre at Davitt College, Castlebar; the date approval, in principle, was given for it; the progress made; and if moneys will be made available in 2004 for it. [9331/04]
The proposed sports hall is listed in section 8 of the 2004 schools building programme that is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie. The project is at stages 4 and 5, detail design and bill of quantities, of architectural planning.
Indicative timescales have been included for large scale projects proceeding to tender in 2004. The budget announcement on multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a framework for the building programme. It will give great clarity about projects that are not progressing in this year's programme, including Davitt College. I will make another announcement during the year.
90 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science about the development of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [9332/04]
The proposed large scale building project for the school is listed in section 8 of the 2004 schools building programme that is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie. It is at stage 2, outline sketch scheme, of architectural planning. My Department assigned it a band 1 rating in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising projects. During 2004 it will be authorised to progress to advanced architectural planning.
Indicative timescales have been included for large scale projects proceeding to tender in 2004. The budget announcement on multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a framework for the building programme. It will give greater clarity about projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement during the year.
91 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science his Department’s expenditure for each of the past three years on the second level and special education support services based at the Laois education centre, and on leadership development in schools based at the Ennis education centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9333/04]
Last September my Department's in-service development unit established the special education support service. It operates in conjunction with other initiatives to provide professional development for personnel working in the special needs area in schools. County Laois education support centre is one of a national network of centres and is the designated base for the service. My Department gave €380,000 for the service in 2003. A further €1,692,000 was spent by my Department on professional development for personnel in the special education needs area in 2003. A budget of €2.5 million has been allocated to the development of special education professionals for 2004.
The leadership development for schools initiative was established to develop a programme of training and development for principals, deputy principals and others involved in school management and educational leadership in first and second level schools. The initiative is based at the Clare education centre, Ennis. My Department provided it with €456,000 in 2002 and €280,245 in 2003. A budget of €400,000 has been allocated to the leadership development for schools for 2004.
92 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of his Department’s expenditure for each of the past three years for each subject association under the teacher professional development funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9334/04]
The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded to her as soon as possible.
93 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of his Department’s budget that has been allocated to teacher professional development for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9335/04]
The details requested by the Deputy are as follows:
|
% |
|||
|
2000 |
4,233.2 |
25.792 |
0.61 |
|
2001 |
4,791.4 |
26.992 |
0.56 |
|
2002 |
5,390.5 |
28.928 |
0.54 |
|
2003 |
5,862.7 |
28.676 |
0.49 |
|
2004 provisional |
6,590.3 |
28.761 |
0.44 |
94 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will obtain sufficient funding for the 2004 financial year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9336/04]
97 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider the funding needs of a group (details supplied) in Dublin 12 under the young people’s facilities and services fund, that has been asked to continue on 50% of the 2003 baseline allocation; if he will make additional funds available, as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9341/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 97 together.
A sum of €6.594 million was transferred to my Department at the end of February in respect of mainstreamed YPFSF projects. The organisation referred to is included and it was allocated €115,480 for 2004. At present my Department is contacting the relevant vocational educational committees about details. They channel the funding.
95 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the submission made by the parents’ association of a national school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, he will give immediate sanction to its proposal to retain the extra teacher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9337/04]
100 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the three teachers will be maintained at Johnswell national school, County Kildare, in the interests of a good standard of education for the pupils attending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9362/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 100 together.
The staffing of a primary school for a school year is determined by reference to its enrolment on 30 September of the previous school year. The staffing schedule governing the appointment and retention of mainstream class teachers is finalised for a particular year following discussions between officials from my Department and the education partners. In February 2003 the staffing schedule for the current school year was issued to the boards of management of all primary schools and is also available on my Department's website.
The mainstream staffing of Johnswell national school for the current school year is a principal and two class teachers. This is based on an enrolment of 54 pupils on 30 September 2002.
The staffing schedule for the 2004-05 school year will be issued to the relevant school authorities shortly. The staffing allocation for the school for the 2004-05 school year will be determined in accordance with that schedule. It will be open to the school authorities to submit an appeal on the allocation. Appeals are forwarded to the independent staffing appeals board for adjudication.
96 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding from his Department’s in-service development unit can be offered to school chaplains to enable them to continue their work; if their job can be put on a permanent professional footing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9340/04]
My Department reviewed its supports for a range of in-service activities for personnel working in schools at primary and post-primary levels. Support was reoriented from a centralised system to local delivery based on local requirements and needs through the established national network of education centres.
My Department no longer provides direct support to schools and other bodies and groups, including the School Chaplains' Association. They are advised to contact their local education centre. They provide local in-service and support, advice and assistance to schools and their personnel in these matters. This approach will help avoid duplication and make the best use of available resources.
My Department is examining the possibility of appointing school chaplains on a permanent basis. The outcome will be notified to the relevant parties in due course.
Question No. 97 answered with QuestionNo. 94.
98 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science about a school building (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9349/04]
Before committing major capital funding to a project my Department must be satisfied that the school has a viable future. Relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends, are taken into account thereby ensuring value for money. When a number of issues are investigated a decision will be made on how best to provide for its long-term accommodation needs. My Department's officials are in contact with the school's authorities.
99 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science when stage five of the extension to the Presentation Convent, Carlow, will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9350/04]
The proposed large scale building project for the school is listed in section 8 of the 2004 schools building programme. It is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie. The project is at stage 5, bill of quantities, of architectural planning and it was given a band 3 rating in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large scale projects. My Department’s technical staff awaits a stage 5 submission from the school’s design team.
Question No. 100 answered with QuestionNo. 95.
101 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers’ professional development organisations that exist; the name and role of each organisation; the funding that each teaching professional development organisation received for 2004 and for each of the past five years; and the amount expended on funding the organisations as a percentage of total education expenditure for 2004 and in each of the past five years. [9364/04]
The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled to the extent that records permit and will be forwarded to her as soon as possible.
102 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the unacceptable delay in providing resource tuition for a person at a school (details supplied); when he proposes to implement the recommended assessment of this person on 7 July 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9365/04]
My Department received an application for special educational resources for the pupil. SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 are being considered. More than 5,000 applications were received. Priority was given to children that started school last September. All of these cases were responded to before or soon after the commencement of the current school year.
The remaining 4,000 applications were reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service. Surveys of SER provision were conducted over the past year and consequently the applications are being further considered. Account is also being taken of the data submitted by schools as part of the recent nationwide census of SER provision.
The processing of applications is a complex and time consuming operation. My Department will endeavour to finish the process as quickly as possible and then my officials will respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03 that issued last September. It contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within a school.
103 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of curriculum support units that exist in his Department; the name and role of each unit; the level of funding they received for 2004 and each of the past five years; and the number of in-service training initiatives being organised by the units for 2004. [9366/04]
The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled to the extent that records permit and will be forwarded to her as soon as possible.
104 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department changed plans at a school (details supplied) in County Laois; if they require planning permission; and if they will delay progression to the building stage. [9378/04]
A large scale building project for Camross national school is listed in section 9 of the 2004 schools building programme that is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie. It is at an early stage of architectural planning. My Department assigned it a band 3 rating in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large scale projects.
The Department updated the plan for the school to ensure that it is sympathetic to the architectural area and to meet all statutory requirements. Discussions are ongoing with the local authority on planning permission. None of the changes will delay the project.
The budget announcement on multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the schools building programme. This will lead to greater clarity about projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement during the year.
105 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Laois is classified as disadvantaged; the reason it still has a band 3 rating; and when he expects progress will be made. [9379/04]
My Department has not classified Camross national school as disadvantaged and accordingly it does not have such a status.
The proposed refurbishment and extension project at the school is included in section 9 of the 2004 schools building programme. The budget announcement on multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a framework for the programme. This will lead to a greater clarity about projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.
106 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science his intentions for the scrúdú cáilíochta exam; and his views on a review committee’s report that was submitted to his Department. [9380/04]
107 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if an extension of five years will be provided for those who reach the end of their fifth year of teaching but have not learned Irish before and have yet to pass scrúdú cáilíochta; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9381/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 107 together.
In 2001 I established a working group to review all aspects of the syllabus and examination for the Scrúdú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge. The group submitted a report and a copy was published on my Department's website.
Issues dealt with in the report include the content and format of the examination modules, the standard of the examination, courses of study for applicants and the period of provisional recognition granted to applicants within which they are expected to pass. The report is under consideration and a decision will be taken shortly.
108 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make resource hours available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork on whose behalf an application has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9391/04]
My Department has received, applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy, including an application for the pupil in question. SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 are being considered at present. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all of these cases were responded to before or soon after the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year or so. Account is also being taken of the data submitted by schools as part of the recent nationwide census of SER provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
The arrangements for processing applications received after the 31 August 2003, including the application for the pupil in question, will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.
109 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science when he expects to have a permanent site for a school (details supplied) in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9392/04]
My Department is considering options for the long-term accommodation needs of Gaelscoil Cholmcille, including the possible purchase of a site. However, due to the commercial sensitivities surrounding site acquisitions the Deputy will appreciate that I am unable to comment on specific site purchase issues.
110 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals in relation to Clogherhead Port in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9372/04]
Clogherhead Port is owned by Louth County Council, and responsibility for its maintenance and development rests with the county council in the first instance. In 2003, my Department provided funding of €191,642.25 to Louth County Council to engage engineering consultants to scope the development and carry out the required site investigation and other necessary studies at Port Oriel, Clogherhead. This work was brought to a conclusion recently when the council submitted development proposals to my Department. The county council's development proposals were reviewed by my Department and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department will provide 75% funding towards the total €6.5 million project. The public consultation process will be undertaken shortly by Louth County Council and they will also manage the project.
111 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the implications of the introduction of the maritime anti-terror law under the UN, which is due to come into force on 1 July 2004; the number of Irish ports and ships and the proportion of the international fleet carrying Irish trade which has as yet not been deemed compliant under the new code; if he has put in place a critical path of time dated measures which must be implemented to ensure none of Ireland’s trade is vulnerable to being deemed non-compliant under the law at the date of implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9375/04]
In December 2002, the diplomatic conference of the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, adopted a series of measures to strengthen maritime security and prevent and suppress acts of terrorism against shipping which included a new international ship and port facility security code, ISPS code. These security measures, which are intended to enhance maritime security on board ships and at ship-port interface areas, are due to enter into force from 1 July 2004 and there is no provision for an extension of this date.
In addition, in order to standardise arrangements across the EU, these new security measures have now been codified in a EU regulation on enhancing ship and port facility security, which has widened the scope of the IMO requirements to include class A domestic passenger ships by 1 July 2005 and all other domestic traffic by 1 July 2007.
The new security measures apply to passenger ships, cargo ships of 500 gross tonnes and upwards and mobile offshore units engaged on international voyages and the port facilities which serve these ships. These requirements outlined in the ISPS code provide a standard, consistent framework for implementing the new requirements. The code takes the approach that the practice of ensuring the security of ships and port facilities is a risk management activity and that to determine what security measures are appropriate, an assessment of the risks must be taken in each case.
The maritime safety directorate in my Department is currently involved in the process of co-ordinating the implementation of these new security requirements. The directorate is constantly in touch with the relevant ship owners, ports and port facilities affected by the EU regulation and ISPS code to ensure that they will all be compliant by the 1 July deadline and will therefore be in a position to continue to trade normally.
It is not yet known if any port facility or ship will be deemed to be non-compliant. All ports have now submitted port facility security assessments which are in the process of being verified and approved. The deadline for receipt of port facility security plans is 30 April 2004.
Most vessels affected by the new requirements have already submitted ship security assessments and ship security plan verifications will commence in mid April. As port facilities and ships will be required to have processes and procedures in place under their security plans for differing security levels and threats, it is expected that the introduction of the new maritime security measures will have the effect of increasing the awareness and the application of maritime security in ports, port facilities and on ships.
112 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will be in a position to announce the 2004 sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9254/04]
The national lottery funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.
The programme is advertised on an annual basis. The 2004 sports capital programme was advertised in the national newspapers on 30 November and 1 December 2003. The closing date for receipt of applications was 5 p.m. on Friday, 16 January 2004. A total of 1,304 applications were received before the closing date. All applications are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
113 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the situation in regard to Drogheda swimming pool and the timetable for the construction of the pool. [9373/04]
I approved the contract documents for the Drogheda swimming pool project on 5 March 2004 and gave permission for Drogheda Borough Council to invite tenders for the work proposed. It is now a matter for the borough council to invite tenders for the provision of the swimming pool and then to submit to my Department a report on the tender process. On receipt of the report, my Department, in consultation with the Office of Public Works, which act as technical advisers to my Department, will consider the question of moving the project to the construction stage.
114 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason test results of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo have not been issued to the person’s general practitioner. [9250/04]
The provision of hospital services for people living in County Mayo is a matter for the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply directly to the Deputy.
115 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of births in each of the Dublin maternity hospitals for each of the past five years broken down by the nationality of the mother and the normal country of residence of the mother; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9251/04]
Services at the Dublin maternity hospitals are provided under an arrangement with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the matters raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
116 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be called for surgery for varicose veins in view of the circumstances of the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9317/04]
I understand that the patient referred to has opted for treatment as a private patient. In these circumstances, it is not open to me to intervene in the matter.
117 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if the North Eastern Health Board has asked some home helps in the Drogheda area to seek payment from the service users’ family members for additional hours to make up for the hours reduced by management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9318/04]
As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the provision of health services in the Drogheda area rests with the North Eastern Health Board in the first instance. The board has advised my Department that clients for home support services are assessed and hours allotted according to need. The assessment takes the family input into account. Situations have been discovered, as part of the regular review process, where relatives, who wanted a more extensive service, that is, more household duties, etc., done, have supplemented the hours over and above what the board has allocated to meet the needs of the client. The board, or the client's public health nurse, may never know or be told of this private arrangement between the client, the client's family and the home help.
The board, further advise that it is not the policy of the board or it's staff to advise clients to seek additional hours from home helps in any private capacity. The board also stated it would take a serious view of any home help who, on their own initiative, suggested or sought additional hours from a client in a private capacity. I would suggest to the Deputy that if he is aware of circumstances in which this has happened, he should provide details to the North Eastern Health Board.
118 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there has been a drastic cutback in the number of recipients of home help in Counties Louth and Meath from 1678 recipients in 2002 to 1455 recipients in 2003, while in Cavan and Monaghan the reduction for the same period has been 16; the reason Counties Louth and Meath have been targeted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9319/04]
As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the provision of health services in the counties of Louth and Meath rests with the North Eastern Health Board in the first instance. The board has advised my Department that over the previous few years, the budget in Meath and Louth had become significantly overspent as moneys were used on a once off basis for the provision of home help hours and hours allocated increased substantially. As a result of the board's need to remain within service plan targets set in January 2002, the NEHB found it necessary in 2003 to reduce hours allocated. I am pleased to advise that the board's overall expenditure on home help services has been increased. An additional €0.313 million has been allocated for this service during 2004.
Since my appointment as Minister of State, I have been encouraging the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards to introduce personal care packages for older people as an alternative to long stay residential care. Personal care packages are specifically designed for the individual concerned and could possibly include the provision of a home help service, home subvention payments, arrangements for attendance at a day centre or day hospital and other services such as twilight nursing. Personal care packages allow older persons the option of remaining living in their own home rather than going into long stay residential care.
119 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in the preparation of a design brief for the proposed outline development control plan for Cavan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9320/04]
The outline development control plan for Cavan General Hospital has been drafted. This draft has been endorsed by the North Eastern Health Board and an application has recently been submitted to my Department to appoint the selected design team to commence planning of design work in accordance with the briefing document. My Department is at present in discussions with the NEHB in regard to the service context of this capital proposal. When this has been clarified with the board, my Department will then be in a position to fully assess this proposal in the context of overall capital priorities to be progressed under the national development plan.
120 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the future of Louth County Hospital, in particular, on the issue of 24 hour medical cover. [9321/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services at Louth County Hospital rests with the North Eastern Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to examine the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
121 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if it is his intention to introduce a new plastic card formatted driving licence; if, in view of the fact that existing licences contain a provision to become an organ donor, it is his intention to introduce an opt-out organ donation scheme on such licences as is in operation in the majority of EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9315/04]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 438 of 23 March 2004, which was as follows: The paper format driving licence currently in use contains an optional section where the licence holder may, if they so wish, indicate consent to be an organ donor.
I propose to introduce a plastic card licence, tenders for which are currently being considered by my Department. Consideration will be given as part of development of the card licence system as to whether optional information regarding organ donation might be recorded on the card licence. In the context of organ donation, I consider that it would be more appropriate for a prospective organ donor to positively consent to donation as is currently provided for.
122 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals in light of the recent terrorist attacks in Madrid, to prevent similar attacks being carried out here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9348/04]
On 19 March, I chaired an extraordinary meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council of the European Union at which a draft declaration on combating terrorism was agreed and forwarded for consideration at the meeting of the European Council scheduled for 25 March. The draft declaration contains a range of measures aimed at enhancing member states' responses at Union level to the terrorist threat arising from the Madrid bombings.
Within a domestic context, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda organisation maintains an up to date assessment of the threat of attacks against this State from international terrorist groupings through analysis of intelligence gathered from domestic and international sources.
In the latter regard, I am further informed that the Garda Síochána has developed excellent lines of communication and co-operation with police forces and security services in the European Union and further afield. I understand that this ongoing sharing of intelligence enables a rapid operational response to be put in place where circumstances so warrant.
123 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the penal and rehabilitative structures he proposes to put in place in the short, medium and longer terms to replace the prisons he proposes to close down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9220/04]
The question of closure of prisons and places of detention arises mainly in the context of measures currently being implemented on a rolling basis to control costs in the absence of agreement with the Prison Officers' Association on a change agenda in the Irish Prisons Service.
In all, four institutions were scheduled for closure in this regard. The Curragh and Fort Mitchel places of detention closed with effect from 20 January 2004 and 10 February 2004, respectively. Prisoners from these places of detention have been transferred elsewhere — mainly the Midlands Prison in the case of prisoners from the Curragh place of detention and Cork and Limerick Prisons in the case of prisoners held at Fort Mitchel. I have made clear that I envisage the re-opening of these institutions in the event that agreement is reached with the Prison Officers' Association on a sustainable cost structure for the operation of prisons.
The two further scheduled closures in respect of the open centres at Loughan House and Shelton Abbey are being kept under continuing review in the light of progress in the talks with the Prison Officers' Association under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. I have already indicated that in the event of these closures going ahead, the intention is to transform these two open centres into post release centres for the reintegration into society of prisoners on conditional temporary release. Neither of the two centres would be under the control of the Irish Prisons Service.
I have already signalled the Government's intention to close Mountjoy Prison and replace it with a modern prison on a new site. The development of this new complex presents the Irish Prisons Service with an excellent opportunity to create a facility which, in terms of custody, care and rehabilitation, would be a considerable advance on the penal and rehabilitation structures in the mainly Victorian facilities currently at Mountjoy Prison.
124 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 885 of 27 January 2004, a response will be expedited for the new application which has been submitted; the time frame involved; and when a decision is likely. [9221/04]
The immigration division of my Department has not received any new visa application from the person concerned further to Parliamentary Question No. 885 of 27 January 2004. On receipt of a new application, it will be processed as promptly as possible.
125 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí on duty in Dublin for the Dublin Skyfest event in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9222/04]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that 516 personnel were on duty at the Skyfest event in 2004 in Dublin city centre.
126 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí on duty in Dublin for the duration of the St. Patrick’s Day Dublin parade in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9223/04]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that a total of 539 personnel were on duty at the St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin city centre.
127 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí on duty in Dublin after 6 p.m. on 17 March 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9224/04]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the total number of gardaí on duty in the Dublin metropolitan region after 6 p.m. on 17 March 2004 was 694.
128 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of arrests made by gardaí in the Dublin metropolitan area on 17 March 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9225/04]
I have made inquiries with the Garda authorities and I am informed that in the Dublin metropolitan region there were 231 people arrested on 17 March 2004. The corresponding figure for 2003 is 193.
129 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of arrests made by gardaí in the Dublin metropolitan area on 17 March 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9226/04]
I have made inquiries with the Garda authorities and I am informed that in the Dublin metropolitan region there were 231 people arrested on 17 March 2004. The corresponding figure for 2003 is 193.
130 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the application of a person (details supplied) for citizenship based on marriage will be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9227/04]
A declaration of acceptance of post nuptial citizenship from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in my Department in November 2003. The current processing time for such declarations is approximately eight months from the date of lodgement and it is likely, therefore, that the processing of the declaration of the person referred to will be finalised some time in July. I will advise the Deputy when the matter has been concluded.
131 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the rates of remission applicable in each place of detention in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9228/04]
In general, prisoners are entitled to remission totalling one quarter of the sentence imposed by the courts. There are exceptions to this rule, for example, life sentenced prisoners and persons serving sentences of less than one month, which do not attract any remission. The courts are aware of the statutory entitlement to remission when passing sentence and take due account of such remission.
Prisoners who are selected for either of the open centres — Loughan House or Shelton Abbey — or the work parties in Cloverhill and Portlaoise Prisons may be granted the additional concession of half remission on the remainder of their sentence.
132 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has given recent or any consideration to the introduction of electronic tagging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9229/04]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 505 of 11 March 2003. The use of electronic tagging systems to monitor offenders in other jurisdictions is an issue which my Department has been examining for some time. As I explained in my previous reply, difficulties have been encountered in these jurisdictions in developing fully effective electronic tagging systems, but developments in technology may provide solutions to these. These developments are now being examined by the prisons service in the light of advice from other jurisdictions, and I intend to keep the matter under close review.
133 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself with the level of education being provided in places of detention in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9230/04]
I am satisfied that the education provided for prisoners by a cohort of teachers comprising 214 full-time equivalents, mainly employed by vocational education committees, is both substantial and varied. The education curriculum ranges from basic literacy to Open University courses, and includes structured physical education, health education, social education, the arts in various forms, as well as more conventional school subjects leading to junior and leaving certificate and FETAC certification. The participation rate in education by Irish prisoners — approximately 50 % — compares very favourably with international standards.
A particular feature of the prisoner population, as identified by the prison adult literacy survey published in June 2003, is the low level of literacy among just over half of all prisoners, that is, level one or below. I have asked the director general of the Irish Prisons Service to give priority to literacy programmes in all prisons in line with the recommendations of the survey report and the commitment to prisoner literacy in the Agreed Programme for Government.
134 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that there is a sufficient rehabilitative dimension to an offender’s stay in a place of detention in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9231/04]
Prisoner rehabilitation involves significant multidimensional input by a diverse range of general and specialist services provided both by the Irish Prisons Service and visiting statutory and non-statutory services. Among these services are health care, psychiatric, psychological, educational, vocational, counselling, welfare and spiritual services. These services are important in addressing offending behaviour, drug and alcohol addiction, missed educational and vocational opportunities, anger management and self management in the interest of encouraging positive personal development in prisoners and preparing them for re-integration and resettlement on release from custody.
I am satisfied that more can be done in the area of prisoner rehabilitation and my particular concerns in this regard are to remove two major constraining factors. First, I am determined to restructure prison costs and prison officer working arrangements, not only in the interest of greater efficiency, but also to ensure that more resources — staff and finance — are available to support prisoner rehabilitation programmes. This is currently the focus of ongoing negotiations with the Prison Officers' Association under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. Second, I am pursuing the replacement of outdated and inadequate accommodation at several of our older prisons such as Mountjoy, Cork, Limerick and Portlaoise so as to provide decent living conditions for prisoners and modern, well equipped facilities for both staff and prisoners engaged in prisoner care and rehabilitation programmes. The focus here is more long-term but I expect to be in a position to announce significant progress in the near future.
135 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself with the operation of, and services provided by the Probation and Welfare Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9232/04]
My predecessor, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue, following a Government decision, set up an expert group to examine the Probation and Welfare Service under the chairmanship of Mr. Brian McCarthy. This group produced its first report in November 1998. The final report of the group was published in May 1999 and made several recommendations. Many of the recommendations of the expert group report have been implemented by my Department. Staffing levels have been raised. There has been substantial investment in a customised IT system and an IT unit has been established. The new technology, when fully operational, will have the capacity to produce information about the utilisation and effectiveness of community sanctions, giving us information about crime in Ireland not previously available. A common State funded public liability insurance scheme has been put in place to enable a greater number of community groups to have community service projects operated on their premises without the need to incur substantial insurance costs. These are some of the measures which have been implemented.
The service has the responsibility to implement those orders of the court which require the supervision of offenders by the probation and welfare staff, that is, probation and other supervision orders and orders which require work to be performed by way of retribution to society, that is, community service orders. The service also provides to courts pre-sanction assessment reports which enable judges, in determining sentence, to take into account the personal and social circumstances of the offender, the level of risk that further crime will be committed if she or he remains in the community, the attitude of the offender to the victim of the crime and the work programme available to the offender to prevent involvement in further crime.
The service supervises both serious and less serious offenders who are placed under supervision orders by the courts. It also supervises persons released by order of the Minister of Justice, Equality and Law Reform from prisons and places of detention, including life sentence prisoners who have served substantial periods in custody. It has a youth justice section which is being resourced to implement the provisions of the Children Act 2001 throughout the jurisdiction. It also provides a limited service to the Irish Prisons Service in working with the other prison based disciplines towards the rehabilitation of those in prison. In addition, it also prepares detailed assessment reports for the interim parole board.
It is the case, however, that increasingly in recent years the service has been under pressure to meet the growing demands of both the courts and the prison service. This has led to delays in the provision of reports to courts and in the implementation of probation and community service orders. These are some of the issues which are currently being examined by my Department. A value for money examination of the service has also recently been conducted by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. The report of the evaluation is expected to be published in the latter half of April and the Deputy can be assured that its implications will be taken fully into account.
136 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the information available to him in regard to the nationality and the normal country of residence of mothers, in respect of the briefing document (details supplied) issued by him on 10 March 2004 in connection with the proposed amendment to the Constitution regarding citizenship; the number of mothers who are believed to have arrived in the country within a month prior to giving birth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9252/04]
While information on nationality for one of the Dublin maternity hospitals in 2003 was available to me, I have not been supplied with the country by country data for all three Dublin maternity hospitals sought by the Deputy. The figure for the number of births to non-nationals at the three Dublin maternity hospitals during 2003 was included in my document for the sole purpose of showing overall trends in this area. It is illustrative of one factor informing the Government proposal, that is, the strain on maternity hospitals. There are also wider considerations such as health and social policy and service delivery across the State sector into the future. My colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, may be able to provide the breakdown of figures sought.
137 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the sections of the Irish Prisons Service which are being decentralised to Longford town, in view of the fact that 175 jobs are promised to the town but there are only 130 staff currently working within the Irish Prisons Service headquarters; the planned reduction in the headquarters staff under the budget 2003 announcement of a reduction in public service numbers; the areas in which the differential will be made up to meet the committed 175 jobs for Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9253/04]
In the context of the Government's decentralisation programme, it is proposed to decentralise up to 178 jobs currently assigned to various Dublin locations of the prison service. These include 130 staff of the prison service employed at its Clondalkin headquarters, together with other elements of prison management, including the buildings services and purchasing services, and a number of contract IT support staff. The prison service is currently considering the staffing reductions to be made to comply with the Government decision on reductions of staffing numbers of December 2002 to ensure that front-line services are not affected.
138 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of tyre slashings investigated by the gardaí in the Bridewell district, Dublin 7, in the past two months and the locations concerned; and the number of tyre slashings reported to the gardaí in the same area during that time. [9353/04]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that gardaí at the Bridewell Garda station are currently investigating a total of 17 cases of tyre slashings in the last two months. The locations concerned are as set out in the table below.
|
Location |
Number of cases being currently investigated |
|
Ostman Place |
6 |
|
Halliday Road |
4 |
|
Manor Street |
4 |
|
Manor Place |
1 |
|
Aughrim Street |
1 |
|
Ivar Street |
1 |
|
Total |
17 |
I understand that as a result of these incidents, local Garda management set up a special operation specifically tasked with addressing the problem of tyre slashing in the area concerned. I am informed that one person has been arrested and questioned in connection with these incidents. Further investigations are ongoing. The area continues to receive regular attention from both uniform and plain clothes beats and mobile patrols.
139 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will detail any new measures or additional resources the gardaí are implementing to counter the increase in street prostitution, including reports of child prostitution, in the Bridewell district ofDublin 7. [9354/04]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that two gardaí have recently been deployed to the area in question specifically tasked with addressing the problem of street prostitution. This is in addition to the normal foot and mobile patrols that operate in the area. I understand that there have been no reports of child prostitution made to the Garda authorities in the Bridewell district to date.
140 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide a breakdown of the cost to his Department for the past three years of the hire, rent and so on of a premises (details supplied) in County Kildare to house asylum seekers and refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9355/04]
141 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that at a premises (details supplied) in County Kildare where there are asylum seekers and refugees being housed, has major problems with the availability of food to certain persons who, due to religious beliefs, are unable to accept the food that is being provided for them and that no alternative food is being supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9356/04]
142 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a premises (details supplied) in County Kildare, where asylum seekers and refugees are staying have no adequate place to meet with public representatives, solicitors and so on; the plans his Department has to ensure that adequate facilities are provided for the persons concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9357/04]
143 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that at a premises (details supplied) in County Kildare can have as many as two adults and four children confined to one room; the plans his Department has to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9358/04]
144 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to a social worker and social services-medical services for refugees-asylum seekers at a premises (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9359/04]
145 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the lack of adequate facilities available at a premises (details supplied) in County Kildare for asylum seekers-refugees vis-à-vis a playroom for children; if his Department has plans or proposals to rectify the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9360/04]
146 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of refugees and asylum seekers facilitated at a premises (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9361/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 to 146, inclusive, together.
A contract for the provision of emergency accommodation and ancillary services for 100 asylum seekers under the system of direct provision was entered into by the Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, which operates under the aegis of my Department, with the contractor at the Eyre Powell Hotel, Main Street, Newbridge, County Kildare, for the period 30 April 2003 to 27 April 2004. An offer of a further contract beyond the expiry date of 27 April 2004 has been issued to the contractor and is currently under consideration.
I am informed that prior to this period the premises was engaged by the Northern Area Health Board as a facility for accommodating asylum seekers on a self-catering basis. The number of persons who may be accommodated at the premises is determined in accordance with the environmental health standards and the occupancy level of all the bedrooms is in compliance with these standards. In the case of the six person family mentioned by the Deputy I am informed that two adjoining rooms with an interconnecting door were allocated to this family and that this is in compliance with the environmental health standards. In addition to the requirement to comply with these standards, the contractor is also required to ensure that the premises complies and operates in accordance with all relevant statutory requirements of local authorities and other agencies in regard to planning, building, by-laws, food, food hygiene, water supply, sewage disposal, fire precautions and general safety.
In regard to food, the contractor is obliged to ensure that the food offered reflects the reasonable needs of the different ethnic groups accommodated at the premises. This includes food provided in accordance with religious beliefs. Persons from approximately 120 different nationalities are resident in centres operated by RIA and particular emphasis is placed on meeting their dietary needs to the greatest extent possible. In this connection, contractors are required to arrange for their chefs to meet residents to ascertain their ethnic food requirements and I am informed that such meetings have taken place in the Eyre Powell Hotel.
In regard to the statement that the premises has no adequate place to meet with public representatives, solicitors and so on, I am informed that rooms are available for this purpose. In accordance with normal practice and on the grounds of commercial sensitivity, I do not propose to comment on the detailed commercial arrangements made by the RIA in this or in any other similar case. I can confirm, however, that in this case, as in the case of similar type properties, the payment for the contracted services is currently in the range of €189 to €222.60 per person per week.
The provision of health and social services is a matter, in the first instance, for the health board. I am informed, however, that the position in regard to a social worker and social services-medical services for residents is that there is a room dedicated for use by the community welfare officer to facilitate applications for supplementary welfare allowance. A room is also made available to other visiting health professionals as required. As the premises is centrally located in Newbridge, easy access to health board services is facilitated.
In the context of the negotiations on a possible new contract for the premises, the RIA are advancing proposals to further develop facilities for resident children. It is intended to enhance the playroom facility and to provide an area for students to study. Other facilities provided at the centre consist of a mothers and toddlers group organised by the local parish and English classes for adults and children. In addition, residents can also participate in local community activities including sewing classes and computer classes, the local community sports hall, the library and free Internet access.
147 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in having a property (details supplied) in County Donegal transferred into the State’s ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9314/04]
The deed of guardianship, which will see this property transfer into the care of the State, is still being negotiated on behalf of my Department. While the process has taken longer than anticipated, I understand that it is hoped to complete it in the near future.
148 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the urban renewal status of a property (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9382/04]
Banagher was designated for tax incentives under the town renewal scheme 2000. The Town Renewal Act 2000 places responsibility on local authorities to monitor progress on the implementation of the scheme. Under guidelines issued by my Department, each county council has put in place appropriate institutional arrangements at county level to ensure that the scheme is monitored effectively. The monitoring committee in each county reports to the local authority on progress in the various towns designated under the scheme.
While monitoring data on the scheme is submitted to my Department periodically, data on specific projects in the individual towns designated may more appropriately be sought from the local authority concerned.
149 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of road in kilometres in County Laois that are eligible to receive funding from his Department; if he will provide a breakdown, in this respect, on the status of these roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9383/04]
150 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of road, in kilometres, in County Offaly that are eligible to receive funding from his Department; if he will provide a breakdown, in this respect, on the status of these roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9384/04]
151 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of road, in kilometres, in County Roscommon that are eligible to receive funding from his Department; if he will provide a breakdown, in this respect, on the status of these roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9385/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 to 151, inclusive, together.
For the purposes of the non-national roads programme, my Department allocates discretionary maintenance, discretionary improvement and restoration maintenance grant allocations to county councils on the basis of length of road in their area. The restoration improvement grant is allocated in line with a multi-annual programme submitted by each county council for the 2002-05 period, taking account particularly of length of road and also the results of the pavement condition study of 1996. A further pavement condition survey is currently under way and the results will be taken into account in the allocations for 2005 and subsequent years.
The total length of non-national roads in the Laois, Offaly and Roscommon County Council areas, based on revised road schedules submitted by the county councils in 2003, are set out in the table below. My Department also provides grants to local authorities, under the local improvement scheme, in respect of non-public roads. Information on the length of these roads is not available in my Department.
|
Local Authority |
Regional roads |
Local primary roads |
Local secondary roads |
Local tertiary roads |
Total |
|
Laois County Council |
288.54 |
607.78 |
596.6 |
479.62 |
1,972.54 |
|
Offaly County Council |
343.11 |
521.53 |
586.07 |
492.25 |
1,942.96 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
343.71 |
1,131.31 |
1,395.18 |
850.14 |
3,720.34 |
152 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals for the future of the RAPID programme; the level of progress; his assessment of the programmes relative success; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9346/04]
I refer the Deputy to my response to Questions 107 and 110 on 9 March 2004.
153 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reasons for the contraction of community and rural development initiatives; his plans for financing such structures into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9347/04]
I do not accept that there has been a contraction of community and rural development initiatives. Indeed, a considerable expansion of such initiatives has taken place or is in hands, including the extension of the CLÁR areas; the expansion of the community development programme; and the proposed introduction of the new rural social scheme. In this regard, I draw the attention of the Deputy to my replies to a range of recent questions on these issues, including Question No. 169 of 9 March 2004; Question No. 117 of 9 March 2004; Questions Nos. 122, 133, 171 and 196 of 9 March 2004; and Questions Nos. 151, 153, 156, 163, 172, 173 and 185 of 4 February 2004.
154 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the assistance his Department can offer to an organisation (details supplied) in the provision of premises for its valuable community work in Drogheda. [9367/04]
My Department provides once off grants by way of a scheme of grants to voluntary and community groups that focus on tackling poverty and disadvantage and enhancing community development. The scheme includes provision for refurbishment of premises or the purchase of equipment but does not provide for the purchase-building of premises. Arrangements for the 2004 scheme are currently being finalised and I expect to be in a position to announce details in the coming weeks.
155 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if Údarás na Gaeltachta took into account the procedures (details supplied) for the evaluating of tenders as outlined in the green book in the sale of holiday homes at Eanach Mheáin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9368/04]
156 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if tax clearance procedures (details supplied) were outlined by Údarás na Gaeltachta in its public advertisement for the sale of holiday homes at Eanach Mheáin as outlined in the green book; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9369/04]
I propose to take Question Nos. 155 and 156 together.
I refer the Deputy to my previous responses to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 146 and 592 of 9 March and 23 March 2004, respectively, in regard to the sale of holiday homes at Eanach Mheáin. The responsibility for complying with proper procedures is one in the first place for Údarás na Gaeltachta, which is an independent statutory agency.
As previously stated, I understand from Údarás na Gaeltachta that no contract has been made regarding the sale of the holiday homes and that the matter will be discussed further at its board meeting on 26 March 2004. As I have also informed the Deputy, I understand that additional information will be forwarded to me by Údarás after that meeting at which time I will consider what, if any, action I should take in relation to the matter. In those circumstances, I believe that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
157 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the proposals his Department has for the RAPID areas in Drogheda and Dundalk; and if he will extend the RAPID area to Ardee. [9370/04]
Two proposals from the Drogheda RAPID plan fall within the remit of my Department. These proposals are in respect of a community development project to provide information for older people in a number of locations in RAPID areas in Drogheda and a youth facility in Yellowbatter. None of the proposals included in the Dundalk RAPID plan come within the remit of my Department. I intend making an announcement regarding the disbursement of the RAPID funds in my Department's Estimates in the near future. There are no plans at present to amend the boundaries or to increase the number of areas under the RAPID programme.
