Written Answers Nos. 588 - 606
588. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if the Reserve Defence Forces will be allowed participate in St Patrick's Day parades as they have done historically; and the plans the military authorities have in place to facilitate the preparatory training required. [3772/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll requests for Reserve Defence Force (RDF) participation in St. Patrick’s Day parades are considered by my Department. As in previous years, the RDF will participate in a number of parades throughout the country. There is no requirement for specialised training to be carried out in advance of the parades, the basic foot and arm drill which is part of the induction training for members of the RDF is sufficient. As is the practice, rehearsals will take place in advance of participation in the parades. A major re-organisation of the RDF is currently being implemented and the RDF is currently transitioning to a new “single force” organisational structure. RDF training is continuing, however, this transitional phase will provide for limited unarmed training only, except where RDF Military Ceremonial requires weapons for training and ceremonial events.
589. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the number of doctors, nurses, dentists that have been recruited to the Defence Forces Medical Corps in each of the past three years; if a recruitment drive is likely this year in the Medical Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4026/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the period since 1 January 2010 one doctor was appointed to the Defence Forces Medical Corps. There have been no nurses or dentists appointed in this timeframe. A competition for the appointment of doctors to the Defence Forces Medical Corps remains open with applications being accepted on an ongoing basis. As suitably qualified applicants are identified they will be interviewed with regard to their suitability for service in the Defence Forces. There is currently one application being processed.
The terms and conditions governing the appointment of dentists to the Defence Forces Medical Corps are being revised with a view to initiating a recruitment campaign for dentists. As it will take some time before we have achieved the current target of 32 doctors in the Defence Forces, alternative arrangements to address the ongoing shortfall are being developed by the Central Medical Unit of the Medical Corps. Against this background, it has been necessary to identify alternative options for the provision of medical services to the Defence Forces, including the consideration of the outsourcing of some or all Defence Forces domestic medical services. In this regard an integrated model for the provision of the required medical services, involving both the Medical Corps and outsourced service provision, is being progressed.
590. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Defence with reference to the public service reform document published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on 17 November 2011, Appendix IIa, Bodies to be rationalised, Amalgamated or Abolished in 2012, the progress that has been made on those bodies; the changes that require legislation; the expected timeframe for conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4284/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the enactment of the Civil Defence Act 2012 a Ministerial Order was brought into being which gave effect to the dissolution of the Civil Defence Board with effect from 31st December 2012. Arising from the dissolution of the Board the management and development of Civil Defence at national level will now be a matter for the Civil Defence Branch of my Department.
591. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider a proposal (details supplied) in respect of the former premises of the Reserve Forces Headquarters in Fermoy, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4552/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFermoy RDF post is one of the properties identified for closure under the re-organisation programme for the Reserve. It is anticipated that all RDF properties identified for closure under the programme, including Fermoy, will be vacated by the end of March next. At that stage, in accordance with normal procedure in relation to the disposal of State property, my Department will be inviting Government Departments and other Public Bodies to identify any interest in the properties in question including Fermoy. If no interest is expressed by any other Government Department or State Agency the property will be disposed of by public tender/auction. In the circumstances my Department is not in a position to consider the question of the premises being transferred to the UN Veterans Association.
592. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way the money outlined under the following EU Fund was allocated and spent, €308.72 million of the EAFRD contribution for Natura 2000 payments under the Rural Development Programme [4141/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding set out in the Rural Development Programme, 2007-2013 (RDP), was based on the assumption that REPS 4 would continue to be open to new applicants until the end of the Programme. Due to budgetary constraints, REPS 4 closed to new applicants on 9th July 2009 at which stage it had more than 30,000 participants. In 2009 the payment rates were reduced by about 17% and in 2012 they were reduced by a further 10%. The level of expenditure as set out in the RDP will not be reached during the lifetime of the present Programme. However, expenditure under the REPS and AEOS Schemes will ensure that all available EU funding for Natura and Agri-Environment Measures combined under the RDP will be drawn down.
Both REPS and AEOS are voluntary schemes which allowed eligible applicants with Natura land to apply and participate. To date, €80.8 million has been paid to Natura 2000 participants in REPS 4, corresponding to a contribution of €44.4 million from the EAFRD. In addition, a further €3.7 million has been paid to date to Natura 2000 participants in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme, with €2.7 million being the EAFRD contribution.
593. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REP scheme 4 payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3737/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person mentioned commenced REPS 4 in February 2008 and received payments for the first four years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. This process has been completed in respect of the person named and the 75% Year 5 payment issued on 28th January 2013 for the amount of €2411.50. The year 5 balancing payment will also issue shortly.
594. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of REP scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3741/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person mentioned commenced REPS 4 in June 2008 and received payments for the first four years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. These checks are being finalised and once successfully completed I expect 2012 payment to issue to the person named.
595. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of a forestry grant will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3788/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe applicant has two forestry contracts with the Forest Service. In respect of the first contract, a Form 3 (an application form for payment of the second instalment of the establishment grant) was sent to the applicant for completion in June 2010 and a reminder issued in March 2012. The Department has no record of receiving the completed form from the applicant. No further premiums will issue to the applicant until a completed Form 3 is returned and processed indicating that the forest is established and maintained to the required standard. In the case of the second contract, the person named was informed by the Department that payment of annual premiums would be withheld pending completion of remedial works outlined to him in August 2012. The person named appealed against that decision and a decision on that appeal will issue shortly.
596. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3789/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraSingle Farm Payment in the amounts of €5,533.69 and €4,938.49 issued directly to the bank account of the person named on 18 October and 3 December 2012, respectively.
597. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment under agri environment option scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3790/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010 and full payments totalling €1,627.56 and €4,999.95 issued in respect of 2010 and 2011 respectively. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. During these checks for 2012 issues were identified in relation to the claimed areas on the Species Rich Grassland and Traditional Hay Meadow actions. Officials in my Department are finalising the application of the person named with the intention of issuing payment as soon as possible.
598. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an agri environment option scheme payment for 2012 will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3791/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2011 and full payment totalling €1,333.31 issued in respect of 2011. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. Payments in respect of the 2012 Scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes the requirement to return a valid Soil Sample Declaration. My Department has yet to receive a Soil Sample Declaration from the person named. A reminder letter regarding this issued to the person named in November 2012. Payment for 2012 will issue at the earliest opportunity once this issue has been resolved and all validations have been successfully completed.
599. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when agri environment option scheme payments for 2011 and 2012 will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3798/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2011. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. During these checks issues were identified in relation to the claimed areas on the Natura Owned action which will result in a penalty being applied. Officials in my Department are finalising the application of the person named on this basis and arrangements are being made to issue payment as soon as possible.
600. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason there is a delay in replacing the only surveyor of the Lands Branch, Legal Services Division of his Department which is currently prohibiting the implementation of a re-arrangement scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo negotiated and facilitated by the Irish Land Commission a number of years ago in view of the fact that there is no surveyor to prepare the necessary map to accompany the vesting order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3809/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe re-arrangement survey in question was carried out recently by a private contractor. A number of issues still have to be resolved but the case is being worked on actively with a view to lodgement of a vesting order with the Property Registration Authority at the earliest possible date.
601. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will withdraw pay for parking at Howth Harbour as it will seriously damage local businesses and the tourism industry in Howth, County Dublin. [3852/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraHowth is one of 6 Fishery Harbour Centres operated by the State each of whose primary purpose is to provide facilities and services for the fishing industry and fisheries-related activities. There has been significant capital investment in all of the Fishery Harbour Centres in recent years. In parallel with fishing-related enhancements, there have been a number of developments at the Fishery Harbours that underpin their expanding use for leisure and marine tourism, as well as other maritime enterprises. I am well aware that Howth in particular has a long tradition in these areas as well as in commercial fishing.
As a consequence of the additional investment, the State is necessarily fully committed to maximising the return on its investment. Furthermore, my Department is required to ensure that the Fishery Harbour Centres are run on a financially sound basis. It is in those contexts that it is proposed to make a charge for the use of parking facilities provided within Howth Fishery Harbour Centre, in the same way that a charge is made for using any other of its facilities.
All income generated by the Fishery Harbour Centres goes back into a ring-fenced Fishery Harbour Centres Fund that is used exclusively for the operating, management and development costs of the Fishery Harbours. All of the day-to-day running costs, for example, Harbour Master and staff salaries, electricity and fuel costs, harbour cleaning and maintenance etc of each Fishery Harbour Centres are financed from the Fund. It is the only source of income available to fund this expenditure, without which the Fishery Harbour Centres could not provide a service to their customers, the harbour users and the visiting public. Income lodged to the Fishery Harbour Centres Fund is invested directly back into the Fishery Harbour Centres and can be used for no other purpose.
The Rates & Charges Order is the legal instrument that enables charges to be levied that provide the income necessary for the provision of the various services at the Fishery Harbours. The rates and charges are set at a level sufficient to provide adequately for the costs involved while balancing the need to finance the management of the harbours with the needs of the various harbour customers.
The introduction of parking charges at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre was originally examined some years ago in the context of a proposed Howth Traffic and Parking Management Plan, in conjunction with Fingal Council. That project did not subsequently proceed. There was widespread public consultation at that time and I am well aware of the views and concerns expressed at the time by local businesses and other interests, that are still being expressed today in relation to the new scheme. However, in the current economic climate, it is essential that all of the State’s enterprises pay their way, and the State must necessarily be fully committed to maximising the return on its investment.
Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is first and foremost a working fishery harbour. As such, full access is required for commercial traffic servicing the fishing side and the various ancillary enterprises, with appropriate parking arrangements. Other harbour users such as the yacht club and other social users also require reasonable access to parking facilities. A significant number of parking spaces in the Fishery Harbour are currently being taken up by commuters using the DART service during the working week, when the DART station car park is full. It is essential that the needs of all users are accommodated in a safe and secure facility. However, it is generally acknowledged that traffic and parking management within the Fishery Harbour Centre itself has needs to be addressed, particularly in the light of concerns raised about safety and emergency access by the Coastguard, the Lifeboat service, and an Gárda Síochána. The introduction of pay parking is one of a number of measures being introduced to address those concerns.
The current Rates and Charges Order SI 214/2012 provides for a charge for parking but no set charge has yet been fixed for Howth. Given that there are approx 500 parking spaces within the Fishery Harbour Centre boundaries at present, it is clear that a significant source of revenue exists. It is illogical that some harbour users would expect to continue to use such a facility free of charge given that the State is required to maintain that facility, and when other users, i.e. those users of the harbour who are already paying into the Fund for using the harbour facilities, are effectively paying for its upkeep. The new parking arrangements will include pay and display parking for visitors, and a permit management system for the harbour’s business users. Regular Harbour users will have noticed that all currently available parking spaces have been identified and marked recently.
My Department has asked the Planning Department of Fingal Council for guidance on their requirements in relation to minimising the potential environmental and visual impacts of the pay and display machines and of any associated directional signage, and will be pleased to take account of any requirements and recommendations they may have.
The additional revenues to be generated from pay parking at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre, which I expect will be significant when fully operational, will be re-invested in facilities and enhancements that would not otherwise have been possible given the current financial constraints. I believe these improvements can only be of benefit to the marine and leisure tourism sectors and local economies in general. In the longer term, I believe that both the Howth Fishery Harbour Centre users and Howth people in general will recognise the benefits that will accrue from this previously untapped resource. I can assure the Deputy that the scheme for the new parking regime will seek to be fair to all of the users of the harbour while at the same time ensuring that everyone pays their fair share.
602. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason final payment under the REP scheme 4 has not been paid in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3869/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person mentioned commenced REPS 4 in October 2007 and received payments for the first four years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. These checks are being finalised and once successfully completed I expect 2012 payment to issue to the person named.
603. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will detail the policies being implemented by his Department on which he wrote to the EU / ECB / IMF troika; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3875/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll correspondence to and from the ECB/EU/IMF troika is sent directly to the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform and as such my Department has not had any direct contact with the ECB/EU/IMF troika. I understand that the Minister for Finance is answering a question concerning the Programmes and that all of the details and conditions of the programme are published after each mission.
604. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be issued payment under the 2012 disadvantaged area scheme; the reasons for the delay in payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3898/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraPayment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued to the person named on 23 January 2013.
Payment had not issued previously as the holding concerned was only recently confirmed as having satisfied the scheme minimum stocking density requirements. An exercise to take account of December 2012 data, which was recently completed, established the definitive position of the holding.
605. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be issued payment under the 2012 disadvantaged area scheme; the reasons for the delay in payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3899/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the holding of the person named did not meet the minimum stocking density requirements of the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and as there is no current agri-environmental plan for the holding, a review of the stocking capacity of the holding was necessary. The review is currently ongoing; the person named will be notified, in writing, upon completion.
606. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be issued payment under the 2012 disadvantaged area scheme, the reasons for the delay in payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3900/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the holding of the person named did not meet the minimum stocking density requirements of the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and as there is no current agri-environmental plan for the holding, a review of the stocking capacity of the holding was necessary. The review is currently ongoing; the person named will be notified, in writing, upon completion.
607. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a disadvantaged area payment will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3952/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraPayment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued to the person named on 17 January 2013. Payment had not issued previously as the holding concerned was only recently confirmed as having satisfied the scheme minimum stocking density requirements. An exercise to take account of December 2012 data, which was recently completed, established the definitive position of the holding of the person named.
608. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the issue of appointing ISPCA Inspectors as authorised officers in relation to non-farm cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3986/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Animal Health and Welfare Bill as currently drafted would allow ISPCA inspectors to be appointed as authorised officers for certain purposes under the Bill. This would grant them the type of powers referred to by the Deputy. The appointment of such inspectors would be on an individual basis and will be dealt with once the Animal Health and Welfare Bill has been enacted.
609. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce legislation to update the use and applications of animal micro chipping; if he will, in view of safety concerns, consider making the animal owner's contact details available directly from the microchip readout; if he will consider legislating for the duties of animal pound operators and local authorities with regards to the actions they should take upon taking control of an animal with regard to contacting the owner; if he will consider a single piece of legislation to be more effective, in the area of animal control, to be more effective than the multitude of bye-laws administered by individual local authorities; if he will consider the benefits of such a system of direct access to the animal owner's contact details to overcome the current situation whereby animals are often pounded, and later destroyed, simply because of an inability to determine or contact the owner of the animal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3999/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume that the question relates, in the main, to horses. My Department has responsibility for the identification, health and welfare of animals kept for farming purposes and in this regard there are strict procedures in place relating to the identification of all farmed animal species, including equines. With regard to identification of equines, my Department has introduced enhanced rules governing equine identification through SI No 357 of 2011 and SI No 371 of 2012 which give effect to European Commission Regulation (EC) No 504/2008. The legislation requires horse owners to ensure that all horses have a passport and that foals be identified before 31 December of the year of birth or within six months of birth, whatever date is the later. Passports are issued by an approved Passport Issuing Organisation.
All equines issued with a passport after 1 July 2009 must have a corresponding microchip implanted by a veterinarian. The microchip number is recorded on the passport and creates a link between the passport and the equine. The microchips are supplied by the Passport Issuing Organisation to the veterinarians and contain markers that are specific to the issuing body. During the processing of the passports, the number on the microchip is recorded on the database of the Passport Issuing Organisation and the microchip implanted in the equine may be scanned and the number verified with the issuing organisation. When there is a change of ownership of an equine, there is a mechanism in place whereby this change is recorded on the passport and on the database of the Passport Issuing body.
My Department also introduced new regulations on the registration of horse premises in January 2012 such that, from May 2012, anyone who is the owner/person in charge of any premises on which horses are kept is required to register the premises with the Department. The introduction of these regulations will play an important role in bringing greater accountability to horse issues and should be of assistance to the local authorities, the Gardai Síochána and Department personnel in the years ahead. My Department is also developing a central database of horses which will involve migration of selected data from Passport Issuing Organisations to the Department. The intention is that this database will be used to verify the authenticity of the passport for the equine presented at various events and locations.
The operation of Local Authority Pounds is a matter for the respective Local Authorities. My Department makes a financial contribution to the activities carried out by Local Authorities under the Control of Horses Act, 1996, which provides extensive powers to Local Authorities, including the making of bye-laws for the control and welfare of stray or abandoned horses in a Local Authorities’ functional area. Officials of my Department have ongoing contact with Local Authorities to underline how enforcement of the Act can assist with controlling horses and reducing the emergence of horse welfare problems. This includes a requirement that Local Authorities ensure that horses reclaimed or re-homed under the Act are identified pursuant to the European Commission Regulation (EC) No 504/2008 and have microchip, passport (and horse licence if appropriate) prior to being reclaimed or re-homed. My Department has advised the Local Authorities, when re-homing horses, to heed the advice of the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council (which comprises representatives from a wide range of stakeholder organisations including farming, equine and welfare bodies) which advocates that where an owner can no longer provide for a horse, he or she should seek to dispose of the animal before its welfare is compromised - including consideration of the option of humane disposal where the horse cannot be sold/transferred to another responsible owner as such action will help prevent the emergence of long-term welfare problems.
Other initiatives I have taken in the equine area include the progression of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which, when adopted, will apply in a wide range of situations affecting the welfare of all animals, including horses.
610. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a disadvantaged area payment will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary following the submission of further information by this person to his Department on 18 January 2013; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4009/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraArising from a number of contacts between my Department and the applicant in this case, it is understood that further documentation will be submitted in relation to eligibility of an equine breeding establishment. Immediately on receipt of this material, the application will be progressed.
611. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm if it is illegal to trade in minced equine meat; if he will indicate the specific legislation and regulations that apply; if criminal investigations will take place following recent developments; if he will confirm that mechanically recovered meat is included in the definition of minced meat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4013/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraProduction of and trade in food of animal origin is subject to a series of EU food safety regulations generally referred to as the ‘Hygiene Package’. The principal regulations which apply to meat are Regulations (EC) No. 853/2004 and 854/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council. These are implemented in Ireland under the European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009, S.I No 432 of 2009.
It is not illegal to trade in minced equine meat, provided this is done in compliance with the relevant legislative requirements. There is no definition of ‘mechanically recovered meat’ in the EU food safety regulations but ‘mechanically separated meat’ (MSM) is defined as ‘the product obtained by removing meat from flesh-bearing bones after boning or from poultry carcasses, using mechanical means resulting in the loss or modification of the muscle fibre structure.’ Under TSE Regulations the production of MSM using bones from cattle, sheep or goats is prohibited. On 26th January I confirmed that test results had been received which were positive for equine DNA in meat imported from another Member State for use in the production of burgers at the Silvercrest Foods plant. This represented a major breakthrough in the joint investigation by my Department and the FSAI into the source of equine DNA in beef burgers, in that it established a direct correlation between burgers in which a high level of equine DNA was detected and imported raw material product.
Tests on samples taken from Irish food ingredients were negative for equine DNA and I am pleased that the integrity of Irish food has been maintained. The current findings of the official investigation do not show any evidence that the company concerned deliberately used horsemeat in their production process. The authorities in the Member State concerned have been informed of the findings of the investigation.
612. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding headage payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4014/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs processing of the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application has recently been finalised, payment will shortly issue to the nominated bank account. Payment had not issued previously as the holding concerned was only recently confirmed as having satisfied the scheme minimum stocking density requirements. An exercise to take account of December 2012 data, which was recently completed, established the definitive position of the holding of the person named.
613. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding farm payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4016/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe appeal of the person named was recently forwarded to the DAS Appeals Committee for consideration; immediately when that Committee has adjudicated on this appeal, the person concerned will be notified of their decision, in writing.
614. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a REP scheme payment in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4019/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person mentioned commenced REPS 4 in December 2007 and received payments for the first four years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. These checks have now been completed in respect of the person named and the 75% Year 5 payment amounting to €6195.28 issued on 21st January 2013. The balancing 25% Year 5 payment will also issue shortly.
615. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue for 2012 disadvantaged area scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4110/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing receipt of additional material from the applicant, it has been possible to finalise processing of the 2012 Disadvantage Areas Scheme application. Payment will shortly issue to the nominated bank account.
616. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be issued payment under the 2012 disadvantaged area scheme; the reasons for the delay in payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4115/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs processing of the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application has recently been finalised, payment will shortly issue to the nominated bank account. Payment had not issued previously as the holding concerned was only recently confirmed as having satisfied the scheme minimum stocking density requirements. An exercise to take account of December 2012 data, which was recently completed, established the definitive position of the holding of the person named.
617. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be issued payment under the 2012 disadvantaged area scheme; the reasons for the delay in payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4116/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the holding of the person named has not yet been confirmed as having satisfied the scheme minimum stocking density requirements, my Department has been in direct contact with the person named. Arising from this, the applicant is due to submit further documentation, immediately on receipt of which the application will then be progressed.
618. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an outstanding REP scheme 4 payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4118/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2009 and received payments for the first three years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. These checks have now been completed in respect of the person named and the 75% Year 4 payment amounting to €7786.57 issued on 24th January 2013. The 25% balancing payment will also issue shortly.
619. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of REP scheme 4 will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4235/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person mentioned commenced REPS 4 in December 2007 and received payments for the first four years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. This process is nearing completion in respect of the person named and I expect payments to issue shortly.
620. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm payment for 2012 will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [4252/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt was necessary to adjust the payment on 1 December 2012 to the person named under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme to take account of a Cross Compliance penalty and also arising from a reduction applied in respect of the Rural Environment Protection Scheme. In relation to the former, the applicant was advised of the reasons in my Department’s letter of 13th September 2012. However, in relation to the latter, a review was undertaken and it has been decided, on the basis of the receipt by my Department of a revised Rural Environment Protection Scheme plan, to refund the monies deducted under this heading. The refund will be made shortly.
621. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the disadvantaged area scheme payment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4278/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named, an applicant under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, is one of a number whose cases are impacted by a requirement of a minimum stocking density of 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare. The person named applied for derogation and submitted additional documentation in support of the appeal. Following consideration, the appeal has been accepted and the application confirmed as having satisfied the Scheme Terms and Conditions. Payment will accordingly shortly issue to the nominated bank account.
622. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify the delay with the issuing of a single farm payment and disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4279/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to receive payment under the Single Payment/Disadvantaged Area schemes it is a requirement for applicants to submit an application prior to the closing date, which, for the 2012 scheme year, was 16 May 2012. While a pre-printed application form was sent to the person named on 11 April 2012, my Department has no record of receiving a 2012 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Area application in this case. All Single Payment applications sent out by my Department contain a pre-addressed return envelope with a Swiftpost label attached. If the person named can provide proof of postage or proof of sending the application by registered post, or provide satisfactory explanation as to why the application form does not appear to have been returned, my Department will review the case.
623. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with reference to the public service reform document published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on 17 November 2011, Appendix IIa, Bodies to be rationalised, Amalgamated or Abolished in 2012, the progress that has been made on those bodies; the changes that require legislation; the expected timeframe for conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4280/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraForty six bodies were listed as candidates for critical review by end June 2012 in the Government’s Public Service Reform Plan, published in November 2011 by the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). Three of the bodies fall under the aegis of my Department and were reviewed for possible abolition or merger. They were:
1. National Milk Agency (NMA) – to consider abolishing or merging with Bord Bia
2. Irish Marine Development Office – functions to be subsumed into the Marine Institute
3. Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) – to consider subsuming certain functions into this Department. The marketing functions of BIM had been transferred to Bord Bia prior to the period in question.
A review group considered abolishing or merging the National Milk Agency with An Bord Bia. As the NMA does not receive any financial support from the State and its functions are quite distinct and separate from those of An Bord Bia. It has been decided not to proceed with this proposal. As regards BIM, the review group concluded that BIM should continue as a separate entity under the governance of the Department and this recommendation has been accepted. As the Irish Marine Development Office is already integrated with the Marine Institute from an administrative perspective no further action is required.
624. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review a disadvantage area scheme appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4303/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the person named successfully applied for derogation in regard to the 2011 stocking density, payment has not issued as the holding does not satisfy the 2012 Scheme minimum stocking density requirements. My Department has been in direct contact with the person named to clarify the matter.
625. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of REP scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4315/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person mentioned commenced REPS 4 in December 2007 and received payments for the first four years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. This process is nearing completion in respect of the person named and I expect payments to issue shortly.
626. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the forestry farm premium payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [4316/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraBecause the person named has retired from farming under the Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming, he will not be eligible for the higher rate of premium payable to farmers under the Afforestation Scheme.
