James Reilly
Ceist:17 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will respond to Coillte proposals on forestry and carbon sequestration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45299/10]
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 4, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 5 and 6 resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 7 to 16, inclusive, answered orally.
Afforestation Programme
One of the commitments in the Renewed Programme for Government is that the Government would work with the Irish forestry sector, including Coillte, to develop a scheme relating to the carbon sequestration ability of forests and future forestry investment in Ireland. The Programme proposed that a scheme be developed through which some of the monies currently set aside to purchase carbon credits abroad will be diverted for forestry investment in Ireland. Another commitment set out in the Renewed Programme for Government was that State forestry policy would be reviewed to take account, inter alia, of its critical role in relation to Climate Change. In this context the State Forest Policy review, of which Coillte is a participant, is also considering this issue. I understand that this Review is expected to be completed by early next year.
The Government is committed to ensuring the continuation of the afforestation programme at a rate that maximizes the use of available financial resources. The funding of forestry into the future is being given serious attention and all possible funding sources and innovative proposals are being considered. Progress on this issue is dependent on a number of factors, not least the future treatment of forest sinks under international rules in the period post 2012. The rules about carbon sequestration in relation to forests and other land uses will be decided as part of global negotiations which are ongoing. Currently Ireland's Kyoto eligible forests sequester approximately 2.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually representing a significant saving to the State. The position post 2012 has not yet been agreed. I understand that Coillte are currently finalizing a document on their proposal and I look forward to discussing this with them in further detail.
Food Harvest 2020
Joan Burton
Ceist:18 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the recommendations from the Food Harvest 2010 report that will be prioritised for implementation in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45175/10]
My priority for 2011 is to maximise the cohesive implementation of Food Harvest 2020. This will be achieved through a number of strands. I have already established and am chairing the High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC). Their priority for 2011 is to ensure an effective, integrated approach to implementation. I have already asked the Department and the state agencies to take action in relation to the following key areas, and to report back on progress achieved:
the development of the dairy sector,
the profitability of the beef sector,
ensuring a credible sustainability agenda, including Brand Ireland,
improving competitiveness and promoting effective business models,
prioritising and advancing innovation, research and entrepreneurship.
Focused activation groups, working under the direction and with a remit determined by the HLIC are achieving progress on these areas.
Specifically, the Dairy Activation Group will present the HLIC, shortly, with their roadmap on the key production and processing milestones needed to be met to achieve the 50% increase in milk production by 2020. A Horticulture Action Group has already been established to activate the relevant recommendations of Food Harvest 2020 and report back to the HLIC on progress in the new year.
As part of their analytical work in developing the sustainability agenda for the Irish food sector, Bord Bia and Teagasc in conjunction with the Carbon Trust are undertaking an extensive pilot audit of 200 farms to demonstrate the sustainability of the beef sector. This initiative will provide consumer feedback on the values which could underpin a general approach differentiating our food and drink product. The HLIC has already endorsed these scoping actions and are being kept informed of developments on an ongoing basis.
To further a range of Food Harvest 2020 recommendations, I recently launched a research call of €10 million under the three public good research programmes operated by my Department. This call focused on the strategy's ‘Smart', ‘Green' ‘Growth' objectives and will build on existing research capability and support the development of collaborative research networks. A further initiative in this area is the establishment of an Agri Research Expert Advisory Group which will facilitate greater input and resources from the agriculture industry into the design and structure of primary research.
In addition, to the work of the HLIC, my Department and all of the state agencies have examined and assumed either a lead or collaborative role, as relevant, for all of the recommendations in Food Harvest 2020. Each of the key players will report on the level of progress achieved during the first quarter of 2011. These are examples of integrated cohesive action I am taking to ensure progressive implementation of all the recommendations.
Food Industry
Enda Kenny
Ceist:19 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action being taken to address the imbalance in the food chain to ensure both producers and consumers have access to fair prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45289/10]
The issue of the need for balance in the food supply chain is being addressed in a number of arenas. At national level the Renewed Programme for Government contains a commitment to "implement a Code of Practice for doing business in the Grocery Goods sector to develop a fair trading relationship between retailers and their suppliers" and "to review progress of the Code and if necessary to put in place a mandatory code". It is planned to do this by including a provision to allow for the introduction of a statutory Code of Conduct in the grocery goods sector in legislation being prepared by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe TD on merging the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority. I understand that Minister O'Keeffe expects to publish this legislation early in 2011.
In the meantime, pending enactment of legislation, the opportunity is being taken to explore with stakeholders the possibilities of agreeing a Voluntary Code and Minister O'Keeffe has appointed John Travers to facilitate discussions with stakeholders. It is expected that the facilitator will report to the Minister in the coming weeks. My Department and the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation will continue to consult closely on this issue.
At European level, I am on record and have spoken many times at the Council of Agriculture Ministers of some weaknesses that have emerged in the food supply chain. I have emphasised the importance of ensuring the security of safe, high quality and sustainably produced food — at reasonable prices for our consumers, and with corresponding reasonable returns to our farmers and processors. This requires that we have viable, competitive and balanced food production and distribution systems.
At EU level the Commission has established a High Level Forum for a Better Functioning of the Food Supply Chain to assist it with the development of industrial policy in the agro-food sector. The mandate of the Forum, which is for a period of two years, is to advance the recommendations of the High Level Group on the Competitiveness of the Agro-Food Industry established by Commission Decision 2008/359/EC, and the initiatives proposed by the Commission in its Communication ‘A better functioning food supply chain in Europe' to improve the competitiveness of the agro-food sector notably of SMEs and to foster innovation and exports.
The Forum is chaired by Vice-President Tajani and includes among its members Ministers from 13 Member States including Ireland, companies and trade associations of the agriculture, food and commerce sectors and non-governmental organisations. The Commissioners for Internal Market and Services, Health and Consumer Protection and Agriculture and Rural Development also take part.
The first meeting of the Forum in November approved a programme of work for Platform groups on technical examination of issues. Members were asked to indicate their priorities and Ireland highlighted the consideration of the establishment of Codes of Conduct in relation to business to business relationships, given that this issue is becoming more acute with the increasing consolidation of the retail sector in all Member States. Ireland also mentioned the development of effective ways of dealing with price volatility and risk, the necessity of ensuring a reliable supply of raw materials from a viable and sustainable agriculture sector, and developing ways of encouraging and enhancing competitiveness and innovation in the food industry and at farm level. These priorities were broadly shared though the perspective of trade associations from different parts of the food supply chain varied.
As over 80% of Irish food and drink is exported we have a strong interest in contributing to the development of coherent measures at EU as well as national levels.
Social Welfare Benefits
Phil Hogan
Ceist:20 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has held discussions with the Department of Social Protection with regard to farm assist payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45284/10]
Farm Assist is directly a matter for the Minister for Social Protection. I have regular contact with my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, on a range of issues of mutual concern, including Farm Assist. In addition, my Department keeps in regular contact with the Department of Social Protection and Family Affairs regarding developments of relevance to both Departments at both a policy and operational level.
Beef Industry
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:21 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the outturn for 2010 expected in the suckler cow welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45277/10]
The Suckler Welfare Scheme was introduced in 2008 and fully funded by the Irish Exchequer. The primary aim of the Scheme is to improve the quality of the national beef herd. A two-pronged approach is being taken to achieve these aims — firstly through improving the welfare of the animals and secondly through the development of an extensive database which will identify the best beef breeding stock in the country.
In regard to the welfare elements of the Scheme participants are required to carry out a number of measures including:
ensuring that heifers are older than 24 months at the time of first calving,
registration of the animals using the Animal Event Sheets,
disbudding within two weeks of birth,
castration within six months of birth if the animals are to be castrated,
provide meal to the calves for at least four weeks before weaning and
not selling the animals for at least two weeks after weaning while continuing to provide meal to the calves
gradual weaning, i.e. for herds of more than 10 cows the weaning must be carried out in more than one group with at least 5 days between the weaning of each group.
Payments to farmers under the Suckler Welfare Scheme is entirely dependent on the participants submitting, on a timely basis, details of the measures required in the appropriate forms and ensuring that the data completed on the forms is accurate. It is also dependent on the farmer registering the birth and movement of his or her animals correctly on AIM.
Payments made to date by my Department under this Scheme in 2010 amount to €22.6 million of which €1.6 million relates to 2008 born calves and €21 million in respect of the 2009 born calves. I have taken a number of initiatives during recent weeks with a view to ensuring that the maximum number of payments will issue to suckler farmers between now and the end of the year. Mindful of the fact, as already stated, that the level of payments are determined by the timeliness and accuracy of the data submitted by the farmers, my Department has written to over 15,000 participants reminding them of the need to submit details of the Scheme measures. I would also remind farmers to respond immediately to any outstanding queries issued by my Department and to take care that the information submitted is accurate.
In view of the initiatives that I have taken and with good co-operation from the farmers in submitting the required forms and responding to queries, I am satisfied that the maximum amount payable under this Scheme of €30m will be paid by end of December.
Compensation Payments
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:22 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the scheme of compensation available to farmers who are forced to destock in the Twelve Bens area of Connemara and the Nephin range in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45198/10]
As a result of a review carried out by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, additional destocking measures were introduced in the Twelve Bens and the Nephin range. Farmers who comply with these additional measures and who are participants in an agri-environment scheme i.e. the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme or the Rural Environment Protection Scheme or the Agri-Environment Options Scheme, are eligible for a compensation payment from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Farmers who have finished their REPS 3 contract and are not currently in an agri-environment scheme have been advised by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that they will continue to receive the compensation payment, provided that they continue to comply with the conditions imposed under the review and commit to applying for any agri-environment scheme which becomes available to them. These payments will continue until the 31 October, 2011 in the case of the Nephin range and until 31 October, 2013 for farmers in the Twelve Bens.
Food Industry
Pat Breen
Ceist:23 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the price uncertainty currently being faced by the pig and poultry sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45237/10]
The price paid for agricultural commodities, including meat products, is a matter for the industry, and is a function of the supply and demand dynamics in the market place. In common with other meats, returns to pig producers have fallen as a result of the economic recession.
During the early part of 2010 prices continued to fall following the significant decline witnessed in 2009. Prices recovered in the second quarter of this year to the extent that year on year prices exceeded 2009 levels in early July. The seasonal decline following the end of the barbecue season was again experienced but not to the same extent as previous years. As a result, year on year prices have remained above 2009 levels and are still over 8% ahead with a degree of stability occurring in recent weeks. Currently the Irish producer price, at €130.01/100kgs, stands at over 95% of the EU average. In general, Irish price movements over recent years have mirrored those of the EU as a whole.
In tandem with poor returns, the biggest issue for producers at the moment remains feed costs. The sharp increase in cereal prices since, given that cereals account for 75% of feed, is reducing margins to below the long-term average. In response, the European commission has recently opened a tender for wheat and barley to be sold from intervention in an attempt to curb feed price increases. In addition, on the EU front, my Department has been working with like minded States to seek the introduction of export refunds. The Commission has shown a marked reluctance to take this step, but has indicated that it will keep the situation under review.
Competition from fresh poultry imports from Northern Ireland continues to curtail returns to poultry producers. Feed costs have also impacted on producer margins and have pushed margins below long-term averages. However, poultry is normally reared under contract to processors, for a pre-agreed price, and therefore poultry producers are not subject to the same price fluctuations as other farmers.
EU Directives
Ceist:
24 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the principal features of the second national action plan under the nitrates directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45056/10]
All EU member States are obliged to draw up and implement a National Action Programme under the Nitrates Directive in order to ensure that water quality is not adversely affected by agricultural activity. The principal features of Ireland's second National Action Programme (NAP) are similar to those in the first Action Programme and include provisions in relation to farm stocking rates, fertiliser application, storage requirements for livestock manure and maintenance of green cover on tillage lands.
The main changes in the second National Action Programme include:
the introduction of a site-specific, risk-based approach for set-back distances around drinking water abstraction points; previously the set-back distance was based solely on the volume of water being abstracted and it took no account of other factors such as soil, subsoil and bedrock type;
a buffer zone for the application of chemical fertiliser within 2 metres of a watercourse (previously 1.5 metres);
new rules on baled silage;
increases in the maximum nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisation rates for cereal crops (including a measure to address the issue of low protein levels in malting barley);
a time-limited extension for transitional arrangements covering the use of pig and poultry manure and spent mushroom compost; revision of certain dates where the establishment of green cover is required.
I am confident that the overall package of measures, including the renewal of the Nitrates derogation, will assist Ireland's agri-food sector meet its targets under the Food Harvest 2020 strategy on the basis of sustainable farming practices in these economically challenging times.
Farm Inspections
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:25 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of inspections carried out to date in 2010 in both REP schemes and single farm payment on a monthly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45183/10]
In 2010, 1,535 REPS 4 applicants were selected for inspection, while 1,483 REPS 3 applicants were selected for inspection. These inspections have been taking place since June at the rate of over 400 per month in order to ensure that all inspections are carried out before the year end. Inspections are required to take place throughout the year as some measures, such as requirements associated with the housing of livestock (a defined period during the winter months) are time specific. Inspections must be completed within the calendar year.
The attached table gives the number of Inspections covering eligibility and cross-compliance issues carried out per Month to date in 2010 by my Department. These inspection covered the Single Payment Scheme, the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPs), the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme, the Grassland Sheep Scheme, and compliance with the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations (GAP) concerning water quality, 1500 of which were carried out on behalf of Local Authorities.
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
June |
July |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Totals |
|
|
Total Farm Visits |
1 |
223 |
470 |
620 |
1,023 |
803 |
1,229 |
866 |
894 |
446 |
376 |
6,951 |
A further 3,172 inspections were carried out by satellite without the need for an on-farm visit.
On-farm Investment Schemes
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:26 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason planning permission is required for fencing in Natura areas under the sheep fencing grant scheme when it is not a requirement under the prescribed actions set out by the national parks and wildlife service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45205/10]
The Sheep Fencing/Mobile Handling Equipment Scheme opened for applications on 1 November 2010. Under the terms of the Scheme, an application for grant-aid for the construction and erection of sheep fencing in certain areas, including a Natura 2000 habitat, must be accompanied by planning permission. The advice which I have received on this matter is that, under the Planning and Development Act 2000, all development including the construction and erection of fencing requires planning permission unless it is specifically listed as exempt and that construction of fencing in a Natura area is not exempt development.
Common Fisheries Policy
Martin Ferris
Ceist:27 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will be seeking an increase in quota allocation for Irish fishermen as part of changes to the Common Fisheries Policy. [45211/10]
The current review of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) was initiated by the European Commission when it issued a Green Paper in April 2009 and sought responses to the proposals it contained. The CFP, which was first put in place in 1983, has been subject to reviews every 10 years. The most recent review was in 2002.
Minister Killeen, who had responsibility for the Fisheries portfolio when the Green Paper was published, appointed Dr. Noel Cawley to chair a nationwide public consultation process. The result of these extensive consultations contributed in no small way to Ireland's Response to the Green Paper which issued on the 23rd of February. The report in its entirety, and all formal submissions received during the public consultation process, are available on www.fishingnet.ie.
Ireland's response on the CFP reform sets down a number of informed recommendations which we believe must be incorporated into the new Common Fisheries Policy. They take a pragmatic approach, promoting measures that collectively take account of economic, social, environmental and sustainability factors important to the Irish seafood sector. The changes we consider necessary include:
New focus on addressing discarding of fish at sea with a complete ban being introduced for stocks in a depleted state;
The retention of a management system based on national quotas supported by increased flexibility and a rejection of the mandatory privatisation of fish quotas or the introduction of international trading of fish quotas;
Access to coastal waters to be re-examined with a view to an extension of the coastal limit to 20 miles with new management arrangements in place to strengthen coastal communities dependant on inshore coastal fisheries;
New measures to strengthen the market for EU producers and increase quay side prices;
Reinvigoration of European aquaculture with continued structural support and a roadmap that establishes a route for growth in harmony with Community environmental law;
New regional structure to decision-making at EU level, with increasing industry responsibility and the development of a culture of compliance.
In relation to quota allocations, the position is that Ireland's shares of the main fish stocks were set in the early 1980s when fish stocks were being shared out between EU Member States. The share allocations were based on catch records and reflected the fishing levels of the Irish fleet and other Member states' fleets at that time. The percentage shares held by each Member State have generally remained the same for over 20 years under the principle of relative stability.
Ireland's response to the reform stated that Relative Stability (share out of stocks between EU Member States) and its attendant TACs and Quotas, whilst imperfect, must remain the primary community mechanism to manage fish stocks. At the same time, the response advocates that adjustments can be made to the present share out (relative stability) of a number of white fish and pelagic stocks so that the further allocation of Community resources is better adjusted to match today's needs and is seen to deliver increased shares of stocks adjacent to shores for coastal Member States through a range of mechanisms including the improved use of swaps.
Consultation at European level on the review is ongoing, with a variety of meetings being held, including a number of stakeholders' conferences. In May an informal meeting of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers to discuss the reform, both of which were held in Spain. The reform has also been discussed at the Fisheries Council in June. In addition, as soon as Minister Connick was appointed as Minister of State, he attended a bilateral meeting with the Maria Damanaki, the new EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs. This meeting was arranged at my request to discuss Ireland's Response to the Commission's Green Paper.
At this meeting and at the subsequent informal and formal Council meetings he advised that we have many areas where we have common ground with the EU Commission. However, he made it quite clear that Ireland does not support the Commission's ideas expressed in the Green Paper which would allow our national fish quotas to be privatised and traded away to large European fishing companies. He stressed that one of Ireland's main objectives in the Reform Process will be to protect the national fish quotas as a public resource to be used for the benefit of our family owned fleet and to support our coastal communities.
Under the planned EU timetable for the review, a legislative proposal to the Council and the European Parliament is expected to be adopted in 2011, with a view to its entering into force in 2012. Nationally, I intend to continue close collaboration with the Federation of Irish Fishermen and the other stakeholders to put Ireland's case forward during the review, to vigorously defend Ireland's maritime interests, and to convince our colleagues in other Member States and in the Commission to strengthen the current policy in line with Ireland's submission on the reform of the CFP.
Agri-Environment Options Scheme
Denis Naughten
Ceist:28 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to extend the agri-environment options scheme to new entrants in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45115/10]
Further participation in the new Agri-Environment Options Scheme will have to be determined within the limits of the level of funding which will be available to my Department. The Government's 4 year Plan which was published last week sets out the expenditure ceilings for my Department for the period 2011 to 2014. The Plan does not specify the programmes or schemes to which the funding will be allocated. However, it confirms that there will be a focus on streamlining a range of programmes and that options to be considered include the prioritisation of financial support to active farmers.
At this stage, no decisions have been taken about the levels of participation in various schemes during the period of the 4 year Plan or on the payment rates that will apply. The 2011 Budget will be announced by the Minister for Finance next week and, in that context, I will be giving careful consideration to the allocations of resources against the competing demands in 2011.
Food Harvest 2020
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:29 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made to date by the Food Harvest 2020 implementation group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45174/10]
Michael D'Arcy
Ceist:37 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made on the establishment of implementation groups under the Food Harvest 2020 strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45258/10]
David Stanton
Ceist:48 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the strategies he has in place to encourage the expansion of agriculture between now and 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45229/10]
Johnny Brady
Ceist:65 Deputy Johnny Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress that has been made in implementing the recommendations of Food Harvest 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45039/10]
Johnny Brady
Ceist:81 Deputy Johnny Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of meetings there have been of the Food Harvest 2020 high level implementation group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45040/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 37, 48, 65 and 81 together.
The Government‘s strategic policy document, Food Harvest 2020, outlines the vision for the expansion of the agri-food and fishing sector, the actions to be taken, and the targets to be achieved. Following its publication in July this year, my primary focus has been directed at ensuring a coherent and integrated approach to its implementation.
For this purpose, I have established, and am chairing, the High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC) bringing together the key actors in the state sector to ensure an integrated focused state implementation effort. The role of this central implementation group is to progress the development of the sector and to direct the activities of any ancillary group it may establish. Following its inaugural meeting on 16 September, a further meeting of the HLIC was held on 16 November, with its next meeting scheduled for 12 January.
The CEOs of the State Bodies and senior Department officials have been assigned responsibility for progressing the FH 2020 recommendations and have taken lead roles on the cross cutting issues requiring collaboration. All of these key players will be asked to report back regularly in 2011 to the HLIC on progress achieved.
To ensure that the opportunities that will arise in the dairy sector are fully exploited, the Dairy Expansion Activation Group has over the past few months been preparing a roadmap for the sector. This will highlight the key milestones from both the processing and production perspectives, identify any obstacles to implementation and necessary solutions. This roadmap will be formally presented to the HLIC shortly.
In recognition of the central role of research and innovation in Food Harvest 2020, I recently launched a research call of €10 million under the three public good research programmes operated by my Department. This call focused on the strategy's ‘Smart', ‘Green' ‘Growth' objectives and will build on existing research capability and support the development of collaborative research networks. A further initiative in this area, is the establishment of an Agri Research Expert Advisory Group which will facilitate greater input and resources from the agriculture industry into the design and structure of primary research. In addition, at the last meeting of the HLIC, the CEOs from a number of state bodies agreed to collaborate to provide the HLIC with a focused paper on developing and promoting innovation in the overall sector.
FH 2020 highlighted issues such as food industry competitiveness and the lack of profitability at producer level in certain sectors. A number of its recommendations focused on improving competitiveness and the need to promote effective business models. Success in these areas requires a sustained effort and focus by the key players involved and private efforts are being augmented by focused state initiatives. The implementation of FH2020 is supporting the targeted promotion of state competitiveness initiatives such as the Competitiveness Fund for the Food Industry, Lean Manufacturing Programme, Marketplace 2010, Food Innovation Vouchers and Marketing Fellows and Alumnus Programmes, etc.
To improve competitiveness at primary level, as provided for in FH 2020, Teagasc and my Department are working on farm level initiatives such as the increased use of farm partnerships, collaborative undertakings, technology uptake and the targeting of future schemes which have limited funding at those producers which have the best potential for growth. Furthermore, a small action focused inter-agency group will shortly be established to specifically implement the relevant beef farm level recommendations related to competitiveness, technology transfer and farm production systems.
A Horticulture Action Group has already been established to activate the relevant recommendations of Food Harvest 2020 and report back to the HLIC on progress in the new year. As part of their analytical work in developing the sustainability agenda for the Irish food sector, Bord Bia and Teagasc in conjunction with the Carbon Trust are undertaking an extensive pilot audit of 200 farms to demonstrate the sustainability of the beef sector. This initiative will provide consumer feedback on the values which could underpin a general approach differentiating our food and drink product. The HLIC has already endorsed these scoping actions and are being kept informed of developments on an ongoing basis.
These are examples of actions already undertaken and further progress on these and all recommendations will be monitored and activated at the next meeting of the HLIC on 12 January.
Food Industry
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:30 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the parameters within which he proposes to influence his EU colleagues towards ensuring the viability of the Irish and EU food industry for the future with particular reference to the need to utilise the suitable climate for food production and food creation given the needs of the national and European economy now and in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45222/10]
The agriculture and food production sector is Ireland's largest indigenous manufacturing industry and it has a vital part to play in our economic recovery, particularly in the context of our exports. The role of agriculture in Europe's economic recovery has also been recognised in the contribution it makes to all three priorities of the EU 2020 strategy of smart, green and inclusive growth.
I have raised the issue of the need to ensure global food security at every opportunity including at both EU and international level. The issues I have raised include the fact that the international community is committed to reducing by half the number of malnourished people in the world by 2015, but the latest estimates from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations show that the number of hungry people currently stands at 925 million. I support the actions that must be taken to reduce and eradicate hunger and believe that we must intensify our efforts in this regard. United Nations projections suggest that the world population will rise from the current 6.8 billion to 9.2 billion by 2050, with an associated 70% increase in demand for food. At the same time, more than ever, food production is facing competition for land and water resources from a variety of sources including the impacts of climate change, which pose further risks to food output.
Earlier this year, I launched the Food Harvest 2020 report — a vision for Irish agri-food and fisheries. This sets out the strategic vision for the sector, the actions to be taken, and the targets which the agri-food and fishing sector should achieve to assist the national export led recovery. Food Harvest 2020 is the Government's comprehensive roadmap for the sector. It was developed by an industry-led committee and its content reflects their wide ranging expertise underpinned by comprehensive analysis from my Department, relevant State Bodies, the input of the Harvard Business School and senior farming and food industry figures.
The key focus of Food Harvest 2020 is to show how the industry can capitalise on the expanding market opportunities. These opportunities arise from the actual and projected increase in food demand due to rising world population and increasing wealth. Growth in demand for dairy produce is likely to be particularly strong and our supply chain response will be assisted by the ending of EU milk quotas in 2015. These combined supply and demand elements will allow us capitalise on the significant cost advantage we have in our environmentally sustainable grass-based production system.
The future CAP will determine the policy framework for the successful delivery of our Food Harvest 2020 strategy and it will be of vital importance to ensure that it underpins that strategy. We must maintain a strong agricultural production base in the European Union in the future to take account of the challenges ahead in meeting increased demands for food. 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. We must also undertake food production and distribution in a manner that is sustainable in all its dimensions — economically, socially and environmentally. My priority and that of this Government is to ensure that the proposed reform of the EU Common Agricultural Policy results in a strong and properly resourced policy in the years ahead which will continue to nurture the strong economic growth in our agriculture and food production sector.
Milk Quota
John Cregan
Ceist:31 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the basis on which the recently announced new milk quota trading scheme will operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45061/10]
In mid-October I announced the ninth Milk Quota Trading Scheme, which is the first of two Trading Schemes to allocate quota in respect of the 2011/2012 milk quota year. The closing date for receipt of applications was Friday 5 November 2010
The structure of the Scheme is largely unchanged from previous years. It is again being run in respect of each Co-op area, and is comprised of a priority pool and a market exchange. Sellers continue to contribute 30 per cent of the total quota offered for sale to the priority pool. The method for calculating the market clearing price, including the 40 per cent price corridor, remains unchanged. The 3:2 ratio governing the distribution of priority pool quota between young farmers and category 1 producers (those with quotas of less than 350,000 litres) remains, as does the option for sellers in certain Co-op areas to sell at one or two cent per litre less than their original offer price.
I have, however, reduced the maximum price at which quota is traded in the priority pool, from 6 cent/litre to 5 cent/litre. If the exchange price for a given Co-op area drops below 5 cent/litre, the priority pool price will be the same as the exchange price.
In addition, I have introduced a national component in each phase of the scheme that will allow sellers who have been successful in selling some, but not all, of their quota on the market exchange to dispose of their remaining quota, through a national pool, to purchasers in other Co-op areas who have been unable to have their full requests satisfied. Where necessary, this redistribution will be carried out by the Department immediately after each of the two stages in order to ensure that sellers are not forced to retain some of the quota offered for sale because of insufficient demand in their areas. Such a re-distribution will not involve a separate application process.
I expect to be in a position to announce the results of the first exchange before Christmas. A second exchange will be announced in early January 2011. Full details of the Scheme are available from Co-ops or on the Department's website:
www.agriculture.gov.ie/dairyingfarming/milkquotas.
Common Agricultural Policy
Niall Collins
Ceist:32 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his priorities on the forthcoming negotiations on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45052/10]
Niall Collins
Ceist:59 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the recently announced Commission Communication on the Common Agricultural Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45051/10]
Joe Costello
Ceist:74 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the Common Agricultural Policy reform proposals for a major change to the historic model of payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45176/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 59 and 74 together.
At the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday, Ministers had their first opportunity to exchange views on the recently published Commission Communication on the Future of the CAP after 2013. I welcome the three main objectives identified in the Commission Communication — viable food production, sustainable management of natural resources and balanced rural development. I am in favour of the continuation of decoupled direct payments, the retention and enhancement of market management mechanisms and the development of the current rural development measures along with an increased focus on active farmers.
One of my priorities in these negotiations will be to preserve the Irish national envelope. My primary aim is to secure a direct payments system that provides our fair share of funding and that supports the viability of Irish farming. In that connection, the communication makes brief reference to the distribution of funds between member states under pillar 1 and pillar 2.
In relation to the proposed redesign of the direct payments model, at Monday's Council I expressed my support for considerable flexibility in the area of the distribution of CAP funds between farmers within each Member State, as is currently the case. We should not impose a ‘one size fits all' payment model on all Member States . The agro-ecological and social conditions of farming vary hugely within the Union. I welcome the commitment in the Commission Communication to “simplification”, but this issue must be borne in mind when discussing any further ‘greening’ of the single payment. We should not underplay or undervalue the substantial environmental public good already being delivered through cross-compliance requirements.
Now, more than ever, we need to focus on ensuring security of supply of safe, high quality and sustainably produced food, for which we will require a strong and adequately resourced CAP. To be meaningful, this will require adequate resources and this must be reflected in the new EU financial framework. I view this communication as a first step in what will be a lengthy process of negotiations. Over the coming months, we will discuss the communication in greater detail with a view to agreeing conclusions on the general orientation of policy for the CAP after 2013, before the legislative proposals, due next July, are framed. I will continue to meet with my Ministerial colleagues in other EU Member States in to secure support for the Irish position.
Veterinary Services
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:33 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures he is taking to reduce the cost of veterinary medicines which are considerably more expensive here than in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45189/10]
My Department does not have any statutory function in relation to the pricing of veterinary medicines. However, my Department does have statutory responsibility for the regulation of veterinary medicines from the point of view of public health and animal health and welfare. In exercising these functions, my Department is conscious of the need to minimise costs for farmers and pet animal owners and has, within the limits afforded by EU legislation, adopted a number of measures over the years with a view to stimulating competition in the supply of medicines.
Measures adopted by my Department aimed at empowering farmers and other animal owners to get the best value when purchasing medicine supplies include:
A requirement for all outlets to display price lists and, in the case of vets, to show on invoices the cost of the medicine separate from the cost of the professional service;
A requirement on vets to issue written prescriptions, enabling farmers to shop around and purchase from the best value outlet;
An extension of the range of outlets from which many prescription only medicines can be purchased to include Licensed Merchants, in addition to pharmacies and veterinary practices;
An extension of the maximum validity of a prescription to 12 months, thereby enabling farmers stagger their purchases to meet their immediate and seasonal needs.
In addition to the foregoing, the policy my Department is a to retain a viable ‘off-prescription' category for medicines which, on scientific evaluation, do not need to be prescribed by a veterinary practitioner. I might add that, during the last review of the EU medicines regime, Ireland strongly opposed Commission proposals to reserve all veterinary medicines to the "prescription-only" category. We were largely successful in this regard, with the result that farmers can continue to purchase major categories of medicines, such as wormers and vaccines, from a wide range of authorised outlets, without incurring the cost of a veterinary call-out fee.
I believe these measures provide clear evidence of my Department's commitment to playing its part in minimising costs. I would encourage farmers to take maximum advantage of these measures and I would ask manufacturers and distributors of veterinary medicines to play their parts in driving down costs by offering best value consistent with a reasonable commercial return.
Food Labelling
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:34 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the degree to which he proposes to improve labelling and traceability with a view to safeguarding the integrity of the systems and the food and food products for which labelling was introduced. [45221/10]
The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for the enforcement of this legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (F.S.A.I.). This is done this is done through service contracts with other relevant agencies including the Health Service Executive, the Local Authority Veterinary Service and my Department. Draft EU Regulations amending labelling requirements are being considered at Council Working Party level in Brussels. Ireland is represented at in these negotiations by the Department of Health and Children.
Alternative Farm Enterprises
Michael Noonan
Ceist:35 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the plans in place to deliver a strategy developing an agri-renewable industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45305/10]
The recently published Food Harvest 2020 strategy includes recommendations for the further development of renewable energy initiatives in the Agriculture Sector to build on the well established Bioenergy Scheme initiative in place since 2007.
The pilot Bioenergy Scheme ran from 2007-2009 and has been succeeded by the Bioenergy Scheme 2010-2012 which was launched in February 2010. The purpose of the Scheme is to encourage farmers to grow the energy crops willow and miscanthus. From 2007 to 2010 the Bioenergy Schemes have supported the planting of up to 3,000 hectares of bioenergy crops. The Bioenergy Scheme 2010-2012 is provided for in the Rural Development Programme and is co-funded by my Department and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The Scheme provides a once-off capital grant of up to a maximum of €1,300 per hectare to aid 50% of crop establishment costs.
The Bioenergy Scheme for 2011 was launched on 16th November 2010, with a closing date of 19th January 2011. Based on contacts with the key players in the industry the indications are that there will be considerable interest in the 2011 scheme. The early launch date will be welcomed by the industry, as will the closing date of 19th January. There is sufficient funding currently available to support the planting of up to 1,800 hectares in 2011.
Food Harvest 2020 sets out recommendations for the further development of renewable energy initiatives in the Agriculture Sector, including:
Developing pilot projects and a pilot forum on renewable energy, including a regional anaerobic digester for farm and industry waste;
Addressing the barriers that exist to connections to the electricity grid for bioenergy products;
Farm-level developments such as installation of renewable energy generators (wind/solar).
My Department is working with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and other relevant interested parties to develop these initiatives.
Fisheries Protection
Christy O'Sullivan
Ceist:36 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views regarding the transfer of Ireland’s fish quotas to Norway to pay for cod and other stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45058/10]
At Monday's Fisheries Council in Brussels, I set down clearly Ireland's position in relation to the ongoing negotiations between the EU and Norway on a bilateral fisheries agreement for 2011. I have consistently advised the Commission and Member States of Ireland's concerns including at the October Fisheries Council meeting, held on 26 October 2010 in Luxembourg. I also wrote to Commissioner Damanaki on 19 November setting out our position.
The negotiations on a fisheries bilateral agreement are held annually, and Norway and the Community routinely swap fishing opportunities in each others waters as part of the agreement each year. As Ireland receives very limited fishing opportunities from the fish stocks received from Norway, our main interest relates to eliminating or, as a minimum, reducing to the lowest possible level the transfers to Norway from stocks in Western Waters which we fish. In the past a significant share of the blue whiting stock in Western Waters, in which Ireland has a share, has formed part of the transfers to Norway. Ireland has consistently opposed what has to date been an unfair and inequitable process which results in a Member State, like Ireland which does not benefit, paying for the fishing opportunities of other Member States.
At both Councils, Minister Connick reminded the Commissioner and his fellow Ministers of the Commissions statement from last Decembers Fisheries Council which provides that "Bearing in mind that Member States benefit to a different degree from the exchange of fishing opportunities with Norway, the Commission shall endeavour to ensure that the costs and benefits for individual Member States of the annual arrangements with Norway should be as balanced as possible.” Minister Connick strongly defended Ireland’s position, opposing the transfer of these fish quotas to Norway to pay for cod and other stocks which do not benefit Ireland. In particular the Minister made it abundantly clear that Ireland will totally oppose any moves to include stocks that the Irish fleet fishes in the waters off the west coast, such as horse mackerel and mackerel, in the balance.
It is very clear that there will be a major problem balancing the quota exchanges in any EU-Norway agreement this year especially as the TAC for blue whiting which was used to partly meet the balance in the transfers has been cut by some 90%. Ireland has called on the Commission to bring forward a new framework whereby Member States that want to avail of the Cod being offered by Norway can contribute to a communal EU pool of quotas to be exchanged with Norway. In this way those Member States that want the Cod can avail of it, but not to the detriment of Member States who do not benefit.
The second round of discussions on the bilateral agreement are taking place in Bergen, Norway this week. I am working closely with the Irish industry representatives and am consulting on the progress being made and their implications for the Irish fishing industry. Ireland's position is well understood and I wrote to Commissioner Damanaki last month to re-enforce the importance of this issue for us. I am carefully monitoring the negotiations and will continue to work to deliver an agreement that takes account of Ireland's situation.
Question No. 37 answered with Question No. 29.
On-farm Investment Schemes
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:38 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the dairy hygiene scheme will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45204/10]
EU Commission approval for the introduction of five targeted modernisation schemes focused on supporting productive investment in the agricultural sector was received earlier this year. Due to the relatively short time-frames for completion of the investment works concerned, priority was given to the introduction of the Sow Welfare and Poultry Welfare Schemes which were launched on 16 June last. The Sheep Fencing/Handling Scheme opened for applications on 1 November. The remaining on-farm investment schemes provided for in Ireland's Rural Development Programme are the Dairy Equipment and Water Harvesting Schemes. However, no dates have yet been fixed for their introduction.
Agri-Environment Options Scheme
Joe Costello
Ceist:39 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason agriculture environment options scheme farmers with Natura land have a different start-up date from those without Natura land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45195/10]
The EU rules governing the AEOS and Natura Schemes require that comprehensive administrative and validation checks must be carried out on all applications before letters of approval may issue. Natura and Commonage applications, which included a Sustainable Management Plan, required additional checks to be carried out in order to satisfy eligibility and audit requirements. These additional checks have now been completed and all Natura/Commonage farmers who submitted a valid application have received, or will receive in the next few days, approval letters with a start date of 1st November, 2010.
On-farm Investment Schemes
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:40 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the level of overall funding that will be provided for the various targeted agricultural modernisation schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45053/10]
In accordance with Ireland's Rural Development Programme, a sum of €90 million has been made available for the five targeted on-farm investment schemes listed below:
Sow Welfare Scheme;
Poultry Welfare Scheme;
Sheep Fencing and Mobile Handling Equipment Scheme;
Dairy Equipment Scheme;
Water Harvesting Scheme.
The first three Schemes referred to above have already been introduced by my Department. In addition, the Rural Development Programme also makes provision for indicative funding of €20 million from 2010-2015 for investment in bio-energy crops within the agricultural modernization chapter. In this regard, the Bioenergy Scheme 2010-2012 was launched earlier this year to provide support to farmers in establishing willow and miscanthus crops.
Poultry Industry
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:41 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiatives or supports in place to assist Irish poultry farmers wishing to expand or move to poultry egg breeding activities in view of the fact that during 2009 approximately 6 million eggs were imported for the purpose of hatching and over 6 million have already been imported to date in 2010 and the opportunity this presents for home-grown enterprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45193/10]
Jack Wall
Ceist:62 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the grant aid available to a person who wishes to establish as a poultry egg breeder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45192/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 62 together.
According to records held in my Department, some 79 poultry flocks are involved in the production of hatching eggs, with a further 33 involved in rearing these birds to laying age. The EU's State Aid rules constrain the financial assistance that can be provided by Member States to food business operators, including poultry producers. Usually, such assistance is linked to avian health or welfare considerations.
For example, Council Directive 99/74/EC prohibits the use of conventional cages within the EU, and comes into effect from 1 January 2012. Production thereafter will only be allowed in ‘enriched cages' or non-cage systems, i.e. either free-range or barn systems, including organic systems. The Directive lays down specific requirements that must be delivered by enriched cages, including provisions regarding space, nesting, perches, litter, feed trough and aisle width.
Mindful of the additional costs this will place on producers, earlier this year I introduced the Poultry Welfare Scheme which will assist producers meet the new animal welfare standards for poultry production. Under the scheme, €16 million is being made available for conversion to enriched cages, free-range or barn systems. The scheme will provide for grant-aid at a standard rate of 40 per cent for investments in new laying hen structures, conversions and upgrades.
It is important that the industry post January 2012 is fully compliant with the new standards and is in a position to compete, both domestically and with imports. The provision of aid reflects the importance placed on the maintenance of the highest standards of animal welfare in the laying hen sector and this will serve as a valuable selling point for Irish producers. It will help to preserve and protect the excellent reputation of the Irish laying hen producer sector in the future.
I understand a number of applications for grant aid under the scheme have been received and are currently being processed in the Department's On Farm Investment Division in Johnstown Castle, Wexford. The closing date for applications is 30 June 2011 with all work to be completed by 31 December 2011.
On-farm Investment Schemes
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:42 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to exclude existing dairy farmers from the new dairy investment scheme by the imposition of selection criteria that will favour new entrants over existing suppliers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45187/10]
It is my intention to ensure that capital investment schemes under the Rural Development Programme are targeted through the use of selection criteria, in order to ensure the best possible value for public money. This approach is consistent with recommendations both by the European Commission and the Comptroller and Auditor General. Selection criteria to be applied under the proposed dairy investment scheme have not yet been finalised.
EU Directives
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:43 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to make changes to calendar farming in view of the fact that unpredictable weather patterns over the past few years have had an adverse affect on farming methods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45190/10]
The Nitrates Directive requires Ireland to define periods when the land application of fertiliser is prohibited. This issue was raised in submissions received during the public consultation process that formed part of the review of the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations, commonly known as the ‘Nitrates Regulations'. An Expert Advisory Group was established to consider the submissions. In the light of the Expert Review Group Report and subsequent discussions with the European Commission, the current regime of closed periods for land-spreading is not being changed. The Nitrates Regulations are scheduled for review again in 2013.
Bovine Diseases
Margaret Conlon
Ceist:44 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the value of the recently announced changes in brucellosis testing to Irish farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45047/10]
Margaret Conlon
Ceist:67 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to introduce further changes in brucellosis testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45048/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 67 together.
As the Deputy is aware, I announced on 10 November 2010 that 50% of suckler and dry stock herds will be exempted from Brucellosis testing at their annual herd surveillance test for 2011. In addition, the changes which I announced in September 2009 will remain in place. These changes were as follows:
the age threshold for the annual round test was increased from 12 to 24 months
50% of the dairy herd were excluded from the Annual Round test (the other 50% are to be tested this year)
the pre-movement test period was increased from 30 to 60 days
the age threshold for the pre-movement test was increased for female animals from 12 to 18 months and, in view of the lower risk attached to their movement, to 24 months for bulls.
The decision to exempt 50% of suckler and dry stock herds from Brucellosis testing will remove some 800,000 animals from the testing regime in 2011 and should result in savings of an estimated €2.5m to Irish farmers in 2011. This change, together with the changes which I announced in September 2009, will exempt over 2.1 million animals from the Brucellosis testing programme in 2011, and will save Irish farmers approximately €7.5m in terms of reduced testing costs next year. I am pleased to be in a position to reduce costs on the dairy and beef sectors at this time, while at the same time mitigating the overall level of risk of disease spread.
I should also emphasise that the effective eradication of Brucellosis in Ireland, which has now been achieved, will have a very beneficial impact on the farming community in the years to come, particularly in relation to trade. I wish to thank all the stakeholders and officials of my Department for the part they played over the years in the eradication programme.
The changes which I have announced to the Brucellosis testing regime have been made in the context of the gradual risk based scaling down of the testing programme, which has been made possible only because of the substantial reduction in the incidence of the disease over the past number of years, leading to a decision by the European Community last year to grant officially brucellosis-free status to Ireland. No decision will be taken on any further changes until next Autumn. Any decision will be risk based and will take account of the continuing existence of disease in Northern Ireland, on the one hand, and the desirability of removing costs both for farmers and the Department, on the other.
Direct Payment Schemes
Willie Penrose
Ceist:45 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of penalties imposed under the REP scheme and single farm payment schemes to date in 2010; the specific reasons for the penalties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45184/10]
To date in 2010 a total of 3,145 penalties have been imposed on REPS participants under the REPS Scheme. These penalties were in respect of various breaches of the Scheme Terms and Conditions, including such things as non-compliance with commitments as outlined in the REPS Plan, over-declaration of areas claimed for payment and late submission of payment application.
To date in 2010, 843 applicants under the Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas/Grassland Sheep Scheme/Rural Environment Protection Schemes suffered reductions in payments under one or more of the above schemes because of an over-declaration in the area applied on. To date, 1044 penalties have also been imposed under the Cross Compliance Regime. These penalties mostly related to non-compliance with Animal Identification and Registration Regulations and non-compliance with the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations (Nitrates).
National Recovery Plan
Bernard Allen
Ceist:46 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide details on the streamlining or consolidation measures that will be introduced to deliver the €120 million additional targeted savings outlined in the Government’s four year plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45231/10]
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:55 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the proposed savings under the national recovery plan as they relate to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45208/10]
Denis Naughten
Ceist:60 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he will take to protect payments to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45116/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 55 and 60 together.
The National Recovery Plan agreed by the Government sets out a blueprint for a return to sustainable growth in our economy setting out in detail the measures that will be taken to put the public finances of the country in order. In particular, it identifies the areas of economic activity which will provide growth and employment and specifies the reforms the Government will implement to accelerate growth in those key sectors.
The Plan recognises that future policy must be focussed on areas where competitive advantage can be achieved and it acknowledges the contribution that Irish agriculture and the Irish agri-food industry makes and will continue to make to help boost competitiveness and increase employment the Irish economy. While everyone must make a fair contribution to the resolution of our economic difficulties, the measures contained in the Plan are proportionate.
In relation to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the National Recovery Plan identifies the level of Departmental savings that have to be achieved over the period 2011-2014. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will be required to achieve savings of €75 million in 2011 and a further €120 million over the following three years. Based on the level of savings that have been identified for 2011, decisions on expenditure across all subheads will be finalised between now and 7th December, when the Department's Estimate for 2011 will be published.
While the overall level of savings to be achieved in the following years has been identified, specific decisions in relation to individual programme expenditures in those years have not been taken. Such decisions will be taken as part of the annual estimate process in each of the years 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Grant Payments
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:47 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of single farm payment applications for 2010 still awaiting approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45179/10]
I can confirm that the balancing payments under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme have begun issuing today, in line with the very ambitious payments targets I set for my Department in early October and especially given the huge task that has been ongoing throughout the year, designed to get our mapping system fully accurate and up to date. I am confident that, by year-end, payments to farmers will have exceeded €1.3 billion under the Single Payment and the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. Payments will continue to be made to processed cases as they are cleared. By any measure, achieving such payment levels, while simultaneously undertaking the extremely onerous task of tackling the mapping database, is a tremendous achievement.
At the moment, there are some 6,000 cases awaiting payment. This means that my Department has made payments to more than 95% of all applicants. It should be borne in mind that the balancing payments only commenced today, which is the first day that payments can commence under the Single Payment Scheme, unless like in Ireland's case, EU approval is granted to make an advance payment. There is a further payment run today and frequent payment runs until all payments are issued. The vast majority of the non-paid cases are fully processed and cannot be paid as they are in error. In some cases, my Department is waiting a response to letters issued in September.
The momentum in digitising outstanding cases will be maintained, with the very firm intention of all remaining payments issuing at the earliest possible stage, with every effort continuing to be made to have all remaining payments issue as soon as possible.
Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 29.
World Trade Negotiations
Catherine Byrne
Ceist:49 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide details of his most recent discussions at EU level with regard to future trade negotiations and in particular with regard to the prospect of a Mercosur deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45244/10]
There are a number of trade negotiations taking place at present. In relation to the World Trade Organisation talks, these are ongoing but there have been no significant breakthroughs since their near collapse in 2008. Prospects for a breakthrough or an agreement being reached in 2011 continue to remain uncertain. I am, however, determined to ensure that any agreement reached is balanced in all its dimensions and does not place a disproportionate burden on EU or Irish agriculture. The EU is also negotiating a number of bilateral trade agreements, with amongst others, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Ukraine and Canada, countries where Ireland has some offensive trade interests
In relation to the EU Mercosur negotiations, which are continuing at present, no offers have yet been made. Ireland has been to the forefront in urging caution regarding the resumption of the EU Mercosur talks, in particular in relation to the possible impact on individual agriculture sectors and notably the Irish beef sector. As recently as last Monday's EU Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting in Brussels, I conveyed our Government's serious reservations about the impact of these negotiations. I had already requested impact assessments of the implications of these negotiations on individual agriculture sectors. In the Agriculture Council, I called for full transparency in the negotiations and requested that the Commission ensure, in particular, that Council is presented with these impact assessments and that they are fully discussed in advance of any offers to be made by the EU.
Earlier this year, Ireland also helped to draft a joint paper for submission to the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers, which was co-signed by France, Austria, Finland, Greece, Hungary and Poland. This paper highlighted our concerns on the resumption of the talks including the possible concessions on agriculture that would be required to achieve an agreement and sought clarification and assurances in relation to any future talks. The concerns expressed in that joint paper were also echoed by many other member states in the May Council. At that Agriculture Council, I also highlighted the serious losses for European agriculture and the greater market access concessions that could result from an EU/Mercosur Free Trade Agreement.
I have also met separately with both Commissioners Ciolos and de Gucht to convey our concerns about the implications of these negotiations on the beef sector and have written to both Commissioners highlighting the importance of agriculture as the largest indigenous manufacturing industry in the context of Ireland's economic recovery and outlining the impact such an agreement would have on the beef sector, in particular the high quality beef cuts market in the EU. In these communications, I have sought recognition of the differentiated nature of the beef market in the EU to avoid the possibility of particular subsections of the EU beef market being targeted, in particular the higher value cuts market. Commissioner Ciolos has acknowledged that key sectors and regions of EU agriculture had major concerns about the potential economic impact of these discussions, and that a number of member states, including Ireland, had a high level of specialisation in beef production. I and my officials are very active and vigilant in these negotiations.
While the EU Mercosur talks have been re-launched, it is in effect a reopening of talks that were originally opened a number of years ago but which were effectively suspended in 2004 after 16 rounds of negotiations, arising from major differences between the two sides in terms of expectations across a range of headings including industrial goods, agriculture, services and intellectual property. Doubts still remain among many Member States about the possibility of an agreed outcome in these talks.
Farm Inspections
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:50 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures he will take to reduce the cost of farm inspections from the €1,800 per inspection in the Comptroller and Auditor General’s report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45188/10]
The C&AG Report on the cost of farm inspections estimated that the total cost of the farm inspection service in 2009 was €15.8m including direct salary, overheads, imputed pension costs, and travel and subsistence. This covered the cost of all 152 staff in the Integrated Control Division (ICD) and works out at a cost of €1,800 per inspection.
It should be noted that:
The €15.8m figure covers all staff including supervisory and back-up administrative staff and not just the 90 Technical Agricultural Officers who carried out the actual inspections.
These figures are based on full salary recovery for all 152 staff including 40% for overheads and a 13% imputed pension cost.
The inspection staff involved carried out over 3,000 additional commonage and remote sensing inspections in 2009. The C&AG report just concentrates on the 8,650 cross-compliance and eligibility checks to the exclusion of these others.
The report imputes no value to the additional work carried out by the 152 staff in ICD in the areas of other ‘on the spot' inspections, liaison with the Commission/auditors and industry, risk analysis, improved processing and mapping, resolving farmers' queries, etc. The staff's output is simply determined by 8,650 inspections.
Even if the C&AG's gross figure of €15.8m is accepted, it pales into relative insignificance in terms of the intrinsic value of these inspections (from a legal and practical point of view) in protecting the €1,800m in direct payments paid to farmers each year. This is an administrative cost of 0.9% to underpin the income platform that determines farmers' livelihoods. These inspections underpin the direct payments system.
My Department has always accepted the need to avoid duplication of inspections and to maximise efficiencies and has acted accordingly. To this end, my Department has accepted the C&AG's recommendation that "in order to arrive at more refined costing based on the size and intensity of each inspection, relevant data would need to be collected and norms established." This would allow the cost per inspection to be determined based on the actual time spent by inspectors on the farm and in producing the inspection report and will give a more targeted and accurate costing using the C&AG's pricing methodology.
In 2010 while 10,176 individual farms were selected for inspection some 4,737 farms had their compliance under the various schemes and requirements including Single Payment Scheme, Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, area eligibility for REPs, Grassland Sheep Scheme, Suckler Cow, animal identification and registration and cross compliance including some 18 individual statutory management requirements, where applicable, checked in one visit. A further 3,172 farms were checked for area eligibility by remote sensing (satellite) thus removing the need for an on-farm visit. In addition a further 1,500 farms were checked for compliance with the GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) Regulations concerning water quality on behalf of Local Authorities.
EU Directives
Ceist:
51 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the date until which the recently agreed renewal derogation under the nitrates directive will run; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45055/10]
The new derogation will run to the end of December 2013, coinciding with the timeline for Ireland's second National Action Programme.
Harbours and Piers
Christy O'Sullivan
Ceist:52 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the funding that has been approved under the fishery harbour and coastal infrastructure development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45057/10]
The following is a summary of the funding approved for projects under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme in early 2010.
|
Location |
Project |
€ |
|
Fishery Harbour Centres |
Safety & Maintenance |
1,870,000 |
|
Fishery Harbour Centres |
Disability Access |
135,000 |
|
Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre |
Dinish Wharf Extension |
5,020,000 |
|
Effluent Treatment |
50,000 |
|
|
Syncrolift TBT clean-up |
400,000 |
|
|
RNLI Reclamation |
25,000 |
|
|
Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre |
Repairs East Pier |
26,000 |
|
Syncrolift TBT clean-up |
400,000 |
|
|
Auction Hall |
210,000 |
|
|
Howth Fishery Harbour Centre |
Syncrolift TBT clean-up |
400,000 |
|
Rossaveel Fishery Harbour Centre |
Ferry Pontoons |
996,000 |
|
Pontoons defect period claims |
430,000 |
|
|
Auction Hall |
30,800 |
|
|
Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre |
Syncrolift TBT clean-up |
400,000 |
|
An Daingean Fishery Harbour Centre |
Preliminary works on Marina Piles |
35,000 |
|
Non Fishery Harbour Centre Projects |
Piers, Lights and Beacons |
20,000 |
|
Cape Clear Safety and Maintenance |
50,000 |
|
|
Cape Clear Bull Nose Design |
30,000 |
Following a mid-year review the following additional projects were approved:
|
Location |
Project |
€ |
|
Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre |
M’land Quay Electrical Upgrade |
50,000 |
|
Road Surfacing |
400,000 |
|
|
Clear Old Net Yard |
60,000 |
|
|
Dinish Landscaping and Security |
100,000 |
|
|
Rossaveel Fishery Harbour Centre |
Ferry Passenger Shelters |
35,000 |
|
Ferry Terminal Roundabout |
110,000 |
|
|
Small Craft Harbour |
254,000 |
|
|
Surfacing/barriers to Car Park |
200,000 |
|
|
Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre |
Additional Safety and Maintenance work |
10,000 |
|
Crash barriers around cargo sheds |
10,000 |
|
|
Site Levelling Works |
160,000 |
|
|
An Daingean Fishery Harbour Centre |
Safety & Maintenance additional works |
35,000 |
|
Marina Piles Remedial Works |
520,000 |
|
|
Disability access lift to harbour offices |
40,000 |
|
Location |
Project |
€ |
|
Fingal County Council |
Malahide — Repair to slipway |
55,875 |
|
Sligo County Council |
Mullaghmore Harbour — Dredging of harbour |
90,000 |
|
Cork County Council |
Ballycotton — Breakwater Emergency works |
225,000 |
|
Wexford County Council |
Fethard harbour 1 — Fishing harbour and slipway study |
18,750 |
|
Fethard Harbour 2 — Fishing harbour and slipway |
7,500 |
|
|
Kilmore Quay Harbour — Provide a new laydown area at the end of West Pier |
54,750 |
|
|
Courtown Harbour 1 — Health & Safety improvements |
18,750 |
|
|
Duncannon & Hook Peninsula Piers — New CCTV system & Harbour Repairs |
56,250 |
|
|
Cork County Council |
Castletownbere — Bank Harbour |
18,422 |
|
Bantry- Doneen Pier |
23,288 |
|
|
Schull — Lahertanavally Pier |
24,375 |
|
|
Schull — Ballycummisk Pier |
19,916 |
|
|
Castletownbere — Trafrask Pier |
18,422 |
|
|
Western Division — Safety Works |
46,369 |
|
|
Bantry Pier — Public Toilets |
30,000 |
EU Directives
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:53 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to establish a nitrates working group with Teagasc to identify solutions for the pig and poultry sectors once the present arrangement changes in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45207/10]
The agreement reached with the European Commission in September on Ireland's Second National Action programme under the Nitrates Directive means that there is no change in the requirement for the pig and poultry sectors until January 2013 and thereafter the changes are on a stepped basis up to 2017. During the consultation process that preceded the second National Action Programme, I had several meetings with representatives from the pig & poultry sectors and I am well aware of the difficulties they face in coming to terms with the changing phosphorous requirements. The time frame agreed recognises these difficulties and provides the industry, my Department and Teagasc with an opportunity to develop solutions over the coming years.
My Department has already invested over €1.7 million in research projects under Research Stimulus Fund looking to manure management and the potential for energy creation from pig and poultry manure. I would also draw attention to a number of other changes in the National Action Programme, such as the removal of the step back in nitrogen allowances for tillage crops receiving annual applications of animal manure, which are specifically designed to promote the increased use of animal manure from the Pig and Poultry sector in a sustainable, cost effective manner.
Afforestation Programme
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:54 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the level of forestry planting he anticipates taking place in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45060/10]
On the basis of current trends it is anticipated that payment will be made in 2010 for planting in the region of 7,500 to 8,000 hectares.
Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 46.
On-farm Investment Schemes
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:56 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the period over which payments will be made under the recently launched sheep fencing and mobile handling scheme; the other on-farm investment schemes he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45054/10]
The Sheep Fencing/Mobile Handling Equipment Scheme opened for applications on 1 November last. Under the terms of the Scheme, applications will be accepted from farmers up to 31 December 2013 and eligibility conditions and selection criteria will be applicable in order to determine those applications which will proceed to the approval stage. The Sow Welfare, Poultry Welfare and Bioenergy Schemes have also been introduced by my Department. The remaining on-farm investment schemes provided for in Ireland's Rural Development Programme are the Dairy Equipment and Water Harvesting Schemes. However, no dates have yet been fixed for their introduction.
Decentralisation Programme
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:57 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the decisions he will take in 2011 under the decentralisation programme in view of the current fiscal situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45177/10]
The Government decision on decentralisation included the relocation of some 600 posts of my Department to Portlaoise. Since the decentralisation programme began there has been an increase in Portlaoise of some 300 posts across a wide number of Divisions bringing the total there to almost 500 posts. Work to progress this programme further in 2011 will take account of the evolving operating environment and will have regard to the moratorium on staff numbers, the National Recovery Plan and any measures that may be contained in Budget 2011.
The Fisheries function was transferred to my Department in 2007 and the move of that function of my Department to Clonakilty, comprising some 85 posts, is now complete. As the Deputy will be aware the Government announced in 2008 the deferment of aspects of the decentralisation programme pending a review to be completed in 2011. The effect of this decision on my Department was to defer progress on decentralisation plans for Fermoy and Macroom until the findings of this review have been published.
Farm Improvement Scheme
Liz McManus
Ceist:58 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will allow the farmers locked out of the farm improvement scheme in October 2007 receive approval for applications made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45200/10]
Applications under the Farm Improvement Scheme have been processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016. As the funding made available for the Scheme has been exhausted, I have no plans to re-commence processing of those applications for which no funding has been provided.
Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 32.
Question No. 60 answered with Question No. 46.
Beef Industry
Mary Upton
Ceist:61 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers who have now completed training courses for the suckler welfare training scheme; the number of farmers still awaiting training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45191/10]
The Animal Welfare, Recording and Breeding Scheme for Suckler Herds, more commonly referred to as the Suckler Welfare Scheme, was introduced in 2008. This Scheme is fully funded by the Irish Exchequer. The primary aim of the Scheme is to improve the quality of the national beef herd. A two-pronged approach is being taken to achieve these aims — firstly through improving the welfare of the animals and secondly through the development of an extensive database which will identify the best beef breeding stock in the country.
Approximately 49,500 applicants under the Suckler Welfare Scheme attended the initial training courses, which were held in late 2008 and early 2009. Given the requirement to complete the training course, my Department recently compiled a list of the applicants who did not meet this requirement, and wrote to them outlining the need to carry out the training course and advising that courses were scheduled from 8 to 12 November 2010 in specified venues throughout the country.
In this regard, my Department wrote to 5,300 applicants regarding the need to undertake the training course and I am confident that the vast majority of these farmers, who are still participating in the Scheme, completed the course. The exact details of the farmers, who attended the course, are currently being finalised. There were some exceptions where farmers have withdrawn from the Scheme, were ill and could not attend, or had some other reason for non-attendance. These applicants were advised to write to my Department outlining the reasons for their non-attendance and these cases are currently under review.
Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 41.
Food Imports
Liz McManus
Ceist:63 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the controls on imported beef and lamb; the measures taken to ensure that it is correctly labelled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45181/10]
My Department in co-operation with Customs service monitors and operates animal and public health controls at EU approved Border Inspection Posts (BIP) on all direct imports into Ireland of products of animal origin coming from non-EU (or third) countries. Controls are also carried out on postal parcels and passenger baggage coming from third countries.
EU rules stipulate that food products of animal origin traded 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. To be eligible for import from third countries products must be sourced from countries the EU regards as operating controls on production and processing that give equivalent guarantees to those in the EU. They must be accompanied with the appropriate EU model health certification provided by the competent authorities of the country of origin.
Following prior notification to the BIP of import all consignments must be presented for veterinary examination which will include documentary, identity and physical checks in accordance with EU requirements. The EU Food & Veterinary Office (FVO) monitors and inspects each Member State's 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. Any imports failing to comply with these veterinary control checks may be detained for further examination. Where non-compliance is established they may be returned to the exporting country or destroyed at the importers cost.
The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for the enforcement of this legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (F.S.A.I.). This is done through service contracts with other relevant agencies including the Health Service Executive, the Local Authority Veterinary Service and my Department.
Aquaculture Licences
Mary Upton
Ceist:64 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of outstanding applications for aquaculture licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45210/10]
There are 513 aquaculture licence applications awaiting determination — this consists of 265 applications for first time licences and 248 renewal applications. The backlog in the processing of new and renewal licence applications largely arises because the majority of areas for which the licences are sought are designated Special Areas of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and/or Special Protection Areas under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 sites).
In the case of aquaculture sites located within Natura 2000 areas the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is engaged in a comprehensive programme to gather the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of these areas. This process is ongoing and significant progress has been made. This comprehensive data collection programme, together with the setting of appropriate conservation objectives by the NPWS, will enable all new, renewal and review applications to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.
This work represents a significant financial, administrative and scientific investment by the State in resolving this issue. The Appropriate Assessment of aquaculture applications will be dealt with on a bay-by-bay basis. My Department continues to make every effort to expedite the determination of all outstanding cases having regard to the complexities of each case and the need to comply fully with all national and EU legislation.
Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 29.
Agri-Environment Options Scheme
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:66 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm the date for agri-environment options scheme payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45182/10]
Further participation in the new Agri-Environment Options Scheme will have to be determined within the limits of the level of funding which will be available to my Department. The Government's 4 year Plan which was published last week sets out the expenditure ceilings for my Department for the period 2011 to 2014. The Plan does not specify the programmes or schemes to which the funding will be allocated. However, it confirms that there will be a focus on streamlining a range of programmes and that options to be considered include the prioritisation of financial support to active farmers.
At this stage, no decisions have been taken about the levels of participation in various schemes during the period of the 4 year Plan or on the payment rates that will apply. The 2011 Budget will be announced by the Minister for Finance next week and, in that context, I will be giving careful consideration to the allocations of resources against the competing demands in 2011.
Question No. 67 answered with Question No. 44.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:68 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he plans to open the agri-environment options scheme for those farmers leaving REPS 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45197/10]
Further participation in the new Agri-Environment Options Scheme will have to be determined within the limits of the level of funding which will be available to my Department. The Government's 4 year Plan which was published last week sets out the expenditure ceilings for my Department for the period 2011 to 2014. The Plan does not specify the programmes or schemes to which the funding will be allocated. However, it confirms that there will be a focus on streamlining a range of programmes and that options to be considered include the prioritisation of financial support to active farmers.
At this stage, no decisions have been taken about the levels of participation in various schemes during the period of the 4 year Plan or on the payment rates that will apply. The 2011 Budget will be announced by the Minister for Finance next week and, in that context, I will be giving careful consideration to the allocations of resources against the competing demands in 2011.
Alternative Farm Enterprises
Sean Fleming
Ceist:69 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the level of planting of willow and miscanthus he anticipates as a result of his recently announced 2011 bio-energy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45050/10]
Sean Fleming
Ceist:72 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the value of his 2011 bio-energy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45049/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 72 together.
In February 2010 approval was granted to launch the Bioenergy Scheme 2010-2012, to follow on from the pilot Bioenergy Scheme which ran from 2007-2009, encouraging farmers to grow the energy crops willow and miscanthus. From 2007 — 2010 the Bioenergy Schemes have supported the planting of up to 3,000 hectares of bioenergy crops. The 2010-2012 scheme is provided for in the Rural Development Programme and is co-funded by my Department and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
The scheme provides a once-off capital grant of up to a maximum of €1,300 per hectare to aid 50% of crop establishment costs. The Bioenergy Scheme for 2011 was launched on 16th November 2010, with a closing date of 19th January 2011. Based on contacts with the key players in the industry the indications are that there will be considerable interest in the 2011 scheme. There is sufficient funding currently available to support the planting of up to 1,800 hectares in 2011.
Grant Payments
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:70 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REPS 4 payments will issue for the 2010 contract year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45199/10]
The EU Regulations governing REPS 4 and other area-based schemes provide that payments issue in two instalments. The first instalment of 75% may be paid once all administrative checks on all applications, as well as cross-checks against areas declared on Single Payment Scheme applications, have been completed. This process is under way and my objective is to make all payments for 2010 as soon as possible. The balancing payment of 25% can issue once all on-the-spot inspections for the year have taken place and these will be completed shortly.
Agri-Environment Options Scheme
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:71 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of EU funds available to the agri-environment options scheme from the €250 million allocated to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45202/10]
The total amount of funding available from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) for the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) and Natura 2000 Scheme is €132,913,000. The EAFRD co-funding rate is 75% with the balancing 25% to be provided by the Exchequer. This Exchequer co-funded element will amount to €44,304,333. This brings the total co-funded amount to €177,217,333. The balancing non-co-funded element of the €250 million allocation, which amounts to €72,782,667, will also be provided by the Exchequer.
The position is summarised in the following table:
|
Source of AEOS/Natura Funding |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
EAFRD |
132,913,000 |
|
Exchequer (25% co-funding) |
44,304,333 |
|
Exchequer (Additional) |
72,782,667 |
|
Total |
250,000,000 |
Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 69.
Organic Farming
Máire Hoctor
Ceist:73 Deputy Máire Hoctor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the way the Food Harvest 2020 report can contribute to the growth of the Irish organic and horticulture sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45046/10]
The Food Harvest 2020 report makes a number of specific recommendations in relation to the organic and horticulture sectors. In addition, there are a large number of recommendations of a general nature which would also impact on the development of the sectors. It is my view that when these recommendations are implemented we should have an expansion of the sectors with improved sustainability and both sectors would become more competitive.
Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 32.
Dairy Sector
Noel Treacy
Ceist:75 Deputy Noel Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way he anticipates the 50% growth target for dairy production, set out in the Food Harvest 2020 report, will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45041/10]
Noel Treacy
Ceist:82 Deputy Noel Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the timetable he has given the dairy expansion activation group to report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45042/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 82 together.
The Food Harvest 2020 report makes a number of recommendations to realise the 50% increase in milk production, in areas such as milk processing, farm competitiveness, technology transfer, and R&D and marketing. The Dairy Expansion Activation Group (DEAG), the composition of which I announced last month, will play a key role in the implementation of these recommendations by identifying the most appropriate ‘next steps’. The DEAG has been very much action-focused in its work, and I expect that its road map, setting out the key actions to be taken in order to exploit the massive potential of the dairy sector, will be formally presented to the Food Harvest 2020 High Level Implementation Group, which I chair, very shortly.
David Stanton
Ceist:76 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his policy and strategy regarding the Food Harvest 2020 report on targets for milk production between now and 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45228/10]
The Deputy will be aware that the Food Harvest 2020 report makes a number of recommendations to realise a 50% increase in milk production, in areas such as milk processing, farm competitiveness, technology transfer, and R&D and marketing. The Dairy Expansion Activation Group (DEAG), the composition of which I announced last month, will play a key role in the implementation of these recommendations by identifying the most appropriate ‘next steps’. The DEAG has been very much action-focused in its work, and I expect that its road map, setting out the key actions to be taken in order to exploit the massive potential of the dairy sector, will be formally presented to the Food Harvest 2020 High Level Implementation Group, which I chair, very shortly.
Food Industry
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:77 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress that has been made in relation to brand Ireland’s proposal contained in the Food Harvest 2020 report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45043/10]
Food Harvest 2020 identified the importance of marketing Irish food and drink products and of creating very strong links for those who buy our products between food, high environmental standards and sustainable production. The idea of going further and creating an umbrella brand for Irish food and drink has potential. Creating a brand would involve detailed assessment and planning, considerable realignment of industry, producer and State resources and would have to have full regard to EU state aid rules which do not allow marketing of agricultural produce based on origin alone.
There are various approaches to building and sustaining a brand, each with different strengths and Bord Bia is examining in detail how some well developed brands work. What is emerging is that to be successful an umbrella brand must be both credible and distinctive and Bord Bia is developing possible models for testing in international markets to better understand what is of most significance to consumers and traders when purchasing food and drink products.
The sustainability of production will be a key theme in any brand and Bord Bia has undertaken an extensive pilot audit of 200 farms in conjunction with Teagasc and the Carbon Trust to demonstrate this in the beef sector. From January 2011 the environmental performance of all 32,000 farms participating in the Bord Bia Beef Quality Assurance Scheme will be tracked on an ongoing basis to demonstrate in an objective way the green credentials of Irish beef production. This will provide an objective assessment of their carbon footprint and enable beef farmers to demonstrate how they are improving their environmental credentials and increasing productivity. Ongoing communications with participating farms will be a core part of the programme. The initiative will provide both an important new marketing opportunity for beef and feedback on the values which could underpin a general approach to differentiating our food and drink products.
Food and tourism are two of our key industries and I am pleased that Bord Bia is also working with Fáilte Ireland and with food tourism stakeholders to inform and assist in their development of a Food in Tourism Strategy to promote Ireland as a source of locally sourced, natural and distinctive food and as an exceptional food experience to visitors.
Grant Payments
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:78 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total amount of interest due to farmers who had to wait for their full farm waste management grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45196/10]
The arrangements for payment of the remaining grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis were confirmed in early 2009 with 40 per cent being paid in that year as claims were approved. A further instalment of 40 per cent was paid early in 2010 and the final instalment of 20 per cent will be paid in early 2011. At that stage, total expenditure under the Scheme, since its introduction in 2001, will be of the order of €1.2 billion.
I also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount would be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants were partially deferred in the manner set out above. This payment will also be made in early 2011.
Forestry Sector
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:79 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the value of the financial approvals for the autumn forestry planting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45059/10]
Financial approval for the autumn planting season has been given for up to 1,500 hectares at an estimated cost of €5.6 million for the afforestation grant and first premium.
Installation Aid Scheme
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:80 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers who were locked out of installation aid in the October 2008 budget and his plans to resolve these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45201/10]
149 applications under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme have been received in my Department since the suspension of the Scheme on 14 October 2008. An allocation of €4.5 million has been provided in this year's Estimates to meet the financial commitment involved in processing applications under the Scheme and the preceding installation aid schemes. I have no plans at present to reopen the Scheme to new applicants.
Question No. 81 answered with Question No. 29.
Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 75.
Beef Industry
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:83 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the role played by him in the introduction of the beef price grid; if he was consulted on any aspect and if so which aspects and his response to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45185/10]
The quality payment system (QPS) was introduced in December 2009 following intensive negotiations between Meat Industry Ireland (MII) and the farmers' representatives (IFA) with the objective of rewarding farmers for producing superior carcases and enhancing the marketability of Irish beef. I had no involvement in those stakeholder discussions nor was I consulted on the elaboration of the QPS.
Nevertheless, I think that it is a desirable development for a number of reasons. The introduction of price differentials, to reward farmers for quality production, sends a strong signal to the supply chain on the need to produce to high standards in line with market requirements. It should also contribute to achieving an improvement in overall carcase specifications, providing more animals for the high-value EU markets that we are targeting as well as underpinning Bord Bia's marketing and promotion strategies in those markets. The onus is on the industry to ensure that the system operates in a fair and transparent manner so that it enjoys widespread acceptance among farmers who supply cattle to the meat plants.
Food Harvest 2020
Máire Hoctor
Ceist:84 Deputy Máire Hoctor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the horticulture action group to report back to the Food Harvest 2020 high level implementation group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45045/10]
It is anticipated that the Horticulture Action Group will report to the High Level Group by the end of January 2011. The role of the Group will be to oversee the implementation of the specific findings relating to the Horticulture section of the Food Harvest 2020 Report. As the Food Harvest 2020 Report itself recognises, it is also vital that the future potential of the Horticulture sector is considered in tandem with the other general farm and agriculture industry level recommendations.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:85 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the establishment of a beef implementation group, in the context of implementing the recommendations set out in the Food Harvest 2020 report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45044/10]
The Food Harvest 2020 report provides a road map for the long-term development of the Irish agri-food and fishery sectors, including the beef sector, and contains a series of recommendations to realise the vision set out in that document. I am chairing a group to direct the implementation of the Food Harvest report and am considering how the recommendations in relation to each sector, including the beef sector can be addressed effectively.
Departmental Charges
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:86 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to reduce the cost of the scrapie levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45209/10]
My Department does not levy any charges against processors in respect of scrapie testing and any charges that may be levied by processors for such testing is a commercial matter between the processor and the farmer for which I do not have any responsibility.
Animal Feedstuffs
Joan Burton
Ceist:87 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the proposals to allow up to 0.1% of unapproved genetically modified material in imports of animal feed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45194/10]
Given the importance to Ireland of uninterrupted trade in imports of soya and maize by- products for use as animal feed I indicated, in November 2009, to Commissioner Vassiliou of DG Sanco that Ireland would support the Commission in its efforts to bring forward a technical solution to the concerns being expressed by the trade that low traces of unauthorised GM events could adventitiously admix with imported consignments of soya and maize by products, resulting in impoundment of consignments.
I am pleased to see that the Commission has now come forward with proposals to address this situation by proposing to allow a tolerance of 0.1% in cases where traces of, as yet, unauthorised GM events are detected. This level is regarded as the lowest threshold where results are satisfactorily reproducible under appropriate sampling and analysis methods. The proposal applies to GM material for which a valid application has been submitted to the EU Commission and for which the authorisation procedure is pending. It will also apply to certain authorised GM events, which are no longer marketed and are now regarded as obsolete. My Department will positively contribute to the evolution of this proposal at Standing Committee and Council discussions.
Departmental Expenditure
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:88 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the amount spent on legal fees by him in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45631/10]
The amount paid by my Department in legal charges in the years 2008, 2009 and to end October 2010 is detailed in the following table:
|
Year |
Legal Fee Spend |
|
€ |
|
|
2008 |
159,676.59* |
|
2009 |
29,190.07 |
|
1st January to the 31st of October 2010 |
29,846.35 |
*159,376.59 relates to legal charges for the Commissions of Investigation into the Dublin, Monaghan and Dundalk Bombings and the case of Seamus Ludlow.
Training and Work Experience Programmes
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:89 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons who have taken part in the graduate work placement programme in 2009 and to date in 2010; if this information will be made available on a regional basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45352/10]
The Work Placement Programme commenced in June 2009. To date a total of 2,445 unemployed people have taken up placements under the Programme of which 1,202 were in the graduate stream and 1,243 were in the non-Graduate Scheme. In the period June 2009 to December 2009 a total of 205 unemployed people took up placements under the Programme of which 143 were in the graduate stream and 62 were in the non-Graduate Scheme.
In the period January 2010 to 29 November 2010 a total of 2,240 unemployed people have taken up placements under the Programme of which 1,059 were in the graduate stream and 1,181 were in the non-Graduate Scheme. The tables show the regional breakdown.
|
June 2009 to 29 November 2010 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FÁS Region |
Areas/Counties |
WPP 1 (Graduate) |
WPP 2 (Non- Graduate) |
Total |
|
Dublin Central |
Baggot Court, D’Olier House, Parnell Street, Ballyfermot, Cabra |
179 |
82 |
261 |
|
Dublin North |
Baldoyle, Balbriggan, Swords, Blanchardstown, Coolock, Finglas |
149 |
214 |
363 |
|
Dublin South |
Rathfarnham, Crumlin, Tallaght, Clondalkin, Dun Laoghaire, Loughlinstown |
132 |
129 |
261 |
|
Midlands |
Kildare, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath |
82 |
139 |
221 |
|
Mid West |
Clare, Limerick, Tipperary |
93 |
90 |
183 |
|
North East |
Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan |
111 |
92 |
203 |
|
North West |
Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo |
35 |
61 |
96 |
|
South East |
Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow |
114 |
161 |
275 |
|
South West |
Cork, Kerry |
185 |
160 |
345 |
|
West |
Galway, Mayo, Roscommon |
122 |
115 |
237 |
|
Total |
1,202 |
1,243 |
2,445 |
|
FÁS Region |
Areas/Counties |
WPP 1 (Graduate) |
WPP 2 (Non- Graduate) |
Total |
|
Dublin Central |
Baggot Court, D’Olier House, Parnell Street, Ballyfermot, Cabra |
37 |
22 |
59 |
|
Dublin North |
Baldoyle, Balbriggan, Swords, Blanchardstown, Coolock, Finglas |
11 |
5 |
16 |
|
Dublin South |
Rathfarnham, Crumlin, Tallaght, Clondalkin, Dun Laoghaire, Loughlinstown |
13 |
2 |
15 |
|
Midlands |
Kildare, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath |
6 |
2 |
8 |
|
Mid West |
Clare, Limerick, Tipperary |
11 |
6 |
17 |
|
North East |
Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan |
9 |
4 |
13 |
|
North West |
Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
South East |
Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow |
12 |
8 |
20 |
|
South West |
Cork, Kerry |
18 |
5 |
23 |
|
West |
Galway, Mayo, Roscommon |
25 |
6 |
31 |
|
Total |
143 |
62 |
205 |
|
FÁS Region |
Areas/Counties |
WPP 1 (Graduate) |
WPP 2 (Non- Graduate) |
Total |
|
Dublin Central |
Baggot Court, D’Olier House, Parnell Street, Ballyfermot, Cabra |
142 |
60 |
202 |
|
Dublin North |
Baldoyle, Balbriggan, Swords, Blanchardstown, Coolock, Finglas |
138 |
209 |
347 |
|
Dublin South |
Rathfarnham, Crumlin, Tallaght, Clondalkin, Dun Laoghaire, Loughlinstown |
119 |
127 |
246 |
|
Midlands |
Kildare, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath |
76 |
137 |
213 |
|
Mid West |
Clare, Limerick, Tipperary |
82 |
84 |
166 |
|
North East |
Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan |
102 |
88 |
190 |
|
North West |
Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo |
34 |
59 |
93 |
|
South East |
Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow |
102 |
153 |
255 |
|
South West |
Cork, Kerry |
167 |
155 |
322 |
|
West |
Galway, Mayo, Roscommon |
97 |
109 |
206 |
|
Total |
1,059 |
1,181 |
2,240 |
Schools Building Projects
Michael McGrath
Ceist:90 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when a school building project (details supplied) will be re-tendered; if the funding will be provided for the project out of her Department’s 2011 budget, and when she expects the project to commence construction. [45345/10]
It is envisaged that the project to which the Deputy refers will be re-tendered shortly. Subject to no issues arising, it is anticipated that it will progress to construction in early 2011.
School Accommodation
Damien English
Ceist:91 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the total cost of leasing premises for schools in County Meath; the total cost for each individual school to date since the start of any such lease; if any leases have been renewed or renegotiated in the past 12 months; if the cost has reduced as a result; the extent of the cost savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45353/10]
A total of four schools are renting buildings in County Meath and a tabular statement giving details of the schools concerned is attached for the Deputy's information.
|
School |
Address |
Start Date of Lease |
Current Annual Cost |
Total claimed to date |
|
€ |
€ |
|||
|
Gaelscoil na Boinne |
Dublin Road, Trim |
01/09/1997 |
180,000 |
1,745,431 |
|
Ard Rí Community National School |
Navan Rugby Club |
01/09/2010 |
36,300 |
9,075 |
|
St. Stephen’s NS |
c/o St. Martha’s College, Johnstown, Navan |
01/09/2009 |
160,000 |
120,000 |
|
Navan Educate Together NS |
Navan |
01/09/2005 |
€80,000 at start of lease reduced to €75,000 from 1st June 2010 |
451,487 |
Schools Building Projects
Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:92 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm if she is now in a position to fund the school building programme at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45446/10]
The project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. Authorisation was given earlier this year for tender documents to be prepared. The design team are currently working on stage 2(b) which includes applications for Planning Permission, Fire Certificate and Disability Access Certificate (DAC) and the preparation of tender documents. The stage submission when completed by the design team will be submitted to my Department for review. Following the review, and assuming no issues arise, my Department will then revert to the school with further instructions regarding progression of the project to tender and construction.
State Examinations
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:93 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements in place to ensure posts as supervisors for the State examinations are open to suitably qualified members of the public; if she will instruct the State Examinations Commission to drop the requirement that all supervisors must be teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45483/10]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations and determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations. In the State examinations, the superintendent's responsibility includes safeguarding the security and integrity of the examination papers, providing any instructions to candidates deemed necessary, ensuring the compliance of students with examination rules, and documenting and reporting any breaches of rules.
Superintendents are drawn mainly from a pool of experienced teachers, and it is considered that experience of the school environment, familiarity with students' needs, and understanding of the examination system are essential skills needed for the task. Some 4600 examination superintendents are appointed each year by SEC following public advertisement. Priority is given first to recruitment of unemployed and substitute teachers, before drawing on the wider pool of applicants. In addition, an estimated 7500 superintendents are recruited directly by schools to act as superintendents in centres catering for students with special needs. These are recruited by schools directly as the schools are best placed to match the appointee with each candidate's specific needs.
The number of superintendents may vary from year to year, especially those appointed locally by the school, depending on candidate needs, accommodation available and subjects chosen. I am satisfied that, in the recruitment of staff, the SEC gives priority to the unemployed to the maximum extent possible commensurate with ensuring appropriate expertise and quality in the operation of the exam system.
Special Educational Needs
Christy O'Sullivan
Ceist:94 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will make provision whereby the home tuition grant can be extended for a further 12 months to children over five years of age who have been diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder and if she will outline the policy of accessing the suitability of a school capable of meeting the requirements of such children as opposed to the availability of school places. [45564/10]
The Deputy will be aware that my Department provides grant aid under the Home Tuition Scheme to provide early education intervention for pre-school children with a confirmed diagnosis of autism or to parents of children with autism who are awaiting an educational placement. Therefore children with a diagnosis of autism aged 2.5 years are entitled to ten hours home tuition per week under the scheme. This allocation increases to twenty hours per week on the child's 3rd birthday provided no school/early education placement is available for them.
Furthermore children with autism may be eligible for tuition as an interim measure only whilst awaiting a school placement. As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for processing applications from primary, special and post primary schools for special needs supports on the basis of applications in respect of individual pupils. The SENOs operate within the policy outlined in my Department's circulars for allocating such support. SENOs with their local knowledge and expertise are a valuable resource to parents in sourcing an educational placement.
Where a school placement is available resources are allocated to schools to enable appropriate educational provision to be made. In addition to teaching and special needs assistant support training supports are available to schools through the Special Education Support Service. The National Educational Psychological Support Service is also available to provide advice to schools.
Departmental Expenditure
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:95 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the amount spent on legal fees by her in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45623/10]
It is not possible to provide the information requested in the time available. A reply will issue to the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.
Banking Sector Regulation
Chris Andrews
Ceist:96 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Finance if pay increases were granted to any staff in Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland or Anglo Irish Bank during 2009 or 2010; if so, the number of increases that were granted and the grade of staff that received wage increases; if wage increases were granted, the criteria under which such increases were granted; the total amount for any such pay increases by institution; if any bonuses were paid during 2009 or 2010 to staff in any of the aforementioned institutions; if so, the number of bonuses that were granted and the grade of staff that received them; if bonuses were granted, the criteria under which they were granted and the total amount for any such bonuses by institution. [45485/10]
I would point out to the Deputy that the 3 organisations operate in an arms length capacity in relation to operational issues. It is a matter for the respective individual boards and senior management to determine and implement pay policy in their organisations subject to their relevant operating environment. From enquiries made, I am informed by the respective institutions that the position regarding the issues raised by the Deputy in relation to their organisation is as laid out in the appendix following.
|
General Pay Increases |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2009 Total |
2010 Total |
|||
|
Grade |
No. of Staff |
€m |
No. of Staff |
€m |
|
Executives |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Managers |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Jnr Management |
2,479 |
3.94 |
— |
— |
|
Other Staff |
6,511 |
7.03 |
— |
— |
|
Total |
8,990 |
10.97 |
0 |
0.00 |
There were no general pay increases awarded in 2009 to executives, managers or to staff in functional pay structures such as IT and Finance in Ireland, Northern Ireland or Great Britain. However both merit increases and incremental pay increases of a contractual nature were paid to both junior management and clerical staff. The average salary increase for staff in the Republic of Ireland in 2009 was 3.2%. This pay increase was awarded after a six month pay pause and following extensive negotiations with the Irish Bank Officials Association and a conciliation process at the Labour Relations Commission regarding AIB's proposal for a general pay freeze. Pay increases of 1.9% and 3.0% respectively were paid to staff below manager grade in Northern Ireland and Great Britain following conciliation.
Other Pay Increases
In addition to the general pay increases shown in the table above for 2009, €781,000 was awarded to 76 staff reflecting promotions to new or increased roles. In 2010, there were no general pay increases awarded to date to any group of staff. Approximately 300 staff received individual salary increases during the nine months to end September totalling €3.4m largely as a result of market competitive pressures for key skills in areas such as credit or where staff moved to larger roles.
|
2009 Total |
2010 Total |
|||
|
Grade |
No. of Staff |
€m |
No. of Staff |
€m |
|
Executives |
62 |
11.11 |
2 |
0.71 |
|
Managers |
674 |
30.06 |
41 |
3.06 |
|
Jnr Management |
700 |
9.20 |
||
|
Other Staff |
1,389 |
4.49 |
1 |
0.02 |
|
Total |
2,825 |
54.86 |
44 |
3.79 |
€56.3m of the total bonuses of €58.7m paid in 2009 and 2010 relates to performance related bonuses to staff in AIB Capital Markets. These bonuses were awarded for individual and business performance in prior years but deferred and paid in the 2009 and 2010 period.
The awards made in 2009 to staff in AIB Capital Markets in respect of 2008 were deferred and subsequently paid following threatened or initiated legal action:
€17.1m was paid in 2009 to overseas staff on foot of legal action;
€35.5m was paid in 2010 following legal action and a High Court judgement against the Bank. A further €3.7m was paid to staff in AIB Capital Markets in 2010 in respect of deferred bonuses relating to 2006 and 2007 and were in accordance with the individuals' contractual terms.
The balance of €2.4m was paid to junior management and clerical staff in AIB's customer contact centres in Ireland, to staff in AIB's offices in Jersey and the Isle of Man and also included payments in respect of a small number of pre-existing contractual bonuses.
Bank of Ireland (BoI)
General pay increases have not been granted to staff during 2009 and 2010. Nor were any performance related bonuses paid to staff in BoI with respect to the financial years to March 2009 and December 2009. There have been limited instances of promotional increases where a person has been promoted to fill a role at a higher level or grade. For commercial reasons BoI do not disclose the amount of such increases but they state that by their nature they were exceptional, relating to less than 4% of the workforce.
A small number of people at middle management level received payments which reflected either guarantees which were agreed on their joining the Group or deferred payments where the historic performance criteria had been achieved and the payment was deferred over several years. For commercial reasons BoI do not disclose the amount of such payments. The bank advises that it had no legal discretion in these matters.
Anglo Irish Bank
2009
A general salary increase of approx. 5% was paid to staff up to Manager level. Management above this level did not receive salary increases. This increase was agreed in 2008 and was implemented in January 2009. During 2009 there were a small number of internal appointments (13) with associated pay increases in line with enhanced responsibilities. There were ten bonus awards paid during 2009. The breakdown was as follows: nine were contractual entitlements to a deferred portion of a bonus earned in previous years and one was a performance related bonus in respect of year 2008 but implemented for payment in 2009.
2010
No general salary increases was paid to staff in 2010. A number of staff were awarded specific pay increases in line with enhanced job responsibilities and criticality of roles. There were five bonus awards paid during 2010. All of these awards were contractual entitlements to a deferred portion of a bonus earned in previous years. There were no performance related bonuses awarded during 2010.
National Asset Management Agency
John O'Mahony
Ceist:97 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance his views on the fact that there may be some hotels in Ireland that were constructed by developers during the boom, which are now in financial difficulties, that are being sustained by the National Asset Management Agency and if this is distorting competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45492/10]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:98 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance if some hotels constructed by developers during the boom and now being sustained by the National Asset Management Agency are putting at risk hostels and hotels, which have provided many years of professional service to tourists and which are companies which would otherwise be profitable, out of business, leaving NAMA-supported hotels operated by developers on the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45493/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 98 together.
To date, as part of the debtor business plan process, NAMA has rigorously sought to ensure efficiencies in all areas of the debtor's businesses, including hotels, and is not in the business of supporting hotels that are not viable. I am informed by NAMA that it has acquired loans secured by 139 hotels in total of which 87 are located in Ireland, 37 in the United Kingdom, five each in Germany and France, two in the Czech Republic and one each in Belgium, Malta and Spain. These hotels have been built and are already in operation. As part of the business plan process with the borrowers, NAMA looks to the hotel owners to introduce efficiencies into the operation of their hotels so they are viable.
I am further informed by NAMA that, towards the middle of 2011, it will be developing a comprehensive strategy to deal with the hotels that are within its portfolio. NAMA has acknowledged that there are hotels which have been built with the wrong grading and in the wrong location. Ultimately, the long-term future of those hotels may not be as hotels and alternative uses will have to be found for them.
Tax Collection
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:99 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the reason a company (details supplied) is unable to receive customer refunds into their account leaving them at an unfair advantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45503/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there has been an increasing number of PAYE service providers offering to obtain tax credits or tax refunds for PAYE taxpayers. Revenue encourages people to claim their entitlements to tax credits and tax refunds themselves, and has created an on-line service called PAYE Anytime as a free public service. PAYE Anytime is easy to use and lets anyone with a Revenue PIN claim tax credits or request tax reviews that can lead to a refund. A PIN is a personal identification number and taxpayers can apply for a PIN for PAYE Anytime on the website www.revenue.ie Taxpayers can also use Revenue’s Lo-Call 1890 telephone service to obtain information and to make claims.
Notwithstanding the availability of these services, a trend has emerged of PAYE taxpayers using the services of an intermediary in claiming refunds. To secure their fees, the emerging business model used by PAYE agencies is to seek to have the refund directed into the company's own bank account, to deduct their fees, and to repay the balance to the claimant.
An application to receive direct payment of client refunds was received by Revenue on 24 November 2010 from the agency to which the Deputy refers. This application has not been refused, and is being considered and will be responded to in due course. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the permission sought will, if granted, be conditional on compliance with a range of terms and conditions.
Tax Code
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:100 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce reliefs from capital gains tax for persons who must sell their lands through compulsory purchase as they are not selling the land by choice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45509/10]
As the Deputy is aware, the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 was published last Wednesday. This plan sets out key reform measures required to return our economy to growth, including the abolition or curtailment of a number of tax expenditures. These measures are vital for the recovery of our economy. It is not the usual practice to comment on any possible changes in taxation prior to the annual Budget. I have, however, no plans to introduce reliefs as suggested.
Public Sector Pay
Michael Ring
Ceist:101 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the recommendations of the Report of the Public Service Benchmarking Body, 21 December 2007 which have been implemented; the cost to date of implementing the pay awards in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45512/10]
The increases provided for under the Towards 2016 Transitional Agreement which included provision for the implementation of the recommendations in the second report of the Public Service Benchmarking Body have not been paid as part of the Government programme of measures to restore stability to the Public Finances.
Public Private Partnership
Michael D'Arcy
Ceist:102 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Finance following the publication of the four year plan, if he has sanctioned the continuation of the public private partnerships for the National Roads Authority for the Newlands Cross upgrade, N11 upgrade between Arklow bypass and Ashford-Rathnew bypass and the N11 motorway service area at Inch Gorey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45516/10]
In light of the publication of the Government's Four Year Plan last week, I am now in a position to consider proposals for sanction for Public Private Partnership capital projects submitted by departments. As the Deputy is aware, the Plan provides for reduced allocations compared with levels the Government had previously planned for, and therefore projects will have to be reassessed and reprioritised. My officials will be engaging with the Minister for Transport's officials in the weeks ahead regarding sanction for the Newlands Cross upgrade and N11 upgrade between Arklow bypass and Ashford-Rathnew bypass, with a focus on affordability in the context of the Government's new spending parameters.
Michael D'Arcy
Ceist:103 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Finance following the publication of the four year plan, if he has sanctioned the continuation of the public private partnership for the National Roads Authority for the construction of the N11 motorway to bypass Camolin, Ferns and Enniscorthy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45517/10]
Michael D'Arcy
Ceist:104 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Finance following the publication of the four year plan, if he has sanctioned the continuation of the public private partnership for the National Roads Authority for the construction of the New Ross motorway and second bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45518/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 104 together.
In light of the publication of the Government's Four Year Plan last week, I am now in a position to consider proposals for sanction for Public Private Partnership capital projects when they are submitted by departments. As the Deputy is aware, the Plan provides for reduced allocations compared with levels the Government had previously planned for, and therefore there will be a requirement for some reassessment and reprioritisation of projects, which in the case of national roads is a matter in the first instance for the National Road Authority.
Public Sector Pay
Richard Bruton
Ceist:105 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has surveyed the patterns of leave days, overtime, working work breaks and so on that prevail across the public service, in comparison to the general provisions made in employment law and if he plans any public service wide initiatives to rationalise such arrangements in the context of the Croke Park Agreement. [45559/10]
The Public Service Agreement 2010 — 2014, or Croke Park Agreement, provides that to the greatest extent possible , there will be standardised terms and conditions of employment across the Public Service with the focus initially within sectors. As my responsibilities as employer extend only to the civil service, surveys of non–pay conditions applying in the public service are outside my remit. The sectoral Action Plans outline the initial programme of changes proposed by management to achieve the reforms, efficiencies and savings needed in each sector, including where appropriate, standardisation of non–pay conditions. I expect public service management to pursue vigorously the changes proposed for their sector.
Tax Code
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:106 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will deal with a matter (details supplied) regarding VAT for public service vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45562/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the transport of passengers and their accompanying baggage is exempt from VAT under Paragraph 14(3) of Schedule 1 to the Value-Added Tax Consolidation Act 2010. Accordingly, the provision of a taxi service is exempt from VAT.
The provider of a service that is exempt from VAT does not charge VAT on the service and is not entitled to deduct, or claim a refund of, any VAT incurred on goods and services used for the purposes of the exempt supplies. Thus, a person who provides a taxi service does not register for VAT and cannot recover VAT incurred on any goods and services, including a motor vehicle, used for the purposes of the person's taxi business. I would add that, in any event, Section 60(2)(a)(iv) of the Value-Added Tax Consolidation Act 2010 provides that, in general, a taxable person has no entitlement to deduct VAT incurred on the acquisition of a passenger motor vehicle, except where it is acquired as stock-in-trade or for use in a vehicle hire or driving school business.
Michael McGrath
Ceist:107 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost to the Exchequer of the tax relief on approved share options schemes in 2010 and the reasons he plans to abolish the relief. [45573/10]
The Approved Share Option Scheme was introduced in 2001 and is provided for in Chapter 4, Part 17 and Schedule 12C of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997. It is estimated that the scheme cost €0.5 million in 2009, the most recent year for which statistics are available. Abolition of the scheme was recommended by the Commission on Taxation in its recent report. The Commission indicated that the decisions taken by many employers to use unapproved schemes instead of the approved scheme, demonstrated that the scheme was not needed.
Property Services Providers
Mary Upton
Ceist:108 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if members of the public can confirm with the Revenue Commissioners if an estate agent or letting agent is licensed as required by the Auctioneers and House Agents Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45612/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that under current legislation, the Auctioneers and House Agents Acts 1947 to 1973, licences are issued to auctioneers and house agents by the Revenue Commissioners. There are currently no provisions in the legislation that allows the Revenue Commissioners release this information to a third party, other than those agreed to by the licence holder. Currently, with the permission of the licence holder, the Revenue Commissioners release information to the Property Services Regulatory Authority for inclusion on their register. While the register comprises the vast majority of licensed Auctioneers/House Agents a very small number requested, in accordance with the Data Protection Acts, that their details be retained by the Revenue Commissioners, for the present, and not be forwarded, to the Authority.
The Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009, which will establish the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA), is currently awaiting Second Stage debate in this House. Once the new legislation is enacted, responsibility for the licensing of Property Services Providers (i.e. Auctioneers/Estate Agents, Letting Agents and Management Agents) will become the responsibility of the PSRA. This legislation also provides for the establishment by the PSRA of a register of persons who are licensed under the Bill to provide property services. The register will be available for inspection free of charge by members of the public at the Authority's office and on its internet website.
Departmental Expenditure
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:109 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the amount spent on legal fees by him in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45626/10]
In general, my Department uses the services of the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. However it seeks outside legal advisors in circumstances requiring legal services of a specific nature. The following amounts were paid by my Department in respect of such legal fees for the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010:
|
Year |
€m |
|
2008 |
1.873 |
|
2009 |
5.876 |
|
2010 |
3.922* |
*Does not include legal fees paid by the Commission of Investigation into the Banking Sector.
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:110 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the amount spent by him on fees to a bank (details supplied) since September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45634/10]
I have not spent any money directly with the bank. As was stated in the Comptroller and Auditor General's recent report, the NTMA spent €4.54 million with the bank in the period between September 2009 and July 2010.
A recent letter from the NTMA to the Public Accounts Committee stated that "Rothschild were appointed to provide banking advisory services to the Minister for Finance, acting through the NTMA under two separate contracts: 15 September 2009 and 12 July 2010.... The September 2009 contract was for a fixed fee of €1.75 million (ex VAT). The July 2010 contract was for a fixed fee of €4 million (ex VAT). Total fees paid so far of €4.5 million (inc VAT) are as provided for in these contracts." I understand that this position has not changed since then.
Infrastructure Investment Priorities
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:111 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the status of Infrastructure Investment Priorities 2011-2016 in light of the Government’s four year plan; the reduction in allocated funding he envisages as a result of the current economic situation; the projects he expects to proceed and the projects that will not proceed in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45639/10]
The Capital Review published last July was based on a budget of €5.5 billion in each year from 2011 to 2016. Given the need for additional savings, further capital adjustments will be required. Of the total annual cumulative budgetary adjustment by 2014, lower capital allocations will contribute €3 billion. The investment framework set out in the Capital Review (Infrastructure Investment Priorities 2010-2106) has had to be reformulated, but the underlying priorities continue.
Medical Cards
Jack Wall
Ceist:112 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for renewal of their medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45338/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:113 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 will receive an appointment for surgery. [45343/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Health Services
Pat Breen
Ceist:114 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45348/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:115 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when neonatal audiology screening will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45447/10]
The Health Service Executive is continuing to work on the development of a programme for the introduction of newborn hearing screening under the remit of the National Audiology Review Group. Planning and implementation work is currently underway using development funding provided in 2010. On this basis, Universal Newborn Hearing Screening is projected to commence in 2011 and, subject to resources, proposals for its roll out are expected to form part of the HSE's national service plan for next year.
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:116 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if there has been a recent restructuring of audiology clinics in the Health Service Executive south region given that patients attending the Mallow hearing clinic in County Cork have been referred to Cork city for appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45461/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Care of the Elderly
Richard Bruton
Ceist:117 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to make changes to the home care package scheme; her further plan to issue guidelines on the application process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45513/10]
Government Policy is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and, where this is not possible, to support access to quality long-term residential care. This approach is renewed and developed in the partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
The Home Care Package Initiative adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to support a highly vulnerable group of older people in their own homes. Packages are targeted at those at-risk of inappropriate admission to an acute hospital or long-term residential care, or those requiring discharge from an acute hospital. This year, the HSE will make available in the region of €130 million (including an additional €10 million provided under Budget 2010) to fund packages to around 9,500 older people at any one time, or approximately 13,000 annually.
An independent Evaluation of Home Care Packages, undertaken by PA Consulting Group and published by the Department in December 2009, indicated that, while the Initiative achieved its basic objectives since its introduction in 2006, various planning and delivery improvements were required overall. This related, for example, to standardizing access and process, and various aspects of governance, including management and financial information. The Executive has been working intensively this year to undertake various improvements in the area of Home Care services generally, through the development of:
1. National Guidelines for Standardised Implementation of Home Care Packages;
2. New National Quality Guidelines for Home Care Support Services;
3. National Guidelines for the Home Help Service; and
4. A National Procurement Framework for Home Care Services.
Significant progress has been made on these over 2010, with a view to implementation across Local Health Offices from January 2011. The Guidelines for Home Care Packages have been finalised, and training has commenced for relevant HSE staff. In addition, the Executive went to tender on 22 October last in connection with the Procurement Framework for Home Care services. It is the governments intention as indicated in the four year plan, to introduce a scheme which supports older people in the community. This will take account of the care needs and financial means of older people on a nationally consistent basis.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:118 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [45521/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have referred the question to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medical Cards
John O'Donoghue
Ceist:119 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be issued with their medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45579/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
John McGuinness
Ceist:120 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be reviewed based on medical circumstances and if a full card will be issued. [45585/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Nursing Home Repayment Scheme
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:121 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in paying the final settlement under the health repayment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 and if this matter can be expedited. [45614/10]
As the query relates to a service matter, I have referred your query to the HSE for direct reply.
Health Services
Jack Wall
Ceist:122 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be provided with funding to allow them obtain KARE services in Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45617/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have referred the question to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Departmental Expenditure
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:123 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent on legal fees by her in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45628/10]
The amount paid by my Department in respect of legal fees for each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 to date is €1.951m, €0.339m and €0.710m, respectively. These figures exclude the costs associated with awards/settlements.
Road Network
Chris Andrews
Ceist:124 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport if he will give an assurance that there are adequate supplies of salt in stock to deal with a cold snap similar to the one experienced in early 2010. [45563/10]
As part of its role on the Government Emergency Task Force, my Department has reviewed the transport-related response to the severe weather events last winter and is working with the Task Force and other Government Departments with putting in place additional measures in response to such events. In relation to transport issues, my Department and its agencies are engaged in the implementation of these actions. The day to day operations on the national roads network is managed by the National Roads Authority (NRA) who also provide technical advice to the Department and who are responsible for partial funding in respect of non national, regional and local roads.
Arising from the review the NRA has been tasked with ensuring adequate salt supplies are available in future to maintain a prioritised road network. To achieve this, the NRA advertised a framework contract in August 2010 for the supply of de-icing salt for the coming winter.
The contract is for the supply of 80,000 tonnes with an initial call of 50,000 tonnes to be imported and distributed by mid December and a further 30,000 tonnes in January 2011. This supply will be in addition to the 20,000 tonnes of salt stock currently available. The NRA has assured me that there are adequate stocks available nationally to meet the current requirements of local authorities. Additional supplies will be purchased to meet future requirements under the framework contract. The NRA is investing €6million this year in additional dry storage facilities for de-icing salt and a further €2.5million for grit spreaders/snow blades etc. for local authorities.
Departmental Expenditure
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:125 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent on legal fees by him in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45633/10]
I assume the Deputy is referring to my Department in which case the amount spent by my Department on legal fees is:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
2008 |
108,831.76 |
|
2009 |
156,401.49 |
|
To date in 2010 |
19,815 |
Departmental Bodies
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:126 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the cost to the Exchequer to run the Private Security Authority for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45475/10]
The Private Security Authority, established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry in the State. The Authority is an independent body operating under the aegis of my Department.
In accordance with the 2004 Act, the Authority receives a grant from the Oireachtas, via my Department. The Authority also receives moneys to the benefit of the Exchequer (Appropriations in Aid), by way of its licensing fees, thereby reducing greatly the overall cost to the Exchequer. Details of Exchequer grants and Appropriations in Aid, for the three years requested by the Deputy are set out below:
|
Year |
Exchequer grant (approx. in euro) |
Appropriations in Aid (approx. in euro) |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
2007 |
2,782,000 |
2,311,000 |
|
2008 |
2,344,000 |
2,386,000 |
|
2009 |
2,399,000 |
2,081,000 |
Furthermore, the Authority, through its regulation of the private security sector, has generated additional receipts for the Exchequer, by requiring applicants for licences to have a tax clearance certificate thus enforcing tax compliance in this sector.
Garda Deployment
Pat Breen
Ceist:127 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will report on the number of gardaí, all ranks, employed in the Clare Garda division for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45504/10]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the Clare Garda Division on 31 December 2007, 2008 and 2009 was 314, 337 and 336 respectively. Responsibility for the allocation of resources, including personnel, within the Force rests with the Garda Commissioner in consultation with his senior management team. Resource levels are constantly monitored, in conjunction with crime trends and other demands made on An Garda Síochána. The situation is kept under continuing review to ensure optimum use is made of these resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
Departmental Reports
Alan Shatter
Ceist:128 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the suggestions of the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes which have been implemented by him. [45510/10]
There were a number of recommendations in the Special Group Report (McCarthy) which referred to the Justice Sector, across nine different programme areas. In all these recommendations identified €134.5m in potential savings; €84m of which related to staffing and payroll costs, €16.3m to operational efficiencies, €14.6m related to structural reform and rationalisation and a further €21.5m referred to other expenditure and funding reductions.
A number of the measures in the report have been implemented at this stage in order to achieve reductions in the Department's Estimates for 2010. These relate to the programmes in a range of subheads which include Gender Mainstreaming, Graffiti Removal Operations, Equality Monitoring Consultative Committees, European Refugee Fund and Refugee Integration. The McCarthy Report recommended a total reduction of some €5 million in respect of these particular items. The actual budgetary reduction was €6.92 million. I should add that some of these areas are under the responsibility of the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs since June this year.
A significant proportion of the recommendations (€84 million) related to reductions in payroll costs on items such as allowances payable to members of the Garda Síochána and the Prisons Service. In common with all Departments, there are significant reductions in payroll related provisions in 2010 to take account of the reductions in payroll rates and other factors. The overall reduction in gross payroll budgets for the Justice Sector compared with the 2009 estimate is in the region of €126 million.
A number of recommendations were made by the McCarthy Group on structural reform and rationalisation across the Justice and Equality Sector. Decisions in respect of a number of these recommendations will be a matter for decision by Government in due course. In other cases progress is being made on measures such as the reduction of staffing in the Children's Detention Schools under the ambit of the Irish Youth Justice Service. Any expenditure reductions arising will be reflected in the budget for the Sector in future years as appropriate. A number of the recommendations in this context refer to the Equality, Disability, Integration and Human Rights areas, which are now the responsibility of the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.
While it was never the intention that the full €134 million reduction recommended in the McCarthy report would be delivered in 2010, significant progress in this regard has been made. This is through a combination of the recommendations in the report and other measures being taken as part of the Governments budgetary policy.
Garda Remuneration
Alan Shatter
Ceist:129 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will provide a breakdown of the Garda pay and allowances cuts that have been made since the publication of the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. [45511/10]
The pay scales and allowances of all public servants, including members of An Garda Síochána, were reduced with effect from 1 January 2010 in accordance with the provisions of Section 2 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No.2) Act 2009.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:130 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if there are any special provisions in relation to additional leave days and overtime work that prevail in the Garda Síochána and the prison service above and beyond those normally provided by employment law for workers; if plans under the Croke Park agreement are under way to reform these provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45558/10]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the annual leave allowance available to members of An Garda Síochána is based on a number of factors and considerations including statutory entitlements, the obligations to work at weekends and public holidays and the particular rosters being worked by members. Overtime is calculated and paid at predetermined rates depending on when the overtime was worked.
Furthermore, I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that there are no specific additional leave days provisions for staff of the Irish Prison Service. Overtime in the Irish Prison Service was replaced by an Additional Hours system in 2005 following the Agreement on the Proposal for Organisational Change.
Courts Service
John O'Mahony
Ceist:131 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the cost of appeals to have rulings on wards of court appealed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45571/10]
There are a number of options available to a person declared a ward of court. He or she can apply to have that decision reversed by an appeal to the Supreme Court. A Petition for Traverse (an application to rescind an order of wardship) may also be brought. A ward of court may also apply to be discharged from wardship on recovery and to be remitted to the management of his or her own affairs. The Deputy will appreciate that these are matters vested in the High Court and it is not open to me to give legal advice.
The cost of taking an appeal case to the Supreme Court will vary from case to case having regard, in particular to the nature and complexity of each case. The court fees applying to particular court actions and proceedings are provided for under a number of Court (Fees) Orders made, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, under section 65 of the Courts of Justice Act 1936. The relevant Court (Fees) Orders are available on the Courts Service website, www.courts.ie. The Mental Capacity Bill, drafting of which is well advanced, will provide for major changes in the law in relation to mental capacity and the wards of court system.
Departmental Expenditure
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:132 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the amount spent on legal fees by him in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45629/10]
I can inform the Deputy that, for the most part, the legal services sought by my Department are coordinated and paid for by the Office of the Attorney General and Office of the Chief State Solicitor. These services are typically sought in the context of the preparation of legislation, legal advice in respect of policy issues and in the management of litigation including judicial reviews.
In a number of instances, my Department and its associated bodies, in accordance with normal procurement procedures, have sought and paid for legal advice and services additional to those provided for centrally by the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitor. However, in the time available to reply to this Question, it is not feasible to extract the information sought by the Deputy without a disproportionate use of resources in gathering and compiling the list of payments sought.
Prison Committals
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:133 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of foreign nationals from outside EU member states who are in prison here; the procedure for dealing with such persons upon their release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45635/10]
I can advise the Deputy that on 29 November, 2010 the number of foreign nationals from outside EU member States in custody was 211 of which 192 are male and 19 are females. This represents approximately 4% of the overall prison population for this day.
Of the 211 prisoners in custody, 120 are serving sentences, 82 are held on remand/trial and 9 are held on immigration related issues. Officials from the Irish Prison Service and their counterparts in the Repatriation Division of the Department of Justice and Law Reform have an ongoing information exchange whereby the Repatriation Division is made aware of the release dates of convicted EU and Non-EU national prisoners who fall due for release in the following twelve month period. Details of the offences involved are also included, as are the nationalities of the prisoners in question. Based on this information, officials in the Repatriation Division can provide the Irish Prison Service with details on the immigration status of the persons concerned. All decisions to deport non-Irish Nationals from Irish Prisons are made by myself following consultation with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
Prisoner Releases
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:134 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the total prison population; the number of prisoners on temporary release; the number of prisoners on temporary release who cannot be accounted for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45636/10]
I can advise the Deputy that on 30 November, 2010, there were 4,440 prisoners in custody compared to a bed capacity of 4,430. This represents an occupancy level of 100%. On the same day the number of prisoners on temporary release was 656 which represents approximately 12.4% of the overall prison population for this day.
As the Deputy is aware there has been a consistent increase in the total prisoner population in Ireland over recent years, with dramatic increases in the number of sentenced prisoners, those being committed on remand and a trend towards longer sentences. This situation is particularly apparent over the past 12 months during which time the total number in custody has increased by 424. This represents a rise of over 10.5% in the numbers in custody. The Irish Prison Service must accept all prisoners committed by the Courts into its custody and does not have the option of refusing committals.
Temporary release arrangements, in accordance with the Criminal Justice Act 1960 as amended by the Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Act 2003, operate similar to a system of parole, which is a feature of prison systems worldwide. They are an important vehicle for re-integrating an offender into the community in a planned way. The generally accepted view is that the risk to the community is reduced by planned re-integration of offenders compared with their return to the community on the completion of their full sentence. The Irish Prison Service has also judiciously used temporary release a means of reducing numbers in times of serious overcrowding. Each case is examined on its own merits and the safety of the public is paramount when decisions are made. In addition, all releases are subject to conditions, which in the vast majority of cases include a requirement to report on a regular basis to the offender's Garda Station. Of course, any offender who breaches his or her conditions may be arrested and returned to prison immediately by the Gardaí.
I can advise the Deputy that the number of persons who having been granted temporary release, failed to return to prison and are now unlawfully at large is 518. The vast majority of the persons referred to are at large because of a technical breach, i.e., failing to sign on at the prison at an allotted time having been granted temporary release. Experience has shown that most offenders who go at large do not remain so for very long and it is not therefore surprising that the majority of persons on this list went at large in the not too distant past. The Gardaí are informed where prisoners are unlawfully at large and have the power to detain, arrest and return such persons to prison. I can also advise the Deputy that ongoing contact takes place between the Gardaí and the Prison Service in relation to this matter.
Sexual Offences
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:135 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of persons who have been convicted of a sexual offence and who are subject to post-release supervision and who can be accounted for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45637/10]
I can advise the Deputy that there are currently 136 sex offenders under the supervision of the Probation Service in the community. Of that number, 46 are subject to post release supervision orders imposed by the courts pursuant to Part 5 of the Sex Offenders Act, 2001. There are a further 157 sex offenders currently in custody who will be subject to supervision by the Probation Service following release.
Departmental Expenditure
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:136 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount spent on legal fees by him in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45627/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, Government Departments do not directly pay for the legal services provided by the Office of the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitor's Office or for advice from Counsel briefed by them. My Department has a Legal Division, staffed by qualified legal professionals who provide legal advice on a wide range of international legal issues. Having such ‘in-house' legal experts reduces costs which would be incurred if the Department was to engage externally for similar services.
Nevertheless, there are from time to time occasions where a need to engage external legal services arises, where the necessary specialised expertise is not available within my Department and cannot be accessed from the AG or CSSO, for example in regard to advice relating to the lease or purchase of Embassy properties abroad. I have provided details in the table below on the amounts spent on external legal services fees by my Department in Ireland and overseas.
|
Year |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 (to date) |
|
Cost of external legal services |
€217,443 |
€168,674 |
€257,098 |
Passport Applications
Billy Timmins
Ceist:137 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45642/10]
As you are aware, the Passports Act, 2008 provides that the Minister can only issue passports to persons who are Irish citizens. This provision in Irish law means that no passport can be issued to the person in question unless he obtains Irish citizenship. From the information provided by you, it is clear that no application for citizenship has been made by this man with the Department of Justice and Law Reform and that any entitlement to Irish citizenship is not likely to arise until 2012. As regards consular support for this person, who is a citizen and passport holder of another country, the position outlined in my reply to your earlier question (no. 222) on 23 November, 2010 remains unchanged
Social Welfare Code
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:138 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons are being forced to withdraw midway through labour activation fund training courses due to the fact that they become ineligible for social welfare payments because of spouses’ earnings; the rationale behind regulations that force persons to withdraw from courses; the number of persons that have withdrawn from such training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45350/10]
The Labour Market Activation Fund (LMAF) is an education initiative administered by the Department of Education and Skills that offers free training and education places to certain jobseekers. Participants on programmes eligible for LMAF support must be in receipt of an unemployment payment for a period of at least three consecutive months before joining the programmes (time spent on training or education programmes will be reckonable for this three-month period).
Participants of full-time LMAF courses may qualify for this Department's back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme subject to eligibility criteria being met. BTEA is a second chance educational opportunities scheme for people on certain welfare payments who wish to participate in full time education and who would not otherwise be able to do so. BTEA is payable at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum rate for the scheme from which the unemployed person transfers. It is paid for the duration of a course subject to BTEA rules being met.
Participants of part-time LMAF courses may qualify for the part-time education option (PTEO) available under the jobseeker schemes. The PTEO enables unemployed persons to attend part-time courses of education or training and retain their jobseekers allowance or jobseekers benefit provided they continue to satisfy the conditions of the jobseeker scheme, including being available for and genuinely seeking employment.
Under the PTEO, payment continues for the duration of the jobseeker's claim. A person on jobseekers benefit who exhausts his/her benefit will have to apply for jobseekers allowance in the normal way. Jobseekers allowance is subject to a means test which takes account of spouse's earnings. Participating in a LMAF course does not confer any additional or extended entitlement to a social welfare payment.
I am informed by the Department of Education and Skills that decisions made by participants to withdraw from programmes on the basis of discontinuation of their welfare payments are individual decisions outside the control of the projects concerned. In the time available it is not possible for the Department of Education and Skills to supply a full breakdown of the number of participants leaving courses citing discontinuation of welfare payments as the reason for their withdrawal. However, initial responses from programme providers indicate that a small number of participants have given this as a reason for leaving courses. The Department of Education and Skills have advised me that it will forward the full breakdown to the Deputy in due course.
Social Welfare Appeals
Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:139 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45448/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:140 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [45450/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits
Niall Collins
Ceist:141 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45477/10]
An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received from the person in question on the 3rd November 2010. This application together with medical reports has been forwarded to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for a medical opinion on the case. Upon receipt of this opinion a decision will issue to the customer. Currently it takes eight weeks to process a DCA application.
Social Welfare Appeals
Niall Collins
Ceist:142 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45478/10]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, following receipt of the grounds of appeal from the person concerned, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Niall Collins
Ceist:143 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for jobseeker’s allowance which was lodged approximately two years ago in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45480/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an Illness Benefit appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received back in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the appeal is currently with an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. There is no trace of a Jobseeker's Allowance appeal.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits
Michael Ring
Ceist:144 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the outcome for the back to education grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [45520/10]
The person concerned applied for a back to education allowance (BTEA) payment in September 2010 to pursue a FETAC level 5 child care course. Her application was disallowed as she already holds a qualification at an equivalent or higher level. This decision has now been referred to a reviewing officer. This review will be carried out as soon as possible and she will be notified of the outcome.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:145 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if the award of domiciliary care allowance to a person on rent supplement results in an equal reduction in the payment of rent supplement; if he would consider that domiciliary care allowance is precisely paid by the State in order to compensate for the extra cost of maintaining a child with a disability and should not therefore be treated as means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45560/10]
Rent supplement is calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) appropriate to their family circumstances less a minimum rent contribution (currently €24) which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Income from domiciliary care allowance (DCA) is not included in the rent supplement assessment. DCA is a payment made in recognition of the substantial extra care and attention provided by the carer to a child with a disability over and above what would be required for a child of a similar age who does not suffer from the disability.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:146 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person is in receipt of any social welfare allowance, does the person receive extra payment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45567/10]
There are no payments made by the Department of Social Protection towards the cost of caring for a dog.
Community Services Programme
Michael Ring
Ceist:147 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when the new contracts for all of the 445 service providers funded by the community services programme will be offered; when they can expect to receive same and will the contracts of all service providers who are currently in place be renewed. [45576/10]
The Community Services Programme currently funds 445 community based service providers across the country. All contracts are due to expire at the end of 2010 in line with the processes set out for the Programme. Around 315 service providers were required to submit updated business plans during 2010 as part of the process for future support from the programme for the period 2011 to the end of 2013. This process is well advanced with the majority of service providers having received notifications in recent weeks. I expect to consider proposals of the remainder of the contract holders in the coming weeks. In addition, 130 service providers that were approved for the Programme in 2008 and 2009 have been approved to be offered a roll-over of their existing contracts for three years from January 2011. All contracts are subject to satisfactory performance, continued need for the service and provision of public funds.
Social Welfare Appeals
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:148 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Social Protection if an oral hearing for jobseeker’s allowance will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [45580/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Phil Hogan
Ceist:149 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for disability allowance will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45613/10]
The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 9 February 2010. His claim was assessed by a medical assessor who was of the opinion that he was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted that medical opinion and refused his claim. A letter issued to the person on 23 July 2010 advising him of this decision.
The person submitted further medical evidence and this was assessed by another medical assessor who was also of the opinion that he was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted that medical opinion and the person was notified of this by letter on 2 September 2010. The person subsequently appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and submitted further medical evidence in support of his appeal. The Appeals Office will be in contact with the person in due course in relation to his appeal.
Departmental Expenditure
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:150 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount spent on legal fees by him in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45630/10]
The Department incurs expenditure on legal and compensation costs/fees from Vote 38 Department of Social Protection and the Social Insurance Fund. The elements of these payments relating solely to legal fees are not recorded separately. The following table sets out expenditure on legal and compensation costs/fees for the years 2008, 2009 and up to 29 November, 2010.
|
Year |
Vote 38 Department of Social Protection |
Social Insurance Fund |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
2008 |
204,964 |
20,797 |
|
2009 |
281,483 |
96,028 |
|
1/1/2010 – 29/11/2010 |
414,034 |
Nil |
Costs relating to prosecutions arising from fraudulent claims made to the Department are borne by the Chief State Solicitors Office.
Question No. 151 withdrawn.
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:152 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the amount spent on legal fees by her in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45632/10]
I assume the Deputy is enquiring about amount spent on legal fees by the Department in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The information requested by the Deputy is as set out in tabular form.
In general, whenever the Department requires legal services, it obtains these from the Office of the Attorney General and/or the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. Any associated fee costs are borne directly by those two Offices. However, on occasion and in exceptional circumstances, the Department, including the National Archives, may obtain legal services from other sources.
The expenditure in 2008 and later relates primarily to legal fee costs associated with the specialised and complex Public Private Partnership processes to redevelop both the National Concert Hall and the National Theatre. These were in respect of professional legal services procured, respectively by the National Development Finance Agency and the Office of Public Works in respect of those processes, and recouped from this Department's Vote.
|
Year |
Spend |
|
€ |
|
|
2008 |
250,802 |
|
2009 |
401,284 |
|
2010 (to date) |
145,537 |
Election Management System
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:153 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation to require general elections to be held at a weekend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45507/10]
Section 96 of the Electoral Act 1992 allows for the taking of a poll at a Dáil Election on any day of the week. This flexibility allows all relevant factors to be taken into account at any given time in setting the polling day and I have no plans to amend the legislation.
Local Authority Housing
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:154 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of homes included in the programme for the installation of central heating in existing local authority rent dwellings in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; the level of funding provided for this scheme in the same years on a county basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45508/10]
My Department has, over the past number of years, overseen a significant exchequer investment in the improvement of heating systems and energy efficiency of the existing stock of local authority dwellings. Although central heating has been provided in all new local authority dwellings as a matter of course since 1994, there were an estimated 36,000 dwellings constructed prior to this date without central heating. To address this deficit, a special four-year programme was introduced in 2004 for the installation of central heating, associated thermal insulation measures, and temperature controls in these dwellings.
The national central heating programme, completed in 2009 to allow for the carryover of some works commenced in 2008, provided for a co-funded grant of €6,000 or up to 80% of the cost, whichever was the lesser for each local authority unit improved under the programme. The balance of the cost was met by the local authority from its internal capital receipts. Under the programme, my Department co-funded the installation of central heating, and associated energy efficiency measures, in some 28,625 local authority dwellings at a cost to the exchequer of €140 million, as set out below.
|
2004-2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
|
Units improved |
19,600 |
6,050 |
2,975 (estimated) |
N/A |
|
Funding Provided |
€94m |
€31m |
€15m |
N/A |
These figures do not take account of units improved under various remedial works, voids schemes, or local authority's own pre-letting repairs programmes. Information on the allocations provided to each local authority under the scheme in 2008 and 2009 is available in the publications section of my Department's website www.environ.ie . A more comprehensive national retrofitting programme was introduced in 2009 which provides for a combination of works to improve the energy efficiency rating of the social housing stock.
Michael McGrath
Ceist:155 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received a certain proposal (details supplied) and if so, the position regarding the matter. [45572/10]
A proposal to lease 25 houses in Carrigaline, Co. Cork was received from Cork County Council by my Department on the 19 November 2010. The proposal is currently under consideration in my Department in accordance with the terms and conditions of the initiative.
Departmental Expenditure
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:156 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent on legal fees by him in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45625/10]
The legal fees paid by my Department in the period concerned (excluding costs of the planning tribunal) are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
2010 (to 26 November) |
1,007,252 |
|
2009 |
1,313,998 |
|
2008 |
1,240,284 |
Water Charges
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:157 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the costs associated with the proposed nationwide water meter installation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45640/10]
As outlined in the Government's National Recovery Plan 2011-2014, it is intended that the roll-out of a national metering programme to install meters in all households connected to the public water supply will precede the application of water charges to domestic consumption. The overall cost of the programme, and cost per household, will be dependent on the types of water meters and associated equipment chosen for use and the method of installation to be employed, all of which will be subject to a competitive tendering exercise. My Department is analysing the various options to ensure the delivery of the metering programme in the most cost effective manner.
Energy Conservation
Jack Wall
Ceist:158 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a person (details supplied) would qualify for the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45452/10]
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) on behalf of my Department. The eligibility criteria for the WHS are that the householder is in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, and that the house is owner occupied and constructed before 2002. In circumstances where the house is not owned by the resident, the applicable scheme would be the Home Energy Saving (HES) Scheme, which is available to owners of dwellings built before 2006 including landlords and owners of multiple properties. The schemes provides grants of up to 40% of the typical cost of upgrade measures, including roof insulation, wall insulation, boiler upgrades and heating control upgrades.
Queries in relation to individual applications are an operational matter for the SEAI. Dedicated hotlines for both schemes are available (WHS hotline — 1800 250 204; HES hotline — 1850 927 000) and all queries, from scheme applicants and public representatives, on delivery dates for individual households and/or funding agreements are dealt with immediately.
Departmental Correspondence
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:159 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will respond to correspondence from this Deputy in respect of a person (details supplied) and directly to the person; if he will address in detail the points raised by the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45514/10]
The individual is the operator of a 4.62 MW wind farm based in County Cork. He built his wind farm in November 1999 under the Alternative Energy Requirement (AER) 3 competitive tendering scheme. He was successful in the tender entered a 15 year power purchase agreement with ESB (the contracting partner (as Public Electricity Supplier) for all AERs). The AER scheme is funded via the PSO levy.
In late 2008, after some nine years in AER, the individual chose of his own volition to leave the AER scheme and enter the Single Electricity Market (SEM) on a stand-alone basis. One of the conditions of leaving the AER scheme is that individuals/companies have no right of return. In January 2010, the individual requested an application form for the REFIT scheme. The Department advised him that REFIT is only open for renewable generation to be newly constructed. Under European Commission State Aid environmental rules, it is not possible to provide a feed in tariff to existing renewable generation projects which has already benefitted from a support scheme.
Officials from my Department and myself have met the individual concerned and discussed matters relating to the REFIT scheme (meetings took place in January and April 2010) and have endeavoured to respond to queries and concerns. My latest substantive reply to the individual on matters raised by him was on 14 October 2010. The individual has also made a complaint to the European Commission in relation to Ireland's State aid application for the extension of the existing REFIT scheme. My Department is not in a position to respond to these specific complaints pending conclusion of the deliberative process with the Commission on the State Aid application.
Departmental Expenditure
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:160 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount spent on legal fees by him in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45620/10]
The expenditure by my Department on legal fees in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 was as follows:
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 to date |
|
€2,153,233.56 |
€467,316.92 |
€415,874.03 |
Harbours and Piers
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:161 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will deal with a matter (details supplied) regarding a harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45565/10]
A total of €665,000 was allocated to Howth Fishery Harbour Centre in 2010 under my Department's Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. The following is a summary of the moneys allocated:
|
€ |
|
|
Safety and Maintenance |
250,000 |
|
Disability access |
15,000 |
|
TBT clean-up |
400,000 |
My Department hosts regular Harbour users' forums at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre which provide an opportunity to the various harbour users to give their views and provide input for consideration by the Department for the development of future plans for the Harbour. All decisions with regard to funding projects for future years will be dependent on the availability of Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
Direct Payment Schemes
Andrew Doyle
Ceist:162 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of each scheme funded by him; the total amount of funding expected to be allocated to each scheme in 2010; the co-funding obligations attached to each scheme; the number of participants involved, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45339/10]
Details of each scheme funded by this Department is listed in the recently published Schemes and Services booklet 2010 — 2011 which is available in Departmental offices and online at www.agriculture.gov.ie. The total amount of funding allocated to each of these schemes for 2010 is published in the Annual Estimates for 2010 by the Department of Finance. In relation to the number of participants, it is not feasible to provide this information within the required timeframe given the resources that would be required to do so.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme
Andrew Doyle
Ceist:163 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of the financial commitments under the REP scheme for each year, including the current year, up to 2014; the current number of REP scheme participants; the number of REP scheme contracts due to expire each year to 2014; the annual savings this will accrue to the Exchequer, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45340/10]
There are 30,895 REPS 4 participants, with an estimated cost from 2010 to 2014 of 878.2m. At the beginning of 2010 there were 34,294 REPS 3 participants with an estimated cost of 147.8m to 2011 when the last participant completes their contract. There are currently a total of 56,365 active participants in REPS. The table below illustrates the number of REPS participants leaving the scheme each year to 2014 and the reductions in expenditure that will accrue to the Exchequer.
|
Year |
Numbers leaving |
Reductions in expenditure |
|
€m |
||
|
2010 |
10,601 |
147.8 |
|
2011 |
23,693 |
0.0 |
|
2012 |
536 |
3.3 |
|
2013 |
11,747 |
72.8 |
|
2014 |
16,582 |
102.8 |
Grant Payments
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:164 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their payment under the new REP scheme system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45451/10]
My Department has given priority to examining applications under the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) to processing applications with a view to issuing approvals for entry into the scheme. This process is expected to be completed shortly and arrangements will then be put in place to commence payments. Under the EU Regulations governing AEOS and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed on all participants before any payment can issue.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:165 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will expedite the payment of moneys due to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath on foot of their single farm payment and area aid applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45464/10]
An application under 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 6 May 2010. The 75% advance payment on the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme which issued on 21 September 2010 and the 50% advance on the Single Payment Scheme, which issued on 18 October 2010, were both on the basis of the land cleared at that stage, as a number of other land parcels declared required digitising.
While balancing payments commenced issuing as and from 1 December, such payments would, in normal circumstances, be confined to those whose applications are fully processed, specifically, where all digitising is finalised. However, following recent consultation with the EU Commission, agreement was reached whereby, in addition to issuing balancing payments to those farmers whose applications are fully processed and whose maps are fully digitised, payments will also issue to those farmers where some or all of their maps are still to be digitised, with the payment being calculated on the basis of the digitised land confirmed otherwise eligible. I am pleased to say that, because of this change, many farmers, including the person named, whose balancing payments would otherwise have been delayed until their digitising is complete, will now receive an interim balancing payment.
John O'Donoghue
Ceist:166 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive their REP scheme payments for 2009 and 2010. [45470/10]
The EU Regulations governing REPS 4 and other area-based schemes provide that payments issue in two instalments. The first instalment of 75% may be paid once all administrative checks on all applications, as well as cross-checks against areas declared on Single Payment Scheme applications, have been completed. The SPS application of the person named has not yet been finalized. When this is completed, the REPS cross-check will be carried out and the REPS application will be fully processed.
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:167 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an appeal for suckler cow grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [45486/10]
The person named registered 14 animals under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Under the Terms and Conditions of the Welfare Scheme, it is necessary in the case of herds with more than 10 animals that calves be weaned in at least two separate groups with each group being removed at a minimum interval of 5 days.
As the person named submitted a weaning date of 23 September 2009 for 13 of the animals, (one animal died at birth) the correct procedures as outlined have not been followed. However, the applicant then submitted further information regarding the weaning of his calves. Following a review by Department it was established that the original decision should stand. To this end, a letter issued to the person named on 18 May 2010 advising him of the non-payment of his animals. An appeal was received in June 2010 but offered no new information to warrant a reversal of the original decision. A letter issued on 7th July 2010 to the applicant advising him of the review decision and informing him of his right to appeal this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office. To date, no appeal has been received from the Agriculture Appeals Office.
John O'Donoghue
Ceist:168 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if financial approval will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45491/10]
I understand that an application on behalf of the person in question for financial approval has been received by my Department. However, I understand that the funding for the 1,500 hectares which the Government approved in October has now been allocated and further financial approvals this year will only issue if some of the allocation referred to is not taken up. In the circumstances I cannot give any assurance at this time as to when financial approval may issue to the person in question.
Ulick Burke
Ceist:169 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Galway who has been penalised, could have a percentage of their due payment granted while maps are being digitized. [45502/10]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 10 May 2010. This application was selected for a Ground Eligibility and Full Cross Compliance inspection. The inspection process is complete and the results have now been processed.
During the course of the Ground Eligibility inspection discrepancies were found with the following parcels G20215016, G20205094, G20605007 and G20215017 due to inadequate deductions for scrub, rock, trees, a house site and sheds. The claimed area for the Single Payment Scheme of 21.17ha was reduced to 20.15ha. When tolerance was taken into account this area was increased to 20.30ha. As the total entitlements held are 20.45 and the area not found is under 3% and under 2ha the area put forward for payment is 20.30ha. During the course of the Cross Compliance inspection breaches were discovered in relation to Statutory Management Requirement 4, i.e., clean water from a shed roof was not being diverted to a clean water out-fall and pit silage was stored on a concrete slab with no proper effluent collecting facilities. Furthermore slurry and effluent were stored in a facility that was leading to indirect discharge of effluent to ground water.
Non-compliance with the requirements for Good Agriculture and Environmental Condition was also found as there was a proliferation of thistles that were not topped, sprayed or controlled in parcel numbers G20215017 and G20215016. The above non-compliances resulted in a Cross Compliance penalty of 12% being applied to the 2010 direct payments for the person named.
Formal decisions issued to the person named on 18 October 2010 and 30 November 2010 that advised him of his right to seek a review of the decisions with 21 days to the District Inspector and of his right to appeal the outcome of any such review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office. The inspection process is complete and the application has now been fully processed. Payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the Single Payment Scheme will issue within a week.
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:170 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when outstanding payment under the single farm payment scheme and REP scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [45519/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 30 April 2010. The 50% advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme, which issued on 18 October and the further 30% payment under the same Scheme, which is scheduled to issue today, 1 December, were on the basis of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage, as a number of other land parcels listed on the application of the person named required re-digitisation. Immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the application will be further processed, with a view to the further payments due issuing shortly thereafter.
While balancing payments commenced issuing as and from today, 1 December, such payments would, in normal circumstances, be confined to those whose applications are fully processed, specifically, where all digitising is finalised. However, following recent consultation with the EU Commission, agreement was reached whereby, in addition to issuing balancing payments to those farmers whose applications are fully processed and whose maps are fully digitised, payments will also issue to those farmers where some or all of their maps are still to be digitised, with the payment being calculated on the basis of the digitised land confirmed otherwise eligible.
The EU Regulations governing REPS 4 and other area-based schemes provide that payments issue in two instalments. The first instalment of 75% may be paid once all administrative checks on all applications, as well as cross-checks against areas declared on Single Payment Scheme applications, have been completed. The SPS application concerned has not yet been finalised and when this is done the REPS Cross Check will be carried out and the REPS application can then be fully processed.
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:171 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [45522/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 17 May 2010. During the validation of the application, a dual-claim was identified in respect of one land parcel. This matter has now been resolved following correspondence between the person named and my Department. Furthermore, a number of parcels listed on the application of the person named also required re-digitising. This process is now completed and the application processed for payment of 50% advance; however, the advance payment which issued, was net of recoupment of over-payments incurred by the person named under the Single Payment Schemes of 2005, 2006 and 2007, as it was established that ineligible features were declared by the applicant during my Department's review of the accuracy of data in Land Parcel Identification System. My Department wrote to the person named on this matter as soon as the overpayments were revealed. As the person named had not refunded these overpayments, they, consequently, fell due for recoupment. The balancing payment due will issue shortly.
John Deasy
Ceist:172 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reasons for the delay in making a single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford and if he will ensure that payment issues immediately. [45577/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 17 May 2010. A number of parcels listed by the person named required re-digitisation; immediately this process is complete and providing no errors are identified, the application will be further processed, with a view to the payment due issuing shortly thereafter.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:173 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for non-payment of area aid payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45578/10]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 26 April 2010. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility and Full Cross Compliance Inspection. The inspection process is complete and the results are now being processed.
Under EU regulations governing the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the Single Payment Scheme all Ground Eligibility Inspections must be completed before any payment can issue to any applicant under either scheme, including those not selected for a Ground Eligibility Inspection. In the vast majority of cases that were inspected amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. Processing of these changes is continuing with priority being given to applications that were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:174 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will receive the remainder of their area aid and single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45581/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 17 May 2010. The 50% advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme, which issued on 18 October, the 75% advance under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, which issued on 21 September and the 30% balancing payment under the Single Payment Scheme, which is scheduled to issue today, 1 December, were on the basis of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. A number of parcels listed on the application of the person named required re-digitisation. This process is now complete and the application is being further processed, with a view to the further payments due issuing shortly.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:175 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will receive their reactor grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45582/10]
The holding of the person concerned has been restricted under the TB and Brucellosis Eradication Scheme since 23 September 2010. As outlined in the Information Booklet for Farmers, which is issued to all herdowners at the time of restriction, the amount to be paid by the Department under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme, which is the difference between the on-farm market value of the animals concerned and the price paid to the farmer by the slaughter plant, can only be calculated and paid by the District Veterinary Office following the receipt of a number of documents from the herdowner. In this case, the last of these documents was received in the District Veterinary Office on the 19 November 2010. The District Veterinary Office has certified a payment of €3,049.69 on 22 November 2010 and payment in respect of that amount was issued by my Department on 26 November 2010.
Food Labelling
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:176 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give an assurance that the labelling of food products on sale here is fully authentic and preserves the integrity of the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45586/10]
The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for the enforcement of this legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (F.S.A.I.). This is done through service contracts between the F.S.A.I and my Department, The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the Health Service Executive and the Local Authority Veterinary Service. 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. Under EU legislation, specific country of origin labelling is only required in the case of beef, unprocessed poultry and fruit and vegetables.
My Department conducts checks, including labelling, as appropriate in the business premises for which it has responsibility and non-compliances are followed up as necessary. It is understood from the FSAI that a range of inspections are carried out at catering and retail establishments by the other service-contracted bodies which include checks on labelling. Draft EU regulations amending labelling requirements are being considered at Council Working Party level in Brussels. Ireland is represented at these negotiations by the Department of Health and Children.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:177 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that all poultry products on sale here are fully compliant with labelling and traceability regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45587/10]
The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for the enforcement of this legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (F.S.A.I.). This is done through service contracts between the F.S.A.I and my Department, The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the Health Service Executive and the Local Authority Veterinary Service. 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. Under EU legislation, specific country of origin labelling is only required in the case of beef, unprocessed poultry and fruit and vegetables.
My Department conducts checks, including labelling, as appropriate in the business premises for which it has responsibility and non-compliances are followed up as necessary. It is understood from the FSAI that a range of inspections are carried out at catering and retail establishments by the other service-contracted bodies which include checks on labelling.
Food Industry
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:178 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he has taken at national or EU level to develop the food producing sector as a means of economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45588/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:185 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he plans to launch any initiatives to investigate the agriculture and food sectors with a view to playing a major role in economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45595/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:189 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to increase employment in the agri-food sectors with a view to assisting economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45599/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:190 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for an economic expansion plan for agriculture and fisheries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45600/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 178, 185, 189 and 190 together.
One of the major steps which I have taken to progress the food producing sector has been the development this year of Food Harvest 2020. This sets out the strategic vision for the sector, the actions to be taken, and the targets which the agrifood and fishing sector should achieve to assist the national export led recovery. Food Harvest 2020 is the Government's comprehensive roadmap for the sector. It was developed by an industry–led committee and its content reflects their wide ranging expertise underpinned by comprehensive analysis from my Department, relevant State Bodies, the input of the Harvard Business School and senior farming and food industry figures.
The key focus of Food Harvest 2020 is to show how the industry can capitalise on the expanding market opportunities. These opportunities arise from the actual and projected increase in food demand due to rising world population and increasing wealth, matched with our ability to produce high quality products using environmentally sustainable production methods.
A global increase in demand for food will inevitably follow the current surge in world population, which is forecast to reach 8 billion by 2025. Growth in demand for dairy produce is likely to be a particularly strong element of this growth due to rising global incomes. This is very opportune and presents a very real opportunity for our dairy sector. The ending of EU milk quotas in 2015, presents the sector with a once in a lifetime opportunity to significantly grow our milk output, to achieve a step-change in the scale of our dairy sector and capitalise on the significant cost advantage we have in our environmentally sustainable grass-based production system.
Food Harvest 2020 sets out a number of growth targets to be attained, the principal ones include the following:
Increasing the value of primary output of the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector by €1.5 billion. This represents a 33% increase compared to the 2007-2009 average.
Improving the value added in the sector by €3 billion. This is a 40% increase compared to 2008.
Achieving an export target of €12 billion for the sector which is a 42% increase compared to the 2007-2009 average,
Increasing milk production by 50%;
Adding 20% to the value of the beef sector.
In addition, Food Harvest 2020 points out the need to improve cost competitiveness by 20%, relative to our competitors and the necessity to double the industry spend on R&D.
This detailed strategy provides over 200 recommendations and suggestions on which Government, State Bodies and private enterprise must actively collaborate and implement in order to achieve the above targets. My answer to the combined Parliamentary Question 45039/10, for answer today, gives details on the progress which I have already made on its implementation.
The increased output identified in Food Harvest 2020 has the potential to increase net employment by some 3,500 in the food sector with a further 3,000 jobs in the seafood sector. In the latter industry, increased employment is expected from aquaculture production and value- added branded production assisted by the Seafood Development Centre. In addition, increased self employment is expected from the small food companies, artisan and food tourism businesses. Currently, these micro food businesses are too small to feature in CSO employment surveys but these indigenous and mostly rural based businesses are a current and future potential source of expanding rural employment and innovation.
The Government has consistently supported the growth and development of the agrifood and fisheries sector and a continuation of the proactive implementation of the recommendations of Food Harvest 2020 will ensure that this indigenous sector makes a significant contribution to the national export led economic recovery.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:179 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to expand the dairy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45589/10]
The Food Harvest 2020 report, which I launched during the summer with the Taoiseach, outlines the positive prospects for the dairy sector over the medium- to long-term, and sets an ambitious target of a 50 per cent increase in milk production by 2020. It outlines a number of recommendations designed to support the realisation of this potential growth, ranging from milk processing to on-farm competitiveness, technology transfer, and R&D and marketing. I have established, and am chairing, a very focused High Level Implementation Group which will ensure effective, joined-up action, and will act as a clearing house for the range of issues that are likely to arise in relation to the development of the agriculture sector as a whole.
I have also recently established the Dairy Expansion Activation Group, comprised of dairy farmers, processors and Teagasc, which I have tasked with addressing the specific actions required to achieve the dairy expansion target. I asked for an initial ‘road map' to be submitted to the High Level Implementation Group by the end of November, and I expect this to be presented formally to the High Level Group shortly.
Of course this focus on how to deal with future challenges is a continuation of the approach that I have taken to the implementation of milk policy in recent years. Having secured as much additional quota as possible for Irish dairy farmers in the run up to quota abolition through the November 2008 Health Check agreement, I have continued to strive to get as much of that quota as possible into the hands of active producers while at the same time encouraging the adoption of best practice on dairy farms so that they can continue to be competitive through improved efficiency.
Innovative measures such as simplified and flexible milk quota regulations, new rules for participation in Milk Production Partnerships, the Milk Quota Trading Scheme, new measures to encourage new entrants, and the Dairy Efficiency Programme have helped the sector to progress significantly in recent years, as has the ongoing investment at processing level supported by the Dairy Investment Fund. I intend to ensure that the implementation of Food Harvest 2020 builds on this momentum, and I am confident that it will help to ensure that the dairy sector achieves its full potential.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:180 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to any particular trend that the scale of food products on sale here reflects a displacement of Irish products from the shelves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45590/10]
As products, including food products, which are traded within the Community are not generally required to indicate origin on their packaging, statistical evidence of any particular trend as suggested by the Deputy is not available on an official basis. Food products trade freely within the Single Market and over 80% of Irish agricultural production is exported to EU and world destinations. Exports in 2010 are running more than 5% ahead of the trend in 2009, when they were worth € 7 billion, which is a positive contribution towards achieving the aims of Food Harvest 2020, which sets out a vision and actions to increase exports to €12 billion by 2020.
World Trade Negotiations
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:181 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he plans to adopt a robust stance at EU level in the context of World Trade Organisation negotiations with particular reference to enable the agrifood sector play a major role in economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45591/10]
The agriculture and food production sector is Ireland's largest indigenous manufacturing industry and it has a vital part to play in our economic recovery, particularly in the context of our exports. The role of agriculture in Europe's economic recovery has also been recognised in the contribution it makes to all three priorities of the EU 2020 strategy of smart, green and inclusive growth. Its importance has been acknowledged in the conclusions by the Heads of State and Government at the spring European Council and in the recently released EU budget review document by the Commission.
The future CAP will determine the policy framework for the successful delivery of our Food Harvest 2020 strategy and it will be of vital importance to ensure that it underpins that strategy. My priority and that of this Government is to ensure that the proposed reform of the EU Common Agricultural Policy results in a strong and properly resourced policy in the years ahead which will continue to nurture the strong economic growth in our agriculture and food production sector.
I am also determined to ensure that any WTO agreement reached is balanced in all its dimensions and does not place a disproportionate burden on EU or Irish agriculture. While the WTO talks are continuing are present, there have been no significant breakthroughs in 2010. Prospects for a breakthrough or an agreement being reached in 2011 continue to remain uncertain.
Food Exports
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:182 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the location and extent of new markets secured for Irish meat and dairy products in each of the past three years to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45592/10]
It is my policy and that of the Government to ensure that Irish producers have access to as many global markets as possible. Irish dairy products are exported to other EU Member States and to over 100 countries worldwide. The amount of exports to any particular destination varies in accordance with changes in the supply/demand dynamics in particular regions of the world and in respect of the various dairy products involved.
In overall terms, Ireland's dairy exports amounted to €2 billion in 2009. The UK represents the largest single share of export sales at approximately 32% with the rest of the EU accounting for 48%. North America and Africa account for 6% and 7% respectively. As international demand changes the Irish dairy industry is placing an increasing emphasis on consumer food markets, particularly in the EU, US, Russia and the Middle East and in high growth emerging economies.
Irish beef production makes an extremely valuable contribution to the overall Irish economy. Irish exports of beef and sheepmeat have been largely targeted at higher value EU markets in recent years. In 2009, exports of beef to EU countries accounted for 99% of total beef exports, while exports of sheepmeat to EU countries in 2009 accounted for 98% of total sheepmeat exports. As regards access to international markets, my Department, with the cooperation of Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs, have been active in achieving agreement with third countries on the veterinary health conditions to be met by exports of beef and sheepmeat from Ireland. In the period from 2008 to 2010, agreements have been reached on the veterinary health conditions governing the export of beef to Saudi Arabia (2008), French Polynesia (2009), South Africa (2009), Israel (2009), Indonesia (2010), Morocco (2010), Tunisia (2010) and United Arab Emirates (2010). Also agreement has been reached with the Tunisian authorities regarding the export of sheepmeat (2010).
The pig sector remains an important component of the Irish agricultural sector. Almost half of Irish production is exported, with the UK accounting for 50% of exports with the remainder split between Continental Europe and third countries. Pork remains the most-consumed meat worldwide and consumption is expected to increase steadily over the next decade. We currently export to over 20 non-EU markets. China and Russia were fully re-opened to Irish pork earlier this year, a move which marked the end of the interruption to trade that arose in late 2008 as a result of the dioxin crisis. During the last three years certificates have been agreed for the export of pork to Canada, Croatia and New Zealand.
My Department, together with Bord Bia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the industry will continue to work together to identify new potential markets for Irish dairy and meat products.
National Herd
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:183 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the level of the bovine, swine and sheep numbers; the extent to which this has changed in each of the past three years to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45593/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table. The figures provided relate to dates in December for each of the years in question except the 2010 bovine figure which refers to the live population on August 1st 2010.
|
Bovines (millions) |
Swine (millions) |
Sheep (millions) |
|
|
2007 |
6.162 |
1.575 |
3.270 |
|
2008 |
6.234 |
1.605 |
3.090 |
|
2009 |
6.120 |
1.602 |
3.075 |
|
2010 |
6.529 |
There are no 2010 figures available for swine or sheep at this stage. Preparations are currently being made to issue census forms to keepers in respect of the 2010 sheep and goat census which will be carried out between 10th and 14th December this year.
Food Industry
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:184 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent he has monitored the degree to which prices awarded to the producer and a charge to the consumer here compare to those prevailing in other EU countries, eurozone and non-eurozone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45594/10]
Agricultural production in Ireland and the EU must be viewed in the context of a reformed and evolving Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with much more competitive EU and world commodity markets. As a result of the reformed CAP farmers can now take advantage of the freedom to farm exclusively for the market. They can focus on meeting the requirements of the consumer in a competitive manner.
Overall output prices fell by approximately 15% in 2009. There were declines in the output prices for cattle, milk and pigs of 10%, 31% and 9% respectively. These developments followed notable increases in output prices across the majority of sectors in 2008. Consumer prices in Ireland also fell in 2009. The overall CPI fell by 4.5% for the year. The overall price of food as measured by the food price index fell by 3.5%.
The data currently available in this area is quite limited. However, EUROSTAT is currently developing systems to monitor prices at various stages in the food chain through harnessing available data on price developments at different steps of the supply chain and comparing price developments for the relevant agricultural commodities, for the relevant food industries as well as for the chosen consumer goods. The European Commission has included an initiative on developing an improved European Food Prices Monitoring Tool in its Communication on a better functioning food supply chain (COM(2009)591) and a mandate for an Experts Platform on this subject was agreed in November by the High Level Forum on better functioning of the food supply chain. Under the mandate the Platform will organise consultations with other stakeholders, develop further the monitoring tool in cooperation with EUROSTAT and discuss with National Statistical Institutes through working groups the possibilities of receiving and publishing more data than are presently available.
Prices paid by consumers in the EU primarily remain a function of prevailing market and competitive forces in those countries. EUROSTAT data indicates that there was a 0.9% increase in food prices to consumers across the EU-27 in 2009 following on from the 6.7% increase experienced in 2008. However there was a wide divergence in food price developments within the EU in 2009 with food prices increasing by over 5% in 2 countries (Malta and UK) whilst prices fell by over 3% in 4 countries including Ireland.
Question No. 185 answered with Question No. 178.
Fishing Industry Development
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to develop the fishing industry in a way which is sympathetic to the needs of coastal counties and fishing families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45596/10]
In July 2010, together with Minister Connick, I launched the Bord Iascaigh Mhara 2010-2012 Strategy — ‘Delivering on the Potential of Irish Seafood', and the Government's Irish National Seafood Programme 2007-2013. These two documents encapsulate Government's plans for developing the seafood industry in the next few years.
The BIM Strategy, drafted in consultation with the Irish seafood industry, will bring innovative, developmental and financial benefits to both the sector and the economy as a whole. It concentrates on avenues to deliver essential developmental services to a seafood industry undergoing rapid and unparalleled change. The strategy sets down over 70 detailed actions under four key themes that underpin the opportunities for the Irish seafood sector. It is anticipated that the strategy will be central to creating some 600 additional jobs across the Irish seafood sector, in addition to developing an extra €50 million in value added seafood sales through processes such as the differentiation of some 40,000 tonnes of seafood products as eco-labelled and of Irish origin worth approximately €120 million, the increase in aquaculture production capacity by approximately 10,000 metric tonnes valued at an estimated €18 million in new sales together with delivering some 3,500 training places to the seafood sector in over 30 coastal locations annually. The strategy is geared toward improving the seafood sector's performance through difficult and challenging times by assisting industry through focused support programmes.
The Irish National Seafood Programme 2007-2013 provides Exchequer funded support to the seafood sector to develop new products and processes through enhanced innovation that adds value to products, while maintaining and improving environmental and food quality standards with improved cost efficiency. Grants totalling €1.91 million have been made available to 19 seafood projects in both the processing and aquaculture sectors under the Programme, for investment projects worth €6.5million.
In addition, the separate Seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-2013, jointly funded by the Exchequer and the EU, provides financial support in a number of areas. In 2010, grants were made available under three schemes. Under the Marine Environment Protection Measure, grants of €426,000 were made available to 9 projects. Under the Seafood Environmental Management & Certification Scheme, grants of €350,000 were made to 7 projects, involving 159 vessels and under the Shellfish Discard & Live Reduction Scheme, grants of €113,000 were made to assist up to 42 inshore fishermen associations to v-notch up to 15,000 lobsters. Further additional measures are planned for the remaining years of the Operational Programme, subject to availability of funding.
Common Fisheries Policy
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:187 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the discussions he has had at EU level in the matter of the Common Fisheries Policy and review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45597/10]
The current review of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) was initiated by the European Commission when it issued a Green Paper in April 2009 and sought responses to the proposals it contained. The CFP, which was first put in place in 1983, has been subject to reviews every 10 years. The most recent review was in 2002.
Minister Killeen, who had responsibility for the Fisheries portfolio when the Green Paper was published, appointed Dr. Noel Cawley to chair a nationwide public consultation process. The result of these extensive consultations contributed in no small way to Ireland's Response to the Green Paper which issued on the 23rd of February. The report in its entirety, and all formal submissions received during the public consultation process, are available on www.fishingnet.ie.
Ireland's response on the CFP reform sets down a number of informed recommendations which we believe must be incorporated into the new Common Fisheries Policy. They take a pragmatic approach, promoting measures that collectively take account of economic, social, environmental and sustainability factors important to the Irish seafood sector. The changes we consider necessary include:
New focus on addressing discarding of fish at sea with a complete ban being introduced for stocks in a depleted state;
The retention of a management system based on national quotas supported by increased flexibility and a rejection of the mandatory privatisation of fish quotas or the introduction of international trading of fish quotas;
Access to coastal waters to be re-examined with a view to an extension of the coastal limit to 20 miles with new management arrangements in place to strengthen coastal communities dependant on inshore coastal fisheries;
New measures to strengthen the market for EU producers and increase quay side prices;
Reinvigoration of European aquaculture with continued structural support and a roadmap that establishes a route for growth in harmony with Community environmental law;
New regional structure to decision-making at EU level, with increasing industry responsibility and the development of a culture of compliance.
Consultation at European level on the review is ongoing, with a variety of meetings being held, including a number of stakeholders' conferences. In May an informal meeting of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers to discuss the reform, both of which were held in Spain. The reform has also been discussed at the Fisheries Council in June. In addition, as soon as Minister Connick was appointed as Minister of State, he attended a bilateral meeting with the Maria Damanaki, the new EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs. This meeting was arranged at my request to discuss Ireland's Response to the Commission's Green Paper.
At this meeting and at the subsequent informal and formal Council meetings he advised that we have many areas where we have common ground with the EU Commission. However, he made it quite clear that Ireland does not support the Commission's ideas expressed in the Green Paper which would allow our national fish quotas to be privatised and traded away to large European fishing companies. He stressed that one of Ireland's main objective in the Reform Process will be to protect the national fish quotas as a public resource to be used for the benefit of our family owned fleet and to support our coastal communities.
Under the planned EU timetable for the review, a legislative proposal to the Council and the European Parliament is expected to be adopted in 2011, with a view to its entering into force in 2012. Nationally, I intend to continue close collaboration with the Federation of Irish Fishermen and the other stakeholders to put Ireland's case forward during the review, to vigorously defend Ireland's maritime interests, and to convince our colleagues in other Member States and in the Commission to strengthen the current policy in line with Ireland's submission on the reform of the CFP.
Ministerial Travel
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:188 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of countries and locations he has visited in each of the past three years in the course of promotion of Irish food products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45598/10]
Since assuming office in May 2008, I have sought at all appropriate opportunities to raise the profile and secure market opportunities and share for Irish Food and Beverage products on export markets. This has been and will remain a key priority. Trade promotions are a key part of the relationship building process with current and potential customers of Irish food and drink in Ireland's prospective and existing markets.
Ministerial attendance can obviously raise the profile of events and significantly attract key senior decision making buyers and executives. This allows Irish companies to build their relationships with existing customers and forge new relationship to expand Ireland's €7.1 billion export food and drink business. This is precisely the level of contact that our Irish food exporting companies require and appreciate in terms of gaining access or increased market share in key and invaluable EU and 3rd country markets.
The details in terms of countries and the related events and which I have attended since assuming office in May 2008 are set out below. Where practicable, events were scheduled to coincide with other elements of official business including bilateral meetings with Ministerial counterparts.
|
Month |
Location |
Event(s) & Location |
|
October |
France |
SIAL (In conjunction with Bord Bia) Paris |
|
November |
United States |
Enterprise Ireland Promotion including events in Chicago and Philadelphia as well as opening of Bord Bia office in New York |
|
December |
United Kingdom |
Bord Bia Trade Reception in London |
|
Month |
Location |
Event(s) & Location |
|
January |
Japan |
Trade Mission to Japan including Enterprise Ireland & Bord Bia trade promotion events in Tokyo |
|
March |
Germany |
Trade promotion events (Bord Bia, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Enterprise Ireland) in Munich, Düsseldorf and Berlin |
|
September |
Finland & Denmark |
Enterprise Ireland Business Development visit to Helsinki & Copenhagen |
|
France |
Bord Bia Promotion |
|
Month |
Location |
Event(s) & Location |
|
March |
Italy |
Trade promotion events in Rome, Milan and Bologna |
|
May |
China |
SIAL Shanghai and (In conjunction with Bord Bia) & trade related promotions in Beijing including Irish Dairy Board office opening |
|
October |
France |
SIAL Paris |
Questions Nos. 189 and 190 answered with Question No. 178.
Grant Payments
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:191 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent of farm payments still outstanding in respect of each of the past three years to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45601/10]
My Department is involved in the payment of a wide range of grants and subventions including, for example, payments under the Single Payment Scheme to some 130,000 beneficiaries and area based compensation allowances to some 102,000 farmers. The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department and the resources required to compile the level of detail in the required timeframe would not be justified. In general payments are made within the deadlines laid down in the Charter of Farmers Rights.
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:192 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reasons for the delay in issuing the payment for the single farm payment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork and when he expects payment will issue. [45602/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 16 April 2010. A number of parcels listed by the person named required re-digitisation in order to remove ineligible features (buildings, farmyard, roadway) and immediately this process is complete and providing no errors are identified, the application will be further processed, with a view to the payment due issuing shortly thereafter.
Michael Ring
Ceist:193 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture; Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their 2010 REP scheme payment. [45615/10]
The EU Regulations governing REPS 4 and other area-based schemes provide that payments issue in two instalments. The first instalment of 75% may be paid once all administrative checks on all applications, as well as cross-checks against areas declared on Single Payment Scheme applications, have been completed. This process is under way and my objective is to make all payments for 2010 as soon as possible. The balancing payment of 25% can issue once all on-the-spot inspections for the year have taken place and these will be completed shortly.
Departmental Expenditure
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:194 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Agriculture; Fisheries and Food the amount spent on legal fees by him in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45619/10]
The amount paid by my Department in legal fees for 2008 was €164,801, for 2009 was €157,626 and to date in 2010 is €123,049.
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:195 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise; Trade and Innovation when the undertaking was given to provide public funds to an organisation (details supplied) in regard to Your Country Your Call; the funds that have been provided and under what heading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45462/10]
Your Country, Your Call aimed to identify proposals, which would have a positive economic impact on Ireland and create sustainable employment. The Competition was a very successful one and the winners were announced on 17th September 2010. To date, no funding has been paid by my Department for this initiative.
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:196 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Enterprise; Trade and Innovation the amount spent on legal fees by him in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45624/10]
The information requested by the Deputy in respect of expenditure on legal fees in my Department and in the Offices of my Department for the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Amount Spent on Legal Fees |
|
€ |
|
|
2010 (to 25 November) |
449,893 |
|
2009 |
2,153,436 |
|
2008 |
900,070 |
National Recovery Plan
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:197 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Enterprise; Trade and Innovation the way he plans to cut costs for small and medium enterprises under the four year plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45641/10]
The National Recovery Plan provides a blueprint for a return to sustainable economic growth and includes actions which the Government will take to reduce costs for business across the economy, including the SME sector. The Plan sets out specific measures which will be taken to cut costs in relation to labour, energy, property rental, professional fees and other areas.
To facilitate cash-flow for businesses, the Government will extend the existing 15-day payment rule which applies to Government Departments to the wider public sector. Enterprise agencies will also work directly with SMEs to improve their performance, productivity and competitiveness.
The Annual Competitiveness Report 2010, published by the National Competitiveness Council in July this year, acknowledged that since January 2008, Ireland has regained some of the competitiveness it had lost at the start of the global economic downturn. The measures outlined above, along with other strategies outlined in the Recovery Plan, will build on the progress already made by the Government and will further improve cost competitiveness for all businesses, including SMEs, in the years ahead.
Departmental Expenditure
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:198 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Community; Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount spent on legal fees by him in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45621/10]
The details requested by the Deputy in relation to my Department, including fees paid to legal professionals for advice and research, are reflected in the table.
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 to date |
|
|
Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs |
€6,050 |
Nil |
Nil |
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:199 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Defence the amount spent on legal fees by him in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45622/10]
The main requirement for legal services in the Department is in the context of litigation, usually in the form of judicial review and personal injury proceedings. The Chief State Solicitor's Office is responsible for the costs of the State's legal teams in cases that it manages on behalf of the Department. External legal costs incurred by the State Claims Agency arising from the defence of any claims managed by the Agency for the Department are refunded to the Agency by the Department. In addition the Department may pay plaintiff's legal costs as part of awards/settlements. The amount spent on legal fees is as follows:
|
Year |
Department of Defence |
Coiste an Asgard |
Civil Defence |
Army Pensions Board |
|
2008 |
€3,745,847 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2009 |
€2,696,339 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2010 |
€3,143,998 |
€5,354 |
Nil |
Nil |