Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:6. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the proposal to introduce paid parking at Howth Harbour, Howth, Dublin 13. [20267/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFishery Harbour Centres
Ceisteanna (6)
Freagraí scríofa
The House will be aware that I have been considering introducing a charge for parking facilities within Howth Fishery Harbour Centre for some time:
- 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.
However, in considering these factors, I fully appreciate that the situation is complex and in that regard, due deliberation is being given to the concerns that have been raised at a local level with regard to the introduction of a charge.
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; I will take appropriate account of their views in coming to my decision.
Questions Nos. 7 to 11, inclusive, answered orally.
Agriculture Scheme Administration
Ceisteanna (12)
Martin Ferris
Ceist:12. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will release full details of the environmental scheme GLAS and modernisation scheme TAMS II and open the schemes as soon as possible to take applications from the thousands of farmers who finished the REP scheme last year and those who will finish this December, in order to alleviate the farm income crisis. [20215/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The GLAS (Green Low-carbon Agri-environment Scheme) and TAMS II (Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme) are part of a suite of proposed measures under the new Rural Development Programme (RDP). The RDP must be submitted to the European Commission for approval.
GLAS is designed around core requirements which all applicants must satisfy. A tiered approach is being applied to entry into the Scheme and the tiers are based on a consideration of priority environmental assets and actions. In the first instance all farmers in the Measure must comply with the following list of core requirements:
(a) A Farm Advisory Service (FAS) approved agricultural planner must prepare GLAS application.
(b) Nutrient Management Plan for whole farm must be in place before payment issues.
(c) Knowledge Transfer by means of a training course for specific actions complemented by on-line demonstrations/advice on good environmental practices.
(d) Record keeping.
The tiered approach will give priority to farmers with environmental assets such as Natura site, farmland habitats and high status water areas.
The proposed maximum payment is €5,000 per annum, with the Scheme building up to the inclusion of some 50,000 farmers with a total envisaged expenditure of €1,450m over the programming period. It is also proposed that, within budget limits, a GLAS+ payment would be put in place for a limited number of farmers who take on particularly challenging actions which deliver an exceptional level of environmental benefit. It is proposed that this payment will be up to €2,000 per annum.
As far as TAMS II is concerned, the recent consultation paper published by my Department sets out a number of priorities in the case of possible on-farm investment schemes under the new Rural Development Programme. These include further support to encourage investment in the dairy sector in view of the forthcoming abolition of milk quotas; an enhanced scheme of grant-aid for young farmers; investment in low-emission slurry-spreading equipment; improvements in certain pig and poultry facilities; bio-energy; and a new farm building measure to support the construction of animal housing and slurry storage.
I intend to include further details in relation to these grants in the Rural Development Programme itself when it is finalised in the near future. EU Commission approval for the Programme will be required before any new national measures are introduced on the basis of the Programme. Accordingly, it is not possible at this stage to fix definitive dates for the introduction of the schemes concerned. In the case of both schemes, however, more detailed information will be made public very shortly, as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process.
Beef Industry
Ceisteanna (13, 21)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:13. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to concerns in relation to the new specifications regarding young bull production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20352/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas Pringle
Ceist:21. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has made any decision regarding the possibility of a beef price watch online service being provided to farmers; the information that would be included in the service; the way it would be delivered to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20343/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 21 together.
The purpose of the roundtable discussions with key stakeholders in the beef sector (which included representatives from IFA, ICMSA, ICSA, MII, Teagasc and Bord Bia) that I hosted on 17 April was to reflect on recent developments in the sector and set out a series of actions that will aid viability across the supply chain in light of current market conditions. I believe that it was a worthwhile exercise and the constructive engagement of participants confirmed my belief that ongoing dialogue and collaboration, supported by the Government, is essential to improving the interdependent relationship between and producers and processors. The positive outcome of the roundtable discussions is reflected in the various measures announced at its conclusion.
These included a commitment to launching a ‘Beef Pricewatch’ online tool to make price information more accessible and free of charge to farmers. No decision has yet been made regarding the specific IT solution or the platform on which it will be delivered to clients. At present, my officials are reviewing the full range of existing price data and whether it should be supplemented before considering how best it might be made available online – whether by a specific website, app or other format. It will also be necessary to take account of the time needed for software development. Progress on this matter will be reported to a future meeting of the beef roundtable once a decision has been made on what information will be included in the service, how it will be delivered to farmers and the timeframe for implementation.
In addition to price transparency, both the farmer and meat processors representatives made statements regarding the role of the specifications for young bull production and the impact these have on the market situation. I am aware therefore of the importance all sides place on these specifications and the misunderstanding that can arise as to their impact on cattle prices. As these views were diametrically opposed to each other I have asked Mr. Michael Dowling, Chairman of the Beef 2020 Activation Group to look at the role that specifications play in young bull production and prices. I expect that he will make a report on this matter at the next roundtable discussion on 3 June.
After the roundtable discussion, I released a press statement which sets out the following measures that the forum agreed will assist in addressing the challenges facing the sector:
- The roundtable will reconvene quarterly to exchange intelligence on market developments and forecasts particularly in relation to supply, demand, prices, product specifications, retail changes etc;
- In addition to his work on specification, I have requested the Chairman of the Beef 2020 Activation Group, Mr. Michael Dowling, to review implementation of the Group’s report. He is meeting all stakeholders individually to consider what further actions, including the possible role of long-term supply contracts for producers, and will report back to the me by the end of May;
- My Department will prioritise its targeted on-farm capital investments for suckler farmers through the new Rural Development Programme;
- Bord Bia will allocate €0.5m to expand and target promotion of Irish beef through its campaigns in the UK and in certain continental markets;
- Teagasc will intensify its efforts to enable farmers to maximise on-farm efficiencies through lowering input costs and increasing output value to deliver a better margin for suckler farmers and finishers. This assistance will include advice on adapting productions systems to meet market specifications;
- I undertook to engage further with my Northern counterpart, Ms Michelle O’Neill, on issues relevant to the sector including cross-Border trade.
The Deputy will also be aware that one of my priorities since taking office has been the continued development of the beef sector. The Government’s commitment to the primary production in the sector is evidenced by an investment package worth up to €40m to beef farmers in 2014 allied with a number of progressive schemes to be implemented over the lifetime of the new RPD. Taken together with the leadership provided by my roundtable initiative, beef farmers have the necessary supports to enhance the profitability and sustainability of their livestock enterprises.
Animal Welfare
Ceisteanna (14)
Clare Daly
Ceist:14. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline a comprehensive proposal for dealing with the numbers of horses that are being abandoned and subsequently destroyed by county pounds, including the manner in which on the one hand, horse breeding incentives are organised, and on the other, re-homing costs of in excess of €1,000 are being levied by local authorities. [20219/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department and the local authorities have been very proactive in dealing with the surplus and unwanted horses. The Control of Horses Act, 1996 was introduced to address serious problems being caused by straying horses wandering onto public roads and lands and posing risks to the public, especially motorists, young children and property (both public and private). Local authorities have responsibility for implementing the Act and I, as Minister for Agriculture, provide financial assistance under the Act to local authorities towards expenses incurred in implementation of the Act. I am pleased to say that my Department provided €3.025m to local authorities for this purpose in 2013.
Both I and my Department support all efforts towards re-homing of horses but, unfortunately, it is not possible to re-home all horses because of the substantial numbers involved and the cost of keeping a horse, including stabling facilities, veterinary expenses, feed and farriery fees. Nevertheless, my Department offers local authorities €200 towards the cost of re-homing each horse and, in an effort to ensure increased re-homing of unwanted horses, I have specifically increased funding for 2014 to those animal welfare organisations involved in horse welfare activities to ensure sufficient resources are available to cater for any difficulties arising in the area of horse welfare over the coming year. In this regard, the overall amount provided in respect of 2014 is €1.8m, of which €210,000 is being provided to both the ISPCA and the DSPCA to enable these organisations to continue their work in rescuing horses and absorb some costs associated with re-homing horses.
My Department continues to stress that it is the responsibility of horse owners to ensure the welfare of horses in their ownership and/or their care and to dispose of them appropriately. My Department will, in conjunction with the local authorities and An Garda Siochana, continue to adopt a pro-active approach in relation to horse welfare and will remove at-risk animals and, where appropriate, institute prosecution relating to any maltreatment of these animals. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which places clear obligations on owners regarding the need to look after animals in their care. My Department has been operating an Animal Welfare Helpline for some time with a view to enabling persons who are concerned about the welfare of horses or indeed any animal to contact the Department at email animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie and on lo-call 1850 211 990.
I am pleased to be able to say that the over-supply situation has significantly eased in recent years following a substantial decline in the number of foals born in 2012 and 2013 and on-going high levels of slaughterings, leading to supply coming more into line with demand. Over the past month, I have attended a number of meetings arranged by HSI, Teagasc and the RDS, involving horse breeders with a view to drawing up a strategy for the sport horse industry. These meetings were well attended and stakeholders displayed a clear willingness to develop an economically viable and sustainable industry in the years ahead.
Land Parcel Identification System
Ceisteanna (15)
Martin Ferris
Ceist:15. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers may remove scrub from their land under the land eligibility programme; and if this land will then qualify for full entitlements. [20214/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In the context of the ongoing review of land eligibility being conducted by my Department some farmers may want to clear areas of scrub, thereby restoring the land to full eligibility. Those farmers should be aware, however, that in the context of CAP Reform, recent decisions which I have taken provide protection for the payments of farmers. In the first instance, a decision was made to use 2013 eligible land – or 2015 if it is lower – for the calculation of number of new payment entitlements. This means that the number of entitlements allocated to farmers should correspond to the number of eligible hectares on the holding. In addition, the total value of the new entitlements allocated to farmers in 2015 will be based on the total number of entitlements - rather than payments - owned by farmers in 2014. Therefore, there is no reason why such farmers cannot fully benefit from payments under the CAP Reform regime from 2015 onwards.
Having said that, it is open to farmers to remove scrub to restore the eligibility of land, although there are a number of matters that they must bear in mind when considering such a course of action. In the first instance, certain lands are designated as habitats under Natura 2000 areas, namely Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA). These lands are protected under national and EU legislation. Where lands are so designated, scrub removal is prohibited without prior approval from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Failure to abide by the requirements could result in farmers facing penalties under the Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC). At all times, my Department has tried to assist farmers. For example, REPS farmers on exiting the Scheme are encouraged to retain newly created REPS habitats after the ending of the REPS Scheme. If they do so, these areas, which are referred to as “Designated Habitats” are eligible to benefit from payment under the Single Farm Payment Scheme and under the new Basic Payment Scheme from 2015.
For scrub removal by burning it is imperative to note that this can only be done at certain times of the year and in a controlled fashion. It is also important to state that there are very real risks for farmers and other land owners associated with uncontrolled burning. Setting fire to growing vegetation is not only an extremely dangerous practice, it can also be illegal. I would remind land owners and the public that it is illegal to burn growing vegetation on uncultivated land between 1 March and 31 August and asked all rural dwellers to be vigilant for fire, to report any suspicious activity to the Gardai and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires to the Fire Service.
Forestry Management
Ceisteanna (16)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:16. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the full scientific evidence including original documentation and reports, along with the names of the State pathologists and laboratories, that were involved in the compiling of the evidence and conclusions sent to his Department regarding phytophthora ramorum in Gougane Barra; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20332/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Phytophthora ramorum is a fungal-like plant pathogen regulated under the European Commission’s Plant Health Directive. Larch samples taken from Gougane Barra Forest Park by officials from my Department were sent to two laboratories for analysis, the Department’s laboratory in Backweston and the Coillte laboratory in Newtownmountkennedy. Both laboratories are experienced in testing for this disease and both confirmed the presence of the disease in accordance with internationally approved diagnostic protocols. The decision to fell the larch was not taken lightly but was based on the best scientific practice in trying to limit further sporulation and spread of the disease. Copies of the laboratory reports from both laboratories confirming the detection of the disease can be made available to Deputy Boyd Barrett.
Severe Weather Events Response
Ceisteanna (17)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:17. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of applications received by Bord Íascaigh Mhara for the lobster pot and shrimp pot loss compensation scheme being administered by BIM on behalf of his Department; the number of these applications deemed valid; the estimated cost of compensation based on these applications; the amount paid to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20340/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In February this year, I introduced a scheme to assist pot fishermen with the cost of replacing lobster, crab and shrimp pots lost or damaged in the storms. The Shellfish Pot Replacement Scheme administered by BIM is providing 40% of the cost of replacing these lost pots through fixed payments of €24 per lobster/crab pot and €12 per shrimp pot. By the closing date of 28 March 2014, BIM had received 151 applications. Two were excluded as invalid as the vessels concerned were not registered sea-fishing boats. 116 applications have been approved, while a further 33 applications require further information. It is expected that the Scheme will cost approximately €170,000.
I am acutely conscious of the difficult time experienced by fishermen in the early months of this year. In addition to introducing the Shellfish Pot Replacement Scheme, I would draw the Deputy’s attention to the very significant funds I have made available to assist the fishing and aquaculture sectors with the impacts of the storms on piers, harbours and other coastal infrastructure, on which the fishing and aquaculture sectors rely. On 20 March 2014, I announced a €23 million package for the repair of public owned piers, harbours and slipways damaged during the winter storms and for investment in the ongoing development of Ireland’s public harbour network. €8.5m of this funding will assist 11 Local Authorities and my Department to repair 115 storm damaged piers and harbours and coastal infrastructure. A further €14.63 million has been committed to my Department’s 2014 harbours investment programme as part of an ongoing and long term strategy to develop and improve the facilities at our Fishery Harbour Centres and other public harbours around our coast.
This €23 million investment will repair the storm damage to our vitally important fisheries piers and harbours network and will develop our harbours for the benefit of our seafood industry and the coastal communities dependent on this infrastructure. This package will help to ensure that this important infrastructure is fit for purpose in the modern era and will bring significant added value to local communities and much welcome jobs and economic activity. I am acutely conscious of the needs of our important inshore fishing sector and am actively reviewing how the interests of the inshore fishing sector can best be addressed.
Live Exports
Ceisteanna (18)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:18. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to open up the live export cattle trade to the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20211/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, my Department attaches considerable importance to the live export trade and, over the years, has been very active in facilitating shipments abroad. The live trade serves a dual purpose in providing alternative market outlets for beef farmers; it meets a demand for suitable livestock in foreign markets while providing increased competition for cattle in the domestic market. The reality is that the live trade to the UK is open for business as shown by the data generated by my Department’s AIM database. In fact, total live exports to the UK for the year to date have reached 19,000 head, an increase of some 3,800 head or 25% up on the comparable period in 2013. Live exports to Northern Ireland, which account for the vast majority of the UK live trade, amounted to over 14,000 head up to week 17 (w/c 27 April), which represents an increase of 1,700 head or 14% on the 2013 figure. Most of the Northern trade consists of stores and finished cattle.
However, the potential to grow the live trade to the UK is constrained by the buying specifications operated by the British retail chains in relation to cattle born in this country and exported live for finishing and processing in that market. The retailers’ longstanding policy is to market British and Irish beef separately. This means that beef must be sourced from animals originating in one country; i.e. born, reared and slaughtered in the same country. In addition, logistical difficulties arise when a small number of Irish-born animals are slaughtered in a UK meat plant. Under mandatory EU labelling rules, these carcases have to be deboned in a separate batch, packaged and labelled accordingly, thereby incurring additional costs for the processor.
While Bord Bia has repeatedly raised this issue with British retailers over the years, they are unlikely to reverse their marketing policy in the short term. Nevertheless Bord Bia, in its ongoing interactions with British customers, will continue to pursue all opportunities to maximise the full potential of the beef and livestock trade with our largest trading partner.
One solution that been suggested is to apply to the EU Commission for a Protected Geographical Indication for all Irish beef. For such an application to be successful, it would be necessary to demonstrate that the same characteristics countrywide in terms of geographical/human factors are the causal link in creating this one unique product. An obvious issue would be beef from Northern Ireland and how similar/different the geographical/human factors are for this beef. Although it is possible to have GI registration for product that crosses different legal jurisdictions, the product has to be the same product produced in the same way and one whose uniqueness can be shown to be causally linked to the geographical area.
Furthermore, origin label requirements present difficulties for an all-island approach. GI names are protected and other products cannot use their names or imply that they are like them. However, under labelling rules, beef must be labelled with the Member State of origin. The Commission is concerned that there would be a contradiction between these requirements. In any event, with mandatory origin labelling continuing to apply, there is no guarantee that such an application, even if successful, would have any impact on the purchasing policy of British multiples.
Arising from the roundtable discussions with key stakeholders that I hosted on 17 April, I announced number of measures to address the challenges currently facing the overall beef sector, including the allocation by Bord Bia of €0.5m to expand and target the promotion of Irish beef through its campaigns in the UK and in certain Continental markets, and an improvement in the presentation of market intelligence for farmers by my Department. I have also indicated that I will continue to engage with my Northern counterpart, Ms Michelle O’Neill, on issues relevant to producers including cross-border trade, and have asked Mr. Michael Dowling, Chairman of the Beef Activation Group, to review progress on the development of the sector. His report will examine issues facing the beef industry, and will cover a range of issues, including trade in live animals, and will be presented to the next round table meeting in early June.
Lost at Sea Scheme
Ceisteanna (19)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:19. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action he plans to take in relation to recent correspondence from the European Parliament Committee on Petitions regarding the 2009 report by the Ombudsman on the lost at sea scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20345/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Lost at Sea Scheme was introduced in June 2001 following consultation with fishing industry representative organisations. The closing date for receipt of applications was 31 December 2001. The sole purpose of the Scheme was to provide an opportunity to families, who lost a vessel between 1980 and 1990 to sustain or maintain a family tradition in sea-fishing. Successful applicants were awarded the capacity of the lost vessel in the form of gross tonnes and kilowatts.
As you know, the Ombudsman carried out an examination and investigation into the Lost at Sea Scheme following a complaint received. Her report into the investigation issued in 2008. The Ombudsman made a recommendation in 2009 to award compensation of €245,570 to the complainant. Following careful consideration of the Ombudsman’s report, the Minister at the time decided that, in this case and in all the circumstances, there was no basis for payment in the amount proposed or any amount.
The Ombudsman exercised her right to submit a Special Report to this House and to the Seanad. The Ombudsman’s Special Report has been debated in this House and in the Seanad, as well as having been analysed and considered in a series of meetings by the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I have recently received correspondence from the Joint Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions and from the Committee of Petitions of the European Parliament. I am in the process of reviewing the issues in full and will respond appropriately in due course.
Farm Inspections
Ceisteanna (20)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:20. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to ensure fairness and transparency in the on-farm inspection regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20212/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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, to ensure adherence with EU regulatory requirements in the areas of public, animal and plant health, environment and animal welfare and ensuring 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. Details of these inspections and the regulations involved are published in the Terms and Conditions of the schemes which are sent to every applicant annually.
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 legal 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. Furthermore inspecting officers are very experienced and are regularly trained to ensure that they carry out inspections in a professional manner, with a process of continuous oversight by supervisors and random verification of inspections to ensure a fair and consistent approach. In implementing the inspection programme, my Department takes maximum possible account of the realities of farming.
A comprehensive appeal mechanism is in place in order to protect the interests of famers who have difficulties with the inspection findings or who consider that the inspection has not been conducted in accordance with legislative requirements. This appeal system incorporates the option for a farmer to initially seek to have the inspection outcome reviewed internally by an officer more senior than the 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, which brings an entirely external and visibly independent dimension to the process.
Question No. 21 answered with Question No. 13.
Fishery Harbour Centres
Ceisteanna (22)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:22. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current efforts to enhance the national fishery harbour at Howth, including the further development of commercial and maritime tourism operations to generally encourage enterprise at Howth Harbour and to further redevelop the local fishery industry; and his plans for the harbour and the harbour workforce over the next five to ten years. [20268/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Howth Fishery Harbour Centre in County Dublin is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres, which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department. While Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is first and foremost a working fishery harbour, there are also a wide range of recreational users of the harbour, including the yacht club, sport fishermen, walkers, tourists and other social users.
Notwithstanding the prevailing economic environment in which we operate, I am happy to be able to advise that in excess of €3.2 million has been invested in maintenance, development and upgrading works at Howth FHC as part of my Department’s Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme from 2011 to 2013. This investment has resulted in a significant improvement in the electrical infrastructure available, the traffic management system and the access available to persons of reduced mobility. It has also served as a catalyst for the enhancement of facilities available to the marine leisure and tourism sector, boat repair facilities and indeed business generally in the harbour.
On 20 March 2014 I approved funding of €1.18 million for the maintenance and development of Howth Fishery Harbour Centre this year. Major works for 2014 include the continued upgrading of the electrical system. The development and upkeep of Howth as a state of the art Fishery Harbour Centre, supporting a broad range of marine related activities is and will remain an ongoing process. Any suggestions from Fishery Harbour Users for the development and improvement of the facilities at Howth will, as has been the case, be given due consideration.
Ultimately a strategic view, optimising best value for money while delivering on a public service delivery remit will be foremost when considering future developments in the harbour. Of course this will be done on the basis of available exchequer funding and competing priorities. Staffing requirements of the Harbour remain under ongoing review.
Fishing Fleet Modernisation
Ceisteanna (23)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:23. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a case (details supplied) in relation to the application for a fishing vessel decommissioning grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20344/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This matter is listed for hearing in the Supreme Court on 27 May 2014 and is therefore sub-judice.
Agricultural Colleges Places
Ceisteanna (24)
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:24. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase the teaching staff numbers in agricultural colleges in view of increased enrolments together with the commitments laid out in Food Harvest 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20217/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Teagasc has statutory responsibility for the provision of education, research and advisory services to the agricultural sector. Programmes and activities are developed in conjunction with clients and partners overseen by an Authority that is representative of the main stakeholder groups in the agri-food sector. They employ over 1,100 staff in 50 locations throughout the country. The distribution of staff between services is an operational matter for Teagasc management to determine.
The education function works in partnership with many other education stakeholders including Universities, Institutes of Technology and others, to deliver quality-driven education and training courses in agriculture, food, horticulture, forestry and equine studies. Courses are delivered through a network of agricultural colleges, regional and local education centres and in collaboration with 3 privately owned colleges. It is a matter for Teagasc to prioritise activities in the delivery of education services and to allocate resources in accordance with these priorities.
My Department has responded positively to the demand that has arisen for additional college places in recent years sanctioning a number of exceptional appointments in the agricultural colleges. Teagasc was granted sanction in 2011 to recruit 6 contract teachers to cope with staff shortages and increased demand for college places. At the same time, Teagasc introduced a number of complementary initiatives to maximise student participation including increased student-teacher ratios, redeployment of advisory staff to the agricultural colleges and subcontracting the delivery of specific education modules across a number of colleges and local centres. A further 6 teaching posts were approved in 2012 to cover short term absences in the colleges.
More recently, my Department, in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, approved the recruitment of 11 new staff in Teagasc in respect of posts deemed mission critical by the organisation, which included 3 posts in the education function. In addition to recruitment posts, Teagasc has also been sanctioned to fill critical gaps in the education function by way of internal promotions.
The increased interest in formal training reflects the very positive view of the agricultural sector as it has evolved in recent years. Food Harvest 2020 and the removal of milk quotas provide additional momentum to the need for a highly educated and motivated workforce. Teagasc is committed to developing its education programmes to ensure that they are responsive to the needs of the agri-food sector. For example, the Teagasc Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management was developed and introduced in response to Food Harvest 2020 recommendations and subsequent implementation group reports which flagged the need for further training opportunities for future dairy farm managers. The new award, which is validated by UCD, has close on forty trainees participating. It should also be recognized that Teagasc’s national network of Discussion Groups make an increasingly important contribution to education providing ongoing structured learning opportunities to close on 14,000 producers annually.
I should also say that all of this takes place within the context of a moratorium on public service recruitment which has significantly reduced the public service pay bill. Within the parameters of that over arching policy, the question of whether to seek sanction to fill particular posts remains an operational matter for Teagasc.
Animal Welfare
Ceisteanna (25)
Clare Daly
Ceist:25. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will implement a full nationwide closed snaring season during badgers' breeding periods in view of the substantial decline of the badger population. [20218/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The current badger removal policy was introduced as part of the bovine TB eradication programme in Ireland in 2004 in response to research conducted over the years by the Department and others which demonstrated that the eradication of Bovine TB is not a practicable proposition until the issue of the reservoir of infection in badgers, which is seeding infection into the cattle population, is addressed. This policy aims to limit the spread of TB infection between badgers and between badgers and cattle, and as a result, reduce thei role of badgers as a vector of infection to the local cattle population. It is widely recognised among the scientific community that TB is maintained independently in both cattle and badgers that share the same environment and that there is interspecies transmission. This leads to spill back to cattle leading to recurring bovine to bovine disease.
Under the wildlife strategy, badgers are removed in areas where they are associated with serious TB breakdowns in cattle. Badgers are captured under licence, issued by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, where they are implicated in an outbreak of TB in cattle. Capturing is undertaken only in areas where serious outbreaks of Bovine Tuberculosis have been identified in cattle herds and where an epidemiological investigation carried out by the Department’s Veterinary Inspectorate has found that badgers are the likely source of infection. Despite considerable research in both Ireland and the U.K., no test on live badgers has proven efficacious in reliably detecting TB infected badgers.
Badgers are protected by national legislation and are listed within the Berne Convention. The legislation stipulates that local populations cannot be exterminated and that badger habitats (setts) cannot be destroyed. Capturing of badgers is not permitted during the breeding season, the months of February and March, in new capture areas. In addition, it should be noted that the Irish Wildlife Trust submitted a complaint to the Council of Europe in 2012 about the threat to the badger population posed by the Department’s culling policy. This complaint was rejected by the Council which concluded that the "densities are higher than in mainland Europe and the species is not threatened nationally or locally. The policy is to keep population at safe low levels, far from causing the species to be threatened.”
Common Agricultural Policy Reform
Ceisteanna (26)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:26. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the benefits accruing from the Common Agricultural Policy reform agreement are evenly distributed throughout the agricultural sector with particular reference to ensuring that any increases or reductions do not impact on productivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20334/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issues of a fair distribution of funds and the desire that such redistribution should not negatively impact on the productivity of our various agricultural sectors represent the two polarities which largely defined the recent negotiations surrounding the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.
It is no longer possible to justify the significant differences in the level of support per hectare granted to farmers based on the use of historical references. However the Commission proposal which involved a move to a ‘flat-rate’ payment by 2019 would have had a sudden and significant negative impact on agricultural production. As an alternative I proposed the ‘Irish Convergence Model’ which while initially retaining the link with current payments under the Single Payment Scheme, gradually moves all farmers towards, but does not arrive at, a national average value by 2019. The purpose of this model is to achieve a phased redistribution of payments between those who currently hold high value entitlements and those who hold low value entitlements. It introduces a fair and equitable re-distribution of funds between farmers while avoiding the negative impact of a sudden and significant change in income support for individual farmers. An additional safety net is added for those with low value entitlements whereby by 2019 they are guaranteed that they will reach at least 60% of the national average entitlement value.
My Department has used stocking density as one measure of agricultural productivity. While stocking density does not represent all the elements of agricultural productivity, it is a tangible and precise measurement of activity where data from my Department is readily available. Previous analysis by my Department has found that, using average results per payment category, farmers on payment rates per hectare above the national average have roughly double the stocking density of those below the average. I am satisfied therefore that for most farmers there is a fundamental correlation between stocking density and the value of payment entitlements held under the current Single Payment Scheme.
However, our analysis also shows that the stocking density of farms on the very highest payment rates (e.g. over €500 per hectare) is not significantly higher than the stocking density of farms just above the national average. In this regard, I have decided to apply a cap on the payment per hectare under the new scheme whereby by 2019 no farmer will receive a payment per hectare, consisting of his Basic Payment and Greening payment, of over €700.
The outcome is a reasonable and balanced compromise between the need for a fair redistribution of funds while ensuring that such distribution continues to reflect the realities of agricultural production in Ireland. The decision to apply the greening payment as a percentage of each individual farmer’s payment is based on the same principles.
Agriculture Scheme Administration
Ceisteanna (27)
Seán Kyne
Ceist:27. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the details of GLAS will be finalised and known; and the level of consultation that has taken place with farming groups regarding the new scheme. [20336/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I announced details of the new GLAS (Green Low-carbon Agri-environment Scheme) and GLAS+ Scheme on 14 January 2014 as part of a suite of proposed measures under the new Rural Development Programme. The GLAS Scheme will provide significant funding to farmers who undertake environmental actions in line with national and EU environmental objectives. It will contribute to the overall public good and will build on the success of previous agri-environment schemes.
The entire Rural Development Programme must be submitted to the European Commission for approval. Public consultation, an ex ante evaluation, a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats), a needs assessment, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and an appropriate assessment (AA) are mandatory requirements in the development of the Programme. An independent evaluator has been contracted to prepare the ex ante evaluation report, SEA and AA and to advise on the SWOT analysis.
Stakeholder consultation has been a central element in the development of the new RDP. A number of different formal and informal consultation processes which included the farming organisations have taken place. The most recently completed stakeholder consultation centred on my announcement of proposed RDP measures and the allocation of national funding in January 2014. As part of this process I published a consultation document on the new Rural Development Programme, which sets out a range of proposed measures for inclusion.
Work on the development of the GLAS Scheme is well advanced and detailed proposals will be published shortly after which further consultation with the farming social partners will take place. Formal proposals will then be submitted to the European Commission for consideration and approval. The new Scheme adopts a tiered approach to applications, giving priority access to certain actions which address specific environmental issues. These priorities are targeted towards actions which mitigate climate change, enhance biodiversity and address water quality. The Scheme will be governed by selection criteria, as is required under all EU funded schemes.
Once the Scheme is approved by the European Commission, all GLAS documentation, including the Terms and Conditions, application procedure and selection criteria will be published.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (28)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:28. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the profits from the timber removed from Gougane Barra, a public amenity forest, will be reinvested in the forest park; the amount of timber in cubic metres that was the final amount; the amount per cubic metre that was obtained for it; the total sale price; the age of the trees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20333/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 their forest estate, are the responsibility of the company.
As the Deputy is aware, Phytophthora ramorum was confirmed on Japanese larch trees in Gougane Barra Forest Park, County Cork, earlier this year. To prevent the further spread of the disease, control measures were implemented in accordance with Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine protocols. Felling the infected trees is the appropriate measure with the aim of preventing further spread by limiting spore production. The company has advised that harvesting is still ongoing but it is estimated that close on 8,000 cubic metres will be harvested, with an additional wind-blow volume of approximately 500 cubic metres which needs to be removed.
In relation to the use of the proceeds from the harvesting, the company has confirmed that there will be reinvestment into the Park and advised that the area will be replanted and that repairs are also needed on some trails and the road. The company add that it should be noted that, as the site is being felled manually and timber extracted by cable machine, given the nature of the site, this is over double the cost of a normal clear fell operation.
Coillte advise that it does not disclose price information as it is commercially sensitive. I conveyed to the Deputy earlier this week that 70% of the volume felled in Gougane Barra was Larch and that the remaining 30% was made up of Lodgepole pine and Sitka spruce. As regards the age of the trees, the company advise that the trees involved were planted between 1939 and 1942 with approximately 0.5 hectares of younger infected Larch and Lodgepole pine planted in 1989.
Single Payment Scheme Administration
Ceisteanna (29)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:29. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the single farm payment that will be payable to farmers in 2014 who received the following amounts of money in 2013: €4,999, €5,001, €10,000, €50,000 and €100,000; the percentage drop in payment for each category; the number of farmers who received a single farm payment of €5,000 or less in 2013; the number who received a payment of between €5,001 and €10,000 in 2013; the number who received a payment of between €10,001 and €50,000 in 2013; the number who received a payment in excess of €50,000 in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20338/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Up until the 2013 SPS scheme-year, Ireland’s SPS Gross National Ceiling was €1,340.9 million and the Net Ceiling was €1,255.5 million. In order that payments to farmers within each Member State respected the Net Ceiling, payment entitlements were subjected to a modulation deduction on 10% on all amounts in excess €5,000 and 14% on amount paid in excess of €300,000.
Following the agreement on the CAP Reform Package, Ireland’s new National Ceiling was fixed at €1,216.5 million A key issue was that the outcome of the CAP negotiations protected the overall Irish national ceiling, which was one of my key objectives during the negotiations, and preserved it at €1,200 million approx and avoided the type of major cut that would have affected farmers’ incomes. As the modulation deduction no longer applies under the 2014 Single Payment Scheme it was necessary to provide for a linear reduction to payment entitlements in order to ensure compliance with the new 2014 National Ceiling of €1,216.5 million. This was achieved under the provisions of EU Regulation 1310/2013. The Commission’s original proposal was a linear reduction should be applied to all entitlements irrespective of their value. I disagreed with these proposals and sought to retain the old modulation status quo whereby the linear reduction would simply apply to entitlements in excess of €5,000.
Despite our best efforts during the negotiations it was not possible to retain the existing mechanism. However, Ireland did manage to persuade the Commission to include a discretionary provision in the 2014 Regulation to enable Member States to exclude from the linear reduction the activated entitlements held by farmers, who claimed €5,000 or less under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme. I decided to implement this provision in order to protect smaller-scale producers in Ireland. For reasons of equity, I also decided that any farmer who claimed in excess of €5,000 would receive a minimum entitlement value of €5,000 and would not fall below that figure. For example, a farmer claiming €5,200 should receive €4,655 in 2014 if the linear reduction was applied in full but is now guaranteed a minimum payment of €5,000. This brought the proposed reduction (excluding financial discipline) to 10.39% but protected farmers at just over €5,000 entitlement value and below from the worst effects of the cut.
In effect, this means that a farmer who was paid €4,999 in 2013 will be paid €4,999 in 2014 and where paid €5,001 in 2013 will be paid €5,000 in 2014. Those paid €10,000, €50,000 and €100,000 were paid €9,500, €45,500 and €90,500 in 2013 and will be paid respectively €8,970 (a 5.3% reduction), €44,850 (a 1.3% reduction) and €89,700 (a 0.8% reduction) in 2014. The further data on farmer numbers sought by the Deputy is being extracted and will be supplied directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Citizenship Applications
Ceisteanna (30)
Billy Timmins
Ceist:30. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20818/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application for citizenship through Foreign Birth Registration was submitted by the person referred to by the Deputy, to our Embassy, London in October 2013. A legal issue was identified and the application was forwarded to Dublin for consideration. The Department sought the advice of the Adoption Authority of Ireland in relation to the legal question raised. My Department is awaiting a response from the Adoption Authority of Ireland. Once the advice of the Adoption Authority of Ireland has been received, the application will be considered further.