Leo Varadkar
Ceist:71 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will introduce a payment per ewe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44023/08]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 11 to 61, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 62 to 70, inclusive, answered orally.
Grant Payments.
The possibility of support to the sheep sector will be considered in the light of the outcome of the recent CAP Health Check. That outcome provides that an additional amount of some €24 million annually will be available to Irish farmers from 2010 onwards. That amount may be used to target specific sectors in need of assistance and represents money that would otherwise not be available to farmers due to the complex rules surrounding the Single Farm Payment. Support may commence in 2009 by utilising funds from the National Reserve, which are expected to be in the region of €6 million to €7 million, and these will be supplemented from 2010 with the unspent Single Farm Payment funds.
As I indicated following the completion of the Health Check, I will consult relevant stakeholders as to how these additional funds can best be spent. To that end I will meet with them on 16th December to consider their views and possible options.
Pig Sector.
Michael Noonan
Ceist:72 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiatives he proposes to introduce to restore profitability to the pig sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44042/08]
The relevant EU market support measures — private storage and export refunds — assisted the sector over the last year. Ireland raised the possible re-introduction of export refunds for fresh and frozen pigmeat in the context of a recent EU management committee for animal products. The EU Commission declined, however, to take action at this stage. It holds the view that the outlook for pig prices is reasonably satisfactory and that feed prices will be lower than in the past year. It will, however, keep the export refunds issue under review.
My Department will continue to maintain close contact with producer and processor organizations to ensure that the issues facing the sector receive due consideration in the context of possible EU market supports.
Teagasc has prepared a development strategy for the Irish pig industry, which identifies the issues facing the sector and makes certain recommendations. The ‘Pig Industry Strategy Steering Group', which includes representation from my Department and all sectors of the industry, has been established for the purpose of furthering those recommendations. This group will identify, prioritise and promote actions needed to ensure a viable sustainable future for the pig industry. This group had its first meeting in October.
Food Shortages.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:73 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether there is a threat to staple fruit and vegetable crops here due to climate change which is going to cause major changes in farming practices; the plans he is making to plan for future food shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43985/08]
I am very much aware that the future health of Ireland's agriculture sector is inextricably linked with the ability of Irish farmers to respond, in a sustainable way, to both the challenges and the opportunities arising from changes to our climate.
There is no evidence to suggest that climate change poses any major threat to our staple fruit and vegetable crops. Indeed, the impact on horticulture crops in Ireland could be positive with potential for improvement in the conditions for growing fruit and vegetables and an expansion in the land area suitable for such production.
I believe, therefore, that there is no prospect of food shortages in Ireland arising from climate change. However, the Government is very conscious of the importance of underpinning food security and ensuring our agricultural sector is sustainable and resilient against the background of emerging global challenges.
Fishing Industry Development.
John Perry
Ceist:74 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the implications of a bilateral agreement on fisheries between the EU and Norway; the consequences for the fishing industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44032/08]
The EU/Norway bilateral negotiations follow on from the Coastal States Negotiations which set the over all Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for certain stocks in the Northeast Atlantic in which Ireland has an interest. The key stocks for Ireland in the Coastal States discussions are Mackerel, Blue Whiting and Atlanto-Scandian Herring.
The EU has a long-standing bilateral fisheries agreement with Norway. The agreement is implemented through annually negotiated fisheries arrangements, which allow for the setting of total allowable catches (TACs) for joint stocks, transfers of fishing possibilities, joint technical measures, and issues related to control and enforcement.
The annual EU-Norway consultations takes place over the autumn. The discussions focused on:
the setting of TACs for jointly managed stocks in the North Sea (particularly cod, haddock, saithe, whiting, plaice and herring).
receipt by the EC of Arcto-Norwegian cod in the Barents Sea. Ireland received about 255 tonnes of this stock in 2008.
Agreement between the EU and Norway has not been reached to date because of the complexity of the discussions on some technical and conservation measures, namely discards. Additionally the balancing of the transfers proved challenging as the main transfer stock Blue Whiting has seen its TAC level decrease from 1,150,000 tonnes in 2008 to 543,000 tonnes in 2009. Further negotiations is now planned for the week beginning the 8th of December.
While from an over all perspective Ireland gains little from this agreement, we have a big interest as historically we have paid disproportionately for the balancing arrangement, as Blue Whiting, the key transfer stock is an important fishery for Ireland.
Ireland has continually maintained that the present balancing arrangement is unfair and inequitable and has sought a proportionate reduction in the level of Blue Whiting transferred. The reduction in the 2009 TAC for Blue Whiting has meant that the transfer cannot be balanced by Blue Whiting alone. We have strongly argued that stocks of importance to Ireland, such as mackerel, can not form part of the transfer as we do not gain from the exchange of opportunities.
I will continue to take every opportunity, as will my officials, to ensure that Ireland's interests are protected during these negotiations. We will continue to liaise closely with Industry in this regard and will actively promote positions which will give Ireland the best possible outcome in what are difficult negotiations.
Food Labelling.
John Deasy
Ceist:75 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that consumers are adequately informed and protected by existing labelling legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44077/08]
The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Under the general labelling Directive (2000/13/EC), the place of origin of the foodstuff must be given only if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree. The European Commission is currently undertaking a major review of all food labelling legislation. In this context the Commission has prepared draft revised labelling regulations and these are being discussed at Council Working Party level in Brussels. These draft regulations will be submitted to the EU Council of Health Ministers during 2009.
Prior to this overall review the Deputy will be aware of the measures taken in relation to the labelling of beef both at retail level and within the catering sector. Ireland introduced regulations extending the origin labelling requirement for beef to the catering sector, thereby ensuring that origin labelling for beef covers all sales to consumers.
Regarding the labelling of poultry meat, there are EU Regulations, which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultry meat at retail level. The Regulations require such poultry meat to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, drafted regulations that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pigmeat, poultry and sheepmeat. This was notified to the EU Commission in December 2007 as required by legislation. The Commission was not prepared to adopt the draft regulations in their present format on the grounds that the proposed legislation is not in compliance with EU food labelling regulations. In March, the EU Commission delivered a negative opinion on the regulations but afforded Ireland an opportunity to provide further information in support of them. In the meantime, the Department provided additional details including the current misleading labelling practices and evidence of consumers' desire for country of origin labelling. The EU Commission has considered this additional information in the context of the EU Labelling Directive but considers that it does not justify the introduction of national legislation. At the relevant standing committee meeting on food law on 13th October, the EU Commission outlined its decision not to agree to Ireland's proposed regulations.
The EU has 36 specific marketing standards covering fresh fruit and vegetables. Apart from quality criteria these standards also set down strict provisions regarding labelling, including country of origin. The EU Commission is currently reforming the Common Organisation of the market for fruit and vegetables. As part of this process a number of the existing specific standards will be replaced by a general standard which will cover a wider range of fruit and vegetables.
Common Fisheries Policy.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:76 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the efforts he is making to have the Hague Preferences established as a principle of the Common Fisheries Policy as opposed to the annual negotiation currently required in the context of TAC and quotas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44066/08]
When Ireland joined the EEC in 1973, the Community received a very significant additional fishing resource out to the 200 mile limit. At that time however, Ireland's fishing industry was totally underdeveloped.
In this context, the 1976 Hague Agreement recognised the development needs of peripheral regions whose populations were heavily dependent on fishing activity. The Hague Agreement allowed Ireland to double its 1975 catches of a number of stocks. These target catches are called the Hague Targets. The UK was also granted a number of Hague Targets. The actual quotas are set for relevant stocks at the average of what the quota would have been without the Hague and the relative proportion of the Hague target.
The Hague Preferences have been a fundamental part of relative stability and have been recognised as such in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) framework since 1983. Most recently the Hague Preferences are recognised in Council Regulation 2371/2002 following the review of the CFP in 2001/2002. Further, the European Court (in 1998) upheld the appropriateness of the Council giving effect to the principle of relative stability through the application of the allocation keys together with the operation of the Hague Preference to take account of the special needs of Ireland and the northern part of the United Kingdom. At the Fisheries Council, each December, Ireland has consistently, and successfully, argued that Relative Stability has therefore to be applied taking due account of the prior Hague Agreement.
There is, however, strong opposition to the application of the Hague Preferences from certain Member States and the European Court judgment of 1998 does give discretion on their application to the Council. It is important to be aware that with reduced Total Allowable Catches in recent years, the impact of the application of the Hague Preferences is increasing both for Ireland which gets increased quotas and for other Member States whose quotas reduce. We are likely to face significant opposition to their application at Council this year.
I remain of the view that the invocation of the Hague Preference continues to constitute an essential part of the system of relative stability as applied under the CFP, and will look to the Commission and Council to continue to respect invocations of the Hague Preference at this December Fisheries Council. Going forward, I am also committed to the continuation and strengthening of the Hague Preferences in the CFP legal framework in the planned review which must be completed by 2012.
Dairy Sector.
Liz McManus
Ceist:77 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the predictions by Teagasc economists that Ireland will have 12,000 dairy farmers in 2014 but only 9,000 if there is an unfavourable trade agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43978/08]
I have noted the contents of Teagasc's recently published medium-term outlook, which analyses prospects for the period 2008 to 2017. The findings are a reflection of the challenging environment facing the agriculture sector over the period. The dairy sector is not immune from these challenges. However, it is the manner in which we and the whole industry respond to these challenges that will determine whether the predictions prove to be accurate.
The current environment is a volatile one. High milk prices in 2007 led to greater supply and demand pressures in the marketplace, and these, combined with the effects of the global economic downturn, have put significant downward pressure on prices in 2008. However, policy needs to be driven by a consideration of the long-term outlook rather than short-term volatility. In this regard prospects are generally very positive, with a sustained increase in global demand for dairy products anticipated over the next decade and beyond. Ireland needs to position itself to take advantage of the opportunities presented by such developments.
The Government's strategy has been a three-pronged one. The first element has been the implementation of the €100 million Dairy Investment Fund aimed at stimulating the necessary investment at processing level to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the industry. The second has been the introduction of the Milk Quota Trading Scheme, which has brought a more open market approach to the transfer of milk quota and has ensured that larger volumes of quota than ever before are now getting into the hands of active, committed milk producers. The final element was delivered recently when I successfully concluded negotiations on the Health Check of the 2003 CAP reform. These delivered an outstanding outcome for the dairy sector in the form of substantial milk quota increases and the retention of the market management measures of key importance to Ireland. Most significantly, the outcome has provided a greater degree of policy certainty for the industry going forward.
Running parallel to these developments has been the latest round of WTO negotiations, which concluded unsuccessfully in Geneva in July. The Government has consistently voiced its concern that any WTO deal should be a balanced one, and I took every opportunity in Geneva to again raise our strong concerns about the agriculture proposals in particular. It remains to be seen when and in what direction the talks will now move, but my efforts will at all times be focused on achieving the best possible outcome for Irish agriculture.
Notwithstanding the WTO uncertainty, I believe the greater policy clarity at EU level means that it is now time to consider how best to exploit Ireland's milk production potential in order to secure the maximum possible long-term advantage for the dairy sector. To this end I have recently announced my intention to convene a Dairy Forum, which will consider, through consultation with the industry at producer and processor level, the important next steps on the road to making the Irish dairy sector the most competitive and efficient possible, while retaining as many people active in farming as possible.
Fisheries Protection.
Enda Kenny
Ceist:78 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he proposes to change the law whereby fishermen are the subject of criminal proceedings for minor infringements of fishing law and thereby bring Ireland in line with the EU Commission’s thinking on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44056/08]
Ireland has a very important position as custodian of some of the largest and richest fishing waters within the EU but also in our location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Ireland continues to maintain high standards in the enforcement of regulations within the Exclusive Fisheries Zone using the resources of the Naval Service, the Air Corps and the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority.
The systems for dealing with infringements of the Common Fisheries Policy vary greatly from Member State to Member State and useful comparisons are not easily drawn. Many continental legal systems are different to Ireland's and lend themselves to an administrative fines and penalties structure. Previous advice from the Attorney-General in this regard indicated that under the Irish legal system the types of penalties which Ireland is obliged to apply under the Common Fisheries Policy would be viewed as criminal in nature and therefore could only be administered by the courts by virtue of Articles 34, 37 and 38 of the Constitution.
Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006 the position is that all sanctions are purely financial in nature. The Act simply sets down the maximum fines that may be applied. No minimum fine is set and it is a matter for a Judge, taking into account the specific case, to determine the actual fine levied. The Act also applied for the first time a scaled approach to setting maximum fines whereby the maximum fines set for smaller vessels are less than for larger vessels. In that respect the 2006 Act sought to guarantee a degree of proportionality for fines based on vessel size, a factor which did not exist in the previous legislation.
Administrative fines for fisheries offences could be introduced in Ireland if the infringements and appropriate sanctions were set down in European law. I welcome new proposals which have been brought forward by the EU Commission with regard to introducing a new overall control regulatory framework. These proposals will be examined carefully, including from a legal perspective, to consider if their provisions will support the introduction of administrative sanctions in Ireland.
We have always argued that control levels need to be raised across the EU if we are to protect the future of stocks in all community waters and fishing communities throughout the community who are wholly dependent on those stocks. It is clearly in the interests of the Irish fishing industry and fishing communities that there is strong and effective implementation of the quotas and other conservation measures on all fishing vessels fishing on stocks in our zone. I am committed to this in the interest of our fishermen and consequently welcome this proposal for a new control and inspection regulation, including efforts to introduce a harmonised system of sanctions.
Food Industry.
Joe Costello
Ceist:79 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the timescale for the merging of the promotion element of Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Bord Bia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43967/08]
The seafood marketing and promotion element of Bord Iascaigh Mhara is to be merged with An Bord Bia. The Government's initiative in transferring the seafood marketing and promotion functions to Bord Bia will ensure the strengthening of seafood marketing as part of a more cohesive overall food marketing effort, while allowing BIM to focus all its energies in developing the seafood industry in line with the Cawley Strategy — Steering A New Course.
The integration of seafood marketing with the State's domestic and international food marketing body will deliver synergies and opportunities for seafood producers where Bord Bia can draw on its expertise in the food sector to identify key future trends and opportunities for growth while pre-empting and reacting to market, competitors and global changes. The amalgamation of the promotion and market development functions of BIM with Bord Bia, will enable one single agency to manage Ireland's food and drink marketing effort on domestic and international markets. This will facilitate a more effective and efficient marketing effort. It will include the merging of the agencies presence internationally, which overlap in the four markets where BIM currently has a presence.
My ambition is that the transfer will be effective from early in 2009 subject to any legal issues which may arise. In this regard, I am planning that the budget for seafood marketing and promotion currently within BIM's Estimates allocation will be transferred to An Bord Bia in respect of 2009. It is envisaged that the posts within the BIM European Marketing Offices along with the relevant marketing posts within BIM headquarters will be transferred to Bord Bia.
Bord Bia determines funding priorities and allocations within its Estimate and I am confident that the Board recognises the importance and opportunities available within the seafood sector and will provide the necessary funding in order to maximise the potential of the sector for 2009 and future years.
Fishing Industry Development.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:80 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the proposed cuts in quotas and TAC across all fish species in the context of the recent decommissioning scheme which was supposed to provide additional quota to those remaining in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44050/08]
The very poor state of many whitefish stocks targeted by the Irish fishing fleet is clearly reflected in the decreases in annual Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and quota allocations that Ireland receives and in the landings of the fishing fleet over the past decade. The levels of TAC and ultimately quotas for Ireland are determined each year at the December Fisheries Council following negotiations with Member States and the EU Commission. This process for 2009 has already begun in earnest with the publication of the Commission's proposals which will be subject of detailed and protracted discussions over the coming weeks. This Commission proposal sets out cuts in many of the stocks of economic importance to our fleet and also envisages other measures which will adversely impact on our fishing industry, including a proposed closure for the whitefish fleet off the north west.
However, not all stocks are subject to decreases in TACs with the mackerel TAC going up by 33% from 456,000 tonnes in 2008 to 605,000 tonnes in 2009. This will result in the net Irish quota (after deductions for the payback for undeclared Scottish landings) going from approx 45,000 tonnes to 62,000 tonnes. However, this TAC increase remains to be formally agreed and must be protected against any proposal that a part would be transferred to Norway in the EU/ Norway negotiations which are currently ongoing.
This hugely significant increase is the reward for Irish fishermen adopting tough responsible fishing practices for this stock. In value terms using an estimated price per tonne of €1,200, this results in an increase of over €20m to the Pelagic fishing sector in 2009 (from €54m to €74.4m).
Notwithstanding the good news on mackerel, I am concerned with the level of cuts proposed for the whitefish stocks, the proposed closure in the north west and other measures proposed and their socio economic impact on fishermen and fishing communities. I can assure the deputy that I am actively engaged, as are my officials, in delivering the best possible deal for Ireland and there will be a lot of long days and late nights in the upcoming negotiations before a settlement is reached on the final package of measures.
The reality is however, that we will experience cuts in some stocks though the actual level of these cuts has yet to be determined. In that regard I do expect that the downwards rebalancing of our whitefish fleet fishing capacity as a result of the current decommissioning scheme, which is permanently removing fishing vessels from the whitefish fleet, will help offset quota reductions. The objective of the current decommissioning scheme is to deliver an efficient, effective and viable fishing fleet capable of supporting a vibrant coastal community into the future.
This economic lift comes from the redistribution of the whitefish and prawn catch previously taken by the vessels being decommissioned which is currently estimated at some €22 million. This will, over the next 5 years result in up to €110 million in additional catching opportunities for those boats that remain.
Decommissioning was primarily intended to benefit the owners and skippers who remain in the fleet rather than those who leave and I am confident that they will see the benefit of this policy.
Genetically Modified Organisms.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:81 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to establishing a genetically modified free island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44083/08]
Several Government Departments have responsibility for aspects of GM Policy and these are:
Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government which has responsibility for the deliberate release of GM's into the environment including for crop cultivation;
Department of Health and Children which has responsibility for GM food safety and consumer protection;
Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment has responsibility for developments in the biotechnology industry and R&D; and
Department, Agriculture Fisheries and Food which has responsibility for the regulation of GM seeds, the co-existence of GM crops alongside non GM crops and matters relating to GM feed.
Following the publication of the commitment in the Programme for Government to seek to negotiate the establishment of an all Ireland GM free zone a process of elaborating and teasing out the implications of the commitment began among the relevant Departments. While there is ongoing consideration on how best to advance this commitment, the general understanding is that the commitment relates to a process of discouraging the cultivation of GM crops in Ireland rather than discouraging the importation or consumption of authorised GM food or feed.
Consideration of the commitment is also taking place in the context of a number of EU Commission and Presidency initiatives aimed at streamlining the current EU regulatory process for the authorisation of GM products.
Food Industry.
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:82 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when An Bord Bia will assume responsibility for marketing seafood; the staffing consequences for both An Bord Bia and Bord Iascaigh Mhara; if a specific budget will be ring-fenced for the seafood sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44080/08]
The seafood marketing and promotion element of Bord Iascaigh Mhara is to be merged with An Bord Bia. The Government's initiative in transferring the seafood marketing and promotion functions to Bord Bia will ensure the strengthening of seafood marketing as part of a more cohesive overall food marketing effort, while allowing BIM to focus all its energies in developing the seafood industry in line with the Cawley Strategy — Steering A New Course.
The integration of seafood marketing with the State's domestic and international food marketing body will deliver synergies and opportunities for seafood producers where Bord Bia can draw on its expertise in the food sector to identify key future trends and opportunities for growth while pre-empting and reacting to market, competitors and global changes. The amalgamation of the promotion and market development functions of BIM with Bord Bia, will enable one single agency to manage Ireland's food and drink marketing effort on domestic and international markets. This will facilitate a more effective and efficient marketing effort. It will include the merging of the agencies presence internationally, which overlap in the four markets where BIM currently has a presence.
My ambition is that the transfer will be effective from early in 2009 subject to any legal issues which may arise. In this regard, I am planning that the budget for seafood marketing and promotion currently within BIM's Estimates allocation will be transferred to An Bord Bia in respect of 2009. It is envisaged that the posts within the BIM European Marketing Offices along with the relevant marketing posts within BIM headquarters will be transferred to Bord Bia.
Bord Bia determines funding priorities and allocations within its Estimate and I am confident that the Board recognises the importance and opportunities available within the seafood sector and will provide the necessary funding in order to maximise the potential of the sector for 2009 and future years.
Food Prices.
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:83 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action that is being taken to tackle rising inflation in food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43974/08]
Changes in food prices are primarily a function of market forces operating at international, EU and national levels. Consistently strong economic growth in developing countries is a major driver of changing world food demand towards high-value agricultural products and processed foods. Slow-growing supply, low stocks, and supply shocks at a time of increasing demand for feed, food and fuel have led to price increases globally. Biofuel production has also contributed to the changing world food equation. In common with the EU, Ireland is not impervious to this evolving change in context.
It should be noted that rising input costs, at both producer and processor levels, have fed through to put upward pressure on food prices. Pressure on input prices, in particular energy and raw material, including feed, costs, have combined with strong competition on world dairy and cereal markets in increasing producer prices over the recent past. In this respect, recent developments in terms of declining oil prices and increasing levels of global production, particularly for cereals, must be viewed positively. In addition, the recent package of reforms of the CAP, which will deliver an additional 500 million litres of Irish milk quota in the coming five years and the maintenance of milk market supports, is also very positive in the Irish context.
Recent data indicates that food and non-alcoholic beverage prices actually decreased by 0.1% in the month but increased by 4.6% in the year to October 2008. This compares to an increase of 4.4% for the year to October 2007. This rate of increase in food prices has moderated somewhat in recent months having peaked at 9.3% in March 2008. These trends mirror the trajectory in food prices as evidenced globally and across Europe throughout 2007 and into 2008.
In October 2008 Ireland's rate of food price inflation was below both the Eurozone and EU averages as measured by the EU's Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP).
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:84 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applicants who have made commitments by way of land transfer and so on in order to qualify for the early retirement scheme; the way he proposes to treat them in view of the sudden closure of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44046/08]
It is not possible to give an accurate assessment of the number of people who may have made commitments with a view to making an application under the Early Retirement Scheme, though I am aware of figures submitted to my Department by various farming organisations.
I have made provision of €47 million in 2009 to meet current commitments under the Early Retirement Scheme from Farming and have no plans at present to re-open the Scheme to new applicants.The limiting of the suspension of the Scheme will be considered at the earliest opportunity having regard to the general budgetary situation.
Animal Diseases.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:85 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if consideration is being given to the cessation of the importation of susceptible animals from BTV infected areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43983/08]
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:114 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that adequate checks and safeguards are in place to ensure Bluetongue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43982/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 114 together.
The movement of susceptible animals within and from bluetongue restricted areas is subject to EU legislation which is kept under ongoing review and adapted from time to time.
As Ireland is free of Bluetongue, it has availed of certain transitional provisions available under EU rules which limit movements of live susceptible animals out of bluetongue restricted zones to cattle and sheep that are less than 90 days old or that have natural or vaccinated immunity to relevant strains of bluetongue. In addition all such animals are tested for bluetongue after arrival here.
Notwithstanding the current safeguard arrangements that are in place with regard to trade, the recent cases of BTV1 in England and the ongoing confirmation of BTV6 and BTV8 in several member states mean that there are a number of strains of the bluetongue virus circulating in the EU. The existence of several strains of bluetongue increases the risks and raises serious concerns about the wisdom of importing any animals from affected regions at this time.
Consequently, I have consistently urged Irish farmers not to import animals from any bluetongue affected country or region so as not to jeopardise our disease free status with its consequences for our entire livestock sector. Any such imports will continue to be tested and if found to be BTV positive to a PCR test, they will be immediately slaughtered and there are no compensation arrangements in place in the case of such slaughter. Accordingly, importers should be aware of the possible financial risks that they are now exposed to in addition to the risk that imports pose to the national herd.
Farm Waste Management.
Frank Feighan
Ceist:86 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will extend the deadline of 31 December 2008 for persons who have been approved for a farm waste management grant; if he has made approaches to the European Commission seeking an extension of time for those who have been approved for a farm waste management grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43893/08]
The deadline of 31 December 2008 for completion of work by farmers under the revised Farm Waste Management scheme introduced by my Department in March 2006 is a condition of the EU state aid approval for the Scheme. The European Commission has since reaffirmed that it expects Ireland to respect this deadline strictly.
Grant Payments.
Joan Burton
Ceist:87 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the decision to cut €37 million from the disadvantaged areas scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43966/08]
My approach in preparing the 2009 Estimates for my Department was to focus available resources on the measures which support the maintenance and growth of the productive capacity of the agri-food sector. The 2009 Estimates provide over €1.8 billion for my Department, and, when combined with EU funding of €1.4 billion, means that total expenditure in 2009 by my Department will amount to over €3.2 billion.
While difficult decisions had to be taken in light of the situation of the public finances, account also had to be taken of the very high level of investment by the Government in recent years, when significant additional financial resources were committed to areas such as the Rural Environment Protection Scheme, where the rates of grant had been increased by 17 per cent, the new Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme and the Farm Waste Management Scheme and, indeed, the 8% increase in rates under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme itself, introduced in 2007.
With regard to the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, I decided to reduce expenditure for 2009, by reducing the maximum area limit to 34 hectares (84 acres) and by a small increase in the minimum stocking density requirement. While overall expenditure will fall, almost 67,000 farmers will not suffer any reduction in their payments as a result of the introduction of the 34-hectare limit. Furthermore, these farmers, as well as all claimants under the Scheme, will continue to benefit from the substantial increase of 8% in the rate of aid introduced by the Government in 2007. In addition, of the 102,500 farmers who benefit under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, in excess of 50,000 of these also benefit under REPS, while in excess of 47,000 also benefit under the Suckler Welfare Scheme, which introduces a new stream of payments to farmers in 2008. It should also be taken into account, that, in addition to the payments under these Schemes, a further € 920 million was paid to farmers with Disadvantaged Area lands under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme.
The total amount of €220 million payable to farmers under the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is part of the overall substantial injection of funds paid to farmers situated in the areas and the Scheme continues to be one of the best well funded Disadvantaged Areas Schemes in the European Union.
Notwithstanding the difficulties in the public finances and the decisions I have taken against that background, the position is that in excess of €3.2 billion will be spent next year by my Department in support of agriculture, fisheries and food. It is important to get through this challenging period and continue towards achieving the full potential of our most important indigenous industry when the economy begins to grow again.
Fishing Industry Development.
Catherine Byrne
Ceist:88 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the progress in his Departments implementations of the Cawley report to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43945/08]
The Strategy for a Restructured, Sustainable and Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-13 (The Cawley Report) is the blueprint for the development of the seafood sector.
An implementation group, the Seafood Strategy Implementation Group (SSIG) was set up last year under the chairmanship of Dr Noel Cawley. It is comprised of stakeholders from all sectors of the industry as well as representatives from the relevant state agencies and from my Department.
This group is charged with overseeing and driving the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Cawley Report. Substantial progress has already been made on a number of fronts, in particular the launch of the current decommissioning scheme which was one of the key recommendations of the Cawley Report. To date a total of 45 vessels have accepted offers with one further vessel having until the 19th December to make a decision. €21m will be spent in 2008 with an estimated €16m to be spent in 2009. A significant economic benefit currently estimated at some €22m will accrue to the remainder of the fleet from the redistribution of the prawn and whitefish catch previously taken by the decommissioned vessels.
The Cawley Report recommendations and their indicated funding are underpinned by the National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013.
I am confident that, with the buy in and participation of the key stakeholders in the implementation process, and considering the progress made to date, delivery of the goals in Cawley can be achieved.
Farm Waste Management.
Brian Hayes
Ceist:89 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the decision approved by the EU to extend the deadline beyond 31 December 2008 in Northern Ireland for completion of works to comply with the Nitrates Directive, he will revisit his decision as it applies to the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44063/08]
The deadline of 31 December 2008 for completion of work by farmers under the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme introduced by my Department in March 2006 is a condition of the EU state aid approval for the Scheme. The European Commission has since reaffirmed that it expects Ireland to respect this deadline strictly.
Fishing Fleet Modernisation.
Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:90 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he proposes to make funding available for decommissioning of boats of less than 18 m; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44054/08]
Steering a New Course, the Strategy for a Restructured, Sustainable and Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-13 (The Cawley Report) recommended a restructured fishing fleet, consistent with the sustainable exploitation of available resources and economic requirements of vessel owners and the shore-based industries dependent on it.
The Cawley report prioritised in the first instance a decommissioning scheme targeting the larger vessels (18 metres and over) in the whitefish fleet to deliver a basis for both stock recovery and long term viability. This scheme was launched in February of this year.
The report also noted that a specific economic or social impact analysis should be carried out in relation to vessels under 18 metres to determine the eligibility, urgency scope and cost of carrying out a targeted decommissioning scheme for such vessels. Such an analysis has not been carried out to date and will in any case be dependent on available funding.
It is important that any decommissioning of vessels under 18 metres is targeted to take account of the overall strategy to achieve a balance between available resources and the fishing fleet as well as the impact of the current scheme. The available funding in 2009 is being made available to complete the scheme for the over 18 m vessels announced this February.
Climate Change Strategy.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:91 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps his Department is taking to combat climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43984/08]
The agricultural sector is already making a significant contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The Kyoto Protocol allowed Ireland to increase emissions to a level 13% above 1990 levels by 2012. In its latest analysis, published in September 2008, the Environment Protection Agency projects that emissions from the agriculture sector in that period will actually fall to 18.95 million tonnes or 4.3% below 1990 levels. The EPA's most recent calculation of historic sectoral emissions shows that emissions from agricultural sources decreased by 3.8% in 2007 compared to the previous year, continuing an almost uninterrupted downward trend since 1998.
The continued implementation of the Nitrates Regulations is having and will continue to have an impact, as it results in better use of nutrients with consequently less nitrogen applications and therefore less nitrous oxide emissions. Measures under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme are expected to raise awareness amongst farmers of the need to address climate change and also to promote greater acceptance and uptake of technologies that contribute to greenhouse gas abatement, such as use of minimum tillage and the adoption of low emission trailing shoe technology for slurry spreading.
In terms of reduced fertiliser use and consequent emissions, organic farming will also have a role to play and is supported through my Department's Organic Farming Scheme.
In meeting emissions reduction targets set under the Kyoto protocol, carbon dioxide sequestered from the atmosphere, by forestry planted since 1990, is very important to Ireland. Forestry is also a valuable source of renewable energy, displacing emissions from fossil fuels. My Department continues to promote planting under the Afforestation Grant Scheme. I believe that offset of domestic forestry sequestration must be allowed as a means of achieving any greenhouse gas emissions targets set for the post Kyoto period.
Energy crops can play a role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. To encourage cultivation, my Department introduced a National Energy Crop Premium of €80 per hectare in 2007 to supplement the EU Premium of €45 per hectare. A new Bioenergy Scheme was also launched offering establishment grants worth €1,450 per hectare to plant willow and miscanthus. Land planted with energy crops can also benefit under the Single Payment Scheme as well as REPS and the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, subject to some restrictions on the areas planted.
My Department continues to examine various abatement options in close liaison with Teagasc. There has been a significant commitment of €15.5 million to climate change research projects since 2005 under the Research Stimulus Fund operated by my Department. This includes research into areas such as increasing efficiencies, improved slurry application, increased use of clover, which would reduce nitrogen usage, non-inversion tillage and increasing the length of grazing season.
However, achieving the EU's post-Kyoto target of a 20% reduction on 2005 emissions levels by 2020 poses very significant challenges for Ireland, and in particular for the Irish agriculture sector. If the target were to be applied pro rata to agriculture it could not be achieved without considerable downward pressure on animal numbers, particularly in the suckler herd. At a time when world-wide demand for beef is growing, and alternative supplies come from regions where farming practices are much less sustainable in terms of climate change emissions and the environment generally, I do not believe that such an approach would be consistent with the fundamental objectives of the global climate change strategy. I made my views known at the September meeting of the EU Agriculture Council.
Dairy Sector.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:92 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the establishment of a dairy forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43969/08]
I recently announced that I intend to convene a Dairy Forum. The purpose of the forum will be to take stock of the current situation on milk markets and to consider, in the light of the new policy direction at EU level arising from the conclusion of the Health Check negotiations, how Ireland can best exploit our new milk production potential.
Having secured an additional increase of over 9% in quota by 2013, compared to 2007, and the retention of market support measures for butter and skimmed milk powder, I now want to discuss with the industry how we might best ensure that Ireland secures its share of new market opportunities and particularly, to consider the actions we need to take at farm and factory level to maintain and improve competitiveness. We also need to consider the effect that EU reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions will have on the future of the sector given our greater potential to increase milk production in the coming years. I will announce the details of the Forum in the near future.
Forestry Sector.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:93 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the implications for COFORD as a result of budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43881/08]
As the Deputy is aware, it was decided by the Government, as announced on Budget Day, that COFORD (the National Council for Forest Research and Development) is to be merged into my Department. The implications of this decision for COFORD, and the necessary actions to implement the decision, are currently being examined within my Department.
Horticulture Sector.
Simon Coveney
Ceist:94 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the efforts being made to promote the horticulture sector, address import substitution and secure export markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44084/08]
The horticulture and nursery sector contributed approximately €282 million to farm output in 2007. The sector has considerable potential for further development but is experiencing strong competitive pressures, particularly from the highly concentrated retail chain and from imports. In March 2007 Bord Bia published the Strategic Review of the Horticulture Industry which identified the issues that need to be addressed if the sector is to maximise its potential. These recommendations were taken into account in its 2008 programme.
Producers concentrate for the most part on supplying the home market and on import substitution. The only notable exception is the mushroom sector in that up to 80% of this crop is grown for export to the UK. The EU prohibits supports which are targeted at import substitution but aid is available under the NDP scheme of investment aid for the commercial horticulture sector and the NDP scheme for capital investments in marketing and processing in the horticulture sector to assist in the upgrading or development of facilities with the aim of maximizing the potential of the sector. The EU producer organisation scheme provides an important mechanism for growers to become part of a larger supply base, to concentrate marketing and improve quality.
Grant Payments.
Joan Burton
Ceist:95 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers paid to date and the amount of money paid out under the single payment scheme and the disadvantage areas compensatory allowance scheme; the number of applicants and funds available under these schemes; the number of applicants awaiting payment; the amounts outstanding under the schemes; when applicants are expected to receive payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43965/08]
The net financial ceiling under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme is €1.274 billion, net of 5% Modulation, while the budgetary figure for the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme (DAS) is €257 million, which also includes provision for residue payments from previous years.
Although a total of 133,046 applications were received under the 2008 Schemes, these represent a maximum payable of approximately 125,000 Single Payment applications, the balance of applications having been submitted in connection with participation in the DAS and REPS schemes.
While under the EU regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme, the earliest date payments may issue is 1 December of the scheme-year concerned, provision is also made for payments to be made earlier, subject to EU approval. Prompted by the very wet summer, which seriously affected farming, I approached the Agriculture Commissioner seeking agreement to an early advance 50% payment, in line with arrangements agreed for the 2007 scheme. The necessary approval was readily forthcoming and advance payments began issuing on 16 October, the first day of the new EU financial year, with balancing payments beginning to issue on 1 December. To date, payments of €1.2 billion have issued to some 121,000 applicants. Deductions in respect of Modulation, at a rate of 5%, have been taken from those payments already made; the refunds due in respect of the deductions made on the first €5,000 of each individual's total Single Payment will be made early in the New Year.
Under the 2008 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, 104,783 applications were submitted, of which approximately 102,500 are eligible under the scheme requirements. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 24 September and, to date, payments worth €247 million have issued to 98,938 applicants. The Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is co-funded by the National Exchequer and the EU; as the earliest date for payments under the scheme is not defined in EU Regulations, my Department aims to make these payments at the earliest possible date, subject to all necessary verifications being completed.
In respect of both the Single Payment Scheme and the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, payments initially issue in respect of those cases confirmed clear for payment at that stage and then continue to issue as further cases subsequently become clear. Where applicants under either scheme have not been paid it is due to issues highlighted at validation, which require to be resolved by the given applicant, on foot of correspondence issued by my Department.
Fishing Fleet Modernisation.
Catherine Byrne
Ceist:96 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of the fund set aside for decommissioning that has been spent to date; the amount remaining; when the remaining funds will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43946/08]
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:105 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there is money left over in the decommissioning allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43938/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 105 together.
In February this year acting on a central recommendation from the Cawley report and following State Aid approval by the European Commission, a scheme to permanently withdraw capacity from the whitefish sector of the Irish fishing fleet was launched.
To date 57 vessels have been approved and offered decommissioning grants. 45 vessels have accepted with a total of 21 million Euros being spent in 2008 and in excess of €16 million committed for decommissioning payments in 2009. This amount of €16m is provided to BIM in the 2009 Estimates and accordingly there is no remaining balance of funds available for reallocation for 2009.
Under the Seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-2013 €46 million is the maximum amount that can be paid out by the State on decommissioning; this allows for 75% of the €46 million to be paid by the EU. As already stated €37 million of this has been committed under the current scheme and 75% of this amount will be recouped.
This decommissioning scheme announced in February is now closed and final payments under the scheme will be made in 2009.
Fishing Industry Development.
Seán Barrett
Ceist:97 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will introduce EU Regulation 744/2008 emergency aid for the Irish fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43885/08]
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:110 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of his request for an emergency aid package from the EU for the fisheries sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44035/08]
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:133 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding his submission to the EU in August 2008 seeing €35 million in additional EU money for emergency aid for the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43939/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 110 and 133 together.
I have been actively pursuing this important matter at both Council and European Commission level. The Irish submission was the subject of a lengthy bilateral meeting at official level with the Commission on 30 September. At that meeting it was made clear that the submission cannot be implemented unless the Commission secures and allocates the necessary funding to Ireland. I also pressed the matter at the September Council and looked for early proposals from the Commission. The stated position of the Commission is for Member States to re-engineer their Fisheries Operational Programmes to give priorities to the new measures catered for in the emergency package. This is not an option for Ireland as we have already committed €32m of our total EFF allocation to the current decommissioning scheme which does not allow for any further flexibility with the remaining measures proposed. We will continue to push Ireland's case over the coming period with a view to the Commission bringing forward firm proposals to provide additional funds that will enable the full implementation of our proposals.
Food Processing Inspections.
Andrew Doyle
Ceist:98 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of veterinarians and inspectors employed to inspect poultry processing and meat processing plants; the amount it costs; if the inspectors make a distinction between locally produced and imported meat during the inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44021/08]
My Department, through its Veterinary Inspectorate, is responsible for the supervision of 165 large meat processing plants, including 10 poultry processing plants, which are approved under the European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2005.
The Department employs Veterinary Inspectors and technical staff, and engages Temporary Veterinary Inspectors on a contract for service basis to carry out meat inspection duties, with the aim of ensuring that the highest standards of food safety are achieved.
During 2007 the Department employed 72 Veterinary Inspectors, 229 technical staff and drew on a rostered basis from a pool of 800 Temporary Veterinary Inspectors to carry out this function in meat plants generally.
These figures include 10 Veterinary Inspectors, 16 technical staff and 40 Temporary Veterinary Inspectors based in poultry plants.
In a number of cases, the duties of these inspection staff include official supervision both at plants that process poultry and at plants that process different species of meat.
The cost of the inspection service including salaries, overtime, allowances, fees and PRSI in 2007 in meat plants generally was €38.0m. An amount of €16.6m was recovered in fees from industry, leaving a net cost as calculated on this basis of €21.4m. The corresponding cost in poultry plants in 2007 is calculated at €4.0m, less €1.1m recovered from industry, leaving a net cost of €2.9m.
All poultry meat imported into the European Union from third countries has to be inspected at an approved Border Inspection Post where it undergoes documentary, identity and physical examinations to ensure that it complies with relevant EU and national legislation. Compliant consignments are allowed to be imported and placed on the single market, where they are treated the same as other compliant products.
The same level of supervision is afforded to both imported and locally produced product. Inspectors monitor compliance with the obligation that meat coming into supervised premises must be from an approved source, whether locally produced or imported. If poultry that has been imported from a non-EU country is cut-up and/or rewrapped the name of that country must appear on the label of the poultry.
Departmental Schemes.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:99 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reverse the budget 2009 cuts in disadvantaged areas in view of the modulation cut to the single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43961/08]
My approach in preparing the 2009 Estimates for my Department was to focus available resources on the measures which support the maintenance and growth of the productive capacity of the agri-food sector. The 2009 Estimates provide over €1.8 billion for my Department, and, when combined with EU funding of €1.4 billion, means that total expenditure in 2009 by my Department will amount to over €3.2 billion.
While difficult decisions had to be taken in light of the situation of the public finances, account also had to be taken of the very high level of investment by the Government in recent years, when significant additional financial resources were committed to areas such as the Rural Environment Protection Scheme, where the rates of grant had been increased by 17 per cent, the new Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme and the Farm Waste Management Scheme and, indeed, the 8% increase in rates under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme itself, introduced in 2007.
With regard to the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, I decided to reduce expenditure for 2009, by reducing the maximum area limit to 34 hectares (84 acres) and by a small increase in the minimum stocking density requirement. While overall expenditure will fall, almost 67,000 farmers will not suffer any reduction in their payments as a result of the introduction of the 34-hectare limit. Furthermore, these farmers, as well as all claimants under the Scheme, will continue to benefit from the substantial increase of 8% in the rate of aid introduced by the Government in 2007. In addition, of the 102,500 farmers who benefit under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, in excess of 50,000 of these also benefit under REPS, while in excess of 47,000 also benefit under the Suckler Welfare Scheme, which introduces a new stream of payments to farmers in 2008. It should also be taken into account, that, in addition to the payments under these Schemes, a further €920 million was paid to farmers with Disadvantaged Area lands under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme.
The total amount of €220 million payable to farmers under the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is part of the overall substantial injection of funds paid to farmers situated in the areas and the Scheme continues to be one of the best funded Disadvantaged Areas Schemes in the European Union.
Notwithstanding the difficulties in the public finances and the decisions I have taken against that background, the position is that in excess of €3.2 billion will be spent next year by my Department in support of agriculture, fisheries and food. It is important to get through this challenging period and continue towards achieving the full potential of our most important indigenous industry when the economy begins to grow again.
With regard to the increase in Modulation, agreed as part of the CAP Health Check, the suggestion that farmers will lose money as a result of this decision is totally misleading. In fact, farmers will receive increased payments of over €70 million over the next four years, which will come from the access to unused funds in our SPS ceilings, also agreed as part of the CAP Health Check. This is additional money that will go directly into farmers' pockets through new measures, as under current rules it cannot be accessed, because of the complex requirements governing the SPS.
In addition, the agreed rates of additional modulation will generate in the region of €120m in total over four years in transfers from the Single Payment Scheme to Rural Development. This money will remain in Ireland and will be used for payments to farmers under the Rural Development Programme. Again we will need to decide how these funds can be passed back to Irish farmers within the limitations set down in the new Regulation.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:100 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reverse the decision to cut the suckler cow welfare scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the impact of same in Counties Roscommon and Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43960/08]
In the‘Towards 2016' Partnership Agreement, a commitment was made to provide funding of €250 million over the five years 2008 to 2012, in support of a suckler scheme. This commitment is being honoured.
Based on the very significant level of participation, the cost of the scheme, at a rate of €80 per cow, will be some €77 million for 2008, of which €33 million has been allocated in my Department's Estimate for 2008. A further €44 million is provided in the 2009 Estimates to pay for the remaining 2008 born calves.
To ensure that the scheme is continued within the €250 million budget, it will, on current levels of participation, be necessary to reduce the rate of payment in future years. The rate of payment for the remaining years of the scheme will be determined by reference to the continuing rate of participation. The 2009 grant rate will be advised to participating farmers before the end of 2008.
Almost 54,000 farmers have joined the scheme nationally and over 5,300 of the applicants are in Counties Roscommon and Leitrim.
Dairy Sector.
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:101 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will request EU Farm Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel to introduce early supports for the dairy sector in order to restore confidence and put a floor under current market prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43977/08]
Following historically high dairy product prices last year and into the early part of 2008, dairy exporters are now facing difficulties as markets have contracted and prices have returned to 2006 levels, with butter prices currently below intervention level.
In view of the current volatility in dairy markets, I contacted EU Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel in early November to activate market measures in support of the sector. I was pleased that the Commission acted decisively and brought forward the scheme of private storage aid for butter. This will now take effect from 1st January, two months earlier than usual and will assist in stabilising the market. At the Agriculture Council last Friday the Commissioner agreed to keep the market situation under review and to come forward with additional measures in the New Year should the situation warrant it.
Market supports are extremely important measures and I was determined to hold onto these in the Health Check. Securing the retention of intervention for butter and SMP, without losing the compulsory purchase at the intervention price of the first 30,000 tonnes and 109,000 tonnes respectively was a major achievement, against very stiff opposition. Even more important was the retention of private storage aid for butter in its current form. This was crucial given our need to even out the production cycle and allow product to be kept under the control of the processors after peak production has closed. The proposal to change the key characteristic of this scheme from obligatory to optional was something I was not prepared to accept. I was particularly pleased that the Presidency accepted my view and in essence, we have secured the preservation of all the important market instruments that Ireland uses without any change whatever.
Afforestation Programme.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:102 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on an annual environmental services payment for farmers who have undertaken the long term risk of producing broadleaf plantations here and thereby assist those farmers concerned in the shaping and first thinning of their broadleaf forests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43882/08]
There are no proposals to introduce an additional annual payment for farmers who have planted broadleaf forests. My Department already provides very generous annual premium payments to farmers who plant broadleaf forests, under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme. These premiums are paid for 20 years and range from €508 to €573 per hectare per annum. Furthermore, farmers who plant under the Forest Environment Protection Scheme (FEPS) can avail of an additional premium of up to €200 per hectare for the first 5 years of the scheme.
World Trade Organisation Negotiations.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:103 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he will take to undo the Mandelson proposals in view of the assessments carried out by Teagasc on the implications for agriculture here if EU concessions to the World Trade Organisation were adopted and the possibility of WTO negotiations recommencing shortly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44071/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, no WTO agreement was reached at the July Ministerial meeting, despite exhaustive discussions over nine days. As of today, the Director General, Mr Lamy has not announced a new Ministerial meeting although there is speculation that one will take place before the end of the year.
However, even if a ministerial meeting is called, it is not certain that there will be a successful outcome, given the economic and political situation worldwide. Despite ongoing discussions there is no agreement at present on the key issue of the Special Safeguard Mechanism which caused disagreement in July and ultimately led to the failure of the Ministerial meeting. Many other issues also remained outstanding at that time. Procedures in the WTO require the agreement of each of the 153 members to all aspects of the Single Undertaking which includes Agriculture, Non Agriculture Market Access, Services, Rules and Development Issues.
It is no secret that I am not happy with some of the proposals currently on the table. My concerns are borne out by the report produced in September last by FAPRI-Ireland/Teagasc. This report assesses the likely impact of a WTO deal by comparing what would happen if there was a deal with what would happen without it in the period up to 2017. They found that in relation to the dairy and cereals sector, WTO reform would be unlikely to have a major impact as EU prices for most dairy and cereal commodities are now quite close to international price levels. However, the report found that the beef and sheep-meat sectors would experience substantial losses from tariff reductions. In the case of beef, it found that even in the absence of a WTO agreement, EU beef imports are likely to grow strongly over the next 10 years. It also found an important difference in the likely impact of a WTO deal if beef is declared a sensitive product by the EU.
In that respect, the views of the Irish Government in regard to the WTO negotiations remain unchanged. We want an agreement but that agreement must be balanced, that is to say, balanced in terms of the various strands of the negotiations and balanced within what Ireland and the EU are prepared to concede and the concessions offered by trading partners. Ireland remains determined that agriculture should not be sacrificed for the sake of an overall agreement. The EU negotiating mandate is that the terms of any new WTO agreement should not necessitate a further reform of the CAP. We carried out our reforms in 2003, in preparation for the WTO negotiations. I and my colleagues in Government will continue to make all efforts to secure a deal that delivers real benefits to Ireland, the EU and developing countries and does not sacrifice the agriculture sector. We will assess the balance and ambition if and when a full package, including services, rules and trade facilitation is ultimately agreed.
Proposed Legislation.
P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:104 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made on the forestry Bill; when he will publish the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43879/08]
The current Forestry Act has been in place since 1946 and a new Forestry Bill is now required to update and consolidate the current regulatory regime in the light of modern forestry knowledge and practice. A comprehensive review of the 1946 Act has been completed and the draft Scheme of a new Forestry Bill has been prepared. This draft Scheme will be submitted to the Government and will subsequently be sent to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting. It is not possible at this stage to indicate a date for publication.
Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 96.
Officials Engagements.
Damien English
Ceist:106 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the countries he will make visits to during the next four months; the purposes of these visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43894/08]
Following is the statement:
|
Month |
Date |
Country |
|
|
December |
04/12/08 |
London, UK |
Bord Bia Trade Reception |
|
18/12/08 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
|
|
January |
19/01/09 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
|
February |
23/02/09 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
|
March |
23/03/09 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:107 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the timeframe for payments to 11,000 farmers under REP scheme four; if payment will be made to those farmers before Christmas 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43971/08]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments. The first payment, of 75%, can be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. This is why it has not yet been possible to release payments even to farmers who applied for REPS 4 some time before the closing date of 15 May.
The process of checking and approving applications is subject to a detailed set of procedures designed to meet national and EU audit requirements, and in line with these requirements the various stages of the process are assigned to different grades of staff. An effect of recent industrial action in my Department's local offices was that the process was temporarily interrupted. I am pleased to say that, with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission, the industrial action was brought to an end and work resumed last week. The administrative checks are now at an advanced stage and I hope that payments of the 75% instalment can start to be released fairly soon. The second instalment of 25% cannot be paid before the last REPS on-farm inspection has taken place.
While I am anxious that the REPS 4 payments should go out as soon as possible, there are of course still over 48,000 farmers in REPS 3, and just under 16,000 of those have anniversary dates on 1 November and 1 December this year. Staff in my Department's local offices are currently engaged in processing the annual payment applications for these farmers as well as the REPS 4 cases. Where possible, payment will issue before Christmas on valid REPS 3 applications (1C's) returned before 5 December, 2008. At this time of the year the workload of local office staff is therefore exceptionally heavy, and while every effort is being made to release all payments promptly it is not possible to avoid delays entirely. I have asked senior management in my Department to give me regular updates on the situation.
Fisheries Protection.
Ulick Burke
Ceist:108 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he was informed of the proposal to ban whitefish fishing in area 6A by the EU Commission; if he has conveyed his opposition or other views to the Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43941/08]
This matter refers to a recent proposal by the European Commission which calls for the establishment of a moratorium on fishing certain whitefish species in the area off the northwest coast — technically called Area VIa which covers the areas from the south Donegal coast north to north of Scotland. It applies to all waters of a depth less than 200m.
The proposed ban prohibits any fishing activity within this specified area. Certain and very limited derogations are allowed. According to the Commission, their justification for this measure is based on scientific advice which has determined that the stocks of haddock, cod and whiting in the area are in poor shape and need time to recover. The stated purpose of this proposal is to provide "breathing space" for these whitefish species to recover.
Derogations for fishing in the area are to be allowed for fishing of pelagic species, shellfish with pots, and nephrops with 80mm mesh using a Swedish grid and where at least 90% of the catches on board are nephrops. Fishing for saithe and anglerfish will also be allowed.
Prior to the proposal being published, the Commission had not given any advance warning or notification of its intentions. The proposal has been included in Annex III of the Commission's 2009 TAC and Quota proposal, which was published on the 10th November. The TAC and Quota Regulation sets out the various fishing opportunities for Member States for 2009.
I have consulted with the Industry on this proposal and I share its concerns about its content as well as the irregular procedure — especially the lack of consultation — employed by the Commission to bring it forward. It is clear to me that the proposal as it stands would have significant adverse socio-economic impacts on the fishing communities off the northwest coast. It could also cause a significant displacement of fishing effort to other fishing areas, as vessels capable of moving to other areas shift the focus of their operations. This would have major implications for stocks outside of area VIa where increased fishing activity would take place.
I have already raised my concerns with the Commission and am asking for a proper evaluation of the measures by STECF and for full discussions with stakeholders through the Regional Advisory Council. I am liaising closely with the Federation of Irish Fishermen on this issue and will be working hard in advance of, and during, the December Fisheries Council to ensure that any measures agreed at the Council are proportionate, appropriate and take into account the situation of the Irish whitefish fleet in this area.
Forestry Sector.
P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:109 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the implications for the forestry industry and Coillte Teo as a result of budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43880/08]
The allocation of €128 million to the Forestry subhead for 2009 is evidence of the Government's commitment to maintaining an active and substantial forestry programme. Provision has been made for the continuation of the Afforestation Scheme and some Forestry Support Schemes in 2009.
However, much of the allocation is already committed, primarily to pay premiums to farmers who planted within the past 20 years. Prioritising certain schemes in light of the funding available will therefore be required in order to maximise the benefits for the stakeholders within the forest industry including Coillte Teoranta. My officials recently met with the stakeholders at a meeting of the Forestry Liaison Group and fully briefed them on the financial position for 2009 and the need for the prioritisation of programme expenditure.
Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 97.
Official Engagements.
Michael D'Arcy
Ceist:111 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the countries he will make visits to during the next six months; the purposes of these visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43892/08]
Following is the statement:
|
Month |
Date |
Country |
|
|
December |
04/12/08 |
London, UK |
Bord Bia Trade Reception |
|
18/12/08 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
|
|
January |
19/01/09 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
|
February |
23/02/09 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
|
March |
23/03/09 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
|
April |
23/04/09 |
Luxembourg |
Council of Ministers |
|
May |
25/05/09 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
|
31/05/09 |
Czech Republic |
Informal Council of Ministers |
EU Directives.
Alan Shatter
Ceist:112 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether it would be appropriate action to request consideration of Article 18 of Directive 2000/13EC in which national provisions can be justified on grounds of unfair competition in view of the fact that six out of ten poultry producing companies here have closed due to the contributory factor of unlabelled imports and consequently unfair competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44028/08]
Ireland's request to the EU Commission to allow mandatory origin labelling for poultry, pig and sheepmeat was based on the provisions of directive 2000/13/EC.
The Commission has however adopted a negative opinion on the grounds that the intended actions had not been justified on the basis of Article 18 of 2000/13/EC or that the obstacle to trade created would be proportionate. My Department is now pursuing the mandatory origin of meat in the context of an EU proposal for a new food information regulation that will include labelling.
The Department of Health and Children is the lead Department for that proposal and my officials remain in contact with it on this issue.
Environmental Protection.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:113 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will extend the deadline for the spreading of slurry and farmyard manure in view of the wet weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43970/08]
The spreading of slurry and farmyard manure is governed by the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations, 2006 which is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the first instance.
Both the Minister, Deputy Gormley, and I recognised the difficulties faced by farmers due to the inclement weather conditions of the past several months, and as a result the period for the spreading of slurry and farmyard manure was, as an exceptional measure, extended up to the end of November in order to facilitate farmers' needs.
Question No. 114 answered with Question No. 85.
Fishing Industry Development.
Tom Sheahan
Ceist:115 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has made a decision on the way the new increased mackerel quota will be divided between various parties that is polyvolent and the pelagic RSW sectors; and the way he came to this decision. [43937/08]
Ulick Burke
Ceist:126 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has decided on the way the share-out of the additional mackerel quota will be equally divided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43942/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 126 together.
My colleague, Minister Tony Killeen has already received a range of diverse views from industry representatives and operators regarding how any additional mackerel quota for Ireland should be allocated. In that context, he held a meeting last week with the Federation of Irish Fishermen and other industry groups with a view to establishing whether an agreed industry approach to this matter can be found. Minister Killeen is now considering the views put forward at that meeting and the issues arising.
Grant Payments.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:116 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reverse the decision to cut payments under the suckler cow animal welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43972/08]
In the ‘Towards 2016' Partnership Agreement, a commitment was made to provide funding of €250 million over the five years 2008 to 2012, in support of a suckler scheme. This commitment is being honoured.
Based on the very significant level of participation, the cost of the scheme, at a rate of €80 per cow, will be some €77 million for 2008, of which €33 million has been allocated in my Department's Estimate for 2008. A further €44 million is provided in the 2009 Estimate to pay for the remaining 2008 born calves.
To ensure that the scheme is continued within the €250 million budget, it will, on current levels of participation, be necessary to reduce the rate of payment in future years. The rate of payment for the remaining years of the scheme will be determined by reference to the continuing rate of participation.
Fishing Industry Development.
Joe Carey
Ceist:117 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he will take at the Christmas 2008 talks on fisheries in Europe regarding the proposed cut in quotas for prawns. [43943/08]
Phil Hogan
Ceist:122 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason there is a proposed cut in quotas for prawns in view of the acknowledged positive position in stocks; if he will resist this proposal at the December 2008 Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44060/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 122 together.
The EU Commission has proposed a reduction of 15% in the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and quotas for Nephrops (Prawns) in waters adjacent to Ireland. Based on recent scientific advice, however, I am not convinced that this suggested cut in the TAC is required. On this basis, I will be working closely with industry and my UK colleagues to deliver the best possible outcome at the December's Agriculture and Fisheries Council.
Milk Quota.
Michael Creed
Ceist:118 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has plans to facilitate a more efficient processing of the Irish milk quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44020/08]
One of the major challenges in the medium term will be to ensure that Irish farming and the agri-food sector is at the heart of an evolving high-value food market, which is focused on quality and innovation. This is at the core of Government strategy, evidenced by the National Development Plan 2007-2013, AgriVision 2015 and the Partnership Agreement Towards 2016. A key element of this strategy was the Dairy Investment Fund launched in 2007.
My Department provided funding of €114 million towards investment in dairy processing and a total of 19 capital investment projects were approved and awarded Government grant assistance under the Fund, which will generate an estimated capital spend of €286 million at full production. The purpose of the Fund is to increase the efficiency of the main dairy outputs by supporting the upgrading of plant and buildings. This will assist operators in capturing new business in global markets and in developing new valued added products. I am pleased to note that several of those projects have already been completed and others are progressing to the implementation phase. This investment will help improve the efficiency of the dairy processing sector.
The recent CAP Health Check agreement had a positive outcome for the Irish dairy sector in two significant areas. The importance of keeping critical market instruments and using them effectively to respond to price volatility in the period of transition to quota abolition in 2015 was a key priority for me. Despite stiff opposition intervention for butter and skimmed milk powder, including the buying-in quantities at the fixed price of 30,000 tonnes and 109,000 tonnes respectively were maintained intact. Moreover, the private storage aid for butter was also left unchanged. This is particularly important for Ireland given our seasonal pattern of production and is a major boost for the processing sector over the next seven years.
With regard to milk quotas, it was agreed that they would be increased by 1% per year for the next five years. This is on top of the 2% increase already granted in the current quota year. In addition, there will be an adjustment to the butterfat correction mechanism in 2009 and this is equivalent to a 2% increase in Ireland's quota. Ireland is especially well placed to benefit from these changes due to our additional production potential. Taking all these together, there will be a cumulative increase in Ireland's quota of 9.3% by 2014, or almost 500 million litres more than our quota in 2007. That equates to around 130 million euro of additional income at farm gate level. The net effect is that our producers and processors now have policy clarity and can plan their investments with a greater degree of certainty about the future.
Proposed Legislation.
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:119 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the vote taken at the European Parliament to continue with changes to pesticide legislation which carries an obligatory reduction in pesticide use of 50% within the next ten years and would see an introduction of a single zone EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43976/08]
This proposed legislation is subject to the Co-decision process, involving both the EU Council and the EU Parliament working in parallel. The first reading of the proposed Commission Directive has been completed at both Council and Parliament and the second reading is in progress, with the aim of agreeing a common position before the end of the year.
I am aware of the vote taken by the Environment Committee of the European Parliament and also that the vote has not yet been taken at the Plenary session of Parliament. Therefore, the definitive position of the European Parliament is not yet decided.
Regarding the specific issues mentioned, a 50% reduction in pesticide use does not necessarily result in a reduction in the risk arising from pesticide use. Therefore, I support the Common position negotiated at Council, which refers to a reduction in risk from pesticide use. The introduction of a single or multiple zones is not expected to impact negatively on the registration or availability of pesticide products in Ireland.
Poultry Sector.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:120 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiatives he plans to introduce to safeguard employment in the poultry sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44075/08]
The main challenge facing the indigenous Irish poultry industry is competition from imports of fresh poultry from other EU countries. Under single market rules unrestricted volumes can be traded between Member States and, for various reasons, they are very competitively priced. The primary outlet for Irish-produced poultry is the fresh retail trade where Irish product is still dominant. The Bord Bia Poultry Quality Assurance Scheme is a recognised quality mark in that market and the Bord has been very active in growing and enhancing the scheme over the years. In addition to the Quality Assurance Scheme, assistance is available from Enterprise Ireland for certain types of activities undertaken by poultry processors.
Labelling continues to be an issue for the sector. I believe there should be country of origin labelling on all meats and my Department has been in extensive communication over the past year with the European Commission with a view to making such labelling compulsory. While the Commission adopted a negative opinion in relation to our proposal for national legislation, I will continue to press for country of origin labelling in the context of the Commission's proposal for a new regulation on food information. The Department of Health and Children is the lead Department for that proposal and my officials remain in contact with it on this issue.
I have also asked the Poultry Expert Group to reconvene so that it can review its recommendations in the light of developments over the last year and consider what further issues warrant consideration. The Group's 2007 report focused on a range of issues including labelling, environmental protection, welfare legislation and feeding stuffs. A meeting of the Group has been arranged for 9 December.
Grant Payments.
John Perry
Ceist:121 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applicants who have made commitments by way of land transfer, and so on in order to qualify for the young farmer’s installation aid scheme; the way he proposes to treat them in view of the sudden closure of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44031/08]
The Young Farmers' Installation Scheme was suspended for new applications on 14 October 2008. I have already indicated that the scheme's suspension will be considered at the earliest opportunity having regard to the general budgetary situation.
941 applications were received by my Department prior to the suspension of the scheme and, if they are in order, payment will be made in respect of these applications. It is not possible to provide an estimate of the number of applicants who might have qualified for the scheme during its period of suspension.
Question No. 122 answered with Question No. 117.
Common Agricultural Policy.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:123 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he plans to make use of the unused single payment CAP funds for a sheep maintenance payment and instil some confidence in the sheep sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43964/08]
The possibility of support to the sheep sector will be considered in the light of the outcome of the recent CAP Health Check. That outcome provides that an additional amount of some €24 million annually will be available to Irish farmers from 2010 onwards. That amount may be used to target specific sectors in need of assistance and represents money that would otherwise not be available to farmers due to the complex rules surrounding the Single Farm Payment. Support may commence in 2009 by utilising funds from the National Reserve, which are expected to be in the region of €6 million to €7 million, and these will be supplemented from 2010 with the unspent Single Farm Payment funds.
As I indicated following the completion of the Health Check, I will consult relevant stakeholders as to how these additional funds can best be spent. To that end I will meet with them on 16 December to consider their views and possible options.
EU Treaties.
Pat Breen
Ceist:124 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures he will take in the preparation for a possible referendum on the Lisbon treaty to ensure that a more pro-active stance on behalf of the fishing industry with the relevant EU institutions is taken to achieve significant reforms in the short term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43887/08]
In practical terms, the Reform Treaty will not alter the arrangements that currently apply in the fisheries sector to any great extent, other than applying the principle of co-decision in certain areas for the first time. Fisheries are now included in the Articles on the Common Agricultural Policy and references to the Common Agricultural Policy will be deemed to include fisheries. The Reform Treaty introduces the principle of qualified majority voting to certain new areas but the principle of qualified majority voting is already enshrined in the fisheries sector for some considerable time. While there will be some alterations to the thresholds for reaching a qualified majority under the new arrangements, these alterations will not have significant implications for decision-making. The reality is that most decisions on fisheries are arrived at by consensus.
The Treaty will provide a greater degree of democracy in the decision-making process. The European Parliament will have a greater say in future EU legislation on fisheries, with the exception of a small number of dossiers related to fixing of Total Allowable Catches and quotas. Our own Oireachtas also will have an enhanced role under the Lisbon Treaty along with the national Parliaments of the other Member States and these changes apply equally to the fisheries sector. National parliaments will have a longer period of time to scrutinise proposals. They will also have the power to object to a draft proposal on the grounds that it breaches the principle of subsidiarity.
However, in relation to fisheries, a significant exception will be the fixing and allocation of fishing opportunities, which will be dealt with by the Council of Ministers on a proposal from the European Commission, as is the current process. Total Allowable Catches and Quotas for the majority of commercial fish stocks in European waters are proposed by the Commission each year for the following year, taking account of scientific evidence on the state of each stock, the respective management measures in place, and the catches taken during the year. These proposals are the subject of extensive negotiations at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council each December.
I will continue to work closely with stakeholders and will pursue a strong line in defence of Ireland's interests at fisheries negotiations, as have my predecessors.
Fishing Industry Development.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:125 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he agrees with fishing representatives that the Hague Preferences should be placed on a statutory basis rather than being subject to annual negotiation. [43957/08]
Pat Breen
Ceist:129 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to ensure that the Hague Preferences are enshrined in law and not just discussed annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43888/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 129 together.
When Ireland joined the EEC in 1973, the Community received a very significant additional fishing resource out to the 200 mile limit. At that time however, Ireland's fishing industry was totally underdeveloped. In this context, the 1976 Hague Agreement recognised the development needs of peripheral regions whose populations were heavily dependent on fishing activity.
The Hague Agreement allowed Ireland to double its 1975 catches of a number of stocks. These target catches are called the Hague Targets. The UK was also granted a number of Hague Targets. The actual quotas are set for relevant stocks at the average of what the quota would have been without the Hague and the relative proportion of the Hague target.
The Hague Preferences have been a fundamental part of relative stability and have been recognised as such in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) framework since 1983. Most recently the Hague Preferences are recognised in Council Regulation 2371/2002 following the review of the CFP in 2001/2002. Further, the European Court (in 1998) upheld the appropriateness of the Council giving effect to the principle of relative stability through the application of the allocation keys together with the operation of the Hague Preference to take account of the special needs of Ireland and the northern part of the United Kingdom. At the Fisheries Council, each December, Ireland has consistently, and successfully, argued that Relative Stability has therefore to be applied taking due account of the prior Hague Agreement.
There is, however, strong opposition to the application of the Hague Preferences from certain Member States and the European Court judgment of 1998 does give discretion on their application to the Council. It is important to be aware that with reduced Total Allowable Catches in recent years, the impact of the application of the Hague Preferences is increasing both for Ireland which gets increased quotas and for other Member States whose quotas reduce. We are likely to face significant opposition to their application at Council this year.
I remain of the view that the invocation of the Hague Preference continues to constitute an essential part of the system of relative stability as applied under the CFP, and will look to the Commission and Council to continue to respect invocations of the Hague Preference at this December Fisheries Council. Going forward, I am also committed to the continuation and strengthening of the Hague Preferences in the CFP legal framework in the planned review which must be completed by 2012.
Question No. 126 answered with Question No. 115.
Ministerial Travel.
Noel Coonan
Ceist:127 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the countries he will make visits to during the next four months; the purposes of these visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43895/08]
Following is the statement:
|
Month |
Date |
Country |
|
|
December |
04/12/08 |
London, UK |
Bord Bia Trade Reception |
|
18/12/08 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
|
|
January |
19/01/09 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
|
February |
23/02/09 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
|
March |
23/03/09 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
Common Agricultural Policy.
David Stanton
Ceist:128 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his position on the proposed modulation cuts to Ireland’s single farm payment at the CAP health check negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43959/08]
Under the final compromise in the Health Check negotiations, a 5% increase was agreed in the rate of modulation. I would have preferred if no additional modulation were agreed. However, this was one element of the Health Check proposals on which Commissioner Fischer Boel was particularly determined. Nevertheless, I succeeded in co-operation with my colleagues from other Member States, in getting the rate of additional modulation considerably reduced and ensured that all the funds raised can be passed straight back to Irish farmers.
The agreed rates of additional modulation will generate €120 million in total over the four years from 2009-2012 in transfers from the Single Farm Payment to rural development. As I have said these additional funds will stay in Ireland and be passed back to Irish farmers under the Rural Development Programme.
In line with the new Regulations they must be used for measures to address the so-called new challenges of climate change, water management, bio-energy and biodiversity, dairy restructuring and innovation. I will be consulting widely with stakeholders as to how these funds can best be used for the development of Irish agriculture.
Question No. 129 answered with Question No. 125.
Fishing Fleet Protection.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:130 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position he will be taking in relation to the latest cuts proposed in the quota allocated to Irish fishermen in Irish waters. [43956/08]
The very poor state of many whitefish stocks targeted by the Irish fishing fleet is clearly reflected in the decreases in annual Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and quota allocations that Ireland receives and in the landings of the fishing fleet over the past decade. The levels of TAC and ultimately quotas for Ireland are determined each year at the December Fisheries Council following negotiations with Member States and the EU Commission. This process for 2009 has already begun in earnest with the publication of the Commission's proposals which will be the subject of detailed and protracted discussions over the coming weeks. This Commission proposal sets out cuts in many of the stocks of economic importance to our fleet and also envisages other measures which will adversely impact on our fishing industry, including a proposed closure for the whitefish fleet off the north west.
However, not all stocks are subject to decreases in TACs with the mackerel TAC going up by 33% from 456,000 tonnes in 2008 to 605,000 tonnes in 2009. This will result in the net Irish quota (after deductions for the payback for undeclared Scottish landings) going from approx 45,000 tonnes to 62,000 tonnes. However, this TAC increase remains to be formally agreed and must be protected against any proposal that a part would be transferred to Norway in the EU/ Norway negotiations which are currently ongoing.
This hugely significant increase is the reward for Irish fishermen adopting tough responsible fishing practices for this stock. In value terms using an estimated price per tonne of €1,200, this results in an increase of over €20m to the Pelagic fishing sector in 2009 (from €54m to €74.4m).
Notwithstanding the good news on mackerel, I am concerned with the level of cuts proposed for the whitefish stocks, the proposed closure in the north west and other measures proposed and their socio economic impact on fishermen and fishing communities. I can assure the Deputy that I am actively engaged, as are my officials, in delivering the best possible deal for Ireland and there will be a lot of long days and late nights in the upcoming negotiations before a settlement is reached on the final package of measures.
Departmental Expenditure.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:131 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received communications from the various representative bodies regarding the expected negative impact of budget 2009 cutbacks and their implications for the farming and food producing sector; his views on the hardship expected to be caused by his imposition of reductions in funding in areas likely to affect sheep producers, investment in the future of agriculture such as installation aid, farm waste management and the abolition of farm retirement provisions which would have encouraged younger people into the sector; if there is an implicit over reliance on the rural development programme as a mechanism for invigorating agricultural production and exports in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43955/08]
I have received a number of representations, directly and indirectly, from various interest groups outlining their views on the impact of the 2009 budget for my Department and requesting that I reconsider my decisions.
The situation is that the 2009 budget was framed against the background of a serious deterioration in the public finances which required difficult decisions to be made on the allocation of the limited resources available. I made these decisions in the best interests of the agriculture, food, fisheries and forestry sector following detailed analysis of my Department's programme of expenditure and careful consideration of all of the options available.
Despite the economic and budgetary situation, funding of €1.8 billion gross is provided for my Department in the 2009 Budget. When combined with EU funding of about €1.4 billion next year, this represents a very substantial provision for the support and development of the agri-food sector.
In framing the details of the budget for my Department, my priorities were to ensure that the available resources were targeted on a range of measures that would maintain the productive capacity of the agriculture, food, forestry and fisheries sector, to continue the development of the sector within the budgetary constraints and to ensure that it is well positioned to achieving its full potential and benefit from future economic growth.
The Rural Development Programme, 2007-2013, which provides for total expenditure by my Department of about €5.4 billion, EU and Exchequer, is only one element of an overall approach to the development of the sector. The Rural Development Programme covers a range of measures including the Rural Environment Protection Scheme, Compensatory Allowances in Disadvantaged Areas, the Early Retirement Scheme, On-Farm Investment, and Agricultural Training. These complement a range of nationally funded schemes such as the Welfare and Breeding Scheme for Suckler Cows and the Forestry Afforestation and Support Schemes. In addition, payments of about €1.3 billion are made under the Single Payment Scheme each year. Last week, in the Council of Ministers, I negotiated changes in the ‘Health Check' to the Common Agricultural Policy which will yield further benefits to Irish agriculture.
Despite the level of on-going support, there is no room for complacency. I will keep all aspects of my Department's expenditure under close scrutiny during 2009 to ensure that my objectives are achieved and, in the normal course, I will also review spending priorities in the context of the preparation of the 2010 Estimate for my Department.
Industrial Disputes.
Kieran O'Donnell
Ceist:132 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the terms of an agreement reached in an industrial dispute in his Department which was delaying REP scheme payments; if he will expedite all delayed payments before the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44040/08]
The terms of the Agreement reached with the IMPACT Union at the Labour Relations Commission provided for the cessation of the industrial action on Friday 21 November, 2008 and provided for further discussions commencing in January, 2009 on a range of structural issues. On foot of that Agreement normal work resumed in all Department's offices last Monday 24 November. Staff are currently engaged in processing payments to farmers in REPS 3 and REPS 4 and every effort is being made to release payments promptly.
Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 97.
Fishing Industry Development.
Joe Carey
Ceist:134 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether the process of discards, that is, throwing dead fish into the sea if quota levels are reached is the best form of conservation available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43944/08]
The issue of high levels of discards in commercial sea fisheries is a global problem and is on the agenda of all major international organisations who deal with the development of sustainable sea fisheries and the protection of marine ecosystems.
Discarding is usually a feature of mixed fisheries where one species may be the target of fishing activity, but other species may be caught accidentally in the fishing gear. It can also occur for economic reasons, i.e., when smaller, less valuable fish are dumped in favour of larger, more marketable ones (a practice known as high-grading).
The discarding issue is already being addressed at a European level through measures regulating fishing gear, such as adjusting net mesh sizes or requiring acoustic devices to be attached to fishing gear. A new discard policy, which aims to stop the practice of discarding, is under preparation and a consultation process is currently under way with all the stakeholders. An effective resolution of the discards issue will likely require a combination of new policy and technical measures.
At my meeting with Commissioner Borg on 18 June, I raised this issue as a priority for me and for the Irish fishing industry. While he advised that finding effective solutions is challenging, he restated his commitment to continue prioritising the current work programme, which was agreed by the Council in June 2007. I have sought to bring forward initiatives in this regard for the important nephrops fisheries and will continue to pursue these at EU level.
I will continue to press for progress on this issue at national, EU and international levels and I am confident that, with the co-operation, collaboration and commitment of all the stakeholders, significant improvements can be achieved in this most sensitive area for the long-term sustainability of our industry.
Domestic Abattoirs.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:135 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the grants for the upgrading and expansion of small abattoirs will be awarded to the successful applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43940/08]
The applications received under my Department's capital investment scheme for the marketing and processing of agricultural products have been going through a competitive evaluation process in which the strengths of the various proposals are being assessed and ranked in line with the objectives of the scheme.
The process has taken time as this competitive scheme is not limited to abattoirs but also includes applications relating to small meat establishments, livestock marts and horticulture. In a number of cases additional information has been needed on business plans, financial information and technical drawings. Decisions are expected shortly.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:136 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reverse the decision to cut €10 million from the early retirement scheme and installation aid scheme which have been shut down to new applicants leading to hardship for many farming families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43963/08]
I have made provision of €56.7 million in 2009 to meet current commitments under the Early Retirement Scheme from Farming and the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. I have no plans at present to reopen these schemes to new applications. The limiting of the suspension of these schemes will be considered at the earliest opportunity having regard to the general budgetary situation.
Dairy Sector.
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:137 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he proposes to take to protect dairy farmers here from being forced out of business in view of the collapse of global prices for dairy commodities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44068/08]
In the light of the temporary volatility being experienced in international dairy markets at present and uncertainty in the short-term outlook, I contacted EU Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel seeking the introduction of market support mechanisms to assist the sector through the current difficulties. I was pleased that the Commissioner acted decisively and brought forward the scheme of private storage aid for butter. This will now take effect from 1 January, two months earlier than usual, and should go some way towards stabilising the market.
Once the effect of the early introduction of APS is evident, we can then assess the need to activate other mechanisms to assist dairy exporters who are facing difficulties exporting product from the EU on to world markets. I will continue to monitor developments in the dairy markets and will intervene again with the Commissioner as the market situation evolves. As part of the Health Check negotiations, as well as achieving a substantial increase of 9.3% in Ireland's milk quota, an essential step in dealing with the end of the quota system, I also succeeded in having market supports in the form of Intervention and APS retained as they currently apply.
While we are facing short-term uncertainty, analysis shows that the long-term outlook is bright. Global growth in wealth and population will provide opportunities for quality producers like Ireland. One of the major challenges in the medium term will be to ensure that Irish farming and the agri-food sector is at the heart of an evolving high-value food market, which is focused on quality and innovation. This is at the core of Government strategy, evidenced by the National Development Plan 2007-2013, AgriVision 2015 and the Partnership Agreement Towards 2016.
Food Labelling.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:138 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress that has been made with regard to ensuring foodstuffs of Irish origin cannot be labelled as produced here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43981/08]
The Minister for Health and Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Under the general labelling Directive (2000/13/EC), the place of origin of the foodstuff must be given only if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree. The European Commission is currently undertaking a major review of all food labelling legislation. In this context the Commission has prepared draft revised labelling regulations and these are being discussed at Council Working Party level in Brussels. These draft regulations will be submitted to the EU Council of Health ministers during 2009.
Notwithstanding the outcome of the current review on origin labelling progress has been made in relation to specific products: EU beef labelling legislation requiring country of origin labelling of beef has been in place since September 2000. As this legislation did not cover beef sold by the catering trade my Department collaborated with the Department of Health and Children to have national legislation enacted to require that all beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required to carry an indication of the country of origin. This legislation is enforced by the FSAI.
Regarding the labelling of poultry meat, there are EU Regulations, which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultry meat at retail level. The Regulations require such poultry meat to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, drafted regulations that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pigmeat, poultry and sheepmeat. This was notified to the EU Commission in December 2007 as required by legislation. The Commission was not prepared to adopt the draft regulations in their present format on the grounds that the proposed legislation is not in compliance with EU food labelling regulations. In March, the EU Commission delivered a negative opinion on the regulations but afforded Ireland an opportunity to provide further information in support of them. In the meantime, the Department provided additional details including the current misleading labelling practices and evidence of consumers' desire for country of origin labelling. The EU Commission has considered this additional information in the context of the EU Labelling Directive but considers that it does not justify the introduction of national legislation. At the relevant standing committee meeting on food law on 13 October, the EU Commission outlined its decision not to agree to Ireland's proposed regulations.
The EU has 36 specific marketing standards covering fresh fruit and vegetables. Apart from quality criteria these standards also set down strict provisions regarding labelling, including country of origin. The EU Commission is currently reforming the Common Organisation of the market for fruit and vegetables. As part of this process a number of the existing specific standards will be replaced by a general standard, which will cover a wider range of fruit and vegetables.
Fishing Industry Development.
Tom Sheahan
Ceist:139 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the necessary resources will be made available to carry out the scientific analysis required to guarantee that the Celtic Sea is not included in new control measures in 2009 and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43936/08]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the EU Commission proposal that was made this year to include the Celtic Sea cod stock within the terms of the Community's Cod Recovery Plan. The original plan was introduced in 2004 for four cod stocks: in the North Sea and Skaggerak, in the area West of Scotland, in the Kattegat and in the Irish Sea. The plan, which set out catch ceilings and an array of technical management measures, was a response to scientific advice that these stocks were in decline and in danger of collapse.
Scientific assessments have shown that, after four years of application, only one stock (cod in the North Sea) demonstrated signs of recovery. The slow progress made towards achieving the Cod Recovery Plan's goals prompted a re-examination and revision of the original plan this year. As part of this revision, the Commission proposed that the Celtic Sea cod stock be included under the umbrella of the plan. The Commission's scientific advice indicated that the Celtic Sea cod stock was also in need of rebuilding.
However, I and my colleague, Minister of State Killeen, strongly argued at Council that the terms of the Cod Recovery Plan were not suited to the Celtic Sea fishery. Instead, we maintained that rebuilding measures based on the use of "smart" fishing gear (which reduces cod catches sea) and targeted area closures (some of which had already been proposed by fishermen and implemented to protect spawning cod) would be much more effective and better suited to the Celtic Sea fisheries.
Our consistent and firmly held belief was that the approach put forward by the Commission was not suited to the Celtic Sea and that it would not effectively rebuild that cod stock. This point of view was finally accepted, and I am very pleased that Council supported and took on board this approach.
However, Ireland is committed to playing its full part in managing this stock responsibly. Irish scientists, industry and managers will continue to work together to carefully examine proposals for management measures and ensure that any measures implemented are both necessary and effective. Our common goal is to have a sustainable fishing industry with sustainable fish stocks operating in waters around the coast.
Common Agricultural Policy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has investigated the potential impact on the food and agriculture sector of recent decisions by the EU Commissioner to rearrange and refocus support for the sector; if due regard has been had for the food deficiency within the European Union and the failure of national and EU institutions to address this issue; his views on an increased dependency on food imports to the EU in the future with obvious consequences for the agricultural sector here and throughout the European Union and with implications in respect of security of supply; if he unilaterally or in conjunction with like minded EU colleagues will take action to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43954/08]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the proposals from the EU Commission on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Health Check and the recent final negotiations, which I successfully concluded with my EU Council of Ministers colleagues.
The package of measures that I secured for Ireland is of substantial value in terms both of additional funding worth some €70 million and additional milk quota valued conservatively at approximately €100 million by 2014. It will have a lasting benefit not only on our farming community, but also on our agri-food sector as well as our rural and national economy. These gains were hard won following all-night negotiations with 26 other Ministers, many of whom did not share my views on the future protection and development of the Common Agricultural Policy.
I also lobbied hard and with considerable success for the retention of market supports in the dairy sector as well as simplification in the operation of EU schemes.
In advance of the negotiations, my Department engaged in a consultative process with key stakeholders to advise me on the main issues arising in the Health Check. This consultative group examined the economic impact of the proposals from the Commission and also took into account the wider economic implications for the various sectors, the development of the rural economy and the agri-food sector. I took full account of the feedback from this process during my negotiations with the Commission and in the Council of Ministers.
The Deputy mentions the shift in world food production with increased product deficits and I was very conscious of this during the negotiations. It was one of the reasons I argued for increases in milk quotas, in the light of the increase expected in world demand for dairy products. Increased quotas and the retention of the market support mechanisms will be vital in giving confidence to our producers to expand production in a volatile market environment and in allowing them to meet the increased demand expected for dairy products in the coming years.
These Commission proposals were based on the European Council's decisions on the Financial Perspectives for 2007– 2013 and the invitation to the Commission to undertake a full, wide ranging review covering all aspects of EU spending, including the CAP.
As regards future EU agriculture policy after 2013, I had an opportunity to discuss this with my EU colleagues at a specially convened meeting of the Agriculture Council in Brussels on Friday last. At that meeting, I strongly advocated that we maintain a strong agricultural production base in the European Union. I referred specifically to the challenges ahead in meeting increased demands for food. Indeed, I warned that any reduction in food production in the EU would be taken up elsewhere where less efficient production systems exist and would result in a heavier carbon footprint. I emphasised that there would be a continuing need for an active, and appropriately resourced European agricultural policy to achieve these objectives and to help our farmers and processors adapt to the new and emerging challenges.
Fishery Industry Development.
Deirdre Clune
Ceist:141 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the development of the fishery industry in the forthcoming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43898/08]
A strategic blueprint to develop the fisheries sector into the 21st century is contained in the report of the Seafood Strategy Review Group "Steering a New Course" (The Cawley Report).
One of the key recommendations of the Cawley Report was for the introduction of a sea fishing boat decommissioning scheme. To date a total of 45 vessels have accepted offers with one further vessel having until 19 December to make a final decision. €21m will be spent in 2008 with an estimated further €16m to be spent in 2009. A significant economic benefit currently estimated at some €22m will accrue to the remainder of the fleet from the redistribution of the prawn and whitefish catch previously taken by the decommissioned vessels.
My Department will provide substantial grant aid support of €118 million for the seafood industry for 2009 and this will provide for significant investment for the Seafood Processing sector, Aquaculture Development, Socio-economic programmes for coastal communities, environmental initiatives, supporting quality initiatives/safety schemes and training. Other areas to be supported include marketing and innovation. Bord Iascaigh Mhara the main development agency has been allocated €44.5 million to support its activities in 2009 and will remain the main driver for the implementation of the Cawley report recommendations.
My Department will also provide considerable funding for marine research. The Marine Institute has been allocated €29.5m in 2009 to support its activities. The Marine Institute is charged with managing and implementing "Sea Change" which is a marine knowledge, research and innovation strategy for Ireland (2007– 2013). Implementation of this strategy is well advanced. Sea Change incorporates applied and basic research programmes aimed at increasing industry competitiveness, building new research capacity and addressing policy issues.
I established the Irish Sea Fisheries Research Partnership (ISFRP) (chaired by Peter Heffernan, CEO of MI), by which Marine Institute and industry will discuss and collaborate on the range of fisheries science research activities carried out by Marine Institute. The Irish Sea Fisheries Research Partnership promotes synergy and mutual understanding on fishing science research priorities which are beneficial to the long term future of the Irish fishing industry.
Looking to the medium to long term, the review of the Common Fisheries Policy will be a high priority for all engaged in the fishing sector. The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the fisheries policy of the European Union which was first put in place in 1983 and has been subject to 10 yearly reviews, the most recent in 2002 and the next formally provided for in 2012. It has been acknowledged across EU Member States that further reform of the CFP is necessary. Discussions have begun with the European Commission and we will continue to be active in our attempts to shape the direction of this review. We wish to provide for and promote the interests of our seafood sector, which are very important to the protection of the livelihoods of our coastal communities.
Departmental Schemes.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:142 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to parliamentary Question No. 331 of 13 November 2007, if he is in a position to state the number of applications and the amount applied for in grants under the farm improvement grants scheme received by each of the offices and sub-offices of his Department by 22 October 2007; if applications received by the end of October 2008 will be included for consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43889/08]
A breakdown on a county-by-county basis of the 12,675 applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007 was set out in the reply to the Parliamentary Question referred to by the Deputy.
As a sum of €79 million was made available for the scheme by the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016, these applications are currently being processed up to that level of funding.
Sheep Sector.
David Stanton
Ceist:143 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to introduce a new sheep maintenance payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43958/08]
The possibility of support to the sheep sector will be considered in the light of the outcome of the recent CAP Health Check. That outcome provides that an additional amount of some €24 million annually will be available to Irish farmers from 2010 onwards. That amount may be used to target specific sectors in need of assistance and represents money that would otherwise not be available to farmers due to the complex rules surrounding the Single Farm Payment. Support may commence in 2009 by utilising funds from the National Reserve, which are expected to be in the region of €6 million to €7 million, and these will be supplemented from 2010 with the unspent Single Farm Payment funds.
As I indicated following the completion of the Health Check, I will consult relevant stakeholders as to how these additional funds can best be spent. To that end I will meet with them on 16 December to consider their views and possible options.
Common Agricultural Policy.
Michael Creed
Ceist:144 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of discretionary funding available to him in 2010 arising from the recent CAP health check; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44019/08]
Joe Costello
Ceist:147 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way he will distribute the €24 million underspend from the single farm payment fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43968/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 147 together.
Political agreement was achieved on the Health Check on Thursday 20 November last following long and sometimes difficult negotiations. The overall agreement represents a very good deal for Irish farmers negotiated in very challenging circumstances.
Resulting from this agreement we now have funding to the tune of approximately €24m per annum which will be available to Irish farmers. €17m from the unused Single Farm Payment funds will come on stream in 2010. The additional €7 million will come from the National Reserve and will be available from 2009 as a result of a deal I managed to negotiate for Ireland. These figures are estimates based on the level of payments under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme. Final figures will not be known until the Commission detailed rules are adopted. I am very pleased to get access to these untapped funds which heretofore could not be utilised fully due to the complexity of rules in the single farm payment system.
We need to consider carefully how these funds can best be used for the development of Irish farming in the context of the options available under the new Regulation. While no decisions have been taken yet I am acutely aware of the difficulties in certain sectors and I will be consulting widely with all stakeholders on this issue in the coming weeks. In this regard I have already said that I would welcome proposals from interested parties.
In addition to the €24m mentioned, the agreed rates of additional modulation will generate in the region of €120m in total over four years in transfers from the Single Payment Scheme to Rural Development. This money will remain in Ireland and will be used for payments to farmers under the Rural Development Programme. Again we will need to decide in consultation with relevant stakeholders how these funds can be passed back to Irish farmers within the limitations set down in the new Regulation.
Departmental Schemes.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:145 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has plans to reopen applications for grants under the farm improvement scheme during 2009; if not, when he expects to reopen applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43891/08]
The Farm Improvement Scheme was introduced by my Department in July 2007 with funding of €79 million as agreed under the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016, and was suspended on 31 October 2007 as applications received had reached this level of funding. I have no plans at present to reopen the scheme to new applications.
Ministerial Travel.
Noel Coonan
Ceist:146 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the countries he has visited since his appointment; the purposes of these visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43896/08]
Following is the statement:
|
Month |
Date |
Country |
|
|
May |
18/05/08 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
|
25/05/08 |
Ljubljana, Slovenia |
Informal Council of Ministers |
|
|
June |
04/06/08 |
Rome, Italy |
FAO Meeting |
|
18/06/08 |
Strasbourg, France |
Meeting with Commissioner Borg |
|
|
23/06/08 |
Luxembourg |
Council of Ministers |
|
|
July |
14/07/08 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
|
20/07/08 |
Geneva, Switzerland |
WTO Ministerial |
|
|
September |
04/09/08 |
Limoges, France |
International Sheep Conference |
|
21/09/08 |
Annecy, France |
Informal Council of Ministers |
|
|
29/09/08 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
|
|
October |
20/10/08 |
Paris, France |
SIAL Exhibition |
|
26/10/08 |
Luxembourg |
Council of Ministers |
|
|
November |
08/11/08 |
USA |
EI Trade Mission |
|
19/11/08 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
|
|
28/11/08 |
Brussels, Belgium |
Council of Ministers |
Question No. 147 answered with Question No. 144.
European Council Meetings.
Deirdre Clune
Ceist:148 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the main agenda items for the next Agriculture and Fisheries Council of the European Union that are of concern to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43897/08]
The next meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council is not scheduled to take place until 18/19 December next and no agenda has yet been received. However, we are aware that the agenda will focus principally on fisheries and the setting of the annual Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas for fish stocks.
The levels of TAC and ultimately quotas for 2009 for Ireland will be determined at the Council. This process for 2009 has already begun in earnest with the publication of the Commission's proposals which will be the subject of detailed discussions over the coming weeks. This Commission proposal sets out cuts in many of the stocks of economic importance to our fleet and also envisages other measures which will adversely impact on our fishing industry, including a proposed closure for the whitefish fleet off the north-west.
However, not all stocks are subject to decreases in TACs with the proposed mackerel TAC going up by 33% from 456,000 tonnes in 2008 to 605,000 tonnes in 2009. This will result in the net Irish quota (after deductions for the payback for undeclared Scottish landings) going from approx 45,000 tonnes to 62,000 tonnes. However, this TAC increase remains to be formally agreed and must be protected against any proposal that a part would be transferred to Norway in the EU/ Norway negotiations which are currently ongoing.
Notwithstanding the good news on mackerel, I am concerned about the level of cuts proposed for the whitefish stocks, the proposed closure in the north-west and other measures proposed and their socio-economic impact on fishermen and fishing communities. I am actively engaged, as are my officials, in delivering the best possible deal for Ireland at Council and there will be a lot of intense work in the upcoming negotiations before a settlement is reached on the final package of measures.
Food Labelling.
Andrew Doyle
Ceist:149 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of infringements of the food safety and food labelling regulations found in 2007 and 2008 in respect of poultry processing plants, meat processing plants, retailers of poultry products, wholesalers of poultry products, wholesalers of meat products and catering establishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44022/08]
The number of infringements of food safety and food labelling legislation in plants referred to in the Deputy's question that come within the remit of my Department are outlined as follows:
|
2007 |
2008 (to date) |
|
|
Infringements |
219 |
195 |
|
2007 |
2008 (q1 and q2) |
|
|
Infringements |
150 |
107 |
My Department has ensured that the food business operators have taken the appropriate corrective action to resolve these issues. Details of such infringements in other agencies involved in the enforcement of this legislation can be supplied by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
Proposed Legislation.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:150 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position with regard to the animal welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43973/08]
Work is continuing on drafting the new Animal Health and Welfare Bill, which is intended to give effect to a number of commitments, in the area of animal health and welfare, contained in the Programme for Government.
Following the public consultation process initiated by me earlier in the year on the draft Bill, almost 400 submissions/comments were received containing wide-ranging observations and these have now been examined. A number of those who made submissions asked that they be given an opportunity to elaborate further on their submissions before finalisation of the draft legislation and my officials are now in the process of meeting with those organisations. Arrangements will then proceed with drafting of the legislation having regard to all comments received.
Afforestation Programme.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:151 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the percentage targets of total land he expects to achieve in relation to afforestation of land for each of the next ten years in view of the decisions taken in budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43890/08]
By the end of 2007 Ireland had over 10% of land area under forest cover. This is someway short of the average EU-member State coverage of 35% and it is my intention to continue to support increased sustainable afforestation.
My Department, however, remains committed to working towards the achievement of the 17% forest cover target as specified in the Forestry Strategic Plan. It is not possible to accurately forecast the exact planting levels in Ireland for each of the next ten years but I do expect planting levels to increase from this year's level of 6,500 hectares in the light of the very attractive levels of State support for farmer planting now in place.
Horticulture Sector.
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:152 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount in investment aid that was paid to mushroom growers under the scheme of investment aid for the development of commercial horticulture in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43975/08]
Under the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector 2008 my Department granted approvals totalling some €2.8m in grant aid to the mushroom sector. This aid will fund capital investment in buildings and equipment to the value of some €7m and will help producers meet the higher hygiene, environmental and quality standards demanded of all food producers.
To date in 2008 €0.2m has been paid to producers and it is hoped to pay a further €1.3m before the end of the year.
County Enterprise Boards.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:153 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an application has been submitted by a firm (details supplied) in County Donegal under the community enterprise centre scheme 2008; when it was received; if it is being assessed at present; if a grant will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44111/08]
In October, I announced the awarding of over €11m in funding and management development support for 39 community enterprise centres spread throughout the country. This is the second tranche of approvals from the €21m 2007–2009 Community Enterprise Scheme.
In 2008 an application for Management Development Funding was received from Convoy Enterprise Centre Limited, Co. Donegal. The CEC evaluation committee met to discuss and adjudicate the applications received. Convoy Enterprise Centre was unsuccessful on this occasion. They may, of course, apply for funding under the next call for applications, which will be announced in 2009.
FÁS Training Programmes.
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:154 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 160 of 4 November 2008, the reason no official from FÁS has contacted the person (details supplied) as stated in her reply in relation to their European certificate. [44231/08]
FÁS had already been in contact by telephone with Mr. Cullen shortly before Deputy Aylward's original parliamentary question was replied to. They advised him of the process for determining whether a Construction Sector Certification Scheme (CSCS) registration card could be issued.
In this respect FÁS contacted the United Kingdom based organisation that issued Mr. Cullen with a plant operator card. The purpose of these enquiries was to determine if that card met the requirements to allow FÁS to process an application for a CSCS registration card. FÁS established that the UK plant operator card obtained by Mr. Cullen did not meet those requirements and did not confer a qualification that was recognised nationally in the UK.
Earlier this week a representative of FÁS again contacted Mr. Cullen and reiterated that he was not entitled to a CSCS registration card at this stage. Mr. Cullen was fully informed of the requirements for the issue of such a card. By arrangement a FÁS representative again contacted Mr. Cullen on 1 December 2008 to give further guidance on the documentation to be completed and the process to be undertaken to determine his eligibility to complete a CSCS Experienced Operator Training and Assessment Programme.
Retail Sector.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:155 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some British shops are charging a much higher price in the Republic of Ireland than in Northern Ireland for clothes items (details supplied) as well as groceries in view of the exchange rate; and if she will extend the remit of the Consumer Authority to publishing price comparisons in clothing and ensure that regular surveys are published. [44264/08]
I am aware of the concerns that have been expressed that a number of retailers may not be passing on to consumers the benefits of the Euro's recent appreciation in value, particularly against Sterling. Arising from these concerns, I initiated an engagement with the retail sector as to the reasons why the benefits of the Euro's appreciation were not being passed on to consumers. In the course of that engagement I met with IBEC and leading members of Retail Ireland, and also wrote to major individual retailers, to express the Government's concern on this matter.
I also discussed these concerns with the National Consumer Agency and requested them to undertake specific price surveys comparing prices in the Republic and Northern Ireland. Indeed the concerns in this area were if anything heightened by the cross Border survey of grocery prices undertaken by the Agency which showed that the price of branded products charged by retailers in the Republic were up to 31% greater than the price they charged for such products in Northern Ireland. In the case of own brand products the price differential was up to 17%. Whilst the Agency's cross Border survey was focused on food and grocery prices given their significance in terms of the average household budget, I understand that it is the Agency's intention to look at the possibility of including other areas of consumer goods in future surveys.
In so far as the response of the retail sector is concerned, retailers have advised that while the retail price of goods imported from the UK had lagged exchange rate movements due to factors such as the forward purchase of goods and currency, there had already been reductions in the price of some goods and further reductions were in the pipeline. Retailers also advised that one of the main reasons for the price differential was that the cost of doing business in Ireland was significantly higher than that in the UK. To that end, in September of this year I requested Forfás to carry out an analysis of the relative cost of doing business in a number of locations in the Republic, Northern Ireland and the UK. I intend to pursue this matter with the retail sector on receipt of Forfás' Report.
In so far as price trends between Ireland and the UK are concerned, the latest Central Statistics Office's bulletin for October shows that consumer prices continue to fall with overall annual inflation at 4.0% down from 4.3% in September. This compares with an annual rate of 4.2% for the UK all items retail prices index. Indeed on the basis of the EU comparison measure of the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, the annual rate of inflation in Ireland of 2.7% as at October 2008 is significantly less than both the annual inflation rates of 3.2% for the Euro 15 area and also the rate of 3.7% for the EU as a whole. The harmonised rate is also below the equivalent UK CPI index rate of 4.5%. In the area of food, the October CSO returns show that food prices in Ireland continue to fall with annual food inflation at 4.6% as compared with an annual UK food inflation rate of 10.1% as per the UK's Office of National Statistics. In the area of clothing and footwear, prices actually decreased in both Ireland and the UK in the year to October 2008 by as much as 6.8% in Ireland as compared with 6.7% in the UK.
Notwithstanding these welcome reductions in prices, it is my strong view that where there are significant differentials in consumer prices as demonstrated by the findings of the National Consumer Agency's cross Border survey, retailers have a duty to their customers and to the economies in which they operate to explain why there are such differentials. It is my intention to continue to engage with the retail sector on this matter.
Tax Code.
Michael Creed
Ceist:156 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he will issue a P21 to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44121/08]
I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a P21 for 2007 issued to the person in question on 11 November 2008.
If this P21 was not received, or if the person in question requires a duplicate P21, they may contact their local tax office either by: writing to the Revenue Commissioners, PAYE Mail Centre, P O Box 63, Ennis, Co Clare, telephoning 1890 22 24 25; or going on line at www.revenue.ie.
Drainage Schemes.
Michael Creed
Ceist:157 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance when it is anticipated drainage works will be carried out to a river (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44122/08]
Responsibility for maintenance of the Awbeg River rests with Cork County Council.
Tax Code.
Seán Barrett
Ceist:158 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the rationale of his budget 2009 decision to reduce the stamp duty on ATM and debit cards by 50%; the reason he had not considered increasing this duty instead of halving it; the projected gain to the Exchequer of doubling the stamp duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44245/08]
The reduction in Stamp Duty on ATM and debit cards which I announced in the Budget is in line with Government policy of encouraging greater use of electronic means of payment. As the Deputy is aware, there are significant security issues relating to the transport of cash and the targeting of certain sectors (such as the elderly) by criminals. This change will assist in minimising such risks by reducing the amount of cash in circulation. This measure is Revenue neutral as it will be funded by the increase from 30c to 50c in the rate of duty on cheques and bills of exchange.The potential gain to the Exchequer from doubling the rate of Stamp Duty on ATM and debit cards is estimated at €24m.
Inter-Country Adoptions.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:159 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if the bilateral agreement between Ireland and Vietnam regarding adoptions which expires on 30 April 2009 will be renewed; and the situation in relation to same. [44289/08]
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:161 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is her intention to renew the bilateral agreement for the purpose of adoption between Ireland and Vietnam which is due to expire at the end of April 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44099/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 161 together.
I advised Deputies on the 18th of November last that officials from my Office and the Adoption Board travelled to Vietnam in the previous week to commence discussions on the negotiation of a new bilateral agreement with Vietnam in light of the expiration of the current agreement in May 2009. A report on the visit has been completed and is currently under consideration. I will be discussing any next steps with my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the first instance.
Health Services.
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:160 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite a decision on an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44097/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services including the availability of drugs and medicines was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 161 answered with Question No.159.
Accident and Emergency Services.
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:162 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of attendees at the accident and emergency unit in the Mater Hospital each year for the past five years, who are serving sentences in Mountjoy Prison, St. Patrick’s Institution or Dochas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44105/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Repayment Scheme.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:163 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the application made by a person (details supplied) in County Cork under the health repayment scheme has been refused; and the avenue of further appeal open to the person in view of the fact that the appeal against the original decision was heard by the same group as made the original decision. [44248/08]
The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006. The Appeals Officer investigates each appeal independently and when a determination has been made on an appeal he/she writes to the claimant informing them of the reasons for the decision. The Act also makes provision for applicants to appeal to the High Court on a point of law not later than 28 days following receipt of the Appeals Officer's decision.
Ambulance Service.
Michael Ring
Ceist:164 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in a facility (details supplied); the amount it is costing per year; the operating costs of the facility on an annual basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44258/08]
I understand from the HSE that the Camp West project is a joint initiative between the Fire Services of the counties of Connacht and Donegal and the HSE's Western Region Ambulance Service. I am also informed that the contracting authority is Mayo County Council and that therefore that body would be best placed to provide the Deputy with the information requested.
Health Repayment Scheme.
Michael Ring
Ceist:165 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of claims pursuant to an Act (details supplied) that are outstanding; the reason they are not being finalised and paid. [44259/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator K.P.M.G. and McCann Fitzgerald.
The HSE has advised my Department that to date over 35,000 applications for living and deceased patients have been received by the Health Repayment Scheme. Approximately 33,000 of the claims received by the Scheme Administrator have been processed, which includes almost 19,000 offers of repayment totalling more than €362 million and in excess of 14,900 payments have been made totalling over €317m. Further offers continue to be issued every week.
The Scheme is progressing as speedily as possible and every effort is being made to settle claims as quickly as possible. However, there are a number of factors which have affected the length of time it takes to process a claim.
A very high number of deficiencies have appeared on claim forms which must each be rectified before they can be processed. It is estimated that approximately two thirds of all claim forms were submitted without some critical piece of information which meant that the claim could not be processed until the Scheme Administrator had written to the potential claimant and requested the information required. In addition, in excess of 75% of all Form of Entitlement forms submitted were deficient. The HSE and the Scheme Administrator has taken a proactive role in addressing this issue — the clearing of these deficiencies demanded significant time and resources on the part of the HSE and the Scheme Administrator so that they could be cleared.
Over 13,400 estates who have lodged claims did not have a grant of representation, as required by law, and the Scheme Administrator has had to establish probate before the claim can be progressed. This is to ensure that the person entitled to claim on behalf of an estate is the person who ultimately receives the repayment. The probate process can typically be a lengthy one — however a special system established for the purposes of this scheme has significantly reduced the waiting period. The majority of certificates of entitlement have now been issued and this has facilitated people in proceeding with the application proper. The requirements of the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 rightly place a strong emphasis on detail and on ensuring that a person is entitled to make the application and would be the rightful recipient of any potential repayment. For example this would be particularly important in determining who would be eligible in the case of a deceased person where no grant of probate was made and where several family members might make an application for repayment.
The HSE has advised that it is anticipated that the remaining offers, upwards of 300, will be processed by the end of the year. However, it should be noted that the repayments offered cannot be paid until the statutory 28 day period for appeal has elapsed and a completed acceptance form has been returned to the Scheme Administrator. In addition, claimants who receive offers must be given the opportunity if they so wish, to appeal the Scheme Administrator's decision.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Michael Ring
Ceist:166 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be given an appointment to see a consultant in Galway in view of the fact that they have already waited 26 months. [44260/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:167 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [44321/08]
Finian McGrath
Ceist:168 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [44322/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:169 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will advise on a matter (details supplied). [44323/08]
I refer to the particular matter raised by the Deputy. A central objective of the new Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, is to ensure that care is affordable for all who need it and that no-one has to sell their home during their lifetime in order to pay for their care. In order to meet this objective, the scheme provides that a person may defer contributions based on their family home, or other Irish land-based assets, for the duration of their lifetime. This benefit is referred to as "Ancillary State support". The provision of Ancillary State support is subject to a Charge being placed against the asset concerned.
If a person wishes to avail of Ancillary State support and is of diminished mental capacity, they will require a care representative to act on their behalf unless they are already a Ward of Court or already have a registered Enduring Power of Attorney in place. A care representative is a person appointed by the Circuit Court to act on behalf of a person who is of diminished mental capacity. The care representative can act on behalf of the person in relation to (i) an application for Ancillary State support, (ii) consenting to the creation of the charge against the asset concerned and (iii) matters relating to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme generally. A care representative may not act on behalf of a person in relation to matters outside of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill sets out the basis for determining mental capacity and appointing a care representative. It also stipulates the people who may act as a care representative as follows:the spouse or partner of the person, a parent of the person,a child of the person,a brother or sister of the person,a niece or nephew of the person,an aunt or uncle of the person,a registered medical practitioner or such other health practitioner (other than the proprietor of a nursing home in which the person resides or is likely to reside) as appears to the Court to be a fit and proper person to make the application. The list operates in descending priority although a person with a greater priority may consent to an application by a person of lower priority.
Finally, the Deputy may wish to note that the scheme also provides for one further deferral of contributions based on the family home where there is a spouse/ partner living in the family home or where there is a connected person who meets the criteria set out in the legislation. This ensures that contributions may be further deferred for the lifetime of the spouse/ partner or the connected person.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:170 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [44324/08]
The Deputy will appreciate that since the end of August 2008, the Housing Aid for Older People (HAOP) scheme, which includes the Essential Repairs Grant has been administered by the local authorities. The Health Service Executive has confirmed that it does not have an application on hand for the individual referred to by the Deputy. The issue raised therefore in this case is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:171 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [44325/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Child Care Services.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:172 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the way an application made for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork in late September 2007 was not decided upon until 8 October 2008 and was only then sanctioned for the period from 9 October 2007 to 2 December 2007, the date of their 16th birthday; and the reason in view of the fact that their family were not made aware of their entitlements to domiciliary care allowance, the allowance has not been made retrospective to the period that the person reached school going age as they needed special supports for their medical condition which were not made available under the public health system and the family were never made aware of their rights to domiciliary care allowance and other benefits and were forced to seek private care for the person. [44342/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:173 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the Health Service Executive’s nine point action plan in relation to the demand led schemes; if she has approved the action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44344/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hosital Services.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:174 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive a hospital appointment as outlined to them on 15 September 2008. [44369/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Road Safety.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:175 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the appeals process in place regarding national car test results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44109/08]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. Information regarding the appeals process is available from the Road Safety Authority at ‘www.rsa.ie'
Public Transport.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:176 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the increases he has sanctioned in Dublin Bus fares for 2009. [44310/08]
I expect to make an announcement in the coming days in response to the 20% increase in fares proposed by CIE.
Citizenship Applications.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:177 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the naturalisation application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44095/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in August 2006. Officials in that Section inform me that the application is at an advanced stage of processing and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in due course.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:178 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to address the backlog in relation to applications for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44110/08]
The Deputy will appreciate that the granting of Irish Citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour and not an entitlement. Applications must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria. The procedures involved in the processing of applications have been developed and refined over a number of years and I am satisfied that they are absolutely necessary to maintain the good reputation of our citizens and integrity of the naturalisation process. Consequently, there is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved.
Following the recent decentralisation of the Citizenship Section to Tipperary Town, substantial additional resources have been made available to the section in order to reduce backlogs and provide a better quality service to all applicants. This has had a positive impact on processing times with the average time to decision for applications for certificates of naturalisation now 23 months. It is expected that this will progressively improve over the coming year.
Prisoner Transfers.
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:179 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will investigate the matter of an application for transfer under the terms of the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and consequent legislation applicable here in respect of a proposed transfer of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44113/08]
As the Deputy is aware, the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons does not confer an automatic right on any prisoner to be transferred nor does it confer an obligation on any State to comply with a transfer request. The person referred to by the Deputy has made six separate applications for transfer to a prison in this jurisdiction under the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. All of these have been refused and the person concerned has been notified of the reasons for these refusals.
Firearms Regulation.
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:180 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, with reference to SI 848 of 2007, he will clarify if section 38 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 is fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44243/08]
Statutory Instrument 848 of 2007 commenced section 38 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 with effect from 1 January 2008. Since that date, the registration of firearms dealers continues, from the date of registration or renewal, for three years unless revoked. Work is at an advanced stage on the preparation of regulations in relation to minimum standards for the premises of firearms dealers.
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:181 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of times a group (details supplied) established by his Department, has met; the number of times he has been briefed on the progress of the group; when it is envisaged that the group will produce a report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44244/08]
The Firearms Consultative Panel has met six times since it was established. In addition, sub groups of the Panel have met on nine occasions. My Department is represented on the Panel and, accordingly, I am kept informed, as appropriate, in relation to its work. The Panel is a consultative body and, as such, it is not envisaged that it will be producing a report.
Garda Recruitment.
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:182 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the age limit of 35 years for joining the Garda Síochána; his views on proposals for extending this limit in view of the upper limit of 55 in Northern Ireland, UK, Australia, Canada and so on; the reason this limit is not enforced in the Garda Reserve; his views on the anomaly this causes; if he will review Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments)(Amendment) Regulations 2004 on the basis that it is out of date and does not take into account the establishment of the Garda Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44252/08]
The Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (SI No 749 of 2004) set the maximum age for recruitment to An Garda Síochána for all applicants, irrespective of service elsewhere, at 35 years. This maximum age was recommended by the Garda Commissioner taking into account the training and operational requirements of the Force and all the relevant legislation. There are currently no proposals to increase the age limit.
The higher age profile for members of the Garda Reserve is related to the limited number of hours which a Reserve member is on duty (average of 4 hours per week) and the nature of the duties to be undertaken by Garda Reserve members. There are currently no proposals to alter these Regulations.
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:183 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the low intake into the Garda Reserve; if he will propose incentives that would promote greater participation within the reserve; the number of members of the Garda Reserve to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44253/08]
The number of attested Garda Reserve members at 1 December 2008 was 331 with a further 116 people in training. I am satisfied with the level of interest shown by people wishing to join the Garda Reserve. Service in the Garda Reserve is voluntary and unpaid. Members of the Garda Reserve receive an allowance of €1,000 on the proviso that they complete 208 hours of duty per annum. There are no proposals to change this entitlement at present.
In the first ten months of 2008, 3,729 people registered an interest in becoming a member of the Garda Reserve. There are a range of reasons why some of the applicants do not secure a place as Reserve trainees. The reasons include, failure to meet the entry criteria relating to age and residence, failure at interview/written stage, failure at the medical examination and failure at the security vetting stage. As well as this, a significant number of applicants may not always be available to attend for interview or take up a place in training when it is first offered due to family, work or social commitments.
Proposed Legislation.
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:184 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legislative changes that he will introduce in respect of gun licences; if his current intentions in this regard differ in any way from those outlined by his Department on 19 November 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44254/08]
As I have stated on a number of occasions I am concerned with the situation we now find ourselves in following the growth in the licensing of hand guns over the past few years. We now have about 1,800 handguns licensed which was not as a result of a considered or deliberate public policy decision. I would have concerns about the suitability of a large number of these firearms for legitimate target shooting purposes and I am not going to permit the growth of a 'hand gun' culture. It was against this background that I recently announced my proposals for reform in this area, which include a ban on issuing new licenses for handguns and a strict regime for renewal of existing licenses, with limited exceptions made in relation to Olympic sports. My proposals, which were outlined in my statement of 19 November, will be reflected in the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which I will be publishing in the coming weeks.
It is important to say that my proposals in relation to handguns will not impinge directly on the activities of the vast majority of licensed firearms holders. I recognise that those firearms holders pursue their legitimate interests in a law abiding way and am anxious to have a well regulated sector in which those interests can be successfully pursued, in cooperation with the relevant authorities.
Road Safety.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:185 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to reply to Parliamentary Question No. 482 of 16 October 2007, if reports are compiled and produced as a result of such investigations; if so, if these reports will be published; and if not, the reason such compilation is not being performed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44256/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with investigating road traffic collisions, including preparing reports, in accordance with Garda traffic collision investigation policy. On the conclusion of an investigation, a file is prepared and submitted to the Law Officers as appropriate.
I am also informed that information resulting from Garda investigations of traffic collisions is shared with appropriate agencies, including local authority engineers, with a view to proactively contributing to improving road safety and reducing the number of road traffic collisions through a preventative approach. Data in respect of all traffic collisions is also provided to the Road Safety Authority, which publishes an annual report, Road Collision Facts.
I am further informed that persons involved in road traffic collisions, their legal advisers or insurers or other interested parties may, on written request, be supplied with an abstract of the Garda report, copies of statements of witnesses and sketches or maps of the scene.
Proposed Legislation.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:186 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the Judicial Council Bill; and when he expects the Bill to be brought before Dáil Éireann. [44263/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question no: 341 of 18 November 2008.
Garda Investigations.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:187 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [44329/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that if the matter referred to by the Deputy constitutes a criminal offence, it will be investigated by them. A report can be made to the Garda authorities at the victim's local Garda Station, where an investigation will be commenced. If the circumstances warrant a prosecution, the abuser will be taken before the courts. An Garda Síochána investigates all incidents of domestic violence, including reports received from a third party.
The Domestic Violence Act 1996 makes provision for the protection of a spouse and any children or other dependent persons, and of persons in other domestic relationships, whose safety or welfare requires it because of the conduct of another person in the domestic relationship concerned. A victim of such abuse can obtain a court order under the Act to ensure that the abuser desists from certain activity.
Information on a wide range of local services to assist victims of domestic and sexual abuse is available on the website of Cosc, the National office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and gender-based Violence, at www.cosc.ie. A number of non-governmental organisations provide assistance to victims of domestic violence. Women's Aid provides confidential support and information to women and children living with domestic violence who need emergency or ongoing support. Its freephone helpline is 1800 341 900. The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre provides telephone help and support to victims of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and childhood sexual abuse. Its freephone helpline is 1800 778888.
Deportation Orders.
Jack Wall
Ceist:188 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is an appeal mechanism available to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare in relation to a recent ministerial order in regard to the deportation of the persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44371/08]
The persons concerned, a mother and two adult children (a son and a daughter), were admitted to the State variously on 1 November 2007, 4 December 2005 and circa late September 2007 respectively. They were subsequently granted permission to remain for a limited period in each case. On the expiration of the temporary periods of residence, the persons concerned remained in the State without my permission. They then became illegally present in the State.
The persons concerned were then informed by letters dated 30 June 2008, and in one case 1 July 2008, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of them and afforded them three options in accordance with Section 3 (3) (b) (ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of Deportation Orders or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why they should not be deported.
Their case was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended, on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given in each case to representations submitted by the persons concerned for permission to remain temporarily in the State. On 12 November 2008, I refused temporary leave to remain in the State and instead signed Deportation Orders in respect of them. Notices of these Orders dated 19 November 2008 were served by registered post requiring the persons concerned to present themselves at the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) on Tuesday 16 December 2008, in order to make travel arrangements for their deportation from the State.
There is no appeals mechanism is respect of Deportation Orders. That said, it is possible to make an application for revocation of the Deportation Orders pursuant to Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. However any such applications would require substantial grounds in order to be successful. The effect of the Deportation Orders is that the persons concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.
I am satisfied that the applications made on behalf of the persons concerned for temporary leave to remain in the State, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, accordingly, the decision to deport them is justified. The enforcement of the Deportation Orders is an operational matter for the Bureau.
Garda Recruitment.
David Stanton
Ceist:189 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applicants for the Garda Reserve; the number of these applicants who are turned down as a result of failing a hearing test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44372/08]
In the first ten months of 2008, 3,729 people registered an interest in becoming a member of the Garda Reserve. In that time, 633 people were scheduled for interview by the Public Appointments Service and 496 people actually attended for interview. A total of 325 people were successful at this stage and 10 of these people were unsuccessful in their medical test because their auditory acuity was outside the required standard.
Judicial Appointments.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:190 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the guidance and direction provided to peace commissioners in respect of their responsibilities; the procedures in place to ensure that this information is updated in line with current legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44377/08]
Peace Commissioners are appointed under section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924. On appointment Peace Commissioners are issued with a guidance manual explaining their role and duties. This manual is updated, from time to time, to take account of changes in legislation.
Overseas Development Aid.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:191 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on correspondence (details supplied). [44380/08]
My Department has committed funding of €600,000 over the next 3 years to assist the work of the Chernobyl Children's Project International in Belarus. The funding will be used for the building of 6 community based day care centres which will provide a range of facilities, including medical care. I believe this will make a valuable contribution to the care of children in Belarus.
At the EU level, discussions with Belarus have focussed on the need for the development of a deeper relationship between the EU and Belarus based on the implementation of shared values and standards, including in the area of health. I believe this will also be helpful in addressing our shared concerns in the health area, including those raised by the Deputy.
Garda Investigations.
Mary Upton
Ceist:192 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on a recent report (details supplied); the investigations he plans to take in view of this report; if he has responsibility for the prudent management of such projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44115/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department operates a number of community programmes details of which are available on the Department website, www.pobail.ie. Each of the programmes has rules and arrangements governing them and my Department has controls in place in relation to all of its programmes to secure the prudent management of its funds and the operation of its schemes. The programmes are subject to independent audit. I am disappointed at the circumstances that this Project finds itself in. However, it is now a matter for An Garda Síochána to investigate.
Community Development.
Mary Upton
Ceist:193 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reporting mechanisms in place for the prudent management of funds provided by his Department to community programmes; the audits he requests to affirm the prudent management of such funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44116/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department operates a number of programmes to provide funding and other supports to community and voluntary organisation. Details of all programmes and grant scheme are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
In line with the requirement of Public Financial Procedures issued by the Department of Finance, good financial management practice, and to ensure consistency across programmes and schemes, a number of arrangements are in place governing the issue, control, monitoring, verification and auditing of grants from my Department. These arrangements are designed to ensure that public funds are managed in a prudent and appropriate manner.
Beneficiaries of my Department's programmes and schemes are subject to audit and inspection on a periodic basis and must offer assurances to my Department that funds are applied for the purposes granted, are accounted for on a proper basis and that evidence is available to verify that adequate systems of oversight are in place for the management and application of grants. Where shortcomings in these arrangements are identified, beneficiary groups may have their funding reduced, withdrawn, or reclaimed. Similar arrangements apply where an intermediary organisation is engaged by my Department to deliver funding on its behalf. If the Deputy has any particular community programme or project in mind, I will be glad to provide more specific information if the relevant details are provided.
Departmental Programmes.
Michael Ring
Ceist:194 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of recent value for money audits undertaken into the Leader programme and other schemes administered by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44269/08]
While neither the LEADER+ Programme 2000-2006 or the Area-Based Rural Development Initiative 2000-2006 formed part of my Department's 2006-2008 round of Value for Money (VFM) reviews, the position is that both Programmes have been subject to audit and review on a number of other fronts. The monitoring and control arrangements for both Programmes were audited in 2003 and 2005. A number of inspection and audit mechanisms were also in place for the Programmes, including Article 4 and Article 10 checking systems. In addition, the Programmes were subject to a Mid-Term Review.
With regard to my Department's 2006-2008 round of Value for Money (VFM) reviews, the following is the position:
|
(1) Drugs Initiative — Local Drugs Task Forces |
Completed and laid before Oireachtas |
|
(2) Scéimeanna Feabhsúcháin sa Ghaeltacht (Gaeltacht Improvement Schemes) |
Completed and laid before Oireachtas |
|
(3) Capital Programme for Offshore Islands |
Completed and laid before Oireachtas |
|
(4) Ciste na Gaeilge (Fund for Irish Language Projects) |
Completed and laid before Oireachtas |
|
(5) Local Development Social Inclusion Programme |
Completed and laid before Oireachtas |
|
(6) CLÁR and RAPID: Leveraged Funding Schemes |
Draft terms of reference prepared. Target for completion mid-2009 |
In addition to the six VFM reviews above, my Department commenced last year a policy review of the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund, which operates under the Drugs Initiative. A draft report has been received and is currently being examined.
Michael Ring
Ceist:195 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the breakdown of the number of staff employed by each Leader board in 2007; the level of funding disbursed by each individual LEADER board during that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44270/08]
All LEADER Groups continued to disburse funding in 2007 under the 2000 — 2006 round of LEADER Programmes and the level of funding spent by each Group in 2007 is as follows. The Deputy will be aware that Groups contracted to deliver the LEADER Programmes are private companies limited by guarantee. Although these Groups are contracted to deliver a number of programmes on behalf of my Department, my Department has no role to play in the management and staffing of the Groups. These issues are solely a matter for the Boards of each company.
|
Group |
Expenditure |
|
€ |
|
|
Blackwater Resource Development |
559,426 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Ltd. |
991,825 |
|
Carlow LEADER Rural Development Company |
364,696 |
|
Cavan and Monaghan Rural Development |
472,485 |
|
Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann. |
653,853 |
|
Rural Resource Development |
451,452 |
|
Donegal Local Development Co. |
1,236,815 |
|
Galway Rural Development |
740,945 |
|
Rural Dublin LEADER |
558,449 |
|
Arigna Catchment Area Community Company |
631,522 |
|
Inishowen Rural Development |
253,444 |
|
IRD Duhallow |
470,710 |
|
KELT |
792,620 |
|
Barrow Nore Suir Rural Development |
778,927 |
|
Laois Rural Development Company |
597,148 |
|
Irish Farmhouse Holidays |
125,178 |
|
Longford Community Resource |
484,923 |
|
Louth LEADER |
967,957 |
|
Western Rural Development Company |
730,613 |
|
Meath Community Partnership Co. |
523,571 |
|
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teo. |
647,268 |
|
Tuatha Chiarraí Teo |
326,183 |
|
Tipperary LEADER Group |
1,630,753 |
|
Offaly LEADER+ Company |
741,727 |
|
Mid- South Roscommon Rural Development |
651,621 |
|
Co. Sligo LEADER Partnership Co. |
778,622 |
|
East Cork Area Development |
413,905 |
|
Comhar Iorrais LEADER Teo |
517,240 |
|
South Kerry Development Partnership |
380,635 |
|
South West Mayo Development Co. |
530,521 |
|
Waterford LEADER Partnership |
377,765 |
|
West Cork Development |
786,286 |
|
West Limerick Resources |
501,933 |
|
Westmeath Community Development |
577,821 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
700,160 |
|
Co. Wicklow Partnership |
631,404 |
|
Irish Country Holidays |
54,372 |
Michael Ring
Ceist:196 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the breakdown by county of the number of local action groups involved in the rollout of the new Leader programme; the number of staff to be allocated to each local action group; the level of funding to be disbursed by each group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44271/08]
The Deputy will be aware that I announced the results of the process for selecting Local Action Groups to deliver the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme and the respective funding allocations for the successful Groups on 4th November last. On the basis of the completion of the cohesion process, I announced allocations totalling €400m for 36 selected Local Action Groups.
The Groups selected to deliver the LEADER Programmes are private companies limited by guarantee. Although these Groups will be contracted to deliver a number of programmes on behalf of my Department, my Department has no role to play in the management and staffing of the Groups. These are matters solely for the Boards of the respective Groups.
The amount of money provided in 2007 and estimated for 2008 and 2009 for administration under the LEADER Programmes is as follows:
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
€8.9m |
€9.4m |
€10.5m |
The successful Groups, the counties within which each Group will operate and their respective allocations are as follows:
|
Group |
Counties Covered |
Allocation |
|
€ |
||
|
Avondhu/Blackwater Partnership |
Cork |
9,057,810 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Ltd. |
Cork/Limerick |
11,673,519 |
|
Carlow Co Development Partnership Ltd. |
Carlow |
8,878,177 |
|
Cavan Partnership Ltd & Co Monaghan Area Partnership Ltd. |
Cavan/Monaghan |
12,035,118 |
|
Comhar na nOileán Teo. |
Cork/Mayo/Galway/Donegal |
4,642,415 |
|
Clare Local Development Co. Ltd. |
Clare |
14,028,529 |
|
Donegal Local Development Co. Ltd. |
Donegal |
12,831,901 |
|
FORUM Connemara |
Galway |
9,668,965 |
|
Fingal LEADER Partnership |
Dublin |
7,766,780 |
|
Galway Rural Development Co. Ltd. |
Galway |
15,257,985 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
Donegal |
8,286,143 |
|
IRD Duhallow |
Kerry/Cork |
10,315,943 |
|
Kildare (Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teo) |
Kildare |
12,282,448 |
|
Co. Kilkenny LEADER Partnership Ltd. |
Kilkenny |
11,523,729 |
|
Laois Community & Enterprise Dev. Co. Ltd. |
Laois |
10,993,608 |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Co. |
Leitrim |
10,845,497 |
|
Longford Community Resource Ltd. |
Longford |
8,714,110 |
|
Louth LEADER Partnership |
Louth |
8,839,815 |
|
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Co. Teo. |
Mayo |
10,751,894 |
|
Meath Partnership |
Meath |
12,748,771 |
|
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teo. |
Galway/Mayo/Donegal/Cork/Kerry/ Waterford/Meath |
17,278,809 |
|
North & East Kerry LEADER Partnership Teo. |
Kerry |
10,558,882 |
|
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership Co. |
Tipperary |
9,708,008 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Development Co. |
Offaly |
11,520,489 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development Co. |
Roscommon |
12,838,021 |
|
Co. Sligo LEADER Partnership Co. |
Sligo |
10,888,673 |
|
South East Cork Area Development Ltd. |
Cork |
10,641,494 |
|
South Tipperary Local Development Co. Ltd. |
Tipperary |
11,106,187 |
|
South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd. |
Kerry |
12,370,667 |
|
South West Mayo Development Co. Ltd. |
Mayo |
12,150,007 |
|
Waterford LEADER Partnership Ltd. |
Waterford |
10,558,519 |
|
West Cork Development Partnership |
Cork |
14,601,149 |
|
West Limerick Resources |
Limerick |
9,997,751 |
|
Westmeath Community Development |
Westmeath |
10,987,060 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
Wexford |
12,515,565 |
|
Co. Wicklow Partnership |
Wicklow |
11,135,560 |
Departmental Programmes.
Michael Ring
Ceist:197 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the cohesion process involved in the delivery of the new Leader programme has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44272/08]
The cohesion process has been completed with the establishment of new integrated local development companies and the alignment of the governance arrangements of the 12 existing integrated LEADER/ Partnership companies.
The newly established companies are in the process of appointing CEO's and securing the appropriate transfer of existing staff and resources from the old LEADER and Partnership companies. The transfer of staff is being conducted in line with the provisions of Transfer of Undertakings legislation. Pending the completion of the formal transfer process, temporary local arrangements are being put in place by agreement between the relevant companies to facilitate the operation of the new companies.
As the Deputy will be aware, the completion of the cohesion process in respect of all of these companies, enabled me to announce on 4 November last allocations totalling €400m. under the new National Rural Development Programme. I look forward to the early signing of contracts with the individual companies and the commencement of the roll-out of the Programme.
Michael Ring
Ceist:198 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of the 2008 and 2009 budget allocation for each of the various community and local development programmes operated by his Department; the number of groups and individuals involved in delivering each programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44273/08]
My Department funds, and in some cases administers, a range of programmes to enable members of communities to be active participants in identifying and meeting their own development needs, working alongside the Statutory Agencies and others involved in local development initiatives. Details of the various programmes, measures and schemes operated by my Department are available on my Department's website, www.pobail.ie
Details in relation to the budgetary allocation for 2008 and 2009, and the numbers of groups and individuals involved in the delivery of each of these programmes are given in the table. In the case of the Community Service Programme (CSP), it should be noted that the employees are among beneficiaries of the programme.
|
Programme |
Budget 2008 |
No. of Groups involved |
No. of Individuals involved |
Budget 2009 |
No. of Groups involved |
No. of Individuals involved |
|
€M |
€M |
|||||
|
LDSIP |
57.440 |
69 |
As at 30th June 2008, 506.54 full time employees |
55.00 |
56 |
The number is expected to fall as the cohesion process reaches its practical implementation on the ground |
|
RAPID |
9.288 |
46 AITs |
One RAPID Co-ordinator per RAPID area (funded through the Local Authorities). AIT members are normally representatives of State Departments and Agencies (as part of their normal work) and community representatives (who are not remunerated for participating on AIT). |
7.90 |
46 AITs |
One RAPID Co-ordinator per RAPID area (funded through the Local Authorities). AIT members are normally representatives of State Departments and Agencies (as part of their normal work) and community representatives (who are not remunerated for participating on AIT). |
|
Community Development Programme |
24.500 |
185 Community Development Projects/ Groups |
325 full time equivalent staff employed by these projects from Programme funds. |
22.40 |
Anticipated that a similar number of projects/ groups would be funded |
Anticipated that a similar number of staff would be employed |
|
Community Services Programme |
55.074 |
375 (projected) |
n/a |
50.85 |
500 (projected) |
n/a |
National Drugs Strategy.
Michael Ring
Ceist:199 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the overall level of expenditure allocated to the national drugs strategy in 2008; the breakdown of the way this expenditure is allocated to various Departments involved in delivering the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44274/08]
As the Deputy is aware, there are a number of Departments and agencies involved in the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy. However, the level of State funding on drug-related issues can be difficult to estimate as the costs associated with services provided by An Garda Síochána, the Prison Service, the HSE and others deal with drug misuse as part of their wider daily services.
Bearing these limiting factors in mind, it is estimated that funding for the development, co-ordination and delivery of the pillars under the current National Drugs Strategy for 2007 amounted to approximately €232m. The breakdown of this estimated figure is set out in the table. The funding available through my Department for the Drugs Strategy in 2008 is €64.332m. Figures for the other Departments and Agencies for this year are not yet available. Estimate of 2007 funding directly attributable to drugs programmes under the National Drugs Strategy
|
Department/Agency |
Allocation 2007 |
|
€ million |
|
|
Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
51.518 |
|
Department of Health and Children |
0.984 |
|
Health Service Executive |
83.177 |
|
FÁS |
18.7 |
|
Department of Education and Science |
12.27 |
|
Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
0.481 |
|
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform |
12.89 |
|
Irish Prison Service |
5.0 est. |
|
An Garda Síochána |
38.8 |
|
Revenue’s Customs Service |
8.581 |
|
Total |
232.401 |
Social Welfare Benefits.
Jack Wall
Ceist:200 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has been refused supplementary welfare allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44108/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Executive has advised that the person concerned has been asked to provide additional information in order that her claim to supplementary welfare allowance can be processed. To date the person concerned has not provided the information requested.
P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:201 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if assistance is available for persons (details supplied) in Dublin 10; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44114/08]
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Health Service Executive (HSE), as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.
Rent supplement is not payable in circumstances where the applicant or spouse is engaged in full-time employment. The Executive has advised that the person concerned was previously in receipt of rent supplement and that her rent supplement was stopped on 21 October 2007 on the grounds that her partner is engaged in full-time employment. The income limit for payment of family income supplement for a family in their circumstances is currently €570 per week. The person concerned was granted an exceptional needs payment to assist with payment of household bills in June 2008.
The Executive has further advised that, if their circumstances have changed, they should contact the community welfare services directly in order to make an application for or discuss any entitlements they may have to further assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. In the meantime, their possible eligibility for housing support is being examined.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:202 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the policy in place to deal with the weakening pound and the currency rate used to calculate a UK payment as part of an Irish means tested claim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44120/08]
In assessing means deriving from payments received from EU Member States (including U.K.) which do not form part of the EMU currencies, the Department uses the conversion mechanism provided for under Article 107 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 574/72 on Social Security for Migrant Workers. The exchange rates for converting Sterling and other non-EMU currencies are published quarterly in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Under this mechanism the conversion rate used for means testing purposes is derived from the average of the daily exchange rates in the first month of a quarter. This rate is then used in all conversions during the course of the succeeding quarter. Alternatively the conversion rate applicable to the next succeeding quarter is used if it is more beneficial to the customer. When reviewing customers who are in receipt of British pensions the exchange rate used to convert Sterling is the rate applicable to the second quarter (i.e. the quarter in which the British pension increase occurred) or the third quarter if that is more beneficial.
The Department does not generally review claims specifically because of movements in the exchange rate. However, it is open to any pensioner who believes they may be entitled to an increase in the rate of their State Pension (Non Contributory) payment to seek to have their means reviewed. It should be noted that changes to the value of a British pension due to currency fluctuation may well be offset by annual increases to the rate of those pensions that have yet to be included in the assessment and consequently the customer's State Pension (Non Contributory) payment may be unchanged or even reduced as a result of a review. In this regard the Department is aware that the British Retirement Pension (including graduated pension rates) has been increased by 3.9% effective from the 7th April 2008.
Michael Creed
Ceist:203 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to rent allowance. [44123/08]
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Health Service Executive (HSE), as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.
Rent supplement is normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of SWA appropriate to their family circumstances less a minimum contribution, currently €13, which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Many recipients pay more than €13 because recipients are also required, subject to income disregards, to contribute any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic SWA rate towards their accommodation costs.
The Executive has advised that it has no record of an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. The Executive has further advised that he should contact the community welfare services directly in order to make an application for or discuss any entitlements he may have to rent supplement.
Michael Ring
Ceist:204 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded jobseeker’s allowance in view of the fact that all information requested has been supplied by the claimant. [44261/08]
The Social Welfare Inspector's enquiries in this case have been completed and the file has been forwarded to the relevant Social Welfare Local Office for a decision on entitlement. A decision will be made as soon as possible and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
Defence Forces Training.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:205 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Defence the number of non-integrated Reserve Defence Force officers by brigade who completed at least one week’s full-time training in 2008; the number who qualified for gratuity; and the number of integrated RDF officers for each brigade who completed three weeks full-time training. [44246/08]
The military authorities have advised me that the numbers of non-integrated Reserve Defence Force officers by brigade who completed at least one week's full-time training in 2008; the numbers who have qualified for gratuity in 2008; and the numbers of integrated RDF officers for each brigade who completed three weeks full time training were as follows:
|
Formation |
Completed at least 1 week non-integrated FTT |
Qualified for gratuity in 2008 |
Completed 3 weeks FTT (Integrated) |
|
2 E Bde RDF |
130 |
128 |
4 |
|
1 S Bde RDF |
157 |
143 |
7 |
|
4 W Bde RDF |
151 |
112 |
9 |
|
Totals |
438 |
383 |
20 |
Defence Forces Reserve.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:206 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Defence the reason Reserve Defence Force officers commissioned after 1 October 2005 are excluded from promotion above the rank of lieutenant in DFR R5 (details supplied); and if he intends to rectify this. [44247/08]
Para 31(1) DFR R5 (New Series) empowers me to promote RDF Officers commissioned before or after 1 October 2005. The military authorities have advised me that, consistent with the provisions of this regulation, a Lieutenant to Captain promotion competition was conducted in 2008 in order to fill vacancies in the establishment in respect of Captains.
I will arrange to have the wording of Paras 31 (2) — (4) DFR R5 (New Series) amended in order to remove any possible ambiguity relating to the promotion of Lieutenants.
Ministerial Travel.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:207 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the cost of Ministerial travel on the Government jet and other aircraft in each of the past five years; and if he will distinguish the elements of cost (details supplied). [44262/08]
The Department of Defence follows the normal practice in the aviation business of costing aircraft by reference to the cost per flying hour under either of two headings:
The direct cost, i.e. the costs which are additional to those associated with having the aircraft and which only arise when the aircraft is flown including maintenance, fuel and support services; and
The total cost, i.e. the direct cost plus the costs associated with having the aircraft and would include depreciation and personnel costs.
The costs associated with Air Corps aircraft used in provision of Ministerial Air Transport Service are as follows:
|
Aircraft |
Average Direct Cost Per Hour |
Average Total Cost Per Hour |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Gulfstream |
3,500 |
7,100 |
|
Learjet |
1,000 |
2,100 |
|
Beechcraft |
1,200 |
1,600 |
The schedule sets out information in relation to the number of missions and the amount of Ministerial Time on Board for each of the last five years from 1st January 2004 to the 30th November, 2008 inclusive.
The tables set out the costs for catering and toiletries for the year 2007 and 2008, (up to 30th November, 2008). Costs in relation to 2004-2006 for these items are currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. Catering Costs
|
Year |
€ |
|
2007 |
79,724.05 |
|
2008 (to-date) |
61,277.74 |
|
Year |
€ |
|
2007 |
2,187.29 |
|
2008 (to-date) |
1,322.09 |
|
Gulfstream |
Learjet |
Beechcraft |
Totals |
|
|
No. Missions 2004 |
98 |
119 |
49 |
266 |
|
Ministerial Time on Board 2004 |
487.05 |
413.05 |
121.40 |
1,021.50 |
|
No. Missions 2005 |
92 |
92 |
50 |
234 |
|
Ministerial Time on Board 2005 |
395.45 |
293.50 |
91.30 |
781.05 |
|
No. Missions 2006 |
101 |
85 |
59 |
245 |
|
Ministerial Time on Board 2006 |
444.06 |
236.10 |
91.15 |
771.31 |
|
No. Missions 2007 |
78 |
73 |
41 |
192 |
|
Ministerial Time on Board 2007 |
301.40 |
173.45 |
69.50 |
545.15 |
|
No. Missions 2008 (Up to 30/11/2008) |
54 |
83 |
21 |
158 |
|
Ministerial Time on Board 2008 (Up to 30/11/2008) |
293.42 |
224 |
69.17 |
586.59 |
Defence Forces Reserve.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:208 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Defence the reason there was a three year delay in implementing the promotion procedure to the rank of captain for Reserve Defence Force officers; and if he will direct the military authorities to restore the seniority lost for promotion to commandant for each of those affected. [44288/08]
The new Reserve Defence Forces established on 01 October 2005 has placed the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) on a firm platform to develop into an efficient modern Defence Asset. Central to this reorganisation was the recommendation of the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Board Report that the historic promotion system within the old reserve be replaced with a system to reflect best Human Resources (HR) practice. Paragraph 9.6 of the Report states, "A new promotion system, based on the PDF Model, will be devised, developed and implemented. Performance appraisal and effective input into unit activities will be important factors in selection for promotion."
The new Permanent Defence Force (PDF) based promotion model was successfully introduced in 2005 for the selection of the first four RDF Lieutenant Colonels. In 2007 and 2008 Captain to Commandant competitions were conducted based on the PDF promotion model.
It was hoped to conduct a Lieutenant to Captain competition in 2007 however, due to administrative difficulties including the collation of accurate up to date Annual Confidential Appraisal Reports in respect of eligible Reserve Officers, the competition did not take place until 2008. The new promotion system for Reserve Officers, based on the Permanent Defence Force model, has been introduced consistent with the recommendations of the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Board Report. This system reflects best HR practice and will ensure that the best officers are promoted across all officer ranks in the Reserve Defence Force.
The military authorities are examining the procedures in respect of the Lieutenant to Captain competition to ensure that any unnecessary delays, that have arisen, do not negatively impact officers in respect of any further competitions. On completion of their deliberation and prior to any new competitions in 2009 the military authorities will consult with the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association. I have been assured by the Military Authorities that the promotion process will function in a timely manner in future.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:209 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application was received by his Department for funding in relation to an area (details supplied) in County Wexford; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expects to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction and when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed for these schemes. [44217/08]
Camolin is part of the Wexford Villages Sewerage Scheme which is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009 as a scheme to begin construction next year.
Wexford County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme, which covers 11 villages, was received in March 2007 and has been the subject of ongoing consultations between my Department and the Council in the meantime. My Department will finalise its assessment of the Preliminary Report as quickly as possible after further discussions arranged for next week have taken place.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:210 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application was received by his Department for funding in relation to an area (details supplied) in County Wexford; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expects to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction and when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed for these schemes. [44218/08]
My Department has received no proposals from Wexford County Council relating to a sewerage scheme for this area.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:211 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application was received by his Department for funding in relation to an area (details supplied); when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expects to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction and when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed for these schemes. [44219/08]
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:212 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application was received by his Department for funding in relation to an area (details supplied); when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expects to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction and when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed for these schemes. [44220/08]
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:213 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application was received by his Department for funding in relation to an area (details supplied); when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expects to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction and when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed for these schemes. [44221/08]
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:214 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application was received by his Department for funding in relation to an area (details supplied); when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expects to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction and when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed for these schemes. [44222/08]
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:215 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application was received by his Department for funding in relation to an area (details supplied); when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expects to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction and when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed for these schemes. [44223/08]
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:216 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application was received by his Department for funding in relation to an area (details supplied); when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expects to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction and when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed for these schemes. [44224/08]
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:217 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application was received by his Department for funding in relation to an area (details supplied); when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expects to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction and when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed for these schemes. [44225/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 211 to 217, inclusive, together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 349 of 2 December 2008.
Planning Issues.
Christy O'Sullivan
Ceist:218 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the distance requirements needed to fulfil the connection to the area clause under the one off rural housing guidelines that are in place in each local authority area. [44255/08]
The 2005 Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities provide that reasonable housing proposals on suitable sites for persons who are part of, and contribute to, the rural community should be accommodated, subject to the need for proper consideration of matters such as adequate wastewater disposal, road safety and design standards. The Guidelines use illustrative examples to identify those who might fall into this category including: people who have spent much of their lives in rural areas and are building their first homes; farmers and their families; returning emigrants; people involved in forestry, inland waterway and marine-related occupations; teachers in rural schools; and other people whose work is predominantly in rural areas. The Guidelines do not set any requirements in relation to distance to demonstrate local roots or links.
The adoption of local need criteria within rural settlement policy is a matter for each planning authority as part of its development plan process which is a reserved function under Part II of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended by the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002. My Department does not collect data on the application of local need criteria by local authorities.
Building Energy Ratings.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:219 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on the lack of building energy rating assessors for non-new houses; the reason no new assessors will be qualified until December 2009, and assessors who are currently unqualified to assess non-new houses are allowed to do so; and the further reason the cost in the UK of BER is four times lower than here and that all properties for rent or sale will require a BER in January 2009, in view of the fact that no BER assessors for non-new houses will have qualified before December 2009. [44265/08]
I refer to the comprehensive replies to Question No. 355 of 2 December 2008 and Question No. 14 of 27 November 2008.
To date 3,759 persons have successfully completed training courses for BER Assessors for dwellings with training providers accredited by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). Of these trained Assessors, some 945 persons have registered with SEI as BER Assessors for new dwellings, while 510 have registered for both new and existing dwellings. SEI is confident that the numbers of trained and registered Assessors will increase considerably before 1 January next.
It is important to note that the seller or landlord pays for the BER Certificate, rather than the buyer or tenant, and that the Certificate is valid for ten years. This payment is in respect of a service provided by the BER Assessor.
The recent steady growth in the numbers of registered BER Assessors, together with the anticipated increase in the demand for BER Certificates from 1 January 2009 onwards, will ensure the ongoing development of a competitive market place for BER assessments.
Recycling Policy.
Mary Upton
Ceist:220 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of glass which is recycled here; if his Department has investigated introducing a deposit system for glass to encourage recycling through shops such as those operating successfully in countries such as Germany; the reason for introducing such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44291/08]
Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste (the Packaging Directive) is based on the concept of producer responsibility, which effectively requires producers to contribute to the waste management costs of products which they have placed on the market at end-of-life. Under the original Directive, Ireland was required to achieve a 25% recovery rate of packaging waste by 1 July 2001, increasing to a 50% recovery rate by 31 December 2005.
Practical implementation of the Directive in Ireland is organised mainly through a collective industry-based compliance scheme operated by Repak Limited which is working successfully. The National Waste Report 2006 states that packaging waste recovery increased to 57.3% in that year, indicating that Ireland continues to exceed the current target recovery rate of 50% set by the Packaging Directive. This compares with a recovery rate of 14.8% in 1998. Directive 2004/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council amending the Packaging Directive introduces a new increased packaging waste recovery target of 60% (with 55% by way of recycling) as well as material specific recycling targets for glass, paper/board, metals, plastics and wood. These targets, including the glass packaging recycling target of 60%, have to be achieved by Ireland by 2011. The recycling rate for glass packaging in 2006 was 62.1%.
I fully recognise that despite progress on recycling we need to continue to improve our performance. The Programme for Government commits us to a comprehensive review of waste management planning, which I initiated in July 2008. This review will ensure that our waste management plans reflect best international practice and that we have the policies and infrastructure to meet ambitious environmental objectives. The review is also looking at the desirability of other producer responsibility schemes, including deposit and refund for beverage containers.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:221 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if Athenry, County Galway, will have a new waste water treatment plant built in the very near future; if his attention has been drawn to the number of undesirable temporary waste water treatment plants around the town of Athenry and the number of housing estates that have been constructed in the town over the past number of years; if his further attention has been drawn to the inevitability of the local river being seriously polluted in the near future; when phase three of the scheme will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44295/08]
The Athenry Sewerage Scheme is included for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009. Galway County Council's Design Review Report for the scheme was received in my Department in September 2008 and is being dealt with as quickly as possible. I understand that the Council is currently carrying out interim improvement works to the existing waste water treatment plant serving Athenry to ensure there is sufficient capacity to cater for current loadings and to prevent pollution.
Under the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007, a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is required, when dealing with a planning application or appeal, to consider whether the discharge of waste water from a proposed development, in conjunction with existing discharges to the receiving waters, would give rise to pollution.
Local Government Elections.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:222 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on extending the town boundaries of Ballyshannon, County Donegal to enable residents (details supplied) to participate in the forthcoming elections for Ballyshannon Town Council. [44313/08]
The Local Government Act 1994 provided that the boundaries of certain town councils could be altered by regulation, solely for local electoral purposes, following agreement by the relevant local elected councils. This was done in order to extend the franchise to individuals living in built up areas that form part of the towns but are outside of the towns' administrative boundaries. Ballyshannon is among those town councils which were so extended. The relevant provisions of the 1994 Act were repealed by the Local Government Act, 2001.
It is open to any local authority to initiate an application for a boundary alteration to have effect for all statutory functions. A number of applications for town authority boundary alterations, to have effect for all purposes, have been determined and implemented in recent years.
The Green Paper, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change, which I published in April 2008, presents a set of options which share a common theme of strengthening local democratic leadership. Stronger Local Democracy acknowledged that the 1994 town boundary changes have resulted in an anomalous situation in several towns, as residents of the environs of such towns may help elect a town council but do not fall within the council's functional area. The White Paper on local government, which I hope to finalise by the end of the year, will give further consideration to the general issue of town council boundaries.
Departmental Properties.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:223 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the future use of a building (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and his views on making it available to a nearby school. [44376/08]
The Government decided in April of this year to release the building in question to the Affordable Housing Initiative. The Department and the Central Fisheries Board are currently in negotiation with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the transfer of the title of this building to the Initiative.
Telecommunications Services.
Frank Feighan
Ceist:224 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of broadband in the town of Carrigallen, County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44094/08]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers.
The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These included providing grant-aid under the now concluded Group Broadband Scheme and ongoing investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).
There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. In this regard my Department has undertaken to implement a National Broadband Scheme (NBS). The NBS is designed to deliver broadband to areas where the market has failed to provide services. It will bridge the digital divide, create greater equality in terms of social and economic inclusion and remove the disadvantage caused by a lack of broadband services. It will also facilitate competition in the broadband market in the regions leading to greater choice, quality and value for money to the consumer.
On the 25 November 2008 I announced that 3, a Hutchison Whampoa company, has been selected as the preferred tenderer for the NBS following the conclusion of a comprehensive competitive procurement process. The NBS contract is expected to be signed with 3 by mid-December. I understand that Carrigallen, County Leitrim will be covered by the NBS.
Offshore Exploration.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:225 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the figures on the level of direct investment in the Celtic Sea in appraisal and exploration drilling over the past ten years by Irish domiciled companies versus multinational companies. [44100/08]
Martin Ferris
Ceist:226 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will be requesting that any potential new owner of assets (details supplied) in the Celtic Sea will re-invest a proportion of its revenues in exploration, appraisal and development activity in the Celtic Sea to secure additional gas supplies. [44101/08]
Martin Ferris
Ceist:227 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm that any potential new owner of assets (details supplied) in the Celtic Sea will continue to operate the assets in a manner which secures the vital strategic role of the Kinsale facilities in providing existing security of supply. [44103/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 225 to 227, inclusive, together.
The Department agrees the detail of exploration programmes to be undertaken by the holders of exploration licences and then monitors delivery of those work programmes. Licensees are required to submit detailed reports of the exploration activity undertaken. This enables the Department to ensure that exploration commitments are delivered on and also contributes to the Department's understanding of the hydrocarbon prospectivity of both the area being explored and the wider region. While the Department would have a good understanding of the costs involved, details of actual monies spent are not provided to the Department.
The "acreage reports" published on the Department's website will show that in many cases the current exploration licences in the Celtic Sea are held by partnerships involving both Irish and multinational companies.
Turning to the assets sale referred to by the Deputy, I can confirm that the sale of these assets would require the transfer of guarantees and obligations under the leases concerned from the current owners to the new owners. It will be a matter for the new owners to decide whether or not they wish to invest in new exploration or development projects.
Telecommunications Services.
Ulick Burke
Ceist:228 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, following the announcement of the withdrawal of companies (details supplied) from the procurement process for the provision of broadband services to areas of rural Ireland, a preferred bidder has been selected for the provision of this service to target areas such as east Galway; when it is anticipated that these services will be available to these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44119/08]
On the 25 November 2008 I announced that 3, a Hutchison Whampoa company, has been selected as the preferred tenderer for the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), following the conclusion of a comprehensive competitive procurement process.
The NBS contract is expected to be signed with 3 by mid-December. 3 will be required to complete the roll out of services within 22 months of the contract award. All requests for a broadband service in the areas to be addressed by the NBS, including any unserved areas in east Galway, will be met.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:229 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be made available to Williamstown, County Galway; if the commitment given by Eircom to a local committee in Williamstown, that Williamstown will be broadband enabled in the second quarter of 2009 still stands; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this parish like so many others in rural Ireland is at a disadvantage as a result of a lack of broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44294/08]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers.
I have no role in private sector broadband infrastructure investment undertaken by broadband service providers. However, it is hoped that the facilitation of greater competition in the sector via the introduction of broadband from different technology platforms, will encourage more rapid enabling of all exchanges for broadband.
I would add that, in addition to fixed landline broadband, otherwise known as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or broadband over telephone lines, broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms including cable, fixed wireless and increasingly mobile. I understand that Williamstown, County Galway already has broadband on offer from a number of service providers.
Grant Payments.
Michael Creed
Ceist:230 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he proposes to introduce a payment per ewe for the sheep sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44383/08]
The possibility of support to the sheep sector will be considered in the light of the outcome of the recent CAP Health Check. That outcome provides that an additional amount of some €24 million annually will be available to Irish farmers from 2010 onwards. That amount may be used to target specific sectors in need of assistance and represents money that would otherwise not be available to farmers due to the complex rules surrounding the Single Farm Payment. Support may commence in 2009 by utilising funds from the National Reserve, which are expected to be in the region of €6 million to €7 million, and these will be supplemented from 2010 with the unspent Single Farm Payment funds.
As I indicated following the completion of the Health Check, I will consult relevant stakeholders as to how these additional funds can best be spent. To that end I will meet with them on 16th December to consider their views and possible options.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:231 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payments due under REP scheme four will be made to participants. [44098/08]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments. The first payment, of 75%, can be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. This is why it has not yet been possible to release payments even to farmers who applied for REPS 4 some time before the closing date of 15 May.
The process of checking and approving applications is subject to a detailed set of procedures designed to meet national and EU audit requirements, and in line with these requirements the various stages of the process are assigned to different grades of staff. An effect of recent industrial action in my Department's local offices was that the process was temporarily interrupted. I am pleased to say that, with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission, the industrial action was brought to an end and work resumed last week. The administrative checks are now at an advanced stage and I hope that payments of the 75% instalment can start to be released fairly soon. The second instalment of 25% cannot be paid before the last REPS on-farm inspection has taken place.
While I am anxious that the REPS 4 payments should go out as soon as possible, there are of course still over 48,000 farmers in REPS 3, and just under 16,000 of those have anniversary dates on 1 November and 1 December this year. Staff in my Department's local offices are currently engaged in processing the annual payment applications for these farmers as well as the REPS 4 cases. Where possible, payment will issue before Christmas on valid REPS 3 applications (1C's) returned before 5 December, 2008. At this time of the year the workload of local office staff is therefore exceptionally heavy, and while every effort is being made to release all payments promptly it is not possible to avoid delays entirely. I have asked senior management in my Department to give me regular updates on the situation.
Michael Ring
Ceist:232 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not received their REP scheme payment; and when they can expect to receive their payment. [44117/08]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments. The first payment, of 75%, can be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. This is why it has not yet been possible to release payments even to farmers who applied for REPS 4 some time before the closing date of 15 May.
The process of checking and approving applications is subject to a detailed set of procedures designed to meet national and EU audit requirements, and in line with these requirements the various stages of the process are assigned to different grades of staff. An effect of recent industrial action in my Department's local offices was that the process was temporarily interrupted. I am pleased to say that, with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission, the industrial action was brought to an end and work resumed last week. The administrative checks are now at an advanced stage and I hope that payments of the 75% instalment can start to be released fairly soon. The second instalment of 25% cannot be paid before the last REPS on-farm inspection has taken place.
While I am anxious that the REPS 4 payments should go out as soon as possible, there are of course still over 48,000 farmers in REPS 3, and just under 16,000 of those have anniversary dates on 1 November and 1 December this year. Staff in my Department's local offices are currently engaged in processing the annual payment applications for these farmers as well as the REPS 4 cases. Where possible, payment will issue before Christmas on valid REPS 3 applications (1C's) returned before 5 December, 2008. At this time of the year the workload of local office staff is therefore exceptionally heavy, and while every effort is being made to release all payments promptly it is not possible to avoid delays entirely. I have asked senior management in my Department to give me regular updates on the situation.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Ceist:233 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their disadvantaged area and 50% SPS payments for 2008 in view of the fact that a full ground inspection took place and the herd owner was informed that everything was okay. [44257/08]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme /Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 19th April 2008.
This application was selected for a cross compliance and satellite eligibility inspection. The cross compliance inspection was carried out on 29th October 2008 and the results have been processed. However, the satellite inspection raised a number of issues relating to the parcels claimed by the person named. As a result this file has been forwarded for a ground eligibility inspection to clarify the issues.
The ground eligibility inspection will be carried out as a matter of priority and all payments due will issue shortly thereafter.
Animal Diseases.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:234 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will adopt the same policy with respect to Bluetongue as occurred in Northern Ireland and the UK where imported animals found to be infected with the disease are immediately slaughtered, as the policy here of re-exporting infected animals is placing Ireland’s blue tongue free status, which is the envy of Europe, in jeopardy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44266/08]
The movement of susceptible animals within and from bluetongue restricted areas is subject to EU legislation which is kept under ongoing review and adapted from time to time.
As Ireland is free of Bluetongue, it has availed of certain transitional provisions available under EU rules which limit movements of live susceptible animals out of bluetongue restricted zones to cattle and sheep that are less than 90 days old or that have natural or vaccinated immunity to relevant strains of bluetongue. In addition all such animals are tested for bluetongue after arrival here.
Notwithstanding the current safeguard arrangements that are in place with regard to trade, the recent cases of BTV1 in England and the ongoing confirmation of BTV6 and BTV8 in several member states mean that there are a number of strains of the bluetongue virus circulating in the EU. The existence of several strains of bluetongue increases the risks and raises serious concerns about the wisdom of importing any animals from affected regions at this time. Consequently, I have consistently urged Irish farmers not to import animals from any bluetongue affected country or region so as not to jeopardise our disease free status with its consequences for our entire livestock sector.
Any such imports will continue to be tested and if found to be BTV positive to a PCR test, they will be immediately slaughtered and there are no compensation arrangements in place in the case of such slaughter. Accordingly, importers should be aware of the possible financial risks that they are now exposed to in addition to the risk that imports pose to the national herd.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:235 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the full extent of savings proposed in Budget 2009 arising from the abolition of the farm retirement scheme; the number of farmers to be affected; if he has quantified the full extent of the negative impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44298/08]
I have made provision of €47 million in 2009 to meet current commitments under the Early Retirement Scheme from Farming. It is not possible to quantify the savings that will arise due to suspension of the Scheme for new applications.
Sheep Sector.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:236 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the hardship to sheep farmers arising from budget 2009 cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44299/08]
I am aware of the difficulties facing the sheep sector and the possibilities of support to it will be considered in the light of the outcome of the recent CAP Health Check. That outcome provides that an additional amount of some €24 million annually will be available to Irish farmers from 2010 onwards. That amount may be used to target specific sectors in need of assistance and represents money that would otherwise not be available to farmers due to the complex rules surrounding the Single Farm Payment. Support may commence in 2009 by utilising funds from the National Reserve, which are expected to be in the region of €6 million to €7 million, and these will be supplemented from 2010 with the unspent Single Farm Payment funds.
As I indicated following the completion of the Health Check, I will consult relevant stakeholders as to how these additional funds can best be spent. To that end I will meet with them on 16th December to consider their views and possible options.
Agriculture Policy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:237 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plan for the future of agriculture with particular reference to ongoing discussions at EU level; if he and his colleagues intend to ensure self sufficiency and security of supply of food throughout this country and the EU in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44300/08]
It is essential, in my view, that we maintain a strong agricultural production base in the European Union in the years to come. We must also undertake food production and distribution in a manner that is fully sustainable economically, socially and environmentally. We face daunting challenges ahead in meeting increasing demands for food, in addressing climate change, in reconciling our need to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions with our desire to produce more food, in managing our natural resources and in meeting changes in consumer demands. We must also be mindful of increased market instability and higher risks of animal and plant disease. There will, therefore, be a continuing need for an active, and appropriately resourced, European agricultural policy to achieve these objectives and to help our farmers and processors adapt to the new and emerging challenges. I believe that this must be the starting point for our future discussions.
We should in my view resist calls for the CAP to be scrapped or for any major shift in EU expenditure away from agriculture. I had the opportunity to make these points to my Ministerial colleagues from other Member States at a specially convened meeting of Agriculture Ministers in Brussels on Friday last and I found a resonance in the views expressed by a majority of Member States. At that meeting, I referred specifically to the challenges ahead in meeting increased demands for food. Indeed, I warned that any reduction in food production in the EU would be taken up elsewhere where less efficient production systems exist and would result in a heavier carbon footprint and further diminish the prospect of enhanced global food security.
I also emphasised the crucial importance of the continuation of fixed decoupled payments, of allowing sufficient flexibility in our common policy to reconcile the differing needs of Member States and regions, of the effectiveness of rural development programmes in promoting structural change and producing public goods in farming and of the critical importance of equivalent standards for imports in the context of the demands from consumers for ever-higher standards of food production.
Food Traceability.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:238 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the levels of traceability applied here in respect of imported meat and other food products; if he has identified any exceptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44301/08]
In general, responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) through its service contracts with my Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the Health Services Executive, the Local Authorities and the National Consumer Agency.
My Department is responsible for the operation of EU controls on imports of products of animal origin under the service contract with the FSAI and in compliance with Community rules for the hygiene of food and feed. These rules stipulate that food products of animal origin imported from an EU source must be from approved food business establishments and be accompanied to destination by a commercial document or a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian of the competent authority of the Member State of origin.
In the case of importation from third countries products of animal origin for human consumption must have originated in a country approved by the EU for trade in such products, have been produced in an approved establishment (with the exception of honey), be appropriately labelled and transported and must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate in accordance with the models laid down by Community legislation. My Department undertakes import controls in co-operation with Customs services. Consignments from third countries must be landed at an EU approved Border Inspection Post (BIP) approved by the Food and Veterinary Office of the EU (FVO) for veterinary checks.
The scope of products of animal origin coming under these requirements is set out under Commission Decision No. 2007/275/EC11 Official Journal of the European Communities No. L116 of 4.5.2007 which also provides for an exemption from border inspection in the case of certain composite and specified food products comprising processed low risk animal products and plant products that nevertheless must comply with public health requirements for placing on the market. Consignments of animal products must remain under Customs control until the BIP has authorised entry into the EU. Any imports failing to comply with these veterinary control checks may be detained for further examination.
Where non-compliance is established they are returned to the exporting country or destroyed. Where there are risks to animal and public health, and in cases of animal disease outbreaks, the Community introduces safeguard measures banning or restricting imports until the risks have been removed. The FVO monitors and inspects each Member State controls on Food Safety including the operation of BIPs to ensure the conditions for import and placing of animal products on to the market, as provided under the harmonized legislation, are being correctly applied.
As the Deputy will be aware, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children my Department drafted regulations that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pigmeat, poultry and sheepmeat. Following notification of these proposals in accordance with EU requirements the Commission was not prepared to adopt the draft regulations in their present format on the grounds that the proposed legislation is not in compliance with EU food labelling regulations. In the meantime the European Commission is undertaking a major review of all food labelling legislation and in this context Ireland has sought the mandatory origin labelling for all meats.
Regarding fresh fruit and vegetables the EU has 36 specific marketing standards. Apart from quality criteria these standards also set down strict provisions regarding labelling, including country of origin. The Commission is currently reforming the Common Organisation of the market for fruit and vegetables. As part of this process a number of the existing specific standards will, from 1 July 2009, be replaced by a general standard that will cover a wider range of fruit and vegetables.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:239 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his proposals for the reintroduction of the farm retirement scheme without penalty or loss to either party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44302/08]
I have made provision of €47 million in 2009 to meet current commitments under the Early Retirement Scheme from Farming but, for the present, it has been necessary to suspend new applications for this scheme. I have no plans, at present, to reopen the Scheme to new applications, but the limiting of its suspension will be considered at the earliest opportunity having regard to the general budgetary situation.
Farm Waste Management.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:240 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his proposals to incentivise farm waste management and prevent pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44303/08]
An allocation of €125 million has been provided in the 2009 Estimates in order to provide grant-aid to farmers who are currently carrying out work under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. This is in addition to the €377 million which is likely to be spent under the same Scheme this year and the €114 million which was spent under the Scheme in 2007.
Agriculture Policy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:241 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received representations from farmers representatives requesting a reversal of the budget 2009 cuts; if he expects to respond as requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44304/08]
I have received a number of representations, directly and indirectly, from various interest groups requesting that I reconsider the 2009 Budget decisions. The situation is that the 2009 Budget was framed against the background of a serious deterioration in the public finances which required difficult decisions to be made on the allocation of the limited resources available. I made these decisions in the best interests of the agriculture, food, fisheries and forestry sectors following detailed analysis of my Department's programme of expenditure and careful consideration of all of the options available.
However, despite the difficult economic and budgetary situation, funding of €1.8 billion gross is provided for my Department in the 2009 Budget. When combined with EU funding and co-funding of about €1.4 billion next year, this represents very substantial funding for the support and development of the sector. In framing the details of the 2009 Budget for my Department, my priorities were to ensure that the available resources were targeted on a range of measures that would maintain the productive capacity of the agriculture, food, forestry and fisheries sector, to continue its development within the budgetary constraints and to ensure that it is well positioned to achieving its full potential and benefit from future economic growth. With this in mind, I will keep all aspects of expenditure under close scrutiny during 2009. In the normal course, I will also review spending priorities in the context of the preparation of the 2010 Estimate for my Department.
Agricultural Exports.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:242 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if Irish agricultural exports are sufficiently competitive on world markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44305/08]
Agricultural production in Ireland and the EU must be viewed in the context of a reformed and evolving Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which is placing much more emphasis on market orientation and competitiveness. Following the decoupling of direct payments from production, farmers can now take advantage of the freedom to farm exclusively for the market, allowing them to focus on meeting the requirements of the consumer in a competitive manner.
The primary indication of how competitive Ireland is, in this or any sphere, is how Ireland performs on increasingly competitive EU and world markets. To survive and grow the sector must be highly competitive and innovative. In this regard the indications for Ireland are extremely positive. Agri-food related exports in 2007 totalled over €9 billion, which represents an increase of over 6% on 2006. The agri-food sector creates significant employment, employing approximately 160,000 persons directly. These achievements are possible as Irish food exporters are able to compete on EU and global markets and possess a strong reputation for producing quality products backed by extensive EU approved quality assurance and safety systems.
Agriculture Policy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:243 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has proposals to encourage young farmers into agriculture and food production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44306/08]
There are a significant number of measures in place to encourage the early transfer of farms and the entry of young farmers into the sector. These include: 100% stamp duty relief on transfers of agricultural land and buildings to young trained farmers; 100% stamp duty relief on land purchased by young trained farmers; 100% stock relief for four years for young trained farmers; 90% agricultural relief from Capital Acquisitions Tax; Full Capital Gains Tax Retirement relief on disposals to family members; Capital Gains Tax — Retirement relief on farm disposals to third parties up to the value of €750,000 and marginal relief on disposals above this threshold; Capital Gains Tax — Retirement Relief on lands which had been transferred in the Early Retirement Scheme;
A provision was made in the Finance Act 2007 to allow for farmers who had their farmland leased-out prior to its disposal to benefit from CGT retirement relief (subject to certain conditions).
Fishing Industry Development.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:244 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plan to protect, support and promote the fishing industry with particular reference to the needs of fishing dependant families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44307/08]
A strategic blueprint to develop the fisheries sector into the 21ST century is contained in the report of the Seafood Strategy Review Group "Steering a New Course" (The Cawley Report).
One of the key recommendations of the Cawley Report was for the introduction of a sea fishing boat decommissioning scheme. To date a total of 45 vessels have accepted offers with one further vessel having until the 19th December to make a final decision. €21m will be spent in 2008 with an estimated further €16m to be spent in 2009. A significant economic benefit currently estimated at some €22m will accrue to the remainder of the fleet from the redistribution of the prawn and whitefish catch previously taken by the decommissioned vessels.
My Department will provide substantial grant aid support of €118 million for the seafood industry for 2009 and this will provide for significant investment for the Seafood Processing sector, Aquaculture Development, Socio-economic programmes for coastal communities, environmental initiatives, supporting quality initiatives/safety schemes and training. Other areas to be supported include marketing and innovation. Bord Iascaigh Mhara the main development agency has been allocated €44.5 million to support its activities in 2009 and will remain the main driver for the implementation of the Cawley report recommendations.
My Department will also provide considerable funding for marine research. The Marine Institute has been allocated €29.5m in 2009 to support its activities. The Marine Institute is charged with managing and implementing "Sea Change" which is a marine knowledge, research and innovation strategy for Ireland (2007-2013). Implementation of this strategy is well advanced. Sea Change incorporates applied and basic research programmes aimed at increasing industry competitiveness, building new research capacity and addressing policy issues.
I established the Irish Sea Fisheries Research Partnership (ISFRP) (chaired by Peter Heffernan, CEO of MI), by which Marine Institute and industry will discuss and collaborate on the range of fisheries science research activities carried out by Marine Institute. The Irish Sea Fisheries Research Partnership promotes synergy and mutual understanding on fishing science research priorities which are beneficial to the long term future of the Irish fishing industry
Looking to the medium to long term, the review of the Common Fisheries Policy will be a high priority for all engaged in the fishing sector. The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the fisheries policy of the European Union which was first put in place in 1983 and has been subject to 10 yearly reviews, the most recent in 2002 and the next formally provided for in 2012. It has been acknowledged across EU Member States that further reform of the CFP is necessary. Discussions have begun with the European Commission and we will continue to be active in our attempts to shape the direction of this review. We wish to provide for and promote the interests of our seafood sector, which are very important to the protection of the livelihoods of our coastal communities.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:245 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for REP scheme four; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44319/08]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments. The first payment, of 75%, can be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. This is why it has not yet been possible to release payments even to farmers who applied for REPS 4 some time before the closing date of 15 May.
The process of checking and approving applications is subject to a detailed set of procedures designed to meet national and EU audit requirements, and in line with these requirements the various stages of the process are assigned to different grades of staff. An effect of recent industrial action in my Department's local offices was that the process was temporarily interrupted. I am pleased to say that, with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission, the industrial action was brought to an end and work resumed last week. The administrative checks are now at an advanced stage and I hope that payments of the 75% instalment can start to be released fairly soon. The second instalment of 25% cannot be paid before the last REPS on-farm inspection has taken place.
While I am anxious that the REPS 4 payments should go out as soon as possible, there are of course still over 48,000 farmers in REPS 3, and just under 16,000 of those have anniversary dates on 1 November and 1 December this year. Staff in my Department's local offices are currently engaged in processing the annual payment applications for these farmers as well as the REPS 4 cases. Where possible, payment will issue before Christmas on valid REPS 3 applications (1C's) returned before 5 December, 2008. At this time of the year the workload of local office staff is therefore exceptionally heavy, and while every effort is being made to release all payments promptly it is not possible to avoid delays entirely. I have asked senior management in my Department to give me regular updates on the situation.
Grant Payments.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:246 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry, following their application for a farm waste management grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44320/08]
The person named is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. Payment will be made by my Department to the person concerned shortly.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:247 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be granted their REP scheme four; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44365/08]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments. The first payment, of 75%, can be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. This is why it has not yet been possible to release payments even to farmers who applied for REPS 4 some time before the closing date of 15 May.
The process of checking and approving applications is subject to a detailed set of procedures designed to meet national and EU audit requirements, and in line with these requirements the various stages of the process are assigned to different grades of staff. An effect of recent industrial action in my Department's local offices was that the process was temporarily interrupted. I am pleased to say that, with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission, the industrial action was brought to an end and work resumed last week. The administrative checks are now at an advanced stage and I hope that payments of the 75% instalment can start to be released fairly soon. The second instalment of 25% cannot be paid before the last REPS on-farm inspection has taken place.
While I am anxious that the REPS 4 payments should go out as soon as possible, there are of course still over 48,000 farmers in REPS 3, and just under 16,000 of those have anniversary dates on 1 November and 1 December this year. Staff in my Department's local offices are currently engaged in processing the annual payment applications for these farmers as well as the REPS 4 cases. Where possible, payment will issue before Christmas on valid REPS 3 applications (1C's) returned before 5 December, 2008. At this time of the year the workload of local office staff is therefore exceptionally heavy, and while every effort is being made to release all payments promptly it is not possible to avoid delays entirely. I have asked senior management in my Department to give me regular updates on the situation.
Grant Payments.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:248 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be granted their farm grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44366/08]
The person named is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Payment will be made by my Department to the person concerned shortly.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:249 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow did not receive an entitlement from the national reserve; and if this will be reassessed. [44367/08]
The person named applied under Category C of the 2007 National Reserve which caters for farmers for whom at least 40% of their Single Payment was derived from direct payments associated with sheep production (Ewe Premium/Rural Word Premium) during the reference period, their existing Single Payment is less than €10,000 and individual payment entitlements are less than the District Electoral Division (DED) average value. The maximum allocation under this category is €1,000.00. The unit value of the entitlements of the person named (€326.06) is greater that the DED average value (€314.05) associated with her herd number and therefore she did not qualify under Category C of the 2007 National Reserve.
As category C of the 2007 National Reserve is a non-mandatory category, the EU Regulations provide that, in allocating entitlements to successful applicants, the Member State must ensure that the allocation does not have the effect of increasing the value of any existing entitlements above the regional average value of entitlements.
Similarly, the value of any new entitlements allocated to non-mandatory categories must not exceed the regional average. The Member State was allowed to determine what constituted the regional average. In Ireland's case the regional average value of entitlements is the average value of entitlements in the District Electoral Division (DED) associated with the applicant's herd number.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:250 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the situation with respect to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if their case will be looked at in a sympathetic manner. [44368/08]
I have made provision of €47 million in 2009 to meet current commitments under the Early Retirement Scheme from Farming but, for the present, it has been necessary to suspend new applications for this scheme. The limiting of the suspension of the Scheme will be considered at the earliest opportunity having regard to the general budgetary situation.
Summer Works Scheme.
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:251 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve applications under the summer works scheme and the emergency works scheme for a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who are in need of a new heating system and all the costings have been forwarded to his Department. [44230/08]
The school in question applied for funding in respect of summer works in 2008. The particular emphasis in 2008 has been on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. Accordingly my Department has focused on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008 and funding was not made available for a Summer Works Scheme this year.
However, I recognise the benefits of the scheme in addressing the needs of schools and I have previously informed the house of my intention to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009. The details of the operation of the scheme in 2009 and the level of funding to be made available are currently being considered and will be completed as soon as possible. The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools for 2008 can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.
The school also applied for emergency funding. Emergency works grants are made available to schools most in need of resources as a result of unforeseen emergencies of a capital nature that may arise during the school year. Following assessment of the application and in light of the large number of projects seeking funding from my Department for works of this nature from the budget allocated, unfortunately, it was not possible to provide funding from the emergency works grant scheme on this occasion for the works sought.
Foireann Scoile.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:252 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Ruairí Quinn den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an bhfuil sé fós i gceist, i bhfianaise na gciorruithe Rialtais a bhí ann le déanaí, go mbeidh tionscnamh tacaíochta agus forbartha don Ghaeilge mar a fógraíodh i Márta 2007 (sonraí tugtha) faoi choimirce na Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta suite i gColáiste Íosagáin, áit a sannfaí ceathrar ball foirne breise don Chomhairle chun na críche sin; cén uair a bheidh sonraí ar fáil ón Roinn faoi ghrádú na bpost sin; cathain a bhí cruinniú ag an gcoiste comhordaithe, atá comhdhéanta d’ionadaithe ón gComhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta, Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Foras na Gaeilge, chun comhairle a thabhairt maidir le gnéithe comhoibrithe den obair fhoriomlán atá le cur i gcrích; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44233/08]
D'fhógair mo chomhghleacaí comhaireachta, an tAire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta agus an tAire a chuaigh romham Mary Hanafin i Márta 2007 go mbeidh tionscnamh tacaíochta agus forbartha don Ghaeilge faoi choimirce na Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta lonnaithe i gColáiste Íosagáin agus go sannfar ceathrar ball foirne breise don Chomhairle chun na críche seo. Tá mo Roinnse i mbun pléanna leanúnacha leis an Roinn Airgeadais maidir le grádú na bpost seo, agus measaim go mbeidh ról an-tábhachtach ag an dtionscnamh seo i bhfeabhsú chaighdeán múinte agus foghlama na Gaeilge in ár scoileanna.
Dar ndóigh caithfear coinneáil le gach clár atá arna maoiniú ag an Roinn, an réimse seo san áireamh, a athbhreithniú i gcónaí i bhfianaise staid an airgeadais phoiblí de réir mar a éabhlóidh sé. Tá coiste Comhordaithe déanta suas d'ionadaithe ón gComhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta, Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Foras na Gaeilge curtha ar bun chun comhairle a thabhairt ar eilimintí comhoibrithe na hoibre foriomláine atá le cur i gcrích. Bhí 10 gcruinniú ag an gcoiste seo go dtí seo. Tá tacar moltaí comhaontaithe do chur chun cinn na Gaeilge curtha faoi bhráid mo Roinne agus na Roinne Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta ag an nGrúpa chomh maith.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:253 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Ruairí Quinn den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an ndéanfadh sé athmhachnamh ar an moladh go múinfí gach ábhar oide trí Ghaeilge i dtimpeallacht lán-Ghaeilge, ag foghlaim tríd an tumoideachais agus faoin tumoideachas, ní mar bhliain sa bhreis den chlár réamhsheirbhíse do bhunmhúinteoirí ach thar thréimhse bliana acadúla san iomlán le linn a gcúrsa oiliúna mar chuid lárnach den traenáil a fhaigheann siad cheana féin, sna sála ar an ráiteas a rinne sé ag comhdháil Ghaelscoileanna ar an 15 Samhain 2008 inar dúirt sé gur chreid sé gur córas an-fhiúntach é an tumoideachas do bhuanú na Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44234/08]
B'fhéidir go bhfuil a fhios ag an dTeachta go bhfuil ról reachtúil ag an gComhairle Múinteoireachta maidir le hathbhreithniú ar na caighdeáin atá de dhíth d'iontráil i ngairm na múinteoireachta, lena n-áirítear na caighdeáin eolais, scile agus cumais atá de dhíth do chleachtas na múinteoireachta. Tá tús curtha ag an gComhairle leis an obair maidir leis seo agus cuirfidh sí straitéis ar fáil d'athbhreithniú ar chláracha oiliúna tosaigh múinteoirí.
Chuige seo, d'eagraigh an Chomhairle sraith d'fhóraim comhairliúcháin do pháirtithe leasmhara san oideachas i mbliana, agus leanfaidh an Chomhairle den chomhairliúchán le páirtithe oideachais, mo Roinnse san áireamh, le linn a cuid oibre. Beidh cumas an mhúinteora sa Ghaeilge ina buncheist don Chomhairle agus a cuid oibre idir lámha aici.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:254 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Ruairí Quinn den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an aithníonn sé an tábhacht a bhaineann le leanúnachas ó leibhéal go leibhéal scolaíochta, go háirithe i gcúrsaí gaelscolaíochta; an dtugann an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta aitheantas oifigiúil don cháipéis de chuid Ghaelscoileanna Teo., Plean do Bhunú Gaelscolaíochta 2007–2017, ar mhaithe lena chinntiú go mbeidh teacht ag gach dalta sa bhunscolaíocht lán-Ghaeilge ar sholáthar cuí iarbhunscolaíochta lán-Ghaeilge, agus go mbeidh breis comhoibrithe struchtúrtha idir scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge ag an mbunleibhéal agus ag an iarbhunleibhéal i gceantair ina bhfuil éileamh ar an ngaeloideachas chun leanúnachas a chothú; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44235/08]
Brian Hayes
Ceist:265 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian Hayes den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cén uair go díreach a bheidh an Mheitheal Oibre Theicniúil faoin gCoimisiún um Chóiríocht Scoileanna ag teacht le chéile chun obair athbhreithnithe maidir leis na gnásanna le haghaidh bunú bunscoileanna úra a phlé den chéad uair; an mbeidh an Mheitheal Oibre Theicniúil freagrach do rúnaíocht an Choimisiúin, don Aire féin nó do státseirbhíseach sinsearach; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44275/08]
Brian Hayes
Ceist:266 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian Hayes den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an bhféachfaidh sé chuige go n-aithneoidh an Mheitheal Oibre Theicniúil faoin gCoimisiún um Chóiríocht Scoileanna go bhfuil sainriachtanais ar leith agus nádúr uathúil ag baint le soláthar na gaelscolaíochta agus, dá réir sin, go mbeidh coinníollacha eisceachtúla ag baint le bunú gaelscoileanna chun an méid sin a chur i gcuntas nuair a fhoilseoidh an Coimisiún tuairisc athbhreithnithe ar na gnásanna le haghaidh bunú bunscoileanna úra laistigh de fhráma ama dhá bhliain; go gcinnteofar go bhfanfaidh an líon íosta daltaí gaelscolaíochta mar atá, ar líon iomlán inmharthana é i gcás na gaelscolaíochta agus ar líon é atá riachtanach d’fhorbairt na hearnála sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44276/08]
Brian Hayes
Ceist:267 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian Hayes den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an gcinnteoidh sé go leanfar den status quo i dtaobh aitheantas sealadach a bhronnadh ar scoileanna do na coistí bunaithe ar fad atá ag obair i dtreo oscailt gaelscoile i Meán Fómhair 2009 agus a bhfuil bearta oifigiúla glactha acu mar chuid den phróiseas; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44277/08]
Brian Hayes
Ceist:268 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian Hayes den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an ndéanfaidh sé ceist aitheantais scoile don bhliain acadúil seo chugainn a shoiléiriú i bhfianaise an athbhreithnithe atá ar bun aige, maidir leis na gnásanna le haghaidh bunú bunscoileanna úra, trí shonraí a thabhairt faoi na ceantair atá sainaitheanta ag an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta mar cheantair i mbéal forbartha; an dtabharfaidh sé sainmhíniú beacht ar céard is brí le fás déimeagrafach ó thaobh an athbhreithnithe de chun gur féidir leis na scoileanna atá ag feitheamh le hoscailt in 2009 a fhios a bheith acu an dtagann siad faoi réim an tsainmhínithe sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44278/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 265 to 268, inclusive, together.
D'fhógair mé le déanaí athbhreithniú ar na gnásanna do bhunú bunscoileanna úra faoin gCoimisiún um Chóiríocht Scoile. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh an t-athbhreithniú ar na gnásanna d'aithint bunscoileanna críochnaithe agus go mbeidh socruithe athbhreithnithe ar bun laistigh de fhráma ama dhá bhliana. Tá 18ú Nollaig, 2008 socraithe mar dháta do chruinniú idir oifigigh sinseartha de chuid mo Roinne agus baill den Mheitheal Oibre Teicniúil agus de Ghrúpa Stiúrtha an Choimisiúin araon chun tabhairt faoin athbhreithniú seo.
Táim ag súil go dtabharfar aghaidh ar nithe dena leithéid siúd a luaigh an Teachta mar chuid den phróiseas athbhreithnithe. Tuairisceoidh an Mheitheal Oibre Theicniúil do Ghrúpa Stiúrtha an Choimisiúin agus ba ghnáth nós é go n-eiseodh an dá ghrúpa tuairiscí deiridh agus go ndéanfaidís moltaí domsa tar éis dóibh an t-athbhreithniú a chríochnú.
San idirlinn níl sé i gceist aitheantas a thabhairt do bhunscoileanna úra ar bith, ach amháin i gceantair nach féidir fónamh ar na méaduithe i líon na ndaltaí iontu insna scoileanna atá ann cheana, agus inar gá scoileanna úra a sholáthar. Is ionann sin agus a rá nach mbunófar scoileanna úra ar fháthanna nach mbaineann le fás deimeagrafach i gceantair ina bhfuil dóthain cóiríocht scoile cheana féin nó inar féidir fónamh ar mhéaduithe trí chur leis an gcóiríocht scoile atá ann faoi láthair.
Tá an Rannóg Pleanála Chun Cinn i mo Roinne gafa faoi láthair leis na ceantair ina mbeidh cóiríocht bhreise scoile ag teastáil go suntasach ag an mbunleibhéal agus ag an iarbhunleibhéal do 2009 agus amach as sin a shainaithint, agus comhroinnfear na sonraí seo le comhlachtaí Pátrúnachta na scoileanna agus leis na comhpháirtithe oideachais. I measc na bhfachtóirí atá á machnamh tá fás sa daonra, treochtaí deimeagrafacha, rolluithe reatha agus rolluithe réamh-mheasta, forbairtí tithíochta a tharla le déanaí agus atá pleanáilte, agus cumas na scoileanna atá ann cheana freastal ar an éileamh ar ionaid. Tar éis do na fachtóirí seo a bheith machnaithe, déanfar cinneadh faoin mbealach is fearr chun freastal ar riachtanais atá ag teacht chun cinn i gceantar.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:255 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Ruairí Quinn den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ag an gComhairle Múinteoireachta ar Ráiteas Beartais maidir le Leanúntas Oideachas Múinteoirí agus ar an mBeartas maidir le hAthbhreithniú ar Chláracha Oideachas Múinteoirí go dtí seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44236/08]
Tá tús curtha ag an gComhairle Múinteoireachta lena cuid oibre maidir lena Páipéar Polasaí ar Leanúntas Oideachas Múinteoirí agus a Straitéis d'Athbhreithniú agus Creidiúnú Chláracha Oiliúna Tosaigh Múinteoirí. D'eagraigh an Chomhairle sraith d'fhóraim comhairliúcháin do pháirtithe leasmhara san oideachas i mbliana. Cuireadh Dréacht-Chreatlach do Straitéis na Comhairle Múinteoireachta d'Athbhreithniú agus Creidiúnú Chláracha Oiliúna Tosaigh Múinteoirí agus breac-chuntas ar an bPáipéar Polasaí ar Leanúntas Oideachas Múinteoirí i láthair agus lorgaíodh aiseolas. Meastar go seolfar an dréacht deiridh den dá cháipéis chuig an Aire agus na soláthróirí oiliúna múinteoirí go luath sa bhliain 2009.
Cuirfear an Straitéis d'Athbhreithniú agus Creidiúnú Chláracha Oiliúna Tosaigh Múinteoirí ar bhonn trialach sa bhliain 2009 agus samhlaítear go ndéanfar é a nuashonrú i bhfianaise an aiseolais a gheofar. Meastar go seolfar an Straitéis deiridh sa bhliain 2010.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:256 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Ruairí Quinn den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an aontaíonn sé gur chóir go bhforbrófaí beartas comhaontaithe maidir leis an luath-thumoideachais agus go gcuirfí clár inseirbhíse i bhfeidhm chun tacú leis an luath-thumoideachas céanna, clár a bheadh riachtanach do gach múinteoir fostaithe den chéad uair i ngaelscoil; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44237/08]
Tugann mo Roinn tacaíocht iomlán do mhúnlaí tumoideachais ina múintear gach ábhar seachas Béarla trí mheán na Gaeilge i suíomh ina mbíonn rochtain ag páistí ar an gcuraclam ina iomláine ón staid is luaithe is féidir. Soláthraíonn an cur chuige seo leibhéal tumtha sa Ghaeilge de 88%-90% i nGaelscoileanna. Cuirtear deiseanna forbartha gairmiúla ar fáil do mhúinteoirí tríd an tionscnamh Tús Maith ag leibhéal na bunscoile agus tríd An tSeirbhís Tacaíochta Dara Leibhéal don Ghaeilge ag leibhéal na hiarbhunscoile.
Is dócha go bhfuil a fhios ag an dTeachta go bhfuil ról reachtúil ag an gComhairle Mhúinteoireachta i dtaca le hathbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar na caighdeáin atá riachtanach chun dul le gairm na múinteoireachta, caighdeáin an eolais, na scileanna agus na n-inniúlachtaí atá riachtanach don mhúinteoireachta san áireamh. Tá tús curtha ag an gComhairle lena cuid oibre sa réimse seo agus cuirfidh an Chomhairle straitéis ar fáil chun athbhreithniú a déanamh ar chláir do réamhoiliúint mhúinteoirí. Beidh inniúlacht Ghaeilge an mhúinteora ina saincheist lárnach ag an gComhairle agus í i mbun na hoibre seo.
Ina theannta sin, tá Coiste comhaireachta ar an nGaeilge bunaithe chun iniúchadh a dhéanamh ar na bealaí is fearr le seasamh na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht agus sa tsochaí go ginearálta a neartú.
Forbairt Pobail.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:257 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Ruairí Quinn den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an aithníonn an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta gurb í forbairt scolphobail mar phrionsabal agus mar sprioc oibre an cur chuige is fearr le pobal láidir a chothú i gceantar agus le leas a bhaint as na hacmhainní féideartha ag an scoil chun seo a dhéanamh; an mbeadh sé sásta maoiniú oiriúnach a chur ar fáil chuige seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44238/08]
Measaim go bhfuilimid go léir feasach ar an gcaoi ina bhfuil bunscoileanna ach go háirithe ina bpointe lárnach de phobal na háite ina n-oibríonn siad. Cothaíonn sé seo spiorad láidir pobail sa scoil féin agus i measc pobal na háite. Sa bhliain a chuaigh thart, cuireadh i gcrích athnuachan tréimhsiúil bord bainistíochta na scoileanna. Sampla é seo de shaoránacht gníomhach i measc pobal na n-áiteanna seo. Saibhrítear rialachas na mbunscoileanna trí obair dheonach neamhleithleasach na mílte duine, bídís tuismitheoirí, múinteoirí, iontaobhaithe nó ionadaithe pobail. Táim feasach chomh maith go dteastaíonn rochtain ar oiliúint agus ar thacaíocht chuí ó na Boird Bainistíochta féin má tá siad chun tacaíocht a thabhairt do scoileanna. Tá maoiniú curtha ar fáil agam i 2008 d'oiliúint dá leithéid. Tá ionchur saoránaigh á thabhairt ag gach aon bhall boird atá léirithe i gcónaí ag an mbunscoil i saol na hÉireann. Ba cheart go mbeimis go léir an-bhródúil as an dtraidisiún seo agus mar Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta is mór agam an t-ionchur seo d'ár scoileanna agus go deimhin don sochaí ar fad. Is é an deontas caipitíochta an príomhbhealach ina maoinítear scoileanna agus, in ainneoin na ndeacrachtaí buiséid atá ann faoi láthair, tháinig méadú de bheagnach 12% ar seo go dtí €200 in aghaidh an dalta ag an mbunleibhéal. Mhéadaigh an deontas caipitíochta ag an iarbhunleibhéal go dtí €345. Tá solúbthacht ag na scoileanna maidir leis an gcaoi ina n-úsáideann siad an maoiniú seo chun freastal ar a gcuid riachtanas ó lá go lá. Ach más féidir, is ceadaithe dóibh an maoiniú a úsáid chun naisc lena bpobail áitiúla a fhorbairt.
An Luath-Thumoideachas.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:258 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Ruairí Quinn den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cad iad na beartais chomhoibrithe atá beartaithe ag an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta ó dheas tabhairt fúthu i dtaca leis an Roinn Oideachais ó thuaidh, maidir le cúrsaí gaelscolaíochta ar bhonn uile-Éireann; an mbeidh taighde uile-Éireann ar an luath-thumoideachas mar chuid de na beartais thuaidh-theas sin; an mbeidh beartas uile-Éireann maidir le haitheantas a thabhairt d’iarbhunscoileanna lán-Ghaeilge i gceantair ina mbíonn ar a laghad dhá ghaelscoil fhriothálacha ann le freastal orthu, mar atá molta i dtuairisc an Choimisiúin um Chóiríocht Scoileanna, 2004, san áireamh sna beartais thuaidh-theas sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44239/08]
Bhí mo Roinn rannpháirteach sa ghrúpa oibre a d'ullmhaigh an tuarascáil athbhreithniú ar Ghaelscolaíocht a d'fhoilsigh an Roinn Oideachais i dTuaisceart na Éireann le déanaí. Tá iniúchadh á dhéanamh ag mo Roinn ar an dtuarascáil faoi láthair. Oibreoidh mo Roinn le páirtithe leasmhara sa Tuaisceart chun na féidearthachtaí a bheadh ann chun oibriú i bpáirt chun cur chun cinn na Gaeilge sna scoileanna ina bhfuil an Ghaeilge mar mheán teagaisc, agus i scoileanna go ginearálta, a mheas. Ní bheadh sé cuí socruithe a bhainfeadh le comhghníomhaíochta a lua sula dtosóidh comhráite. I mí Mheán Fómhair seo caite, d'fhógair mé go mbunófaí grúpa oibre theicniúil faoin gCoimisiún um Chóiríocht Scoile chun athbhreithniú iomlán a dhéanamh ar na critéir agus ar na nósanna imeachta maidir le haitheantas a thabhairt do bhunscoileanna nua a bheadh oiriúnach d'earnáil na bunscolaíochta sna deich mbliana amach romhainn. D'fhéadfadh go mbeadh suas le dhá bhliain ann sula mbeidh na socruithe leasaithe i bhfeidhm. San idirlinn, beidh moratorium ar aitheantas a thabhairt do bhunscoileanna nua seachas iad sin a bheidh i gceantair atá ag forbairt agus a léiríonn go bhfuil géarghá le scoil nua. Tá iniúchadh á dhéanamh agam ar réimse saincheisteanna a bhaineann le bunú iarbhunscoileanna faoi láthair chomh maith.
Coláistí Samhraidh.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:259 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Ruairí Quinn den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta conas a chinnteofar go mbeidh caighdeán ard múinteoireachta Gaeilge sna coláistí samhraidh Gaeltachta anois os rud é nach bhfuil ceart ná seasamh ag cigirí na Roinne Oideachais agus Eolaíochta measúnú a dhéanamh ar obair na gcoláistí sna sála ar an Roinn a bheith ag cur deontas caipitíochta na múinteoirí ar ceal sa cháinaisnéis is déanaí; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh.[44240/08]
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:261 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Ruairí Quinn den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta conas is féidir leis an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an cinneadh chun deontas caipitíochta na gcoláistí samhraidh a chur ar ceal a chosaint nuair atá méadú leanúnach ag teacht ar líon na scoláirí a bhíonn ag freastal ar na cúrsaí samhraidh Gaeltachta gach bliain — 27,855 in 2008 i gcomparáid le tuairim is 26,000 in 2007 — nuair is í an tréimhse a chaitheann scolairí óga sna coláistí samhraidh an deis is fearr atá acu a gcuid scileanna labhartha Gaeilge a fheabhsú agus go mbeidh níos mó marcanna ag dul do labhairt na teanga sna scrúduithe stáit ón mbliain 2012 ar aghaidh, agus nuair atá inmharthanacht na gcoláistí curtha go mór i mbaol ag an Roinn leis an gciorrú seo, coláistí ar a mbraitheann geilleagar na Gaeltachta go mór, i rith an tsamhraidh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh.[44242/08]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna 259 agus 261 le chéile.
Aithním an ról tábhachtach atá ag na coláistí samhraidh Gaeltachta i saol na Gaeilge agus molaim obair na gcoláistí as ucht líofacht a chothú i measc na mac léinn a dhéanann freastal orthu. Is ábhar dóchais é go leanann líon suntasach mac léinn orthu ag freastal ar na coláistí seo sa Ghaeltacht. Aithním chomh maith go mbíonn tionchar nach beag ag na coláistí ar eacnamaíocht na gceantar Gaeltachta in a bhfuil siad lonnaithe. In ainneoin seo, agus in ainneoin an mhéadaithe de €302 milliún atá sa bhuiséad oideachais do 2009, éacht nach beag agus an eacnamaíocht mar atá sé, ní raibh aon dul as ach roinnt cinntí crua deacra a dhéanamh. Léiríodh na cinntí seo i measc na bhfógairtí lá an bhuiséid. Ina measc, bhí cealú an deontais a bhí á íoc ag mo Roinnse do na coláistí samhraidh Gaeilge. B'é ráta an chúnamh deontais seo a cuireadh ar fáil ná tuairim is €53 in aghaidh gach mac léinn a bhí rollaithe ar chúrsa trí seachtaine i 2008, méid ab ionann is cuid bheag go leor den chostas foriomlán a ghabh le freastal ar an gcúrsa. Leanfaidh tacaíocht an Stáit do mhic léinn a fhreastalaíonn ar na coláistí samhraidh Gaeltachta i bhfoirm na bhfóirdheontas a íoctar le teaghlaigh a chuireann cóiríocht ar fáil do na mic léinn.
Maidir le héileamh ar na coláistí samhraidh Gaeilge, níl aon amhras orm ná go spreagfaidh na socruithe nua do na scrúduithe stáit na mic léinn teacht ar dheiseanna a gcuid Gaeilge labhartha a chleachtadh. Is ar bhainistíocht na gcoláistí samhraidh atá an phríomhfhreagracht maidir le caighdeán an tsoláthair iontu. Comhlíonann cigireacht na Roinne a ról i leith dearbhú na cáilíochta trí mheastóireacht a dhéanamh ar cháilíocht an oideachais sna coláistí. Déanann an chigireacht tuairisciú freisin ar chomh maith is a chomhlíonann na coláistí na riachtanais maidir le cóiríocht, cáilíocht mhúinteoirí agus eagrú agus feidhmiú na gcláracha. Breathnófar in am trátha ar ról na cigireachta i meastóireacht na gcoláistí. Leanfar leis an maoiniú a dhéantar ar fhreastal ábhar oidí ar na coláistí samhraidh sa Ghaeltacht. Leanfar freisin leis na socruithe maidir le saoire phearsanta bhreise a cheadú do mhúinteoirí bunscoile a mhúineann ar na coláistí samhraidh. Toisc gurb iad áiteanna dúchais na teanga, tuigim an tábhacht chultúrtha agus sochtheangeolaíoch a bhaineann leis na limistéir Ghaeltachta, go háirithe d'fhoghlaimeoirí na teanga. Tá áthas orm go leanfar le tacaíocht a thabhairt dóibh.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:260 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Ruairí Quinn den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cén fáth nach raibh oiread is ionadaí amháin ón Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta ag an gcruinniú de Chomhchoiste Náisiúnta na gColáistí Samhraidh (CONCOS) i mBaile Átha Cliath ar an 8 Samhain 2008 le scéal an chiorraithe i ndeontas caipitíochta na gcoláistí samhraidh a mhíniú agus a phlé i gceart; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44241/08]
Táim sásta go ndearna mo Roinn teagmháil cuí le hoifigigh CONCOS chun iad a choimeád ar an eolas faoi na socruithe nua maidir le deontas caipitíochta na gcoláistí samhraidh. Soiléiríodh na socruithe nua ag cruinniú le hionadaithe CONCOS in oifigí na Roinne Oideachais agus Eolaíochta i mBaile Átha Cliath, ar an gCéadaoin, 22 Deireadh Fómhair 2008. D'fhreastail oifigigh na Roinne a bhfuil baint acu le cúrsaí riaracháin, agus dáileadh na ndeontas i leith na gcoláistí samhraidh, ar an gcruinniú seo. Bhí ionadaithe ó chigireacht na Roinne i láthair chomh maith. Rinneadh plé cuimsitheach ar na hábhair a bhain le deireadh a chur leis na deontais do na táillí teagaisc. Pléadh ach go háirithe go gcuirfí deireadh le híocaíocht na dtáillí teagaisc do na mic léinn a fhreastalaíonn ar chúrsaí Aicme A, B agus C. Tugadh míniú soiléir faoi chúiseanna na Roinne maidir leis an gcinneadh seo a dhéanamh. Ní raibh aon ghá, mar sin, go mbeadh ionadaí ón Roinn i láthair ag an gcruinniú ar 8 Samhain, mar nach raibh cor nua sa scéal ón 22 Deireadh Fómhair. Déanfaidh an Roinn teagmháil le CONCOS maidir leis na hábhair eile ar a lorgaíodh soiléiriú nuair a bheidh eolas ar fáil fúthu. Beidh oifigigh i mo Roinnse i dteagmháil le CONCOS go luath chun na gnéithe seo a thabhairt chun críche.
Question No. 261 answered with Question No. 259.
Schools Recognition.
Catherine Byrne
Ceist:262 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a new school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; if he recognises that this is a developing area in need of a new primary school; if this school will open in September 2009 as planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44251/08]
A Notification of Intention to apply for Recognition of new primary school in Dublin 12 has been received from An Foras Patrúnachta na Scoileanna LanGhaeilge Teo (the Patron Body for Gaelscoileanna). I have recently announced a review of the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools under the Commission on School Accommodation. It is expected that the review of procedures for recognising primary schools will be completed and revised arrangements will be in place within a two-year timeframe. In the interim, it is not proposed to recognise any new primary schools, except in areas where the increases in pupil numbers cannot be catered for in existing schools and which require the provision of new schools. This means that new schools will not be established for reasons unrelated to demographic growth in areas where there is already sufficient school accommodation or where increases can be catered for by extending existing school accommodation. The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for 2009 and onwards. Dublin 12 will be included in this process. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.
School Accommodation.
Seán Barrett
Ceist:263 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are plans to establish a post-primary school in Shankill, County Dublin, to cater for the growing population in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44267/08]
Based on current demographic trends, my Department anticipates that there may be a need for further post-primary accommodation in the Shankill area in the medium to long term. It has asked Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to identify a site for this development. A timeframe for the delivery of the accommodation will be known when a suitable site has been identified and acquired. The local authority has a number of Local Area Plans in train. It is likely that the Department will be able to secure a site under this process. My Department is conscious of the lead-in period for the delivery of a post-primary school and it would be anxious to conclude the site issue as soon as possible. It will continue to engage with the local authority until this matter is resolved.
Schools Recognition.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:264 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science when his Department will finalise the payment of an extension site to a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan; if he is satisfied that delays such as this should happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44268/08]
The Deputy will be aware that the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been asked to source a suitable site for the school in question. A suitable site has been identified. The progression of the site acquisition for the school will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to the Department for school buildings generally. In light of the many competing demands on the capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the acquisition of the school site at this time. My officials will communicate with the school authorities when I have further news on the matter.
Questions Nos. 265 to 268, inclusive, answered with Question No. 254.
Brian Hayes
Ceist:269 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian Hayes den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cén cinneadh a rinneadh maidir le ceist an luath-thumoideachais iomláin agus ciorclán 0044/2007 ón Roinn tar éis an ráitis a rinne sé ag comhdháil ghaelscoileanna ar an 15 Samhain 2008 inar aithin sé na himpleachtaí atá ann do ghaelscoileanna ó thaobh sealbhú teanga nuair nach dtagann ach líon an-bheag daltaí ó theaghlaigh ina labhraítear Gaeilge agus ina dúirt sé gur chreid sé gur chóras an-fhiúntach é an tumoideachas do bhuanú na Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44279/08]
Tugann mo Roinn tacaíocht iomlán do mhúnlaí tumoideachais ina múintear gach ábhar seachas Béarla trí mheán na Gaeilge i suíomh ina mbíonn rochtain ag páistí ar an gcuraclam ina iomláine ón staid is luaithe is féidir. Soláthraíonn sé seo leibhéil tumtha sa Ghaeilge de 88-90% thar an tréimhse bunscolaíochta. Bhuail mé le gaelscoileanna le déanaí chun an cheist a phlé agus tá socruithe déanta ag m'fheidhmeannaigh chun breis plé a dhéanamh ar an gceist go luath san athbhliain. Tá cás Ard-Chúirte á thógáil faoi láthair maidir le Ciorclán 0044/2007. Chuir mé in iúl i m'óráid nach mbeadh sé oiriúnach dom ráitis phoiblí a dhéanamh ar an ábhar dá bharr sin.
Cóiríocht Scoile.
Brian Hayes
Ceist:270 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian Hayes den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an gcuirfidh sé sonraí uile an chórais mhear in iúl; an ndeimhneoidh sé seasamh na scoileanna atá ar liosta feithimh do chóiríocht bhuan mar chuid d’fheachtas Ghaelscoileanna Teo. Cóiríocht Chóir agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44280/08]
Measúnaítear gach iarratas ar mhaoiniú caipitil ar scála mór de réir critéar foilsithe tosaíochta a leagadh síos tar éis comhairlithe leis na Comhpháirtithe Oideachais. Faoi na critéir seo, sanntar Ráta Banda do gach aon tionscadal a léiríonn an cineál oibreacha atá ag teastáil agus an phráinn atá leo. Tá ceithre Ráta Banda ann ar fad, Banda 1 an ceann is airde díobh agus Banda 4 an ceann is ísle. Baineann machnamh na bhfachtóirí bainteacha uile le próiseas measúnaithe, an ghá le háiseanna úra nó breise ag an mbunleibhéal nó ag an iarbhunleibhéal i gceantar ar bith, ina measc treochtaí rolluithe agus deimeagrafacha, forbairtí tithíochta, agus cumas na scoileanna atá ann cheana freastal ar an éileamh ar ionaid. Cuid thábhachtach den phróiseas chomh maith is ea an comhthadhall leis na scoileanna atá ann cheana. Sa tslí seo, déantar gach dícheall lena chinntiú gur leor an soláthar atá ann cheana agus go ndéantar socruithe tráthúla chun an cumas a leathnú nó chun infreastruchtúr nua a chur ar fáil áit is gá. Ina theannta sin, tá oibleagáid reachtúil ar na húdaráis áitiúla dréachtphleananna do cheantair áitiúla a chur ar aghaidh chuig an Roinn chun tuairimí agus léirmheasanna a fháil le go bhféadfar tailte a chriosú d'úsáid oideachasúil sa todhchaí. Tá mórán suíomhanna forchoimeádta chun críocha oideachasúla faoin bpróiseas seo, go háirithe sna ceantair mearfhás, chun a chinntiú go mbeidh dóthain talún forchoimeádta agus le fáil d'fhorbairt an infreastruchtúir oideachasúil amach anseo.
Ag dul thar na forálacha reachtúla comhairlithe di, maidir le dréachtphleananna d'fhorbairt ceantair, tá obair déanta ag mo Roinnse le blianta beaga anuas chun teagmhála le húdaráis áitiúla a neartú chun go bhféadfar cinneadh eolasacha a dhéanamh agus soláthar oideachasúil don todhchaí a phleanáil. Baineann mo Roinn an-úsáid chomh maith as sonraí as an daonáireamh chun críocha éagsúla, ina measc réamh-mheastacháin fad-téarmach rollaithe ag an leibhéal náisiúnta agus ag an leibhéal áitiúil. Is úsáideach iad torthaí an daonáirimh do 2006 chun treochtaí leathana sa daonra iomlán de réir chontae agus de réir cheantair áitiúil, a shainaithint. Baineann mo Roinn úsáid chomh maith as sonraí as an daonáireamh nuair atá sí ag dréachtú a pleananna forbartha ceantair féin agus ag pleanáil soláthar scoile don rollú dóchúil ag leibhéal an cheantair áitiúil. Is deimhin le mo Roinn go gcabhróidh an cur chuige atá anois aici, maidir le sainaithint agus seachadadh ionaid scoile breise i gceantair mearfhás, lena chinntiú go soláthrófar na hionaid sin san am agus san áit go mbeidh gá leo. Tá an t-eolas atá á lorg ag an dTeachta faoin liosta feithimh do chóiríocht bhuan mar chuid d'fheachtas Ghaelscoileanna Teo, Cóiríocht Chóir, á thiomsú agus cuirfear ar aghaidh chuig an Teachta é a luaithe is féidir. Is eol gan dabht don dTeachta go bhfuil líon suntasach scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge úra curtha ar fáil ag mo Roinn ó 2002 i leith, ina measc trí scoileanna ocht-rangsheomra faoi chlár mhearsheachadta 2008.
Oideachas trí Gaeilge.
Brian Hayes
Ceist:271 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian Hayes den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cad iad na bearta atá á ndéanamh, nó a bhfuil sé beartaithe ag an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta iad a dhéanamh, i dtaobh oiliúna agus tacaíochta chun teacht ar mhúinteoirí cáilithe chun teagasc trí mheán na Gaeilge a éascú, ag an iar-bhunleibhéal go háirithe; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44281/08]
Tá raon beartas idir lámha ag an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta faoi láthair chun tacú le múineadh na Gaeilge agus múineadh trí Ghaeilge i scoileanna iarbhunoideachais. Bunaíodh an tSeirbhís Tacaíochta Dara Leibhéal don Ghaeilge mar áis do mhúineadh na Gaeilge go príomha. Ós rud é go bhfuil múineadh trí Ghaeilge i measc na straitéisí a mholtar chun Gaeilge a mhúineadh, tá an tSeirbhís Tacaíochta ar fáil chun cúnamh a thabhairt do scoileanna leis an gcur chuige seo. Mar dhearbhú ar thiomantas na Roinne do sholáthar oideachais trí mheán na Gaeilge, tá inniúlacht sa Ghaeilge ar cheann de na riachtanais atá le sásamh ag múinteoirí ar mhian leo poist a bhaint amach i scoileanna Gaeltachta agus i scoileanna eile lán-Ghaeilge. Is leis an gcáilíocht Teastas Gaeilge do Mhúinteoirí Iarbhunscoile (TGMI) a shásaítear an riachtanas seo. Íoctar liúntas breise leis na múinteoirí sin atá cáilithe go cuí. Eagraítear an scrúdú don cháilíocht seo faoi Choimisiún na Scrúduithe Stáit. Dírítear aird ar an gcúrsa Dioplóma Iarchéime san Oideachas mar atá ar fáil in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh faoina ndéanann na mic léinn cleachtadh múinteoireachta i scoil iar-bhunoideachais a úsáideann an Ghaeilge mar mheán teagaisc. Ina theannta sin tá méadú tagtha ar líon na gcúrsaí sa Ghaeilge atá á chur ar fáil ag forais tríú leibhéal ar fud na tíre a chabhróidh le múinteoirí iarbhunoideachais ar mhian leo cur lena n-inniúlacht sa Ghaeilge ar mhaithe le tabhairt faoin gcáilíocht TGMI a bhaint amach.
Íocaíochtaí Deontas.
Brian Hayes
Ceist:272 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian Hayes den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an gcinnteoidh sé go gcuirfear an liúntas múinteora breise a tugadh do roinnt Aonaid ar fáil do gach Aonad; go gcuirfear na héilimh ar fad eile a pléadh ag cruinnithe idir Gaelscoileanna Teo. agus an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta ar fáil do na hAonaid chomh maith; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44282/08]
Tar éis dul i gcomhairle le páirtithe leasmhara éagsúla, chuir mo Roinn tús le plean píolótach le trí Coistí Gairmoideachais chun aonaid lán-Ghaeilge faoina gcúram a fhorbairt. Oibreoidh an plean seo ar feadh sé bliana ar fad agus athbhreithneofar é i gceann trí bliana. Is iad na páirtithe leasmhara éagsúla atá i gceist ná na trí aonaid Lán Ghaeilge, Boird Bainistíochta na máthairscoileanna, na Coistí Gairmoideachais, Gaelscoileanna Teo agus an Cumann Gairmoideachais in Éirinn. B'é an rud bunúsach a cuireadh san áireamh sa bhforbairt seo ná dáileadh acmhainní múinteoireachta breise mar chuidiú chun na cuspóirí oiriúnacha oideachais a bhaint amach. Ag féachaint don méid seo, socraíodh ar mhéadú sa bhfoireann múinteoireachta sna trí aonaid a roghnaíodh chun bheith páirteach sa thionscadal píolótach. Léiríodh go soiléir do na páirtithe éagsúla go mbeidh an tionscadal píolótach faoi réir ag measúnúcháin sula machnófar leathnú an tionscadail go dtí na haonaid ar fad. Ina theannta sin, beidh machnamh ar bith den sórt sin i gcomhthéacs an scéil fhoriomláin eacnamaíochta agus buiséadach a d'fhéadfadh a bheith i réim sna blianta atá le teacht agus i gcomhthéacs na dtosaíochtaí éagsúla, iad in iomaíocht lena chéile, do na hacmhainní atá le fáil.
Foireann na Roinne.
Brian Hayes
Ceist:273 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian Hayes den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cén méadú atá tagtha ar an líon daoine ar fhoireann riaracháin na Ranna Oideachais agus Eolaíochta atá inniúil agus sásta gnó a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge ó rinneadh an suirbhé ar an bhfoireann sa Roinn i rith 2004; cén líon daoine ar fhoireann na Seirbhíse Síceolaíochta Oideachais Náisiúnta atá anois inniúil agus sásta gnó a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge; cén líon daoine ar fhoireann na Cigireachta atá anois inniúil agus sásta gnó a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge; cad atá á dhéanamh ag an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta chun an líon sin a mhéadú ar bhonn leanúnach; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44283/08]
Tá an Teachta ag tagairt do shuirbhé cuimsitheach a rinneadh i 2004 d'fhoireann riaracháin agus proifisiúnta mo Roinnse. Ní dhearnadh suirbhé dá leithéid arís eile ó shin. Comhlíonann mo Roinn riachtanais Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003. Cuireann sí freagraí ar fáil trí Ghaeilge do chomhfhreagras i nGaeilge atá faighte aici. Freagraíonn mo Roinn i nGaeilge glaoiteoirí ar mhian leo Gaeilge a labhairt, áit is féidir, nó geallann sí go nglaofaidh ball foirne le Gaeilge ar ais laistigh de lá oibre chun déileáil leis an bhfiafraí. Foilsíonn mo Roinn foilseacháin corporáideacha i nGaeilge. Cuireann an chigireacht seirbhís dhátheangach cigireachta ar fáil do gach bunscoil aitheanta, ina measc scoileanna Gaeltachta agus Gaelscoileanna. Bíodh is gurb í an Ghaeilge an meán cumarsáide de ghnáth sna scoileanna Gaeltachta agus na Gaelscoileanna, braitheann an teanga a úsáideann an chigireacht ag am ar bith ar rogha na háite. Ag an iarbhunleibhéal, cuireann an chigireacht ar fáil seirbhís i gcigireacht na Gaeilge féin. Ó tugadh isteach scéim 2005-08 na Roinne faoi Alt 11 d'Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003, tá na hathruithe seo a leanas tagtha i bhfeidhm maidir le rannán na cigireachta i mo Roinnse:
Sainaithníodh agus oileadh foireann ildisciplíneach de chigirí iarbhunscoile chun seirbhísí cigireachta agus measúnaithe i nGaeilge do scoileanna Gaeltachta agus Gaelscoileanna. Seoladh clár den saghas céanna do chigirí bunscoile i 2007 agus 2008.
Mar chuid den chlár leanúnach bliantúil forbartha proifisiúnta don Chigireacht cuirtear ar fáil oiliúint i measúnú trí mheán na Gaeilge do chigirí bunscoile agus iarbhunscoile.
Cuirtear oiliúint i nGaeilge ar fáil mar chuid den chlár ionduchtaithe atá ceaptha go sainiúil chun na cigirí bunscoile agus iarbhunscoile go léir a threorú maidir le measúnú agus cigireacht a dhéanamh trí mheán na Gaeilge.
I measc na ngnásanna earcaithe tá scrúdú roghnaitheach scríofa sa Ghaeilge. Bronntar marcanna breise sa phróiseas roghnúcháin ar iarrthóirí a n-éiríonn leo ann.
Agus an tSeirbhís Náisiúnta Síceolaíochta Oideachais ag sannadh síceolaithe do na bunscoileanna agus do na hiarbhunscoileanna aithnítear riachtanais ar leith scoileanna Gaeltachta agus Gaelscoileanna. Tá grúpa ball foirne riaracháin agus síceolaíochta ar féidir leo comhairle a thabhairt nó seirbhís a sheachadadh trí mheán na Gaeilge de réir mar is gá ar fud na tíre. Tá suim i measc foireann mo Roinnse i scileanna a shealbhú sa Ghaeilge agus cabhraíonn an Roinn trí chúrsaí oiliúna do bhaill foirne chun a bpoitéinseal sa Ghaeilge a bhaint amach. Is comhartha de seo an chaoi inar éascaigh aonad oiliúna agus forbartha mo Roinne le 67 ball foirne a rinne cúrsa Gaeilge i 2006, agus an chaoi inar mhéadaigh an líon sin go dtí 74 i 2007.
Coistí Ranna.
Brian Hayes
Ceist:274 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian Hayes den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an aontaíonn sé go mba chóir go mbeadh rannóg ar leith sa Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta ag feidhmiú trí mheán na Gaeilge agus ag plé go sonrach le cúrsaí gaelscolaíochta chun an tacaíocht agus an tseirbhís is cuí a chur ar fáil d’earnáil na gaelscolaíochta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44284/08]
Níl pleananna ar bith ar intinn agam chun rannóg ar leith a chur ar bun chun déileáil le gach gnó ina mbeadh mo Roinn ag idirghníomhú le Gaelscoileanna. Is oiriúnaí an socrú é go ndéileálfadh an t-aonad gnó cuí le Gaelscoileanna ar an mbealach céanna le scoileanna eile. Ar ndóigh, tá ceist ann maidir leis an gcaoi ina ndéanann Gaelscoileanna agus grúpaí nó daoine aonair eile a ngnó trí Ghaeilge. Ina leith seo tá sé d'aidhm ag mo Roinnse Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 a chomhlíonadh go hiomlán agus seirbhís shásúil a chur ar fáil dóibh siúd ar mhian leo rochtain ar sheirbhísí trí Ghaeilge.
Schools Recognition.
Mary Upton
Ceist:275 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be available for a project at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; if his attention has been drawn to the need for this school in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44290/08]
A notification of intention to apply for recognition of the new primary school in Dublin 12 has been received from An Foras Patrúnachta na Scoileanna LánGhaeilge Teo, which is the patron body for Gaelscoileanna. I have recently announced a review of the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools under the Commission on School Accommodation. It is expected that the review of procedures for recognising primary schools will be completed and revised arrangements will be in place within a two-year timeframe. In the interim, it is not proposed to recognise any new primary schools, except in areas where increases in pupil numbers cannot be catered for in existing schools and which require the provision of new schools. This means that new schools will not be established for reasons unrelated to demographic growth in areas where there is already sufficient school accommodation or where increases can be catered for by extending existing school accommodation. The forward planning section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for 2009 and onwards. Dublin 12 will be included in this process. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors, decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.
Home-School Liaison Scheme.
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:276 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the consequence of the loss of a home school community liaison post at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that this is more than just a school based post, and that it provides a community service centred around the school; if he will rescind the decision in relation to this post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44292/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers is among the schools that were judged by an independent identification process in 2005 not to have a sufficient level of disadvantage among their pupils to warrant their inclusion in Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools, DEIS, which the action plan for educational inclusion. The next identification process is scheduled to be held at the end of the current DEIS programme which runs from 2005 to 2010. There will be no opportunity before this to get included in the current DEIS programme of supports. The school in question, together with 26 other primary and 73 post-primary schools, retained resources — teaching posts, including home-school community liaison posts, and financial resources — under pre-existing schemes and programmes for addressing educational disadvantage.
When DEIS was introduced, a commitment was given as a concessionary measure to these schools that they would retain a level of support for the duration of the initiative. While it is appreciated that the discontinuation of these resources will impact on the schools, given the current volatile and challenging economic climate difficult decisions had to be made to contain public sector spending. One of these decisions was to advance the withdrawal of such supports from non-DEIS schools to the beginning of the next school year. The main focus of social inclusion measures will be on retaining resources in DEIS schools. There is a need to focus targeted resources on the schools in most need. This approach is in line with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General, as set out in his 2006 report on primary disadvantage, which recommended that my Department should focus its educational disadvantage measures on schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.
Literacy Levels.
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:277 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 4 received directly from his Department in each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44297/08]
The funding detailed in this reply has been provided by my Department to the organisation referred to by the Deputy. It relates principally to the general funding of the organisation as well to as specific funding related to work involving the co-ordination of Further Education and Training Awards Council and Intensive Literacy programmes. The funding for each of the years since 2002 is as follows:
2002: €95,230.35;
2003: €152,532.97;
2004: €167,532.97;
2005: €383,462.97;
2006: €387,532.97;
2007: €410,271.97; and
2008: €215,532.97.
School Staffing.
John Perry
Ceist:278 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the impact the recent cutbacks in education will have on staffing levels on a school (details supplied) in County Sligo, including all full-time and part-time teaching posts; if there are plans to provide a new facility; if so, the position of same on the building programme; the teacher numbers in this school from September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44309/08]
The 2009 budget required difficult choices to be made in all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect, education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the budget day announcements. Even with the budget measures in place, there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009. As part of the expansion of the small schools scheme in 2007, a grant of €820,000 was allocated to Castlerock NS to enable the management authority to build a new three-classroom school. I understand they are in discussions regarding the purchase of a site. My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the new year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to funding mainstream classroom teachers, my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.
I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers in schools for the 2009-10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore, the staffing schedule will be published. It is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand. At this time, the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources to create staffing profiles for the school requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.
Schools Building Projects.
Dan Neville
Ceist:279 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will sanction the moneys needed for the provision of a new school building at a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [44311/08]
It is my Department's intention to provide a new building for the school to which the Deputy refers. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.
Schools Refurbishment.
Dan Neville
Ceist:280 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide the necessary funding for the extension to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [44312/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension project. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.
Schools Recognition.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:281 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter (details supplied). [44330/08]
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:285 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) has not been granted permanent recognition in view of the fact that it meets all of the necessary criteria. [44375/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 285 together.
The school to which the Deputy refers commenced operation in September 2002 with provisional recognition from my Department on the basis that it would provide multi-denominational education in the Clontarf, Marino and Fairview areas of Dublin. Its current location in Glasnevin, which is already served by two multi-denominational schools, was intended to be a purely temporary measure. My Department's ultimate intention is to locate the school in a more appropriate location if and when suitable accommodation becomes available, subject to the availability of funding. When this happens, the Department will review the question of permanent recognition for the school.
Departmental Staff.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:282 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has applied the 3% payroll reductions to his internal staff resources, as indicated in Question No. 585 of 25 November 2008; the action he has taken to reduce the salary cost of €706,576 for his private office and his constituency office in view of the economic crisis confronting the tax revenue flows to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44345/08]
As the Deputy is aware, all Government Departments and offices are required to achieve savings of 3% in respect of payrolls. My Department has had to introduce a number of measures which will impact across the Department to ensure that expenditure on staff payroll comes within budget. These measures include delays in filling vacancies across sections as they arise and the non-recruitment of temporary clerical staff to provide cover for maternity leave, blocks of parental leave, etc.
Higher Education Grants.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:283 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if due consideration will be given in respect of the case of person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 in relation to a higher education grant in view of the fact that this person is an applicant for citizenship, the fact that the application process for citizenship now stands at 30 months and the undue hardship involved for non-EU families. [44346/08]
Any decision on eligibility for a higher education grant is a matter for the relevant local authority, as appropriate. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department, except in exceptional circumstances. If an individual applicant considers that she or he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of maintenance grant awarded is not the correct one, she or he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority. If an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority, but remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his or her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department.
Site Acquisitions.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:284 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made in identifying a suitable site for a school (details supplied); if consideration has been given to the vacant Central Fisheries Boards building nearby; and if he will request the Office of Public Works to give attention to this matter. [44374/08]
My Department asked the Office of Public Works to identify a suitable site for the school in question in September 2007. My officials have recently been informed by the school authorities of the vacant building in question and will consult with the OPW regarding the availability of same. The Deputy will appreciate that the acquisition of a site has to be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally. In light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the acquisition of the school site at this time.
Question No. 285 answered with Question No. 281.
Schools Building Projects.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:286 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give a progress report on the provision of a new building for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11 in view of the current accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44378/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for a new building. Progress on this application will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this project at this time.