Written Answers Nos. 1056-1078
1056. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when REP scheme 4 payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17167/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named commenced REPS 4 in October 2009 and received payment for the first two years of their contract.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and accordingly is subject to EU Regulation which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. During the administrative check an issue was discovered in relation to Soil Samples which has resulted in the need for an amended plan. The plan has been received and is being examined with the intention of an early resolution and payment in respect of 2012.
1057. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their disadvantage area scheme appeal; the reason for the delay in issuing a reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17192/13]
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, and who applied for and were refused derogation in this regard.
Following the receipt of additional information from the applicant, the appeal has been resubmitted to the DAS Appeals Committee for consideration; immediately that Committee has adjudicated on this appeal, the person concerned will be notified of its decision, in writing.
1058. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received a report on the last consignment of the shipping of cattle from Ireland to Libya detailing the condition of the cattle when they landed, injuries, deaths and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17221/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information available to my Department from reports received from the exporters and from the ship owners is that all 2,882 cattle arrived fit and healthy in Libya. There were no mortalities.
1059. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any funds will be allocated for the Dunmore East Harbour slip, County Waterford, this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17242/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraDunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre in County Waterford is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres, which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department.
I am happy to confirm to the Deputy that a project to widen the slipway on the West Wharf at Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre has been approved for funding under the 2013 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.
1060. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an application to the 2012 scheme for new entrants to dairying (details supplied) in County Limerick. [17317/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe reference number submitted above relates to an application received from a different named individual. However it can be assumed, from other documentation received, that the person named in this PQ is the spouse of the applicant to the scheme.
The 2012 Scheme for New Entrants to Dairying concluded in August 2012.The results of the scheme were notified to each of the applicants at that time.
This particular application was among more than 200 received in the Department, each seeking an allocation of 200,000 litres of milk quota under Category A – Brand New Entrant to Dairying. An independent assessment panel examined the applications on the basis of the criteria as set out in the detailed rules of the scheme. This application, when compared against the other applications in this Category, did not receive a sufficiently high standard for an allocation of milk quota on that occasion.
I have recently announced the 2013 Scheme for New Entrants to Dairying. This is the last such scheme and has a closing date for receipt of applications of 7 June 2013. Further information and application forms may be obtained from the Milk Quota Section in my Department.
1061. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive their agri-environment options scheme payment; the amount they will receive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17388/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st November 2010 and full payments totalling €506.72 and €3,040.28 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. This application was also randomly selected for an on farm inspection which took place in October 2012. During this inspection non-compliances were identified in relation to the Traditional Hay Meadow and Coppicing of Hedgerows actions which resulted in a penalty being incurred. Payment due in respect of the 2012 scheme year will issue shortly.
1062. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the digging out of foxes. [17427/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra1068. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the reported growth of terriermen traffic between the UK and Ireland as stated in correspondence (details supplied); the actions that he intends taking in response to this letter; if he will cease the exchange of terriorwork between the two countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17490/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra1076. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a consultation process on the Animal Welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17710/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1062, 1068 and 1076 together.
There has been a considerable consultation with many parties on the Animal Health and Welfare Bill. Provisions on the prohibition of animal cruelty are set out at Section 12 of the Bill. Section 25 of the Bill provides for the adoption of Codes of Practice for the purposes of providing practical guidance relating to any of the purposes of the Act. Sub-section 25(7) states that a failure to observe a code of practice (where there was a code of practice in effect at the time of the commission of an offence) is admissible in evidence before a court. The Bill provides for a consultation process in advance of codes being adopted and it is my intention to ensure that codes when adopted will be kept under review.
With regard to the movement of terriers between Ireland and the UK, trade in live animals is regulated under EU legislation and it is not open to me to prohibit this trade as long as these regulations are complied with.
1063. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he voted against a proposed temporary Europe-wide ban on the use of Neonicotinoid insecticides, when the use of these insecticides have been scientifically linked to serious harm in bees, which provide a critical pollination service to the economy; and if he received any representations from special interests in the matter. [17430/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission proposal was discussed at the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health on 14/15 March 2013 and the resulting vote was inconclusive, with 14 Member States refusing to support the measures proposed by the Commission. Accordingly, the matter will now be tabled at an Appeals Committee meeting in late April.
I opposed the proposal on the basis that, procedurally, the EU Commission proposal should be based on the EFSA conclusions and current proposal seeks to go beyond these. The procedure to date has been for the Commission to approve (or not) an active substance, in consultation with the Member States. Then each Member State approves, or not, products, containing those approved substances, and specifies risk mitigation measures, where appropriate. The proposal is taking the decision making process away from Member States and thus ignores the principle of subsidiarity, whereby approval of an individual product at Member State level has heretofore been a matter of Member State competence. I am concerned that a precedent may be set for the future handling of active substances and authorisation of products.
I also had some technical concerns with the proposal, including the proposed prohibition for use on some crops that are not attractive to bees and the proposed prohibition for use on crops based on the time of year that they would be sown. Finally, I noted that the risk relating to the use of alternatives, to replace the prohibited neonicotinoids, has not been assessed or considered.
Prior to the vote on the Commission proposal, I received correspondence from the chemical industry, the farming sector, non-governmental organisations and members of the general public.
1064. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a REP scheme payment will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17460/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person mentioned commenced REPS 3 in November 2006 and received all his payments under this contract. His contract with REPS finished on 31st October 2012.
1065. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the reintroduction of the legal hunting of basking sharks in our waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17480/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe International Union for Conservation of Nature lists basking shark as an endangered species. The European Commission therefore prohibit EU vessels to fish for, to retain on board, to tranship or to land basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus). This is given effect by Article 12 of COUNCIL REGULATION (EU) No 39/2013.
1066. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the effect that there have been disease outbreaks in a number of salmon cage installations along the west coast, one of which is amoebic gill disease; if he will give details of the locations of these outbreaks and whether the disease has caused high mortalities and the closure of open salmon cage installations; if the treatment of the disease prevents the management of lice levels, in view of the fact that the fish will not feed and be able to take medication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17488/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is aware that Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD) related mortality has occurred in Atlantic salmon installations along the western seaboard in late 2011 and 2012. My Department is not aware that the mortality has caused the closure of farms, but marine sites are fallowed regularly as part of best practice and to fulfil licence conditions.
The treatment of choice for Neoparamoeba perurans , the causative agent of AGD, is to bathe the fish in freshwater for 2-3 hours, which causes lysis (cell breakdown) of the pathogen. Such freshwater treatments also assist with the treatment of sea lice infestation.
AGD does not prevent the management of sea lice infestations. My Department’s policy on sea lice management is strictly evidence based. The control protocols are operated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State and are more advanced that those operated in other jurisdictions for the following reasons:
- the inspection regime is totally independent of the industry
- data obtained as a result of inspections is published
- treatment trigger levels are set at a low level
The control protocols have been the subject of detailed investigation and testing by the EU Commission which has confirmed that it regards the sea lice protocols operated in Ireland as representing best practice internationally.
1067. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue for a suckler welfare scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17489/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named registered seven animals under the 2012 Suckler Scheme. According to the information received from the applicant, three of these animals were sold before they were weaned and meal was not provided to the fourth animal for the required four weeks prior to weaning. Information is awaited for the remaining three animals and the matter cannot be progressed until these data have been received. Pre-weaning and post-weaning forms, which issued to the person named in respect of these three animals on 3rd February 2013, have not been returned as yet.
Eleven animals were registered in the 2011 Suckler Scheme. Payment has already issued in respect of six of these animals. An issue has recently been resolved relating to one other animal and payment will issue in the near future. The applicant has been advised that a review sought of the decision to reject payment for one other animal has been unsuccessful and of the right of appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Unit. A number of letters issued on 18 January 2013 in relation to outstanding issues concerning the remaining three animals and no response has been received to date. This matter cannot be progressed until these issues have been addressed.
1069. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent that animal welfare regulations are applicable in respect of horses other than bloodstock or sport horses; the extent to which traceability applies or proposed to apply to such animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17605/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra1070. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will set out the degree of traceability, ownership or other forms of supervision which applies to horses not deemed to be bloodstock or sport horses; whether animal welfare guidelines are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17606/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1069 and 1070 together.
The European Communities (Welfare of farmed animals) Regulations 2010, S.I. No. 311 of 2010 gives effect to a series of European Directives concerning the protection of animals, including horses, kept for farming purposes. Department Veterinary Inspectors are designated authorised officers under these Regulations. The provisions of the Protection of animals Act 1911, as amended by 1995 Act, applies in the case of cruelty to all animals.
The identification and registration of equines is governed by EU Council Directives 90/426/EEC and 90/427/EEC and Commission Regulation (EC) No 504/2008. The latter regulation, which came into effect on 1 July 2009, provides that equine animals registered after that date must be identified with a passport and a microchip. This regulation applies to all equines, including equines not deemed to be bloodstock or sport horses.
The EU legislation relating to the identification and traceability of equines has been transposed into national legislation via S.I. No. 357 of 2011 - European Communities (Equine) Regulations 2011 (as amended). This legislation provides that if an equine animal has not been identified within six months of the date of its birth, or by the 31st of December in the year of its birth, whichever date occurs later, then the equine animal cannot be admitted to the food chain. S.I. No 357 of 2011 was amended in September 2012 by S.I. 371 of 2012 in order to strengthen the powers of the Minister in relation to approval of an issuing body for equine passports and prosecutions in relation to equine identification and to make it an offence to forge or tamper with an equine passport. Passports are essential in the control and prevention of disease, in public health and animal welfare.
My Department introduced enhanced legislation and procedures in relation to the registration of horse premises such that, from 1 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 my Department. Keepers seeking to register equines are required to have a herd number registered with my Department and to keep records of movements on/off their premises. This legislation applies to all equines.
1071. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who applied under the disadvantaged areas payment, agri environment option scheme payment and REP scheme for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013, in tabular form, the payments made for each scheme on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17619/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe figures are as set out in the tables below. The figures for REPS for the years prior to 2012 are available on my Department’s website.
REPS Breakdown by Scheme and County
|
- |
- |
2012 |
- |
2013 (to end March ) |
|
County |
Participants Paid |
Amount Paid |
Participants Paid |
Amount Paid |
|
CARLOW |
296 |
€2,569,467.78 |
45 |
€308,222.97 |
|
CAVAN |
982 |
€5,736,112.04 |
164 |
€842,906.28 |
|
CLARE |
1273 |
€8,825,292.64 |
198 |
€964,896.90 |
|
CORK |
3070 |
€21,855,354.13 |
665 |
€3,632,957.20 |
|
DONEGAL |
1754 |
€10,844,597.73 |
103 |
€514,976.55 |
|
DUBLIN |
34 |
€188,391.37 |
9 |
€26,029.98 |
|
GALWAY |
2269 |
€14,422,013.00 |
841 |
€4,419,515.93 |
|
KERRY |
1848 |
€16,040,866.00 |
405 |
€2,282,543.23 |
|
KILDARE |
237 |
€1,447,405.30 |
77 |
€424,567.08 |
|
KILKENNY |
739 |
€6,035,550.68 |
151 |
€915,281.57 |
|
LAOIS |
582 |
€3,575,167.17 |
115 |
€556,178.36 |
|
LEITRIM |
779 |
€5,108,529.05 |
149 |
€736,079.46 |
|
LIMERICK |
1255 |
€9,324,452.05 |
167 |
€980,395.99 |
|
LONGFORD |
574 |
€3,227,547.67 |
94 |
€413,907.34 |
|
LOUTH |
201 |
€1,261,482.53 |
25 |
€157,350.48 |
|
MAYO |
2440 |
€16,322,212.26 |
641 |
€3,346,956.21 |
|
MEATH |
505 |
€3,408,980.40 |
55 |
€319,704.26 |
|
MONAGHAN |
836 |
€4,486,457.27 |
98 |
€375,393.54 |
|
OFFALY |
652 |
€4,127,852.02 |
60 |
€325,607.07 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
1234 |
€6,686,047.86 |
204 |
€854,198.04 |
|
SLIGO |
878 |
€5,139,009.92 |
125 |
€526,180.25 |
|
TIPPERARY (NR) |
791 |
€5,850,475.73 |
108 |
€675,060.11 |
|
TIPPERARY (SR) |
935 |
€6,991,846.16 |
136 |
€877,916.43 |
|
WATERFORD |
639 |
€5,921,818.69 |
84 |
€538,534.74 |
|
WESTMEATH |
670 |
€4,204,855.32 |
77 |
€404,552.67 |
|
WEXFORD |
862 |
€6,919,989.56 |
91 |
€568,374.14 |
|
WICKLOW |
370 |
€3,207,400.75 |
97 |
€622,170.82 |
2007 DAS 2008 DAS
|
County Name |
Applied |
Paid |
Gross Amount |
Applied |
Paid |
Gross Amount |
|
Carlow |
767 |
766 |
€1,902,904.83 |
767 |
761 |
€1,880,382.75 |
|
Cavan |
4,952 |
4,934 |
€11,633,686.95 |
4,915 |
4,894 |
€11,614,346.48 |
|
Clare |
6,204 |
6,192 |
€16,738,172.66 |
6,201 |
6,170 |
€16,660,809.96 |
|
Cork |
7,203 |
7,166 |
€19,608,315.61 |
7,177 |
7,125 |
€19,547,634.54 |
|
Donegal |
8,299 |
8,246 |
€22,142,608.02 |
8,323 |
8,272 |
€22,225,760.05 |
|
Dublin |
146 |
146 |
€366,912.44 |
136 |
134 |
€339,203.98 |
|
Galway |
12,409 |
12,376 |
€29,618,603.40 |
12,408 |
12,312 |
€29,523,914.43 |
|
Kerry |
7,709 |
7,682 |
€21,936,225.37 |
7,727 |
7,684 |
€21,980,549.87 |
|
Kildare |
518 |
515 |
€1,142,383.47 |
513 |
507 |
€1,132,172.07 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,817 |
1,813 |
€4,679,733.16 |
1,799 |
1,785 |
€4,606,802.58 |
|
Laois |
1,707 |
1,703 |
€4,044,344.61 |
1,710 |
1,703 |
€4,031,424.74 |
|
Leitrim |
3,499 |
3,486 |
€8,597,977.96 |
3,499 |
3,473 |
€8,577,564.42 |
|
Limerick |
2,972 |
2,960 |
€6,811,710.07 |
2,969 |
2,949 |
€6,774,555.12 |
|
Longford |
2,431 |
2,421 |
€5,859,190.52 |
2,416 |
2,400 |
€5,811,336.76 |
|
Louth |
783 |
778 |
€1,511,904.06 |
767 |
763 |
€1,467,164.99 |
|
Mayo |
11,710 |
11,671 |
€27,641,299.82 |
11,707 |
11,618 |
€27,578,503.32 |
|
Meath |
1,334 |
1,327 |
€2,872,019.33 |
1,324 |
1,317 |
€2,857,938.14 |
|
Monaghan |
4,126 |
4,115 |
€8,881,282.51 |
4,132 |
4,106 |
€8,872,654.50 |
|
Offaly |
2,406 |
2,405 |
€5,609,768.23 |
2,403 |
2,395 |
€5,555,302.26 |
|
Roscommon |
5,835 |
5,819 |
€13,866,291.16 |
5,833 |
5,792 |
€13,798,265.72 |
|
Sligo |
4,086 |
4,076 |
€9,711,788.81 |
4,077 |
4,059 |
€9,691,763.17 |
|
Tipperary |
4,557 |
4,520 |
€11,641,440.22 |
4,517 |
4,488 |
€11,579,369.07 |
|
Waterford |
1,488 |
1,477 |
€3,882,968.98 |
1,487 |
1,471 |
€3,853,810.14 |
|
Westmeath |
2,636 |
2,618 |
€6,187,509.53 |
2,627 |
2,599 |
€6,164,291.34 |
|
Wexford |
1,450 |
1,448 |
€3,216,580.24 |
1,436 |
1,425 |
€3,155,567.54 |
|
Wicklow |
1,762 |
1,754 |
€5,159,989.80 |
1,752 |
1,732 |
€5,080,598.69 |
2009 DAS 2010 DAS
|
County Name |
Applied |
Paid |
Gross Amount |
Applied |
Paid |
Gross Amount |
|
Carlow |
760 |
758 |
€1,660,308.99 |
751 |
748 |
€1,632,283.58 |
|
Cavan |
4,864 |
4,838 |
€10,407,708.35 |
4,822 |
4,796 |
€10,311,563.37 |
|
Clare |
6,135 |
6,111 |
€14,682,906.06 |
6,116 |
6,091 |
€14,556,095.54 |
|
Cork |
7,138 |
7,105 |
€16,971,871.69 |
7,124 |
7,072 |
€16,732,265.78 |
|
Donegal |
8,277 |
8,225 |
€19,397,277.26 |
8,203 |
8,158 |
€19,109,600.30 |
|
Dublin |
135 |
132 |
€288,413.94 |
128 |
124 |
€281,563.26 |
|
Galway |
12,204 |
12,128 |
€26,333,966.12 |
12,149 |
12,044 |
€26,032,938.12 |
|
Kerry |
7,693 |
7,656 |
€18,918,318.88 |
7,679 |
7,626 |
€18,764,558.03 |
|
Kildare |
505 |
505 |
€982,945.42 |
526 |
520 |
€999,629.23 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,783 |
1,776 |
€3,973,756.88 |
1,775 |
1,765 |
€3,946,507.12 |
|
Laois |
1,706 |
1,701 |
€3,560,283.14 |
1,707 |
1,697 |
€3,548,693.10 |
|
Leitrim |
3,470 |
3,462 |
€7,707,430.30 |
3,473 |
3,443 |
€7,629,329.69 |
|
Limerick |
2,945 |
2,940 |
€6,038,967.24 |
2,944 |
2,932 |
€5,984,160.63 |
|
Longford |
2,395 |
2,385 |
€5,192,540.28 |
2,384 |
2,369 |
€5,149,352.99 |
|
Louth |
760 |
752 |
€1,311,579.23 |
757 |
748 |
€1,296,665.43 |
|
Mayo |
11,542 |
11,489 |
€24,671,597.68 |
11,541 |
11,463 |
€24,428,394.20 |
|
Meath |
1,317 |
1,313 |
€2,511,921.30 |
1,310 |
1,302 |
€2,499,013.25 |
|
Monaghan |
4,078 |
4,067 |
€8,081,237.29 |
4,073 |
4,049 |
€8,007,049.51 |
|
Offaly |
2,380 |
2,373 |
€4,893,457.47 |
2,378 |
2,365 |
€4,885,204.33 |
|
Roscommon |
5,766 |
5,735 |
€12,482,134.87 |
5,741 |
5,708 |
€12,405,671.46 |
|
Sligo |
4,035 |
4,018 |
€8,697,590.15 |
4,032 |
4,007 |
€8,653,116.22 |
|
Tipperary |
4,512 |
4,495 |
€10,011,455.59 |
4,502 |
4,482 |
€9,969,209.57 |
|
Waterford |
1,444 |
1,436 |
€3,259,437.67 |
1,437 |
1,426 |
€3,221,377.81 |
|
Westmeath |
2,611 |
2,598 |
€5,370,834.95 |
2,627 |
2,604 |
€5,388,575.98 |
|
Wexford |
1,412 |
1,404 |
€2,780,097.84 |
1,433 |
1,415 |
€2,794,828.51 |
|
Wicklow |
1,725 |
1,712 |
€4,269,866.01 |
1,722 |
1,712 |
€4,278,518.20 |
2011 DAS 2012 DAS
|
County Name |
Applied |
Paid |
Gross Amount |
Applied |
Paid |
Amount |
|
Carlow |
748 |
748 |
€1,639,629.08 |
757 |
707 |
€1,456,085.49 |
|
Cavan |
4,845 |
4,821 |
€10,293,557.40 |
4,850 |
4,587 |
€9,939,678.22 |
|
Clare |
6,138 |
6,104 |
€14,564,195.57 |
6,137 |
5,777 |
€13,920,853.21 |
|
Cork |
7,127 |
7,072 |
€16,706,171.56 |
7,122 |
6,695 |
€15,336,202.70 |
|
Donegal |
8,371 |
8,291 |
€19,319,758.48 |
8,483 |
7,588 |
€17,607,216.60 |
|
Dublin |
133 |
129 |
€289,370.03 |
134 |
116 |
€250,656.27 |
|
Galway |
12,205 |
12,041 |
€26,022,065.04 |
12,176 |
11,126 |
€24,132,447.47 |
|
Kerry |
7,722 |
7,677 |
€18,791,259.43 |
7,723 |
7,139 |
€17,616,230.10 |
|
Kildare |
516 |
511 |
€986,550.58 |
523 |
464 |
€825,865.49 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,766 |
1,761 |
€3,935,087.79 |
1,770 |
1,661 |
€3,484,121.05 |
|
Laois |
1,713 |
1,703 |
€3,538,411.67 |
1,726 |
1,610 |
€3,190,370.99 |
|
Leitrim |
3,494 |
3,465 |
€7,695,553.21 |
3,483 |
3,215 |
€7,242,384.22 |
|
Limerick |
2,929 |
2,916 |
€5,986,194.60 |
2,934 |
2,714 |
€5,370,135.61 |
|
Longford |
2,389 |
2,376 |
€5,161,629.71 |
2,391 |
2,265 |
€4,977,064.65 |
|
Louth |
749 |
743 |
€1,299,098.15 |
756 |
683 |
€1,139,884.78 |
|
Mayo |
11,582 |
11,532 |
€24,611,218.12 |
11,621 |
10,667 |
€22,843,470.80 |
|
Meath |
1,322 |
1,316 |
€2,523,564.99 |
1,355 |
1,260 |
€2,297,512.50 |
|
Monaghan |
4,094 |
4,060 |
€8,002,936.82 |
4,108 |
3,860 |
€7,655,644.53 |
|
Offaly |
2,398 |
2,381 |
€4,877,159.16 |
2,397 |
2,244 |
€4,485,642.88 |
|
Roscommon |
5,748 |
5,701 |
€12,384,819.85 |
5,747 |
5,390 |
€11,885,215.08 |
|
Sligo |
4,041 |
4,021 |
€8,647,276.27 |
4,063 |
3,707 |
€8,067,455.66 |
|
Tipperary |
4,533 |
4,505 |
€9,962,348.88 |
4,536 |
4,234 |
€9,027,771.48 |
|
Waterford |
1,433 |
1,416 |
€3,209,845.59 |
1,449 |
1,325 |
€2,716,227.61 |
|
Westmeath |
2,641 |
2,631 |
€5,418,027.06 |
2,653 |
2,499 |
€5,067,004.38 |
|
Wexford |
1,425 |
1,418 |
€2,760,315.87 |
1,432 |
1,277 |
€2,351,296.79 |
|
Wicklow |
1,734 |
1,722 |
€4,266,186.97 |
1,751 |
1,599 |
€3,895,898.14 |
|
Scheme |
County |
Applicants |
Total 2010 |
Total 2011 |
Total 2012 |
|
AEOS I |
Carlow |
116 |
€83,524.83 |
€361,950.83 |
€329,893.47 |
|
Cavan |
276 |
€224,017.83 |
€822,132.11 |
€708,207.56 |
|
|
Clare |
424 |
€406,890.70 |
€1,597,775.04 |
€1,466,241.32 |
|
|
Cork |
628 |
€419,478.16 |
€1,832,968.00 |
€1,566,737.64 |
|
|
Donegal |
757 |
€558,565.90 |
€2,554,599.33 |
€2,349,948.96 |
|
|
Dublin |
21 |
€14,353.58 |
€53,618.03 |
€47,385.46 |
|
|
Galway |
967 |
€777,644.58 |
€3,340,862.43 |
€2,818,870.21 |
|
|
Kerry |
428 |
€296,710.80 |
€1,290,413.53 |
€1,165,270.92 |
|
|
Kildare |
102 |
€88,336.49 |
€307,223.23 |
€269,226.84 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
316 |
€264,219.12 |
€1,066,193.22 |
€880,750.14 |
|
|
Laois |
234 |
€142,435.11 |
€673,080.88 |
€578,845.85 |
|
|
Leitrim |
435 |
€468,950.04 |
€1,670,010.49 |
€1,403,499.74 |
|
|
Limerick |
356 |
€240,115.22 |
€987,605.77 |
€855,073.28 |
|
|
Longford |
127 |
€141,434.82 |
€468,403.43 |
€398,951.01 |
|
|
Louth |
75 |
€38,035.38 |
€198,796.96 |
€188,211.06 |
|
|
Mayo |
1059 |
€802,792.79 |
€3,665,622.46 |
€3,187,613.45 |
|
|
Meath |
216 |
€181,615.60 |
€677,666.93 |
€647,080.09 |
|
|
Monaghan |
261 |
€234,747.88 |
€758,129.03 |
€662,264.63 |
|
|
Offaly |
161 |
€155,329.55 |
€560,182.76 |
€503,702.74 |
|
|
Roscommon |
455 |
€440,350.41 |
€1,696,026.34 |
€1,517,777.96 |
|
|
Sligo |
340 |
€297,069.63 |
€1,208,695.39 |
€1,108,179.94 |
|
|
Tipperary |
490 |
€390,912.19 |
€1,545,729.93 |
€1,354,378.89 |
|
|
Waterford |
189 |
€104,741.15 |
€516,837.86 |
€464,034.46 |
|
|
Westmeath |
273 |
€246,618.23 |
€914,257.49 |
€794,155.93 |
|
|
Wexford |
255 |
€134,284.92 |
€742,630.26 |
€601,864.14 |
|
|
Wicklow |
130 |
€98,727.45 |
€377,528.78 |
€307,529.91 |
|
Scheme |
County |
Applicants |
Total 2010 |
Total 2011 |
Total 2012 |
|
AEOS II |
Carlow |
38 |
€28,065.71 |
€65,867.21 |
|
|
Cavan |
220 |
€142,994.47 |
€277,160.06 |
||
|
Clare |
404 |
€339,663.07 |
€717,695.77 |
||
|
Cork |
438 |
€264,122.76 |
€543,030.53 |
||
|
Donegal |
966 |
€800,865.40 |
€1,675,857.99 |
||
|
Dublin |
8 |
€4,368.06 |
€11,119.73 |
||
|
Galway |
899 |
€711,209.02 |
€1,287,786.07 |
||
|
Kerry |
429 |
€330,814.25 |
€641,684.43 |
||
|
Kildare |
45 |
€22,067.42 |
€42,652.13 |
||
|
Kilkenny |
145 |
€79,214.91 |
€135,805.87 |
||
|
Laois |
92 |
€50,613.60 |
€99,051.41 |
||
|
Leitrim |
243 |
€228,987.51 |
€395,533.62 |
||
|
Limerick |
231 |
€174,601.52 |
€259,144.12 |
||
|
Longford |
100 |
€71,509.92 |
€74,654.70 |
||
|
Louth |
39 |
€21,185.09 |
€60,762.19 |
||
|
Mayo |
970 |
€774,664.95 |
€1,684,601.60 |
||
|
Meath |
100 |
€54,448.45 |
€71,862.25 |
||
|
Monaghan |
137 |
€77,470.62 |
€126,766.65 |
||
|
Offaly |
107 |
€70,017.51 |
€136,357.37 |
||
|
Roscommon |
391 |
€299,163.28 |
€517,689.76 |
||
|
Sligo |
220 |
€180,486.84 |
€318,026.68 |
||
|
Tipperary |
294 |
€196,388.91 |
€298,442.08 |
||
|
Waterford |
67 |
€32,549.06 |
€54,991.30 |
||
|
Westmeath |
147 |
€100,154.63 |
€180,649.84 |
||
|
Wexford |
104 |
€47,112.82 |
€94,044.74 |
||
|
Wicklow |
74 |
€49,988.77 |
€104,368.93 |
1072. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the analysis that has been done on a county or regional basis in regard to agricultural productivity in the dairy, beef and sheep sectors; and the linkages that have been established, if any, between the level of production and the size of the single farm payment. [17622/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has primarily used stocking density to measure agricultural productivity. While stocking density does not represent all the elements of agricultural productivity, it is a tangible and precise measurement of activity where data from my Department is readily available. The following analysis has been carried out at national level as part of my Department’s analysis of CAP reform options.
The following table sets out the stocking density rates derived from the 2010 SPS database, expressed in categories of payment per hectare, and with arable land excluded. This shows that, in general, farmers with payments per hectare above the national average (€272/ha) had significantly higher stocking densities that farmers with payments below the national average. Of course there would be individual exceptions to these results. It seems reasonable to infer that most of the farmers on high payment rates per hectare must have had a high stocking density in the original reference period for decoupled payments, as this would explain why their payment rates are above average in the first place.
|
Payment category € per ha, 2010 SPS database |
No. of farms |
Average Stocking Density per ha* |
|
zero payment, some area |
76 |
n/a |
|
0 to 20 |
1,991 |
0.35 |
|
20 to 50 |
4,204 |
0.31 |
|
50 to 100 |
10,462 |
0.45 |
|
100 to 150 |
13,137 |
0.71 |
|
150 to 200 |
15,400 |
0.99 |
|
200 to 244.87 |
15,109 |
1.23 |
|
<€244.87 (<90% of nat avg) |
60,379 |
0.80 |
|
244.87 to 272.07 (90% to 100%) |
9,230 |
1.39 |
|
272.02 to 300 |
9,529 |
1.48 |
|
300 to 350 |
14,376 |
1.60 |
|
350 to 400 |
10,992 |
1.72 |
|
400 to 450 |
6,814 |
1.79 |
|
450 to 500 |
4,124 |
1.81 |
|
500 to 550 |
2,692 |
1.81 |
|
550 to 600 |
1,681 |
1.81 |
|
600 to 650 |
1,070 |
1.82 |
|
650 to 700 |
697 |
1.89 |
|
700 to 750 |
416 |
1.75 |
|
750 to 800 |
356 |
1.89 |
|
800 to 850 |
208 |
1.90 |
|
850 to 900 |
140 |
1.85 |
|
900 to 950 |
77 |
1.74 |
|
950 to 1,000 |
78 |
1.65 |
|
1,000+ |
221 |
1.92 |
|
>272.07 (>100% of nat avg) |
53,471 |
1.68 |
|
TOTAL |
123,080 |
1.24 |
* Stocking density calculated as: total area minus arable area, divided by total livestock units
Previous analysis by my Department found that, even when examined at District Electoral Division (DED) level, there was a considerable variation in stocking densities between individual farmers, with those on higher payment rates having a higher stocking density than those on lower payment rates.
1073. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to an application submitted under AEOS 3 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when a decision will issue in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17632/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the Agri-Environment Options Scheme from the person named was received in my Department on 30th November 2012 and an acknowledgement letter has issued to the person named. The processing of all applications is nearing completion and I expect to be in a position to inform all applicants of the outcome in the next few weeks. In the event that any queries arise on the application of the person named during this process officials in my Department will be in direct contact with the person named.
1074. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the sale of Coillte's harvesting rights have been discussed with any potential buyers; if so who; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17633/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to the Government decision that a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests be considered for sale, NewERA, Coillte, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department have worked to examine the financial and other implications of developing the potential of Coillte’s forest assets. Substantial work has been undertaken in the interim on 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.
In relation to the overall State Asset Disposal Programme, under the “Protocol on Meetings with Market Participants/Advisers, in the context of the Government's announcement on the disposal of State Assets ” as issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on 23 March 2012, a structured, formal process of engagement was put in place to meet with market participants/advisers. The objective of this process is to get a view on the level of potential interest in particular assets and hear of any concerns about specific issues, etc., in advance of the commencement of any formal disposal process. The procedure as envisaged under the protocol is important in terms of the various Government entities involved presenting a single consistent and coherent front to market participants and/or advisers in advance of the commencement of any formal disposal process. I understand that, following the receipt of formal requests under the procedure outlined in the protocol, meetings with potential market participants/advisers and concerned parties have taken place with the objective of receiving the perspectives of those requesting the meetings.
1075. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a single farm payment is no longer paid to to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the options available to them to have this decision changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17634/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe persons named became registered as owners of a herd number on the 16th May 2008. The previous registered herd owner held single payment entitlements but they were not transferred to the persons named when they took over the herd number. The previous registered herd owner is deceased.
An official from my department wrote to the persons named on the 30th June 2009 advising them of the need to transfer the entitlements from the account of the previous registered herd owner to their account. The necessary form to make the application was also provided. The persons named did not make an application. As they hold no single payment entitlements they do not qualify for any single payments.
An official from my department wrote to the solicitors administering the estate of the previous registered herd owner on the 18th January 2011 cautioning that the single payment entitlements were at risk because of non usage. No response was received. The official wrote again on the 11th January 2012 advising that the entitlements had reverted to the National Reserve for non usage.
One of the persons named wrote to my department on the 13th February 2012 appealing the reversion of the entitlements, but as the appeal did not disclose any force majeure case, the appeal was refused.
1077. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the current capacity of medium to long term residential care beds in County Donegal specifically designated for children and teenagers awaiting long term foster care or identified at being at risk or temporarily removed from the family home; the number of persons in County Donegal who have availed of this service in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012; the locations of the beds in the county; the number of social workers and other staff employed in residential care of children and teenagers identified as being at risk or awaiting foster care in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16335/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
1078. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide an update on her plans to assist young persons trapped in homeless accomodation. [17613/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe definition of youth homelessness includes children that fall into three groups; (i) children who mainly reside with their families but due to an emergency, need care and accommodation immediately, (ii) children and young people who are defined as at risk of homelessness i.e. who may be staying with different friends and acquaintances, who do not have a stable base and (iii) children and young people who are found to be 'sleeping rough'.
Since the National Youth Homelessness Strategy was developed in 2001, a number of different schemes have been put in place to address the different needs of children, that is young people under 18 years who are at risk of homelessness.
- The HSE has put in place a national standardised system whereby Gardaí can access an appropriate place of safety (a foster family) for children found to be at risk or in need of care at night or at weekends. This is provided for under Section 12 of the Child Care Act, 1991. The service has eliminated the placing of children in a hospital setting due to a family emergency. Children stay in the emergency foster care placement for between one and three nights (over a weekend) until the local social work service is available to deal with the case. Examples of when this is needed is where a parent/s may have an emergency admission to hospital, or where a parent is found to be unable or unfit to care for a child in the immediate situation.
- The HSE provides and funds preventative services to identify to children and families to avoid situations where children leave home due to discord or abuse. Theses service include family support, youth services, family therapy and counselling.
- A small number of short term residential hostel places are available to support for young people under 18 who are out of home.
The Programme for Government 2011-2016 commits inter-alia, to (i) end long term homelessness and the need to sleep rough for all (ii) review and update the existing Homeless Strategy.
A review of progress of my Department's National Strategy for Youth Homelessness (for under 18) was undertaken in 2008 by the HSE in conjunction with other agencies, and found that significant progress had been made, especially in the areas of interagency cooperation, early prevention and an ‘out of hours’ service. A major decrease in demand for hostel places was found.
My Department engaged the Centre for Effective Services (CES) to undertake a review of the implementation of the Youth Homelessness Strategy, 2001, to establish the extent that the strategy has been successful and to identify any blockages or challenges to its implementation. CES has consulted with the relevant service providers, NGOs and young people as part of this process. The report is now complete and I plan to publish it shortly.
The Report will indicate that there have been significant improvements in the service response to youth homelessness in the last 10 years. Improved services for children in care, especially for older teenagers are evident. Positive implications of the changed responses to youth homelessness can be deduced from the fact no child under the age of 18 was found to be sleeping rough during the rough sleeper counts conducted by the Dublin Region Homeless in Dublin in November 2011. My Department will examine recommendations in conjunction with the HSE and other Government Departments.
My Department and the HSE are working closely with the Department of the Environment to support young people over 18 years in aftercare, and other vulnerable young people to make the transition to stable accommodation.
