Written Answers Nos. 335-355
335. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to address a matter (details supplied) regarding pigmeat producers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1573/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra344. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put to the European Commission regarding the urgent need to provide assistance for the pigmeat sector due to the serious drop in prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1776/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra345. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the market support measures that he has requested the European Commission to introduce to support the pigmeat sector in view of current difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1777/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 335, 344 and 345 together.
The development of the pigmeat sector is a priority for me given the crucial role which the industry plays in supporting approximately 7,000 jobs including production, slaughter, processing, feed manufacture and services. In 2014 export volumes increased by approximately 7%, with growth to the UK, Continental Europe and International markets. Values increased by some 3% and are in the range of €570 million, continuing the growth seen in recent years. Pigmeat prices tend to be cyclical in nature with periods of lower prices and production followed by recovery and this has remained the case for many years.
My Department carefully monitors developments in the pig sector, both domestically and internationally. I also met with members of the IFA National Pigs and Pigmeat Committee recently to hear their views on developments.
I am conscious of the fact that prices have come under pressure in recent months and the difficulties that this is causing for producers. Having said that, it must be noted that Irish prices remain above the EU average at present. However I would also add that like any other EU Minister I do not have a role in the setting of prices. This is a function of the market.
In relation to the Russian ban on EU pigmeat exports, I am fully aware of the concerns Irish pig farmers have as a result of the closure of this market. At EU level the Commission has referred this matter to the WTO for resolution. At recent Council meetings I have joined with other Ministers in requesting the European Commission to continue to monitor the developments on markets and called for the introduction of private storage aid. This request did not, however, have the support of a qualified majority of Member States. Nevertheless, the Commission acknowledged the significant decline in pig prices and will keep the situation under review. I am committed, however, to continuing to work with liked minded Ministers.
Support is provided by my Department for the pig sector in a number of ways. Firstly I have included provision in 2015 and throughout the whole RDP for an on-farm capital investments scheme, TAMS II, with an overall budget of €395 million across all sectors, with €37 million allocated for 2015. Amongst the areas identified for initial funding are investments on pig farms for energy, water meters and medicine dispensers. Other elements of the RDP, such as targeted on farm animal health and welfare scheme will also be of benefit to the pig sector.
Other supports for the sector come through Teagasc which, through its Moorepark pig research facility and courses in pig production, plays an important role in improving production at farm level. Through its Joint Research Advisory Programme, Teagasc will support Irish pig producers by providing advice, research and education across a range of issues of importance to the sector. The programme has enabled Teagasc to employ four additional advisors and researchers to support producers and the sector through advice, research and education across a range of issues of importance to the sector. The high level objective of the programme is to enhance the sustainability of Irish pig meat production, including improvements in economic, social and environmental standards. This will result in improvements in the production and marketability of Irish pig meat.
I am also conscious of the need to promote the consumption of Irish pig meat in domestic and overseas markets. Bord Bia provides assistance to the pig meat sector through its marketing and promotional activities, and the pig meat quality assurance scheme helps to consolidate the position of Irish pig meat on the domestic market and helps expand its presence on EU and third country markets. Indeed from now until 1 February Bord Bia are running a detailed targeted Pork promotional campaign to assist the industry. Further campaigns are planned over the coming months to promote ham and bacon.
For my part I have undertaken to ensure that as many alternative markets as possible are open to Irish Pigmeat processors. Indeed it is a key element of my strategy to seek new market opportunities. In that regard I was pleased to announce in recent months the opening of the markets in Vietnam and the Philippines for Irish pigmeat which will serve as valuable alternative markets to Russia for Irish pigmeat exports.
336. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 477 and 478 of 2 October 2012, if he will review and expedite the approval of an aquaculture and foreshore licence application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1616/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra337. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 477 and 478 of 2 October 2012, if he will review and expedite the approval of an aquaculture and foreshore licence application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1617/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra338. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review and expedite the approval of an aquaculture and foreshore licence application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1618/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 336 to 338, inclusive, together.
The applications for aquaculture licences referred to by the Deputy are in respect of sites located in Castlemaine Harbour, 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 site).
All applications in ‘Natura’ areas are required to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of environmental compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. My Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is engaged in a comprehensive programme of gathering the necessary baseline data appropriate to the Conservation Objectives of ‘Natura’ areas. This data collection programme is substantially complete. This is followed by data analysis and the setting of appropriate Conservation Objectives by the NPWS. Once this process is complete all new, renewal and review aquaculture applications can be appropriately assessed for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.
The Appropriate Assessment of Castlemaine Harbour has been completed and the relevant licensing determinations have been made based on applications to hand at the time of the assessment.
The specific applications referred to by the Deputy were submitted to my Department subsequent to the carrying out of the Appropriate Assessment process for this harbour. Accordingly, it was not possible to assess these applications against the designated Conservation Objectives for the harbour.
The optimum method for appropriately assessing applications by individual operators, who are not included in the initial overall assessment procedure, is under consideration by my Department. The process must comply with best scientific practice and be achieved in a manner which will be acceptable to the national authorities and to the EU Commission.
In the meantime, the assessment procedures agreed with the EU Commission require Appropriate Assessments in respect of aquaculture activities to be carried out by the national authorities and unilateral departure from these arrangements is not possible.
Every effort is being made to expedite the conclusion of this matter as soon as possible.
339. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of all consultancy firms engaged by his Department during 2014; if he will also provide details of all the relevant fees paid to those firms during the period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1660/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department uses private consultants to provide certain services when such an approach is more cost effective. This can include services such as specialised laboratory services, computer services, legal advice or independent auditing services. The information requested is provided in the following table.
|
CONSULTANT/CONSULTANCY FIRM |
NATURE OF WORK |
FEES PAID IN 2014 |
|
MAZARS |
IT Audit Technical Support |
€40,283 |
|
Smith Carter - an American specialist Biocontainment Engineering consultancy firm. |
This company was retained following a procurement process managed by the OPW for the purpose of designing and commissioning the amelioration of the high containment virology CAT 4 facility at the DAFM laboratories at Backweston, Celbridge, Co. Kildare. |
€43,050 |
|
Indecon |
Review of certain matters relating to Bord na gCon |
€60,885 |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates |
Rural Development Ex Ante Evaluation and SEA Report |
€48,401 |
|
Philip Lee Solicitors |
Legal advice |
€10,064 |
|
Occupational Physiotherapy Solutions |
To conduct an ergonomic assessment of tasks in Cork Blood Testing Laboratory |
€1,347 |
|
UCC Hydaulics & Maritime Research Centre |
Wave Analysis & Report Preparation |
€984 |
|
UCC Hydaulics & Maritime Research Centre |
Meeting & Preparation of response to BIM document (0.5 day Senior Engineer) |
€369 |
|
Rooney Auctioneers & Chartered Surveyors |
Valuation Services |
€2,122 |
|
Marine Specialists |
Supply of Dive Team & boat for inspection of salmon Cages at Bantry Bay |
€2,681 |
|
NTA Monitor Limited |
Independent assessments of the Department's IT security measures and security review of the Department's infrastructure |
€18,382 |
|
WYG1 Locksley Business Pk,Montgomery Rd.,Belfast BT6 6UP |
Engineering services in relation to Electrical Upgrading at Howth FHC |
€29,754 |
|
WYG1 Locksley Business Pk,Montgomery Rd.,Belfast BT6 6UP |
Engineering services in relation to Electrical Upgrading at Killybegs FHC |
€5,953 |
|
RPS74 Boucher Rd.,Belfast BT12 6RZ |
Engineering services in relation to Small Craft Harbour at Killybegs FHC |
€14,055 |
|
Jennings O'DonovanFinisklin Business Pk.,Sligo |
Engineering services in relation to Road Safety Audit and Traffic Management at Killybegs FHC |
€3,628 |
|
Jennings O'DonovanFinisklin Business Pk.,Sligo |
Engineering services in relation to design of floating pontoon at Killybegs FHC |
€1,224 |
|
CST1 O'Connell ST.,Sligo |
Engineering services in relation to Design of Harbour Entrance Gate at Killybegs FHC |
€4,238 |
|
Arup20 Ringsend Rd.,Dublin 4 |
Engineering services in relation to Structural Inspection of East Pier at Howth FHC |
€21,980 |
|
Mott MacDonaldRockfield,Dundrum,Dublin 16 |
Engineering services in relation to Cathodic Protection at Killybegs FHC |
€29,884 |
|
Corrosion Solutions and Inspection Services.Unit 408DGreenogue Business Pk,Rathcoole,Dublin |
Engineering services in relation to Paint inspections at Howth FHC |
€369 |
|
Corrosion Solutions and Inspection Services. Unit 408D Greenogue Business Pk, Rathcoole, Dublin |
Engineering Design services in relation to Paint inspections at Killybegs FHC |
€1,599 |
|
Corrosion PreventionUnit 2.01Cannock Chase Enterprise Centre,Hednesford,Cannock WS12 0QU,UK |
Engineering services in relation to Cathodic Protection at Killybegs FHC |
€5,568 |
|
Cronin Millar Consulting Engineeers. 3 Westbourne Place, Cobh, Co. Cork |
Design of Phase 2 of Small Craft Harbour at Rossaveel FHC. |
€30,685 |
|
Mott McDonald Consulting Engineers. Dublin, South Block, Rockfield, Dundrum, Dublin 16 |
Feasability Study for New Slipway at Rossaveel FHC |
€20,000 |
|
Eileen Cantwell Architects,The Brook,Windgate Rd, Howth, Dublin13 |
Architectural Services for Howth |
€646 |
|
John O' Donovan & Associates, Model Farm Road, Cork |
Electrical Consultancy Services, Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre |
€6,150.00 |
|
MHL & Associates, 10 High Street, Douglas Road, Cork |
Traffic Management Studies, Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre |
€15,368.85 |
|
Malachy Walsh & Partners, Mahon Tech Park, Blackrock, Cork |
Harbour Slipway Design, Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre |
€17,607.45 |
|
Malachy Walsh & Partners, Mahon Tech Park, Blackrock, Cork |
Welfare Facilities Design, Castletownbere Fishery Harbour |
€15,135.15 |
|
Malachy Walsh & Partners, Mahon Tech Park, Blackrock, Cork |
South Harbour Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre, Bathymetric Survey and Modelling |
€34,722.85 |
|
RPS Ireland Ltd, Innishmore, Ballincollig, Co Cork |
Contamination Removal, Design & Planning, Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre |
€5,419.26 |
|
Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd., Nutgrove Office Park, Nutgrove Ave, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 |
Contamination Removal, Design & Planning, Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre |
€19,699.68 |
|
MHL & Associates, 10 High Street, Douglas Road, Cork |
Traffic Management Studies, An Daingean Fishery Harbour Centre |
€15,368.85 |
|
Malachy Walsh & Partners, Mahon Tech Park, Blackrock, Cork |
Boatyard Slipway Removal, An Daingean Fishery Harbour Centre |
€71,161.65 |
|
RPS Ireland Ltd, Elmwood House, 74 Boucher Road, Belfast |
MainPier Sheetpile Condition Survey, An Daingean Fishery Harbour Centre |
€25,215.00 |
|
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd. Innismore, Ballincollig Co Cork |
Risk assessment and report on decontamination methodology of plant and equipment at East Tip Haulbowline |
€15,180.20 |
|
J&N Security Consultants Ltd, Glenside House, Ballyard, Tralee, Co. Kerry |
CCTV Works, An Daingean Fishery Harbour Centre |
€4,120.50 |
|
Malachy Walsh & Partners, Mahon Tech Park, Blackrock, Cork |
New Pontoons, Howth Fishery Harbour Centre |
€22,675.54 |
|
Malachy Walsh & Partners, Mahon Tech Park, Blackrock, Cork |
Pier, Lights & Beacons, Westcove, Co. Kerry |
€5,959.35 |
|
Malachy Walsh & Partners, Mahon Tech Park, Blackrock, Cork |
Condition Inspection Survey Report for Piled Walkway Structure, Dunmore East FHC |
€6,888 |
|
J&N Security Consultants Ltd, Glenside House, Ballyard, Tralee, Co. Kerry |
CCTV Works, Dunmore East FHC, Co. Waterford |
€4,982 |
|
Michael Regan Architects Ltd. (E-Project), 21 Lower Main Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford |
Renovations to Harbour Building, Dunmore East FHC, Co. Waterford |
€19,286 |
|
Arup, 20 Ringsend, Dublin 4 |
Dredging Project, Dunmore East FHC, Co. Waterford |
€94,998 |
|
Julianna O'Donoghue Archaeological Services, 61 Lady’s Cross, Clonakilty, Co. Cork. |
Bull's Nose & Storm Gate Project, Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork |
€9,299 |
|
Malone O'Regan, St Catherine's House, Catherine Street, Waterford |
Bull's Nose & Storm Gate Project, Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork |
€45,080 |
|
Malone O'Regan, St Catherine's House, Catherine Street, Waterford |
Storm Damage to Duffy's Pier Project, Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork |
€7,540 |
|
Crime Management Services Ltd |
ISPS Port Security Assessment Castletownbere |
€4,735 |
|
Crime Management Services Ltd |
ISPS Port Security Assessment Killybegs |
€4,735 |
|
Drima Marketing Ltd -Eoin O Driscoll |
Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire (JFSQ) 2013, Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2013, Market Report for Ireland for the UNECE Timber Committee 2013 and other consultancy work on forestry issues |
€24,831 |
|
RSM McClure Watters (Consulting) |
Ex Ante Evaluation, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment of the 2014-2020 Forestry Programme |
€96,770 |
|
Forest Solutions |
NPV and IRR analysis for New Forestry for Fibre scheme |
€2,214 |
|
Forest Solutions |
Cost Benefit Analysis - Forest Roads Programme 2014-2020 |
€2,952 |
|
Freshwater Bivalve Investigations |
Site Assessment of the River Lickey |
€8,040 |
|
Danish Forestry Extension |
Wood Energy advisory service and production of publications on wood energy |
€19,606 |
|
Henry Phillips |
Professional advice and analysis in relation to and technical support for Forest Management Planning |
€5,184 |
|
Farrell Consultants |
Attendance at Forest Institute Meeting |
€2,508 |
|
Seamus Heaney |
Monitoring Cedar Panels |
€3,195 |
|
Gordon Knaggs |
Wood Product specification and advisory service |
€1,968 |
|
John Fennessy |
Forest Genetic Resources |
€941 |
|
Forest Environmental Research & Services Ltd |
Consultative support on reporting land use, land-use change and forestry to the UNFCCC |
€68,194 |
340. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will have their payment issued; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1693/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application of the person named is being reviewed in the context of a wider investigation by my Department into payments under the non-productive capital investments element of AEOS. In order not to compromise the outcome of the investigation, I do not propose to make any further comment at this time.
341. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1694/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2014 Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas’ scheme application on 9 May 2014. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases Remote Sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue. The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing eligibility inspection. Initial processing of this inspection identified a requirement to verify the eligibility of land declared by means of a field inspection.
The inspection identified discrepancies between the areas declared and the area found resulting in an over-declaration in area of less than 3% and less than 2ha in respect of the Single Farm Payment Scheme. Under the Terms and Conditions of this scheme this resulted in the 2014 payment being based on the area found. The over-declaration in area did not affect the 2014 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme payment.
The person named was notified of this decision on 3 December 2014. The person named was also informed of the right to seek a review of this decision. In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of any such review, the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office, within 3 months.
Payments due, on the basis set out above, under the Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued to the nominated bank account of the person named on 4 December 2014 and 7 January 2015 respectively.
342. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive their agri-environment option scheme payment; the reason for the delay in same. [1719/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application of the person named is being reviewed in the context of a wider investigation by my Department into payments under the non-productive capital investments element of AEOS. In order not to compromise the outcome of the investigation, I do not propose to make any further comment at this time.
343. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their disadvantaged area payment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1724/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2014 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 7 May 2014 and processing of same has recently been completed. Payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is due to issue directly to the nominated bank account of the person named shortly.
346. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of any discussions that have been held at political or official level with the Russian authorities regarding the impact of the ban by Russia on EU food exports; if the importance of the Russian market for pigmeat exports from here has been discussed and the need to have this particular market outlet restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1779/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Russian market accounted for approximately 2.5% of total agrifood exports prior to the trade restrictions announced during 2014. Notwithstanding this, the importance of this market in terms of its future potential cannot be understated. The obvious preference is for a normalisation of trade relations but these issues cannot be viewed without taking into account the overall political context. Consequently, I and officials in my Department have been engaged in ongoing efforts to rectify the situation. In October of last year, I met the Russian Ambassador with a view to working bilaterally to resolve some of the technical issues that have disrupted exports of certain agrifood products from Ireland to Russia. Specifically, we discussed ways in which restrictions imposed as a result of audits or animal disease outbreaks in other parts of the EU could be eased.
As a follow up to this meeting, the Irish Ambassador to Russia, accompanied by senior officials from my Department met with their Russian counterparts in Moscow in December of last year. During this meeting it was agreed that bilateral meetings should continue with one being held yesterday.
It is clear that certain sectors of the agrifood industry are disproportionately impacted by the current trade restrictions. For the Irish pigmeat industry Russia was the second largest export destination prior to the ban. My officials have impressed upon the Russians the importance of this market to the pig sector in Ireland.
At EU level the Commission has referred this matter to the WTO for resolution. At recent Council meetings I have joined with other Ministers in requesting the European Commission to continue to monitor the developments on markets called for the introduction of private storage aid. This request did not, however, have the support of a qualified majority of Member States. Nevertheless, the Commission acknowledged the significant decline in pig prices and will keep the situation under review. I am committed, however, to continue to working with liked minded Ministers.
For my part I have undertaken to ensure that as many alternative markets as possible are open to Irish Pigmeat processors. Indeed it is a key element of my strategy to seek new market opportunities. And in that regard I was pleased to announce in recent months the opening of the markets in Vietnam and the Philippines for Irish pigmeat which will serve as valuable alternative markets to Russia for Irish pigmeat exports.
My Department will maintain an ongoing assessment of the situation, and continue to engage at EU level and with the Russian authorities regarding this and all other agri-trade matters.
347. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to add Japanese knotweed to the noxious weed list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1784/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraJapanese knotweed ( Fallopia japonica) is an invasive herbaceous perennial which has the potential to seriously damage buildings and hard surfaces by growing through concrete, tarmac and other hard surfaces while also threatening native plants and animals by forming dense thickets. Regulation 49 of SI 477 of 2011 European Communities (Birds And Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 makes it an offence for any person who plants, disperses, allows or causes to disperse, spreads or otherwise causes to grow in any place such invasive species as Japanese knotweed.
The Noxious Weeds Act 1936 provides that it is an offence not to prevent the growth and spread of noxious weeds such as Ragwort, Thistle, Dock, Common Barberry, Male Wild Hop and Spring Wild Oat which are currently scheduled under the Act. However, the provisions of the Act have historically generally only been applied to agricultural land and the resulting impact on farming, rather than to weeds predominantly found in non-farming land such as river banks, Special Areas of Conservation etc.
Given the nature of penalties to offences applying under SI 477 of 2011, I am satisfied that adequate legislation pertaining to invasive species such as Japanese knotweed is in place without recourse to amending the Noxious Weeds Act 1936.
348. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide in tabular form the number of EU directives which remain to be implemented in his Department; the name of these directives; the timeframe for the implementation of these directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1786/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn answer to the Deputy’s question, there are currently 9 EU Directives which remain to be implemented within my Department, with eight of them due to be implemented in 2015 and 2016. One Directive was due to be implemented on 25 November 2014. The Statutory Instrument is currently being prepared for this Directive, 2014/22/EU, and is expected to be signed shortly. The following table sets out the information requested:
|
Name of Directive |
Implementation Date |
|
Commission Implementing Directive 2014/22/EU of 13 February 2014 amending Annex IV to Council Directive 2006/88/EC as regards infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) Text with EEA relevance |
25 November 2014 |
|
Commission Implementing Directive 2014/20/EU of 6 February 2014 determining Union grades of basic and certified seed potatoes, and the conditions and designations applicable to such grades |
31 December 2015 |
|
Commission Implementing Directive 2014/21/EU of 6 February 2014 determining minimum conditions and Union grades for pre-basic seed potatoes |
31 December 2015 |
|
Commission Implementing Directive 2013/63/EU of 17 December 2013 amending Annexes I and II to Council Directive 2002/56/EC as regards minimum conditions to be satisfied by seed potatoes and lots of seed potatoes |
31 December 2015 |
|
Directive 2014/63/EU of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 amending Council Directive 2001/110/EC relating to honey |
24 June 2015 |
|
Directive 2014/64/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 amending Council Directive 64/432/EEC as regards computer databases which are part of the surveillance networks in the Member States |
18 January 2016 |
|
Commission Implementing Directive 2014/96/EU of 15 October 2014 on the requirements for the labelling, sealing and packaging of fruit plant propagating material and fruit plants intended for fruit production, falling within the scope of Council Directive 2008/90/EC |
31 December 2016 |
|
Commission Implementing Directive 2014/97/EU of 15 October 2014 implementing Council Directive 2008/90/EC as regards the registration of suppliers and of varieties and the common list of varieties |
31 December 2016 |
|
Commission Implementing Directive 2014/98/EU of 15 October 2014 implementing Council Directive 2008/90/EC as regards specific requirements for the genus and species of fruit plants referred to in Annex I thereto, specific requirements to be met by suppliers and detailed rules concerning official inspections |
31 December 2016 |
349. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide in tabular form the number, name and date of Bills initiated in his Department that have been subject to the pre-legislative scrutiny procedure in the Oireachtas. [1807/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently three draft Bills under preparation in my Department:
1. Horse Racing Ireland (Amendment) Bill 2014; 2. A Bill to amend the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006 ; 3. Greyhound Industry (Amendment) Bill 2014 .
The General Scheme of the Horse Racing Ireland (Amendment) Bill 2014 has been through pre-legislative scrutiny but has not yet been initiated as it has to be drafted by the Office of the Attorney General.
Neither the Greyhound Bill nor the Sea-Fisheries Bill have been initiated or submitted for pre-legislative scrutiny as yet but will be progressed in due course.
350. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide in tabular form the number, name and date of Bills initiated in his Department since September 2013. [1822/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne Bill was initiated in my Department since September 2013 – Act No. 10 of 2014 (Bill No. 46 of 2014) Johnstown Estate Agricultural College (Amendment) Act, 2014, which was presented in Seanad Éireann on 15 May 2014. The Forestry Act 2014 was presented in Dáil Éireann on 24 April 2013 (Act no. 31 of 2014).
351. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of secondments from his Department to external private firms from 2010 to date in 2015; the firms involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1837/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra352. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of secondments based in his Department from external private firms from 2010 to date in 2015; the firms involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1851/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra353. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has a policy regarding secondments from and within his Department to external firms; when the policy was initiated and last updated; the details of the policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1865/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 351 to 353, inclusive, together.
No staff from my Department have been seconded to external private firms nor were any staff seconded from such firms into my Department during the period in question.
A Superintending Veterinary Inspector from my Department has been seconded to Animal Health Ireland, which is a limited liability company part funded by my Department. Similarly, two Executive Officers are seconded to Horse Sport Ireland which is also a limited liability company part funded by my Department.
A small number of other staff from my Department have been seconded to other public sector bodies or semi state agencies. The nature of any secondment is considered on its own merits and bearing in mind the purpose of the secondment. In all cases, seconded staff retain their Civil Service status and pay and conditions.
354. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Defence if consideration will be given to the use of a property (details supplied) in County Kerry to provide accommodation for persons who are homeless; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1092/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI remain fully committed to making Defence resources available to provide assistance where possible to support the implementation of the Strategy on Homelessness. My Department recently made available to Dublin City Council 25 bed places in St Bricin’s military installation in Dublin as emergency accommodation for the homeless. The Department continues to co-operate in whatever way it can with any local authority in helping to assist with and alleviate the current homeless situation.
The property in question is within an operational barracks which is used extensively for both Operations and Training by the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces. No formal approach has been made to the Department on the use of the described building as accommodation for persons who are homeless. The Defence Forces have indicated that the building requested may not be suitable for overnight accommodation in its current state. However, if the Department of Defence receive a formal request for accommodation for persons who are homeless, the request will of course be considered.
355. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with existing arrangements between his Department and the Departments of Justice and Equality and Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding the presence of foreign military aircraft on Irish territory; his plans to recommend a more active role for Defence Forces personnel in protecting our neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1319/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary responsibility for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft in Ireland rests with the Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade in accordance with the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952. I understand from my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, that arrangements under which permission is granted for foreign military aircraft to land at Irish airports are governed by strict conditions. These include stipulations that the aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations.
Requests to permit the landing of foreign military aircraft are considered by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade on the basis of these conditions. Permission is not granted for the conduct of foreign military operations in Irish airspace. Separately, there is ongoing liaison between my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality regarding security matters generally. This includes such matters as the Defence Forces deployments to Shannon Airport that occur in response to Aid to the Civil Power requests for support from An Garda Síochána who have primary responsibility for the protection of the internal security of the State.
I am satisfied with existing arrangements and I have no plans to recommend a more active role for the Defence Forces.
