Written Answers Nos. 595-618
595. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Justice and Equality as far as he is aware if any official body under the aegis of his Department subscribes to the daily inflation data for Ireland collected by a company (details supplied); if so, the cost of this service; if the data will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8703/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraWe have not been able to locate any records which indicate that my Department has had any dealings with this company over the past three years.
596. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide in tabular form the number of Reserve Defence Force personnel recorded as attending more than ten hours of training in 2013 in each Permanent Defence Force unit to which they are attached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7966/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt was not possible to provide the exact information sought by the Deputy in the time available. However, the following table details the number of Reserve personnel who have undertaken training in 2013 and the number of hours training these personnel completed broken into bands of less than or equal to 20 hours, 21 to 30 hours and greater than 30 hours.
|
Brigade/Formation |
<=20 HOURS |
21 – 30 HOURS |
>30 HOURS |
|
1 Brigade |
304 |
87 |
482 |
|
2 Brigade |
450 |
91 |
420 |
|
4 Brigade |
154 |
0 |
0 |
|
Defence Forces Training College |
19 |
2 |
53 |
|
Defence Forces Headquarters |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
Naval Service |
33 |
3 |
61 |
|
TOTAL |
964 |
183 |
1016 |
597. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Defence the date on which the military authorities will know the effective strength of the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7967/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that work is continuing on the implementation of the reorganisation and the development of the single force concept and in this context a review of the number of active members of the RDF is currently being compiled. In this regard I understand that the military authorities expect to be in a position to report an accurate effective strength for the Reserve with effect from 1 April 2014. I will provide this information directly to the Deputy once it comes to hand.
598. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 172 of 22 January 2014, if the military authorities have or will consult with Reserve Defence Force officers before the criteria for participation is finalised; the date set by the military authorities for the finalisation and implementation of the recruitment plan referred to in that reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7968/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that all available Reserve Defence Force unit sub commanders attended seminars in the Defence Forces Training College in June and September of last year. These seminars were chaired by the Deputy Chief of Staff (support) and the Acting Chief of Staff respectively. During these seminars detailed discussions took place in relation to all aspects of the Reserve Defence Force re-organisation and the development of the single force concept, including future recruitment.
It is my intention that targeted recruitment will take place in 2014 to both the Permanent and Reserve Defence Force within the resource envelope allocated to Defence. Work on developing a recruitment plan for the Reserve Defence Force is currently being finalised and I expect that the actual process of recruitment to the Reserve will commence shortly.
599. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence with regard to the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act 1993 and section 6(1) thereof, the number of applications for authorising an interception in the interests of the security of the State that have been made by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces since 9 March 2011; if any such applications have been accompanied by a recommendation in writing by him supporting the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8091/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act, 1993 sets out the conditions under which, in the interests of the security of the State, authorisation may be granted for interception by the Defence Forces of certain postal packages and telecommunications messages. The capabilities of the Defence Forces in this area are subject to the restrictions and safeguards that are outlined in the legislation. These include a system of judicial supervision, with reports submitted to the Taoiseach by a designated Judge appointed by the President of the High Court. These reports are then laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
For security and operational reasons, it would not be appropriate for me to provide the details sought in the question.
600. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide in tabular form, the number of staff in his Department currently on a sabbatical-career break broken down by zero-6 months, six to 12 months, one year to two years, two to years, four to five years and five years plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7625/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraCivil Service policy on leave without pay is decided centrally by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. There are a range of options such as the Career Break scheme open to staff wishing to avail of periods of unpaid leave.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of staff in my Department currently on sabbatical/career breaks is set out in the following table.
|
Duration |
No. of Staff |
|
0-6 months |
1 |
|
6-12 months |
Nil |
|
1-2 years |
1 |
|
2-3 years |
2 |
|
4-5 years |
3 |
|
5 years plus |
1 |
601. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide in tabular form, the total number of uncertified sick days taken by employees in his Department and the average uncertified sick days per employee taken; the total certified sick days taken by employees; the average certified sick days per employee; the total sick days taken by employees; and the average total sick days and median overall sick days per employee in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. [7641/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
- |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
Total number of uncertified sick days |
455 |
378 |
270 |
246 |
|
Average number of uncertified sick days per employee |
1.14 |
1.00 |
0.72 |
0.66 |
|
Total number of certified sick days |
4190 |
4043 |
3079 |
2275 |
|
Average number of certified sick days per employee |
10.50 |
10.70 |
8.25 |
6.10 |
|
Total number of sick days taken |
4645 |
4421 |
3349 |
2521 |
|
Average number of sick days taken per employee |
11.64 |
11.70 |
8.98 |
6.76 |
|
Median number of sick days per employee |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
My Department adopts a policy of proactive management of sick leave through a range of strategies designed to reduce absence from work. Sick leave rates are closely monitored and analysed, and in recent years the number of days lost to sick leave has been reducing. Sick leave rates for the Department fell to a rate of 3.15% for 2012.
602. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Defence if any of his departmental or ministerial offices have been swept for electronic or any other type of surveillance or bugging equipment since coming to office in March 2011; the reasons for this check; the results of this check; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7890/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has robust security measures in place throughout its various buildings which include restricted swipe-controlled access across branches and offices. In this context, my Department and the Defence Forces attach high importance to all security matters. The detailed security arrangements undertaken in this context are matters that are pursued as considered necessary by my Department and the Defence Forces and it is not considered appropriate to make these public.
603. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the maximum number of years in service a Defence Forces Naval Service vessel should serve before it should be replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7903/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a fleet of eight ships assigned to the Naval Service. I am advised that the nominal life span for a naval service vessel is in the region of 30 years. However, a continuous process of husbandry, refurbishment and repair by the Naval Service on vessels in the fleet ensures that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level beyond the nominal life. In order to maintain maximum availability and serviceability, major maintenance for each vessel is planned in advance and is incorporated into an annual patrol plan for the Naval Fleet.
A strategy for the replacement of Naval Service Offshore Patrol Vessels is currently in train. A contract was signed in October 2010, with Babcock Marine for the provision of two new offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). The first ship is scheduled for delivery in the coming weeks. The second ship will follow one year later.
I am satisfied that the equipment issued to the Naval Service is in keeping with the most modern requirements and the highest international standards. The ongoing investment in the Naval Service will ensure that this remains to be the case.
604. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence if he will list any new organisations-agencies established in his Department since 9 March 2011; the role and functions and the annual operating budget for these organisations-agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7941/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo new agencies have been established under the auspices of my Department since 9 March 2011.
605. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he will detail in tabular form any legislation in place for which his Department is responsible for enforcing that also confers powers or responsibilities or a consultative or advisory role on the Minister for Justice and Equality, the Department of Justice and Equality, the Garda Síochána or any authorised person within organisations under the aegis of the Department of Justice and Equality; the nature of any such powers, responsibilities, consultative or advisory roles conferred on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8129/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Legislation |
Section |
Details |
|
Defence Act 1954, as amended |
37 (4) Billeting during a period of emergency |
Where by regulations made under this section any powers or duties are conferred or imposed on members of the Garda Síochána or where such regulations provide that any arrangements with regard to billeting shall be made in consultation with any member of the Garda Síochána, such regulations so relating to the Garda Síochána shall be made with the concurrence of the Minister for Justice. |
|
Defence Act 1954, as amended |
38 (6) Billeting in peace time |
Where by regulations made under this section any powers or duties are conferred or imposed on members of the Garda Síochána or where such regulations provide that any arrangements with regard to billeting shall be made in consultation with a member of the Garda Síochána, such regulations so relating to the Garda Síochána shall be made with the concurrence of the Minister for Justice. |
|
Defence Act 1954, as amended |
192 (4) (a) Jurisdiction of courts-martial |
The Minister, with the concurrence of the Minister for Justice, may make regulations with regard to the exercise of the jurisdiction conferred on courts-martial by section 169 and may in particular by the regulations provide that the exercise of such jurisdiction shall depend on the consent of such civil authority as may be specified in the regulations. |
|
Defence Act 1954, as amended |
184LA inserted by section 7 of the Defence (Amendment) Act 2011 |
Provides that the Minister may, having consulted with the Minister for Justice and Equality, request the President of the Circuit Court to temporarily designate, under section 11A of the Courts of Justice Acts 1947, one, or more than one, Circuit Judge to perform the functions of a military judge in certain circumstances. |
|
Courts-Martial Appeals Act, 1983 |
23 Rules of Court |
The Superior Courts Rules Committee shall, with the concurrence of the Minister for Justice, make rules of court for the purposes of this Part of this Act. |
606. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made regarding works needed to clear the site and demolish existing buildings at the Magee Barracks in County Kildare to improve the possibility of a private sale since a meeting was held with Kildare Chamber of Commerce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8367/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn ongoing programme of works preparing the site of the former military barracks in Kildare town for disposal has been in place for some time. Works carried out to-date include securing the perimeter, removal of rubbish, disposal of some surplus metal sheeting, removal of some trees on health and safety grounds and a general clean up of the site. It is not proposed to demolish any of the existing buildings in advance of the disposal of the site.
As the Deputy will be aware part of the site is in the process of being disposed of to the Department of Education and Skills for the provision of a school. Once the necessary legal paperwork has been completed it is proposed to auction the remainder of the site before the end of the year.
607. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he will clarify if all branches of the Civil Service within his Department are applying Department policy that staff progress on incremental salary scales on the basis of a single point per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8680/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has responsibility for the development and implementation of public service pay policy. Staff of my Department are awarded increments in line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform policy of progression on incremental salary scales on the basis of a single point per annum. Incremental progression is linked to satisfactory performance which is managed under the Civil Service Performance Management and Development System.
608. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Defence as far as he is aware if any official body under the aegis of his Department subscribes to the daily inflation data for Ireland collected by a company (details supplied); if so, the cost of this service; if the data will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8694/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo official bodies under the aegis of my Department subscribe to the daily inflation data for Ireland, collected by the company, named by the Deputy.
609. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to clearly identify who is responsible for the old land commission network and its repair, upkeep and renewal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7864/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraBy virtue of the provisions of Section 10 of the Land Act, 1965 my Department, as successor to the former Irish Land Commission, does not retain responsibility for the construction, cleansing, maintenance, repair or restoration of embankments, or other works in relation to lands purchased under the Land Purchase Acts. Responsibility for these works normally rests with the property owner.
Arising from the acquisition of a small number of estates, the former Irish Land Commission retained a portion of the purchase money for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of embankments and sluices but only on these particular estates. These retained funds were entrusted to the Public Trustee, who is now an officer of my Department. The Public Trustee has responsibility for the investment of these funds and the income earned may be applied for the specific purposes described in the trust deed for the estates in question. These funds may not be applied for any other purposes.
610. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide emergency financial aid to inshore fishermen whose incomes have been devastated due to the adverse weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7510/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra632. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider putting in place a compensation scheme for persons involved in the fishing industry who have incurred substantial losses from damage caused by recent weather events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7979/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra648. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence regarding fishermen (details supplied); if he will assist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8342/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions No. 610, 632 and 648 together.
On 12 February 2014, I informed the House that as part of its overall co-ordinated response to the impact of the recent unprecedented weather conditions, the Government had decided to allocate an additional €8.8 million for the repair of the publicly owned pier, harbour and slipway network linked to fisheries and aquaculture and to allocate up to €1.5 million to assist inshore fishermen in replacing lobster and shrimp pots lost or destroyed in the storms.
While it is difficult to be definitive at this stage, following extensive consultation with local authorities, my engineers estimate that there are more than 100 pier, harbour and slipway projects involving significant damage across nine counties. In light of the additional funds now available it is my intention to broaden the remit of my Department's 2014 capital programme immediately to encompass to the greatest extent possible repair works on publically-owned, fishery and aquaculture-related piers, slipways and infrastructure in harbours damaged by the storms. With that in mind, I will be inviting local authorities to follow up on their estimates of damage by applying for funding under the programme and to indicate their prioritised list of eligible projects on a county-by-county basis for consideration for funding for repair of the damage caused by the recent storms. The funding will be focussed on infrastructural repairs to fisheries and aquaculture-related harbours, piers and slipways.
In addition to the funding to be provided to local authorities, my Department will be moving to repair storm damage to piers, harbours and coastal infrastructure in its direct ownership. This will include moving as quickly as possible to repair the significant storm damage to North Harbour in Cape Clear, west Cork; Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre, County Waterford; the Gun Rock beacon, Inisboffin, County Mayo; the West Cove navigational beacon, County Kerry; and Roonagh Pier, County Mayo.
In relation to inshore fishermen, a temporary one-off scheme of assistance to these pot fishermen will be administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara. The scheme will be focused on smaller inshore fishermen, with vessels under 15 metres. It will provide a set amount of €24 per lobster pot lost or €12 per shrimp pot lost, equivalent to 40% of the replacement cost, and will be capped at a maximum of 50 pots for under 12 metre vessels and 100 for under 15 metre vessels. A fisherman who has lost 100 pots at the replacement cost of approximately €6,000 will receive assistance of a little under €2,500. While I am conscious that some pot fishermen have reported losses of several hundred pots, I believe these are exceptional cases.
A fisherman availing of these schemes will be required to provide certain evidence to BIM to show that he was actively pot fishing in the months before the storms and evidence of purchase of pots that were lost. In addition, he will be required to make a sworn declaration concerning his losses. The budget for this Scheme will be borne by the existing Vote within my Department and is not additional funding. There is no scope to increase this budget further, so I am emphasising that should applications exceed this budget, the rate of assistance will be reduced, either in terms of the amount of payment per pot or the maximum number of pots, in order to remain within a managed budget.
The Deputies will agree that these are significant interventions in the current economic circumstances and are a clear indication of this Government's commitment to rural coastal communities and the inshore fishing sector.
611. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the full farm payment for 2013 has been paid in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if all issues are now resolved for 2013 and 2014. [7547/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2013 Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas’ Scheme application of the person named was selected for a ground eligibility/cross compliance inspection.
The cross compliance inspection identified breaches in relation to cattle identification and registration requirements resulting in a 1% penalty being applied to the 2013 payments.
The ground eligibility inspection identified discrepancies between the area declared and the area found, resulting in an over-declaration in area of less than 2 hectares in respect of the Single Payment Scheme. Based on the Terms and Conditions of this scheme this resulted in the 2013 payment being based on the number of SPS entitlements held by the person named.
Under the Disadvantaged Areas’ Scheme, the identified area discrepancy resulted in an over-declaration in area of greater that 3% of the area found. Based on the Terms and Conditions of this scheme, this resulted in the 2013 payment being based on the found area having being reduced by double the difference between the area found and the area claimed.
The person named was notified of these decisions on the 17 September 2013 and 11 November 2013 respectively. The person named was also informed of the right to seek a review of these decisions. To date no request for a review has been received by my Department. In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of any such the review, the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office, within 3 months.
Payment of the advance and balancing payments under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme, on the basis set out above, issued to the nominated bank account of person named on 25 November 2013 and 2 December 2013, respectively. Payment under the 2013 Disadvantaged Areas’ Scheme, on the basis set out above, issued on 15 November 2013.
612. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an application for consolidation of entitlements in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be approved; if single farm payments for 2013 will now be paid; and if the matter will be expedited. [7565/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received a 2013 Single Farm Payment Application for Consolidation of Entitlements from the person named on 10 May 2013.
This application was successful and was processed on 19 Oct 2013. An acceptance letter showing the entitlements position following Consolidation was issued to the person named on 19 Oct 2013.
My Department received an online 2013 Single Farm Payment Application from the person named on 8 May 2013. Following initial processing, a dual claim was identified in respect of one of the land parcels declared by the person named. The person named subsequently confirmed that they did not have the right to claim the parcel in question. Based on this information the application has recently been finalised. As the total area over claim is greater than 20%, no payment is due to the person named for the year in question based on the scheme Terms and Conditions and the relevant EU regulations. A letter outlining the position will shortly issue to the person named. The person named will have the opportunity to lodge an appeal to officials in my Department.
613. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an organisation (details supplied) recently forcibly ejected two animal welfare campaigners from a national coursing meeting preventing them filming, even though the organisation officials publicly said everyone was welcome at coursing meetings; if he has ever attended or seen film footage of a coursing meeting; and if so under what circumstances he considers coursing a sport. [7573/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 the regulation of coursing is chiefly a matter for the Irish Coursing Club (ICC) subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the improvement and development of the greyhound industry, greyhound racing and coursing.
The National Coursing meeting was organised by the ICC. My Department had no role in the organisation of this event accordingly the Deputy should address her concerns regarding admission to the event to the ICC who are the appropriate authority to deal with the matter.
The ICC has confirmed that it has systems in place to underpin the welfare of animals participating in coursing events. These include mandatory inspections of hares and coursing venues in advance of the commencement of an event. Greyhounds involved in coursing are subject to the provisions of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 and the Code of Practice for the care and welfare of greyhounds, published by Bord na gCon. The ICC has assured my Department that it goes to great lengths to ensure the highest standards are adhered to during coursing.
The ICC ensures that a veterinary surgeon and a control steward are present at all coursing meetings. In addition to this, veterinary staff from my Department and rangers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (part of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) carry out random monitoring inspections during the coursing season to verify compliance with the licences and the rules governing animal welfare.
As a further control, a Monitoring Committee on Coursing was established during the 1993/94 coursing season and is comprised of officials from my Department and representatives from both the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the ICC to monitor developments in coursing and in that regard the situation is kept under constant review to ensure that coursing is run in a well controlled and responsible manner in the interests of hares and greyhounds alike.
A very high proportion (98.09%) of the hares captured for hare coursing were returned to the wild at the end of the 2012/2013 season.
614. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a rural environment protection scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7586/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named commenced REPS 4 in March 2008 and received payments for the first five years of their contract.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. These checks have now been completed and the 75% Year 6 payment has been authorised and will issue to the person named within the next week. The remaining 25% balancing payment will issue shortly afterwards.
615. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide in tabular form, the number of staff in his Department currently on a sabbatical-career break broken down by zero to six months, six to 12 months, one year to two years, two to three years, four to five years and five years plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7621/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table:
DURATION
|
0 – 6 mths |
6 – 12 mths |
1 – 2 years |
2 – 3 years |
4 -5 years |
5 + years |
|
0 |
4 |
9 |
18 |
13 |
8 |
616. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide in tabular form, the total number of uncertified sick days taken by employees in his Department and the average uncertified sick days per employee taken; the total certified sick days taken by employees; the average certified sick days per employee; the total sick days taken by employees; and the average total sick days and median overall sick days per employee in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. [7637/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following Table:
REQUESTED SICK LEAVE STATISTICS 2009 – 2012 IN RESPECT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND THE MARINE
|
Sick Leave Statistics |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
Total number of uncertified sick days taken in Year |
2,700 |
2,259 |
2,168 |
1,861 |
|
Average number of uncertified sick days per employee in Year |
0.6 |
0.5 |
0.6 |
0.5 |
|
Total number of certified sick days taken in Year |
36,709 |
31,195 |
28,628 |
26,662 |
|
Average number of certified sick days per employee in Year |
8.4 |
7.4 |
7.6 |
7.2 |
|
Total number of sick days taken in Year |
39,409 |
33,454 |
30,796 |
28,523 |
|
Average number of sick days per employee in Year |
8.9 |
7.9 |
8.1 |
7.7 |
|
Median overall sick days in Year |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Note: Average calculations are based on the total numbers employed in the Department during the course of the year in question, regardless of whether individuals joined or left during the year.
617. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department is engaged in to prevent food poverty; if his Department will continue to work with measures in this regard following the establishment of a new EU fund administered by the Department of Social Protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7664/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is involved in a number of schemes/initiatives aimed at addressing food poverty and will continue to do everything it can to combat food poverty in the future.
This year my Department will be distributing 280 tonnes of cheese, 121 tonnes of butter and 250 tonnes of rice to the value of €2.6m to 563 registered charities, under the EU's food distribution programme for the most deprived persons in the Union - the "Most Deprived Scheme".
This will be the last year that the current programme will operate under the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine in line with the expiry of the EU regulation. From 2014, the European Commission has proposed the introduction of a new Fund to support the provision of food and consumer products for people who are most deprived. The Department of Social Protection will have responsibility for the implementation of this scheme in Ireland and I understand has begun preparatory work for the introduction of the new fund which will have a budget of up to €3.5m when co-funding by the Exchequer is taken into account.
My Department also continues to support and be involved in the administration of the School Milk Scheme and the School Fruit Scheme.
The School Milk Scheme has operated in Ireland since 1982 with the objective of promoting and encouraging the consumption of milk among school children. The Scheme provides for the payment of aid for milk products to school pupils and is co-financed by the EU and the exchequer. In the school year 2012-2013, my Department spent €0.68m on the provision of 2.3 million litres of milk and 1,275kgs of cheese to 52,937 pupils in 1,077 participating schools including nursery, preschool, special schools, secondary and primary schools.
The EU School Fruit Scheme which was introduced in 2009 has been incorporated in Ireland, through the national Food Dudes Programme. The Food Dudes Programme aims to encourage increased consumption of fruit and vegetables by primary school children by changing attitudes and cultivating a liking for fruit and vegetables. Over 87% of all primary schools in Ireland and 419,359 children have participated in the programme to date. The budget for the Food Dude scheme and the School Fruit Scheme in 2014 is €1.9m.
618. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if lands outside the disadvantaged area designated approximately 12-15 years (details supplied) in County Offaly will be reviewed with a view to inclusion; if he will outline the land type that was not included in the disadvantaged area; his plans to change the criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7670/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is an ongoing review at EU level of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. DAS (now to be known as Areas of Natural Handicap) is to be delineated by Member States using soil and climatic criteria, as proposed by the Commission, as follows:
- Climate, including Low Temperature and Heat Stress;
- Soil, including Drainage, Texture and Stoniness, Rooting Depth and Chemical Properties;
- Soil and Climate, including Soil Moisture Balance;
- Terrain, including Slope.
An area (administrative unit) would be delineated as an area of Natural Handicap, when it meets the proposed threshold set for one of the above criteria only. The Commission are suggesting the delineation be carried out a LAU2 level – DED in Ireland's case. To qualify under the new system, an area will need to show that at least two-thirds of its utilised agricultural land meets at least one of these eight criteria.
The resultant Areas of Natural Handicap would be subject to a fine-tuning process. These so called Second Stage Criteria are designed to remove areas which, although they meet the biophysical criteria, are deemed to have overcome the natural disadvantage and, therefore, should not benefit under the Scheme. The Second Stage Criteria would not apply to the criteria Low Temperatures, Heat Stress and Slope. The suggested ones for the other criteria are as follows:
- Soil Moisture Balance: Fine tune using % of area that is covered by fixed irrigation;
- Drainage: Take account of the artificial drainage, which can in effect move soils from one class to another;
- Texture and Stoniness, Rooting depth and Soil Chemical properties: Fine tune using production related indicators.
Commencement of the process must firstly await finalisation of the Teagasc innovative Irish Soil Information System (ISIS), which is designed to complete the national soil survey and which is scheduled for completion in late 2014. On completion of ISIS the necessary comprehensive delineation may initially commence to see which land is included and excluded as Areas of Natural Handicap. Under the CAP Reform agreement, Member States have until 2018 to introduce a new regime.
