Written Answers Nos. 269 - 289
269. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will examine and expedite a single payment to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41654/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application under the Basic Payment Scheme on 25 May, 2015.
The person named has requested changes to the reference areas of two land parcels. However, the appropriate maps outlining the requested amendments were not submitted with the request. An official from my Department has been in contact with the person named, and the Department has issued the person named the relevant maps for amendment. On receipt of the required information my Department will further process the application with a view to issuing payment to the nominated bank account of the herd owner in question.
270. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway under the 2015 areas of natural constraint scheme and the basic payment scheme; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41659/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2015 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme application on 28 May 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 payments due under the Direct Payments Schemes as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.
271. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when decisions will be made on applications from young farmers under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme 2 who applied under the dairy measure, given the urgency for them to be able to invest in dairy equipment before the new season commences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41691/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new TAMS measure will make €395m available to Irish farmers for investing in on-farm infrastructure, facilities and equipment. All TAMS schemes have been opened and the applications received under the first tranches of both the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme and the Dairy Equipment Scheme are now being processed.
Interest in TAMS to date has exceeded expectations and clearly many Irish farmers are looking once again at the benefits of investing in their enterprises and expanding production. Under the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme a total of 520 applications have been received with over 200 of these applying for dairy investments while over a thousand applications have been submitted for the Dairy Equipment Scheme.
All applications received are being examined and approvals will commence when all of the required checks have been undertaken. This is a complex process and as all applications for TAMS 2 must be made under a tranche-based approach, we are required to evaluate, rank and assess all applications received together.
272. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an application for grant aid from a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme 2, dairy equipment scheme, will be approved given that it was submitted in early October 2015 and given that the person needs approval to ensure the work proceeds, as otherwise it will have to postponed for another year or alternatively the person will risk losing the 40% grant; if all such applications will be approved without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41723/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new TAMS measure will make €395m available to Irish farmers for investing in on-farm infrastructure, facilities and equipment. All TAMS schemes have been opened and the applications received under the first tranches of both the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme and the Dairy Equipment Scheme are now being processed.
All applications received are being examined and approvals will commence when all of the required checks have been undertaken. This is a complex process and as all applications for TAMS 2 must be made under a tranche-based approach, we are required to evaluate, rank and assess all applications received together. In the case of the named applicant he is now operating as a company but has applied for the Dairy Equipment Scheme as an individual. In this case he will be required to resubmit an application as a company. In addition, any work which is begun in advance of approval is automatically ineligible for support.
273. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments under the basic payment scheme and the areas of natural constraint scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41726/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme/Areas of Natural Constraint schemes was received from the person named on 21 April, 2015. Processing of the application has recently been finalised and payment will issue directly to the nominated bank account of the person named shortly.
274. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the basic payment scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41733/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted two 2015 Private Contract Clause applications to my Department. These applications have been fully processed and payment under the Basic Payment Scheme will issue shortly.
275. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will develop native honey production as a food product, given that 90% of honey consumption is imported and given that this product has huge potential for job creation if proper supports and specialist training courses for persons who wish to enter this market are put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41770/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe value of honey produced in Ireland in 2014 was estimated at slightly over €3m. The value fluctuates from year to year depending on the climatic conditions during the summer. There are almost 2,500 beekeepers in the country. Over 56% of these have 3 colonies or less whilst only 3% or approximately 70 beekeepers have more than 50 colonies. Only 5 beekeepers have over 150 colonies which many would consider to be a commercial apiary.
One of the major issues facing beekeeping is the issue of bee health and my Department recognises the importance of maintaining and further developing a healthy honey bee population. With this in mind, the signing into law of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 repealed the out-dated 1908 Bee Pest Prevention Act. American Foulbrood and the Small Hive Beetle are both notifiable diseases under the Notification and Control of Animal Diseases Regulations 2014 (SI No. 110 of 2014). While American Foulbrood has existed in Ireland for many years the Small Hive Beetle has never been found in Ireland. In response to the 2014 outbreak of Small Hive Beetle in Italy my Department established a sentinel apiary programme earlier this year. This programme was established with the support of the Federation of Irish Beekeeping Associations and the Native Irish Honey Bee Society. A similar programme has also been rolled out across Northern Ireland. The sentinel apiary programme is designed with the objective of providing early notification in the event that any exotic pest or disease affecting honey bees arrives in Ireland.
In addition, a bee diagnostic service is operated from the Teagasc laboratories at Teagasc, Oakpark in Carlow. Analysis of approximately 300 samples submitted by beekeepers each year are carried out.
My Department also provides grant aid to Beekeepers under the national Horticultural Grant Scheme. The current Scheme is advertised on the Department's website with a closing date of 18 December 2015. In recognition of the smaller scale of beekeeping compared with other sectors of horticulture a minimum investment of €2,000 is required compared to €10,000 for other areas of horticulture.
The Department also provides an annual grant to the Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations (FIBKA). The objective is to assist FIBKA meet its operating costs and thereby allow the association promote the craft of beekeeping among its members, including the organising of training courses as well as informing the general public of the role of bees in our environment.
276. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments under the basic payments scheme and the areas of natural constraint scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41783/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2015 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme was received in my Department from the person named on 8 April 2015.
Payment under Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme has not issued to the person named, at this stage, as the holding concerned has not satisfied the Scheme’s minimum stocking density requirements.
Under the 2015 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme, eligible applicants are required to have met a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units for a retention period of seven consecutive months and to maintain an annual average of 0.15 livestock units calculated over the twelve months of the scheme year. The above named became eligible for the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme on the 6 May 2015 and must hold the required amount of livestock units (2.45 livestock units) until 7 December 2015. When the holding is deemed to have met this requirement, payment will issue at the earliest date.
The person named submitted a 2015 Basic Payment Scheme application form on 8 April 2015. As they had leased out their land and entitlements in the 2013 Scheme year they were not eligible to receive a direct payment in 2013 and therefore did not qualify for an automatic allocation right of Basic Payment Scheme entitlements under the new CAP reform.
The person named submitted an application to have their entitlement situation reviewed. This review is currently being processed. My Department wrote to the person named on 9 November to request additional information to support their Review application. On receipt of this information the review application will be finalised and the person named will be notified accordingly.
277. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of companies in County Donegal which have received funding and grant aid from Bord Iascaigh Mhara, by name and by the total amount received for each year from 2005 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41784/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPayments by Bord Iascaigh Mhara to seafood companies under various grant schemes are an operational matter for BIM. I have forwarded the Deputy’s Question to BIM for direct response.
278. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive payment under the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41785/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently examining approximately 400 cases that submitted invoices from one particular company to verify and support claims under the non-productive capital investment action of AEOS. It is known that in some cases the invoices submitted were for amounts different to those actually paid by the participants.
Funding provided under the scheme comes partly from the EU and partly from the National Exchequer. There is a requirement and obligation to ensure that the expenditure claimed by scheme participants reflects the reality of what took place. For that reason my Department wrote to participants requesting alternative proof that the amounts claimed were in fact the amounts paid.
The person named above was written to on 11 June 2015 regarding the non-productive capital investment claim that they had submitted. This letter requested the submission of alternative verifiable proof to support one of the invoices that was included in the claim for expenditure incurred. A reply to this letter was received on 29 June last.
My Department officials carefully examined the application in light of this reply; this examination indicated that the amount claimed had not been satisfactorily verified and that the amounts claimed were greater than the costs in verified cases. A letter informing the applicant of this determination, and of the proposed penalty to be imposed, was issued on 14 October. This letter also offered the applicant an opportunity to have the determination reviewed within the Department and to submit additional information if they wished not later than 30 October.
A request for a review was received on 21 October last. The details included in this review are currently being examined and a decision will issue, in writing, to the person concerned shortly.
279. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine why a person (details supplied) has not received a payment under the single payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41794/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecords held by my Department indicate that the herd number held by the person named was changed to include other persons in May 2015. There were Basic Payment Scheme Entitlement Allocation Rights and Reference Values recorded in the single name on the herd number and to date my Department has not received a request to transfer these into the new names on the herd number. In order to facilitate payment under the Basic Payment Scheme my Department has written to the owners of the herd number requesting that they complete an application to have these Allocation Rights and Reference Values transferred. When the completed form has been returned to my Department it will be processed and payment under the Basic Payment Scheme will issue shortly thereafter.
280. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine why a person (details supplied) has not received a payment under the single payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41795/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2015 Basic Payment /Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme application on 23 April 2015. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases on farm inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a ground eligibility inspection. This inspection is currently being processed with the intention of issuing any payments due under the Direct Payments Schemes as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.
281. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on an appeal in relation to an over-claim that was submitted by this Deputy dated 14 May 2015 on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the details of the decision made; the effects this decision will have on past, current and future payments under the areas of natural constraint scheme and the basic payment scheme; the reason for the delay, if a decision has not been made on the appeal; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41798/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2014 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 5 May 2014. This application was subject to a Land Parcel Identification System review, which identified ineligible areas. Following further examination of the application the determined area has been re-evaluated, and my Department is currently in the process of issuing any outstanding payments due to the person named.
Payments under the 2015 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraints schemes have issued directly to the nominated bank account of the person named in respect of 28.13 determined hectares.
282. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when persons (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a farm payment. [41806/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 1 May, 2015. Processing of this application has recently been finalised and payment will issue to the nominated bank account of the person named shortly.
283. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will regulate the farrier trade to ensure that horse owners have access to a register of qualified farriers, and to ensure that the farrier they employ is suitably qualified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41807/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently in the process of finalising secondary legislation to recognise a range of service providers, including farriers. While the regulations are at an advanced stage, I am anxious to accommodate, insofar as possible, the range of views which have been put forward in the context of the consultation process. I am hopeful that this current phase of consultations will enable outstanding issues to be resolved and that the regulations will be finalised at an early date.
284. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the north west herring fishery will re-open; if he will ensure that there is a ring-fenced quota for vessels under ten metres in length; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41808/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation with North Western Herring is complex. Historically there were two herring stocks in the north western waters and correspondingly two separate ICES Total Allowable Catch (TAC) areas - VIa South/VIIb,c and VIa North. Ireland has a 92% share of VIa south and a 15% share of VIa north.
The TAC for 2015 for VIa south is zero. A mid year review of this stock was undertaken following new advice and a benchmarking exercise by ICES and the advice for 2015 was not changed. This ICES advice for 2016 is for a zero TAC for both areas and recommends a re-building plan. There is within the advice the possibility of a reduced TAC that would be applicable to both areas. The added complexity is that while it is scientifically acknowledged that there are two separate herring stocks it has not proven possible to provide separate scientific advice. Work is ongoing on this issue but it may take some time before it is possible to supply such separate advice.
The European Commission has yet to make any proposal for North West Herring for 2016. I will be arguing strongly in advance of the December Fisheries Council that a small commercial catch for both areas is justified by the scientific advice and such a quota will facilitate the ongoing work to separate the two stocks. I am also fully supportive of a rebuilding plan as recommended by ICES and supported by the Pelagic Advisory Council.
Consequently, with regard to this stock, my first priority is to try and convince the EU Commission that a small commercial catch is justified. In that regard, I will be working closely with the UK Minister, in particular, who has a strong interest in the VIa north stock and I will be seeking to reach agreement on the allocations between the areas for any such TAC. If I am successful in that endeavour, and given that the TACs and associated quotas are likely to be modest, I will be considering the allocation of this quota on an exceptional basis in consultation with stakeholders taking account of the interests of small operators who have limited other pelagic opportunities.
285. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the difficulties arising for some young farmers due to the date for enrolment for the green certificate being brought forward from 30 September 2016 to 31 December 2015; of the particular concerns for some young persons who had emigrated and who were planning to return home to take up farming in 2016; if the original date of 30 September 2016 will be restored as the qualifying date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41837/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplicants to the 2015 National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme who had not yet commenced their FETAC Level 6 or equivalent agricultural education course were required to register for training with an agricultural education provider prior to submitting their application under the schemes. The education provider issued the prospective applicant with an expression of interest letter which the young farmer was required to enclose as part of the supporting documentation with the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme application.
In order to provide for the maximum number of entrants to the schemes it was decided that young farmers and new entrants who commenced their agricultural education courses prior to September 2016 would qualify under the educational requirements of the schemes in 2015. The EU Commission has recently advised that in order to qualify and receive payment in 2015 under the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme, applicants must have commenced their agricultural education course before the end of 2015. Arrangements are being put in place with the agricultural colleges and each applicant concerned will be given an opportunity to initiate their training in 2015.
The Regulation governing the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme requires young farmers to have set up their agricultural holding for the first time or to have set up such a holding during the five years preceding the first submission of the Basic Payment Scheme application. In order to qualify for the 2015 National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme the applicant must have commenced farming in 2015. Young persons who plan to take up farming in 2016 will only be eligible to apply for the National Reserve or Young Farmers Scheme from 2016 and in this regard they will be required to commence their agricultural educational course in 2016.
286. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the degree of utilisation, and his future plans, for St. Bricin’s military hospital and the associated lands within this important eight acre site in Dublin’s north inner city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41603/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile commonly known as St Bricin’s Hospital, in practice, this is a military medical facility and only provides General Practitioner and limited out-patient services. There have been no lying-in facilities utilised for Defence Forces personnel in St. Bricin’s since December 2012.
The closure of St. Bricin’s Hospital, Dublin and other military establishments was announced as part of the Budget in October, 2008. The decision was linked to the decentralisation programme. As part of the implementation of the Government decision to relocate the Defence Forces HQ under decentralisation, it was proposed that services being provided by St. Bricin’s would transfer to the Curragh. That decision included a provision that St. Bricin’s would remain in operation as a military medical facility pending the provision of suitable alternative facilities. It was anticipated at the time that St. Bricin’s would be disposed of, taking account of market conditions, so as to maximise the return to the Defence Forces and generate funding for reinvestment in Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure in accordance with Government policy.
To date it has not proved possible to provide alternative facilities within available resources and the Defence Forces priorities in relation to infrastructure investment. As such, St. Bricin’s will continue as a military medical facility providing medical services for members of the Defence Forces for the foreseeable future.
287. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 8 October 2015, if the Chief of Staff has as yet reported to him with his findings and recommendations in regard to the review of the fire on board the LÉ Cliona on 29 May 1962; if he has considered those findings and recommendations; and the steps he will take to address the matter on foot of those considerations. [41256/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 29 May 1962, the LÉ Cliona was participating in an annual exercise south of Roches Point when she suffered damage following the explosion of a depth charge which had been dropped during the course of the exercise. Leaking oil ignited resulting in a serious fire. Over the last few months I received a number of representations in relation to retrospective awards for two individuals for actions taken by them in relation to extinguishing the fire onboard the LE Cliona.
The provisions for the award of military medals are incorporated in Defence Force Regulations A9 (New Series) - 'Dress and Medals'. The Regulations provide that a recommendation for the award of the Distinguished Service Medal must be made and forwarded to the Chief of Staff not later than four years after the performance of the act in respect of which the recommendation is made. I have been advised by the military authorities that there is no record of such a recommendation having been made, at the time of the event or at any time since, in respect of the individuals concerned.
While the report into the incident acknowledges the performance of these two men, along with the rest of the ship’s company, in extinguishing the fire on the LÉ Clíona in May 1962, it makes no recommendation in relation to the award of any medal or citation.
As the Deputy is aware, I requested that the Chief of Staff have the circumstances surrounding the incident on board the LÉ Cliona on 29 May 1962 reviewed. That review is still ongoing. As I previously advised the Deputy, I will consider the findings and recommendations of that review once I receive them from the Chief of Staff.
288. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 356 of 20 October 2015 and 135 of 5 November 2015 and given his statement that St. Bricin's military hospital will continue to offer medical services to members of the Defence Forces for the foreseeable future, if he will encourage the military authorities to investigate and identify medical services in the hospital which could be integrated or shared with local hospitals and hospital groups; if he is prepared to operate St. Bricin's as a joint Department of Defence, Department of Health and Health Service Executive facility, now or in the future, if funding became available to assist with infrastructure works, similar to the United Kingdom armed forces, who operate military wards integrated into National Health Service trusts; his plans to allow the Health Service Executive to invest in and utilise the defunct wards in St. Bricin's to assist in alleviating the national accident and emergency crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41259/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSt Bricin’s military medical facility currently provides General Practitioner and limited out-patient services for Defence Forces Personnel. As I have previously advised, it is not a hospital and there are no plans to upgrade its status or to have it operate as a Health Service Executive facility.
289. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the number of vacancies in the Defence Forces medical corps; the length of time each post has been vacant; the steps being taken to fill these posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41433/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a requirement for approximately 28 doctors within the Defence Forces Medical Corps. There are currently 19 doctors serving in the Permanent Defence Force. Vacancies remain due to a limited response to recent competitions for the appointment of doctors to the Medical Corps. Information with regard to the length of time that each post has been vacant is not readily available but I will seek to have this information compiled and forwarded to you. Where vacancies exist, general practitioner medical services are provided by civilian doctors on a contract for services basis. A total of 37 civilian medical practices provided these services, as required, in the 12 months to October 2015. In addition, a total of 6 medical consultants were engaged, as required, to provide specialist services for military personnel on a contract for services basis.
Having regard to the recent vacancies, it has been necessary to identify alternative options for the provision of medical services to the Defence Forces. In this connection, a joint civilian/military Standing Committee has been set up with a view to advancing the development of a sustainable integrated medical service and to address appropriate means of delivery of key medical capabilities for the Defence Forces. An integrated model for the provision of the required medical services, involving both the Medical Corps and outsourced service provision is currently being progressed.
I am assured that Defence Forces personnel continue to receive the medical treatment required. I am committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad.
