Written Answers Nos. 229 - 257
229. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the transatlantic trade investment partnership negotiations; the possible implications for Ireland of the investor-state dispute settlement instrument as part of an agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5728/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe last formal round of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations, which was the twelfth round since negotiations began in 2013, took place from the 22nd 26th February, 2016. I am pleased to report that the negotiations between the EU and the US have accelerated and significant progress has been made. During this round, negotiators discussed all three pillars of the proposed agreement namely market access for EU and US companies, regulatory cooperation and trade rules. The US and EU exchanged government procurement offers and continued discussions on rules of origin as well as intellectual property rights.
There was particular focus on two of the three pillars; regulatory cooperation and rules. An exchange of new textual proposals on regulatory cooperation took place aimed at refining ideas about how to create a system within TTIP which facilitates current and future regulatory cooperation in both manufacturing and services.
Both parties also discussed the EU's revised draft chapter on good regulatory practices and other regulatory issues, such as technical barriers to trade (TBT), sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS).
Concerning Rules, the US tabled its proposals on labour and environment, in response to the EU's previous proposal for a sustainable development chapter. A detailed examination of each side's proposal took place. Discussions also covered other areas such as competition, customs and trade facilitation as well as state to state dispute settlement and Small & Medium Enterprises.
The EU presented its new and reformed approach to investment protection and investment dispute resolution for the first time in detail during this round – the Investment Court System (ICS). The proposal is available on the Commission’s website at http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/html/153955.htm.
The EU Commission’s proposal aims at safeguarding Government’s right to regulate and creates a new system composed of a first instance tribunal and an appeal mechanism based on clearly defined rules, and operating on similar principles to the WTO Appellate Body, with qualified judges and transparent proceedings. The ability of investors to take a case before the Tribunal would be precisely defined and limited. The proposal also includes specific measures on access to the new system for small and medium sized companies. The aim is to promote more two-way investment between the EU and the US with high standards of protection for investors while safeguarding government’s right to regulate. All of the EU’s Free Trade Agreements seek to provide EU investors abroad with a level of protection similar to that which they would obtain in the EU. Equally US investors in the EU expect common investment protection standards and common redress mechanisms, and not 28 different set of standards and 28 different redress procedures.
The advantage for Irish firms investing in the US would be that a single arbitration procedure would be available to firms under the Trade Agreement in cases of disputes over investment. In the same vein, US firms investing in the EU, including Ireland, would have access to a single arbitration procedure in the event of investment disputes under the Trade Agreement.
There was an exchange of views on both the EU and US textual proposals. Discussions focussed primarily on understanding the respective approaches and on identifying areas of convergence.
The EU and US also discussed market access areas, most notably services, tariffs and public procurement. On procurement, there was an exchange of offers, followed by discussions between the negotiating teams on both the offers.
Finally, both parties agreed to accelerate their work between negotiating rounds with a view to increasing the pace of negotiations. Two additional negotiating rounds are planned between now and the summer, though dates have yet to be confirmed. The pivotal and overarching objective is to negotiate an ambitious, high standard Agreement that responds to both EU and US interests.
230. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Post, Fiontar agus Nuálaíochta cad é an líon iomlán foirne atá fostaithe ina Roinn faoi láthair; cé mhéad duine acu siúd atá ag feidhmiú i bpoist atá daingnithe (i scéim teanga, nó ar aon bhealach eile) mar phoist a bhfuil riachtanas Gaeilge ag baint leo; an bhfuil sé i gceist aon phoist eile de chuid na Roinne a aithint mar phoist a bhfuil riachtanas Gaeilge ag baint leo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [5826/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá 809.5 post foirne coibhéise lánaimseartha ann i mo Roinn faoi láthair.
Níor shainaithin mo Roinn, trína próiseas pleanála fórsa saothair, aon phoist dá bhfuil inniúlacht i nGaeilge ina réamhriachtanas. I suirbhé ar an bhfoireann a rinneadh sa bhliain 2012 chun leibhéal an éilimh ar sheirbhísí trí Ghaeilge a ndéileálann an Roinn leis a fháil amach, deimhníodh gurbh an-íseal a bhí an líon cumarsáidí a fuarthas i nGaeilge le blianta beaga anuas, bíodh siad i scríbhinn, ar an nguthán nó ar bhonn duine le duine, agus níl aon athrú tagtha ar an gcás sin sna blianta ina dhiaidh sin.
Tá Scéim Teanga i bhfeidhm ag mo Roinn. Ullmhaíodh í de réir alt 15 d’Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, 2003. Leis an Scéim sin, déantar forbairt ar phrionsabail Seirbhís Ardchaighdeáin do Chustaiméirí agus ar an ngealltanas a tugadh i gCairt Chustaiméirí na Roinne maidir lena chinntiú go mbeidh custaiméirí ar mian leo a ngnó a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge in ann déanamh amhlaidh. Tá mo Roinn tiomanta do leibhéal an éilimh ar sheirbhísí trí Ghaeilge a mheasúnú ar bhonn leanúnach chun a chinntiú go leanann an Roinn ar aghaidh ag freastal ar an éileamh sin ar bhealach pleanáilte, comhtháite agus inrochtana. Go háirithe, áirítear léi gealltanas go sainaithneofar, faoi dheireadh na chéad bhliana den scéim, aon phoist dá bhfuil inniúlacht i nGaeilge ina riachtanas buntábhachtach agus go ndéanfar gach iarracht na riachtanais sin a chomhlíonadh faoi dheireadh na scéime, agus aird á tabhairt ar bheartais earcaíochta, ardaithe céime agus oiliúna, de réir mar is cuí.
231. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Post, Fiontar agus Nuálaíochta an bhfuil sé mar dhualgas oifigiúil ar bhaill foirne aonair ar leith de chuid a Roinne seirbhís a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge d’aon duine a lorgaíonn í nó an ar bhonn deonach amháin a thoilíonn baill foirne a Roinne seirbhís trí Ghaeilge a sholáthar; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [5842/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI suirbhé ar an bhfoireann a rinneadh sa bhliain 2012 chun leibhéal an éilimh ar sheirbhísí trí Ghaeilge a ndéileálann an Roinn leis a fháil amach, deimhníodh gurbh an-íseal a bhí an líon cumarsáidí a fuarthas i nGaeilge le blianta beaga anuas, bíodh siad i scríbhinn, ar an nguthán nó ar bhonn duine le duine. Ós rud é nach bhfuil aon athrú tagtha ar an gcás sin sna blianta ina dhiaidh sin, níor shainaithin mo Roinn, trína próiseas pleanála fórsa saothair, aon phoist dá bhfuil inniúlacht i nGaeilge ina réamhriachtanas.
Tá mo Roinn tiomanta do chumarsáid a dhéanamh le cliaint ar mian leo a ngnó leis an Roinn a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge. Tá socruithe i bhfeidhm trínar thoiligh 13 bhall foirne le páirt a ghlacadh i gcúrsaí oiliúna cuí chun a scileanna Gaeilge a fheabhsú. Táthar ag cur na hoiliúna sin ar fáil le go mbeidh cohórt ball foirne ar fáil againn a fhéadann cabhrú le haonaid ghnó freagra a thabhairt do chliaint ar mian leo cumarsáid a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge.
I Scéim Teanga mo Roinne lena gclúdaítear an tréimhse 2015-2018, leagtar amach an méid atá seirbhísí ar fáil trí Ghaeilge faoi láthair agus tugtar breac-chuntas ar thiomantas na Roinne do leibhéal an éilimh ar sheirbhísí trí Ghaeilge a mheasúnú ar bhonn leanúnach chun a chinntiú go leanann an Roinn ar aghaidh ag freastal ar an éileamh sin ar bhealach pleanáilte, comhtháite agus inrochtana.
232. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to expedite the land parcel cross check and to ensure that payment is prioritised for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who has experienced significant delays with payments under the agri-environment options scheme which are crucial to maintaining the person's business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5335/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named commenced their AEOS contract on 1 September 2010 and payment has issued for the 2010-2014 scheme years. Under the EU Regulations governing this scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System must take place. As all AEOS 1 participants will be receiving their final payments under the scheme, re-checks on payments made for all scheme years must be completed before the final payment can be processed. Officials are working through these files and payment will be made in all cases as soon as possible.
233. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will issue payment to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick under the disadvantaged areas scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5336/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2015 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme was received from the person named on 26 May 2015. Under the 2015 ANC 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. Payment under the ANC scheme has not issued in this case as the holding concerned has not satisfied the scheme’s minimum stocking density requirements.
The person named has been notified of this outcome in writing and advised of their right to seek a review of the decision within ninety days by the Agriculture Appeals Office.
234. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will issue payment to a person (details supplied) in County Galway under the 2015 areas of natural constraints scheme; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5337/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2015 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme was received from the person named on 28 May 2015.
Under the 2015 ANC 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. Payment under the ANC scheme has not issued in this case as the holding concerned has not satisfied the scheme’s minimum stocking density requirements.
The person named has been notified of this outcome in writing and advised of their right to seek a review of the decision within ninety days by the Agriculture Appeals Office.
235. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will issue payment to a person (details supplied) in County Galway under the 2015 agri-environment options scheme; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5338/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named commenced their AEOS 3 contract on 1 May 2013 and were paid in full for the 2013 scheme year. An issue subsequently arose in respect of the Conservation of Genetic Resources option which has prevented processing of the 2014 payment. Correspondence has issued on the matter. The current position is that a reply is awaited from the Agricultural Consultant of the person named to a letter dated 2 March 2016 and subsequent reminder dated 29 March 2016.
236. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick under the national reserve scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5339/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application under the ‘new entrant’ category of the 2015 National Reserve. This application was not successful as the applicant was deemed to have exceeded the off farm income threshold of €40,000. The applicant was notified of this decision and was offered the opportunity to submit an appeal.
My Department has now received an appeal from the person named in relation to their National Reserve application. This appeal will be considered by my Department based on the information set out by the applicant and a decision with regard to the outcome of the appeal will be notified in writing to the applicant as soon as possible.
237. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the processing of farm payments to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; when he will issue payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5340/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2015 Transfer of Entitlements Allocation Right and Reference Value application to my Department seeking the transfer of allocation rights and values by inheritance of holding. As the Basic Payment Scheme application under the herd number shown had been submitted in the name of the deceased person prior to the herd number being changed into the name of the person named, it was necessary to have a Declaration of Undertaking form completed and returned to my Department. This form has been received, the application has been processed and payment under the Basic Payment Scheme will issue shortly.
238. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in issuing farm payments to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; when he will issue payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5341/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application for allocation of entitlements under the ‘Scottish Derogation’ category of the Basic Payment scheme and processing of this application is at an advanced stage. Processing of applications 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 Regulation.
In the coming days when all checks have been completed and processing has been finalised, my Department will correspond directly with the person named and advise him of the outcome of his application.
239. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in issuing farm payments for 2012 and 2013 to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; when he will issue payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5342/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted applications for the 2012 and 2013 Single Payment Schemes on 16 April 2012 and 25 March 2013 respectively. After the completion of processing of these applications, full payments issued to the nominated bank account of the person named. Payments for 2012 issued in October and December of that year. Payments in respect of 2013 issued in October and December 2013, with a final payment issuing in March 2015.
240. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in issuing farm payments for 2011 to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; when he will issue payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5343/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme with a Transfer of Entitlement form under the herd number provided was submitted to my Department on 16 May 2011. Payment issued to the nominated bank account of the appropriate party in April 2012.
241. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will put a scheme in place for trade nurseries for the replanting of ash tree plantations, such as the existing position for the forestry sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5344/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the last number of years the Department has operated a Reconstitution Scheme to restore forests established under its afforestation schemes back to their original form following significant damage by natural causes. The Scheme has been used to assist forestry owners who have been affected by Ash dieback disease. The objective of the Scheme is to eradicate/contain ash dieback in forests by supporting the removal and destruction of trees and leaf litter and to reconstitute the forest by replanting with alternative species. The Scheme provides funding in respect of costs necessarily incurred in clearing the site and reconstituting the forest, subject to the maximum limits laid down.
The Scheme is restricted to forestry and currently there are no plans to either broaden the scope of the Scheme or to introduce any other Scheme for individuals or nurseries that have been affected by outbreaks of plant diseases including ash dieback.
242. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he has not made a decision on an application by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick for the provision of a slatted unit and other miscellaneous works to be carried out on a farm under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5346/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named has applied for investments under the Animal Welfare and Nutrient Storage Scheme in TAMS II. All applications received are being examined and approvals will commence when all of the required checks have been undertaken. My Department is working to ensure approvals issue at the earliest possible juncture.
243. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick for the installation of a silage pit under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme; the reason for the delay; when he will make a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5347/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named has applied for investments under the Animal Welfare Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme of TAMS II. The administrative check has been carried out in this case and the applicant has been asked to supply additional documentation to support the application. When this documentation is received the application will be processed.
244. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will issue revised maps, following a ground inspection, to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the basic payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5348/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra327. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will issue revised maps to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry following a ground inspection under the basic payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6106/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 327 together.
The person named submitted a 2015 Basic Payment Scheme/Areas of Natural Constraint scheme application on 14 May 2015. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases Ground Eligibility inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a Ground Eligibility inspection. This inspection resulted in findings of an over-declaration in area of greater than 20%. Based on the terms and conditions of the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme this resulted in no payment being due in respect of this scheme.
The person named was notified of the inspection decision on 23 November 2015. The person named has appealed this decision and this request is currently being examined. The person named will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible. In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of this review the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office, within 3 months.
Officials from my Department have now issued an up - to - date set of maps to the person named as requested by the Deputy.
245. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick under the national reserve scheme; when he will make a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5349/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application under the ‘new entrant’ category of the 2015 National Reserve. This application was not successful as the applicant was deemed to have exceeded the off farm income threshold of €40,000. The applicant was notified in writing of this decision and was offered the opportunity to submit an appeal. To date no appeal has been received from the person named.
246. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive a payment under the basic payment scheme for 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5350/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Regulations governing the Basic Payment Scheme provide that all farmers who were eligible to receive a direct payment greater than €100 in 2013 (Single Payment, Grassland Sheep Scheme, Burren Life Scheme, Beef Data Scheme) have an automatic allocation right under the Basic Payment Scheme in 2015. The person named did not receive a direct payment in 2013 and therefore does not hold an allocation right into the Basic Payment Scheme.
The person named purchased entitlements in 2014 from the Estate of a deceased person and received Single Payment on those entitlements for that year, however this does not provide him with an allocation right into the new Basic Payment Scheme in 2015.
247. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the escape of salmon off the coast of County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5351/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe report referred to by the Deputy is in respect of my Department’s examination of the damage to structures at an aquaculture site in Bantry Bay caused by a storm event. My Department’s examination, which is nearing completion, is detailed and involves all engineering, scientific, environmental and technical matters associated with the incident.
The draft report will be the subject of final examination by my Department, and possibly further consultation with relevant Government Departments and State Agencies, before consideration can be given to publication. This process is currently underway.
In view of the ongoing nature of the examination, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
248. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will receive payment under the basic payment scheme and other farm supports. [5352/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a Transfer of Entitlements Allocation Right and Reference Value application to my Department seeking the transfer of allocation rights and values by gift of holding as Transferor. The Transferee under this application did not hold a herd number at the closing date for receipt of applications of 29th May 2015 which is required to participate in the Basic Payment Scheme. My Department is currently working to resolve this issue with a view to facilitating the processing of the transfer application and issuing of payment under the Basic Payment Scheme as soon as possible.
249. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of applications by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick under the young farmers scheme and the national reserve scheme; when he will make a decision on these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5353/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the ‘young farmer’ category of the 2015 National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme has been received by my Department under the herd number shown but not by the person named who is the only name registered on this herd number. The person named does not meet the eligibility criteria under either the National Reserve or Young Farmers scheme and the applications were deemed to be unsuccessful. The person named was notified of this decision and was offered the opportunity to submit an appeal. To date no appeal has been received by my Department.
250. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants who have been admitted to tranche 1 and tranche 2 of the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS; the average annual payments he will make to persons under each tranche, including green-low carbon agri-environment scheme+ payments; the payments made to persons under the GLAS Scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5395/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra26,500 farmers were approved under Tranche 1 and a further 11,500 were approved under Tranche 2 of GLAS.
To date some 21,000 GLAS Tranche 1 (GLAS 1) farmers have received a first instalment of their 2015 part year payment in respect of payable actions for the period 1 October to 31 December, representing up to 85% of the total amount due for the 2015 part year. The balancing payments are scheduled to be processed in May 2016 when all GLAS 2015 inspections have been completed. This 2015 part-year balancing payment will include the GLAS+ payments for eligible applications.
It is important to note that these part-year payments are purely in respect of actions that were applicable to 2015 and cannot be used as a basis to extrapolate the average value of a GLAS contract over a full year. Farmers will only see the full value of their contracts when payments are calculated for 2016, the first full year of their five-year contracts.
In terms of the average annual value of payments it is not possible to establish this accurately until payment claims are submitted as part of the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme process and the 2016 full year calculations and pre-payment validations are completed.
251. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons who have received payment under the beef data and genomics scheme to date; the number of persons who applied to join the scheme; if he will re-open the scheme to further applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5396/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Regulations require that full and comprehensive administration checks, including in some cases on farm inspections, are completed before any payment issues. To date payments amounting to almost €37 million have issued to more than 20, 000 herds under the Beef Data and Genomics Program. Payments are continuing on an ongoing basis as compliance is achieved.
Initially 29,865 applications to participate in the Programme were received by my Department and to date 4 ,285 applicants have withdrawn. Of these, 105 applicants who withdrew subsequently requested re-entry and were duly accepted. A further 132 herds have been excluded due to an absence of eligible animals.
There is evidence of interest in joining the scheme from farmers who missed the application deadline. I am keeping the question of reopening the scheme under review having regard to the Department’s overall budgetary position and other demands under the Rural Development Programme.
252. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason 13,000 persons were not allowed to join under tranche 2 of the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme given his statement at Budget time that 13,000 farmers would be allowed join under tranche 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5397/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe overall target for GLAS is to attract 50,000 farmers into the scheme. In October 2015 the second application tranche was launched with the objective of increasing overall participation levels to at least 35,000 and possibly up to 40,000 and I am pleased to confirm that some 38,000 farmers have now been approved into the scheme.
The unprecedented level of applications to the Scheme has meant that for the second tranche of GLAS (GLAS 2), priority was given to Tier 1 and Tier 2 candidates, i.e. those who either manage key environmental assets such as endangered birds, protected habitats or high-quality water courses, or who have committed to undertake particularly valuable environmental actions such as growing feed-crops for wild birds, adopting low-impact tillage techniques or using low-emission slurry spreading methods.
Farmers had been urged to present the highest standard environmental plans under GLAS 2, and to adopt actions that would promote them from Tier 3 to a higher tier, thereby significantly increasing the chance of selection. Over 80% of applicants in this second tranche of GLAS opted to do so, and with the funding available have been approved.
In addition all GLAS 2 applications from new entrants to farming in 2015, and from new farm partnerships, have been granted priority access under this round, because of difficulties they had in applying under GLAS 1. This includes applications by new entrants or partnerships from Tier 3.
A third tranche of GLAS (GLAS 3) will open later this year. Any applicant who was previously unsuccessful has the opportunity to re-examine their proposed farm-plan, in consultation with their advisor, with a view to improving the plan to increase their chance of selection under GLAS 3 and to submit a new application for GLAS 3 when the scheme is opened.
253. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will seek tenders for the supply of cattle tags; if he will advertise this again as a single supplier tender or as a multiple approved supplier tender; the reason he is following this practice, given that many other European Union states advertise it as a multiple supplier tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5398/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current contract for the supply of cattle tags, based on a sole approved supplier, will expire on 31 October 2016. Public procurement competitions for the supply of bovine tags are arranged on a periodic basis which facilitates developments in technology, level of service and competition. My Department will shortly be publishing a Request for Tenders (RFT) for the provision of a new contract for a three year term that will commence on 1 November 2016. Following consultation with stakeholders my Department has again made a policy decision to seek a single supplier for provision of the service for the supply of bovine tags. A single supplier is deemed to be the optimum approach to meeting the identification requirements of the bovine sector in Ireland for superior quality bovine tags that meet the high standards needed to support a secure bovine identification and traceability system. This approach also ensures that tags are made available to herd keepers at a competitive price with a single supplier benefitting from economies of scale.
The RFT published by the Department will comply with the requirements in procurement legislation for a competitive tender.
254. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of payments to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal under the grassland scheme, the disadvantaged areas scheme and the single payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5408/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a Transfer of Entitlement Allocation Right and Reference Value application to my Department seeking the transfer of allocation rights and values by gift of as Transferee. This application was fully processed and payment under the Basic Payment Scheme issued to the person named on 11 March 2016.
The Grassland Sheep scheme concluded in 2014 with payments received in that scheme year amalgamated into the Basic Payment Entitlement value from 2015 onwards.
An application under the 2015 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme in respect of the above herd number was received in my department on 23 February 2015. Final processing of the application is currently ongoing with a view to payment shortly.
255. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the fodder aid scheme; when the application will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5412/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraA late application under the 2016 Fodder Aid Scheme was received from the person named on 3 March 2016, seeking compensation for loss of fodder supplies experienced as a direct result of the winter floods. Processing of the application is ongoing and the person named will be notified of the outcome directly.
256. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payment under the 2015 areas of specific constraint (island land parcels) scheme. [5414/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2015 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme (incorporating the Areas of Specific Constraint Scheme relating to islands) was received from the person named on 12 May 2015. The parcels claimed by the person named for the purpose of the scheme are currently designated as non island type area. Therefore, payment issued at the rate appropriate to that designation.
A request to review the designation of the parcels concerned has been received and this review is currently ongoing.
257. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals or matters he is considering in regard to the basic payment scheme, whereby areas under golf courses are being excluded from the scheme, specifically in relation to a particular golf course (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5420/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplicants under the Basic Payment Scheme and other area-based schemes can claim aid on agricultural land which is owned, rented or leased, subject to such land meeting EU regulatory requirements and criteria detailed in the Basic Payment Scheme/Greening Payment and other 2016 Area Based Schemes Terms & Conditions document and the ‘Guide to Land Eligibility Direct Payments Schemes 2015’ document. Both documents set out in detail relevant issues on land eligibility, including that the land is in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation and that it does not include ineligible land & features.
The same Terms and Conditions specify that non-agricultural areas, such as golf courses, are not eligible for payment where there is an absence of agricultural activity, or where very low levels of agricultural activity are present. Based on inspections of this land by my officials in recent years there is sufficient evidence of agricultural activity to warrant payment under the Basic Payment Scheme. Notwithstanding this, all claimants must ensure that these practices continue and that sufficient deductions are made for non-agricultural areas.
