Written Answers Nos. 145-150
145. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a grassland sheep scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16868/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraProcessing 2013 Grassland Sheep application for the person named has recently been finalised with payment due to issue to the nominated bank account of the person named shortly.
146. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a grant available under the TAMS I scheme for a piece of equipment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16906/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS I) which were established on the basis of the old 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme are now closed for the receipt of applications. Grant-aid was not available under TAMS I for the installation of automatic feeding systems in milking parlours.
As far as the new 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme is concerned, I propose to continue the provision of support to encourage investment in the dairy sector in view of the forthcoming abolition of milk quotas. Further details in relation to these grants will be included in the Programme itself when it is finalised in the near future. It is not possible at this stage to confirm that specific types of equipment will be eligible for grant-aid under the new Programme.
147. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he has taken since taking office to protect the price of beef for the farming community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16911/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraCattle prices are determined by supply / demand dynamics which are in turn influenced by the seasonality of production, the length of the production lifecycle and market conditions such as retail promotions, consumer confidence, competition with other meats and the overall macroeconomic situation.
My role in relation to the beef sector is to create a policy and support environment that will allow it to flourish in line with normal market principles. In this context, I am guided by the sectoral development strategy set out in Food Harvest 2020 and am confident that the initiatives announced this year, in conjunction with the Rural Development Programme, will enable beef farmers to enhance the profitability and sustainability of their livestock enterprises. Government support for beef producers is exemplified by its implementation of the recommendations contained in the 2020 strategy and the subsequent Beef Activation Group Report and the funding that I secured for an investment package worth up to €40m to beef farmers in 2014. These supports for beef primary beef production comprise €23m for a new Beef Genomics Scheme, €10m for the Beef Data Programme, €5m for the Beef Technology Adoption Programme and €2m in residual payments under the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme.
For my part, I will continue to focus on supporting the beef sector to enable it to realise its potential for future growth. With this in mind, I have invited key stakeholders, including farm organisations, beef processors and relevant state agencies, to a round table discussion on the future development of the beef sector on 17 April. I am confident that this initiative will provide a useful forum for all the main players in the industry to engage positively and present constructive ideas on positioning the sector to address the challenges and prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead.
148. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason international certificates for live exports of cattle are only accepted from 11 organisations when there are many other organisations which issue such certificates for vessels transporting livestock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16933/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disease of Animals (Carriage of Cattle by Sea) Order, 1996 (SI No 17 of 1996) requires that a ship’s classification certificate must be issued by a classification society which is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). The current rules in relation to the approval of ships for livestock transport are set higher than those which apply in other EU Member States and are recognised by the EU Commission as being amongst the most effective and stringent legislation in force as regards the welfare during transport of animals by sea.
149. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a disadvantaged area scheme penalty review in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16937/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 2013 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, eligible applicants’ holdings were required to have satisfied minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units for a retention period of seven consecutive months, in addition to maintaining an annual average of 0.15 livestock units calculated over the twelve months of the scheme year. As the holding of the person named did not satisfy these minimum requirements, no payment is due to the person named under the 2013 Scheme. The person named unsuccessfully appealed this decision. He was informed accordingly by letter dated 2 April 2014 and was also advised of his right of appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office.
150. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their suckler cow welfare scheme payment in respect of 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16938/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn applying to participate in the Suckler Welfare Scheme the person named undertook to carry out the measures provided for in the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme on all potentially eligible animals in his herd. He also undertook to record and notify my Department of all of the required measures through the Animal Events System.
The person named registered twenty six animals under the 2012 Suckler Welfare Scheme. He was paid on fourteen animals and a further animal was rejected as the dam was sold before the calf was fully weaned. The data for the remaining eleven 2012 born animals was not received into my Department until 14th February 2014 which is outside the prescribed period under the Terms and Conditions of the 2012 Suckler Welfare Scheme for the submission of such data. Under the Terms and Condition of the Scheme all information required must have been submitted within one year of the date of birth of each calf participating in the Scheme. Therefore, these animals are ineligible for payment under the Scheme.
