Written Answers Nos. 1581-1607
1581. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to put a grant aid scheme in place in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment for specific equipment (details supplied). [25859/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Rural Development Programme 2000 -2006 a Pilot Scheme for Waste Processing Facilities made funding available for the installation of anaerobic digestors on ten Irish farms. Of the ten applications approved under the scheme, two applications were finalised and drew down the grant available and a further two cases have been given an extension to the end of 2016 to complete the work. I have no plans to reintroduce a similar Scheme.
1582. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an application for transfer of entitlements submitted by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25862/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named is deceased since May 2014. Payment in respect of the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme issued to the legal representatives of the person named. My Department has no record of having received a Transfer of Entitlements application in respect of the herd number shown. My Department’s Inheritance Enquiry Unit wrote to the legal representatives of the person named in October 2015 requesting relevant documentation but there has been no reply to my Department since this date.
1583. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts his Department and agencies under its remit have made to use Eircode when communicating with households via An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25864/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has played an active role in promoting the use of Eircodes. It encourages all customers to insert their Eircodes in a designated space on all applications, which in turn are captured on the Department’s central customer database. This will more accurately identify the postal address of customers, thereby decreasing the risk of non-delivery of mail due to incorrect or inaccurate addresses and facilitating the location of specific addresses by Department officers.
The operation of the Eircode system by agencies under my Department’s remit is an operational matter for the agencies concerned.
1584. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a scheme to assist sheep farmers particularly those working on hills and commonages throughout the west of Ireland; if he has liaised with the European Union regarding this matter; the timeframe by which this proposed scheme could be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25920/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to the introduction of a scheme for sheep farmers under the Rural Development Programme with a budget of some €25 million to be provided in Budget 2017. Any such scheme must meet certain specific criteria laid down by Rural Development Regulation. This scheme, in addition to the existing supports available to sheep farmers under the BPS, GLAS, ANC and TAMS, will make a vital contribution to ensuring the continuing viability and sustainability of the sheep sector in Ireland.
As regards the specifics of the scheme design and operation, my Department has engaged in extensive consultation with farm organisations and industry stakeholders, and met with officials of the European Commission to discuss the proposed new scheme in the context of the specific requirements of the Rural Development Programme. My officials are working on the details of the scheme in light of the consultation with the farming organisations and with the European Commission. Any scheme must meet the exacting requirements of the Rural Development Regulations in terms of only compensating farmers for actions undertaken on the basis of costs incurred or income foregone. Additionally, in any scheme where farmers must undertake actions, those actions must exceed the normal standards of husbandry practice before they can be considered as an eligible cost incurred by a farmer.
I wish to stress that whilst any scheme must be acceptable to the European Commission in the context of the requirements of the Rural Development Programme, I am also anxious that such a scheme takes into account the different production systems in the Irish national sheep flock and recognises the different challenges facing both lowland flocks and hill flocks. It is my intention that this scheme’s design will maximise the number of participants and deliver tangible benefits to the sheep sector in terms of its impact to on- farm practices.
1585. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position with regard to glyphosate following recent decisions in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25939/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraGlyphosate is a non-selective systemic herbicide first commercialised in the mid-1970s and is registered worldwide. It is used in agriculture, forestry and industrial settings as well as home and garden situations.
An evaluation of glyphosate was performed by Germany and peer reviewed by the European Food Safety Authority and Member State experts. This review clearly identified safe uses and considered a recent review conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organisation which concluded that a carcinogenic potential existed in relation to glyphosate. However, as regulatory authorities both inside and outside the EU have not all agreed with this IARC conclusion, and considering that the European Chemicals Agency have still to conclude their own review of glyphosate, it was considered more appropriate to extend the existing approval of glyphosate until December 2017. This will allow sufficient time and space for all outcomes to be considered before deciding on a further period of approval.
Until this happens my Department has taken a few very precautionary measures in an attempt to allay any concerns the general public may have. These measures include the removal of certain products containing a particular co-formulant from the market place, as well as disallowing the pre-harvest use of glyphosate on crops which may enter the food chain (milling wheat, malting barley, etc.).
1586. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he considered a request from an organisation (details supplied) on the urgent need to provide financial assistance to dairy farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25966/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1613. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the recent request of an association (details supplied) to provide immediate financial aid to dairy farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26334/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1586 and 1613 together.
Dairy markets at Irish, EU and international level, have been experiencing difficulties for nearly two years, due to a combination of increased global supply, the effects of the Russian ban on the import of EU products and reduced global demand, notably in China regarding dairy products. The Commission has responded to these difficulties through the deployment of support measures provided for under the CAP, at first in an ad-hoc manner and then in the form of two wider packages of measures, in September 2015 and March 2016. Ireland has played a key role in shaping these responses.
Despite the two packages of measures, the market difficulties continued into the middle of 2016.
The Commission presented a further package of measures at the Agri-Fish Council on 18 July. The main component is a fund of €500 million, which is in turn comprises two elements:
- The first is a €150 million EU-wide measure that will compensate farmers for reducing their milk output in the final quarter of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 (at a rate of 14c/kg). The detailed rules regarding this measure were agreed at EU level on August 25th and the Commission have provided the legal provisions to give effect to this measure in early September 2016. At national level, the scheme is in the process of implementation via cooperatives. The closing date for applications from producers was yesterday, September 15th
- The second element of the EU July 2016 package is a €350 million fund that will be allocated to Member States in the form of national envelopes, which Member States can use in accordance with their domestic circumstances. Whilst eligibility criteria will apply, Member States are afforded a large degree of flexibility in terms of the measures they might adopt. Ireland’s allocation from the fund will be €11.09 million. Member States will be required to notify the Commission by 1 November 2016 of the measures to be adopted.
It should be clearly noted that the above represent two distinct and separate policy responses at EU level. Availing of one element of the package at national level is not conditional on participation in the other measure. The Voluntary Supply Management Scheme, details of which were published recently on my Department website and relayed to cooperatives, through whom the scheme will be administered, is an EU wide scheme. The exceptional adjustment aid represents a national envelope, which stipulates various eligibility criteria that can be utilised as a basis for disbursement. Details on how Ireland will utilise this latter aid element have not yet been finalised and the matter is subject to ongoing consideration in consultation with the EU and National stakeholders. Issues such as dealing with liquidity concerns, strengthening co-operation, supporting quality schemes and providing training in financial management all offer possibilities for meaningful and innovative interventions.
1587. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No.193 of 19 May 2016 regarding an AEOS payment on behalf of a person (details supplied), if an appeal has been received by the Agriculture Appeals Office from this person; if so, when a decision will be made on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26032/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agriculture Appeals Office has confirmed that an appeal was received from the person concerned and has been assigned to an Appeals Officer. An Oral Hearing was held on 14 July 2016 and a decision letter will issue to the person concerned in due course.
1588. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an application will be processed for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26033/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named applied for investments under the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme. The application has passed all administrative checks and is now subject to technical examination. The Department will contact the person named as soon as these checks have been completed.
1589. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26034/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted applications under the ‘young farmer’ category of the 2015 National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme. Payment on foot of the National Reserve application issued in December 2015. All outstanding issues in relation to the Young Farmers Scheme have now been finalised and payment under this Scheme will issue in the coming days.
1591. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will refuse any further State funding to the Irish Greyhound Board and the greyhound industry (details supplied). [26047/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraSuccessive Governments have provided financial support for the development of the greyhound racing sector, which is an important contributor to the economy and employment and a significant sporting and leisure activity enjoying the support of participants in both urban and rural areas. My Department will continue to support the sector.
It is imperative of course that those involved in the sector operate in a manner which is consistent with the relevant animal welfare codes and regulations.
Bord na gCon is responsible for the governance, regulation and development of the greyhound industry in the Republic of Ireland and for the wellbeing of greyhounds. It has developed a Code of Practice in relation to the welfare of greyhounds which sets out specific standards that all individuals engaged in the care and management of registered greyhounds are expected to meet.
The Code emphasises that owners and keepers must take full responsibility for the physical and social well-being of greyhounds in line with best welfare practice. Oversight mechanisms in place regarding greyhound exports include inter-agency co-operation, co-operation with fellow members of International Greyhound Forums and intelligence/information which is received from Welfare Officers during the course of investigations carried out under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011. Where any breaches of welfare standards are identified under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011, Bord na gCon takes stringent actions and prosecutions ensue in accordance with the Act. Details of prosecutions for non-compliance with Welfare Notices issued by Bord na gCon are published on the Bord na gCon website www.igb.ie.
Earlier this year, officials of my Department met with Bord na gCon and the welfare members of the International Greyhound Forum (represented by the ISPCA and the Dogs Trust) to consider the issues surrounding the export of greyhounds. Bord na gCon advises all owners involved in the export of greyhounds to only export to destinations with high animal welfare standards and that provide the expected levels of greyhound care and management as defined in the Code and I strongly endorse this view.
Bord na gGon also operates an active re-homing policy through its registered charity, the Retired Greyhound Trust. The Trust also supports private welfare re-homing agencies in Ireland in their efforts to find suitable homes for retired greyhounds.
Bord na gCon have established a Scientific Committee of national and international experts to advise it generally on matters relating to doping and medication control. In addition it has introduced legislation to enhance its regulatory and integrity controls including providing for out of competition testing, publication of adverse analytical findings and prohibition on racing where an adverse result is found. Bord na gCon is also working closely with my Department on the drafting of a new Greyhound Industry Bill which addresses the Governance of Bord na gCon (BNG), strengthens regulatory controls in the Industry, modernises sanctions and improves integrity with a view to building a reputation for exceptional regulation in the sector.
1592. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the list of all vacancies that existed on 26 February 2016 and all positions that have arisen since, including the date it became vacant for State boards or governing bodies under his control; the names of those appointed since the Government was formed; if the position was advertised and a shortlist provided to him by the Public Appointments Service; if the appointments were approved by the Cabinet; the positions under his control which are not subject to the PAS system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26076/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position in relation to the filling of vacancies on the boards of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department is that, other than those filled on the basis of nominations from specified organisations as stipulated in legislation, vacancies are advertised on www.stateboards.ie and processed in accordance with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) guidelines.
The information sought by the Deputy is outlined in the following table.
|
State Body |
Name of Appointees from 6/05/2016 |
Appointment procedure (PAS or nomination) |
Did the appointment require cabinet approval Yes/No? |
Was shortlist provided by PAS? |
All Vacancies that existed on 26/02/2016 |
Vacancies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vacancies from 27/02/2016 |
Date vacancy occurred
|
|
Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board
|
Mr. Brendan Brice
Dr. Owen McIntyre
Mr. Jim Power |
Nomination by a prescribed organisation
|
No |
No |
1 |
Three additional vacancies from 27/2/2016 |
One vacancy occurred 1/3/2016
Two vacancies occurred 10/4/2016
|
|
Bord Bia
|
Mr. John Comer
Mr. Joe Healy |
Nomination by a prescribed organisation
|
No |
No |
Nil |
Nil |
Not Applicable
|
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara
|
Ms. Lisa Vaughan |
Stateboards.ie
|
No |
Yes |
1 |
Nil |
Not Applicable
|
|
Coillte
|
No appointments made |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
3 |
Nil |
Not Applicable
|
|
State Body |
Name of Appointees from 6/05/2016 |
Appointment procedure (PAS or nomination) |
Did the appointment require cabinet approval Yes/No? |
Was shortlist provided by PAS? |
All Vacancies that existed on 26/02/2016 |
Vacancies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vacancies from 27/02/2016 |
Date vacancy occurred
|
|
Horse Racing Ireland
|
Mr. Michael Halford
Mr. John Powell
Mr. Francis Hyland
Mr. Bernard Caldwell
Mr. Noel Cloak
Mr. John Moloney Mr. Robert Nixon |
Nomination by a prescribed organisation
|
No |
No |
9* |
Nil |
Not Applicable
|
|
Irish National Stud
|
Mr. Mark Weld
Dr. Sean Brady
Ms. Jessica Harrington
Ms. Dairine Walsh |
Stateboards.ie |
No |
Yes |
4 |
2** |
April 2016 |
|
Teagasc |
Mr. Richard Kennedy |
Nomination by a prescribed organisation |
No |
No |
Nil |
1 |
4/10/2016 |
Notes:
HRI – In accordance with the Horse Racing Ireland (Membership) Act 2001, a member shall continue in office until the vacancy, is filled by the appointment of another.
*There are currently two vacancies on the Board of HRI (they existed on 26/02/2016) which are being processed by PAS and the shortlist is with the Minister.
INS - The Articles of the INS provide that the two longest serving Directors retire at each AGM.
**Role specs for 2 appointments are currently being prepared.
1593. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the projects his Department is prioritising in budget 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26143/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe discussions on the 2017 Estimate are under way in the Department and all budget lines in the Vote, both capital and current are being examined as part of that process. My intention is to ensure that all resources available to my Department will be managed to advance Government priorities and provide the optimum benefit to economic activity in the agricultural, food, fisheries and forestry sectors, including farm incomes, and to realising the potential which clearly exists for the sectors to continue to contribute to the national economic recovery.
1594. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of Irish fishing boats docked in Irish ports for longer than six months per port, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26147/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has responsibility for the management, control, operation and development of the Fishery Harbour Centres located at Killybegs, Ros an Mhíl, An Daingean, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth. Fish landings also take place at ports and piers outside of these centres and these locations are the responsibility of the relevant local authority or in certain cases commercial port companies.
The information sought by the Deputy on the duration of docking of fishing boats is not available in respect of the Fishery Harbour Centres under my Department’s control. Information in relation to Local Authority Harbours and Commercial Ports would be a matter for the Local Authorities and the Commercial Port Company’s respectively.
1595. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person (details supplied) has now qualified under a specific scheme. [26151/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application under the 2015 Young Farmers Scheme to my Department. The application has been finalised and payment issued to the person named on 16th February 2016.
1596. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a GLAS application for a person (details supplied); if the commonage of the GLAS element of the application will be improved in order that payment can be made for this element of the GLAS application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26168/16]
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 Department is processing outstanding 2015 balancing payments and the payment due to the person named, will issue after all required regulatory checks are fully completed.
1597. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a single farm payment application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26169/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1598. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for Scottish Derogation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26170/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1597 and 1598 together.
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements under the ‘Scottish Derogation’ measure of the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme.
In accordance with EU Regulation, in order to be eligible to participate in this Scheme, an applicant must have been actively farming in the Beef, Dairying, Sheep or Arable sectors on 15th May 2013, and must have verifiable evidence of producing, rearing or growing an agricultural product on this date.
The person named only received their herd number on 19 August 2013 and is therefore not eligible under the terms and conditions of this Scheme as there was no verifiable evidence of production prior to that date. A letter issued to the person named informing her that her application was unsuccessful.
A request for review of this decision was received on 17 September 2015. On examination of this review it was deemed that there was insufficient evidence to overturn the original decision. The person named has been notified of her right to appeal the Department’s decision to the Independent Appeals Committee.
1599. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a reply will issue to an interim response (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26173/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details supplied relate to an applicant for aid under the package agreed at EU level in September of last year. Under this scheme a sum of €0.5m was allocated for the pig sector for Ireland. The Government subsequently matched this funding to provide an overall aid package of €1 m. Final payments to eligible beneficiaries under this scheme were made by 30 June which was the date set out by the EU.
Eligible beneficiaries for the scheme were defined as current pig herd owners who produced a minimum of 200 pigs in 2015. The individual concerned did not meet the beneficiary requirements and therefore was not entitled to an aid payment under the conditions of the scheme.
1600. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on his recent meeting with the Irish Greyhound Owners and Breeders Federation; his plans for this industry; if his attention has been drawn to distressing reports of the sale of Irish greyhounds for the Chinese food market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26197/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinister of State, Andrew Doyle, met with members of the IGOBF recently to discuss his plans for the industry. The Minister outlined the new legislation that is planned and the continued implementation of the Indecon recommendations.
Bord na gCon, which is responsible for the governance, regulation and development of the greyhound industry in the Republic of Ireland and the wellbeing of greyhounds, has developed a Code of Practice in relation to the welfare of greyhounds which sets out specific standards that all individuals engaged in the care and management of registered greyhounds are expected to meet. The Code emphasises that owners and keepers must take full responsibility for the physical and social well-being of greyhounds in line with best welfare practice. Oversight mechanisms in place regarding greyhound exports include inter-agency co-operation, co-operation with fellow members of International Greyhound Forums and intelligence/information which is received from Welfare Officers during the course of investigations carried out under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011. Where any breaches of welfare standards are identified under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011, Bord na gCon takes stringent actions and prosecutions ensue in accordance with the Act.
Earlier this year officials of my Department met with Bord na gCon and the welfare members of the International Greyhound Forum (represented by the ISPCA and the Dogs Trust) to consider the issues surrounding the export of greyhounds. Bord na gCon advises all owners involved in the export of greyhounds to only export to destinations with high animal welfare standards and that provide the expected levels of greyhound care and management as defined in the Code and I strongly endorse this view.
1601. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the potential cost to the Exchequer of introducing an income volatility management tool modelled on the Australian farm management deposits scheme. [26236/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe publication of the ‘Agri-taxation Review’ in Budget 2015 put in place a comprehensive taxation strategy for the sector. The Government’s commitment to agriculture was evidenced by the implementation of the Review’s recommendations over the past two budgets. This has seen a series of positive changes for Irish agriculture, especially in the areas of land mobility and succession, all of which will support the aims of Food Wise 2025 in terms of increasing the productivity of Irish farms.
The Agri-taxation Review included two recommendations specifically to help address farm income volatility, both of which were introduced in Budget 2015:
- Retain and enhance ‘Income Averaging’ by increasing the period from 3 to 5 years, providing more scope for income smoothing within a commodity price cycle.
- Allow averaging to be availed of where a farmer and/or their spouse receive income from an on-farm diversification trade or profession.
The Agri-taxation Review concluded that a farm deposit scheme to counteract income volatility (based on Australian and New Zealand models) would not be compatible with EU State Aid rules, which preclude supports to falling farm incomes arising from low commodity prices in the market place. It was noted that even if a compatible scheme was devised, it would be likely to have a very significant cost.
Recent difficult market conditions have brought renewed focus to this issue and there have been proposals for the introduction of various types of income deferral scheme. The ‘Programme for a Partnership Government’ states regarding agri-taxation: “We will also investigate taxation measures aimed at supporting farmers through periods of volatility”. Consideration of this and the various cost and state aid issues involved is ongoing in the context of Budget 2017 deliberations with my colleague the Minister for Finance.
1602. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the potential cost to the Exchequer of introducing a new stock relief measure whereby farmers would be allowed 100% stock relief on additional expenditure of up to €100,000; and the cost for providing stock relief provision should it be introduced for persons who experience partial depopulation. [26239/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe publication of the ‘Agri-taxation Review’ in Budget 2015 put in place a comprehensive taxation strategy for the sector. The Government’s commitment to agriculture was evidenced by the implementation of the Review’s recommendations over the past two budgets. This has seen a series of positive changes for Irish agriculture, especially in the areas of land mobility and succession, all of which will support the aims of Food Wise 2025 in terms of increasing the productivity of Irish farms.
The Agri-taxation Review concluded that the stock relief schemes in place at the time should be retained. These are:
- 25% General Stock Relief on Income Tax
- 100% Stock Relief on Income Tax for Certain Young Trained Farmers
- 50% Stock Relief on Income Tax for Registered Farm Partnerships
- Relief for Stock Transfer due to discontinued Farming Trade
- Stock Relief for Compulsory Disposal of Livestock .
Any new proposals in this regard will be considered in the context of Budget 2017 deliberations with my colleague the Minister for Finance.
1603. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when GLAS 3 will be open; and the timeframe that approvals under GLAS will be implemented. [26241/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is my intention to open the third tranche for the submission of GLAS applications in the final quarter of the year with a view to successful applicants being approved into the scheme from 1 January 2017.
1604. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in payments being issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26245/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 29 May 2015. Processing of the application has recently been finalised and payment will issue to the nominated bank account of the person named shortly.
1605. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment will issue to a person (details supplied). [26248/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme (SPS) was received from the herdowner named by my Department in November, 2015. Having reviewed the circumstances of the case, this application has been approved and payment under the 2013 SPS issued in June of this year.
On foot of this decision, entitlements under the Basic Payment Scheme will now be established under the above herdnumber and parties concerned will be notified.
1606. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason funding is being provided for only 2000 ha under the windblown reconstitution scheme when it is estimated that 8,000 ha were affected. [26259/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraStorm force winds occurred on 12 separate days between the 5th December 2013 and the 12th February 2014. The most severe windstorm, named ‘Storm Darwin’, occurred on the 12th February 2014. The frequency and ferocity of these storm events, compounded by waterlogged soils on many sites, led to extensive damage on private and State-owned forest lands. Under the Reconstitution Scheme (Windblow), the State will make a financial contribution towards the cost of replanting these sites as a once-off measure for this specific weather event.
Using RapidEye satellite imagery, the extent of the damage caused by this weather event was estimated to be in the order of 8,000 ha of which 75% is owned by Coillte; the remainder is privately owned. As the scheme is only open to privately owned forests, the total eligible area has been fixed at 2,000 ha.
1607. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an application for funding can be made under the windblown reconstitution scheme; and when funding will be released once an application has been made. [26260/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reconstitution Scheme (Windblow) will provide financial aid to land owners whose plantations were damaged by storm force winds that occurred between 5th December 2013 and 12th February 2014, with the most severe windstorm, named ‘Storm Darwin’, occurring on 12th February 2014. The State will make a financial contribution towards the cost of replanting these sites as a once-off measure for this specific weather event.
Completed applications can be submitted to the Department until the closing date of 24th February 2017. Following administrative checks and site visits where necessary, approvals will issue shortly thereafter. Payments are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2017.
