Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:265. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of a meeting (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10206/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Meetings
Ceisteanna (265)
Freagraí scríofa
Officials from my Department met the named individual on 17 July 2014 and the issues concern the Celtic Sea Herring Fishery.
In 2011, I asked the fishing industry and other interested parties to make proposals on the future management arrangements for all Irish herring fisheries, the Celtic Sea stock, the stocks off the North West coast and the Atlanto Scandian stock. The objective of the review was to deliver a policy which would ensure an economically and biologically sustainable fishery. I received over 20 sets of proposals and comments in relation to herring stocks management. It was very clear from these documents that there was no agreement within the industry as to how the future herring fishing opportunities should be managed. I asked my Department to examine the proposals received and to prepare for me a number of options, which as far as practically possible, took the views of stakeholders into account while delivering proper and effective management.
On 22 December 2011, I published a draft policy document on the matter which I believe met the objectives to the greatest extent possible. I consulted and met industry regarding the draft policy and again there was no consensus.
Having considered all views and having regard to the sustainability of the fisheries, I came to a decision which I believe provides for the proper and effective management and conservation and rational exploitation of the herring stocks. The review increased the overall proportion of fish which could be caught in the sentinel fishery from 8% to 11%. The outcome of the rebuilding plan has meant that the overall Celtic Sea herring quota has increased from a low of 6,000 tonnes in 2009 to a quota of over 13,000 tonnes for 2015.
The issues which the named individual has raised in connection with this policy are complex and are currently being examined in the Department.
Agriculture Scheme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (266)
John McGuinness
Ceist:266. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a Further Education and Training Awards Council certificate for agricultural mechanic, a recognised national standard, will be accepted as a qualification under the new entrant scheme for young farmers under 40 years of age; if a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will qualify under this scheme on the basis of their Further Education and Training Awards Council national craft certificate. [10210/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with relevant EU Regulations , to be eligible under the Young Farmer priority category of the National Reserve an applicant must meet the following conditions:
- S/he is participating in the Basic Payment Scheme in the year in which s/he submits an application;
- S/he is aged no more than 40 years of age at any time during the calendar year in which s/he first submits an application under the Basic Payment Scheme;
- S/he has successfully completed a recognised course of education in agriculture giving rise to an award at FETAC level 6 or its equivalent. Alternatively s/he must commit to commencing such a course by 30 September 2016;
- Has a gross off-farm income that does not exceed €40,000 in one of the tax years 2013 or 2014;
- S/he is setting up an agricultural holding for the first time or has set up such a holding during the five years preceding the first submission of the Basic Payment Scheme application.
As regards the educational qualification requirement in respect of the above named person, in the absence of any specific details of the qualification held by this individual , I am unable to advise on the acceptability of the qualification held. However, a full list of the educational courses deemed equivalent to FETAC/QQI Level Six for the purpose of National Reserve allocations and Young Farmers Scheme payments can be found in the Terms and Conditions of the National Reserve on my Department’s website at http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/nationalreserveandyfs/. Alternatively, the individual in question can contact my Department directly at 0761 064 446 or NationalReserveYFS@agriculture.gov.ie for assistance.
Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (267)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:267. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive payments under the agri-environment options scheme for 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10223/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named was approved for participation in the 2012 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 3) with effect from 1 May 2013.
Issues arose in relation to the splitting of land parcels, which required an amendment to the applicant’s Single Payment Application, and prevented the file from progressing towards administrative check. These amendments have now been completed successfully.
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. During these checks, further issues have arisen in relation to Natura land. My office is actively working to resolve these issues and to issue payments due as soon as possible.
GLAS Administration
Ceisteanna (268)
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:268. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that no penalty will be incurred by a farmer wishing to transfer from the agri-environment options scheme to the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme or the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme+; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10242/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Where a farmer currently in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) is admitted to the GLAS scheme no reimbursement of aid paid under the AEOS contract will be required. However any outstanding penalty for non compliance with AEOS requirements in respect of the period prior to transformation to GLAS will remain due.
GLAS Payments
Ceisteanna (269)
Áine Collins
Ceist:269. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he received advice from the Attorney General on whether there is an obligation on the Government to properly compensate farmers in the designated areas whose lands and right to private property under the Constitution have been devalued or made worthless by the designation. [10269/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Designation of lands is a matter in the first instance for the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and I have neither sought nor received advice from the Attorney General in this regard.
Through GLAS, my Department’s new agri-environment scheme, farmers with designated lands will have an opportunity to access an annual agri-environment payment. This is designed to compensate for income foregone as well as covering the additional costs of implementing the various actions required under GLAS.
GLAS Payments
Ceisteanna (270)
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:270. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to the recently announced green low-carbon agri-environment scheme and the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme+, the position regarding a farmer, part of whose land is designated for the protection of the hen harrier, and if it is the case that where there is one hectare out of a total of 30 hectares designated, all the lands will effectively be designated without the designation for the purposes of the schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10290/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
GLAS will be the main source of support under my Department for farmers with Hen Harrier habitat on their holding. Hen Harrier land is a Tier One Priority Environmental Asset and any farmer with an identified habitat will secure priority access to the scheme. The payment rate for Hen Harrier is €370 per hectare, and this applies all lands notified to my Department by the National Parks and Wildlife Service as Hen Harrier Lands, whether these are formally designated or otherwise identified as important for the preservation of the bird. Under the Birds Directive, Ireland is obliged to protect the Hen Harrier wherever it occurs and for this reason I was anxious to ensure that farmers could be properly supported for additional effort and income foregone, and that this would not be restricted to designated Natura sites.
However, I am also aware of concerns regarding the cropping of hay and silage for winter fodder within these areas and my officials are considering provisions to alleviate any such concerns, as has been done under previous schemes.
GLAS Payments
Ceisteanna (271)
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:271. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers owning Natura and hen harrier designated lands are eligible to receive the payment of €79 per hectare per year for the private Natura sites on top of the hen harrier payment under the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme and the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme+; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10291/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am pleased to say that both Natura and Hen Harrier lands are Priority Environmental Assets under the new GLAS scheme. This means that farmers who manage such assets will receive priority access to the scheme. Where Natura land is also identified as Hen Harrier habitat, the prescription laid down for the bird must be applied. This attracts a payment of €370 per hectare instead of the normal €79 per hectare rate for Natura. However, it is not the case that the Natura rate can then be claimed on top of the Hen Harrier payment.
Rural Development Plan
Ceisteanna (272)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:272. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposed spend on each measure of the new Rural Development Plan 2014-2020 broken down between national and European spend; the annual forecast for spend on each measure for the years, 2014 to 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10316/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Rural Development Programme (RDP), 2014-2020 will be a key support in enhancing the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, achieving more sustainable management of natural resources and ensuring a more balanced development of rural areas. EU Regulation No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on support for Rural Development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) sets out the breakdown of EU support for rural development for each Member State for the years 2014 – 2020. Ireland’s total EAFRD allocation for rural development is some €2.19 billion (or some €313 million per annum), as agreed at the EU Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) negotiations in 2013. EU funding amounts are combined with national co-funding to provide for each Member State’s RDP. In Ireland’s case, National Exchequer funding brings the total to be spent on RDP schemes in the 2014-2020 period to some €4 billion.
The MFF is subject to a formal amendment process at EU level for RDPs approved in 2015. However, the average amount of EU support per annum remains the same. It has been agreed that a letter of comfort will issue to Member States who have informally agreed their RDP with the Commission in 2015 but where formal adoption of the RDP will be delayed by amendments to the MFF.
Detailed discussions and intensive negotiations are ongoing between my Department and the Commission in order to secure agreement on the new RDP. When these negotiations are complete, the schemes and supports contained in Ireland’s will be rolled out in line with the annual budgetary process.
Organic Farming
Ceisteanna (273)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:273. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a grant for the production of organic fodder for registered organic farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10317/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Rural Development Programme I have proposed the introduction of a new Organic Farming Scheme to deliver enhanced environmental and animal welfare benefits and to encourage producers to respond to the market demand for organically produced food.
The principal support will be an annual area-based payment per hectare over a 5 year contract period. This rate is comprised of a higher payment for farmers converting land to organic farming for the first time, payable for the initial two year conversion period, with a greatly increased maintenance payment thereafter.
In recognition of the high cost of feed in the organic sector I have proposed the inclusion of an additional top-up payment of €30/ha to incentivise the growing of red clover as a source of high-protein, high dry-matter organic fodder and for its environmental benefits as a natural nitrogen-fixer.
In addition to the Organic Farming Scheme, I am proposing a dedicated Capital Grant Scheme specifically for organic farmers. This will be based on the model developed under the last Programme which proved very effective in enabling organic farmers to purchase the specialist equipment they required. My Department has no plans to incorporate a fodder production system into the proposed list of grant aided equipment under this new scheme at this time.
Employment Data
Ceisteanna (274)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:274. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to halt the rapid decline of persons employed in agriculture, forestry and fisheries in the past year, a decline of more than 11,000 persons, or 10%; the reason for this rapid decline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10318/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I noted the Central Statistics Office release of the Quarterly National Household Survey for Q4, 2014, on 25 February. My Department monitors these official figures for employment in the sector as a matter of course. I especially noted the statement therein, to which the Deputy refers, that employment in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries dropped by 10,900 or 9.3% since Q4 2013. I would caution, however, that these figures should be viewed in the context of the following caveat provided by the CSO, the first paragraph of which is included in the release itself:
After each Census of Population the sample of households for the QNHS is updated to ensure the sample remains representative. The new sample based on the 2011 Census of Population was introduced incrementally from Q4 2012 to Q4 2013. This change in sample can lead to some level of variability in estimates, particularly at more detailed levels and some caution is warranted in the interpretation of trends over the period of its introduction. The first year on year comparisons for quarters based entirely on the new sample are therefore available as of Q4 2014.
However, as the QNHS is a sample survey, there is a level of variance associated with the estimates produced from the QNHS. In the case of the Agriculture, forestry and fishing sector it can be noted that the CSO estimates that the standard error measure associated with employment in this sector was 4,800 in Q4 2014 and this should be borne in mind when considering the employment levels for this sector.
It should also be noted that the estimate for Q4 2013 was particularly high, again likely due to sampling issues, which further skews this particular year-on-year comparison.
We have been in regular contact with the CSO over recent years, and will continue to be so, in an effort to gain greater insight into the figures for employment in the sector. The CSO recently indicated that they intend to revisit the data published since the 2011 Census of Population with a view to producing revised figures for this period.
Common Fisheries Policy
Ceisteanna (275)
Noel Harrington
Ceist:275. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to adopt the operational plan to give effect to the Common Fisheries Policy 2014-2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10343/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the operational programme under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Regulation (508/2014) which is the financial regulation for the Common Fisheries Policy.
I will be launching later this year a new €241 million Seafood Development Programme for the period up to 2020 under the EMFF. The new Programme will provide a range of supports for investments in the fishing, aquaculture and processing sectors. I will be publishing a detailed consultation document and Strategic Environmental Assessment for public consultation later this month, with a view to submitting the new Programme to the European Commission by May 2015. The Commission in turn is likely to adopt the Programme by the Autumn.
Common Fisheries Policy
Ceisteanna (276)
Noel Harrington
Ceist:276. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans and the process involved in preparing and completing the strategic environmental assessment for the Common Fisheries Policy 2014-2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10344/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the strategic environmental assessment for the new Seafood Development Programme 2014-2020 under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Regulation (508/2014).
I will be launching later this year a new €241 million Seafood Development Programme for the period up to 2020 under the EMFF. The new Programme will provide a range of supports for investments in the fishing, aquaculture and processing sectors. I will be publishing a detailed consultation document and Strategic Environmental Assessment for public consultation later this month, with a view to submitting the new Programme to the European Commission by May 2015. The Commission in turn is likely to adopt the Programme by the Autumn.
The SEA and related appropriate assessment screening have been prepared for my Department by contractors Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Ltd.
Agriculture Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (277)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:277. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding outstanding payments under the disadvantaged areas scheme and single payment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10361/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department received a 2014 Transfer of Entitlements application form on 14 May 2014 requesting the transfer by way of inheritance of 43.02 Single Payment entitlements from the deceased person named to the second person named.
As this transfer was by way of inheritance, it was necessary to request testamentary documentation in support of this transfer. My Department has requested the necessary documentation on a number of occasions but to date has not received all the documents required to process the transfer application. My Department has again contacted the representatives of the deceased person in order to expedite the matter. As soon as the requested testamentary documents are received by my Department, the application will be processed to conclusion.
Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (278)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:278. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment under the 2014 agri-environment options scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10410/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named was approved for participation in the 2012 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 3) with effect from 1 May 2013 and payment has issued in respect of the 2013 Scheme years.
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. The application of the person named was also selected for an on-farm inspection, during which non-compliances in relation to Animal Welfare, Animal Identification and Environmental issues were noted, which resulted in a penalty being incurred. Officials are currently processing the application on the basis of the inspection findings and 75% payment in respect of the 2014 Scheme year, less penalty, will issue shortly. The balancing 25% payment will follow thereafter.
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme
Ceisteanna (279)
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:279. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme will open for farm buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10412/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Rural Development Programme for the 2014-2020 period which was submitted to the EU Commission for approval in July 2014, includes provision for a range of on-farm investment schemes. Investments in farm buildings in general have been identified as an area which will be targeted in the TAMS scheme with grant aid for dairy buildings being specifically available for qualifying young farmers and delivered through the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme. Commission approval is awaited before the TAMS schemes are launched. That process is well underway, but it is not possible at this stage to fix definitive dates for their introduction.
Agriculture Scheme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (280)
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:280. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person (details supplied) in County Galway who qualified for entry to the national reserve in 2010 and started farming in 2011 is entitled to consideration for the current young farmer scheme in view of being accepted in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10413/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with relevant EU Regulations, to be eligible under the Young Farmer priority category of the National Reserve an applicant must meet the following conditions:
- S/he is participating in the Basic Payment Scheme in the year in which s/he submits an application;
- S/he is aged no more than 40 years of age at any time during the calendar year in which s/he first submits an application under the Basic Payment Scheme;
- S/he has successfully completed a recognised course of education in agriculture giving rise to an award at FETAC level 6 or its equivalent. Alternatively s/he must commit to commencing such a course by 30 September 2016;
- Has a gross off-farm income that does not exceed €40,000 in one of the tax years 2013 or 2014;
- S/he is setting up an agricultural holding for the first time or has set up such a holding during the five years preceding the first submission of the Basic Payment Scheme application.
In order to be eligible for the Young Farmers Scheme an applicant must meet all the eligibility criteria for a young farmer under the National Reserve, with the exception of the off-farm income criteria.
A successful application to the previous Single Payments Scheme National Reserve in 2010 will not deem the above named person ineligible under the new Basic Payment Scheme National Reserve where they meet all other eligibility criteria.
Full details of the Terms and Conditions of the National Reserve are available on my Department’s website at http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/nationalreserveandyfs/ . Alternatively, the individual in question can contact my Department directly at 0761 064 446 or NationalReserveYFS@agriculture.gov.ie and my staff will be glad to provide assistance.