Written Answers Nos. 244-261
244. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an appeal lodged with the agriculture appeals office by a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the reason for the delay in the consideration of this appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36660/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe delay in this case relates to a dual claim on a parcel of land bordering a commonage. An appeal was received from the person named regarding a reduction in the eligible payment area. The file has recently been returned to the Agriculture Appeals Office and that office is in the process of arranging an oral hearing.
245. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the following information in tabular form: grant assistance from his Department for investment in piers and harbours in County Donegal for the years 2006 to 2013, inclusive, and to date in 2014. [36677/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Development Programme which my Department administers on an annual basis provides funding for capital works at the six State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres including Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre. In addition, the programme also provides funding, where Exchequer funds allow, for the development and repair of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways. The following table details the expenditure at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre and Donegal Navigational Lights and funding allocated to Donegal County Council under the Department’s capital programme from 2006 onwards.
|
Year |
Killybegs FHC and Navigational Lights |
Local Authority Programme Donegal Co. Co. |
|
2006 |
€2,367,570 |
€942,928 |
|
2007 |
€490,566 |
€1,322,268 |
|
2008 |
€414,868 |
€4,767,557 |
|
2009 |
€430,916 |
€1,202,781 |
|
2010 |
€562,782 |
€64,053 |
|
2011 |
€994,895 |
€403,743 |
|
2012 |
€542,313 |
€243,383 |
|
2013 |
€803,740 |
€203,626 |
For 2014 a total of €939,000 has been approved for projects at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. In addition a total of €1,267,750 has been approved for Local Authority owned Harbours, Piers and Slipways in Co. Donegal, which includes funding for Storm Damage projects.
246. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to allocate funding to enable the completion of the breakwater at Greencastle Harbour, County Donegal. [36678/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraGreencastle harbour is in the ownership of Donegal County Council and responsibility for its development, repair and maintenance rests with the Local Authority in the first instance. My Department, however provides funding for the development and repair of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways under the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme subject to available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
On 1 May 2014 all coastal Local Authorities were requested to submit applications for funding under the 2014 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.
My Department received an application from Donegal County Council for a total of 18 projects, one of which involved the deployment of 90m of pontoons and 60m of floating breakwater at Greencastle.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that this project was approved funding under my Department's Programme. Funding in the amount of €137,500 or 75% of the cost of the project has been approved.
Any future application submitted by Donegal County Council in respect of Greencastle under the Capital Programme in future years will be given consideration in the context of available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
247. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of costs and expenditure associated with investigations carried out by his Department's special investigations unit for each year since 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36727/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested for the years concerned is being collated and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
248. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for variance between the rates of payment per hectare under GLAS to farmers of commonage land and land in the ownership of a person; if he considers this variance equitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36817/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI presume the Deputy is referring to the different rates applying to privately-owned Natura and Commonage. The costings for all GLAS actions are based on income forgone, the cost of compliance and transaction costs. The reason a higher rate of payment per hectare for commonage land has been proposed is to cover the additional costs associated with the preparation and implementation of a Single Commonage Management Plan. This plan has to be drawn up for the entire commonage, by a single agricultural advisor, and it requires the shareholders grazing the commonage to work together to deliver its objectives over a five year period. The extra effort involved, and additional overhead in terms of planning, is reflected in the proposed commonage payment rate. The payment rates for all GLAS actions have been independently verified by Teagasc.
249. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in counties Mayo and Roscommon who have received letters regarding overpayment of disadvantaged areas scheme; the reason for the delay in issuing these letters in the context of DAS being paid in October 2013; the total amount of money outstanding in counties Mayo and Roscommon; the arrangements that have been made for farmers with large repayment demands to spread the cost over time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36846/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs it is not possible to compile the full information requested in the available timescale, I am arranging for it to be provided directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
250. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to recent court cases, civil and criminal, where the operation and conduct of the special investigation unit has been subject to critical analysis and adverse comment and where his Department has had to settle a court case (details supplied), the steps he will take to investigate SIU with a view to making appropriate recommendations as to the future conduct of investigations; if he will release all reports carried out to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36854/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe media coverage of the legal settlement with Mr Fleury to-date has contained significant inaccuracies in relation to the nature of the settlement, which included a confidentiality clause binding both parties not to divulge the details of the settlement. While respecting the confidentiality clause, I want to stress that it did not provide for any compensation whatsoever to be paid to Mr Fleury. Furthermore, I can confirm that the Department’s costs in the Fleury case will be a small fraction of the exaggerated figure mentioned in the press coverage. I want to emphasise also that the investigation into the Fleury case by the Department had no bearing on the actual settlement of the case. The settlement was agreed only following an approach by Mr Fleury’s legal team seeking a comprehensive settlement to the outstanding legal issues between him and the Department.
It is also relevant to note that the Department secured a conviction in 2001 against GVM Exports Ltd, in which Mr Fleury held 50% ownership and was a Director, in respect of offences detected in the course of this investigation.
The substance of the Fleury case relates to events in 1999 at a time when Bovine Brucellosis was causing great hardship to the farming community and imposing significant costs on the Exchequer. It resulted from an investigation by the Department into the illegal movement of cattle in breach of the TB and Brucellosis eradication schemes. Following the investigation, normal legal procedures were followed involving the Office of the Chief State Solicitor and the Courts Service and resulted in Mr Fleury and GVM Exports Ltd being charged with offences relating to the illegal movement of cattle (i.e. without a pre-movement Brucellosis test) and other offences relating to animal identification.
The prosecution of the case was delayed for a considerable period of time over the years, largely due to challenges to the prosecutions initiated by Mr Fleury, some of which were the subject of Supreme Court rulings, the most recent in December 2013. While the Court ruled in substance against all of his challenges, Mr Fleury had recently mounted further legal challenges to the re-activation of the prosecution and it was in this context that Mr Fleury’s legal team sought a settlement.
With regard to the other case referred to by the Deputy, the Fannin case arose from an investigation that took place in 2009 and came before the Courts in 2013. The charges related to the alleged interference with the TB test. The investigation in this case was a joint investigation between my Department and the Gardai. Following the investigation, a file was submitted to the DPP who directed that certain charges be pursued. This case was heard before the Circuit Court. On the eighth day of the trial, the presiding Judge terminated the trial, and directed that Mr Fannin be acquitted, criticising the prosecution and the Department in particular. The key factor in concluding the trial appears to relate to confusion concerning the presentation of certain evidence, whether or not a brucellosis test had been carried out at the time of the TB test in March 2009 , and the significance of this. However, this matter was not part of the Book of Evidence or the submitted prosecution case.
I initiated an internal review into how this particular case was handled within my Department. The position is that the report finds no evidence that Department staff sought in any way to mislead the court - a most serious inference carried in some commentary on the subject. A number of recommendations were made with regard to staff training, file preparation and to review current procedures of making available biological sample evidence to the defence. These recommendations are being examined currently.
With regard to inspections by officials of the Department, it should be noted that the Department deploys its general control and inspectorate staff to ensure food safety, animal health and welfare and to safeguard expenditure of public funds. These controls underpin and safeguard public confidence in Agri-food production and processing in Ireland and contribute to a very significant export market.
In some cases, the outcome of inspections leads to further investigation which may then cause charges to be brought before the Courts. The procedures adopted by the Department staff in the context of investigations which lead to charges comply with the standard requirements in regard to the taking and presentation of evidence and the rights of the person or persons being investigated. They follow the same protocols as are used for criminal investigations carried out by the Gardai.
Separate and distinct from these cases, I recently reviewed the structure and governance around the conduct of all investigations by my Department, both internal and external. As a result of this review, I decided on the establishment of a new Investigations Division on 8th July 2014. This decision recognises the need for the Department to have in place a strong, cohesive, consolidated and effective investigation capability to ensure and protect the reputation of the expanding Agri-food industry and indeed public funds. It brings all investigation capability into one Division. The Division is headed by a Senior Superintending Veterinary Officer, supported by a team of investigators, some of whom are core members of the team and others to be drawn from areas where their expertise will be beneficial to the conduct of particular types of investigations. Such investigations will be conducted where, for example, there is evidence of suspected fraud, whether internal or external, or serious breaches of food safety or animal health and welfare laws and which are of such scale or complexity that requires the type of investigative capacity that would not be available in the course of normal inspection work.
The new Investigations Division reports to an Investigations Steering Group chaired by the Assistant Secretary General responsible for Corporate Affairs and will comprise the Chief Veterinary Officer, the Assistant Secretary General with responsibility for direct payments, and the Heads of Legal Services, Internal Audit and HR. This group will, in all new cases, determine whether matters should be referred back to line Divisions for follow through, whether an investigation is warranted and if so, whether this should be conducted by the Investigations Division or referred to the Garda Síochána. Where investigations are being conducted internally, the Steering Group will oversee the conduct of investigations and, in conjunction with the Head of the Division, determine whether submission of cases for prosecution is warranted. This new Investigations Division includes the functions previously undertaken by the Special Investigations Unit.
In conclusion, my Department seeks to promote the highest levels of legal compliance to protect the health of consumers and to promote and sustain a vibrant Agri-food industry in Ireland. This is vital to Ireland’s reputation internationally as a producer of world class products. It is also vital to support and protect an industry that employs over 170,000 people and which exported €10 billion worth of food and drinks products last year. In this regard, I acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the staff of my Department who carry out investigations in sometimes very challenging circumstances. These new arrangements provide for expanded and coordinated investigative capability for the Department whilst also providing for enhanced governance arrangements in respect of investigations carried out.
251. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total value of Ireland's agricultural imports and exports with Canada in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36882/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below shows the value of Ireland’s Agri-Food trade with Canada for the three years in question.
Irish Agri-Food Trade with Canada
|
Irish Exports to Canada |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
€ Millions |
84 |
92 |
79 |
Irish Agri-Food Trade with Canada
|
Irish Imports from Canada |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
€ Millions |
57 |
43 |
61 |
252. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total value of Ireland's agricultural imports and exports with South Africa in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36883/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table shows the value of Ireland’s Agri-Food trade with South Africa for the three years in question.
Irish Agri-Food Trade with South Africa
|
Irish Exports to South Africa |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
€ Millions |
57 |
62 |
50 |
Irish Agri-Food Trade with South Africa
|
Irish Imports from South Africa |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
€ Millions |
38 |
39 |
40 |
253. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an agricultural appeal in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36906/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraA review of the land parcels declared by the person named under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme revealed that several of the land parcels declared by the person named contained ineligible features. While this had an impact on payment under the Single Payment Scheme, as the person named was found to have more land after inspection than the maximum payable area under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme, this payment was not affected. Similarly, this review did not have a bearing on the Grassland Sheep Scheme payment for the person named. As the person named submitted an application for a review of my Department’s decision, a visit by a Department official to verify the position was necessary to progress the matter. This verification visit was conducted and the file was processed. The applicant was informed of the outcome of this inspection in a letter dated 26 July 2014 and informed of her right to submit an appeal to the LPIS Appeals Committee.
The person named has recently availed of her right of appeal and the LPIS Appeals Committee are currently considering same.
254. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their 2014 sheep grassland scheme grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36911/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the governing EU Regulations, payments under the 2014 Grassland Sheep Scheme cannot issue to eligible applicants until after 1 December 2014.
255. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will receive their overdue payments for one animal in 2012 and 12 animals in 2010; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37006/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named registered 19 animals under the 2010 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment has issued for 9 animals. There was one set of twins registered, and as payment is due only on one of the twins, the second twin will not be paid on. Payment on the remaining 9 animals will issue shortly. The person named also registered 10 animals under the 2012 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment has issued on 9 animals and payment for the remaining animal will also issue shortly.
256. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo, will receive their 2013 sheep grassland scheme payment and 2013 disadvantaged areas payment; the reason for the delay in processing of these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37035/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2013 Disadvantaged Areas/Grassland Sheep scheme was received from the legal representatives of the estate of the late Joseph Kenny on 15 May 2013. Payment in respect of both the Disadvantaged Areas and Grassland Sheep Schemes cannot issue to the estate of Mr Kenny until such time as either a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration are submitted to my Department.
257. Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made regarding a review of single farm payment for 2013 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37159/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2013 Single Farm Payment scheme application on 8 May 2013. In order to comply with EU requirements, the 2013 Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas’ Scheme application of the person named was selected for a cross compliance animal identification and registration inspection and a ground eligibility inspection.
The cross compliance inspection identified breaches in relation to sheep identification and registration requirements. This resulted in a 3% penalty being applied against the 2013 payments. The person named was notified of this decision on 17 October 2013.
The ground eligibility inspection identified discrepancies between the area declared and the area found resulting in an over-declaration in area of greater than 20%. This resulted in no payment in respect of the 2013 Single Payment Scheme. The person named was notified of this decision on 3 January 2014.
The person named has appealed these decisions and this request is currently being examined. The person named will be notified of the outcome of this review shortly. In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of this review, the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office, within 3 months.
258. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for refusal of entry into agri-environment options scheme 3 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37181/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the Agri-Environment Options Scheme from the person named was received in my Department on 7 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. He was then informed of the right to appeal this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office, which he did. The Agriculture Appeals Office also upheld the original decision.
259. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a 2013 single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37184/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2013 Single Farm Payment scheme was received from the person named on 25 April 2013, and following processing of this application, full payment in respect of the entitlements held issued to the person named on 12 November and 2 December 2013.
260. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide in tabular form all of the State agencies, bodies, organisations and working groups under his Department's remit; the core duties and functions of same; the number of staff at same; the budget of each for 2013 and proposed budget for 2014; the date of establishment of the agencies or organisations; and the legislation, primary or otherwise, from which they derive their powers. [37198/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy can be found in the following table.
|
Name of State Agency/Body/Organisation/ Working Group |
Core Duties |
Functions of same |
Number of staff |
Budget for 2013 |
Budget for 2014 |
Date of establishment |
Legislative Basis |
|
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board |
Appeals body for aquaculture licensing decisions of Minister |
Determination of appeals against aquaculture licensing decisions of Minister |
1 (seconded from the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine |
€0.2m |
€0.25m |
16/06/1998 |
Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997 |
|
An Bord Bia |
Role: to promote, assist and develop the marketing of the Irish food, drink and horticulture sectors |
Mission: to grow the success of a world class Irish food and horticulture industry by providing strategic market development, promotion and information services. |
89.6 WTE |
GIA € 28.561m |
GIA : €28.690m |
1994 - see Bord Bia Act |
An Bord Bia Act 1994 (as amended) |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
Sustainable development of seafood industry |
All functions conferred under section 15 of establishing Act |
115.1 |
€16.4m |
€18.5m |
24/04/1952 |
Sea Fisheries Act 1952 |
|
Bord na gCon |
To control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. |
|
176 (31 December 2013) |
€11,004,000 (Amount provided by DAFM to Bord na gCon from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund in 2013) |
€10,844,000 (Amount provided by DAFM to Bord na gCon from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund in 2014) |
1958 |
Greyhound Industry Act 1958, Greyhound Industry (Amendment) Act 1993, Horse and Greyhound Racing (Betting Charges and Levies) Act 1999, Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011. |
|
Name of State Agency/Body/Organisation/ Working Group |
Core Duties |
Functions of same |
Number of staff |
Budget for 2013 |
Budget for 2014 |
Date of establishment |
Legislative Basis |
|
Coillte |
Commercial Company operating in forestry, land based businesses, renewable energy and wood panel products |
Responsible for the management of some 442,000 hectares of State forestry |
913 (in 2013 per Coillte Annual Report 2013) |
Commercial state body - does not receive Exchequer Grant-in-Aid |
Commercial state body - does not receive Exchequer Grant-in-Aid |
1989 |
Forestry Act 1988 as amended |
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
Overall administration, development and promotion of the Irish horseracing industry. |
|
214 (31 December 2013) |
€44,016,000 (Amount provided by DAFM to HRI from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund in 2013) |
€43,376,000 (Amount provided by DAFM to HRI from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund in 2014) |
Horse Racing Ireland was established in 2001 in succession to the Irish Horse Racing Authority |
Irish Horseracing Industry Act 1994 ,Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 , Horse Racing Ireland (Membership)Act 2001 , Horse and Greyhound Racing(Betting Charges and Levies) Act 1999. |
|
Irish National Stud |
Stud farming, tourism and education |
|
50 (31 December 2013) |
No funding provided by DAFM |
No funding provided by DAFM |
1945 |
National Stud Act, 1945, National Stud Act 1976, National Stud (Amendment) Act 1993,National Stud (Amendment) Act 2000 |
|
Name of State Agency/Body/Organisation/ Working Group |
Core Duties |
Functions of same |
Number of staff |
Budget for 2013 |
Budget for 2014 |
Date of establishment |
Legislative Basis |
|
Marine Institute |
Marine research, development and advice |
All functions conferred under section 4 of establishing Act |
131.7 and 42 temporary contract staff |
€21.9m |
€23.5m |
30/10/1992 |
Marine Institute Act 1991 |
|
National Milk Agency |
To regulate the supply of milk for liquid consumption throughout the State and to ensure all year round supply |
as across |
5 |
Industry financed by means of a levy |
Industry financed by means of a levy |
1994 |
Milk (Regulation of Supply) Act, 1994. |
|
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
Enforcement of legislation relating to sea-fisheries and seafood safety |
All functions conferred under section 43 of establishing Act |
81.08 |
€10.5m |
€10.6m |
01/01/2007 |
Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 |
|
Teagasc |
Provision of research, advisory and education services to the agri-food sector |
To provide a wide range of educational programmes to the agri-food sector |
1,143 |
€121.838m |
€119.210m |
27/06/1988 |
Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988 |
|
Veterinary Council |
Regulation of the practice of veterinary medicines and veterinary nursing |
The functions of the Veterinary Council of Ireland are prescribed in Section 13 of the Veterinary Practice Act 2005 |
5.5 |
* |
* |
01-Jan-06 |
Veterinary Practice Act 2005 |
* The Veterinary Council of Ireland is a self financing body and does not receive any monies from the Exchequer. The income of the Council is derived mainly from registration fees received from veterinary practitioners and veterinary nurses.
The audited accounts of the Veterinary Council of Ireland are each year included in the Council's annual report
|
Name of State Agency/Body/Organisation/ Working Group |
Core Duties |
Functions of same |
Number of staff |
Budget for 2013 |
Budget for 2014 |
Date of establishment |
Legislative Basis |
|
Agriculture Appeals Office |
To provide an independent, accessible, fair appeals service for Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine scheme applicants and to deliver that service in a courteous and efficient manner. |
To provide an appeals service to farmers who are dissatisfied with decisions of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine |
15.5 |
€890,000 |
€890,000 |
13-May-02 |
Agriculture Appeals Act 2001 (as amended) and Agriculture Appeal Regulations including SI 193/2002 and SI 10/2014. |
|
Organic Focus Group |
Provide a forum for discussion on issues that substantially impact the Organic Sector. |
Identify solutions and develop strategies to progress the Organic Sector for the benefit of all. |
Nil |
Nil except T and S |
Nil except T and S |
2 July 2012 - Inaugural Meeting |
Nil |
|
COFORD - National Council for Forest Research and Development |
Advisory body on forest research and development matters |
Provide advice to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on forest research and development matters |
0 (serviced by Forest Sector Development/COFORD Division |
0 (administrative expenses €12,000 per annum) |
0 (estimated administrative expenses €12,000 per annum) |
1993 |
Not a state body |
|
Name of State Agency/Body/Organisation/ Working Group |
Core Duties |
Functions of same |
Number of staff |
Budget for 2013 |
Budget for 2014 |
Date of establishment |
Legislative Basis |
|
Forest Policy Review Group |
Review national forest policy |
Make recommendations on forest policy to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Policy review published in July 2014 as Forests, products and people |
1 part time consultant, remaining tasks serviced by Forest Sector Development/COFORD Division |
€5000 (forestry consultancy costs) |
€6000 (editing and publication of final report) |
April 2010 |
Not a state body; formed to undertake review which was a commitment in the Revised Programme for Government 2009 |
|
Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis (CVERA) based at UCD School of Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin |
Veterinary epidemiology and the conduct of research into animal diseases to underpin and support DAFM policy, with particular focus on bovine tuberculosis research |
|
1 Director and 6 full time staff (paid for by UCD) + 7 associates (DAFM staff) |
€1.287m |
€1.217m |
1989 |
None |
261. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the current vacancies by rank in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36881/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 31 August 2014, the latest date for which figures are available was 9,149, comprising 7,367 Army, 752 Air Corps and 1,030 Naval Service personnel.
The following table outlines the establishment, strength and vacancies of the Permanent Defence Force, by Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as at 31 August 2014, based on the agreed stabilised strength for the Permanent Defence Force of 9,500.
Promotions are ongoing within the Officer and Non-Commissioned ranks in order to fill rank vacancies. Competitions to fill current and future vacancies in the ranks of Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel and Commandant ranks have already been held this year, while a competition for promotion to Brigadier General is scheduled for early October. As panels which were established following the 2012 Non-Commissioned Officer promotion competitions have now closed, new NCO promotion competitions to the ranks of Sergeants and above have been advertised and interviews are currently underway.
In addition, targeted recruitment is currently taking place so as to maintain the level of 9,500 personnel. It is my intention that promotions along with targeted recruitment will be carried out within the resource envelope allocated to Defence. PDF Strength by Rank as at 31 August 2014 versus PDF Rank Establishment of 9,500
|
Lt Gen |
Maj Gen |
Brig Gen |
Col |
Lt Col |
Comdt |
Capt |
Lt |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
Sgt |
Cpl |
Pte/Cadet |
|
|
Army Rank Establishment |
1 |
2* |
6 |
37** |
110 |
255 |
306 |
167 |
29 |
33 |
114 |
170 |
973 |
1,437 |
3,880 |
|
Army Strength |
1 |
0 |
5 |
33** |
104 |
240 |
299 |
226 |
27 |
33 |
108 |
164 |
884 |
1,342 |
3,899*** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
2* |
1 |
4 |
6 |
15 |
7 |
-59 |
2 |
0 |
6 |
6 |
89 |
95 |
-19 |
|
Air Corps Rank Establishment |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
14 |
36 |
65 |
48 |
8 |
4 |
56 |
14 |
131 |
183 |
324 |
|
Air Corps Strength |
0 |
1* |
1 |
2 |
13 |
32 |
50 |
30 |
8 |
4 |
47 |
14 |
125 |
157 |
269*** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
-1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
15 |
18 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
6 |
26 |
55 |
|
Naval Service Rank Establishment |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
13 |
45 |
81 |
41 |
6 |
7 |
75 |
15 |
226 |
180 |
402 |
|
Naval Service Strength |
0 |
1* |
1 |
1 |
13 |
45 |
50 |
41 |
6 |
7 |
66 |
15 |
171 |
175 |
439*** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
-1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
31 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
55 |
5 |
-37 |
|
Total Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0* |
1 |
5** |
7 |
19 |
53 |
-41 |
2 |
0 |
24 |
6 |
150 |
126 |
-1 |
* For administrative record purposes, the two Major General Appointments in the Permanent Defence Force are held against the establishment for the Army. One of these posts is currently filled by an Air Corps Officer and the other by a Naval Service Officer.
** Within the Establishment figures there is provision for one appointment and one temporary appointment in the rank of Colonel in the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) and 10 Colonel Appointments overseas. However, as the current holders of the General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary appointments in RACO are in the rank of Commandant and with no requirement to fill 2 of the Colonel overseas appointments no vacancy existed in the rank of Colonel in the Army.
*** Includes 20 Army Cadets, 14 Air Corps Cadets and 15 Naval Service Cadets.
There are an additional 77 personnel on career breaks/secondment, who are not included in the strengths in the above table.
Note: Equivalent Naval Service Ranks
Brigadier General/Commodore
Colonel/Captain
Lieutenant Colonel/Commander
Commandant/Lieutenant Commander
Captain/Lieutenant (NS)
Lieutenant/Sub Lieutenant
Sergeant Mayor/Warrant Officer
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant/Senior Chief Petty Officer
Company Quartermaster Sergeant/Senior Petty Officer
Company Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer
Sergeant/Petty Officer
Corporal/Leading Seaman
Private/Able Seaman.
