Written Answers Nos. 177-197
177. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions he has had at European Union level or with the Iranian authorities regarding the possible export of beef to Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49507/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA bilateral agreement was concluded on a health certificate for the export of beef from Ireland to Iran in March 2013. Irish beef exports to Iran had previously been banned due to BSE. However, Ireland now has access to export fresh chilled and frozen boneless beef, derived from animals under 30 months at slaughter, although no exports have taken place as yet.
An official-led trade mission to Iran took place in April 2016; this mission was an important step in gaining sheepmeat access to Iran, which was agreed later in 2016.
Commissioner Hogan met this month with the Iranian Ministers for Agriculture, Mr Hojjati, and Minister for Health, Mr Hashemi as part of his Trade Mission there. The Iranian authorities have announced that Iran will adopt a single health certification system for exports from all EU Member States. This single certification system will be issued at first to those Member States which are currently authorized to export, such as Ireland, and will then be extended to include all EU Member States. The changes are expected to be introduced in the first half of 2018.
178. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49550/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is actively involved with the farming sector in supporting initiatives to contribute positively to climate change mitigation including through sequestration and renewable energy.
Food Wise 2025 sets out a cohesive, strategic plan for the sustainable development of agri-food sector over the next decade. As part of the initial ground work to Food Wise 2025, a public consultation took place which involved 15 background papers and a questionnaire. These included a particular focus on climate change and sustainability.
We are committed to ensuring that the sector continues to grow sustainably so that Ireland can play its part in meeting the increasing global food demand while having regard to Ireland’s climate obligations. It is independently and internationally recognised that ours is a climate and resource efficient agri-food production system and we are working with all stakeholders to find even greater efficiencies.
A number of initiatives are being undertaken to make the farming sector even more environmentally sustainable, including measures under the Rural Development Programme (RDP), which is worth almost €4 billion over 7 years. The Department’s implementation of its RDP has seen significant focus on the targeting of support interventions. This Programme is aimed strongly towards environmental benefits, including knowledge transfer programmes, which will bring the latest innovative sustainability research and practices direct to farmers.
The Knowledge Transfer Programme supports the roll-out of best practice on farms, while improved efficiency of the national suckler herd is being achieved through the Beef Data and Genomics scheme.
The Agri-Environment scheme GLAS has 50,000 participants. It is based on prioritised eligibility based on environmental objectives such as hedgerow and tree planting, minimum tillage and encouraging the sustainable management of upland peatlands.
In tandem there is a focus on sustainability through the ‘Origin Green’ programme. Under the Origin Green programme Ireland is a world leader in areas such as sustainable auditing and carbon foot-printing. Origin Green is a strategic priority in Food Wise 2025.
Initiatives such as the Carbon Navigator tool also assist, as does Teagasc through its advisory, research and education programmes.
The Pasture Profit Index and the Agricultural Catchments Programme help to reduce carbon emissions per unit of output produced and protect our rivers.
Furthermore the establishment and maintenance of landscape features (for example Ecological Focus Areas under CAP Pillar I) can assist with achieving other environmental objectives which are expected of land, such as water and biodiversity management, in addition to carbon sequestration benefits.
Regarding renewable energy Anaerobic Digesters (AD), to date, this has played a limited role in promoting and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions as methane emissions from the storage and management of animal slurries only compose approx. 12% of the total methane emissions arising from agriculture and the scale of Irish farms are small. Methane accounts for approximately 22% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions and, of this, approximately 12% of methane emissions result from the storage and management of animal manures.
It remains however an opportunity to recover methane with consequent climate change benefits. AD plants can take in waste animal products including slurry, meat products, waste food, silage etc. The gas produced in an AD plant may be used to produce electricity, through a Combined Heat and Power unit (CHP), or may be used to supply “Green Gas” (biomethane) to the gas network.
Afforestation is the main cost effective land based climate mitigation tool available to Ireland including the provision of sustainable source of wood biomass for energy purposes.
Forests have the potential to sequester and store large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which can then be harvested as wood products, and these continue to store carbon over the long term and be employed as a sustainable source of fuel. In this way forests directly sequester carbon and substitute other materials that are associated with high levels of emissions such as steel, concrete and fossil fuels. Forests will play an important role in meeting EU emissions reductions targets during the 2021-2030 period.
Over the period 2021 to 2030, projections show that 4.5 MT of CO2 eq may be removed annually from the atmosphere by afforestation that has occurred since 1990. Based on proposed accounting rules under the LULUCF proposal 2.2 MT of CO2 eq is forecast to be accountable against our Effort Sharing Regulation targets from afforestation. In 2016 6,500 ha of new forests were planted in Ireland under the afforestation scheme. The overall target is to expand Ireland’s forest estate from 11% to 18% by mid-century.
Agriculture and afforestation are intrinsically linked in Ireland. Every new hectare of afforestation comes directly from agriculture.
My Department will continue to invest in and engage in initiatives aimed at sustainable farming, climate change mitigation and renewable energy.
179. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in issuing payment under the basic payment scheme to a person (details supplied); and when payment will issue. [49552/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 11 May 2017. Processing of this application is now finalised and payment will issue to the nominated bank account of the person named in the coming days.
180. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the European Commission proposal to extend the ban on neonicotinoid pesticides to non flowering crops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49571/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2013 a partial restriction on neonicotinoid insecticides was introduced in the EU due to concerns about possible impacts on pollinators. My Department has fully implemented the Commission decision in relation to these compounds. Neonicotinoid insecticides, like all insecticides, can be harmful to bees but there is conflicting scientific evidence regarding the conditions under which they may cause harm.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is currently undertaking an assessment of the risks posed by neonicotinoids to take account of all new and relevant information that has become available since 2013. This assessment is expected to be completed by the end of February 2018. This will then form the scientific basis for a further Commission proposal expected next year.
My Department's position on any Commission proposal will be informed by the outcome of the EFSA assessment. In the interim, we are aware of a draft proposal from the EU Commission to restrict neonicotinoid use to indoor/glasshouse use, where exposure to pollinators can be directly controlled. This proposal will be examined in detail when it is presented.
181. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the response he received from fishing industry representatives regarding his plans to bring forward a new statutory instrument on penalty points at the sea fisheries liaison group meeting on 20 October 2017; the feedback from the sector to amendments he put forward; if there are additional amendments to the planned statutory instrument other than that which was put forward at the meeting on 20 October 2017; his views on whether there needs to be full buy-in for a points system from the sector and that the new regime needs to be impartial and open to appeal for all vessel owners; his plans for further consultation with fishing organisations before the statutory instrument comes before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49581/17]
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 replace 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 an 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 address certain minor technical and drafting issues arising in S.I. No. 125 of 2016.
In relation to stakeholder consultation, I discussed with industry representatives my plans to bring forward a new SI at the Sea Fisheries Liaison Group meeting on 20 October 2017 and explained the amendments I am planning and the justification for these amendments. I can confirm to the Deputy that no further additional amendments are planned other than those outlined above and as discussed at the meeting of 20 October 2017.
In relation to feedback, the main issue raised by industry representatives at that meeting was their preference for a system of sequential application of EU points in conjunction with the prosecution process.
I advised attendees that there has been extensive examination and consideration of all the issues in relation to meeting our EU obligations to implement the points system. I indicated that 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.
I informed the meeting 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.
I also indicated at the meeting that 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.
In relation to the new system being impartial, it is intended in this regard that the new SI will provide for the independence of both the members of the Determination Panel and the Fisheries Adjudicator in the performance of their functions.
In relation to rights of appeal, it is intended that the new S.I. will provide for a right to appeal to an independent Fisheries Adjudicator if the licence holder is dissatisfied with the determination of the Determination Panel. The Adjudicator is a legal person appointed by the Minister.
It is also intended that under the new S.I. the licence holder may appeal on a point of law a decision of the independent Fisheries Adjudicator to the High Court. In the 2014 S.I., this appeal was “final and conclusive” - this aspect of the provision has been removed.
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.
182. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the compensation funds available to persons affected by Storm Ophelia (details supplied). [49642/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a challenging period, the dairy sector has experienced positive trends this year in terms of raw milk and specific commodity prices, particularly for butter. I am confident that, as market demand for safe, sustainable, high quality dairy products in expanding global markets increases, the Irish dairy sector, from the farm gate to the further reaches of the supply chain, will continue to grow and prosper.
I am very aware of the impact of Storm Ophelia, particularly of course the tragic loss of life. I would like to again pay tribute to the joined-up public service response, led by the National Emergency Coordination Group, including officials from my Department.
The main impact of the storm on the dairy sector was in terms of power outages. While this caused inconvenience and expense for some individual farmers, similar issues arose for small businesses across the country. ESB teams worked tirelessly to reconnect electricity supplies. Many farmers also benefitted from back up generators shared between neighbours and at co-op level.
While compensation for power outages is not an option, this experience underlines the importance for dairy farmers to have a plan in place to access a back-up power supply in such circumstances.
183. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the names of all internal reports and research studies conducted by his Department and the agencies under his aegis since June 2016 on Brexit; the publication date of all such studies; the reports and research studies that remain incomplete; the date they are expected to be completed; if each one will be published regarding Brexit, in tabular form; and if all such reports have been published. [49643/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for Brexit, Minister Coveney has responsibility for coordinating the whole-of-Government response to Brexit. In this capacity, he is working closely with his colleagues across Government to address the many challenges resulting from Brexit. This cooperation also involves the relevant State Agencies.
Work at Cabinet level is being prepared through cross-Departmental coordination structures. These represent a frequent and active channel through which all relevant Departments are providing their research, analysis and overall policy input to the Government’s wider response to Brexit, including its priorities for the ongoing Article 50 negotiations between the EU and the UK.
As the outcome of the negotiations is not yet known, an important focus of the planning and preparation being undertaken through these structures is on deepening the Government’s analysis and understanding of the exact consequences of a range of different possible scenarios. This represents an intensification of efforts to build on the Government‘s contingency planning.
My Department has conducted a range of analysis and research activities in relation to Brexit. 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.
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.
184. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the report findings by the European Parliament’s AGRI committee (details supplied) that Ireland is the most negatively impacted member state in agrifood trade with the UK from Brexit, with Ireland’s GDP and exports significantly impacted; the position regarding the latest Brexit discussions regarding agrifood trade on the island of Ireland. [49644/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe report referred to is a useful contribution to the research and analysis on the potential implications of Brexit for the agri-food and fisheries sectors. It confirms that Ireland will be the most severely affected of the EU27 Member States, and that the agri-food sector is the most exposed sector of the economy. This is because of its particular reliance on the UK market and the highly integrated nature of Ireland-UK agrifood trade. These findings are consistent with our own assessment.
Ireland's approach to the negotiations on the future relationship will be to ensure that the future EU-UK trading relationship will be as close to the current arrangements as possible, thereby minimising the potential impact on the Irish agrifood sector. The position of all of the parties to the negotiation is that there should be no hard border on the island of Ireland.
The phasing of the negotiation requires sufficient progress to be made on exit issues relating to the rights of citiizens, the UK's financial obligations and the island of Ireland before the discussion can move to the future relationship.
Progress is being made in some areas, but further clarity will be required, including on island of Ireland issues, before the European Council can determine that sufficient progress has been made to move to the next phase.
185. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 223 and 224 of 26 October 2017 if this information has been collated. [49645/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is detailed, is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
In relation to GLAS the Department aims to pay as many farmers as possible their 2017 advance payment. This is dependent on all applicants providing the necessary material to qualify for payment. All GLAS applications must pass regulatory controls and validations as is the case with all EU co-funded schemes. Each application must pass the necessary checks, including the commonage check where applicable, before it can be approved for payment.
Information sessions for GLAS Advisors on the GLAS commonage online system were held and a video demonstrating the system is available on my Department's website. To date over 1,900 plans have been created on the CMP online system. The system remains open and available. 3,800 commonages are included in the GLAS Scheme. There are issues with a small number of cases and these are being resolved on an ongoing basis.
The main issue holding up the payment of outstanding 2016 claims, which will also hold up 2017 advance payments, is the fact that some participants have not yet submitted a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP). This is a core requirement of participation in GLAS. As of November 17th there were 3,800 NMPs outstanding. All GLAS participants with outstanding NMPs have been contacted and urged to attend to this urgently so that outstanding balancing payments and future payments can issue and to ensure ongoing participation in the GLAS Scheme.
186. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of sheep farmers and the number of applications to the sheep welfare scheme; the number of approved applications; the number of applications that did not meet the scheme's criteria; the number of persons who withdrew from the scheme after being approved; the number of persons who have been approved for their 85% advance payments; and the number of persons who have been issued a payment to date, by county, in tabular form. [49646/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.
|
County |
Total Number of Sheep Farmers * |
Total Number of Applications |
Number of Applications Withdrawn |
Total Number of applications not meeting scheme criteria |
Total Number of Approved Applications |
Number Applicants Paid |
|
Carlow |
754 |
470 |
4 |
43 |
423 |
423 |
|
Cavan |
958 |
477 |
7 |
47 |
423 |
423 |
|
Clare |
619 |
252 |
10 |
27 |
215 |
215 |
|
Cork |
1,794 |
1072 |
9 |
61 |
1002 |
1002 |
|
Donegal |
5,967 |
3783 |
39 |
160 |
3584 |
3584 |
|
Dubin |
207 |
110 |
1 |
5 |
104 |
104 |
|
Galway |
4,309 |
2573 |
38 |
133 |
2402 |
2402 |
|
Kerry |
2,463 |
1774 |
13 |
79 |
1682 |
1682 |
|
Kildare |
717 |
429 |
10 |
57 |
362 |
362 |
|
Kilkenny |
521 |
330 |
6 |
33 |
291 |
291 |
|
Laois |
475 |
283 |
3 |
28 |
252 |
252 |
|
Leitrim |
1,115 |
732 |
17 |
29 |
686 |
686 |
|
Limerick |
256 |
109 |
1 |
16 |
92 |
92 |
|
Longford |
452 |
258 |
8 |
24 |
226 |
226 |
|
Louth |
391 |
256 |
4 |
20 |
232 |
232 |
|
Mayo |
4,897 |
3184 |
36 |
132 |
3016 |
3016 |
|
Meath |
1,080 |
643 |
13 |
65 |
565 |
565 |
|
Monaghan |
515 |
254 |
2 |
35 |
217 |
217 |
|
Offaly |
630 |
332 |
8 |
35 |
289 |
289 |
|
Roscommon |
1,859 |
1128 |
26 |
63 |
1039 |
1039 |
|
Sligo |
1,603 |
947 |
14 |
51 |
882 |
882 |
|
Tipperary |
986 |
527 |
14 |
58 |
455 |
455 |
|
Waterford |
442 |
268 |
2 |
32 |
234 |
234 |
|
Westmeath |
787 |
462 |
12 |
48 |
402 |
402 |
|
Wexford |
1,155 |
663 |
11 |
77 |
575 |
575 |
|
Wicklow |
1,361 |
957 |
9 |
83 |
865 |
865 |
|
Totals |
36,313 |
22,273 |
317 |
1,441 |
20,515 |
20,515 |
* Data obtained from 2016 Sheep Census returns.
Please note that a variety of cases are included in the category of applications "not meeting scheme criteria". Some of these may qualify for payment once the issue with the application has been rectified, while others are ineligible for payment.
187. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to publish the final Greyhound Industry Bill 2017 that has already progressed through the pre-legislative scrutiny. [49647/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs stated by the Deputy, the draft General Scheme of the Bill has progressed through the pre-legislative scrutiny phase. It is hoped that a memorandum will go to Government in the coming weeks, which will request approval to publish the updated General Scheme and to submit it to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for drafting.
188. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the recommendations of the report on the greyhound industry by the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine that have been implemented to date; the recommendations of the report that have yet to be implemented; the reason for the delay in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49648/17]
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.
Bord na gCon has informed me that it has systematically worked through the recommendations contained in the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine report, addressing those that it can within the current legislative framework.
I have introduced the new Greyhound Racing Bill to address certain aspects of the report and to ensure that the principles of good governance and regulation are clearly and unambiguously laid down in primary legislation.
The draft General Scheme of the Bill has progressed through the pre-legislative scrutiny phase. It is hoped that a memorandum will go to Government in the coming weeks, which will request approval to publish the updated General Scheme and to submit it to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for drafting.
189. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress that has been made regarding the removal of a weir (details supplied). [49512/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of a judicial review Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) on behalf of the Minister will remove the weir and the owners will pay all reasonable costs associated with the removal. IFI will act as agents of the Minister and manage the removal of the structure so as to minimise the impact on flora, fauna and habitat in the river.
My Department and IFI have been advised that the works to remove the weir require an application under the Planning Acts.
IFI staff worked closely with consultant engineers and tendered for surveys of the site to secure topographical, architectural, archaeological, geomorphological, hydrological, and appropriate assessment reports. These surveys were required to compile the necessary information for the design and planning processes. All surveys have been completed and the Planning Report is currently being reviewed by IFI and Departmental engineers.
190. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the options Inland Fisheries Ireland has considered to assist returning salmon negotiate both a privately owned tailrace and a weir on the River Slaney at Clohamon, Bunclody, County Wexford; when Inland Fisheries Ireland will take action to alleviate passage for salmon at these points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49559/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that they have powers under Section 123 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 in relation to the requirements for gratings in watercourses diverted from rivers to prevent entry therein of salmon or trout.
While the gratings in question meet the legal requirements of Section 123 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, IFI is aware, however, that there exist significant issues for the free passage of fish at Clohamon. IFI is particularly anxious to improve fish passage at Clohamon but many of the issues at this location are beyond the powers and remit of IFI.
IFI has worked and will continue to explore options with stakeholders in an attempt to address the complex issues at this location.
191. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason wind energy is the main source of renewable energy being explored and invested in by this Government when there are more efficient sources of renewable energy, for example, solar and tidal energy. [49638/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrent financial supports for renewable electricity projects in Ireland are provided via the Renewable Electricity Feed-In-Tariff (REFIT) schemes, which support renewable electricity generated and exported onto the national grid. Renewable technologies supported under the REFIT schemes include onshore wind, hydro, biomass landfill gas, biomass combustion, biomass combined heat and power (CHP) and anaerobic digestion CHP. At present, neither ocean energy technologies nor solar photovoltaic (Solar PV), for electricity generation, are supported under any of these REFIT schemes. This is largely down to the historic higher costs associated with both technologies relative to other commercial renewable technologies.
The 2015 Energy White Paper and the 2016 Programme for Government recognise that Ireland’s long-term interests are best supported by further decreasing our dependence on foreign fossil fuels through the continued development of indigenous renewable energy. To support the delivery of this ambition, my Department is currently developing a proposed new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which will be designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contributions out to 2030.
The design of the new scheme has included an extensive independent economic appraisal. This appraisal compared the cost of supporting a broad range of commercial renewable technologies, including ocean technologies (both wave and tidal) and solar PV, in addition to offshore wind, onshore wind, bioenergy technologies including biomass combustion, biomass CHP, anaerobic digestion CHP, sewage gas, BioGas and waste-to-energy.
While at this point no final decisions have been made as regards which technologies will be supported, I welcome and have noted with interest the falling costs of renewable technologies over the past year, such as offshore wind and solar PV. Increasing renewable technology diversity is one of several policy objectives the new RESS is trying to deliver and falling technology costs may lead to increased diversity of the renewable portfolio over the medium term.
193. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the difference between a transport plan for a town and a traffic management plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49471/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has a wide range of roles and functions when it comes to transport planning and policy. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
194. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if mediation will be afforded by the Coast Guard in a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49472/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs advised in PQ Ref. No. 35347/17 it is my understanding the matter has been handled by the Irish Coast Guard in accordance with established procedures for managing such matters with volunteers.
195. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures and steps that he took between 31 October and 15 November 2017 to help Ireland's bid to host the 2023 Rugby Word Cup; and if his views on whether a stronger e-campaign of lobbying on Ireland's behalf during this period may have helped in view of the fact that delegates of the RWC committee did not take heed of the findings from the selection process evaluation report. [49473/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBefore I respond to the Deputy’s question, I wish to congratulate France on their win. I wish them every success as they turn their attention to delivering what I hope will be an outstanding tournament in 2023.
Wednesday's result was disappointing, particularly after the years of work put into the bid. However, in our disappointment, we should not lose sight of the fact that the technical report found that Ireland would be an excellent host country for a Rugby World Cup.
Ireland was up against two previous hosts and in the evaluation report we fell behind them based on the quality of their stadia, many of which are recently built as result of hosting Euro 2016 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. We presented a different, more sustainable, vision that involved investment in existing stadia to meet tournament standards. Unfortunately, RWCL's (Rugby World Cup Ltd) evaluators did not agree. In any event, ultimately the voters did not support the RWCL recommendation.
There has been a concerted effort by the IRFU and Government over the last number of weeks. Diplomatic channels were used to ensure that the quality of our bid was recognised at all levels in voting countries. I myself contacted the UK Secretary of State with responsibility for sport, Karen Bradley, MP and had a detailed conference call with the Under Secretary, Minister Tracey Crouch.
Everything that was requested of the Governments was provided including guarantees and the payment of the tournament fee. The IRFU has acknowledged that they received the full support of the Governments. I do not believe that the bid team, who considered the merits of a possible digital campaign, fell short in their preparation or lobbying. In the end, it was not our day.
196. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding provided by the National Transport Authority to date in 2017 to each of the seven greater Dublin area local authorities from the sustainable transport grant programme; his views on whether this funding will be fully drawn down by year end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49476/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) programme, my Department provides funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for the implementation of sustainable transport projects including cycling and walking infrastructure; Quality Bus Corridors; road safety and accessibility schemes; and traffic management projects throughout the seven local authorities in the Greater Dublin Area.
As the NTA is responsible for the management of the funding allocations to each local authority, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
197. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of the €1.22 million grant aid made available to support the Rugby World Cup 2023 bid that was used; if further funding was sought; if extra funding was granted; the amount which was made available; if it was used in full; if he anticipates further costs to arise in respect of being involved in the final stages to host the Rugby World Cup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49495/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expenditure in relation to the Rugby World Cup bid in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49587/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 208 together.
The Department contributed €1.22m to support the bid for the RWC 2023 bid over three years. The funds were paid through Fáilte Ireland. The contributions in respect of each of the years 2015, 2016 and 2017 are set out below:
€200,000 - 2015
€600,000 - 2016
€420,000 - 2017
No further funding was sought by, or paid to, the IRFU or any other body.
In addition, and on behalf of the State, NewERA appointed external legal advisers to advise on a number of aspects of the bid for Rugby World Cup 2023, including the Government guarantees provided to World Rugby as stipulated as part of the bidding process. The legal fees payable have not been finalised but are expected to be in the order of €300,000 plus VAT.
No further costs to Government arose or are anticipated.
