Written Answers Nos. 239 - 243
239. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding salmon farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36589/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe review referred to by the Deputy has been referred by my Department to the Marine Institute for assessment. All applications for Marine finfish licences are considered by my Department under the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation.
The assessment process is rigorous and includes a period of statutory and public consultation. It also reflects the full engineering, scientific, environmental, legal and public policy aspects of each application.
In Ireland the control protocols in respect of sea lice are operated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State and are more advanced than those operated in other jurisdictions for the following reasons:
- the inspection regime is totally independent of the industry
- data obtained as a result of inspections is published
- treatment trigger levels are set at a low level
These controls, which are evidence based, are widely accepted as representing best practice internationally.
The application by Bord Iascaigh Mhara for an aquaculture licence for the cultivation of finfish in Galway Bay is currently under consideration by my Department in accordance with the applicable legislation.
There is always a strict separation between my Ministerial role as decision maker in respect of aquaculture licence applications and my Ministerial duty to promote the sustainable development of the industry. This separation of duties is strictly observed.
As the application is under active consideration as part of the statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
240. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on an application for the beef genomics scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36629/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named has registered for participation under the Beef Genomics Scheme and his application has been fully integrated on the Department ’ s systems. The selected animals have been tested under the Scheme and the samples returned by the herd owner as appropriate. Payments under this Scheme will commence later this year.
241. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a disadvantaged area scheme 2014 payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reasons for the delay in payment; if they should lodge a 2014 application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36651/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere was no delay in the payment issuing to the person named. Nationally, payments under the 2014 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme began issuing, on target, on 24 September; payment issued to the nominated bank account of the person named on 24 September.
242. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a disadvantaged areas scheme 2014 payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reasons for the delay in payment; if he or she should lodge a 2014 application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36652/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere was no delay in the payment issuing to the person named. Nationally, payments under the 2014 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme began issuing, on target, on 24 September; payment issued to the nominated bank account of the person named on 24 September.
243. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an appeal has been lodged for the 2012 agri-environment options scheme 3 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reasons for the delay in payment; if they should lodge a 2014 application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36653/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the Agri-Environment Options Scheme from the person named was received in my Department on 4 December 2012. The process of ranking and selecting all AEOS applicants was clearly set out in the scheme documentation. Acceptance into the scheme was established using pre-determined selection criteria, which included farm-size and which prioritised smaller holdings. Unfortunately, the person named was not successful because his farm-size was outside the range selected and on 27 May 2013, a letter issued to him informing him of the outcome and setting out the reasons. The person was also informed of his right of appeal to AEOS Section.
An appeal was received from the person named and following review the original decision was upheld. The applicant has been informed of his right to appeal this further to the Agriculture Appeals Office but to date there is no record of any such appeal having been made.
The scheme is now closed to applications.
