Tuesday, 11 Feb 2014

Written Answers Nos. 103-125

Land Parcel Identification System

Ceisteanna (103)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

103. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who have had a review carried out on their eligible hectares in the past year; the number who have had their eligible hectares reduced; the number who have been notified of penalties as a result; the number of these farming 20 ha or less; the number where retrospective disallowances and penalties have been applied; the total hectarage disallowed under this review to date; the percentage of the total eligible land involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6342/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The LPIS Review process initiated by my Department consisted on a review of all of the eligible land parcels in the LPIS database, which was declared by farmers under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme, the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and other Direct Payment Schemes. In total, the Review covered in excess of 132,000 applicants and the land parcels declared by them as eligible for payment under one of more of the above-mentioned Schemes.

That Review is now almost complete and my Department is currently examining the applications for reviews/appeals submitted by farmers. If the outcome of the review is successful the applicants are informed and the relevant adjustment made in the payments. If they are unsuccessful, the applicants are notified of their right to submit an appeal to the Independent LPIS appeals Committee. Where there is a doubt in relation to the area deemed ineligible, my Department arranges for the area to be clarified by a ground verification visit to the holding.

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled and will be made available as soon as possible. This information will cover the number of farmers who had their eligible areas reduced; the number, who had a reduction in their payment; the number of farmers, who had a reduction/penalty; those farming 20 hectares or less and the total ineligible area deducted from the declared area.

I can confirm that approximately 2,500 farmers had their reduction in their declared area applied to the 2009 to 2102 period. The total amount involved was €1 million or an average of €100 per annum. The applicants involved were cases, whose payments were reduced on the basis that it was less than 3% or 2 hectares. In such cases, provision is made in the EU Regulations that, with the exception of over-claims of 0.1 hectare or less (tolerance), payment is not made of the lands deemed ineligible. Checks were carried out in each case to ensure that the ineligible area/feature existed in each of the earlier years.

It is important to note that there are some positive outcomes of the current Review from a farmer's point of view. In the first instance I announced last week that the number of payment entitlements, which farmers will be granted under the Basic Payment Scheme in 2015 will be based on the 2013 eligible land or in 2015 if it is lower. This means that farmers, who have ineligible land deducted in 2013 as part of this Review, will be protected under the new Regime as their entitlements will be based on the actual eligible land in 2013. In addition, it also means that farmers, who are contributing to the convergence process by having reductions applied to their entitlements, will not see part of the funds used to make payments on ineligible lands.

Farm Assist Scheme Eligibility

Ceisteanna (104)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

104. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department was consulted in relation to the changes in the means testing of eligibility for the farm assist scheme in budget 2013 by the Department of Social Protection; his views on the impact the changes have made to farm income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6346/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Farm Assist scheme is the responsibility of the Minister for Social Protection. The changes to the Farm Assist scheme were made in order to bring the scheme into closer alignment with the Jobseeker's Allowance scheme's treatment of self-employed persons, and were part of the overall package of measures agreed by the Government in Budget 2013. There were over 10,800 recipients of Farm Assist in 2013, with total expenditure of almost €100 million. The scheme is based on Jobseeker's Allowance, and was introduced in 1999 to replace the "Smallholders Unemployment Assistance" for low income farmers. Farm Assist recipients retain all the advantages of the Jobseeker's Allowance scheme, such as retention of secondary benefits and access to activation programmes.

The headline rates of Farm Assist are being maintained so that farm families with the lowest income are least affected by these changes. Farm Assist remains a flexible payment and any farmer experiencing lower levels of income or cash-flow issues, due for example to bad weather, can ask his local welfare office to review the level of means applying to his claim.

Industrial Disputes

Ceisteanna (105)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

105. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current status of talks regarding industrial action by agricultural officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6230/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department has had a number of useful meetings with IMPACT, the trade union which represents agricultural officers. The purpose of those meetings was to agree a process whereby issues of concern to my Department and to IMPACT could be resolved. I am pleased to say that the Labour Relations Commission has agreed to facilitate that process which will commence on 17 February. For its part, IMPACT has suspended its industrial action while this process is underway.

Farm Inspections

Ceisteanna (106)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

106. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will establish an independent review of the on-farm inspection regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6229/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department, in the context of delivering the Single Payment Scheme, Disadvantaged Areas' Scheme and other area related schemes, is required to carry out an annual round of inspections covering both the eligibility of the land declared to draw down payments and also cross compliance aspects. This is required to ensure adherence with EU regulatory requirements in the areas of public, animal and plant health, environment and animal welfare and to confirm that the farm is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition. The basis for these inspections is governed by EU legislation and there are certain minimum numbers and types of inspections that must be conducted each year.

These inspections are a necessary requirement in order to draw down approximately €1.7 billion of EU funds annually and to avoid EU disallowances. The inspections are subject to repeated audits by the European Commission, the European Court of Auditors and the Comptroller and Auditor General's Office and this ensures an independent verification that inspections are conducted in full compliance with the regulatory requirements. In abiding with the findings of these audits my Department ensures that these inspections are conducted in a fair and equitable manner and in full accordance with the legislative provisions. Inspecting officers are very experienced and are regularly trained to ensure that they carry out inspections in a professional manner. In implementing the inspection programme, my Department takes maximum possible account of the realities of farming. My Department has also established a Farm Advisory System under the Single Payment Scheme and I recommend that any applicant with any inspection concerns whatsoever to avail of this service, which involves Teagasc and private agricultural consultants, to allay any such concerns.

Finally, appropriate appeal mechanisms are in place to protect the interests of farmers if they have difficulties with the inspection findings or if they consider that the inspection has not been conducted in accordance with legislative requirements. Under this process a farmer may initially seek to have the inspection outcome reviewed internally by an officer more senior than the initial inspecting officer. Where the farmer remains dissatisfied, the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office and ultimately to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Fish Landings

Ceisteanna (107)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Ceist:

107. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the volume of fish stocks that have been caught in Irish territorial waters by Irish-registered fishing boats and non-Irish-registered boats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6344/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I assume the Deputy is referring to the Exclusive Fisheries Zone which extends up to 200 miles off the Irish coast. EU fishing quotas are divided amongst Member States based on ICES Zones and it is based on these units that landing data is compiled. The ICES zones in Ireland's Exclusive Fisheries zone covers areas VI off the northern part of the country and Areas VII which covers the Irish Sea and Celtic Seas. However, significant proportions of ICES Areas VI & VII are not in the Irish 200 mile zone.

The waters around Ireland contain some of the most productive and biologically sensitive fishing grounds in the EU. In 2010, an estimated 1.3 million tonnes of fish were taken by the fishing fleets of EU member states from the waters around Ireland (ICES Sub-areas VI & VII). Ireland landed 259,500 tonnes of these fish or 23% of the international landings. The main fish species caught were mackerel, horse mackerel, boarfish, blue whiting, herring, cod, whiting, haddock, saithe, hake, megrim, anglerfish, plaice, sole and Nephrops (prawns).

The Irish authorities are not responsible for compiling data on landings or the value of landings of fish by non Irish fishing vessels, except those landing into Irish fishing ports. Landing data is the responsibility of the flag Member State. Landing data into Irish ports are available on the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority web site. Landing figures for all Member States are publically available on the Eurostat website at the following link: http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/fisheries/data/database.

The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the fisheries policy of the European Union which was first put in place in 1983 and has been subject to reviews every 10 years, most recently last year in 2013. The share Ireland received of the quotas available was determined on a system of relative stability, based on historical fishing patterns in the confines of set management areas. These sharing arrangements have remained in place without change since 1983 reflecting the reality that any increased share for one Member State must be balanced by reductions for another. Under the Hague Agreement of Heads of Governments in 1976, a system of so called "Hague Preferences" was put in place, under which Ireland gets an enhanced share of certain key quotas on which we were traditionally dependant, if the share falls below certain set levels. Over recent years, Ireland has benefited from these increased quotas for stocks such as cod, haddock, sole and plaice from the application of the Hague Preferences.

The newly reformed CFP, brokered by the Irish Presidency and which came into force from the 1st of January 2014, provides for the rebuilding of fish stocks in EU waters supporting quota increases for Irish fishermen through long term management of stocks, reducing and eliminating discards and rebuilding stocks by setting Total Allowable Catches at levels to provide for Maximum Sustainable Yield. The reforms agreed will govern the nature and operation of Irish and EU fisheries for the foreseeable future and are designed to usher in a new era of more economically, environmentally and socially sustainable fishing across EU waters.

Beef Industry

Ceisteanna (108)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

108. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagement he has had with beef processors to push for a fair price for beef farmers in view of the current bull beef crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6312/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Aggregate cattle supplies at Department-approved meat plants to the end of January 2014 are up almost 10% on the corresponding period in 2012 with strong increases recorded in the steer, heifer and cull cow categories. This higher throughput has led to factories giving preference to certain types of stock that are better suited to the requirements of their retail customers. Prices for prime steers and heifers have remained relatively stable but the young bull trade is challenging at present as age and weight issues continue to affect demand. However, I note that the young bull kill has increased by 50% between week 1 and week 5 of 2014. The Irish beef industry is hugely dependent on exports and the need to ensure that it is producing efficiently for overseas markets cannot be ignored.

Delays in young bull slaughtering undoubtedly put pressure on producer profit margins but neither I nor any Agriculture Minister can interfere in a trade that is cyclical in nature and prone to short-term price fluctuations. I am, of course, entirely sympathetic to those farmers facing difficulties in getting their cattle slaughtered but cattle prices are determined by the interplay of supply and demand and I have no function in relation to commercial transactions between the meat factories and their suppliers. It is the responsibility of the industry – in this instance, processors and farmers working together – to manage the type and volume of cattle being brought to market so that the supply chain operates for the benefit of both parties and does not undermine the viability of bull beef production systems for either winter finishers or suckler farmers. I understand that producer and meat processor representatives have recently engaged in dialogue with a view to resolving the short-term oversupply of young bulls and I would encourage the various bodies to continue this discussion.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (109)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

109. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will explain the connection between Coillte and the Irish Forestry Unit Trust; and the steps he has taken to examine the trust deed of the IForUT committing Coillte to providing liquidity to the fund if needed and selling forests to the IForUT without these forests being put out to tender. [6324/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the relationship between Coillte and the Irish Forestry Unit Trust (IForUT), are the responsibility of the company. It should also be noted that IForUT is a private entity.

I am advised by Coillte that IForUT is a unit trust that was established in 1994 by AIB, Irish Life and Coillte to provide an investment vehicle to enable Irish pension funds and other Irish qualifying investors such as charities to invest in forestry. When the unit trust was first established in 1994, it consolidated the forestry investments of Irish Life Investment Managers and AIB Investment Managers with Coillte introducing semi-mature forests to ensure a balanced portfolio and to provide liquidity to the fund to cover operating costs. The transfer by Coillte involved only the right to harvest timber from one rotation of the forest crop; the underlying land was not sold and Coillte continues to manage and maintain the forests transferred on behalf of IForUT.

In addition to introducing semi-mature forests at market value, Coillte also gave certain guarantees in relation to providing liquidity to the fund. This was to ensure that sufficient funds were available in the event that a pension fund wanted to encash its units and was essential in providing confidence to potential investors. It also ensured that, if the IForUT initiative failed, ownership of the forests would revert to Coillte at market value rather than to a third party. These guarantees have never been exercised by the fund and consequently Coillte has never been called on to provide liquidity. The contingent liabilities are disclosed in the company's annual accounts.

The purpose of selling forests to IForUT was to facilitate investment by Irish pension funds and other qualifying investors in forestry. As a consequence, Coillte did not offer these forests for sale by tender nationally or internationally but is satisfied that its valuation methodology, which has been independently validated, ensured that full market value was achieved for any forests sold to IForUT through this mechanism. Since 1994 Coillte has gradually reduced its unit holdings in the fund as the original purpose for establishing the fund has been fulfilled. Coillte is no longer a unit holder in IForUT.

Public Trusts

Ceisteanna (110, 114)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Ceist:

110. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the new terms and conditions which have been imposed on Castlerea Town Trust to ensure a more open and transparent operation of the trust; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6335/14]

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Ceist:

114. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he replied to the correspondence he received from more than 1,400 persons in Castlerea on the issue of the Castlerea Town Trust; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6334/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 114 together.

As the Deputy will appreciate it would not be possible for me to reply individually to the large volume of correspondence received in relation to the Castlerea Trust. I have however taken due note of the concerns expressed in that correspondence.

Castlerea Public Trust was originally created as a cowpark trust, where local landless people could graze a cow, but it has developed over time for use for recreational purposes. As Minister, I am solely empowered to appoint trustees to these Land Act trusts. The existing trustees notify my Department when any appointments are necessary and they also nominate persons suitable and willing to act as trustee. The minimum number of trustees in this trust is five and the maximum number is twelve.

In the case of the Public Trust, new trustee nominations were submitted to me last year. I subsequently requested the existing trustees to carry out a comprehensive review of the operation of the trust having regard to the need to modernise its use from mainly pasturage to accommodate general recreational use. The trustees were also requested to ensure that they prioritise communication and liaison with, in particular, youth and community interests for the ongoing development, preservation and increased community use of this important local amenity.

After careful consideration and on receipt of the review carried out by the trustees, I accepted their nominations for replacement trustees subject to the following conditions which they have agreed to adhere to:

1. There is a complete separation of the public and private trusts including separate bank accounts.

2. A five year plan is to be drawn up and presented to me.

3. An annual review is to be submitted to me each year setting out how the public trust monies are spent and demonstrating public consultation with all local interests, particularly youth and community interests.

4. The five year plan and the annual review are to be published locally and made widely accessible.

5. One member of the trustee board is to be rotated every two years.

The new trustees were appointed by me in October 2013.

Food Labelling

Ceisteanna (111)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the adequacy, efficacy, accuracy and authenticity of food labelling, with particular reference to ensuring the consumer is satisfied in respect of product quality, production standards, national and regional origin and health safety; if imports to the EU and this country are subject to such standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6285/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Food production and labelling rules in the European Union operate in accordance with harmonised rules and member states controls are subject to audit and supervision by the EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) of the EU. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) under the aegis the Minister for Health has overall responsibility for the enforcement of food safety and labelling requirements in Ireland. It carries out this remit through service contracts with my Department and other agencies including the Health Service Executive (HSE), Local Authority Veterinary Service and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority.

Primary responsibility under EU law for the safety and traceability of food placed on the market lies with food business operators. The role of my Department is to verify compliance with these requirements. This is done by a combination of inspecting establishments and by auditing the food safety management systems which operators are required to have in place. These controls are applied at different stages in the food supply chain.

Under current EU regulations, origin labelling is only mandatory for fresh beef and meat coming from third countries. However, new implementing rules on country of origin labelling for fresh, chilled and frozen sheep, goat, pig and poultry meat were adopted by the European Commission last December. These new rules will apply from 1 April 2015.

My Department carries out labelling checks as part of the routine official checks at meat plants, where there is a permanent presence of Department veterinary or technical staff. Checks are conducted on a random, risk based frequency and cover labelling, traceability/origin, identification of cattle, labelling of carcasses, meat, mince meat and meat products. Departmental officials also carry out work to ensure compliance with the application of health and hygiene regulations and traceability within the remit of my own Department. This work is subject to regular audit by both the FSAI and the FVO. My Department also carries out checks at retail level under EU Marketing Standard Regulations.

All imports of food products of animal origin into the EU are the subject of prior notification and my Department, in co-operation with the Customs Service, operates veterinary public health controls at EU approved Border Inspection Posts on all direct imports into Ireland coming from non EU (or third) countries. Such products may be imported only from countries and processing plants approved by the Food and Veterinary Office of the European Union, meeting the necessary health and hygiene standards.

Aquaculture Licence Application Numbers

Ceisteanna (112)

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

112. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of fish farming licences that have been applied for; and the number of fish farming licences that have been issued in 2013. [6319/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department's records indicate that 90 applications for aquaculture licences were received in 2013. This includes 70 new applications and 20 renewal applications. I made 137 determinations in relation to outstanding aquaculture applications in 2013, most of which relate to applications received prior to that date.

A significant number of licence applications await determination; this largely arises because the majority of areas for which aquaculture licences are sought are located in areas designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACc) under the EU Habitats Directive and/or Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the EU Birds Directive (known as "Natura 2000" areas). All applications in "Natura 2000" areas are required to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of environmental compliance with the EU Birds/Habitats Directives. The European Court of Justice declared in case C418/04 that, by failing to take all the measures necessary to comply with Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43 (Habitats Directive) in respect of authorisation of aquaculture programmes, Ireland had failed to fulfil its obligations under that Directive.

In the negotiations to address the judgment a process was agreed with the European Commission which would lead to full compliance by Ireland with the relevant EU Directives. This process includes the following steps:

- a detailed data collection in 91 Bays/Estuaries

- detailed analysis of raw data collected

- setting of Conservation Objectives by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in respect of each site

- carrying out Appropriate Assessments of each licence application/fishery plan against the detailed Conservation Objectives set, and

- determination of Licences/Fisheries on the basis of the Appropriate Assessment and other relevant factors.

The data collection programme is substantially complete. Conservation objectives have been set in excess of 60 bays and Appropriate Assessments have been carried out in Castlemaine Harbour, Dundalk Bay, Lough Swilly, Donegal Bay and Roaringwater Bay. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that as a result of this process I have made aquaculture licence Determinations in 2013 in respect of "Natura" areas in Castlemaine Harbour and Roaringwater Bay (approximately 120). Furthermore, I expect that I will be in a position to make in excess of 200 licence determinations in 2014.

Aquaculture Development

Ceisteanna (113)

David Stanton

Ceist:

113. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the potential of the aquaculture industry here; the actions his Department is taking to promote the development of aquaculture businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6332/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The seafood sector has very significant potential to grow revenues and employment in the coming years. Both Food Harvest 2020 and Action Plan for Jobs 2012 recognise that most of the potential for increased employment in the seafood industry is in the areas of processing and aquaculture. Food Harvest 2020 aims to increase employment in the seafood sector as a whole, from 11,000 to 14,000 by 2020 and to increase turnover from €700 million to €1 billion. The two targets are part of the same ambition to grow the seafood industry and its contribution to our economy.

To assist the aquaculture sector in achieving the potential identified in Food Harvest 2020, a range of supports are made available through Bord Iascaigh Mhara. Grants of up to 40% are available from BIM under the Commercial Aquaculture Development Scheme to assist with the cost of construction, extension, equipment and modernisation of aquaculture sites. The scheme is subject to certain restrictions on operators located in Natura 2000 protected sites and operators in the salmon farming sector. I have made available some €2 million for this scheme in 2014. BIM also makes available grants of up to 40% under the Aquaculture Innovation and Technology Scheme for investment in innovative technology and the trialling of such technology under commercial conditions to improve performance and competitiveness and similarly provides grants of up to 40% under the Pilot Aquaculture Scheme for small scale investment projects in aquaculture, which are being implemented on a pilot basis prior to full scale commercial development.

My Department is currently preparing a new Operational Programme for the seafood sector for the period 2014-2020 under the proposed EU Regulation for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. My Department has already conducted a public consultation with stakeholders in 2013 on issues facing the aquaculture sector and investment priorities for aquaculture for the new Programme. I would anticipate that the new Operational Programme will be completed before the end of this year and that BIM will be providing further supports to the aquaculture sector from 2015 under that Programme.

Finally, under article 34 of the Regulation on the Common Fisheries Policy (1380/2013), Member States are required to prepare a National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture by 30 June 2014. These Plans must include the Member State's strategic objectives for the aquaculture sector within its territory and the measures and the timetables necessary to achieve those objectives. In 2013, I requested BIM to prepare this National Strategic Plan on behalf of my Department and work is ongoing on this Plan.

Question No. 114 answered with Question No. 110.

Fishery Harbour Centres

Ceisteanna (115)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

115. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been reached on the proposal to introduce paid parking at Howth Harbour, Howth, Dublin 13. [6195/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The House will be aware that I have been considering introducing a charge for parking facilities within Howth Fishery Harbour Centre for some time, for the following reasons:

- to assist in operating Howth Fishery Harbour Centre on a financially-sound basis,

- to provide a source of revenue for further investment in Fishery Harbour Centre facilities,

- as part of an overall traffic management plan, and

- in order to maximise the return on this significant State asset.

There is a broad range of factors to consider in coming to a decision; first and foremost Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is a working fishery harbour, one of 6 Fishery Harbour Centres in the State. I have to be conscious in regard to the safe operation of the Harbour at all times. In this context, traffic management and parking is recognised as an issue, particularly, though not exclusively, during the busy holiday periods. Uniquely among Fishery Harbour Centres, a wide range of groups use the parking facilities of Howth Fishery Harbour – harbour business customers, yacht club members, sport fishermen, Dart users, tourists, walkers and many others. For the record, pay parking is already in operation in two other Fishery Harbour Centres.

As I have said, funding for operating, management and ongoing development costs of the Fishery Harbour Centres is a consideration for my Department, ensuring that the Fishery Harbour Centres are run on a financially-sound basis, is extremely important. I am well aware of and acknowledge the concerns of local residents and harbour users and I will take appropriate account of their views in coming to my decision.

Animal Welfare

Ceisteanna (116)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

116. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extra resources he has targeted to deal with the increasing levels of animal cruelty and abandonment; and if he will ensure that those responsible face very considerable penalties. [6323/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department devotes considerable resources to issues relating to the welfare of animals, including horses. The Department paid some €3m to the Local Authorities under the Control of Horses Act in 2013 to enable them to deal with stray and unwanted horses. This enabled the Local Authorities to remove almost 4,000 stray or unwanted horses last year and thereby resolve a number of serious horse welfare situations.

In addition, in December 2013, I announced funding of €1.8m to 136 organisations involved in animal care and welfare services throughout the country to support their activities in 2014. The level of funding being provided to these organisations has increased for the third year in a row, reflecting the importance I attach to their work of their work. The increased funding was concentrated on those organisations involved in horse welfare, to ensure sufficient resources are available to enable them cater for any difficulties arising in the area of horse welfare during 2014 and to assist them in complying with new legislation on equine identification and equine premises registration.

The current penalties for breaches of animal welfare legislation are set out in Section 48 of the Control of Horses Act, 1996. Under the new Animal Health and Welfare Act the level of penalties to be imposed has been increased with fines being proportionate to the offence. For major cases taken on indictment the maximum penalty has been raised from €100,000 to €250,000 with a maximum custodial sentence of five years imprisonment. My Department has been working closely with the local authorities, the Gardai and animal welfare bodies with a view to addressing horse welfare issues generally and, where necessary, removing stray or unwanted horses.

Agrifood Sector

Ceisteanna (117)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine having regard to the recently compiled document entitled Farm Income Review 2013, submitted by the Irish Farmers Association, the extent to which he expects to use the document as a template for further development in the agrifood sector, with particular reference to building on the success of 2013 and keeping in mind the losses experienced by the farming community in 2012 and other years; if he can visualise a means whereby producers in this country are remunerated in line with UK and other European producers; if he has identified a means of ensuring that any benefits accruing are passed on to producers as opposed to multinational supermarket chains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6284/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I have noted the contents of the IFA's Farm Income Review 2013, much of which is based on data from my Department, Teagasc and the CSO. The outlook for the development of the agri-food sector is positive, and I am confident that the industry developed targets set out in Food Harvest 2020 are achievable and can be met. The third Milestones report of the Food Harvest High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC), published in September 2013, showed that the sector had already achieved growth as follows by the end of 2012: 25% in primary production; 20% in value added; and 13% in exports, compared to the Food Harvest baseline period. The announcement from Bord Bia that agri-food exports reached almost €10 billion in 2013 underlines the contribution of the sector to the national economy.

Another very positive development was the successful conclusion of CAP reform negotiations during the Irish Presidency of the EU last June. Last month I announced that, in addition to the €8.5 billion in EU funding that will be paid in direct payments to farmers in the period up to 2020, €1.9 billion in national funding will be added to the €2.2 billion in EU funding already secured for expenditure on rural development. This brings the total funding for the sector over the period to more than €12.5 billion.

In view of these positive developments, the average family farm income of around €25,000 according to Teagasc's National Farm Survey in 2012 does appear low. However, it should be borne in mind that this average includes many farms defined as "part-time" based on their labour input requirement. Average farm income for "full-time" farms was over €45,000 in 2012. On half of farms represented by the National Farm Survey, either the farmer or spouse had an off-farm job. Overall it is estimated that on 78% of farms, either the farmer and/or spouse had another source of off-farm income, be it from employment, pensions or social assistance.

With regard to the groceries sector, the Government considers that it is important to strike a fair balance between the various players in the grocery goods sector. I understand from the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation that work is at an advanced stage on the drafting of the Consumer Protection and Competition Bill.

Coillte Teoranta Governance

Ceisteanna (118)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

118. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that there is a sufficient degree of transparency and accountability in the policies, management and operation of Coillte; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6350/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

While Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the management of the State's forestry estate, are the responsibility of the company, oversight in relation to its performance and management is achieved in a number of ways. The company is subject to the legislation under which it was established, namely the Forestry Act 1988. While the Act has a number of provisions in relation to the provision of annual accounts and the requirement for consent in relation to borrowings, it also requires the company to provide the Shareholders with information on issues of a policy nature on request.

As a State owned body, Coillte is also subject to the Department of Finance's Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies under which it is obliged to provide information and confirmation to me in relation to the governance and activities of the company. The Code concerns the internal practices of the bodies and their relationship with the relevant Minister. Section D of the Code deals specifically with Relations with the Oireachtas and the Minister, encompassing Departmental oversight, the Report and Accounts of State Bodies and Additional Reporting Arrangements. Under the Code, the Chairman of Coillte is required to confirm a number of aspects in relation to the management of the company to me. His report is accordingly received each year and is reviewed by my Department to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Code. The corporate governance of Coillte has also been enhanced through the establishment of NewERA as Coillte is one of the commercial State companies which fall within its remit. While I have met with the Chairman of Coillte on a number of occasions, my officials and NewERA also liaise with the Group Executive Team on an ongoing basis in relation to its performance and strategic issues.

The Oireachtas also plays a role in the oversight of Coillte. While I respond to parliamentary questions on policy issues, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has the opportunity each year to meet with representatives of Coillte and ask questions directly to the company. I note that the Committee met with Coillte on 19 November last with a range of issues covered during the discussion.

As the company is engaged in forestry activities such as harvesting, it is also subject to the provisions of the Forestry Act 1946, the operation of which falls within the remit of my Department.

Afforestation Programme

Ceisteanna (119)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

119. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific measures he proposes to increase the level of afforestation here in view of the failure in recent years to meet afforestation targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6351/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The provision of funding for the forestry programme in the 2014 Budget at more than €111million will allow, inter alia, for approximately 7,000 hectares of new planting which is roughly in line with current demand. The current Afforestation Scheme provides a range of grants that cover the full cost of establishment of the plantation and payment of annual premiums to both incentivise planting and to compensate for the loss of agricultural activity on the land that is planted. The Afforestation Scheme is a voluntary scheme and is one of a number of land-use options open to landowners.

The development of the new forestry programme, which will be carried out in parallel with a Strategic Environmental Assessment that will feed into the development of the programme at scheme level, will also examine the level of incentives needed to meet afforestation targets. A number of options are currently being explored in the context of this examination including the contract period and rates of premium payable. A public consultation process will take place in June/July 2014 at which point more detail will be made available on the content of the proposed new forestry programme.

The COFORD Council Land Availability Working Group, chaired by Teagasc, is examining a range of issues that affect land availability for forestry, including the issue of planting unenclosed/unimproved land. The outcome of this study will inform future policy options in relation to land usage. In addition, my Department undertakes significant promotional activities, with the assistance of Teagasc, to encourage increased farmer participation in forestry, highlighting the economic, social and environmental benefits of forestry. Teagasc recently held a series of one-to-one clinics throughout the country, offering free, independent advice to any landowner considering the possibility of planting. The level of interest in forestry among landowners was such that 35 extra clinics were arranged in addition to the 39 originally advertised. These promotional activities, together with the opportunities presented by the current timber prices and the developing wood energy sector, should all contribute to an increased interest in planting new forests.

Oireachtas Staff

Ceisteanna (120)

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

120. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Taoiseach the contacts he has had in relation to the appointment of a new Clerk of Dáil Éireann; if a procedure has been agreed to process the appointment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6162/14]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The existing legislation governing the appointment of the Clerk of the Dáil dates back to 1959. I believe there is widespread support in the House for modernisation of that legislation to reflect the needs of a modern parliament. I have received correspondence from the Ceann Comhairle and from the Opposition on the matter.

This is a matter that needs to be resolved by agreement in the Oireachtas. The Government will shortly make proposals in this regard and I hope that a process for an appointment can be agreed shortly.

Dáil Reform

Ceisteanna (121)

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

121. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Taoiseach his plans for Dáil reform; the number of meetings regarding Dáil reform that have taken place since 2011, and the reports produced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6166/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The Programme for Government outlined an ambitious agenda for Oireachtas Reform to be introduced in a phased process over the lifetime of this Government. The two phases of Dáil reform already introduced since the Government took office in March 2011 have significantly improved the working of the House. The first phase of reforms introduced in 2011 restructured the Oireachtas Committee system, introduced an additional Leaders' Questions on Thursdays, established Topical Issue Debates, allowed TDs introduce their own Bills and have them debated in the Dáil and started to develop a pre-legislative stage before Committees.

The second phase of reform expanded the Friday sittings, allowing more Private Members' Bills and Oireachtas Committee Reports to be debated in the Dáil, further developed the Pre-Legislative stage at Committee and takes steps to reduce the use of the guillotine. It now provides for new structures for interaction between the Government and the Dáil and Committees, including an annual outline to the Dáil by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste of Government Priorities, an economic update and projections for the next three years, a National Risk Assessment which will set out the risks (both financial and non-financial) which the country faces and a National Progress Report produced independently by the CSO. The Dáil continues to extend the number of days it sits and the length of those sitting days.

But this is by no means the end of the reform process. The roll-out of reforms announced in autumn 2013 will continue over the next few months as will the development of an Oireachtas Inquiry system. Work has already started on the next phase of reform. Reforms being considered for inclusion in the next phase include the establishment of an Oireachtas Inquiry system, the restructuring of Oireachtas Committees and expanding the powers and functions of those Committees, along with a number of Programme of Government commitments. The Tánaiste, the Government Chief Whip and I have met the Opposition Leaders and Whips to discuss what should be included in this phase.

The Dáil Reform Committee is chaired by the Government Chief Whip and is a sub-committee of the Dáil CPP chaired by the Ceann Comhairle. The Committee has met 8 times in the 31st Dáil. The Dáil CPP has also met on a number of occasions to discuss amendments to Standing Orders. The Dáil has discussed Dáil and Oireachtas Committee Reform on 12 occasions. The Constitutional Convention met 1 and 2 February last to discuss the issue of Dáil Reform and I look forward to seeing the Convention's Report on this in the coming weeks.

Departmental Contracts Data

Ceisteanna (122)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

122. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Taoiseach if he will name each company awarded a contract for the provision of professional services by his Department and agencies under his aegis since May 2011; the value and purpose of the contract; if a competitive tendering process was undertaken in line with public procurement best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6462/14]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The following table provides details of all suppliers to my Department and Agencies under the aegis of my Department from 1 May 2011 to 7th February 2014 where professional services withholding tax has been applied, and the total paid to each supplier. The Department undertakes competitive tendering for contracts in accordance with relevant Department of Public Expenditure guidelines.

2011	-	-
Vendor Name	Purpose of contract	Total Paid
JDK DESIGN	Design of Publications	€114.95
MSA (MICHAEL SLATTERY ASSOC)	Event Management Services, US Presidential Visit	€23,595.00
POWER DESIGN	Design of Publications	€907.50
TOWERS WATSON (IRELAND) LTD	ORP Workshops and Reports	€12,100.00
2012	-	-
CAROLINE ERSKINE	EU Communication Advisory Services	€25,830.00
CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN NEGOTIATION	Provision of training in EU Chairing and Negotiation Skills for Presidency Chairs	€27,659.75
DESIGN FACTORY	To design the graphic for the Stability Treaty information booklet and the overall look and feel for the campaign.	€17,552.10
FIONA SHERIDAN	Design of Publications	€178.40
GER GARLAND	Design of Publications	€1,328.40
GERALYN DOWNEY	Ergonomic assessment and report	€200.00
MM MOTION DESIGN	Provision of Radio & television advertisement for the Stability Treaty information campaign 2012.	€13,284.00
RED DOG DESIGN CONSULTANTS	Design and artwork of launch materials for EU Presidency.	€1,635.90
SYSTEM DYNAMICS LTD	IT Consultancy Service	€3,228.75
TERMINAL FOUR LTD	Contract for website professional services in relation to the Presidency 2013 website	€188,909.47
2013	-	-
CAROLINE ERSKINE	EU Communication Advisory Services	€35,593.20
CREATIVE AD LIMITED	Design, Artwork & Production in the Press Centre.	€1,845.00
SAM360	IT Software Consultancy	€2,560.37
DESIGN FACTORY	Convention on the Constitution Podium Banner.	€842.55
POWER DESIGN	Design services.	€1,279.20
Q4 PUBLIC RELATIONS	Provision to the Convention on the Constitution of Communications Advisory Services	€18,500.95
RED DOG DESIGN CONSULTANTS	Design and printing of 40 page brochure for Europe Week - May 2013.	€14,045.40
TERMINAL FOUR LTD	Contract for website professional services in relation to the Presidency 2013 website	€18,803.58

Departmental Advertising Expenditure

Ceisteanna (123)

Damien English

Ceist:

123. Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the total amount spent on advertising by his Department and each agency under his aegis in 2013; if he will provide a breakdown on the amount spent on each of TV, radio, print, outdoor, Internet and social media platform advertising; the amount spent on advertising agencies; if he will provide the information in tabular-readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6589/14]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The total expenditure by my Department on advertising in 2013 was €68,128, all expenditure related to print advertising. €51,660 was in relation to the EU Presidency.

Social Media Monitoring

Ceisteanna (124)

Damien English

Ceist:

124. Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach if his Department currently engages in real-time reporting of online conversations on issues relating to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6605/14]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

My Department does not engage in real time reporting of online conversations on issues relating to it. However, staff in the Government Press Office in my Department as part of their communications duties monitor online news and social media to provide alerts and updates on information relevant to the work of this and all Government Departments. Ordinarily this relates to breaking news and may include commentary on Government initiatives.

Official Engagements

Ceisteanna (125)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

125. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details of all official engagements by him or the Ministers of State in his Department that have taken place in Northern Ireland since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6825/14]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I have undertaken 28 official engagements in Northern Ireland since taking up office in March 2011. Former Minister of State Creighton had four official engagements in Northern Ireland and Minister of State Donohue had one. The Chief Whip has not undertaken any such engagements.