Written Answers Nos. 288-317
288. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5758/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a number of applications, including that of the person named, remaining which have not passed all of the Department’s pre-payment validation checks for the 2015 part-year payment. The Department is continuing to investigate these issues including the correction of any IT or data issues with a view to all these remaining cases meeting the payment validation checks so that they will be paid the full amount of their 2015 part-year payment in May including the 2015 GLAS balancing payment.
289. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5763/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was a participant in REPS 4. He completed his participation in that scheme at the end of 2013 and all payments due have been made. There is no record of the person named being a participant in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS).
290. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which circumstances have changed to enable dredging immediately north of Smooth Point at the Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre in County Donegal, as in his recent proposal, when during its construction it was deemed too contaminated for dredging and for disposing of at sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5771/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraKillybegs Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department under Statute.
My Department is currently progressing a project for a proposed pier extension at Smooth Point on the new pier at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre. As part of the design process the consulting engineers are engaging with interested bodies and local organisations regarding the proposed project. The project will include the dredging of a quantity of silt, gravel and rock.
During the previous harbour development project completed in 2004, the sediments in this location were examined and some areas were deemed to exceed the chemical limits acceptable for disposal at sea. A chemical re-evaluation of the sediments was carried out in 2015 and early 2016, as part of the current development proposal. Results currently indicate that at least 85% is suitable for disposal at sea, subject to EPA approval. The reduction in the degree of contamination has occurred naturally in the intervening period, as would have been expected.
My Department intends to submit a Dumping At Sea Application to the Environmental Protection Agency in the coming months. For material intended to be dredged that proves to be unsuitable for disposal at sea, other options are being considered, including disposal on land or other remediation measures. The issue of disposal of quantities of contaminated dredge spoil is a matter which is regularly encountered in marine dredging works. A variety of appropriate solutions exist to address such situations.
291. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a payment to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the basic payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5779/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application for the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme which was received in the Department on 13 May 2015. The application has been fully processed with payments issuing to the nominated bank account of the person named in October and December 2015. A final balancing payment is due to all applicants of the Scheme following the completion of the allocation of Basic Payment Entitlements.
292. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5786/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named has been approved under Tranche 1 of GLAS with a contract start date of 1 October 2015. GLAS applicants with a start date of 1 October 2015 are eligible for a 2015 part-year payment in respect of 2015 eligible actions, for the three month period 1 October 2015 - 31 December 2015.
The first instalment of the payment issued to the person named on the 8 March 2016. The balancing payment will issue in the second quarter of 2016, after all required regulatory checks are fully completed.
293. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when all outstanding matters in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare will be concluded under the single payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5788/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received applications under the ‘young farmer’ category of the 2015 National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme from the persons named with the second person named as the young farmer. There are anomalies relating to the land pertaining to the second person named and my Department is currently working towards resolution of the case. When resolved these applications will be processed to payment stage.
294. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation for the rural development programme 2014 to 2020 and the amount of expenditure incurred in each of the years 2014 to 2016 to date, by measure or scheme, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5792/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is the Managing Authority for Ireland’s RDP. The Programme is co-funded by the EU’s European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the national exchequer. EU support for the RDP via the EAFRD amounts to an aggregate sum of €2.19 billion over the 7-year Programme lifespan. This EU funding will be supplemented by exchequer funding bringing the total allocation to some €4 billion. My Department is currently compiling the detailed breakdown of expenditure to date and will forward this information directly to the Deputy.
295. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ensure the correct entitlements are paid to a person (details supplied) in County Longford under the single payment scheme, given that it appears the person has been underpaid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5795/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of Basic Payments entitlements is established based on the eligible number of hectares declared by the farmer in 2013 or 2015 whichever is the lesser and the value is based on a fixed percentage of the total value of the entitlements held by the farmer under the 2014 Single Payment Scheme and payments relating to the 2014 Grassland Sheep Scheme.
A full review of the entitlements established in the account of the person named has been undertaken and is correct. The person named has established 31.79 entitlements with a total value including greening of €1,526.51. This represents a 100% increase compared to his 2014 position.
In addition an application under Private Contract Clause was submitted for the transfer of 25.49 entitlements with a total value including greening of €4,302.77 to the person named. This was successful. Payment for €5,613.40 has issued in full in relation to both sets of entitlements. Balancing payments will issue in late April/early May when all applications under the Basic Payment Scheme are processed and finalised.
296. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the single payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5798/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2015 Basic Payment Scheme / Areas of Natural Constraint scheme application on 29 April 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 between 3% and 20%. Payments due on this basis, under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme, issued to the nominated bank account of the person named on 23 November 2015 and 1 December 2015.
The person named was notified of the inspection decision on 16 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.
297. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5800/16]
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 Transferee. This application has been fully processed and payment under the Basic Payment Scheme will issue shortly.
The person named also submitted applications under the ‘young farmer’ category of the National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme to my Department. Once payment under the Basic Payment Scheme has been made, these applications will be finalised with a view to payment issuing as soon as possible thereafter.
298. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a farm payment by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the young farmers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5801/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a Transfer of Allocation Right and Reference Value application to my Department seeking the transfer of allocation rights and reference values by Gift of Holding as Transferee. This application has been fully processed and payment under the Basic Payment Scheme issued on 31 March 2016.
The person named also submitted applications under the ‘young farmer’ category of the 2015 National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme. My Department has written to the person named in relation to outstanding documentation required to finalise the processing of the applications. Once the relevant documents have been received the applications will be finalised, with a view to payment issuing as soon as possible thereafter.
299. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a payment to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the single payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5802/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a Transfer of Allocation Right and Reference Value application to my Department seeking the transfer of allocation rights and values by Change of Registration Details of Herd Number as Transferor. This application has been fully processed and payment under the Basic Payment Scheme issued on 11 March 2016.
The person named also submitted an application under the Young Farmers Scheme with his daughter as the young farmer. My Department has written to the person named in relation to outstanding documentation required to finalise the processing of the application. Once the relevant documents have been received the application will be finalised, with a view to payment issuing as soon as possible thereafter.
300. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the areas of natural constraint scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5804/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme which was received in the Department on 26 May 2015. The application was processed with two over claims identified. Payment issued to the nominated bank account of the person named in December 2015. No appeal has been received to date from the person named. An Official from my Department will contact the herd owner directly to clarify the matter.
301. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the basic payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5805/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named has not submitted applications for the Single/Basic Payment Scheme 2013, 2014 and 2015. However, the Department is aware of the force majeure circumstances in this instance. An Official from my Department is in contact with both the person named and the Deputy’s Office in an effort to resolve the outstanding issues.
302. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for transfer of entitlements by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5807/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis case involves a double transfer of entitlements. The first 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 from the second person named by gift of holding.
The first person named also submitted a 2015 Private Contract Clause application seeking the transfer of land and entitlements by lease to a third party. These applications have been fully processed and payment under the Basic Payment Scheme will issue shortly.
303. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the young farmers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5809/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted applications under the ‘young farmer’ category of the 2015 National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme. My Department has written to the person named in relation to outstanding documentation required to finalise the processing of the applications. Once the relevant documents have been received the applications will be finalised, with a view to payment issuing as soon as possible thereafter.
304. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of payment to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the sheep technology adoption programme and the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5811/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sheep Technology Adoption Programme was a three year programme for 2013, 2014 and 2015. The person named submitted a valid application and was subsequently paid in full for 2013 and 2014. In the absence of confirmation that the person named had completed all required tasks for 2015, payment was not authorised. The required confirmation has now been received and accordingly payment for 2015 will issue shortly.
The person named has been approved under Tranche 1 of GLAS with a contract start date of 1 October 2015. GLAS applicants with a start date of 1 October 2015 are eligible for a 2015 part-year payment in respect of 2015 eligible actions, covering the three month period 1 October 2015 - 31 December 2015.
My Department received a request to withdraw a parcel approved for the Low Input Permanent Pasture action and this has delayed the processing of the payment. In light of the changed situation the application must be re-assessed and payment entitlement recalculated before payment can issue.
305. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara 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. [5816/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra306. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara 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. [5832/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimhireacha 305 agus 306 le chéile.
Tá 3,136 comhalta foirne (coibhéis foirne lánaimseartha 2,981) fostaithe faoi láthair i mo Roinn agus sainaithníodh sé phost ina bhfuil inniúlacht Ghaeilge ina riachtanas buntábhachtach. Tá cúig cinn de na poist siúd ag oifigigh faoi láthair a bhfuil inniúlacht sa Ghaeilge acu agus déanfar gach iarracht an post eile a líonadh laistigh den amfhráma is giorra agus is féidir, agus aird ar bheartas earcaíochta. Sainaithníodh na poist shainithe seo d’fhonn feabhas a chur ar sholáthar seirbhísí i nGaeilge d’aon duine a lorgaíonn seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge.
307. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive payment under the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5853/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person commenced their AEOS 1 contract on 1 November 2010. Payment has issued for the 2010-2014 scheme years.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System must 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 final payment can be processed. Officials are working through these files and payment will be made as soon as possible.
308. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive an outstanding payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5854/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application for the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme which was received in the Department on 21 May 2015. Payment issued to the nominated bank account of the person named in December 2015. A final balancing payment (3%) under the scheme will issue following the definitive establishment of entitlements.
309. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for a farm payment by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the national reserve scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5864/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received applications under 2015 National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme from the person named. These applications are currently being finalised and when completed the applicant will be notified in writing of the decision with a view to payment shortly thereafter.
310. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the young farmers scheme and the national reserve scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5867/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received applications under the ‘young farmer’ category of the 2015 National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme from the person named. The application under the National Reserve was received after the scheme closing date and is subject to a small late penalty. These applications are currently being finalised and payment will issue shortly.
311. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the disadvantaged areas scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5868/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2015 Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) Scheme was received from the person named on 25 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 in addition to the maintenance of 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 annual total requirement.
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.
312. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a payment to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5871/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2015 Basic Payment Scheme/Areas of Natural Constraint scheme application on 29 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 between 3% and 20%. Payment due on this basis, under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme, issued to the nominated bank account of the person named on 15 December 2015.
The person named was notified of the inspection decision on 7 December 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.
313. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal for a scheme payment by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5876/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme which was received in the Department on 1 May 2015. The application was processed with an initial payment issuing to the nominated bank account of the person named in December 2015. A subsequent appeal regarding an over claim was received and has now been adjudicated on. Accordingly, a further payment issued to the herd owner in January 2016. An Official from my Department will contact the herd owner directly to clarify the matter.
314. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an overpayment to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5952/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application for the Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Schemes on 24 April 2014.
Payments issued to the nominated bank account of the person named in November and December of 2014. Additional commonage evidence has since been submitted by the person named. Further examination of this evidence has now been undertaken, which has resulted in a recalculation of payments under both schemes. These payments will issue shortly.
315. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of forestry replanting (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5958/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraRules regarding replanting and setbacks in general are set out in the Department’s suite of environmental guidelines as well as in the Code of Best Forest Practice. These documents can be found online at the following addresses;
- https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/environmentalinformation/
-
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/publications/codeofbestforestpractice/
In the afforestation scheme as a condition of grant aid, setback distance from dwelling houses and associated buildings is 60 metres, or 30 metres with the written consent of the owner. The Department recommends that forest owners planning the replanting of forestry sites should liaise with the owners of neighbouring properties, to resolve in advance any potential concerns. Setback distances for water bodies are determined by slope and soil type with buffer zones, as they are also referred to, ranging between 10 and 25 metres. These setback distances for both buildings and water bodies apply in the context of replanting.
316. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a report (details supplied) concerning the Irish Harness Racing Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5960/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to acknowledge the work being carried out by the Irish Harness Racing Association to develop the sport in Ireland. In this regard it has requested financial support from my Department. However in the absence of economic data it is difficult to determine what the industry can contribute. My Department will carry out a comprehensive economic analysis of the harness racing industry to determine its current and potential return to the Irish economy. This will require the commissioning of an independent economic consultant to carry out the task. My Department is at present deciding on the terms of reference for such a study. Once the terms of reference are agreed the tendering process will commence.
In the meantime my Department has been working with the IHRA to provide some support for the industry. The IHRA is to be a beneficiary in 2016 for the first time of an Equine Infrastructure grant scheme operated by my Department. Under the Scheme, the IHRA has been approved for grants totalling €21,704 for projects involving the up-grading of the Association’s Registration System and Website, a presence at the RDS Horse Show to promote the trotters and Pacer Studbooks, a Conference and Presentation to promote breeding and for developing its links with international organisations. A further project with a focus on equine welfare is being considered.
317. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine why a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary was refused entry under tranche 2 of the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme; the options available to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5983/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for Tranche 2 of the GLAS Scheme for the person named was received on the dedicated GLAS online system on the 29 November 2015.
The unprecedented level of applications to the Scheme has meant that for GLAS 2, priority is being given to what are called Tier 1 and Tier 2 candidates, i.e. those who either manage key environmental assets like endangered birds, protected habitats or high-quality water courses, or who have committed to undertake particularly valuable environmental actions like 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 were approved.
The application for the person named was ranked as a Tier 3 application and it was therefore not selected into the scheme.
A third tranche of GLAS (GLAS 3) will open later this year and the person named and any applicant who was unsuccessful in the second tranche will have the opportunity now to re-examine their proposed farm-plan, in consultation with their advisor, and see how it might be improved to increase their chance of selection under GLAS 3.
