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Wednesday, 20 Feb 2013

Written Answers Nos. 192-99

Immigration Policy

Ceisteanna (192)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

192. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider allowing children attending secondary school who have a Stamp 2 under the registration of non-EEA nationals to apply for a Stamp 4, in order for them to attend third level education, before the age of eighteen to ensure they can have continuity in their education and access student support schemes here, recognising that they have been resident in the State for many years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9260/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It should be stated at the outset that a Stamp 4 immigration permission signifies only that the holder is lawfully resident in the State and can work without the requirement to hold an employment permit. It does not of itself confer rights to free university education or to student support grants. Decisions on eligibility for such supports are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, although as a matter of practice the eligibility criteria may be based at least in part on the immigration stamp. In such circumstances any change in immigration practice could indirectly lead to greater exposure to the exchequer and that would have to be borne in mind.

Minor children, who are resident in the State in the care of Non-EEA parents granted permission to remain, derive their immigration status from that of their parents. Consequently any decision on whether a child's status should be changed must have reference to the status of the parent. Each case would have to be considered on its merits. As a general rule, however, a dependent would not receive a more favourable status than the person on whom he/she was dependent. It should also be borne in mind that the parent's status could be of a temporary or limited nature.

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that such students referred to may make an application to change their immigration status by writing to the General Immigration Division, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.

Naval Service Promotions

Ceisteanna (193)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

193. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to an ongoing delay with regards to a Naval Service promotion in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the reasons for the delay in this case; the steps being taken to tackle this issue; if he will immediately address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9010/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It has not been possible in the time available to fully investigate the issue raised by the Deputy. A reply will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Animal Welfare Bodies

Ceisteanna (194)

Michael Creed

Ceist:

194. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 558 of 12 February 2013, if he will oblige all of the organisations which have received grant aid and which are involved in dog welfare to provide evidence of their registration with the local authority as required under the Dog Breeding Establishment Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8999/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

All recipients of ex gratia funding are provided with a Code of Practice which sets out conditions for promotion of sound welfare and management practice. The Code can be accessed at http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/animalwelfare/fundingtoanimalwelfareorganisations/.

Compliance with the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010 is specifically mentioned in the Code and organisations are asked to familiarise themselves with its provisions including that relating to registration of premises with the local authority. In the context of provision of future funding to animal welfare organisations, I have noted Deputy’s suggestion that organisations involved in dog welfare provide evidence of their registration with the local authority as required under the Dog Breeding Establishment Act.

Fishery Harbour Centres

Ceisteanna (195)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

195. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a breakdown for the total income of €766,732 in relation to annual charges, rents and other categories at Howth Fishery Harbour in 2012; the income from rents and other income arising from non-fishing activities for example retail, restaurants, clubs as opposed to revenue raised from direct fishing activities, that is, landing fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9011/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The total income of €766,732 at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre for 2012 is broken down as follows:

Description

Amount (€)

Direct income from the Fishing Industry.

182,246

Rental income from properties associated with the Fishing Industry together with the Seafood Processing and Retail Industries including food retail.

417,776

Other rental income including that from Marine Leisure etc.

130,944

Miscellaneous Income.

35,766

Total

766,732

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Eligibility

Ceisteanna (196)

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

196. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an inspection in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9013/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) with effect from the 1st September 2011 and full payment totalling €1,333.32 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. The application was selected for a ground inspection which took place on 7th November 2012. There are a number of outstanding issues regarding this inspection. These queries will be resolved as soon as possible, following which the application be further processed further with the intention of issuing payment for 2012 as soon as possible.

Food Safety Standards Regulation

Ceisteanna (197)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

197. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the horse meat controversy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9018/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There are 47 meat plants approved by my Department to slaughter animals for human consumption. These plants are supervised by veterinary inspectors (VIs) employed by my Department, assisted in their duties by technical staff (agricultural officers) and by temporary veterinary inspectors (TVIs) contracted from private practice. TVIs are engaged, as and when required, on a contractor basis. My Department’s VI-in-charge at each meat plant rosters TVI panellists at the meat plant, as and when required on the basis of seniority, availability and suitability, assessed on work performance. Fees are only paid to TVIs in respect of completed TVI shifts and the payment of such fees is subject to the satisfactory provision of TVI services.

Up until December 2011 when the Department ceased accepting TVI applications, it was open to any veterinary practitioner registered with the Veterinary Council of Ireland to apply for approval to be engaged as a TVI. The slaughter of horses for human consumption is permitted under EU legislation. Approval is required under the Food Hygiene Regulations if a food business operator wishes to slaughter horses for human consumption. An applicant who demonstrates compliance with all relevant legislative requirements is entitled to such approval.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Ceisteanna (198)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

198. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an agri-environment option scheme 2 payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9019/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The 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 an overclaim was identified in relation to the claimed areas on the Natura action. 75% payment totalling €999.99 issued on 31 January 2013 in respect of 2011. The balancing 25% payment, less the overclaim reduction, will shortly issue following which the application of the person named will roll over to 2012.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Ceisteanna (199)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

199. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2012 disadvantaged area scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9020/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the holding concerned has recently been confirmed as having met the minimum stocking density requirements of the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, payment will shortly issue to the nominated bank account.

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