Written Answers Nos. 1608-1638
1608. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total annual quantity of north American lobsters imported here both live and frozen whether directly through Irish BIPS or indirectly via intra-EU trade following inspection at other EU member state BIPS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26278/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the case of fish or fishery products coming from a non EU country, excluding Norway, Iceland and Switzerland, these must go through an approved Border Inspection Post (BIP) at the first point of entry into the EU where health checks are carried out by official veterinarians of the Department. The identity and documentation of all products are checked at the first point of entry into the EU and some products are checked physically.
In order to import fish or fishery products into Ireland from a non EU country the person who wishes to import fish/fishery products is required to register with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). I have asked the SFPA to provide import figures through Irish BIPs for whole lobster from Canada and the United States directly to the Deputy. Imports to the EU outside of Ireland are a matter for the BIP of the Member State which is the first point of entry for the product concerned.
1609. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the herring quota allocation and the request from his Department for an additional 1,000 tonnes from the European Commission; if a decision has been made in relation to that request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26279/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Fisheries Council set a total allowable catch (TAC) and Quotas for the Herring stocks in the North West on 28 July 2016. The regulation provides for a quota for Ireland of 1,482 tonnes for the southern part of the area, and 630 tonnes for the northern area.
I provided a detailed paper on 29 July setting out relevant information and sought proposals from the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC) for arrangements for these fisheries in 2016. I asked the industry representatives to work together to bring forward a proposal which will be exceptional for 2016 taking into account the priority that the quota supports the collection of scientific data from the fisheries. I am awaiting the QMAC recommendation. I also plan that any recommendation will be subject to full stakeholders consultation.
1610. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if payment will be made to a person (details supplied) under the pig compensation scheme; if he will ensure that no further delay occurs in having this payment made as requested in written representations to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26285/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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.
1611. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received and approvals issued to date under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme II in Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26332/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder TAMS II, 336 applications from County Cavan have been received, with 114 approvals issued to date. 296 applications from County Monaghan have been received, with 126 approvals issued to date. Approvals in respect of the first two tranches of the Scheme continue to issue on an ongoing basis.
1612. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will commence under the basic payment scheme and the areas of natural constraints scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26333/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraPayments under the Areas of Natural Constraints scheme are scheduled to start shortly in line with my Department’s commitments under the Farmers Charter. Basic Payment Scheme/Greening payments will commence on 17 October 2016. Advance payments in 2016 will be 70% with balancing payments commencing on 1 December 2016. This is the earliest date on which advance payments can be made under EU regulations.
1614. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide financial assistance to a sector (details supplied) due to difficulties that have arisen due to the weakening of Sterling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26349/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the impact that the devaluation of Sterling is having on mushroom producers and grower margins. The mushroom sector, like many other exporting sectors, is particularly at risk because of the high dependency on the UK market.
I am monitoring the situation regarding Sterling volatility closely and my own Department has a dedicated unit considering the impact of Brexit. Additionally Bord Bia is working closely with the sector on market intelligence, UK consumer research and quality assurance. They have scheduled a currency and negotiation workshop specifically targeted at the sector in the coming weeks.
I would also draw attention to support being provided to the industry through National and EU Schemes.
Under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2007 – 2013 my Department implemented the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. During this period my Department paid out €4,039,629 in grant payments to mushroom growers which supported €10.1 million in investment.
To ensure ongoing support for the sector, my Department extended, under EU sanction, the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector to run until 31 December 2019. In 2014 and 2015 a total of €1,635,190 grant aid was paid to mushroom growers. The grant aid paid supported some €4.1 million in investment by these growers.
Under the 2016 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector, my Department issued approvals in the amount of €1.33 million in aid to growers in the mushroom sector, supporting €3.3 million in proposed investment.
The EU Producer Organisation Scheme is a vital support for mushroom growers, with 65% of Irish growers in a producer organisation at present. This scheme provides an important mechanism for growers to achieve greater bargaining power in the marketplace by becoming part of a larger supply base. Between 2005 and 2015, a total of €39.8 million was paid to mushroom producer organisations as part of the EU Producer Organisation scheme.
1615. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when decisions will be returned on all applications received under tranche 3 of the TAMS II young farmer capital investment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26360/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe closing date for receipt of applications under tranche 3 was 24 June 2016. All applications received in a given tranche must be checked for administrative issues and are then ranked and selected. This process is under way for all 2,000 applications received under Tranche 3 of TAMS II.
1616. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the potential cost to the Exchequer of reopening the beef data and genomic scheme in 2016. [26361/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is a part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme and provides Irish suckler farmers with some €300 million of funding over the next 6 years. The BDGP builds on the large investment in data recording and genomics which have been made in recent years and will continue to drive further developments and improvements in this area.
The BDGP has been agreed with the European Commission as part of Ireland’s Rural Development Plan (2014-2020) alongside a number of other schemes. I am conscious of the positive effect that the programme will have on the Irish suckler herd. It will help to improve productivity, profitability and carbon efficiency in the Irish suckler herd. I firmly believe that the scheme will deliver long-term and cumulative positive effects for both suckler farmers participating in the scheme, and farmers who buy the progeny of suckler cows for further finishing. It is a significant contributor to Ireland’s reputation as a producer of sustainable beef.
In relation to any possible reopening of the scheme, this will have to be considered in the context of an assessment of budgetary priorities, the operation of the Rural Development Programme and the potential impact both upon the scheme itself and other schemes. It is not possible at this stage to quantify any potential cost to the exchequer as this would depend on the number of new entrants and the contribution of EU RDP funding towards this cost within the context of the overall RDP budget.
1617. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of meetings of the Food Harvest 2020 high level implementation group in the period 2011 to 2016; the number of meetings planned in 2016 and over the course of the remaining four years of the strategy, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26383/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe High Level Implementation Group (HLIC) of Food Harvest 2020 had its first meeting in September 2010. There was no meeting of the Food Harvest HLIC in 2015 as the process which resulted in Food Wise 2025 took place in the first six months.
|
Year |
No . of Food Harvest HLIC meetings |
|
2010 |
2 |
|
2011 |
5 |
|
2012 |
5 |
|
2013 |
6 |
|
2014 |
6 |
The High Level Implementation Group (HLIC) of Food Wise 2025 had its first meeting in September last year. There have been four HLIC meetings to date this year, and I plan to have two more. The next meeting is on 29 September.
|
Year |
No. of Food Wise HLIC meetings |
|
2015 |
2 |
|
2016 (to date) |
4 |
|
Planned future meetings |
|
|
September - December 2016 |
2 |
|
2017 |
5 |
|
2018 |
5 |
|
2019 |
5 |
|
2020 |
5 |
1618. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of participants under the suckler welfare scheme in each year of existence on a county basis, in tabular form; the total funds allocated and drawn down under the scheme in each year of the scheme's existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26384/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe extensive information requested is not yet available but is currently being compiled. It will be forwarded to the Deputy directly as soon as it is finalised.
1619. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received, in total, under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme 2 on a county basis in tabular form; the total number of approved applications; the number of persons that have received payments to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26385/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy concerned as soon as it is available.
1620. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the beef import quotas and other food quotas agreed from Canada to the EU under the CETA trade agreement; if Irish farming interests are sufficiently protected under this deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26390/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement between Canada and the EU was concluded in 2014 and is expected to be ratified later this year with a view to its provisional application from the beginning of 2017. The quotas agreed for beef and other food products are outlined below:
Meat
Upon entry into force of the agreement, the total duty-free access the EU will grant to Canada for fresh and frozen beef is 50,000 tonnes (expressed in carcass weight equivalent (CWE)). This is broken down into 15,000 tonnes of frozen beef, 30,838 tonnes of fresh/chilled beef and 4,162 tonnes of fresh beef that the EU had already granted to Canada as compensation in settlement of the beef hormones dispute. The existing WTO quota for Hilton beef of 11,500 tonnes (expressed in product weight), shared between Canada and the US, will be maintained, but the in-quota duty will be brought to zero for Canada. There will also be an EU quota for 3,000 tonnes of bison.
The total duty-free access the EU will grant to Canada for pork is 75,000 tonnes CWE. To this should be added the existing WTO quota of 4,625 tonnes product weight, which will be consolidated into CETA in order to simplify the administration of this quota by customs authorities and traders. EU beef and sheepmeat market access into Canada will be fully liberalised at zero in-quota rates.
Dairy
Canada will have duty free access into the EU dairy market.
For the EU there will be a high value cheese quota of 16,800 tonnes, with provision to allow newcomers including Ireland and other Member States 30 % access to the new quota. There will also be an industrial cheese quota of 1,700 tonnes.
An additional 800 tonnes of high quality cheese will be added to an existing WTO quota of approximately 18,000 tonnes which will be restricted to existing traditional exporters. Ireland is not included in this quota.
Tariffs on milk protein concentrate will be fully liberalised and the tariff on infant formula will be reduced from 8.7% to zero.
A balanced approach informed our view of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with Canada. While increased access to the EU market was granted for Canadian beef, greater access to the Canadian market for EU dairy products, notably cheese, was also a feature. Moreover the concessions granted by Canada on market access for EU beef will be of benefit to Irish producers. I am satisfied that Irish farming interests are sufficiently protected under this deal. However, I will continue to press to ensure that the cumulative impact of beef concessions under CETA and other trade agreements is closely monitored so that the approach continues to be in the best interests of EU and Irish agriculture.
1621. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the immediate steps being taken to safeguard Irish agrifood jobs in light of several closures recently attributed to the currency changes post the Brexit vote in the UK. [26391/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile we await further details from the UK Government on how it will conduct its exit negotiations with the EU, the most immediate concerns from an economy-wide perspective, and particularly from an agri-food viewpoint, are indeed those arising from Euro-Sterling exchange rate changes. I note the recent closures and job-losses that have been attributed to these changes, and I am of course also concerned about the potential for further impacts if a sustained period of currency volatility is experienced. In that regard, in the immediate aftermath of the UK vote, I asked the relevant agencies, including Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland, to provide practical guidance to SMEs. Bord Bia has already announced a number of measures to support food and drink businesses. These measures cover areas such as managing volatility impacts, providing consumer and market insight, deepening customer engagement and extending market reach, with the aim of helping companies maintain their competitiveness. Similar support is also being provided by Enterprise Ireland. I am in close contact with the agencies on this matter. I have also established a consultative committee composed of stakeholders, officials and experts to provide guidance in respect of the exit negotiations to come.
1622. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total value of Irish beef sales to the USA on a month by month basis in 2015 and 2016; the original targets set out; if he is satisfied with the figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26392/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland received a major reputational boost in 2015 as the first EU Member State to gain access to the US market for beef and seven plants are now currently approved to export. By the end of December 2015 approximately 1,800 tonnes of beef, with an estimated value of €14 million, had been exported from Ireland to the US. This represents an exceptionally strong start to this trade considering that the first exports only went in March 2015 and some of the plants were only approved for export in September 2015. That amount looks likely to be surpassed in 2016, as by the end of June almost 1,200 tonnes had been exported. These figures are available on a quarterly basis only and month by month breakdowns are not available.
I was delighted to announce over the summer the decision of the US authorities to extend their approval for Irish beef to include manufacturing beef/beef intended for grinding (BIFG). This marks the culmination of over a year of intensive work between my Department and its US counterparts on a range of technical matters. This decision by the US on our enhanced access is a huge endorsement of Irish beef and our production and regulatory systems. This recent extension of our access in the US has the capability to be a significant boost to the sector over a period of time.
US consumption of beef is estimated at 11 million tonnes, approximately 1 million of which is imported. The potential prize for Irish operators is therefore, subject to the variables already outlined, very significant, particularly in circumstances where grass fed hormone free beef is gaining traction in the market place.
The role of my Department is to secure greater access to third country markets and not to set targets for the export of various commodities to the different individual markets. Ultimately the volume and value of trade will be subject to market forces and depend on a range of factors such as currency exchange rates, relative commodity prices and global supply and demand patterns.
The access that we enjoy to the USA complements the other market outlets we have secured in recent years, the development of which is a key element of our Food Wise 2025 strategy. There has also been significant progress in facilitating trade in other international markets for Irish beef and fourteen markets for Irish beef have been opened since 2011. My Department continues to push strongly for market access to other Third Countries and we are currently in the process of trying to secure beef access to a range of other third countries. Indeed this was a crucial component of the recent Trade Mission to Asia, conducted by myself and Minister of State Doyle, where positive progress was made in relation to beef access for China, South Korea and Vietnam. It is my intention to continue to focus on developing as many third country markets as possible in order to provide exporters as many commercial opportunities as possible in a competitive global market place.
1623. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that farmers will be able to avail of to drawdown funding under the €11 million EU conditional aid package; when this scheme will be available for farmers to apply; the sectors which will be eligible; if a national Exchequer top-up will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26393/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraDairy 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 diary 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 have 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 comprised of 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 25 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 15.
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 these matters are 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.
1624. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a TAMS II application made in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26421/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named applied for investments under the Young Farmers capital Investment Scheme of TAMS II. The application has passed all administrative checks and is now subject to technical checking. The Department will contact the person named as soon as these checks have been completed.
1625. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a TAMS II application made in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26422/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named applied for grant aid under the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme on 24 June 20 16 which is the third tranche of the TAMS II schemes. All administrative checks for Tranche 3 applications will be completed shortly and the ranking and selection of these applications will then take place.
1626. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a TAMS II application made in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26423/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named applied for grant aid under the Young Farmer’s Capital Investment Scheme on 21 June 20 16 which is the third tranche of the TAMS II schemes. All administrative checks for Tranche 3 applications will be completed shortly and the ranking and selection of these applications will then take place.
1627. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a TAMS II application made in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26424/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named applied for grant aid under the Dairy Equipment Scheme on 23 June 20 16 which is the third tranche of the TAMS II schemes. All administrative checks for Tranche 3 applications will be completed shortly and the ranking and selection of these applications will then take place.
1628. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason Inland Fisheries Ireland announced its intention to cease all IFI fish farm operations in April 2016 without any prior consultation with NARA; the reason operations were ceased despite the fact that the Canadian Aquaculture Systems report did not recommend that IFI cease fish farm operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24489/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1629. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason he is proposing to cease fish farm operations in Roscrea, County Tipperary, Cullion, County Westmeath and associated activities in County Cork; and the alternative he is proposing. [24677/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1633. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the Inland Fisheries Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24914/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1635. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has made contact with Inland Fisheries Ireland regarding the closure of fish farms here; the action his Department has taken on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25127/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1636. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has made contact with Inland Fisheries Ireland regarding the closure of fish farms here; the action his Department has taken on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25128/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1638. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has been in contact with Inland Fisheries Ireland following their moves to close fish hatcheries here; the action he has taken on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25130/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1677. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will liaise with Inland Fisheries Ireland to prevent the closure of the commercial trout farms examined in the 2015 expert analysis to support optimised production of freshwater trout report by Canadian Aquaculture Systems; his Department's position in relation to these purposed closures; his views on the impact that these closures will have on recreational angling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25183/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1681. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will intervene with Inland Fisheries Ireland to ensure that it continues with its fish farming operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25282/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1705. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will ensure that Inland Fisheries Ireland continues to operate fish farms and trout hatcheries in view of the importance of these facilities for the angling sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26287/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1706. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the proposals he has to ensure investment in the fish farms operated by Inland Fisheries Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26288/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1628, 1629, 1633, 1635, 1636, 1638, 1677, 1681, 1705 and 1706 together.
The proposals as regards the fish farm operations of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) are a day to day operational matter for the Board of IFI. My Department had already indicated to IFI the need for consultation with affected stakeholders prior to any action.
I am advised by IFI that the Board of IFI met with a delegation from the main trout angling representative bodies some three weeks ago to discuss IFI’s proposals in this regard.
As a result of these discussions the Board of IFI has agreed to defer indefinitely its proposal to exit trout production. All parties also recognised that there are significant economic, environmental and biological issues surrounding the current production facilities which need to be addressed.
I am assured by IFI that the Board is committed to developing a comprehensive strategy to meet current and future trout production needs, subject to securing the investment required. All parties have agreed to continue to work closely together to deliver this strategy.
I recently visited the fish farms to view operations and I have met with the Board of IFI and the CEO to discuss the concerns of IFI and the angling community. I am conscious of the concerns about continuity of a supply of fish for lakes around the Country and I have asked IFI to advise me of the outcome of their ongoing discussions with the angling representatives.
1630. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will clarify that under regulations parts from end of life vehicles have to be certified by qualified mechanics in writing before they can be deemed reusable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24788/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1631. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if second hand parts from end of life vehicles are classified as waste under law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24789/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1630 and 1631 together.
Directive 2000/53/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 September 2000 on end-of-life vehicles aims to reduce the disposal of waste from end-of-life vehicles and lays down measures for the prevention of waste from vehicles. It also provides for reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery of end-of-life vehicles and their components, including spare and replacement parts. This Directive has been transposed into Irish law by the European Union (End-of-Life Vehicles) Regulations 2014.
Article 7(1) of the Directive states that Member States shall, without prejudice to requirements regarding the safety of vehicles and environmental requirements such as air emissions and noise control, take the necessary measures to encourage:
- the reuse of components which are suitable for reuse,
- the recovery of components which cannot be reused, and
- give preference to recycling when environmentally viable.
The definition of ‘reuse’ for the purposes of the End-of-Life Vehicle Directive reads as follows;
‘any operation by which components of end-of-life vehicles are used for the same purpose for which they were conceived’.
There is no obligation under the regulations for parts from End of Life Vehicles to be certified by qualified mechanics in writing before they can be deemed reusable.
Parts, however, from end-of-life vehicles that cannot be directly reused (e.g. broken, leaking, beyond repair), or parts which are stored/handled in a manner that would indicate that they are not for reuse (e.g. insufficient packaging or protection to maintain their value) may be considered waste.
The European Commission has provided general guidance on waste (2007) which states that;
“The (European) Court (of Justice) has stressed on several occasions that whether a material is a waste or not depends on the specific factual circumstances, and that therefore the decision must be taken by the competent authority on a case by case basis”.
The European Commission are currently discussing the need for a set of common spare parts criteria to be applicable across all Member States and Ireland is participating in these discussions.
1632. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding bin charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24810/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe charges applied by waste management companies are a matter between those companies and their customers, subject to compliance with all applicable environmental and other relevant legislation, including contract and consumer legislation. The waste management industry had committed to providing a full weight allowance for the disposal of non-infancy incontinence wear to the estimated 60,000 patients supplied with such products by the HSE if a pay by weight per kilogramme charging system was introduced for household waste collection.
However, as the waste industry began releasing its proposed prices under pay-by-weight in June, 2016, the Government relayed its concern to the industry regarding the reported escalation of waste bills for customers of certain companies.
On foot of this, my Department engaged with representatives of the waste industry to agree a way forward that results in customers paying no more than they are currently paying for waste collection over the next 12 months. It is intended to roll out a comprehensive education and awareness programme on pay by weight so that more householders can make an informed decision around their preferred pricing plan in the coming months. It is also the intention that the Government will review the operation of pay-by-weight and make decisions regarding its further roll-out, regulation and oversight by July 2017. The issue raised by the Deputy will be considered as part of the wider review of the operation and potential introduction of pay by weight.
1634. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the severe problem posed by illegal dumping at a specific site (details supplied). [24929/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role, as Minister, is to provide the legislative and policy framework under which both local authority and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforcement action against illegal dumping is initiated.
Enforcement action against illegal waste activity is a matter for the local authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE) of the EPA. As Minister, I am specifically precluded under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996, from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by the Agency or a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.
1637. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the worth of angling to the Irish economy annually; if he will provide a breakdown by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25129/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) commissioned Tourism Development International (TDI) to undertake the most comprehensive Socio Economic Study of Recreational Angling ever undertaken in Ireland. The Study was published in 2013 and has since been reviewed and updated. The study estimates that recreational angling contributes €836 million to the Irish economy annually and directly supports some 11,000 jobs, many of which are located in the most peripheral and rural parts of the Irish countryside and along our coastline. The IFI Omnibus Survey in 2015 showed over 273,600 active anglers (aged 15+) resident in Ireland.
I am advised that IFI manages fisheries with respect to the ecological, environmental, habitat and conservation imperatives of the different species for which it has responsibility. For most species this involves management by River Basin District which do not align with county boundaries. In the case of salmon, management is by all 147 individual rivers (including sections of river and estuaries) due to the genetically unique stock of salmon in each river. A significant number of rivers also cross county boundaries.
The TDI study breaks down economic contribution by species. The table attached sets out the economic contribution across a number of species and groups of species. Species specific analysis documents available at http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/NSAD/socio-economics-papers-nsad.html provide an estimate of the economic contribution of each of the most important angling species but also identify, to some degree, which counties contain the most productive fisheries for each of these species.
I have organised for a copy of the TDI study to be forwarded to the Deputy. If the Deputy has a particular county or region in mind I would be happy to organise for IFI to provide further information where it is available.
Table 14: Estimated Contribution of Angling in Ireland by Angling Type – 2014/2015
|
- |
Domestic Participation Estimate |
Northern Irish Participation Estimate |
Overseas Participation Estimate |
Total Participation |
€ Millions |
||||||||||||
|
Angling Type |
% |
Number of Anglers Total |
€ Total |
€ per person |
% |
Number of Anglers Total |
€ Total |
€ per person |
% |
Number of Anglers Total |
€ Total |
€ per person |
Number of Anglers |
Gross Expenditure per Angler |
Net Expenditure Per Angler |
Gross Expenditure |
Total (Inc. Multipliers) |
|
Sea |
24 |
65,664 |
€94,940,000 |
€1,446 |
11 |
4,510 |
€1,623,600 |
€360 |
16 |
21,120 |
€20,000,000 |
€943 |
91,294 |
€1,273 |
€1,731 |
€116 |
€158 |
|
Bass |
4 |
10,944 |
€30,732,000 |
€2,808 |
5 |
2,050 |
€738,000 |
€360 |
17 |
22,440 |
€21,000,000 |
€943 |
35,434 |
€1,473 |
€2,004 |
€52 |
€71 |
|
Salmon & Sea Trout |
23 |
62,928 |
€102,187,000 |
€1,623 |
42 |
17,220 |
€6,199,200 |
€360 |
37 |
48,840 |
€45,845,000 |
€943 |
128,988 |
€1,197 |
€1,628 |
€154 |
€210 |
|
Pike |
12 |
32,832 |
€68,430,000 |
€2,084 |
5 |
2,050 |
€738,000 |
€360 |
5 |
6,600 |
€5,800,000 |
€943 |
41,482 |
€1,808 |
€2,459 |
€75 |
€102 |
|
Coarse |
7 |
19,152 |
€51,300,000 |
€2,678 |
12 |
4,920 |
€1,771,200 |
€360 |
14 |
18,480 |
€17,500,000 |
€943 |
42,552 |
€1,659 |
€2,256 |
€71 |
€96 |
|
Brown Trout |
22 |
60,192 |
€90,770,000 |
€1,508 |
25 |
10,250 |
€3,690,000 |
€360 |
11 |
14,520 |
€14,200,000 |
€943 |
84,962 |
€1,281 |
€1,742 |
€109 |
€148 |
|
Stocked Fisheries |
2 |
5,472 |
€9,521,300 |
€1,740 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
5,472 |
€1,740 |
€2,366 |
€9.5 |
€13 |
|
Other Angling Type |
6 |
16,416 |
€28,564,000 |
€1,740 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
16,416 |
€1,740 |
€2,366 |
€28.5 |
€39 |
|
Totals |
100% |
273,600 |
€476,000,000 |
€1,740 |
100% |
41,000 |
€14,700,000 |
€360 |
100% |
132,000 |
€124,345,000 |
€943 |
446,600 |
€1,378 |
€1,875 |
€615m |
€836m |
Reported Northern Irish angler figures by angling category have been adjusted using a ratio of 0.48 to allow for the targeting of multiple species.
Reported overseas angler figures by angling category have been adjusted using a ratio of 0.67 to allow for the targeting of multiple species.
When asked to choose one type of angling in the 2015 omnibus survey some 2% of Irish anglers categorised themselves as preferring‘ Stocked Fisheries’; expenditure estimates based on average expenditure figures reported across all angling types.
When asked to choose one type of angling in the 2015 omnibus survey some 6% of Irish anglers categorised themselves as ‘Other Angling Type’; expenditure estimates based on average expenditure figures reported across all angling types.
