Written Answers Nos. 113 - 130
113. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the disadvantaged areas scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35314/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme was received from the person named on 25 May 2015. Processing of the application is currently in progress. On completion of this process, the application will be further reviewed with a view to payment issuing directly to the nominated bank account of the person named at the earliest possible date.
114. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an investigation has been undertaken into the escape of farmed salmon in Bantry Bay in February 2014; if a report on the occurrence will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35333/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s examination of the damage to structures at an aquaculture site in Bantry, County Cork arising from severe weather conditions last year is ongoing. This examination is detailed and involves all engineering, scientific, environmental and technical matters associated with the incident. It also involves active engagement and consultation with relevant Government Departments and State Agencies. In view of the ongoing nature of the examination it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
115. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment for 2015 under the areas of natural constraints scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35358/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme was received from the person named on 13 April 2015; processing of this is currently in progress. On completion of this process, the application will be further reviewed with a view to payment issuing directly to the nominated bank account of the person named at the earliest possible date.
116. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment for 2015 under the areas of natural constraints scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35359/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme was received from the person named on 29 April 2015. Processing of the application has recently been finalised. Payment issued to the nominated bank account of the person named on 1 October 2015.
117. 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 a payment under the areas of natural constraints scheme; when the person will receive payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35423/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme was received from the person named on 19 May 2015. Processing of the application has recently been finalised. Payment is now issuing directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
118. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a payment under the areas of natural constraints scheme has not issued to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35425/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2015 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme application on 30 April 2015. 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. This inspection is currently being processed with the intention of issuing any payment due under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.
Advance payments under the Basic Payment Scheme will commence issuing from 16 October 2015 to eligible applicants whose applications are fully processed.
119. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views that Ireland's agricultural interests will be protected under the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35433/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn EU-US deal under the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is of significant importance for Ireland. The US is one of our leading trading partners, and we have a large and growing agri-food trade surplus with them (exports of €570m last year, compared to imports of €268m). The drinks industry currently accounts for over 60% of the value of exports. We have significant offensive interests in the TTIP negotiations. For example, we see worthwhile opportunities in the US for cheese, powdered milks and sports products, and further opportunities for branded packaged butter, if we can remove some regulatory barriers. Prepared consumer foods and fish could also benefit from trade liberalisation.
Beef is a unique sector in that we have both offensive and defensive interests. In the long term, any significant increase in beef imports to the EU could have adverse effects on the Irish industry. That was confirmed by a number of recent studies and is an issue we have raised strongly with the European Commission. Admittedly, adverse effects look much less likely at present, as US prices are currently at historic highs. But it does mean that we have legitimate concerns about the size, composition and administration of any quota offered to the US.
Of course, we should also seek a significant EU quota for beef to the US as part of any TTIP agreement. Following the re-opening of the market, Irish beef exports now fall under a 65,000 tonne quota for ‘other countries’ on a first come, first served basis. This is mainly filled by Latin American countries. When we get access for manufacturing beef - which I hope will be soon - we would stand to benefit greatly from a specific EU import quota in the US and this can only be achieved through TTIP.
A number of key issues in these negotiations arise in relation to hormone treated beef, food standards, GMOs and Geographical indicators. All of these arose in the Canadian negotiations and were resolved and I believe they can also be resolved in TTIP.
120. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will receive a payment under the disadvantaged areas scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35438/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme was received from the person named on 13 April 2015. Processing of the application has recently been finalised. Payment issued to the nominated bank account of the person named on 1 October 2015.
121. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an application for Scottish derogation submitted by a farmer (details supplied) in County Cork; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35440/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application for allocation of entitlements under the ‘Scottish Derogation’ measure of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). This application was received on 7 May 2015. Processing of applications under the ‘Scottish Derogation’ measure is at an advanced stage. A letter will issue to each applicant shortly informing them of the status of their application.
122. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a payment under the agri-environment options scheme 3 has not issued to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; when it will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35446/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for participation in the 2012 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 3) with effect from 1 May 2013. 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 an issue arose relating to leased parcels. My Department has already been in contact with the herd-owner’s agent requesting a valid lease agreement with the relevant maps, folios etc. Once this has been received, the case can be examined further.
123. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payments under the disadvantaged areas and single farm schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35455/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2015 Basic Payments / Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme was received from the person named on 1 April 2015. Processing of the ANC Scheme application has recently been finalised and payment issued to the nominated bank account of the person named on 5 October 2015. In relation to the Basic Payment Scheme and Greening Payment, I am pleased to confirm that advance payments will commence in Ireland on 16 October 2015, which is the earliest that payments can commence under the governing EU Regulations. In addition, I can confirm that the level of the advance payment is set at 70% for 2015 rather than the normal 50%. The increase in the advance payment for 2015 is, in particular, due to the difficulties encountered in the dairying and pigmeat sectors. Payments under the Basic Payment Scheme will commence in respect of applicants whose applications are fully processed and who have no outstanding errors from 16 October 2015.
124. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for a grant for persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35457/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2015 Basic Payments/Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2015. The person named requested a change to reference areas in respect of some of the parcels declared. However, maps in relation to these amendments were not included with the application. This query has been raised with the person named and processing of the application will be finalised upon receipt of these maps with the intention of issuing payments under both Basic Payment and Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise, officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.
125. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has received all the necessary information from persons (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of an application for the 2015 national reserve for young farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35463/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe persons named have submitted an application under the 2015 National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme. All necessary documentation requested to date has been received. Processing of applications is under way which involves administrative and on farm checks and verification of land details submitted under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme application. These checks are required under EU Regulations. When all checks have been completed and processing of applications has been finalised, my Department will correspond directly with each applicant to advise them of the outcome of their application.
Payments to successful applicants under the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme will commence early in December 2015.
126. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a payment under the disadvantaged areas and single payment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35515/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2015 Basic Payments/Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme was received from the person named on 20 April 2015. Processing of the ANC Scheme application has recently been finalised. Payment will issue shortly directly to the nominated bank account of the person named. In relation to the Basic Payment Scheme and Greening Payment, I am pleased to confirm that advance payments will commence in Ireland on 16 October 2015, which is the earliest that payments can commence under the governing EU Regulations. In addition, I can confirm that the level of the advance payment is set at 70% for 2015 rather than the normal 50%. The increase in the advance payment for 2015 is, in particular, due to the difficulties encountered in the dairying and pigmeat sectors. Payments under the Basic Payment Scheme will commence in respect of applicants whose applications are fully processed and who have no outstanding errors from 16 October 2015.
127. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an application for a herd number by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35521/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs expected, there was a considerable increase in activity in relation to herd numbers arising from the new Basic Payments Scheme negotiated in the context of CAP reform. As a result, there was a significant increase, earlier this year, in applicants to my Department’s Regional Veterinary Offices for new herd numbers and amendments to existing herd numbers. These requests were processed as quickly as possible. In this context, priority was given to cases relating to applicants under the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme where a minimum stocking density requirement exists. An application under the ANC Scheme was received from the person named on 20 May 2015. Payment under the ANC Scheme has not yet issued as, at this stage, the holding concerned has not yet satisfied the Scheme minimum stocking density requirements for 2015.
A herdnumber was issued in respect of the holding of the person named on 10 June 2015. The ANC scheme’s eligibility rules require the maintenance of 0.15 livestock units for each forage hectare declared, from this period until year end.
An examination of end of year data will be undertaken in early January 2016. This exercise will establish the definitive position of the holding of the person named. Should that revalidation confirm that the holding has satisfied the Scheme requirements since inception of the herdnumber, the case will be further processed with a view to payment issuing at the earliest possible date thereafter.
128. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 120 of 21 January 2015 regarding the 2011 Killybegs jobs initiative, in which the establishment of a local implementation group in 2012 to enhance project delivery was confirmed, the names of the members of this group; the work which it has undertaken to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35523/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra136. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 120 of 21 January 2015 regarding the 2011 jobs initiative in Killybegs in County Donegal in which the establishment of a local implementation group in 2012 to enhance project delivery was confirmed; if he will provide the details of the minutes of each meeting held by the group since its formation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35635/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra141. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the work of the Killybegs employment implementation group; the number of jobs created, and in what sectors, since the announcement of the group in July 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35674/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 128, 136 and 141 together.
On 3 June 2011, I announced a pilot jobs initiative for Killybegs, following the launch of an economic report for the European Commission, which assessed the status, development and potential diversification of Killybegs as a fisheries dependent community. The aim of this initiative was to create 250 cross sectoral jobs in the Killybegs area by 2014. Seafood processing was just one of the areas identified as having the potential to create additional employment.
To drive forward the initiative, I established a High Level Group on Job Creation in the Killybegs Region and requested that the Group identify the potential actions required to deliver job creation in the following five key areas, that is; promoting seafood value added activity; enhancing ancillary services; developing offshore supports; promoting tourism and marine leisure; and promoting the green economy and renewable energy.
The High Level Group comprised representatives of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation (who chaired the Group), Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Donegal County Council, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Enterprise Ireland, local industry and from my Department. BIM provided secretariat services to assist the chair.
The High Level Group finished its work in 2011 and its Report is available on my Department’s website at:
http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/publications/2011/KBHLGReport.pdf.
Since 2012, a local implementation group reporting to Donegal County Council has taken on responsibility for driving forward the initiative. Bord Iascaigh Mhara provide advice to the Group as requested on any aspects relevant to the responsibilities of my Department. Donegal County Council may assist the Deputy with the specific details requested.
I am informed by Bord Iascaigh Mhara that by the end of 2014, 89 jobs had been created in seafood processing companies in the Killybegs area. I do not have information available to me on jobs created in areas outside of my area of responsibility.
It is clear that the future is very promising for the seafood industry generally and Killybegs is central to that growth story. While the Killybegs Jobs Initiative was important in terms of fostering a diversified blue economy in Killybegs, seafood will continue to be the driver of economic growth for Killybegs in the years to come.
The seafood sector continues to be a high-growth area of the economy and indeed of our food industry. Exports have grown 70% since 2009 and the sector is now worth €850 million in sales. Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Bord Bia are working with seafood companies in Killybegs and elsewhere around our coast to grow the sector to €1 billion in the next few years. This will be driven by our seafood processing sector adding value to commodity products, innovating and developing new consumer seafood products, with the assistance of BIM’s Seafood Development Centres in Clonakilty and Killybegs, and winning new markets for Ireland’s top quality seafood.
Earlier this year, I announced a new €241 million Seafood Development Operational Programme under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. This new Programme will double the level of supports for the sustainable development of the seafood sector over the coming years. I expect that the new Programme will be adopted by the European Commission by December. My Department is working with Bord Iascaigh Mhara to have a range of supports ready to launch from the start of 2016 to support and promote the sustainable growth of the processing, aquaculture and fishing sectors through that Programme.
129. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment under the disadvantaged areas scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35584/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme was received from the person named on 28 April 2015. Payment issued directly to the nominated bank account of the person named on 22 September 2015, the earliest possible payment date.
130. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment under the disadvantaged areas scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35585/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme was received from the person named on 17 May 2015. Processing of the application is currently in progress. On completion of this process, the application will be further reviewed with a view to payment issuing directly to the nominated bank account of the person named at the earliest possible date.
