Written Answers Nos. 1176-1194
1176. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons awaiting GLAS payments nationally, and in County Kerry specifically (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19615/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of 3099 cases, of which 2175 are GLAS 1 and 924 are GLAS 2, have not passed all of the required regulatory checks, require further investigation and have therefore not yet been sent for payment.
Of this number 125 GLAS 1 and 62 GLAS 2 cases are in Co Kerry. Files continue to be reviewed, further processed and sent for payment on a weekly basis as issues are cleared. The Department is also contacting applicants directly if there is an issue which they, the applicants, need to address to allow payment to issue.
It is acknowledged that there have been delays and issues in respect of the 2016 advance payments for GLAS 1 and 2 applicants but it should be noted that 2016 is the first full year of payment under the Scheme. This Scheme is subject to EU regulatory requirements and all applications for payment must be cross-checked against a series of Departmental databases including the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS). This has presented significant challenges due to the complexity of the Scheme and the level of regulatory checks associated with the Scheme. It is however also worth noting that the GLAS Scheme has already exceeded the target set out in the Rural Development Plan of 50,000 participants by 2018, achieving this target a full year ahead of the schedule.
My Department is continuing to process payments for all cases which clear all of the regulatory checks and is engaging with applicants to progress their payment applications.
1177. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the meetings that his Department has had, both internally and externally, with regard to the Irish Greyhound Board or the greyhound industry, since 6 May 2016, in tabular form. [19633/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following is the information being sought by the Deputy.
|
Date of Meeting |
Topic |
Internal/External |
|
11th May 2016 |
State bodies Section Meeting in Cavan |
Internal |
|
20th May 2016 |
Corporate Governance Liaison meeting with BnG in Limerick HQ |
External |
|
31st May 2016 |
MoS Doyle meeting with the chairman and CEO of BnG |
External |
|
15th June 2016 |
State bodies Section Meeting Agriculture House |
Internal |
|
24th June 2016 |
Greyhound legislation meeting in Agriculture House |
Internal |
|
27th June 2016 |
Section Meeting Agriculture House |
Internal |
|
28th June 2016 |
State bodies Section Meeting Cavan |
Internal |
|
1st July 2016 |
State bodies Section meeting in Agriculture House |
Internal |
|
5th July 2016 |
Meetings with Dublin Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association & the Irish Greyhound Owners & Breeders Association |
External |
|
11th July 2016 |
Greyhound legislation meeting in Agriculture House |
Internal |
|
20th July 2016 |
Greyhound legislation meeting Agriculture House |
Internal |
|
17th August 2016 |
Greyhound legislation in Agriculture House |
Internal |
|
24th August 2016 |
Meeting with BnG in Limerick HQ re greyhound legislation |
External |
|
14th September 2016 |
Meeting with MoS Doyle and BnG in Limerick HQ |
External |
|
17th October |
Meeting with GRAI –Greyhound Welfare |
External |
|
28th October 2016 |
Coursing Monitoring Committee Annual Meeting in Agriculture House |
External |
|
1st November 2016 |
Greyhound legislation meeting with BnG in Agriculture House |
External |
|
10th November 2016 |
Greyhound Stakeholder Forum with Minister Doyle in Shelbourne Park |
External |
|
14th November 2016 |
Corporate Governance liaison meeting with BnG in Limerick HQ |
External |
|
25th November 2016 |
Meeting in Agriculture House re greyhound legislation |
Internal |
|
30th November 2016 |
Meeting with the ICC in Agriculture House re new greyhound legislation |
External |
|
6th December 2016 |
Meeting in Leinster House re Horse & Greyhound Racing Fund (Fund) |
External |
|
12th December 2016 |
Meeting with BNG re Greyhound legislation |
External |
|
13th December 2016 |
Greyhound Legislation Meeting and Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund meeting |
Internal |
|
14th December 2016 |
Briefing on Greyhound legislation with Oireachtas members |
External |
|
20th February 2017 |
State bodies Section meeting re legislation in Agriculture House |
Internal |
|
21st February 2017 |
Meeting with Minister Doyle in Seanad re debate on recent developments in the greyhound industry |
Internal |
|
22nd February 2017 |
Meeting with Minister Doyle in Seanad on recent developments in the greyhound industry |
External |
|
28th February 2017 |
Greyhound Legislation Meeting Agriculture House |
Internal |
|
2nd March 2017 |
Meeting on greyhound legislation in the Attorney General’s Office |
Internal |
|
21st March 2017 |
Meeting with Dublin GOBA and Minister Doyle in Agriculture House |
External |
|
22nd March 2017 |
Meeting with the Greyhound Phoenix Strategy Group |
External |
|
31 March 2017 |
Meeting in Agriculture House on greyhound legislation |
Internal |
|
3rd April 2017 |
Meeting in Agriculture House on greyhound legislation |
Internal |
|
4th April 2017 |
Joint Oireachtas Committee on greyhound legislation (pre-legislative scrutiny phase) |
External |
In addition to the meetings listed there are regular informal contacts with Bord na gCon to discuss current issues pertaining to the greyhound industry.
1178. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the review of replacement capacity requirements under sea fishing boat licensing will be completed; if consideration of the 26 submissions has been completed; when the conclusions of the review will be published; if this will happen in the second quarter of 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19640/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister I have responsibility for policy in relation to sea-fishing boat licensing under Section 3(3) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003, as amended by Section 99 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. In this context, Section 3 of the Act makes provision for Ministerial Policy Directives to issue to the independent Licensing Authority for Sea-fishing Boats. I am, however, precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to individual cases, or a group of cases, with which the Licensing Authority is or may be concerned under Section 3(5) of the 2003 Act.
I received proposals from a Producer Organisation (PO) which, in summary, relate to the possibility of reducing the requirement to provide 100% replacement capacity with the relevant track record to 80% (the balance being sourced from capacity without track record). I undertook a public consultation process on these proposals and made a consultation paper available which set out the background to fleet policy and carried out an analysis of the current situation. The consultation paper examined the implications of the proposals made by the Producer Organisation and also put forward alternative options. This consultation ended on 28 February 2017.
As the Deputy notes, 26 submissions were received in this regard and they are currently being examined. I will carefully consider, following any further analysis needed, the case for amendment(s) to current licensing policy taking into account the submissions received. I will have my conclusions published on the Department's website, as early as possible.
1179. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his approval is required for the sale of a forest park (details supplied). [19684/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1189. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the stage the sale of a forest park (details supplied) is at; when a decision is likely to be made on this sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19843/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1190. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the safeguards being put in place to ensure the new owner of a forest park (details supplied) will be obliged to develop the site as a key piece of recreational infrastructure in the region; if as part of the sale the new owner will be obliged to invest in the site; if so, the extent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19845/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1191. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the local community will be consulted on the sale of a forest park (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19846/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1192. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Coillte considered the social value of a proposed sale of land at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19866/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1193. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the sale of a forest park (details supplied) in County Cavan will restrict, impose limits on or impede fishing rights; if so, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19867/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1194. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Coillte consulted with Cavan County Council, Cavan local enterprise office, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Fáilte Ireland on the sale of a forest park (details supplied); if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19868/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1179 and 1189 to 1194, inclusive, together.
As all of the Deputy’s questions relate to the same subject, I propose to answer them together. The Forest Park to which the Deputy refers, namely Killykeen Forest Park, Co. Cavan, is part of the Coillte forest estate. Coillte CGA was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the management of their properties and related transactions, are the responsibility of the company.
The company has, however, provided me with relevant information in relation to this matter. I note, in the first instance, that, while the company is proposing to dispose of the Killykeen Holiday Village Complex, Killykeen Forest Park will not be affected by the proposed disposal. It is also noted that while it forms part of the forest park, the Holiday Village Complex is separate to Killykeen Forest Park. As indicated, actual transactions are operational matters for Coillte.
I am advised that the Killykeen Holiday Village Complex has in effect been on the market since 2009, with a renewed marketing campaign launched in May 2016. I am also advised, in relation to the stage of the proposed disposal, that the transaction is at an advanced stage of negotiation, and that Coillte are optimistic that a completion is imminent. With reference to the Deputy’s query about safeguards, Coillte advise that, in evaluating the submissions from interested parties, the company is taking into consideration their respective business development proposals for the Holiday Complex.
As regards consultation with the local community, I understand that this Complex, which contains circa 30 hectares, has not been open to the general public since 2009 and, as such, the local community will not be adversely affected by the proposed disposal. Coillte also advise that the Forest Park is and will remain open to the general public.
Coillte add that it has considered the social value of the business, and are optimistic that a new owner will invest and redevelop the Holiday Village Complex, thereby creating a valuable tourism resource in this area. I am advised that fishing rights will not be impacted and access to Killykeen Forest Park will not be restricted by the proposed disposal of Killykeen Holiday Village Complex.
I understand, from Coillte, that no direct consultation on the sale of the Holiday Village Complex was held with Cavan County Council. Coillte add that, as part of Coillte’s consultation process for property sales, the company consults with all stakeholders directly affected by the proposed sale and, due to the nature of use of the Holiday Village Complex, Cavan County Council was not one of these stakeholders. Coillte advise, that, as part of other discussions with Cavan County Council, the proposed sale of the Village Complex has been noted and the Council is aware of the proposed sales process.
1180. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider introducing a project to support activities (details supplied) in counties Cavan and Monaghan in order to boost tourism and create local employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19704/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunctions relating to tourism and its development are not assigned to me or my Department. The introduction of projects to support activities, such as those suggested by the Deputy, in order to contribute to tourism development does not therefore fall within the remit of my Department. Consideration of any such proposals, or advice on the options available for support or funding, may be appropriate to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport or bodies under its aegis.
1181. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for funding for a pier (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19748/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBunavalla Pier, Caherdaniel, is owned by Kerry County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development rests with that Local Authority in the first instance, and its parent Department, the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government thereafter.
However my Department does provide limited funding to assist coastal Local Authorities in carrying out small scale projects for the development and repair of Local Authority-owned piers, harbours and slipways under the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, subject to available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities. I have allocated over €2.5m for this year's Programme.
On 3rd February, initial applications under the Programme were invited from all coastal Local Authorities. Our records indicate that my Department did not receive a funding application under this Programme for Bunavalla Pier. Should a future application be submitted by Kerry County Council in relation to this pier, it will be given due consideration.
1182. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the gross claim value in euro of schemes (details supplied) for the Nenagh, County Tipperary office for each of the years from 2010 to 2015, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19771/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease see following the information requested in relation to the gross claim value in euros in relation to SPS, BPS, Greening and YFS for Nenagh, County Tipperary for the years 2010 to 2015.
|
Year |
BPS |
Greening |
YFS |
|
2010 |
€2,290,890.92 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2011 |
€2,134,660.28 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2012 |
€2,126,238.81 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2013 |
€1,772,837.48 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2014 |
€1,831,181.95 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2015 |
€1,293,397.83 |
€569,169.42 |
€16,726.49 |
1183. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is tracking whether greyhounds exported to other countries were then exported on to Pakistan in each of the years from 2010 to 2016; the steps he will take to stop the direct or indirect export of dogs to Pakistan, in view of concerns regarding animal welfare standards there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19778/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommercial movements of animals, including dogs, within the EU are recorded on the European Commission’s TRACES system. Movements to non-EU countries are not recorded on TRACES. In view of this, it is not possible for my Department to trace the onward movement of animals which are exported from Ireland via another EU Member State to a third country such as Pakistan.
Once appropriate animal health and welfare certification requirements are met, dogs, including greyhounds, may be exported. Exporters are also required to comply with the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No 1 of 2005 on the protection of animals during transport.
Bord na gCon advises all owners involved in the export of greyhounds to only export to destinations that provide the expected levels of greyhound care and management as defined within Bord na gCon’s Code of Practice. I fully endorse this view.
1184. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for GLAS 2 by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19810/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application for GLAS 3 and there was an issue with the application which needed to be reviewed. This review has now been completed and the application for the person named has been approved into the scheme with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2017. The approval letter will issue shortly to the person named.
1185. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for GLAS 2 by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19812/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of the 1 January 2016.
During the 2016 prepayment checking process an issue presented on the computerised crosscheck of Department databases. Department officials have examined this issue and the application is now being further processed for payment in respect of the 2016 scheme year.
1186. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a basic payment scheme payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19825/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2016 Transfer of Entitlements application to my Department seeking the transfer of entitlements by lease as transferor. This application has been fully processed and payment issued directly to the bank account of the person named on 27th April.
1187. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of inspections of transport vehicles of exporters of live animals in each of the years from 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017; the locations such inspections normally occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19828/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder SI 675 of 2006 European Communities (Animal Transport and Control Post) Regulations 2006, all vehicles employed in the Type 2 export of animals from this jurisdiction must be authorised before transport can be initiated. This approval process is carried out by officials of my Department and can be performed at any nominated location with the site usually decided by agreement between the transporter and my Department’s officers. The length of duration of vehicle approval is at the discretion of the approving official but may not exceed a maximum period of five years.
Vehicles are also inspected at various points of the journey to ensure that those already approved continue to comply with the high standards set under current legislation. The locations where this extended scrutiny is carried out can vary depending on the animals being exported. Some of the sites where vehicles are assessed for compliance with regulations include assembly centres, quarantine stations or isolation centres, farms, livestock markets and shipping ports.
The Department is aware of the imperative to ensure that the transport of animals over long distances is conducted in a manner which safeguards the animals being transported. The Deputy can be assured that rigorous controls and procedures are in place to ensure compliance with legislation.
Figures for the inspection of vehicles during transport are set out in the following Table. Statistics on the number of inspections carried out in 2017 are not available but are generally in line with previous years. I will forward them to the Deputy as soon as possible.
|
Year |
Inspections |
|
2013 |
834 |
|
2014 |
1050 |
|
2015 |
1054 |
|
2016 |
765 |
1188. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if exported animals are free loaded onto ships; if so, the regulations that govern the health and safety of animals not being transported in road vehicles; the way inspections take place in such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19829/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraExports of live animals from Ireland utilise both (i) “Roll on – Roll off” ferries, where the animals remain in approved transport vehicles and (ii) dedicated livestock vessels.
The specific legislation relating to the transport of live animals are EU Council Regulation (EC) 1 of 2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations which is given legal effect in Ireland by S.I. No. 675 of 2006 and the Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations 2016 (S.I. 356 of 2016) which regulates the transport of animals by sea in livestock vessels. My Department has availed of provisions in the European legislation which allows for stricter national rules to be implemented in relation to sea transport and we continue to apply stricter and more detailed requirements than those provided for in EU legislation in this area.
Live animals destined for export are also subject to EU regulations relating to animal health and welfare as well as to certification requirements agreed between Ireland and third country authorities. Cattle destined for live export are monitored by Department Veterinary Inspectors at the time of loading and during the prescribed isolation period in Ireland where an isolation period is required by the importing country. This is in addition to any inspections that may be carried out by Official Veterinarians from the country of destination of the animals. Private Veterinary Practitioners (PVP) also undertake the testing and certification required prior to export. Only animals certified fit to travel are loaded onto trucks under the supervision of Department Veterinary Inspectors. At Port of departure, the animals are unloaded from the trucks and walk onto the dedicated livestock ship and this process is also supervised by my Department officials. Cattle that are penned on board a livestock ship will typically be in very similar conditions to any feedlot situation.
Irish legislative standards for sea transport are recognised by the EU Commission as being amongst the most effective and stringent legislation in force as regards transport by sea. Only ships that have been surveyed and approved by independent Marine Surveyor in conjunction with Department Veterinary Inspectors can load cattle for export from Ireland.
At the time of the first shipment of cattle to Turkey at end of September 2016, a PVP accompanied the load from Ireland to Turkey. My Department arranged for a Veterinary Inspector to fly to Turkey to monitor the cattle on arrival and at unloading. In all cases to date the feedback as regards the welfare, quality and health of the Irish cattle that have been transported by boat to Turkey has been very positive.
