Written Answers Nos. 337-358
337. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline, in view of the statement in chapter 6 of the national strategy plan for sustainable aquaculture development that the scale limits set out for salmon farms will be applied; and the purpose of consultation at this stage in relation to this issue. [26421/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the measures introduced in the reformed Common Fisheries Policy, agreed in 2013, is the requirement for each Member State to implement a multi-annual national strategic plan for aquaculture. As the Deputy is aware, the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development has been published by my Department and is currently the subject of public consultation. It would not be appropriate for anyone to seek to pre-judge the outcome of the consultation process or any actions, legislative or otherwise, that might follow on from that process. In the meantime, and in the normal way, applications on hand must continue to be assessed under the provisions of the existing legislation.
338. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he proposes to establish a support scheme for new entrants to aquaculture, as set out in the national strategy plan for sustainable aquaculture development, when the appropriate assessments for Natura 2000 bays published to date by the Marine Institute show very limited, if any, possibilities for further increases in aquaculture activity and, in view of this, if this proposed scheme is not a waste of public money. [26422/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the measures introduced in the reformed Common Fisheries Policy, agreed in 2013, is the requirement for each Member State to implement a multi-annual national strategic plan for aquaculture. Ireland’s draft Plan along with its accompanying environmental reports is currently undergoing public consultation until 24 July.
The draft plan has been prepared in accordance with the regulatory requirements and guidance from the European Commission. In particular, the plan must strive for coherence with the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Regulation (508/2014), which in the case of aquaculture stipulates that the Fund should be accessible to new SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises) and should contribute to bringing new farmers into the business. In order to increase the competitiveness and economic performance of aquaculture activities and in recognition of its socio-economic importance in particular coastal areas, the proposed new entrant scheme is intended to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship.
With regard to bays which have Natura 2000 designations within them; the situation regarding scope for possible increases in aquaculture activity varies widely from bay to bay and between different areas within bays. The purpose of the ongoing programme of appropriate assessments is to ensure that Ireland’s aquaculture industry is compatible with the objectives of the Habitats Directive.
339. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of dogs that are now competing or have competed at the Irish Greyhound Board licensed stadia that are in breach of artificial insemination legislation; the amount of prize money that has been won by greyhounds registered in breach of artificial insemination legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26434/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is responsible for the identification and registration of greyhounds in the Irish Greyhound Studbook. The ICC is subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon (BNG) under Section 26 (2) of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 (the Act). BNG is the statutory body with responsibility for the improvement and development of the greyhound industry, greyhound racing and coursing. Detailed rules governing the practice of the artificial insemination of greyhounds were set down in the Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds Regulations, 2005, (S.I. No. 561 of 2005), which were made by BNG under Section 39 of the Act.
My Department was informed by BNG in early 2013 that procedural issues had arisen in relation to the registration of greyhounds conceived following artificial insemination which were at variance with the provisions set down in the 2005 regulations. These provided for a two-year limit on the use of semen for artificial insemination following the death of a stud dog, and thereafter any unused semen had to be destroyed.
My Department requested BNG to pursue the issue with the ICC, following which BNG introduced new legislation in this area, namely “Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds (Amendment) Regulations 2014” removing the two-year limit.
The specific information sought by the Deputy is an operational matter for BNG and I understand that it is not readily available.
340. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has ever requested the Irish Coursing Club to discontinue breaking the law regarding the artificial insemination legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26435/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is responsible for the identification and registration of greyhounds in the Irish Greyhound Studbook. The ICC is subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon (BNG) under Section 26 (2) of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 (the Act). BNG is the statutory body with responsibility for the improvement and development of the greyhound industry, greyhound racing and coursing. Detailed rules governing the practice of the artificial insemination of greyhounds were set down in the Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds Regulations, 2005, (S.I. No. 561 of 2005), which were made by BNG under Section 39 of the Act.
My Department was informed by BNG in early 2013 that procedural issues had arisen in relation to the registration of greyhounds conceived following artificial insemination which were at variance with the provisions set down in the 2005 regulations. These provided for a two-year limit on the use of semen for artificial insemination following the death of a stud dog; thereafter any unused semen had to be destroyed.
Following on from this, my Department requested BNG to pursue the issue with the ICC, following which BNG introduced new legislation in this area, namely “Artificial Insemination of greyhounds (Amendment) Regulations 2014”removing the two-year limit.
341. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of litters of greyhounds that have been registered by the Irish Coursing Club as offspring of a bitch having her ninth litter; if he has ever requested the Irish Coursing Club to discontinue breaking greyhound welfare legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26436/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ICC is subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon under Section 26(2) of the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 (the Act). Bord na gCon is a commercial State body, established under the Act and is the statutory body with responsibility for the improvement and development of the greyhound industry including greyhound racing and coursing. The Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is responsible for the identification and registration of Greyhounds in the Irish Greyhound Studbook.
The Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 specifies standards for greyhound welfare, establishes a register of Greyhound Breeding Establishments and regulates their operation. A Code of Practice in the care and welfare of the greyhound has been established and published by Bord na gCon as per the requirements of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011. The primary objective of the Code of Practice is to set standards and clearly define what is expected of all individuals engaged in the care and management of registered greyhounds.
Greyhound welfare at Bord na gCon is managed by the Welfare Manager who can call upon three area stipendiary stewards and thirteen control stewards to conduct investigations of stray or mistreated greyhounds, conduct kennel inspections and investigate other welfare related incidents which have been reported to Bord na gCon. The Welfare Manager, all area stipendiary stewards and all control stewards have been appointed by Bord na gCon as Welfare Officers under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011.
The limit on the number of litters a brood bitch may whelp is governed by Article 11 (3) of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011. These provisions are enforced in the following manner:
when a brood bitch is mated to produce a sixth litter, the breeder is informed at that time that they may only have a further two litters, provided the brood is certified by a veterinary surgeon as being fit to be mated. Breeders are further advised when they have reached the seventh litter stage.
The ICC has assured me that it is operating in compliance with the provisions of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011, including provisions in relation to the registration of greyhounds in the studbook.
I understand that a rule amendment is currently being prepared by the ICC which stipulates that a litter born in Ireland must be registered in Ireland and cannot be accommodated in the UK stud book thereby preventing circumvention of Article 11 (3) of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011.
342. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the recent winner of the Produce Stakes in Clonmel in County Tipperary was compliant with all the provisions of the Greyhound Industry Acts; if he has ever requested the Irish Greyhound Board to discontinue breaching the Greyhound Industry Acts, with specific reference to running reserves in competitions where the winning greyhound receives €5,000 or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26437/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na gCon (BNG) is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of greyhound racing under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. The issue that the Deputy raises regarding the running of reserves in competitions is an operational matter for BNG.
I expect BNG to fully comply with the provisions of all the greyhound legislation, including the various Statutory Instruments introduced from time to time dealing with a variety of issues.
I am advised by Bord an gCon that it has been their custom and practice to permit substitute greyhounds into the first round of all Sweepstakes but that reserves are not permitted into any subsequent rounds. Greyhounds in subsequent rounds must have qualified based on the previous round performance.
I have requested BNG to ensure that it takes the necessary actions to ensure that greyhound entries in competitions are in compliance with the legislative provisions.
343. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of all the sections of the Greyhound Industry Acts, the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 and artificial insemination legislation that he is aware that some greyhound owners have breached or are allowed to ignore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26438/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na gCon is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of greyhound racing under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. It has specific powers conferred on it by the Greyhound Industry (Racing) Regulations 2007, S.I. 302 of 2007, which set out the detailed rules under which greyhound racing is conducted. The Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is the controlling authority for the breeding and coursing of greyhounds. The ICC is subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon under Section 26(2) of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958.
The Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 specifies standards for greyhound welfare, establishes a register of Greyhound Breeding Establishments and regulates their operation. A code of Practice in the care and welfare of the greyhound has been established and published by Bord na gCon as per the requirements of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011. The primary objective of the Code of Practice is to set standards and clearly define what is expected of all individuals engaged in the care and management of registered greyhounds.
Greyhound welfare at Bord na gCon is managed by the Welfare Manager who can call upon three area stipendiary stewards and thirteen control stewards to conduct investigations of stray or mistreated greyhounds, conduct kennel inspections and investigate other welfare related incidents which have been reported to Bord na gCon. The Welfare Manager, all area stipendiary stewards and all control stewards have been appointed by Bord na gCon as Welfare Officers under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011.
Detailed rules governing the practice of the artificial insemination of greyhounds were set down in the Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds Regulations, 2005, (S.I. No. 561 of 2005), which were made by BNG under Section 39 of the Act.
My Department was informed by BNG in early 2013 that procedural issues had arisen in relation to the registration of greyhounds conceived following artificial insemination which were at variance with the provisions set down in the 2005 regulations. These provided for a two-year limit on the use of semen for artificial insemination following the death of a stud dog; thereafter any unused semen had to be destroyed.
Arising from this, my Department requested BNG to pursue the issue with the ICC, following which BNG introduced new legislation in this area, namely “Artificial Insemination of greyhounds (Amendment) Regulations 2014”, removing the two-year limit.
I am informed by Bord na gCon that in conjunction with the Irish Coursing Club they have carried out preliminary research and discussions with various experts in the areas of Quantitative Genetics, Animal & Bioscience Research and Canine Genetics on the specific aspects such as
- Pedigree analysis of inbreeding levels and rate of accumulation of inbreeding in the Irish Greyhound
- Developing a breeding program to ensure long term gains while simultaneously managing genetic diversity
- The impact on the age of semen or age of semen donor on gene mutation rate.
Following on from this, I understand that Bord na gCon have commissioned a scientific study dealing with topics outlined above with a view to assisting the Board in relation to policy development in this area.
344. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has ever requested the Irish Greyhound Board to desist from breaking the law or guidelines regarding public procurement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26439/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra345. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the fact that the Comptroller and Auditor General has stated that the Irish Greyhound Board is in breach of public procurement guidelines in the 2013 accounts, and in view of the fact that the board has been in breach of these guidelines since he became Minister, the measures he and his Department have taken to encourage the board to comply with the law and guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26440/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra346. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that the Irish Greyhound Board has not breached public procurement guidelines for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26441/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 344 to 346, inclusive, together.
Bord na gCon is a statutory body responsible for the regulation of greyhound racing under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958. It is required to conduct its business in accordance with public procurement and other rules.
As I have already outlined to the Deputy in Parliamentary Question No 25646 of 25 June 2015 my Department commissioned Indecon consultants to carry out a review of certain matters relating to Bord na gCon, including matters relating to governance, finance, regulation and welfare.
That review noted the C&AG’s findings in relation to procurement, but also indicated that Bord na gCon had improved its procurement function by appointing a procurement officer in August 2013. I understand from Bord na gCon that a significant amount of work has been undertaken since then, including the development and introduction of new protocols relating to the purchase of goods and services, a review of procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with EU public Procurement Directive 2004/18/EC (European and National legislation) and the Code of Corporate Governance.
Following on from the publication of the Indecon Report in July 2014, Bord na gCon submitted an action plan in October 2014 with timelines for implementing the 27 recommendations in the Indecon report dealing with governance, finance, regulation and welfare. This action plan has been published on the Bord na gCon website.
Currently Bord na gCon has six procurement projects underway. All requested procurement information and documentation was provided to the C& AG in respect of its 2014 audit and Bord na gCon is currently awaiting the outcome of this audit.
Bord na gCon regularly updates my Department with regard to the implementation of the recommendations in the Indecon report, with a view to ensuring that the greyhound industry can reach its full potential and prosper into the future.
347. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Defence the welfare of migrants taken aboard the LÉ Eithne on 22 June 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25756/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing Government approval the L.É. Eithne arrived in the South Central Mediterranean on 23 May 2015, to assist the Italian authorities in humanitarian search and rescue operations.
The role of the Irish Naval vessel is to provide a search and rescue capability and to undertake humanitarian rescue operations at sea in the Mediterranean. Assistance to persons in distress at sea is being provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of international conventions governing search and rescue situations. Co-ordination of search and rescue efforts and the provision of humanitarian assistance is being achieved by close co-operation with the Italian authorities.
L.É. Eithne is deployed on the high seas in international waters between Sicily and Libya, which is where most migrant activity and search and rescue incidents have occurred. To date, L.É. Eithne has been involved in 22 rescue operations resulting in the rescue of circa 3,376 migrants.
Following their rescue, once on board the Irish Naval Vessel, migrants are provided as required with medical assistance, food, water and dry clothes. The migrants are then either transported to a port in Italy, or transferred to another international naval vessel, as advised by the Italian authorities.
The Department of Defence does not have any information on the welfare of the migrants following disembarkation in Italy as this is a matter for the Italian authorities.
Our focus will remain on continuing to assist the Italian authorities in the humanitarian search and rescue operation efforts to prevent further tragedy and loss of life at sea.
348. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Defence if he will support an extension of Circular 51/1979, leave from State employment for members of the Reserve Defence Force, to include all State bodies, including the Health Information and Quality Authority, which were established after the circular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25985/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraCircular 51/1979 provides for special leave for civil servants who are members of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) in respect of attendance at annual RDF training courses. In relation to other public bodies, specific policies relating to special leave are dealt with on a sectoral basis by the appropriate responsible Minister, factoring in the specific human resource requirements in the individual sector. It is therefore a matter for the relevant Ministers to determine the conditions and circumstances under which public servants in these bodies, who are members of the Reserve Defence Force, would have access to special leave to attend such courses.
349. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence his plans to address the reasonable proposals put forward in correspondence (details supplied), so as to facilitate this infantry battalion without incurring additional costs; if he will have same examined in detail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26029/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe accommodation requirements of the Mullingar RDF unit have recently been reviewed. The available facilities in Columb Barracks have also been assessed. It is clear that substantial refurbishment work would have to be completed if Columb Barrack was to be used by the RDF. A cost estimate of the required refurbishment work is being prepared. Any proposals for future use must of course be shown to be cost effective regarding any refurbishment required and the ongoing maintenance and utility costs which will be incurred in using the Barracks. It must also be remembered that the property is no longer required for military use. My focus is on the long - term capability of the Defence Forces and the future of the property must be considered in that context.
Regarding Civil Defence, the position is that the provision of accommodation for local Civil Defence Units is in the first instance a matter for the relevant local authority and no proposal has been received from them in this regard.
350. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide, in tabular form by county, for 2014 and for 2015 to date, the number of call-outs by the air ambulance operated by the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26216/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of missions completed, by county for 2014 and to 31 May 2015, of the Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) service operated by the Air Corps is as set out in the following tabular statement.
|
County |
2014 |
2015 |
|
Carlow |
4 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
6 |
8 |
|
Clare |
16 |
7 |
|
Cork |
10 |
2 |
|
Donegal |
14 |
17 |
|
Dublin |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway |
34 |
11 |
|
Kerry |
10 |
4 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
2 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
1 |
|
Laois |
13 |
6 |
|
Leitrim |
6 |
2 |
|
Limerick |
20 |
5 |
|
Longford |
21 |
6 |
|
Louth |
5 |
4 |
|
Mayo |
43 |
17 |
|
Meath |
2 |
4 |
|
Monaghan |
12 |
2 |
|
Offaly |
24 |
11 |
|
Roscommon |
41 |
12 |
|
Sligo |
13 |
3 |
|
Tipperary |
28 |
14 |
|
Waterford |
3 |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
19 |
3 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
5 |
6 |
|
TOTALS |
353 |
147 |
351. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Defence if a 50th anniversary medal for a combatant of the War of Independence (details supplied) will be awarded posthumously to the person's family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26354/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommemorative medals were issued to Veterans on the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising in 1966 (1916 Survivors’ Medal) and the 50th anniversary of the Truce in 1971 (Truce (1921) Commemoration Medal). These were only issued to qualifying Veterans who were alive when the relevant commemorative medal was issued. I have asked my officials to retrieve the relevant Departmental files from the Military Archives in order to examine the case of the individual in question and to write to the Deputy regarding the matter.
352. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she or her officials were ever informed, or if they were suspicious, of their mobile phones being monitored by the authorities of the United States of America or others; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26429/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am not aware of any specific information to the effect that my mobile phone or those of my officials have been monitored by the US authorities. It is generally understood that friendly relationships between states include acceptance of the principle that the privacy of communications must be respected and I would expect that to be the case.
As the Deputy will be aware concerns have been raised previously about the general issue of the possible monitoring of the communications of Irish citizens by the US Authorities. This is a matter that was raised by my predecessor with the US Attorney General, Eric Holder when the issues attracted some prominence during the course of Ireland's Presidency of the EU. In that regard, the US Attorney General provided clarity on a number of issues, in particular that any data collected was done so under judicial authority and only where there was a reasonable suspicion of serious crime, such as terrorism or cybersecurity/cybercrime.
353. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when she expects the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 to be enacted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25757/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will understand that it is not possible for me to predict the outcome of the legislative process with regard to this, or any other Bill. However, I can say that the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 passed Dáil Committee Stage on 17 June 2015. Preparations are currently being made to bring the Bill to the Dáil for Report Stage, with a view to enactment later this year.
354. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in relation to the investigation into the death of a person (details supplied), the reason the person's family are not being given access to the video footage that was hidden from them for 13 and a half years, along with other evidence that is stored in the Garda station in Portlaoise, County Laois, given that they are in a unique position to know what to look for in the footage. [25780/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra355. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason recent evidence of a statement given to An Garda Síochána in Clara, County Offaly in the first week of a person's (details supplied) disappearance, which clearly indicates that the person was assaulted and hit on the head by the door of a car, was not disclosed over the past 13 years and was not forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions. [25781/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra356. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason gardaí from Tullamore and Clara, County Offaly or Abbeyleix, County Laois brought vital evidence in relation to the investigation into the death of a person (details supplied) to Portlaoise Garda station, County Laois and failed to reveal it to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Garda Commissioner and the Minister; and the steps being taken to investigate these matters. [25782/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 354 to 356, inclusive, together.
I have no role in the investigation, prosecution or trial of alleged offences. This is a long standing principle of our system of justice. The role of An Garda Síochána is to investigate alleged offences, to gather whatever evidence may be available and to submit a report to the DPP. I am, however, advised by the Garda Commissioner that a review of the video tapes referred to by the Deputy is underway to see if they were viewed as part of the original investigation, the subsequent review and their importance or relevance. The examination of any evidence in the context of a criminal investigation is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. I have no function in this regard. However, I understand that legal advice has been sought by the Garda Síochána in relation to permitting the family to view the tapes in a controlled environment.
The case is amongst those being considered under the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, which have been made to me as Minister for Justice and Equality, or the Taoiseach, or other public representatives with a view to determining to what extent and in what manner further action may be required in each case. A panel consisting of two Senior and five Junior Counsel, all selected on the basis of their experience of the criminal justice system, was established for the purpose. I have already indicated that I have decided to appoint a former judicial figure to advise on the preparation of notification letters to those whose cases were referred to the Panel in relation to the recommendations made by counsel. Retired High Court Judge Mr Justice Roderick Murphy has agreed to undertake this task. Following the review of the complaint by counsel in this particular case a recommendation will be made to my Department and the outcome will be notified to the person concerned as soon as possible.
357. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there will be an opportunity to make submissions to her on the recommendations put forward by the working group before the recommendations are considered by her and approved by the Cabinet on the protection process and the direct provision system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25851/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra358. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date the working group's report on improvements to the protection process and the direct provision system is expected to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25852/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 358 together.
The Independent Working Group to report to Government on what improvements should be made to the protection process, including Direct Provision and supports for asylum seekers, was set up in October 2014 under the Chairmanship of former High Court Judge, Dr. Bryan McMahon. Its membership was drawn from a range of interests in the international protection area including UNHCR, non-governmental organisations, protection applicants, academia, and relevant Government Departments and Offices. The Report of the Working Group was submitted to Government today and is being published this afternoon. The Report is being published in the first instance to allow for as wide an audience as possible to absorb its content and recommendations. As with any Report of this nature it is open to any interested parties to comment on the Report and its recommendations.
