Tuesday, 8 Jul 2014

Written Answers Nos. 579-603

Departmental Staff Remuneration

Ceisteanna (579)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

579. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide in tabular form details of increments paid since 2008 in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30528/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

It has not been possible in the time available to compile the information requested. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Departmental Staff Rehiring

Ceisteanna (580)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

580. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence the number of retired civil and public servants that have been rehired on temporary contracts or as consultants under his remit; if he will provide a breakdown of those figures in tabular form, providing associated costs of such rehiring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30553/14]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

Since the Government took office in March 2011, my Department has engaged two retired public servants to act as civilian drivers to the Minister of State.. These appointments are to temporary unestablished positions in the Civil Service on a fixed term contract basis. The post of Civilian Driver attracts an annual salary of €32,965. My Department has also employed two retired public servants on a contract basis as civilian employees. A part-time temporary social worker was hired under a fixed-term contract on a salary scale of €38,819 to €51,200 (pro rata to 50%). This fixed-term contract has now expired. A retired public servant was engaged on a contract for service basis to provide an occupational psychiatric service to members of the Defence Forces on a fee per client basis.

A retired public servant was appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Government to the office of Ombudsman for the Defence Forces on a part-time three day week basis. This appointment attracts a pro-rata salary of €62,596.

Animal Welfare

Ceisteanna (581, 605, 610)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

581. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his position regarding introducing a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. [29961/14]

Clare Daly

Ceist:

605. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will implement a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. [29811/14]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

610. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a camel escaping from a circus in Fermoy on the evening of 2 July, 2014; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is the second time a camel has escaped this year; his views that this is evidence of the inability of circuses to adapt to the nature and needs of wild animals; if he will consider a ban in view of the dangers posed to wild animals such as possible escape; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29928/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 581, 605 and 610 together.

The two incidents regarding the camels referred to have been brought to the attention of my officials. The conditions under which circus animals are kept and managed come under the scope of the new Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. My Department has met with representatives from circus groups and the ISPCA and the DSPCA to discuss the use of animals in circuses with a view to preparing a Code of Practice for circuses to be adopted under Section 25 of the new Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. I have no plans at this time to ban the use of animals in circuses.

Fishery Harbour Centres

Ceisteanna (582)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

582. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the further investment he will seek for fishery harbours in 2015 to supplement available funding under the EU maritime and fisheries fund. [28991/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The EU Regulation establishing the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund was published on 20 May 2014. Following months of intense lobbying and negotiation, I announced on 12 June 2014 that I had secured €148 million from the new Fund for the period 2014 to 2020 for the development of the Irish seafood industry and the coastal communities that depend upon it.

The EMFF Fund will provide support for our fishing fleet to meet the challenges of the new discards ban. It will support the development of the seafood processing sector, a sustainable aquaculture industry and the communities that depend on a vibrant seafood industry.

My Department has been working since 2013 on developing a new Operational Programme setting out the arrangements for spending Ireland’s allocation under the Fund and has engaged with stakeholders on a number of occasions to date. Further public consultation and strategic environmental assessment will take place over the summer 2014. The new Operational Programme must be submitted to the European Commission for adoption before the end of 2014.

My Department administers the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. This programme funds capital works at the six state owned Fishery Harbour Centres on an annual basis. The six Fishery Harbour Centres owned, managed and maintained by my Department are Killybegs, Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Dingle and Rossaveel.

Investment in Local Authority owned piers and harbours remains in the first instance the responsibility of the relevant local authority. However my Department has in previous years provided funding for the development and repair of Local Authority owned piers and harbours subject to the availability of exchequer funding.

Decisions on future Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programmes will be taken having due consideration to budgetary constraints and overall National priorities. Any possible EMFF allocation to fishery harbour measures is subject to final decisions on overall priorities for the seafood sector and to ex-ante evaluation by independent consultants of the appropriateness of such measures.

Freedom of Information Data

Ceisteanna (583)

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

583. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline in tabular form for every year from 2009 to date in 2014 the total number of freedom of information requests received by his Department; the total refused; total granted; total part-granted; total appealed; total of successful appeals; total of part-successful appeals; total of refusals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29061/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following Annex.

Annex

2009

Requests Received	245
Cases withdrawn/ Transferred to other Department/ dealt with outside FOI	55
Requests Granted	93
Requests Part Granted	62
Requests Refused	35
Appeals Received	24
Appeals successful	1
Part Successful appeals	1
Appeals Refused	22

2010

Requests Received	214
Cases withdrawn/ Transferred to other Department/ dealt with outside FOI	43
Requests Granted	90
Requests Part Granted	48
Requests Refused	33
Appeals Received	27
Appeals successful	0
Part Successful appeals	3
Appeals Refused	24

2011

Requests Received	243
Cases withdrawn/ Transferred to other Department/ dealt with outside FOI	51
Requests Granted	74
Requests Part Granted	78
Requests Refused	40
Appeals Received	31
Appeals successful	3
Part Successful appeals	10
Appeals Refused	18

2012

Requests Received	255
Cases withdrawn/ Transferred to other Department/ dealt with outside FOI	74
Requests Granted	75
Requests Part Granted	84
Requests Refused	22
Appeals Received	30
Appeals successful	0
Part Successful appeals	12
Appeals Refused	18

2013

Requests Received	275
Requests Granted	106
Cases withdrawn/ Transferred to other Department/ dealt with outside FOI	33
Requests Part Granted	91
Requests Refused	45
Appeals Received	32
Appeals withdrawn	1
Appeals successful	2
Part Successful appeals	8
Appeals Refused	21

2014 (as at 3 July 2014)

Requests Received	86
Cases withdrawn/ Transferred to other Department/ dealt with outside FOI	5
Requests Granted	22
Requests Part Granted	23
Requests Refused	7
Requests being processed	29
Appeals Received	4
Appeals successful	0
Part Successful appeals	1
Appeals Refused	2
Appeals being processed	1

Departmental Staff Career Breaks

Ceisteanna (584)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

584. Deputy Robert Troy 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 as follows: zero to six months; six to 12 months; one to two years; two to three years; four to five years; five years plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29078/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The information requested by the Deputy, as of 30 June 2014 is contained below. The figures are supplied in both staff number and Full-time equivalents (FTE).

Duration	Staff Number	FTE
0-6 months	3	2.73
6-12 months	10	8.5
1-2 years	16	12.5
2-3 years	2	2
3-4 years	4	3.5
4-5 years	4	2.7
5 years plus	9	8.1
Total	48	40.03

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (585)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

585. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29095/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The information requested by the Deputy is being collated at present and will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.

Public Relations Contracts Data

Ceisteanna (586)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

586. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide, in tabular form, the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department since coming to office; the list of uses of the external public relations firm; the internal Department policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29112/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department does not employ external public relations firms. Public relations advice is provided by my Department’s Press Office.

Agriculture Scheme Eligibility

Ceisteanna (587)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

587. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a farmer was milking cows in the past and then changed to suckling are they entitled to more entitlements due to changes in farming practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29141/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The number and value of entitlements established for every farmer under the Single Farm Payment Scheme in 2005 was based on the average number of animals or of Arable Aid, and the average number of hectares on which payment was made, under the Livestock Premia Schemes and/or Arable Aid Schemes during the reference years of 2000, 2001 and 2002. Any subsequent change in the farming enterprise such as a move from Dairy to Suckler did not lead to a recalculation of the value of entitlements held by a farmer under the Single Payment Scheme.

Under the new Basic Payment Scheme that will take effect from 2015, the number of entitlements to be allocated will be based on the number of hectares declared by a farmer in 2013 or 2015, whichever is less, while the value of the new entitlements will be based on a percentage of the value of entitlements owned by the farmer in 2014. The type of agricultural production engaged in by a farmer has no impact on either the number or value of entitlements that will be allocated.

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Ceisteanna (588)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

588. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount spent on external IT consultants by his Department in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29147/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The information requested can be found in the following tables. The ICT consultancy engagements concerned relate to quarterly independent assessments of the Department’s ICT security measures and a biannual independent security review of the Department’s ICT infrastructure. This is required for EU accreditation purposes in order to maintain the Department’s status as the EU-accredited paying agency in Ireland. In addition, services for independent internet facing web application testing are carried out where required. Furthermore, an independent review of all the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in the Department was carried out as this is an integral part of the effective and efficient administration of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) based single payment and agri-environmental schemes and also in carrying out our animal health and farm inspection obligations. In addition to the ICT consultancy expenditure detailed in the attached table, my Department also has a number of contracts in place for ICT java programming, database administration and related technical support services. All ICT contracts are awarded on foot of Open EU Tender competitions.

The total amount spent on external ICT consultancy in each year is as follows:

2010	2011	2012	2013	To date 2014
€18,780	€16,963	€48,388	€42,152	€7,208

Please note that all costs are VAT inclusive.

CONSULTANT/CONSULTANCY COMPANY	NATURE OF WORK	EXPENDITURE IN 2010 €
ESPION	Quarterly independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures as required for EU accreditation purposes, biannual independent security review of the Department’s IT infrastructure.	15,941.75
ESPION	Independent web application testing	2,838.66

CONSULTANT/CONSULTANCY COMPANY	NATURE OF WORK	EXPENDITURE IN 2011 €
ESPION	Quarterly independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures as required for EU accreditation purposes, biannual independent security review of the Department’s IT infrastructure.	16,016.78
ESPION	Independent web application testing.	946.22

CONSULTANT/CONSULTANCY COMPANY	NATURE OF WORK	EXPENDITURE IN 2012 €
ESPION	Quarterly independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures as required for EU accreditation purposes, biannual independent security review of the Department's IT infrastructure.	22,034.24
ESPION	Independent web application testing	10,099.53
Compass Informatics	Independent review of all the Geographical Information based computer systems (GIS) in the Department (November/December 2012)	16,253.89

CONSULTANT/CONSULTANCY COMPANY	NATURE OF WORK	EXPENDITURE IN 2013 €
ESPION	Quarterly independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures as required for EU accreditation purposes, biannual independent security review of the Department's IT infrastructure.	10,875.67
Compass Informatics	Independent review of all the Geographical Information based computer systems (GIS) in the Department (January/February 2013)	7,164.95
ESPION	Independent web application testing	7,949.49
NTA MONITOR	Quarterly independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures as required for EU accreditation purposes, biannual independent security review of the Department's IT infrastructure.	10,036.80
NTA MONITOR	Independent web application testing	6,125.40

CONSULTANT/CONSULTANCY COMPANY	NATURE OF WORK	EXPENDITURE TO DATE 2014 €
NTA MONITOR	Quarterly independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures as required for EU accreditation purposes, biannual independent security review of the Department's IT infrastructure.	7,207.80

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Ceisteanna (589)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

589. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has renegotiated external IT consultancy contracts and costs since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29166/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department awards a contract for ICT security consultancy services on an ongoing two year basis. The service consists of quarterly independent assessments of my Department’s ICT security measures and a biannual independent security review of my Department's ICT infrastructure. This is required for EU accreditation purposes in order to maintain my Department’s status as the EU-accredited paying agency in Ireland. In addition, services for independent internet-facing application testing are provided for in the contract, where required.

Following an open EU public tendering procedure held in April 2013, a contract for this work was awarded in June 2013. On this occasion it was awarded to a different company than on the previous occasion that this work was tendered. Following a review of the initial 12 month period of the contract, my Department and this company agreed to an extension of the contract for a further period of 12 months. On the expiry of this service in 2015, it is envisaged that my Department will run a new open EU tender competition for this ICT consultancy work.

My Department is also heavily reliant on high quality Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to both assist with the effective and efficient administration of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) based single payment and agri-environmental schemes and also in carrying out our animal health and farm inspection obligations. Following an open public tendering procedure held in 2012, my Department awarded a contract to Compass Informatics to carry out a review of the operation of the Department’s GIS systems and to produce a technical report on how to ensure that these systems continue to serve my Department well into the future. The final report was completed as scheduled and a number of the recommendations are currently being implemented.

In addition, my Department has a number of contracts in place for ICT infrastructure technical support and for contract programming resources, which have been retendered at various points since March 2011, using open EU tendering procedures.

Appointments to State Boards

Ceisteanna (590)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

590. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide in tabular form the number of appointments to State boards under his Department's remit made from March 2011 to date; the number of vacancies on State boards under his Department's remit from March 2011 to date; the number of vacancies on State boards under his Department's remit publically advertised from March 2011 to date; and the number of appointments to State boards under his remit drawn directly from the public advertisement process. [29184/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Since May 2011, a notification has been placed on my Department’s website inviting expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the boards of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department. The list of board vacancies is updated on a regular basis.

In making any board appointments, I am not necessarily confined to those who make such expressions of interest but ensure that all of those appointed have the relevant mix of knowledge and expertise to contribute to the relevant board.

In the case of the Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board, Bord Bia, Teagasc, National Milk Agency, Veterinary Council of Ireland and Horse Racing Ireland board appointments, while made by me, are not at my sole discretion in that individuals are nominated for appointment by me as specified in the relevant statute.

The information sought by the Deputy is outlined in the table below as at 8 July 2014.

Body/Agency	No of Board Members	No of Board appointments since March 2011	Name	Date Appointed	‘Expression of Interest’ appointments	No of vacancies since March 2011
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board	7	8 (including the Chair)	Imelda Reynolds (Chair)	01-Apr-14	The Chair was appointed from an ‘expression of interest’	8
-	-	-	Brendan Brice	09-Nov-11	The other seven appointments are nominations made by prescribed organisations from which the Minister made appointments	-
-	-	-	Camilla Keane	23-Feb-12	-	-
-	-	-	Sean Murphy	01-Jan-13	-	-
-	-	-	Michael Sweeney	01-Jan-13	-	-
-	-	-	Dr Owen McIntyre	11-Apr-13	-	-
-	-	-	Jim Power	11-Apr-13	-	-
-	-	-	Lorcán O Cinnéide	22-Oct-13	-	-
An Bord Bia	15	14 ( including the Chair)	Michael Carey (Chair)	19-Nov-11	Eleven nominations made by prescribed organisations from which the Minister made appointments	16
-	-	-	Gary Brown	07-Oct-11	-
-	-	-	Michael Cronin	07-Oct-11	-
-	-	-	Rhona Holland	07-Oct-11	-
-	-	-	John Kingston	07-Oct-11
-	-	-	Brody Sweeney	07-Oct-11
-	-	-	Mary J Byrne	28-Mar-12
-	-	-	John Bryan	24-Mar-12
-	-	-	John Horgan	07-Dec-12
-	-	-	John Comer	12-Apr-13
-	-	-	Frank Hayes	12-Apr-13
-	-	-	Caroline Keeling	10-Dec-13
-	-	-	Prof Fergal O’Gara	30-Jan-14
-	-	-	Eddie Downey	30-Jan-14
Bord Iascaigh Mhara	6	5 ( including the Chair)	Kieran Calnan (Chair)	13-Jun-12	Three appointments from ‘expressions of interest’	5
			Pádraig O Céidigh	30-Apr-13
			Sean O’Donoghue	02-Mar-14
			Damien McLaughlin	21-Mar-14
			Bill Deasy	27-May-14
Bord na gCon	7	8 ( including the Chair)	Philip Meaney (Chair)	12-Apr-11	Six of the Ordinary Members of the Board appointed submitted ‘expressions of interest’	0
			Matt Murphy	02-Dec-11
			Brendan Moore	02-Dec-11
			Tim Gilbert	02-Dec-11
			Tony McNamee	02-Dec-11
			William O’Dwyer	12-Jun-12
			Riona Heffernan	05-Feb-14
			Colm Gaynor	28-May-14
Coillte	9	7 ( including the Chair)	Brendan McKenna (Chair)	08-Oct-12	Four appointments were from ‘expressions of interest’	7
			Oliver McCabe	24-Oct-11
			David Gunning	25-May-12
			Julie Murphy O’Connor	24-Jun-13
			John Moloney	09-Oct-13
			Jerry Houlihan	01-May-14
			Roísín Brennan	01-May-14
Horse Racing Ireland	14	6 ( including the Chair)	Joe Keeling (Chair)	13-Mar-13	Five Ordinary Members of the Board were appointed following their nomination by stakeholder groups in accordance with legislation	0
			Noel Meade	08-Feb-12
			Neville O’Byrne	08-Feb-12
			Mary O’Connor	08-Feb-12
			Meta Osbourne	18-Dec-13
			Eimear Mulhearn	18-Dec-13
Irish National Stud	7	9 ( including the Chair)	Matt Dempsey (Chair)	28-Feb-13	Four of the Directors appointed had submitted ‘expressions of interest’	0
				31-Oct-13 (re-appointment)
			John Tuite	25-Oct-13
				09-Apr-14 (re-appointment)
			Seamus Boyle	25-Oct-13
				09-Apr-14  (re-appointment)
			Mark Weld	29-Oct-13
			Kate Horgan	29-Oct-13
			Paul Shelly	08-Mar-11
Marine Institute	9	5 ( including the Chair)	Dr John Killeen (Chair)	08-Jan-14	Four appointments were from ‘expressions of interest’	7
			Paul Hyde	01-Jun-12
			David Owen	04-Dec-12
			Prof Patricia Barker	19-Feb-13
			Donal Kelly	15-Apr-13
National Milk Agency	14	13	Denis Fagan	23-Jan-13	Five Producer representatives appointed following election in Dec 2013 in accordance with legislation.	0
			Eamonn McEnteggart	23-Jan-13
			Padraig Mulligan	23-Jan-13
			Timothy Cashman	23-Jan-13
			Jerome Crowley	23-Jan-13
			Richard Donohue	23-Jan-13
			Michael Kilcoyne	23-Jan-13	Eight Ordinary members of the Board were nominated by the relevant stakeholder groups.
			Walter Moloney	23-Jan-13
			John Foster	23-Jan-13
			Eoghan McSweeney	23-Jan-13
			George Kearns	22-Oct-13
			Tony O Driscoll	22-Oct-13
			Frank Tobin	22-Oct-13
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority	3	2	Micheál O Mahony	01-Jan-13	Recruitment by Public Competition	1
			Dr Susan Steele	04-Mar-13
Teagasc	11	9 ( including the Chair)	Dr Noel Cawley (Chair)	17-Sep-13  (re-appointment)	Three appointments were from ‘expressions of interest’	9
			Thomas Cooke	05-Oct-11
			Dr Karina Pierce	09-Jan-13
			Brendan Gleeson	09-Jan-13
			Tom Tynan	09-Jan-13
			Padraig Gibbons	15-Sep-13  (re-appointment)
			Alan Jagoe	15-Sep-13
			Prof. Gerald Fitzgerald	15-Sep-13
			Tim O’Leary	23-Jan-14
Veterinary Council	19	17	Michael Sheahan	01-Jan-12	Ten representatives appointed following elections in both 2012 and 2014 in accordance with legislation.	20
			Peadar Ó’Scanaill	01-Jan-12	Four members of the Board were nominated by the relevant stakeholder groups.
			Michael Sadlier	01-Jan-12	Three Ministerial appointments
			Deirdre Campion	01-Jan-12
			Martin Blake	01-Jan-14
			Barbara Bent	01-Jan-14
			Kevin Twomey	01-Jan-14
			Bridget Younge	01-Jan-14
			Grace Mulcahy	01-Jan-14
			Stephen Gordon	01-Jan-14
			Margaret O’Sullivan	01-Jan-14
			William Cashman	01-Jan-14
			Fergus Smith	01-Jan-14
			John B Magee	01-Jan-14
			Raymond Finn	01-Jan-14
			Morgan G Lyons	01-Jan-14
			Susie Walton	01-Jan-14

Beef Industry

Ceisteanna (591)

Ged Nash

Ceist:

591. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on beef price levels and the attendant difficulties experienced by farmers as a direct result of pricing levels; the action he will take to provide sustainable incomes and living standards for farmers in the beef sector in view of the ambitious targets set out under Harvest 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29221/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am acutely aware of the importance of the beef sector and sensitive to the concerns of farmers in relation to beef prices at this time. Prices have declined since the highs of last year, not only in Ireland but internationally and also in our most important beef export market, the UK. However as the Deputy is aware, it is not for me or for that matter any Minister for Agriculture to determine beef prices, as this is a matter for the market and ultimately one between suppliers and processors.

Nevertheless against the background of the current concerns, I met separately with representatives of the farm organisations (IFA, ICMSA, ICSA) and meat factories (MII) in February and March this year. More recently, I 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 and chaired a second meeting on 3 June. The Beef roundtable provides a platform for positive engagement between farmers, processers and stakeholders in the sector. There have already been a number of initiatives in the wake of this forum. These include:

- The Beef Roundtable discussions will reconvene quarterly to exchange intelligence on market developments and forecasts particularly in relation to supply, demand, prices, product specifications, retail changes etc;

- I have committed to launching a ‘Beef Pricewatch’ online tool to make price information more accessible and free of charge to farmers. Work is progressing and already as an initial step the department has improved its website in order to make price information more user friendly for farmers;

- My Department is examining the possibility of legislating for the recognition of producer organisations in the beef sector. This initiative could provide a vehicle for collective action by farmers in a way that can give them the advantages of scale and market presence, as well as a useful vehicle for transferring technology and expertise to improve profitability at farm level;

- My Department will prioritise its targeted on-farm capital investments for suckler farmers through the new Rural Development Programme;

- Bord Bia has allocated €0.5m to expand and target promotion of Irish beef through its campaigns in the UK and in certain continental markets;

During the first beef forum, I had requested Mr. Michael Dowling, Chairman of the Beef 2020 Activation Group, to review the implementation of the Group’s report, after intensive consultation with all stakeholders. That report has been delivered, and I have asked roundtable participants to reflect on its recommendations. In addition, last Friday I called on the beef processors to be more proactive in dealing with the current issues and implementing the recommendation in the Dowling report.

I also announced details of an investment package worth up to €40m to beef farmers in 2014, aimed at sustaining a critical mass in the suckler cow herd, the seedbed for our beef industry. This package includes:

- €23m for the Beef Genomics Scheme;

- €10m for the Beef Data Programme;

- €5m for the Beef Technology Adoption Programme; &

- €2m in residual payments under the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme.

Last week I submitted a draft €4 billion draft Rural Development Programme to Brussels which includes a significant developmental component for the beef sector. Under the new RDP, beef suckler farmers will be eligible for participation under a range of measures, including:

- a substantial new agri-environment/climate scheme (GLAS), which will build on the progress made under REPS and AEOS. This will provide for a maximum payment of €5,000 for up to 50,000 farmers and a further payment of up to €2,000 for a limited number of farmers who take on particularly challenging actions;

- continued strong support for disadvantaged areas (now known as Areas of Natural Constraint) to the tune of about €195 million per year;

- incentives for on-farm capital investment, including support for the expansion of the dairy sector following the abolition of milk quotas in 2015;

- knowledge transfer and innovation measures, aimed at underpinning farm viability, sustainability and growth through the adoption of best practice and innovative solutions;

- a new beef data and genomics measure worth up to €52 million per year aimed at improving the genetic quality of the beef herd;

- a separate strand of the support for on-farm capital investment will be ring-fenced for young farmers at a higher rate of aid intensity of 60%; &

- other supports aimed at collaborative farming, artisan producers, organic farming etc.

Legislative Process

Ceisteanna (592)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

592. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of Bills his Department has published since March 2011; the number of regulatory impact assessments his Department has published since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29286/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Since this Government took office my Department has published four Bills:

- Veterinary Practice (Amendment) Bill (28 July 2011);

- Animal Health and Welfare Bill (25 April 2012);

- Forestry Bill (24 April 2013);

- Johnstown Castle Agricultural College (Amendment) Bill (15 May 2014)

The Regulatory Impact Assessments for the Veterinary Practice (Amendment) Bill, the Animal Health and Welfare Bill and the Forestry Bill were all carried out prior to this Government taking office. The Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Johnstown Castle Agricultural College (Amendment) Bill was published on 19 May 2014.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme Appeals

Ceisteanna (593)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

593. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence regarding fines in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29305/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named commenced in the REPS4 Scheme on 1 November 2008 and his contract under the Scheme ended on 31 December 2013. On examination of his REPS file, it was found that he was claiming Natura payments on land which was not designated as Natura land but rather was designated as proposed NHA (Natural Heritage Area). The person named arranged for an amended REPS plan in relation to his REPS4 contract for 2011 and subsequent years to be submitted at that stage.

In these circumstances, Department officials had no option but to claw-back the amount already overclaimed and overpaid on the relevant designated areas. This REPS overpayment of €3935.04 was recouped from his 2013 REPS and Single Farm Payments. The person named is entitled to appeal this decision through a review with the relevant Regional Inspector and subsequently through the Agriculture Appeals Office.

Debt Collection

Ceisteanna (594)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

594. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department or agencies under its auspices have engaged the services of a debt collection agency in pursuing moneys owed to them; if his Department has guidelines regarding hiring such agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29323/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department does not have a policy of engaging the services of a debt collection agency for pursuing money owed to it.

Land Parcel Identification System

Ceisteanna (595)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

595. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of appeals that have been lodged to the independent appeals group set up by him to examine appeals of decisions made by his Department under the land parcel identification system review, in relation to application by farmers for area based payments broken down on a monthly basis; the number of appeals that have been decided; the number of cases where the outcome was more favourable to the farmer than the original decision; the number to whom it was less favourable; the number to whom it was the same; if appeals are being dealt with in chronological order; when all appeals will be decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29342/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department is bound, under EU Regulations, to maintain the accuracy the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) which underpins the direct payments. At the start of each year, my Department issues colour maps of all land parcels declared by farmers in the previous year together with a covering letter. In that letter, farmers are clearly informed of the need to carefully examine each map carefully and to identify and exclude from their application all unfarmed land, ineligible features such as buildings, farmyards, scrub, roadways, forests, lakes etc. included in the land parcels. There is, therefore, an onus on all farmers to ensure that the area of land declared by them as eligible for payment under the Direct Payment Schemes is accurate. They are also given the means to do so by making the ortho-photos available to them on an annual basis. These requirements are also made clear in the Terms and Conditions of the Schemes, which accompanies the pre-printed application form issued to all farmers.

In the letters which issue where ineligible areas have been identified, considerable detail regarding the issues and maps to advise of the particular over-claims, are provided, in addition to which farmers are also informed of the appeals process, should they disagree with my Department’s findings. The appeals process I have introduced is both robust and comprehensive; in the first instance, applicants are entitled to have their case reviewed by submitting their appeal on the form provided by my Department. If they are not satisfied with the outcome of the review, they can appeal their case to the independent-chaired Land Eligibility Appeals Committee.

To date, some 10,173 appeals have been received, of which 6,671 have been finalised or in the final stages of processing. In addition, 2,545 cases are in the process of either ground verification visits or administrative validation. A further 957 cases have been received in recent weeks and will be processed as soon as possible. To date, 156 cases were referred to the Appeals Committee for consideration. These cases were reviewed by the Appeals Committee and the applicants will be informed of the outcome of their appeal very shortly.

Land Parcel Identification System

Ceisteanna (596)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

596. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on a LPIS review appeal submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if so, the details of the decision made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29377/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As you may be aware my Department is currently examining land parcels declared under the Single Payment Scheme and other area-based Direct Payment Schemes. As part of this review an ineligible area was identified and removed from a parcel declared by the person named.The person named was notified of this decision and of her right of appeal. Following an appeal from the person named my Department has carried out a review and has rejected the appeal submitted by the person named. The applicant was informed of the outcome of this review in a letter dated 3rd July 2014 and advised of the further right to appeal to the independently-chaired LPIS Appeals Committee within four weeks of the date of the letter.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (597)

Kevin Humphreys

Ceist:

597. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding, if any, his Department provides for library services for persons with a visual impairment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29569/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The library in my Department is used, in the main, by officers of the Department. It has an electronic portal that allows users access documents held in electronic format. Specialised software and hardware are provided to internal users who are visually impaired to facilitate access to this information.

Given the availability of and access to the internet and on-line information my Department’s library service is not as widely used today as it was in the past. Therefore access to all data normally available through the library is readily available to all staff including those with visual impairment.

In line with my Department’s policy to address issues relating to accessibility to its publications, tenders for the design and publication of Department publications always include the requirement for the capability to produce the document in HTML, braille, large type and audio formats.

In terms of a specific budget for library services for persons with visual impairment my Department has in the past and will continue to fund, the necessary supports to ensure equal access for all staff.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Ceisteanna (598)

Pat Breen

Ceist:

598. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 4 June 2014 , when an agri-environment option scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29590/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 3) with effect from 1 May 2013.

Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. These checks have been successfully completed in respect of 2013 and 75% payment issued to the person named on 7 May 2014. Final arrangements are in train to issue the balancing 25% payment to all eligible AEOS 3 participants as soon as possible.

Ministerial Advisers Remuneration

Ceisteanna (599)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

599. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the name, position and annual salary awarded to each of his special advisers; if he will provide details of any request made for an increase above the special adviser pay cap set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the amount of the increase sought. [29596/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In response to the Deputy’s question, I have outlined below details of the salaries paid to the Special Advisors employed in my Department. A salary increase for one of my advisors which is marginally higher than the pay guidelines for such a position was approved by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. This request was based on the substantially higher salary which he was earning in the private sector prior to his appointment as Special Advisor.

Name	Title	Current Salary
Ross MacMathúna (from 16/01/2012 to date)	Special Advisor	€103,200
Aine Kilroy (from 18/4/2011 – to date)	Special Advisor	€81,676

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Ceisteanna (600)

Pat Breen

Ceist:

600. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 621 of 27 May 2014, when a decision on single farm payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29668/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

A review of the lands declared by the person named under the Single Payment Scheme in both 2012 and 2013 revealed that a number of land parcels declared contained ineligible features. This review resulted in an over-payment being applied under the 2012 Scheme which was netted-off the balancing payment due under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme.

In order to clarify the position regarding the areas deemed ineligible my Department undertook a ground verification check. This check reduced the 2012 area over-declaration from greater than 20% to a reduction of between 3% and 20%. Also the minor reduction in respect of the 2013 Single Payment Scheme was removed.

While the over-payment in respect of the 2012 scheme was reduced, it was not sufficiently reduced to result in any refund being due of being in respect of the netted-off payment under the 2013 scheme. A letter detailing the outcome of the verification check as it applies to both the 2012 and 2013 schemes will issue to the person named this week.

In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of the verification check the decision can be appealed to the independent LPIS Appeals Committee, within 3 months of the notification letter.

Animal Welfare

Ceisteanna (601)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

601. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the five racehorses that died from injuries at Clonmel races this month, if he will strengthen regulations in the horse racing industry; if his Department will carry out its own investigation into the deaths of the five horses, despite the fact that the Turf Club cleared Clonmel racecourse of any wrongdoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29695/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am aware of the events at the race meeting in question, which is clearly a matter of concern, and my Department has been in touch with the Irish Turf Club in this regard.

The Turf Club, which incorporates the Irish National Hunt Steeple Chase Committee (INHSC), sets and administers the rules of racing for all thoroughbred race meetings throughout the State in accordance with Section 39 (1) of the Irish Horse Racing Industry Act 1994.

The Turf Club is the authority which determines whether race-fixtures can be held. Section 46 of the Irish Horse Racing Industry Act 1994 provides that the Turf Club “ or a person acting on its behalf shall, in respect of each race-fixture to be held at an authorised racecourse, determine before the fixture whether that race-fixture may be held having considered the following criteria—

(a) the safety of horses and riders both on and off the racetrack,

(b) the condition in respect of safety of fences, hurdles or other obstacles on the racetrack,

(c) the condition of the running surface of the racetrack,

(d) the efficiency of the management of the racecourse in respect of the holding of horse races at that fixture, and

(e) any other matter that might affect the safe operation of horse races at the race-fixture.”

The Turf Club has confirmed to officials from my Department that the course at Clonmel was inspected on Wednesday June 11, Thursday June 12 and again on June 13 the date on which the fatalities occurred. I understand that these inspections carried out prior to race commencement are part of normal procedure.

The Turf Club has indicated that it undertook an investigation of events leading up to the race meeting and during the fixture. The investigation included interviews with all the trainers and the riders of the horses that were killed, the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association, The Irish Jockeys Association and Turf Club Officials. None of the persons or bodies concerned attributed what occurred to the condition of the track, nor had they raised concerns about the ground conditions on the evening in question.

The Turf Club has indicated that the fatalities occurred on different parts of the track and that there was no commonality between the fatalities. It has also indicated that it has sufficient powers under the rules of racing to address issues of this nature and in particular has made the following points:

- If the raceday stewards have concerns about any aspect of a day’s racing such as the condition of the track, condition of horses etc. they have appropriate powers under the Rules of Racing to deal with each matter as it arises;

- The Turf Club hold an annual safety review with trainers, jockeys and officials and all aspects of safety on all tracks are reviewed;

- The Turf Club monitor fatalities rates at all tracks annually and take remedial action as required.

The Turf Club provide a veterinary officer at all race meetings, who can make reports to the stewards if they have concerns about the fitness or well being of any horse and the stewards have power to order the withdrawal of any horse on welfare grounds.

In this regard the Turf Club has advised that following the incident at Clonmel, they will be sending extra veterinary officers to a selection of race meetings during the summer to carry out pre-race veterinary checks on a precautionary basis. In relation to any further investigation by my Department, the Turf Club has statutory responsibility for the enforcement of integrity in racing, and has sole and independent power to make and apply the rules of racing. In these circumstances I do not consider any further investigation by my Department to be appropriate at this point.

Aquaculture Licence Applications

Ceisteanna (602)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

602. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an aquaculture site (details supplied) in County Donegal; the reason an application for the renewal of the licence for this site has not yet been processed; if compensation will be made available to the owner of the site should the renewal be refused as per recommendations under the Marine Institute appropriate assessment report of May 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29704/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The application referred to by the Deputy is in respect of a site located within Lough Swilly which is designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 sites).

My Department is constrained by European law from issuing or renewing aquaculture licences for sites located within Natura 2000 areas (areas protected under the EU Birds/Habitats Directives) until such time as an ‘Appropriate Assessment’ has been conducted to assess the potential of the proposed aquaculture activities on the conservation objectives for that Natura site. The licensing process must take full account of the outcome of that assessment in reaching a determination on any particular licence application.

My Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has engaged in a major programme to gather the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of aquaculture sites located within designated Natura areas, including Lough Swilly.

The Appropriate Assessment process has now been completed by the Marine Institute in respect of the Lough.

My Department is currently examining the outcomes of the Appropriate Assessment with a view to formulating policy recommendations in respect of individual licences held by operators in the Lough. Such policy recommendations will take account of all national and EU legislative requirements and will reflect engineering, scientific, environmental, legal and public policy aspects of each licence application. This process which is very detailed in nature is ongoing,

Aquaculture operations (including the application referred to) that are covered by section 19A (4) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 may continue to operate pending a final determination in each case. This allows aquaculturists who have submitted valid renewal applications to continue aquaculture activities, subject to the terms and conditions of the old licence, pending a decision on the renewal application.

My Department continues to make every effort to expedite the determination of the Lough Swilly aquaculture licence applications having regard to the need to comply with all relevant national and EU legislation.

Ash Dieback Threat

Ceisteanna (603)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

603. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that have been taken to help nurseries that have been affected by ash dieback; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many of these nurseries find themselves in huge financial difficulty and in some instances jobs have been lost as a result of ash die back; his plans to provide any compensation to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29794/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am aware that the measures taken to control the spread of ash dieback (Chalara fraxinea) and the collapse in demand for ash plants, have both created difficulties for a number of nurseries.

However, due to the current economic difficulties, I regret to inform you that it is not possible for my Department to introduce a compensation scheme for nursery stock producers arising from the measures taken to control ash dieback.