Tuesday, 20 Jun 2017

Written Answers Nos 1649-1668

Air Quality

Ceisteanna (1649)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1649. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address concerns regarding new proposals on spreading slurry. [28228/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am aware of recent media coverage and at the outset, it is important to note that the lead on this issue is the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment as it relates to the National Clean Air Strategy consultation which was open during March and April this year.

Within this context, the consultation document identified the main issues in relation to air quality and emission sources. It recognised that the spreading of slurry can, depending on the timing of the application and the weather conditions, result in nitrogen loss from slurry to the atmosphere through ammonia volatilisation. That Department will conduct a thorough examination of all submissions received as part of its consultation phase. No decision has been taken by this on a total ban. My Department continues to liaise closely with colleagues in DCCAE on this matter.

Interestingly on foot of farmer demand to improve the utilisation of slurry as a fertiliser, my Department is assisting farmers under TAMS in the purchase of Low Emission Slurry Spreading equipment where to date 539 applications have been received for trailing shoe, 394 applications for the dribble bar and 14 applications for shallow injection. Overall across all low emissions technologies over 1,058 applications have been received which is above expectations. There are no splash plate systems being grant-aided. In addition more than 4752 farmers have applied under the GLAS scheme to apply slurry using low emission equipment.

This is being driven by farmers themselves wanting to maximise the value of the slurry on their own farms, rather than as a regulatory requirement. Recently, the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors of Ireland also identified their support for this technology.

However, it is fully understood that this technology is not suitable for all farms.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Applications

Ceisteanna (1650)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

1650. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay with an AEOS payment being issued to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28263/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named commenced their AEOS 2 contract on 1 September 2011. Payment issued in respect of the 2011-2015 Scheme years.

Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System must take place. As 2016 is the final scheme-year of payment for the person-named, re-checks on payments made for all scheme years must be completed before final payment can be processed. This process is on-going and payments are issued on a regular basis as cases are finalised.

Coillte Teoranta Lands

Ceisteanna (1651)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

1651. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the sale of a holiday complex (details supplied); the estimated completion time for works; the timeframe for it to open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28346/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the management of their forest estate and land transactions, are the responsibility of the company.

The matter was, however, raised with Coillte who advise that a sales contract for the sale of Killykeen Holiday Complex in County Cavan has now been signed with CABÜ. Coillte also advise that, as stated in their press announcement of 10 May 2017, CABÜ hope to open this holiday destination for visitors by April 2018 with a view to developing the site further over a period of three years.

Coillte Teoranta Lands

Ceisteanna (1652)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

1652. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has met with or plans to meet with persons (details supplied) regarding the sale of a park. [28347/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the management of their forest estate and land transactions, are the responsibility of the company.

I understand from Coillte, however, that a sales contract for the sale of Killykeen Holiday Complex in County Cavan, to which the Deputy is referring, has now been signed with CABÜ.  I have not met, nor do I have any plans to meet, with CABÜ.

TAMS Applications

Ceisteanna (1653)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

1653. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a TAMS application for a person (details supplied) in Count Kerry; when the payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28359/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person concerned submitted an application for payment under TAMS. However, when his application was examined, it was found that there was an error in the information provided. My Department has reviewed this and rather than requiring a new application to be made, has decided that  the error can be corrected internally and should not impact on the processing of the payment in question. Accordingly the application is currently being processed and payment will issue as soon as possible.

Grocery Industry

Ceisteanna (1654)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

1654. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ban the below-cost selling of vegetables, fruit and potatoes. [28390/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The legislative powers to tackle the matters mentioned are under the auspices of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, together with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.  The Commission, which was established on 31 October 2014, is the statutory body responsible for enforcing consumer protection and competition law in Ireland.    

During 2014, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation introduced the Competition and Consumer Protection Act (No 29 of 2014).   The Act provides for the making of provisions for regulating certain practices in the grocery goods sector.

The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation implemented the Grocery Goods Regulations under this legislation in February 2016, applying to sales and supply contracts, renewed or entered into by producers and  growers with their retailers and supermarket multiples, with effect from 30 April 2016. These provisions will guide the supermarkets in how they deal with our producers in a fair and reasonable manner.

The price levels struck by growers with retail outlets are entirely a commercial matter.  Whilst it is not my role to set supermarket prices for agricultural products or to be involved in price negotiations between growers and retailers, I very much encourage greater co-operation and discussion between all parties in order to ensure the viability of the largest number of Irish growers possible.

Food Industry Development

Ceisteanna (1655)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

1655. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on establishing a wholesale bulk whiskey market similar to that established in the Scotch whisky industry. [28401/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Irish Whiskey is currently the fastest growing spirit drink in the world and the industry here has expanded to deliver exports worth €505 million in 2016. Export volumes are projected to increase from 7 million cases in 2014 to 12 million cases by 2020 and 24 million cases by 2030.

Significant investment supported by Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia has taken place in recent years in the expansion of existing facilities, development of new distilleries and marketing.  As Irish Whiskey must, under EU and Irish law, be matured in wood for at least three years it will take some time for increased production to reach the market, but this should improve opportunities for the creation of a wholesale market.   I would welcome any  industry initiative to facilitate the development of a wholesale Irish Whiskey market but I do not have the power to compel individual distilling companies to set aside part of their production for such a market.

GLAS Payments

Ceisteanna (1656)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

1656. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person's GLAS 2016 85% advance payment issued at a much reduced rate; if the reduced payment is as a result of an information technology problem in view of the fact the person was verbally advised by departmental officials; when the information technology problem will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28406/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has been paid in full in respect of the 2015 scheme year.

During the 2016 prepayment checking process an issue presented on the computerised crosscheck of Department databases in relation to the Commonage parcel. 

The 85% advance payment paid to the person named in June 2017 did not include any element of the commonage payment.  The 2016 balancing payment which will issue in the near future will take account of the total balance due to the person named including the full commonage payment due.

Brexit Negotiations

Ceisteanna (1657)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1657. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to have discussions with his EU colleagues in the context of Brexit with a view to ensuring continued access for food exports as heretofore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28423/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I fully recognise the potentially very significant difficulties that may arise for Irish agri-food exports as a result of Brexit. The agri-food sector is of critical importance to our economy, and particularly to the economy of rural areas given its wide regional spread - for example, in 2016 it employed approximately 173,000 people (8.6% of total employment), and the total value of agri-food exports was almost €12.2bn. I am therefore determined to safeguard its interests.

An important part of this process is the extensive work that I have undertaken in raising awareness of these issues at EU level. I have engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with my EU counterparts which are aimed at building alliances to ensure that agri-food issues are at the top of the EU negotiation agenda. To date I have had very fruitful meetings with my counterparts in Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Estonia, Poland, France, Luxembourg, Austria and Belgium.  Further meetings are being arranged for the coming weeks with counterparts from, for example, Spain and Italy. I have also had frequent discussions with Commissioner Hogan, and my officials have participated in meetings with the Barnier Task Force and with counterparts in the UK and other member states.

My Department and I remain very focused on supporting the food export industry through the challenges ahead. I will continue to consult with the industry and with counterparts in the UK and other member states as the negotiations develop, and press Ireland's case at European level.

Food Exports

Ceisteanna (1658)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1658. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects to establish new markets for food or food products globally in the event of there being a diminution in access to the UK markets in the context of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28424/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is of course an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. Indeed, this is all the more relevant after the UK’s decision to leave the EU, which presents significant new challenges for the agri-food sector in particular.

For some products the dependence on the UK market is significant, and it will be extremely difficult to identify market opportunities of sufficient scale to entirely displace the UK. For this reason I have met with senior officials with retail multiples in the UK to assure them of the quality of Irish food and the continued commitment of Irish businesses to the UK market.

Nonetheless Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region. There is also potential for further market development in more mature markets, and my Department and its agencies will be focussed on maximising the potential for market development in the coming years.

In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025, I and Minister Doyle led trade missions to China, Singapore, Vietnam and South Korea in September 2016. In November I also led a trade mission to Morocco, which was extended at senior official level to include Algeria. Earlier in 2016, senior officials accompanied a Bord Bia trade mission to Iran, and travelled on to Turkey and met with officials to discuss trade of live animals.

In February 2017 I also led a very successful Trade Mission to the Gulf Region. This covered the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

I am at present engaged in a trade mission to the United States and Mexico, which commenced on Monday, 19 June. This mission includes participants from across the agri-food sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as high level political discussions. Both of these markets have been identified by my Department as offering huge potential to the Irish agri-food sector. The US is the largest food and beverage market in the world and has a population of 324 million people. Around 35 million Americans claim Irish ancestry and many aspects of the American market are attractive to Irish exporters. Mexico has a population of 127 million, making it the eleventh-largest country in the world in population terms and the fifteenth-largest economy in the world, with projections that it will move into the top five by 2050.

It will also promote Ireland’s reputation as a producer of high quality, safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy products. My Department will continue to seek out and identify new markets and I am ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities that may arise.

I also recently announced additional market access resources in my Department in order to further support its efforts to increase the Irish footprint globally.

Dairy Sector

Ceisteanna (1659)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1659. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the dairy sector continues to develop in order to maximise employment and exports into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28425/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Market analysis predicts that medium term prospects for global dairy markets are good, with growth in world population and wealth expected to stimulate strong levels of demand for dairy products.  More than 85% of Irish dairy production is exported to some 130 countries worldwide.

Bord Bia figures show that the value of Irish dairy and ingredient exports for the year 2016 increased by around 2% compared with 2015, despite a very difficult global context. CSO data shows an approximate 8% increase in the value of dairy exports for the period January to March 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, with the growth in value driven primarily by butter, cheese, whole milk and enriched dairy powder exports.

My Department, its agencies and I continue to work with industry to raise the profile of the Irish dairy sector in markets worldwide. This involves diversifying our trading relationships wherever possible, including emerging markets in the Far East, North Africa and elsewhere as well as deepening existing trading relationship. For example, dairy forms an integral part of the current trade mission to the USA and Mexico.

A key element of Ireland’s marketing strategy is to optimise the already positive green image of Ireland in order to create a point of differentiation for Irish dairy products on international markets.  In this context, the National Sustainability and Quality Scheme for the dairy sector aims to capitalise on Ireland’s reputation for green, carbon efficient, high quality dairy production. 

At processing level, Bord Bia’s Origin Green Programme is providing a vehicle for industry to commit itself to sustainability targets. This pro-active approach to environmental sustainability has a strong resonance with procurement strategists of many multi-national food companies.

Supported by Government, the Irish dairy sector has succeeded in positioning itself as a major international player. We have seen industry announcements in relation to the development of supply arrangements between Irish companies and multi-national players in third countries, and the development of value added products which can maximise the value of our dairy output.

I am confident that the collaborative efforts of Government, the processing industry and the producers will ensure a thriving and sustainable dairy sector that can fully leverage the natural advantage of Ireland’s grass-based production system.

Food Exports

Ceisteanna (1660)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1660. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he and his Department continue to seek out new markets for beef, lamb and pig meat incorporating the use of the island of Ireland as single entity thus enabling the farming community, North and South, to have continued access to previously established markets without restriction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28426/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade.

There is significant potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region. We must also exploit any potential for growth in more mature markets and our efforts in relation to both of these objectives are all the more important given the decision of the UK to leave the EU. 

In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025, Minister Doyle and I led trade missions to China, Singapore, Vietnam and South Korea in September 2016, Morocco in November 2016 and to the Gulf Region in 2017. In addition missions at senior official level have included Algeria, Iran and Turkey.  I also hosted a number of high level visits from countries outside of the EU including the Chinese Minister for Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, and most recently a technical delegation from South Korea. 

Discussions with these and other third countries take place on a Government to Government basis, and therefore between the competent authorities in this State and those in the relevant third country.

Food Exports

Ceisteanna (1661)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1661. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which the mushroom growing sector, North and South, can expect to rely on continued access to all previously established markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28427/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The mushroom sector is heavily dependent on the UK market with approximately 85% of Irish mushrooms destined for that market each year.  Irish mushrooms account for approximately one third of all mushrooms consumed in the UK. 

Access arrangements for the UK market post-Brexit will depend on the outcome of the UK’s Brexit negotiations with the EU.  During these negotiations the Irish Government’s position will be to seek to minimise the impact of Brexit on existing trade for all Irish exports including mushrooms.

In addition my Department will ensure Bord Bia is provided with the necessary funds to support promotion of Irish food and drink on all markets.  Indeed Bord Bia is currently engaged in a mushroom industry co-funded promotion campaign on the Irish and UK markets.  This is designed to maintain the momentum achieved over the recent EU co-funded mushroom promotion campaigns.

Poultry Industry

Ceisteanna (1662)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1662. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which the poultry sector throughout the island of Ireland can expect to retain access to previously established markets in the European Union and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28428/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department is working on expanding market access for beef, sheepmeat, pigmeat, poultry and cooked meats across a range of markets. In tandem, we continue to work to maintain existing markets as well as to simplify certification procedures and improve certification conditions in a number of existing markets. 

For example, in 2016 my Department reached agreement with the veterinary authorities in Singapore to amend the veterinary health certificate for the export of poultry meat in order to allow for the inclusion of poultry hatched and reared in either the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, and slaughtered in the Republic of Ireland. This reflects the cross border nature of the poultry business in Ireland.

In 2016 the value of Irish poultry meat exports was estimated at €275 million. Exports to the UK accounted for 84% of exports by value while exports to the rest of the European Union accounted for 8% of exports by value. Exports to third countries accounted for the remaining 8% of exports by value. Therefore it is clear that the poultry sector is one which has an important export outlet in the UK. In all of my engagements with EU counterparts and the EU Negotiating team I have been making clear our demand for continued unfettered access to the UK market, without tariffs and with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures, as well as keeping the UK market viable for Irish producers by minimising the risk from UK trade agreements with third countries.

The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. My Department is always looking for new market access opportunities which will enhance our options for exports to third countries in the future. The priorities of the industry are assessed through the form of quarterly meetings with relevant stakeholders.

Horse Racing Industry Development

Ceisteanna (1663)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1663. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects the sporting horse non-thoroughbred industry to continue to prosper here into the future notwithstanding ongoing geopolitical changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28430/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As part of my Department’s strategy to assist the development of the sector, it has commissioned a consultancy report on the structures of Horse Sport Ireland with a view to ensure that the industry has the optimum organisation to avail of development opportunities and meet challenges as they arise.    

I assume the Deputy is referring to the potential impact of Brexit on the Sport Horse Sector. In this regard, my Department is playing its part in  efforts to ensure that the an agreement with the UK upon its exit from the European Union does not disrupt trade or regulation in the equine sector. In this context my Department has been in regular contact over the last year with counterpart administrations in London and Belfast and as recently as the 9th of June last, hosted an all-Ireland sectorial dialogue which included the leading representatives of the sport horse industry on the island of Ireland.

Fishing Industry

Ceisteanna (1664)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1664. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects to be in a position to ensure maximum employment to derive from the fishing industry, including the entitlement for Irish trawlers to continue to fish in traditional waters in keeping with established practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28431/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Achieving maximum employment from the fishing industry is intrinsically linked to ensuring the long term sustainability of the industry, both economically and environmentally. The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) provides the framework to achieve these goals. 

A key element of the CFP is the setting of fishing levels on the basis of MSY (Maximum Sustainable Yield). When stocks are fished at MSY it should, ultimately, lead to healthy fish stocks, higher quotas for both Irish and EU fishermen and lead to more sustainable fishing patterns. The achievement of MSY for all commercial fish stocks is being phased in gradually and is due to be complete by 2020 at the latest. This will result in more fish being left in the sea to mature and reproduce leading to increased abundance of fish, and over time to higher quotas for Irish fishermen. This, in turn, will add to the employment prospects for fishermen, the processors and ancillary sectors. 

The EU Commission has noted that the state of fish stocks in European Atlantic and nearby waters continues to improve which I believe indicates that we are continuing to see the benefits of prudent and responsible fisheries management practices. At the most recent December Council, I was pleased to negotiate a package that secured 233,500 tonnes of quotas worth €280 million for Irish fishermen for 2017. The outcome was universally welcomed by the fishing sector and is representative of the robust health of our fishing industry. 

The ongoing implementation the landing obligation, which began in 2015 will also contribute to an improvement in the state of the stocks of importance to Ireland and will result in increased fishing opportunities for the Irish fishing industry.

In terms of the entitlement for Irish trawlers to continue to fish in traditional waters, the most immediate potential threat is the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.  At this stage it is impossible to say with certainty what impact Brexit will have on the Irish fishing industry as we don't know yet what changes the UK may seek to the current arrangements.

Any attempt by the UK to alter the status quo at the expense of Ireland and others must, and will be, resisted strenuously.  

I am and will remain in close contact with fisheries stakeholders as the issues develop and work with them to ensure that we are all fully prepared for what are likely to be extremely complex negotiations.  

I am also continuing to work closely with my European colleagues to ensure that fisheries remain a top priority in the negotiations to come. Protecting existing shares and access are top priorities for the fishing Member States.  

My overarching goal for Ireland’s fishing industry is to ensure a sustainable, profitable and self reliant industry that protects and enhances the social and economic fabric of rural coastal communities dependent on the seafood sector, while balancing these objectives with the need to safeguard fish stocks for future generations.

Agriculture Industry

Ceisteanna (1665)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1665. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the development and growth of deer farming and the venison sector with particular reference to developments abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28432/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Deer farming in this country is an alternative enterprise which is highly dependent on the dynamics of supply and demand which affect all agricultural production systems. In 1996 there were approximately 500 deer farms in Ireland with 20,000 deer, but numbers have declined sharply since that time. At present there are only a small number of farmers in Ireland supplying deer for meat production,  which cater to the niche market available.

The viability of the sector is reliant upon producers and companies ensuring that a market exists for their product, an objective which Bord Bia assists in by identifying and developing potential market outlets.

There has been some recent growth in game (venison) market albeit from a very low base. This growth has been achieved as a result of improved distribution for game meats, especially in supermarkets. Game and exotic meats currently occupy a premium, niche segment of the market. Whilst there are niche opportunities to compete with the larger premium segment of the red meat/poultry categories, it is important to note that demand is seasonal, with the greatest concentration of retail shelf space dedicated to game in the Winter/Christmas period.

My Department has approved one factory for the slaughter of deer in Ireland, and two game handling plants. There may also be outlets for processing of venison in Local Authority approved plants, but this would be a matter for the Local Authority concerned.

Animal Welfare

Ceisteanna (1666)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1666. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which his Department continues to monitor all aspects of animal welfare, including canine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28435/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 is the main legal instrument available to my Department to enforce animal welfare standards. The Act puts clear obligations on owners regarding the need to look after animals under their care.

My Department employs a large team of veterinary inspectors to enforce the provisions of the Act. Inspections, both announced and unannounced, are undertaken on a regular basis to ensure that the requirements of the Act are strictly adhered to. These inspections are scheduled on both a random and targeted basis. My Department also operates an anonymous helpline through which members of the public can express animal welfare concerns. These reports are promptly examined by trained veterinary staff countrywide and corrective action is taken in those cases where the Act has been breached. The Act also provides for severe penalties in the event of successful prosecutions.

The Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC) was established by my Department in February 2002 on a non-statutory basis. It has been instrumental in promoting animal welfare in a practical way and providing a forum for different interest groups to meet, exchange views and reach consensus on the various challenges relating to animal welfare on farms.

While my Department remains the central reporting point for animal welfare concerns, it also works collaboratively on a range of issues with the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. Under Section 37(2) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013, the manager of a local authority may appoint authorised officers to exercise functions conferred on them for the purposes of enforcing the Act.

One area of such co-operation is the governance of canine welfare. A joint inspection regime of dog breeding establishments, involving the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Local Authority Veterinary Service, took place in 2015 for the purpose of inspection and follow up action. While a very high percentage of inspections found the conditions of the animals to comply fully with the Act, corrective action was taken where necessary following the discovery of individual cases of non-compliance (mainly infrastructural in nature).

My Department also liaises on a daily basis with Local Authorities in relation to the enforcement of the Control of Horses Act 1996. The development of urban / traveller horse projects is one outcome of this co-operation. These projects seek to reduce the amount of stray horses and educate young people in the care of animals. I am glad to report a major improvement in horse welfare outcomes in recent years.

The Deputy may be assured that this level of monitoring, enforcement and education will remain in place in the future, both by my Department and the State agencies.

GLAS Data

Ceisteanna (1667)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

1667. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons in receipt of GLAS 1 and GLAS 2 who have received 85% of their total 2016 payment, by county, in tabular form; the number of persons that have passed all payment approval checks and are awaiting their 2016 payment; the number of GLAS recipients that have yet to receive payment, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28438/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Initial processing of every GLAS I and II case for 2016 payment has been completed. Approximately 1,000 applicants have been informed that further information is required of them before their application can be advanced and it is now a matter for the applicant together with their Advisor to consider how they wish to proceed.

The information requested is set out below on a county by county  basis for GLAS 1 and GLAS II applicants who have received a payment to date or will be paid in the next payment run by the Department in the coming days. In total this represents 95% of all applications received.

County	No of Applicants paid to date	No of Applicants Cleared for payment
Carlow	383	1
Cavan	1,296	2
Clare	2,224	1
Cork	3,007	7
Donegal	2,849	4
Dublin	71	1
Galway	4,157	11
Kerry	2,584	3
Kildare	304	1
Kilkenny	611	1
Laois	538	2
Leitrim	1,380	-
Limerick	1,303	1
Longford	830	-
Louth	210	1
Mayo	3,639	6
Meath	589	2
Monaghan	708	1
Offaly	718	1
Roscommon	2,008	2
Sligo	1,266	1
Tipperary	1,562	2
Waterford	450	2
Westmeath	877	1
Wexford	936	1
Wicklow	450	1
	34,950	56

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Data

Ceisteanna (1668)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

1668. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons who applied for AEOS who have received their total 2016 payment, by county, in tabular form; the number of persons that have passed all payment approval checks and are awaiting their 2016 payment; the number of AEOS recipients that have yet to receive payment, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28439/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

AEOS II participants completed their 5-year contracts on 31 December 2016. Under the EU Regulations governing this Scheme and all other area-based payment schemes, a full checks, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System must take place before payment can issue. As all AEOS II participants will be receiving their final payments under the scheme, re-checks on payments made for all scheme years must be completed before final payment can be processed. All cases cleared for payment are paid on a weekly basis. 

County	Totals	Paid	Awaiting Processing
Carlow	49	45	4
Cavan	244	227	17
Clare	556	511	45
Cork	428	395	33
Donegal	1360	1,263	97
Dublin	9	9	0
Galway	1245	1,157	88
Kerry	568	513	55
Kildare	39	36	3
Kilkenny	109	99	10
Laois	80	69	11
Leitrim	430	400	30
Limerick	224	190	34
Longford	89	77	12
Louth	41	39	2
Mayo	1399	1,302	97
Meath	83	75	8
Monaghan	151	124	27
Offaly	110	104	6
Roscommon	478	443	35
Sligo	335	303	32
Tipperary	245	212	33
Waterford	82	73	9
Westmeath	122	102	20
Wexford	84	59	25
Wicklow	80	69	11
Totals	8640	7,896	744