Written Answers Nos. 599-621
599. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Defence if pre-retirement programmes and or advice and support are given to members of the Defence Forces prior to their retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8417/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that a Pre-Retirement Briefing Package is offered to Defence Forces personnel who are due to retire, or are considering retirement, to assist with their transition to civilian life. The Pre-Retirement Briefings Package is available to Defence Forces personnel of all ranks.
600. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Force deployments, involving personnel, there were to Cyprus, Lebanon, Kosovo and Bosnia since 1 January 2000; and of those deployments, the number of personnel of Private and NCO ranks involved, after eliminating double counting for those who served on more than one tour. [8885/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra601. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Force deployments involving personnel, there were to Eritrea, East Timor, Liberia and Chad since 1 January 2000; and of those deployments, the number of personnel of Private and NCO ranks were involved, after eliminating double counting for those who served on more than one tour. [8886/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 600 and 601 together.
It was not possible to provide the information sought by the Deputy in the time available. My Department is currently seeking to compile an accurate reply and I will provide the information directly to the Deputy once it comes to hand.
602. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo may expect to have a decision on their disadvantaged area scheme appeal; if he will expedite this appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8063/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named is one of a number of applicants under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, whose cases were impacted by the requirement of a minimum stocking density of 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011 and who applied for and were refused derogation in this regard. The person named subsequently availed of the option to appeal to the independently chaired DAS Appeals Committee. The Committee is currently adjudicating on this appeal and the person named will be notified of the outcome, in writing, once this adjudication is completed.
603. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of all appointments made by him to all State agencies, commercial bodies and all other appointments made by him since taking office, including the State owned banks and the Judiciary. [8112/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra604. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the qualifications of all the appointees made by him to all State agencies, commercial bodies and all other appointments made by him since taking office including the State owned banks and Judiciary for the appointments they have accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8130/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra605. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of appointees and the percentage of appointments made by him to all State agencies, commercial bodies and all other appointments made by him since taking office including the State owned banks and the Judiciary that were subject to a public applications process. [8148/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 603 to 605, inclusive, together.
Since May 2011, a notification has been placed on my Department’s website inviting expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the boards of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department. On 7 September 2012 last, I placed an advertisement in the National Newspapers inviting expressions of interest. All expressions of interest lapse at the end of the calendar year.
In making any board appointments, I am not necessarily confined to those who make such expressions of interest but ensure that all of those appointed have the relevant mix of knowledge and expertise to contribute to the relevant board.
In the case of a number of bodies, some board appointments, while made by me, are not at my sole discretion and, instead, individuals are nominated for appointment by me by various organisations as specified in the relevant statute. These are the Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board, Bord Bia, Teagasc, National Milk Agency, Veterinary Council of Ireland and Horse Racing Ireland.
The information sought by the Deputy is outlined in the table below as at 19 February 2013:
|
Body/Agency |
No of Board Members |
No of Board appointments since March 2011 |
Name |
Date Appointed |
Qualifications |
‘Expression of Interest’ appointments |
|
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board |
7 |
4 |
Brendan Brice Camilla Keane Sean Murphy Michael Sweeney |
9 November 2011 23 February 2012 1 January 2013 1 January 2013 |
Chartered Civil Engineer Natural Environment Researcher and Caseworker Officer CEO NUTRECO(Ireland)-Fishfeed for Fish Farming. Operations Manager-Odlum Group Agricultural Consultant in rural and alternative industrial development |
None-nominations made by prescribed organisations from which Minister made appointments |
|
Michael Carey (Chair) |
19 November 2011 |
|||||
|
An Bord Bia |
15 |
10 ( including the Chair) |
Gary Brown Michael Cronin Rhona Holland John Kingston Brody Sweeney John Comer Mary J Byrne John Bryan John Horgan |
7 October 2011 7 October 2011 7 October 2011 7 October 2011 7 October 2011 7 February 2012 28 March 2012 24 March 2012 7 December 2012 |
EX Chairman Jacob’s Fruitfield CEO Below the Line Marketing Dairy Sector Marketing Director Global Intelligence Dairy /Beef Farmer Consumer Foods President ICMSA Principal Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine President IFA Chief Executive Kepak |
None-nominations made by prescribed organisations from which Minister made appointments |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
6 |
1 |
Kieran Calnan (Chair) |
13 June 2012 |
Currently President of SWS Ltd and was previously Senior Manager and CEO with same company |
None |
|
Philip Meaney (Chair) |
12 April 2011 |
|||||
|
Bord na gCon |
7 |
6 ( including the Chair) |
Matt Murphy Brendan Moore Tim Gilbert Tony McNamee William O’Dwyer |
2 December 2011 2 December 2011 2 December 2011 2 December 2011 12 June 2012 |
Appointments made at Minister’s discretion from persons with an interest in grey hound racing. |
None |
|
Brendan McKenna (Chair) |
8 October 2012 |
|||||
|
Coillte |
9 |
3 ( including the Chair) |
Oliver McCabe David Gunning |
24 October 2011 - Resigned from board with effect from 1 November 2012 25 May 2012 |
Formerly Chief Executive of Abbott Ireland Manufacturing Operations and is a past President of the Chambers of Commerce Ireland. He has previously served as Chairman of Coillte from 26 June 2002 to 25 June 2007 and from 9 October 2007 to 8 October 2012. Appointed as a worker representative Chief Executive of Coillte since July 2006 and has previously served as a Director on the Board from 25 July 2006 until 24 July 2011. |
None |
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
14 |
3 |
Noel Meade Neville O’Byrne Mary O’Connor |
8 February 2012 8 February 2012 8 February 2012 |
All nominations from the Horse Racing industry |
None |
|
Irish National Stud |
7 |
0 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Marine Institute |
9 |
2 |
Paul Hyde David Owen |
1 June 2012 4 December 2012 |
Architect Chartered Accountant |
Both appointments were from ‘expressions of interest’ |
|
National Milk Agency |
14 including Chair |
6 |
Elected Members Denis Fagan Eamonn McEnteggart Padraig Mulligan Timothy Cashman Jerome Crowley Nominated Members Eoghan Sweeney |
23 January 2012 23 January 2012 23 January 2012 23 January 2012 23 January 2012 23 January 2012 |
Producer representatives are elected to the board of the National Milk Agency. Other members are nominated by various interest bodies. |
None |
|
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
3 |
1 |
Dr Susan Steele |
With effect from 4 March 2013 |
Zoology graduate |
Yes |
|
Teagasc |
11 |
4 |
Thomas Cooke Dr Karina Pierce Brendan Gleeson Tom Tynan |
5 October 2011 9 January 2013 9 January 2013 9 January 2013 |
Farmer and ICMSA representative Lecturer in Dairy Production in UCD’s School of Agriculture Principal Officer in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Senior Manager in Origin Enterprises, Aryzta AG, (formerly IAWS Group plc) and Golden Vale plc |
3 of the appointments were from ‘expressions of interest’ |
|
Veterinary Council |
19 |
6 |
Michael Sheahan Peadar Ó’Scanaill Michael Sadlier Deirdre Campion Martin Blake Crionna Creagh |
1 January 2012 1 January 2012 1 January 2012 1 January 2012 21 December 2011 27 August 2012 |
All must be registered veterinary practitioners and elected by the membership Chief Veterinary Officer of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine LLB (Hons); MA Medical Law & Ethics appointed by the Minister in accordance with Section 16(1) and Section 17(2) of the Veterinary Practice Act 2005 after the National Consumer Agency did not furnish a nomination. |
None |
No appointments to the following State Bodies have been made since March 2011:
- Irish National Stud
- National Milk Agency – members elected rather than appointed
Directors of State Bodies who are officials of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine do not receive board fees.
|
Book Makers Appeal Committee |
5 |
1 (Chair) |
Peter Allen |
17 November 2011 |
Solicitor |
None |
Book Makers Appeal Committee Chair shall be a judge or a practising barrister or solicitor of at least 7 years standing.
19 February 2013
606. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is in the process of selling forestry land (details supplied) in County Louth; the reason for any such sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8167/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is not in the process of selling the forestry lands indicated by the Deputy. The bulk of the State’s forestry estate was vested in Coillte, in accordance with the Forestry Act 1988, upon the company’s establishment in 1989.
Day-to-day operational matters, such as the sale and acquisition of land which take place regularly, are the responsibility of that company. My Department has, however, been advised by Coillte that it is not in the process of selling any lands at the location mentioned.
Question No. 607 withdrawn.
608. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when persons (details supplied) in County Galway will receive their REP scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8184/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named has been a participant in REPS 4 since 1 August 2009 and has received payment for the first three years of the contract.
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. These checks have been completed in respect of 2012 and I expect payment to issue to the person named shortly.
609. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the agri-environment options scheme and disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8190/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1 November 2010 and full payments totalling €430.44 and €2,582.77 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. These checks have been completed and full payment totalling €2,322.15 issued to the person named in respect of 2012 in February 2013.
However following a review of the file of the person named the tree planting option, which was originally rejected from the application of the person named has been re-instated. Additional payments are due to the person named in respect of both 2011 and 2012 as a consequence of this decision and officials in my Department are now making arrangements to issue these outstanding payments as soon as possible.
Insofar as the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is concerned the person named successfully applied for derogation in regard to the 2011 stocking density but payment had not issued as the holding did not satisfy the 2012 Scheme minimum stocking density requirements.
An Official from my Department had been in direct contact with the person named with regard to the submission of the Original Donkey Passports. Following receipt and processing of these passports, the applicant has now been cleared for payment. This payment will issue directly to the Nominated Bank Account of the person named.
610. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive their disadvantaged area based payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8255/13]
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 advisor of the person named to clarify the matter.
611. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive their REP scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8256/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named has been in REPS 4 since 1 December 2007 and has received payment for the first four years of his plan.
REPS 4 is a measure under the 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before payments can issue. This process on the file of the person named is nearing completion and payment will issue shortly.
612. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of single farm payment applications received for County Kerry in 2012; the number awarded; the number disallowed; the number awaiting decision-under appeal; the value of these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8258/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data sought is being compiled and collated and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy immediately it is available.
613. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of single farm payment applications received in 2012; the number awarded; the number disallowed; the number awaiting decision-under appeal; the value of these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8259/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data sought is being compiled and collated and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy immediately it is available.
614. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of disadvantaged area scheme applications received for County Kerry in 2012; the number awarded; the number disallowed; the number awaiting decision-under appeal; the value of these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8260/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data sought is being compiled and collated and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy immediately it is available.
615. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of disadvantaged area scheme applications received in 2012; the number awarded; the number disallowed; the number awaiting decision-under appeal; the value of these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8264/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data sought is being compiled and collated and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy immediately it is available.
616. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an agri-environment option scheme grant in respect of a person (details supplied); when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8265/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1 November 2010 and full payments totalling €833.32 and €4,999.97 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 an issue was discovered in relation to the claimed areas on the Natura Owned action. Officials in my Department are currently investigating this issue with the intention of finalising the application of the person named and issuing payment as soon as possible.
617. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 866 of 16 January 2013, when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8349/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the necessary registration of the premises of the person named and associated processes has only recently been finalised, processing of the application concerned under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme has now been concluded.
Payment will, therefore, issue in coming days, directly to the nominated bank account.
618. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the restoration works to the Bulls Nose Pier on Cape Clear Island, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8412/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork on the various consents for development works at Cape Clear is ongoing. In October 2012 a planning application for development works at Cape Clear was lodged with Cork County Council and an application for a Foreshore Licence was submitted to the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. The outcome of both these processes is awaited. A Waste Registration Certificate to deal with the dredge material must also be obtained and this application is also ongoing.
In addition an application was made to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for Ministerial Consent under Section 14 of the Monuments Acts 1930 – 2004 to undertake the proposed works at North Harbour, Cape Clear and this consent has been granted. The project at Bulls Nose Pier, Cape Clear is progressing as planned.
619. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the land entitlements of a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be restored to the 2011 totals, following the inspection by an official from his Department to the farm last week in order that they may receive the correct payments for the single farm payment, the agri-environment option scheme payment, and that they will be within the permitted nitrates levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8436/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn error was identified in relation to an aspect of the area being claimed by the person named under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme. However, payment has already been made (advance on 16 October 2012 and balance on 3 December 2012) insofar as possible at this stage. In addition, my Department has recently been in contact with the applicant regarding the outstanding issue and a response from the applicant is awaited. The issue relating to compliance with permitted nitrates limits cannot be determined until the aspect referred to above has been resolved.
The person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1 September 2011. No payments have issued to date. LPIS parcels and areas validated by the Single Payment Scheme are used for the purpose of effecting Agri- Environment Options Scheme Payments. During a cross-check with the Land Parcel Identification System, a query arose in respect of land parcels declared for 2011 which requires digitisation of the areas concerned. The person named has been contacted by Single Payment Scheme in relation to this issue. The AEOS application will be processed further upon receipt of a response from the person named.
620. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding his proposals to privatise Coillte; if a shortlist of purchasers has been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8452/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe proposal by the Government is that a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests be put forward for sale, not that the company be privatised.
Further to the Government’s decision as outlined, the National Treasury Management Agency, via its NewERA Unit, has been actively engaged with Coillte, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department to examine the financial and other implications of a potential transaction.
Substantial work has been undertaken to date on the identification of the forestry assets involved, the determination of their value and the consideration of a number of issues associated with the proposed sale of the harvesting rights. The outcome of the overall analysis will be considered by the Government upon its conclusion; no decision has been taken as yet.
621. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their suckler premium payment following the submission of additional information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8456/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named registered fifteen animals under the 2012 Suckler Welfare Scheme. During the validation process, an issue arose regarding the adherence to the requirements of the Scheme in relation to the weaning of the animals. The person named subsequently submitted additional information to my Department, and upon further review, the case was cleared for payment. Payment issued to the person named on 13 February 2013.
