Written Answers Nos. 539 - 559
539. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive outstanding farm payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2875/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS)/Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme was received in my Department from the person named on 8 May 2016.
Full payment under the ANC scheme issued in September 2016. Full payment under the BPS issued in two tranches in October and December 2016.
540. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the agriculture cashflow support loan scheme; when the scheme will be fully commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2895/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of my priorities has been to address the impact on farmers of the sustained period of lower commodity prices, which has caused cash flow difficulties for farmers in several sectors. The “Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme” was developed by my Department in co-operation with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI). It will provide farmers with a low cost, flexible source of working capital and will allow them to pay down more expensive forms of short-term debt, ensuring the ongoing financial sustainability of viable farming enterprises.
This innovative loan Scheme will make €150 million available to farmers throughout Ireland at low-cost interest rates of 2.95%. This is supported by €25 million being provided by my Department, including €11 million in EU exceptional adjustment aid. The SBCI is aiming to bring the loans to market by the end of January and I hope to make an announcement in this regard shortly.
541. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address the concerns of farmers regarding tariffs following the British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May's Brexit speech; his plans to meet with Ms Theresa May; the protocols being put in place to address the concerns of farmers, particularly in counties Cavan and Monaghan and the Border counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2897/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is acutely aware of the potential risks and challenges for the Irish economy arising from Brexit, and particularly those that arise in the agri-food sector. While I welcome the fact that Prime Minister May has provided some clarity on the approach the UK Government propose to take in the upcoming negotiations, there is still considerable uncertainty on the future trading relationship between the EU and the UK and therefore in relation to tariffs. I will continue to seek to have these issues at the top of the EU negotiating agenda, given the potential implications for the agri-food sector.
While An Taoiseach has met Prime Minister May on a number of occasions and will meet her again shortly during her proposed visit to Ireland, I have already had meetings with Michelle McIlveen in Belfast and Andrea Leadsom in London before Christmas and I met Secretary of State Leadsom again at the Berlin Green Week over the weekend.
The most immediate impact of the Brexit vote on Irish farming has been the effect of exchange rate volatility. I am pleased to say that my Department and our agencies have ensured that measures have been put in place to help alleviate the pressures of income volatility, and these include:
- Direct payments, estimated by Teagasc at an average of over €17,000 per farm, provide a valuable source of farm income support and act as a hedge against price volatility.
- The adjustment in Budget 2017 to the income averaging scheme for tax purposes will allow farmers to avail of an opt-out in an exceptional year.
- The ‘Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme’, developed by my Department in cooperation with the Strategic Bank Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), will make €150 million available to farmers throughout Ireland at low-cost interest rates of 2.95%. This is supported by €25 million being provided by my Department, including €11 million in EU aid. The SBCI is aiming to make these loans available by the end of January and I hope to make an announcement in relation to this shortly.
- Bord Bia has activated a 4-pillar support strategy for Irish food companies to maintain growth in this period of volatility and over the longer term. These activities are captured under the headings of Managing Volatility, Obtaining Consumer and Market Insight, Deepening Customer Engagement and Extending Market Reach.
- Enterprise Ireland’s initial, industry-wide, 5-point plan included provision of information (on improving competitiveness, reducing supply chain costs through the provision of LEAN and R&D/Innovation supports to clients, and accessing funding), market development support and UK market support. Both agencies have also been working with individual companies in order to tailor the response in accordance with the particular difficulties being faced, and have been working together on strategic marketing initiatives.
The situation will continue to be monitored on an ongoing basis and discussed with the sector, including through my Department’s Consultative Committee of Stakeholders on Brexit and the All Island Civic Dialogue.
542. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 415 of 6 December 2016, the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2898/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named made an application for the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme, which was unsuccessful.
The applicant appealed this decision; however the original decision was upheld. The applicant was notified of the outcome of the appeal on 22nd December 2016. As the site is very exposed it was determined that it would not be capable of producing a commercial crop and would not, therefore, meet the requirements of the Afforestation Scheme.
543. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of Secretaries General in his Department; the annual pay of each Secretary General within his Department at 1 January 2017; the expected change in that pay as a consequence of the provisions of the Lansdowne Road agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2901/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently has one person with the grade of Secretary General Level II with a salary of €176,350.
Pay restoration for Secretaries General will be governed by the provisions of Section 3 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2015. Under the Lansdowne Road Agreement, for those on annualised remuneration in excess of €110,000 restoration will be in three equal phases with the first phase due to take place in April 2017 and the two remaining phases in April 2018 and 2019.
544. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of assistant secretaries general in his Department; the annual pay of each assistant secretary general within his Department at 1 January 2017; the expected change in that pay as a consequence of the provisions of the Lansdowne Road agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2917/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently has nine staff members with the grade of Assistant Secretary or equivalent. The Payscales for Assistant Secretary grade or equivalent are as below:
Pre 6 April 1995 €119,572-€124,917-€130,706-€136,496
Post 6 April 1995 €125,761-€131,385-€137,481-€143,535
Pay restoration for Assistant Secretary and equivalents will be governed by the provisions of Section 3 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2015. Under the Lansdowne Road Agreement, for those on annualised remuneration in excess of €110,000 restoration will be in three equal phases with the first phase due to take place in April 2017 and the two remaining phases in April 2018 and 2019.
545. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2949/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2016 Areas of Natural Constraints scheme was received from the person named on 8 May 2016. Processing of the application has recently been finalised and payment will issue directly to the nominated bank account of the person named shortly.
547. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the process that will be undertaken for the replacement of the CEO of the Irish National Stud, whose tenure commenced in 2010 and is presumably about to expire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2961/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish National Stud Company Limited is a commercial State Body. The appointment of a Chief Executive Officer is a matter for the Board of the Irish National Stud, subject to the consent of the relevant Ministers. I understand a recruitment competition is currently underway.
548. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will initiate an external independent audit of racecourse attendance in order to verify the claims being made by Horse Racing Ireland in that regard. [2962/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General audits the turnover of HRI subsidiaries which is supported by race meeting attendance data.
Other racecourses, which are independent companies, provide their data to HRI to allow the preparation of attendance figures from a national perspective.
I have no plans to establish a separate audit mechanism for the verification of race attendance figures.
549. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has satisfied himself with the independence of two appointees whom he recently nominated to Horse Racing Ireland in view of the fact that both persons had a connection with an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2963/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
I can confirm that the recent appointments to the HRI Board were made in accordance with the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards.
HRI have informed me that it operates strict protocols in relation to Board members absenting themselves from decision making on matters in which they have or may be considered as having any potential conflicts of interest.
550. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the process of regulation of drug testing in the horse racing industry; if he is satisfied with it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2969/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Turf Club (and INHSC) is the Regulatory Body for horseracing in Ireland and is responsible for the integrity of Irish racing.
The Turf Club has informed me that a rigorous post-race testing regime consistent with international best practice has been in operation in Ireland for decades, this has in more recent years been enhanced by intelligence-led out of competition testing and a programme of training yard inspections, both by appointment and unannounced. The Turf Club has advised that the regulatory budget for 2017 provides for the development of these programmes both in terms of breadth and depth and will allow for the enhancement of inspection systems.
The Turf Club insist that the key to success in any anti-doping/medication control programme is the communication to stakeholders of what is expected. Clear explanation of what is acceptable in terms of medication in horses in training and racing in Ireland is an on-going priority for the Turf Club.
The functions of the Turf Club as the Racing Regulatory Body are defined in the Horse Racing Industry Act 2016. I am satisfied that the integrity systems and controls operated by the Turf Club are in line with requirements under this legislation.
551. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2973/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named commenced their AEOS 3 contract on 1 May 2013. Payments due have issued in respect of the 2013-2016 Scheme years.
Issues arose in relation to the Species Rich Grassland action following an Inspection on 8 July 2016 which resulted in a payment reduction being imposed. The person named was notified of this issue by letter dated 26 October 2016. This letter gave the herdowner the option of requesting a review of the decision to the Regional Inspector before 23 November 2016. There is no record of such a request to the Regional Inspector in this case.
552. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3065/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015.
During the prepayment checking process in respect of the 2015 scheme year, issues were identified with the Traditional Hay Meadow action. Officials in my Department are actively working to resolve these issues with the intention of issuing payment at the earliest opportunity.
Following the issue of payment in respect of the 2015 scheme year, the pre payment checking process will get under way in respect of 2016.
553. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of GLAS payments due to be issued to persons in County Cavan before the end of 2016 which were not issued by the target date; the number of those payments that have issued in the interim; the number outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3100/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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 be completed before any payment can issue.
The table below outlines the number of farmers in Cavan actively participating in GLAS 1 and 2 that are due a payment in respect of the 2016 scheme year and the numbers that have not received a payment in respect of 2016.
|
Scheme |
Numbers of active applications for Cavan |
Number of applications not paid for Cavan |
|
GLAS 1 |
916 |
211 |
|
GLAS 2 |
448 |
114 |
Work on processing cases which did not pass the required pre-payment checks is ongoing with a view to effecting payment as quickly as possible.
554. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the exact acreage of forestry and grassland that is on file with his Department for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3104/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme was received in my Department from the person named on 10 May 2016. On this application he declared 8.60 hectares of forestry for which he receives forestry premium and which is also eligible under the Basic Payment Scheme. He also declared 11.91 hectares of permanent pasture and 0.31 hectares within the forestry which, following examination by my Department, are deemed to be ESB corridors.
555. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3150/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named commenced their AEOS contract on 1 May 2013. All payments due have been made in this case.
Payment in respect of the 2016 year, which can only be made after the 15 October 2016 at the very earliest, issued in two parts as required: 85% in the amount of €3,399.99 on 13 December 2016; and the remaining 15% in the amount of €599.99 on 14 December 2016.
556. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the agriculture cashflow support loan scheme; if all aspects of this scheme are operational at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3153/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of my priorities has been to address the impact on farmers of the sustained period of lower commodity prices, which has caused cash flow difficulties for farmers in several sectors. The “Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme” was developed by my Department in co-operation with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI). It will provide farmers with a low cost, flexible source of working capital and will allow them to pay down more expensive forms of short-term debt, ensuring the ongoing financial sustainability of viable farming enterprises.
This innovative loan Scheme will make €150 million available to farmers throughout Ireland at low-cost interest rates of 2.95%. This is supported by €25 million being provided by my Department, including €11 million in EU exceptional adjustment aid. The SBCI is aiming to bring the loans to market by the end of January and I hope to make an announcement in this regard shortly.
557. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to encourage the fishing industry to use more environmentally sustainable products; the actions proposed to hold those accountable in the fishing industry regarding the waste generated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3170/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) is undertaking a number of initiatives to enhance sustainability in the fishing industry through the Sustainable Fisheries Scheme and the Inshore Fisheries Conservation Scheme, both funded under my Department’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme 2014-2020, co-funded by the European Union.
BIM is working with the fishing industry, my Department and the Marine Institute to develop gear modifications and conservation measures that minimise unwanted catches of juvenile, depleted and choke stocks, protected species such as dolphins or seals, as well as the broader environmental impacts of fishing.
BIM has developed a Responsibly Sourced Seafood Standard which is a third party certification scheme that demonstrates that the suppliers of Irish seafood produce safe, legal products of consistent high quality, which is caught responsibly.
BIM is working with the fishing industry to improve waste management within the industry through its ‘Fishing For Litter’ and ‘Net Recycling’ initiatives. The ‘Fishing for Litter’ initiative, launched in 2015 as a pilot initiative, encourages fishermen to take ashore the litter they encounter or generate at sea while fishing, for safe sustainable disposal. Fishermen are provided with special heavy duty bags by BIM which are filled by the fishermen while at sea and these bags are deposited in fishery harbours for sustainable disposal. BIM are preparing waste characterisation plans for each fishery harbour as the initiative is rolled out. Under the Net Recycling initiative, end of life nets are dismantled into a number of components, enabling the material to enter a number of recycling streams thus diverting such material from landfill. Both initiatives are proving very popular with fishermen, who are actively supporting the initiatives, and this in turn contributes to their certification under the BIM responsibly sourced standard and Bord Bia’s Origin Green.
558. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the terms of reference of the newly established aquaculture licensing review group; if the review will involve a round of public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3200/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 20 December 2016, I announced the appointment of a 3-person Independent Review Group to carry out a review of the aquaculture licensing process and associated legal framework. The Independent Review Group includes Ms Mary Moylan, chairperson, Dr Ken Whelan and Mr Lorcan Ó Cinnéide.
The Independent Review Group is presently inviting submissions from stakeholders. The Public Consultation was advertised in the Irish Independent on Tuesday 10 January 2017. Details of the Public Consultation and the Group’s terms of reference are hosted on the Fishingnet.ie website. The Public Consultation will close on the 10 February 2017.
The Objectives of the Review to identify changes required to the aquaculture licence process and its associated legal framework that will:
1. Deliver licence determinations in a timely manner, having regard to international best practice;
2. Support achievement of the actions and priorities of Food Wise 2025 and the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development;
3. Facilitate enhanced transparency in the licensing process for all stakeholders;
4. Ensure legally robust licence determinations having regard to EU and national law.
The Review is required to have regard to Government policy for the sustainable development of aquaculture, as outlined in Food Wise 2025 and my Department’s 2015 National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development.
The review will encompass the aquaculture licensing process from pre-application stage to the determination of a licence. It will encompass all applications for a licence under existing legislation, including an aquaculture licence, a trial licence, a review of a licence or a renewal of a licence.
I have asked the Independent Review Group to report to me within 4 months with a concise report containing recommended actions.
559. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason two staffing positions within his Department were not filled from the central transfer list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3210/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in my previous response to this question, information held on transfer lists is dated and in many cases obsolete. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is in the process of carrying out an extensive review of the transfer system and expects to have a dedicated system in place by mid-year that will hold up to date and relevant information for use by Departments in filling positions at all levels.
My Department is currently working through transfer lists for our extensive range of locations and is also assisting other Departments in updating their lists. As I have already advised, this is a resource intensive process and in view of the fact that a new up to date system will be in place by mid-year, my Department is awaiting the activation of this new system. Pending the implementation of the new system, my Department will continue to seek to ensure that sufficient resources are in place to deliver Government priorities and fill critical posts through recruitment as required.
In the case of the named person, there are a number of people ahead of this person on the relevant transfer list. My Department is working with other Government Departments with a view to establishing the current status of their applications. This is a lengthy process as Civil Servants regularly move to different Departments during their careers and may move several times. Until the status of applications is established, my Department cannot offer any transfers based on the current available information.
