Written Answers Nos. 884-907
884. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the minimum amount of land required to be classified as a farm in order and to claim on it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45682/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder EU regulations, Ireland has taken up the option to implement a minimum payment threshold of €100 under which payment via a direct payment scheme will not issue.
However, notwithstanding the above, certain schemes may also include an area threshold, depending on the objectives of various schemes and the terms and conditions of those schemes.
For example, under the terms and conditions of the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme, applicants must occupy and farm in their own right and at their own risk a minimum of 3 hectares of ANC forage land in an eligible area.
885. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the issuing of penalty points for fishermen prior to prosecution; his plans to sign a statutory instrument on same; the changes that will be made with respect to fishing penalty points as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45740/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Union (Common Fisheries Policy) (Point System) Regulations 2016 (S.I. No. 125 of 2016) establishes a point system, which will apply to the Licence Holder of a sea-fishing boat when a serious infringement of the Common Fisheries Policy is detected. It is intended that the new Statutory instrument which I intend to sign shortly will amend S.I. No. 125 of 2016 to change the make-up of the Determination Panel set up under the 2016 S.I. to determine if on the balance of probabilities a serious infringement occurred and whether it is a serious infringement. This will involve the appointment of three independent legal professionals nominated by the Attorney General, thereby completely separating the enforcement and the determination functions. The new SI will, to the extent possible, take on board the issues of concern in relation to procedures and processes highlighted in High Court judgments on this matter. It will also amend S.I. No. 125 of 2016 to address certain minor technical and drafting issues arising.
In June 2016, I advised the Oireachtas that subject to addressing some important legal and administrative issues, that I was hopeful of moving towards a system of sequential application of EU points in conjunction with the prosecution process, having consulted with the Attorney General’s office. I made it clear that this move was subject to addressing some important legal and administrative issues in order to ensure compliance with EU law.
There has been extensive examination and consideration of all the issues in relation to meeting our EU obligations to implement the points system in the interim period. The firm legal view available to me is that it is not possible to deliver on an effective and dissuasive points system, as required under EU law, by assigning points to licence holders upon successful prosecution.
It should be noted in this context that Pilot Infringement proceedings by the EU Commission for non-implementation of the EU points system have been taken against Ireland. It remains an option for the EU Commission to proceed to formal infringement proceedings in respect of the licence holders system.
There are also serious implications with regard to the release of funding under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). Implementation of the EU Points system was an ex-ante conditionality for the approval of Ireland’s European Maritime Fisheries Fund Programme, given that the programme is intended to facilitate implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy in Ireland. The EU Commission has signalled in writing that the delivery of funding under Ireland’s EMFF Operational Programme is firmly linked to the implementation of the points system. This programme is investing €241m of EU/Exchequer funding in total in the fisheries sector over the lifetime of the programme, which is crucial at a time of Brexit uncertainty. The immediate concern is with regard to the control and data collection funds. The EU Commission wrote in July 2017 advising that due to the non implementation of the Points system, EMFF funding allocated for control spend will be suspended.
Having an effective, proportionate and dissuasive system of points for all fishing vessels, Irish and non Irish, operating in our 200 mile zone is beneficial to maintaining the sustainability of fish stocks on which our seafood sector is dependant. This system will ensure that the vast majority of our law abiding fishermen are able to compete effectively and look forward to a sustainable future in the industry.
886. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of deaths and injuries of greyhounds for each track held by the IGB here and by the ICC in Northern Ireland. [45742/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na gCon is a commercial State body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry.
Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been forwarded to Bord na gCon for direct reply.
887. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if concerns have been raised regarding the operation of Porcupine Bank nephrops fishing grounds and functional unit 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45776/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, in Ireland quotas are a public resource and are managed by the Minister. I decide on the management of fish quotas following consultation with industry representatives.
Quotas (including Nephrops) are generally managed on a monthly basis. Consultation is carried out each month at the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC) meeting involving representatives of the fishing industry (1 member from each of the four Fish Producer Organisations,(Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, Irish Fish Producers Organisation, Irish South and East Fish Producers Organisation and Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation), 1 member from the National Inshore Fishermen’s Forum, 1 member of the Fish Producers and Exporters Association and 1 member of the Fishing Co-Operative Association), the Department and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). The whitefish quotas are generally managed on the basis of catch limits set for each month.
At the July 2017 monthly QMAC meeting, industry representatives advised that the price for Nephrops in the Porcupine Bank was relatively low and recommended closure of the fishery accordingly for August and September on the basis that prices would be better later in the year. The fishery was therefore closed for those months. I subsequently extended this closure period for October and November 2017 following a landings report from the SFPA that the available quota for Ireland has been exceeded. Without available quota, the fishery may not be opened. The SFPA is the legally responsible authority for the collection, treatment and certification of information on fishing activities, including reporting on landings.
888. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a review of the case of a person (details supplied); and the timeframe for its completion. [45810/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agriculture Appeals Office has confirmed that a decision letter issued on 27 October 2017 regarding the review of the case of the person named.
889. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the proposed requirement to keep animals for seven months instead of six months (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45827/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the 2017 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme, eligible applicants are required to meet a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per hectare for a retention period of seven consecutive months and to maintain an annual average of 0.15 livestock units per hectare calculated over the twelve months of the scheme year. This requirement was introduced as one of a number of technical adjustments to the scheme in 2013 to ensure the continued provision of a more focused scheme.
The objectives of the ANC scheme include ensuring continued agricultural land usage and the stocking level requirements are one of the tools used to support this objective. It should be noted that it is possible for farmers to obtain a derogation from the requirement to maintain the minimum 0.15 livestock units requirement where this is justified on environmental grounds.
890. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if flexibility will be allowed with regard to the administration of the BDGP scheme to allow a young farmer to change farming enterprise without having to repay the payments received to date for participation in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45834/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPayments under BDGP and BDGP II are based on the full completion of specified actions over the course of six years which were designed to improve the genetic merit of a beef farmer’s herd. Section 13 of the scheme’s Terms and Conditions states that
‘Where a contract is terminated by an applicant all monies paid under the Programme shall be repaid to the Department except in cases of Force Majeure.’
Should any applicant who withdraws from the scheme prematurely wish, they can make a case for scheme participation termination under the force majeure categories detailed in the Terms and Conditions booklet. The Terms and Conditions for both BDGP and BDGP II are available at the following link: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/beefschemes/.
It should be noted that the Department has no discretion to apply a force majeure scheme termination outside these parameters, which were agreed as part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014/2020.
891. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the compensation funds and supports available to a business (details supplied) which was severely damaged by Storm Ophelia recently and saw thousands of trees destroyed; the funds that are available from his Department at national level to compensate for damage to tree stock from this adverse weather event; the funds available at EU level in this regard to safeguard full-time and part-time jobs in the business; and if he has he deployed State agencies under his remit to advise on supports available. [45836/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of and concerned about the damaging effects caused by storm Ophelia on many sectors, including agriculture and horticulture. I am very conscious of the challenges facing the horticulture industry and my Department, along with the various state agencies; Bord Bia, Teagasc and Enterprise Ireland, are working closely to support the industry through a number of measures. In 2016, Ireland’s horticulture sector contributed over €430 million to the value of output at farm-gate level and is estimated to be directly responsible for over 6,600 jobs with many more employed indirectly both upstream and downstream.
The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector facilitates capital investments in a broad range of specialised horticultural equipment and buildings by providing grant aid at a rate of 40% (50% in the case of young applicants under 35 years of age) on approved costs.
For 2017, approvals were issued to 156 applicants which will facilitate grower investment costing approximately €16 million. Many applicants are already inspected and paid, while the processing of more recent claims is ongoing. At this stage we expect to utilise the full budget of €5 million available for the scheme this year.
This scheme continues to be an excellent vehicle for investment in all sectors of the horticulture industry and I’m delighted to confirm that Budget 2018 allocated €5 million in funding again for the 2018 Scheme of Investment Aid for Commercial Horticulture, which reflects this Government's commitment to ongoing support for this sector. The competitive nature of the scheme combined with the scheme’s flexibility and ability to react to evolving situations are two key strengths in supporting this highly dynamic sector. An early opening of the scheme is anticipated.
The SBCI Loan Scheme launched in last year’s budget was a great success and a number of horticultural businesses have benefited from these low interest loans. As part of the recent Budget, €25 million has been secured to facilitate the development of a new Brexit response loan scheme for farmers, fishermen and food businesses and further details will be announced in due course.
892. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what external company is undertaking an audit of his departmental website; the cost of the audit; the timeframe for its completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45852/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have any company engaged in conducting an audit of the Department's website and as such there are no costs or associated deadlines to report.
893. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a closed containment of farm salmon agreement to try to eradicate sea lice between Norway and a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45875/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra894. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to eradicate the sea lice problem as a result of the farm salmon industry. [45876/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra895. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to regulate the farm salmon industry regarding sea lice and prevent escapes. [45877/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra896. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to an agreement signed between the Norwegian Government and a company (details supplied) regarding salmon farming on 25 May 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45878/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 893 to 896, inclusive, together.
The control of sea lice is managed by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State. These protocols are more advanced than those operated in other jurisdictions for the following reasons:
- The inspection regime is totally independent of the industry.
- Data obtained as a result of inspection is published and made widely available.
- Treatment trigger levels are set at a low level.
The sea lice monitoring and control programme in Ireland has been acknowledged by the Environment Directorate (DG Environment) of the EU Commission as representing international best practice.
In April 2016, my Department introduced a Protocol for the Structural Design of Marine Finfish Farms. This Protocol will help to protect against the likelihood of structural failure and will assist in the prevention of salmon farm escapes.
My Department is not aware of the agreement between the Norwegian authorities and the company referred to by the Deputy in relation to the management of sea lice. My Department has asked Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) for observations on the matter and as soon as these are available, I will forward these to the Deputy.
897. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the terms and conditions for the TAMS scheme for agricultural sheds are too onerous with regard to the required specifications (details supplied); if this is affecting the uptake of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45887/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe TAMS II buildings specifications are set to ensure that the buildings are structurally sound and capable of being used for a minimum period of 20 years without requiring any significant repair works. The specifications also ensure that the buildings are safe to construct, maintain and operate over the lifetime of the buildings, while ensuring that good animal welfare can be achieved. The specifications are set at the minimum required to achieve these aims. To date there has been a significant level of interest with over 15,000 applications received under the suite of seven measures available under TAMS II and my Department is paying out an average of €1 million per week to approved applicants.
898. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the names of all consultants commissioned by his Department since June 2016 to complete reports on Brexit; the cost of the reports; the date of commission; the expected publication date of same, in tabular form; and if all such reports have been published. [45900/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have not commissioned any consultants to carry out reports in relation to Brexit to date, although since June 2016 my Department and the agencies reporting to it have conducted a range of analysis and research activities. This work is ongoing, and is primarily concerned with the implications of Brexit for agri-food trade with the UK across different sectors.
For example, both internally and in consultation with the relevant stakeholders through the Brexit Stakeholder Consultative Committee and the All-Island Civic Dialogue process, my Department has established the extent of sectoral reliance on the UK market, the potential implications of Brexit for each sector and the possible responses to the challenges presented. It has also been analysing the potential practical impact on the day-to-day functioning of trade flows, as well as potential WTO tariffs that might be applied to Ireland's agri-food exports to the UK in the event of a 'hard' Brexit. In addition, it has been actively involved in steering groups presiding over research projects commissioned by other Departments which have an agri-food component.
The agencies reporting to my Department have also undertaken important research in relation to Brexit, with Teagasc publishing reports on, for example, the potential implications for the Irish agri-food sector in overall terms and on the implications for family farm incomes, and Bord Bia conducting important work through its Brexit Barometer.
In addition, my Department is in contact with the relevant agencies and with other Departments to co-ordinate further research on the implications of Brexit for the agri-food industry. Consultants may be commissioned by my Department to conduct this research, if required.
899. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an application under GLAS 3 submitted by persons (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in issuing a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45931/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application in respect of the above named persons was drafted on the system on December 12th 2016. However, there is no record of the application ever being submitted.
900. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an application under GLAS 3 submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in issuing a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45932/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application in respect of the above named person was drafted on the system on November 28th 2016. However, there is no record of the application ever being submitted.
901. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost of the provision of a defibrillator in each public building owned by his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45975/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of my Department's Occupational Health Plan, a defibrillator is available in each of my Department's 20 public offices listed below, which are owned by the State and some of which are shared with other Departments. The current cost of a defibrillator, similar to those previously purchased, is approximately €2,200, including VAT.
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Regional Veterinary Offices
1. Cavan (Cavan Town)
2. Cork (Cork City)
3. Cork (Clonakilty)
4. Donegal (Raphoe)
5. Galway/Athenry
6. Kerry (Tralee)
7. Kildare (Naas)
8. Leitrim (Drumshanbo)
9. Limerick (Raheen)
10. Mayo (Castlebar)
11. Meath (Navan)
12. Offaly (Tullamore)
13. Roscommon (Roscommon Town)
14. Tipperary (Tipperary Town)
15. Waterford (The Glen, Waterford City)
16. Wexford (Enniscorthy)
Public Administration Buildings
1. Agriculture House, Kildare St., Dublin
2. Government Offices, Portlaoise
3. Backweston Administration Building, Celbridge
4. Johnstown Castle Estate, Wexford
With regard to agencies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the agencies themselves.
902. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what meetings of the strategic communications unit he or his departmental officials have attended; the date and location of each such meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45984/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been one meeting between my Department and the Strategic Communications Unit of the Department of the Taoiseach. I attended this meeting along with the Secretary General of my Department, the Assistant Secretary with responsibility for Human Resources and Corporate Affairs and my Special Advisor. The meeting took place in Agriculture House on Thursday 5th October 2017.
My Department, along with the Government, wants to make it easier for members of the public to understand its work and the services it provides. Officials from my Department and I will engage with the Strategic Communications Unit to ensure that factual information on Government services is delivered to members of the public in a non-partisan way.
To that end, an Assistant Secretary in my Department has been assigned responsibility for communications and will work to ensure cross Government cooperation in that regard.
903. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his Department's website was last revamped or remodelled; the cost of same; if he or his departmental officials have been consulted regarding creating one stand alone online Government portal website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46001/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's website was last redesigned and redeveloped in 2008/2009. That project included the implementation of a new content management system to better organise and manage the information available on the website. The full cost of the implementation project including the content management system and post-implementation support for 3 years was €279,821.
My Department has been consulted at a high level regarding plans to create a standalone governmental portal and has paused planned further development of our websites pending further information.
904. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the investment in his Department’s website since 2011 including total associated costs incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46018/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total investment in my Department’s website in the period from 2011 to date amounts to €132,088. This expenditure has mostly involved annual support and maintenance charges and training for Department officials who manage the website.
905. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of departmental staff in his press office; the reporting relationship in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46035/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Press and Information Office in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine consists of the Press Officer and six support staff members. The Press and Information Office is part of the Corporate Affairs Division and is headed by the Press Officer, who reports to the Head of Division, who in turn reports to the Assistant Secretary with responsibility for Human Resources and Corporate Affairs.
The Press and Information Office is the primary point of contact between the Department and members of the media, as well as members of the general public. The office is responsible for communicating with media and members of the public regarding the work of the Minister, the Minister of State and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Department's social media presence is also managed by the Press and Information Office.
906. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the protocol for attendance by staff, both civil servants and political non-civil servants, at continuing professional development programmes and courses; the number of staff, both civil servants and political non-civil servants, in his Department that participated in such programmes on an annual basis in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017; the costs incurred by his Department for persons that participated in these courses; the providers of all such courses; the subject areas of all courses and programmes provided, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46052/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
907. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what public relations companies or agencies were used by his Department for information campaigns since 1 January 2017; and the costs incurred to date in 2017. [46069/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department generally does not employ external public relations firms. Public relations advice is provided by my Department’s Press Office.
In April of this year, the services of "All Good Tales", a public relations company, was used to provide training for staff members for the National Animal Surveillance Programme. The cost of this training was €5,965.
Also this year, my Department ran four public information campaigns during which the services of an advertising agency "Mediavest Limited" were used. Mediavest currently holds the central Government contract for the provision of the majority of advertising needs. The expenditure for the 4 public information campaigns is set out below.
- Farm Hazardous Waste Campaign.......€7,380
- Campaign encouraging Basic Payment Scheme Applicants Online .......€28,443
- Campaign providing Biosecurity Advice to Backyard Flock Owners during the Avian Influenza Outbreak......... €22,508
- Campaign informing applicants of the Afforestation Programme of New Tree Felling Requirements..........€17,408.
