Niamh Smyth
Ceist:177. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the hen harrier scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51292/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraHen Harriers Threat Response Plan
Ceisteanna (177)
Freagraí scríofa
At the outset, I should stress that this is a locally-led programme, which is not directly administered by my Department. The design and management of the programme are primarily matters for the local project team, who will work closely with my Department, as this is rolled-out.
The design work for the new Hen Harrier programme has already commenced following the appointment of a locally-led Project Team earlier this year. The Project Team has now completed a series of consultation meetings with farmers in the six designated Hen Harrier Special Protected Areas (SPAs), which more than 500 farmers attended. A seminar for advisors took place in September, and comprehensive training courses are planned for January 2018 and May 2018. The scientific officers in the team have carried out Hen Harrier monitoring in all SPAs and preliminary results from this campaign will be available within weeks. Work is also progressing on detailed Terms & Conditions for the new programme.
I understand that the first expressions of interest from farmers in taking part in the new programme will be invited before the end of 2017. Unlike other schemes, the new hen-harrier programme will not be tied to calendar years and this provides for greater flexibility in both recruitment and payment. The programme will be action based, with a result based approach. Most importantly it will be farmer led and tailored to each individual SPA.
I have allocated a budget of €25 million for the hen harrier programme. It is worth noting that a significant framework of support for farmers with hen-harrier designated land is already in place through my Department's agri-environment scheme GLAS. Under GLAS, farmers with hen harrier habitat qualify for a payment of €370 per hectare and can earn up to €7,000 per annum through a combination of GLAS and GLAS Plus payments. The GLAS Hen Harrier action has proved hugely successful, with some 2,678 farmers now signed up. This accounts for almost 70% of all farmers with hen harrier habitat and represents a major step forward in the conservation of the bird and in securing important additional income for the farmers concerned.
Horse Racing Ireland Funding
Ceisteanna (178, 179)
Clare Daly
Ceist:178. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 354 and 359 of 14 November 2017, his views on the fact that public funds are channelled to hunt clubs via Horse Racing Ireland's point to point grants in view of the fact that Horse Racing Ireland receives public funding through the Horse and Greyhound fund administered by his Department. [51294/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraClare Daly
Ceist:179. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the fact that public funds are channelled to hunt clubs via Horse Racing Ireland to meet the cost of providing doctors at each point to point a cost which was previously borne by point to point organisers. [51295/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 179 together.
Horse Racing Ireland is a commercial state body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry. The Point to Point sector is the backbone of national hunt racing in Ireland and acts as a nursery for the development of horses, riders and trainers.
Approximately 115 Point to Points are staged annually throughout the island of Ireland and these are organised and run by hunt clubs. They are community based events with much voluntary input going into the staging of the meetings. While they have less formality than on track racing, Point to Points are highly competitive and serve as an important shop window for trade in national hunt horses. In particular they are a strong source of equine exports to Great Britain.
Horse Racing Ireland provides funding annually to Point to Point racing of circa €2.1m which comprises grants to Hunt Clubs to assist with the cost of staging these meetings (€678k), grants for prize money at Point to Points (€688k) and grants to the INHS Committee of the Turf Club to cover the regulation of Point to Points (€714k).
The recently published Deloitte Report estimated the expenditure associated with Point to Points at circa €37m per annum and that during the 2015 / 2016 racing season in Ireland and Britain, 1,127 races were won by graduates of the Irish Point to Point sector.
From 2017, the funding provided to the Turf Club / INHS Committee for Point to Points includes the cost of providing one suitably qualified medical officer at every Point to Point. This is to ensure that the appropriate level of care and attention is available for riders in the event of injury.
Common Fisheries Policy
Ceisteanna (180)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:180. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the practice of pair trawling will cease (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51371/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The practice of pair trawling in inshore waters and estuaries, including Kenmare Bay, around Ireland involves fishing for sprat. The Irish Wildlife Trust also identifies sprat as the target species for this activity. The central objective of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is to ensure that fishing and aquaculture activities are environmentally sustainable in the long term through the conservation and sustainable exploitation of marine biological resources and the management of fisheries and fleets exploiting such resources. Ireland is strongly committed to ensuring the conservation of the marine life around our coast through the Birds and Habitats Directive, among other instruments.
As previously advised, the Marine Institute is committed to working closely with Industry to obtain increased observer coverage in the sprat fisheries. In previous years, the observer coverage sampling was only about 1-2 trips per year. 10 such observer trips have taken place in 2017 and landings are also sampled by port staff ashore. The Marine institute are continuing to work to cover additional trips in the coming weeks.
The purpose of the observer scheme is to obtain biological information on the resource itself and on any other fishery bycatch, i.e. herring, juvenile mackerel, etc. It also aims to gather information on any bycatch this fishery might have of protected, endangered and threatened species, under the European maritime and fisheries fund (EMFF) marine biodiversity scheme such as marine mammals, seabirds and listed fish species.
It is expected that these projects/observer schemes will allow for more intensive data collection and enhanced scientific knowledge on any and all possible affects pair trawling has on other fish stocks and the environment as a whole.
Aquaculture Licences
Ceisteanna (181)
Pat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:181. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the recommendations of the review of the aquaculture licence will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51386/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I received the Report of the independent Aquaculture Licensing Review Group on 31st May 2017. The Group’s Report is published and available to view on my Department’s website at: www.agriculture.gov.ie/seafood/aquacultureforeshoremanagement/aquaculturelicensing/. The overarching conclusion of the Report is for a root-and-branch reform of the aquaculture licence application processes to take place with a focus on both short-term immediate actions as well as longer term initiatives. There are a total of 30 recommendations in the Report.
Since receiving the Report my Department has engaged in detailed consideration of all 30 recommendations with a view to preparing a comprehensive implementation plan. This implementation plan will take account of legislative, environmental, technical and public interest issues that have a bearing on the sustainable development of the industry.
My Department’s work on the implementation plan is at a very advanced stage. However, as consideration of all relevant issues remains ongoing it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
Food Harvest 2020 Strategy
Ceisteanna (182, 183)
Pat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:182. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason his Department has not achieved the targets set out in Food Harvest 2020 and has seen a decline of 6.3%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51387/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:183. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if targets (details supplied) have been met at 2016 market price levels; the revenue loss to the economy and to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51388/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.
Food Harvest 2020, published in 2010, was an industry led strategy to chart the direction of agri-food, forestry and fisheries over the decade to 2020. It has since been replaced by Food Wise 2025. Food Harvest 2020 included an industry target to grow its aquaculture production in volume terms by 78% by 2020. For a wide variety of reasons, including disease outbreaks and adverse weather events, aquaculture production declined somewhat in volume terms until 2014 and has been increasing since. The value of production has increased by 36% since 2010.
While Food Wise 2025 did not include any particular targets for growth of aquaculture, my Department published a National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development in 2015. That Plan set out a vision for the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector, with 24 specified actions designed to achieve production growth of 45,000 tonnes by 2023, taking 2012 as the base year. While it is still early in the process of implementing that Plan, the growth trend since 2014 is a positive start.
Sheep Welfare Scheme
Ceisteanna (184)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:184. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not received the full sheep welfare payment; when the payment will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51416/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application was received under the Sheep Welfare Scheme from the person named on 16/01/2017.
The 85% advance payment under the scheme issued to the person named on 16th November 2017. The rate for such advance payments was increased from 75% following discussion with the EU Commission. It is expected that balancing payments under the scheme will issue in 2018.
Traveller Projects Funding
Ceisteanna (185)
Willie Penrose
Ceist:185. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding allocated for Traveller horse projects nationally; the funding that was provided for Traveller horse projects in County Longford; the way in which those resources were spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51418/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In November 2014, Local Authorities were informed of details outlining an initial fund of €1 million being made available by my Department to develop facilities for urban/traveller horse projects. Expressions of interest were sought from those authorities who wished to initiate projects. While initial uptake was slow a number of projects are currently being progressed by local authorities in conjunction with animal welfare organisations. The total draw down since the fund’s inception is €987,000. There are a number of specific traveller initiatives and the travelling community is also well represented in many of the urban projects funded.
The projects are a positive and welcome development and assist urban/traveller horse owners in complying with equine related legislation including identification and control of horses. Education courses provided within the framework of the projects give the horse owners an opportunity to acquire skills in relation to caring and managing horses alongside a broader education. They also enable greater compliance with animal welfare regulations thereby reducing numbers of straying horses. Horses seized by local authorities under the Control of Horses Act has greatly decreased from almost 5,000 in 2013 to 2,128 in 2016, while expenditure has decreased from €3 million in 2013 to €725,000 in 2016.
Longford County Council is among a number of local authorities in the Midlands, West and North West who are progressing traveller horse projects in association with a registered animal welfare charity. The projects aim to support travellers in education on animal husbandry and welfare and have facilitated micro-chipping, passporting, castration, farriery and dentistry treatments as well as providing a location for horses to graze. My Department has provided in region of €15,000 to date for such initiatives in Longford.
Fishing Industry
Ceisteanna (186)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:186. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to change the regulations that ban diving for scallops as a method of harvesting them, as opposed to dredging them, in view of environmental advantages of such a method of harvesting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51335/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The specific byelaw referred to is the “Skin-diving for Shellfish Byelaw” - No. 533 of 1966 which prohibited diving, with and without aided breathing apparatus, for the taking of shellfish principally scallops but also other shellfish such as lobsters or crayfish. It is considered that removing the prohibition would disadvantage long standing fishermen who employ established harvest methods, many of whom have invested very significantly in ensuring their fishing vessels meet exacting licencing and safety standards.
These fishermen are involved in a recognised commercial activity and catch scallops and other shellfish by dredges or pots in many cases as one of their principal sources of income. It should also be noted that such a change would completely alter the dynamic of the long standing small scale commercial activity which is important in many peripheral coastal communities.
Any such change could result in a significant take of this prized fish product by recreational divers as opposed to commercial fishermen who make their living from the sea. On this basis no consideration has been given to seeking a revision of this byelaw.
Inland Fisheries Ireland Staff
Ceisteanna (187)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:187. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to allow outdoor staff working in an organisation (details supplied) to continue working until they are 66 years of age; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51333/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised that Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) comply with the prevailing conditions as regards retirement ages for its employees. In the event of any changes in these conditions, which is a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in the first instance, IFI will be required to comply with such revised conditions.
Environmental Protection Agency Staff
Ceisteanna (188)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:188. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the term of office of the director general of the Environmental Protection Agency; the recruitment process when the term of office expires; the length of time the current director general has been in the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51378/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The process for appointment and the term of office of a Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency are set out in Section 21 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 (No. 7 of 1992). As set out in sub-section 13(a) of Section 21, the term of office is seven years; subsection 13(b) provides that a Director General may be reappointed by the Government for a second or subsequent term of office of seven years or less. The current Director General was appointed on 8 November 2011.
Broadband Service Provision
Ceisteanna (189)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:189. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 198 of 16 November 2017, the interim solutions he will put in place to ensure interim broadband for persons that are being forced to wait for an internet broadband solution (details supplied). [51383/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In response to Question 198 of 16 November 2017, I noted that an official from my Department had provided a detailed report outlining the status of High Speed Broadband availability in the area to the individual named in that question. While the premises referenced in that question falls within an AMBER area and will be covered through the State led Intervention under the NBP, I informed the Deputy that there are at least two commercial operators (including mobile and Fixed wireless) that are capable of providing an interim solution for broadband for the premises in the original question. I recognise the importance of availability of high speed connectivity for all premises in Ireland and fully appreciate the frustration for businesses and communities that do not currently have access to this level of connectivity. Delivering connectivity under the NBP remains a Government priority.
In parallel with the NBP, I specifically included in the Programme for Government a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. In July 2016, I established the Taskforce to identify immediate solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers, prior to the full build and roll-out of the network planned under the NBP State intervention.
The Taskforce worked with key stakeholders to produce the December 2016 report containing 40 actions to alleviate some of the deficits. The Report is available on my Department's website.
The Implementation Group I co-chair with Minister Kyne is overseeing implementation of the actions and comprises all key stakeholders responsible for delivery. Meetings were held in March and July and the most recent took place on 22 November.
Achievements to date by the Taskforce include:
- Funding of all local authorities to assign a Broadband Officer;
- Close cooperation with local authorities to develop local digital strategies, including Government working closely with local authorities to identify approximately 320 high speed Strategic Community Access Hubs which will be connected at an early date after award of the NBP contract;
- ComReg’s development of a testing regime to check mobile handset performance which will inform consumers in choosing products and network services. ComReg will also develop a new network coverage map;
- most local authorities applying waivers in respect of development contributions for telecoms development;
- Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has constructed 80km of ducting on the M7/M8 corridor and 14km on the N25 in Cork, with more following in the coming months to help expedite infrastructure roll-out. TII is also reviewing the cost of duct access for telecoms operators.
The Taskforce is also making progress on two of its actions focussed on tackling blackspots in coverage.
In tandem with the work of the Taskforce, the release by ComReg of the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, which has been identified at EU level as a primary band suitable for the introduction of 5G, will also contribute to addressing increasing mobile data demands and improve mobile coverage.
All of these initiatives will assist in improving the quality of mobile phone and data services, particularly in rural areas.
Broadcasting Sector
Ceisteanna (190)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:190. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the review of RTÉ’s orchestral provision 2018 to 2023 which is underway; his further views on the reason such a review has been commissioned so soon after the completion of the last review of this area; if the terms of reference for the review will be published; if the earlier Ed Smith report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51412/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
RTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster established under the Broadcasting Act 2009. Section 114(1) of the Act sets out the objects of RTÉ, including the objective 'to establish and maintain orchestras, choirs and other cultural performing groups'. Section 98 of the Act establishes the independence of RTÉ in pursuance of its objects.
Harbours and Piers Maintenance
Ceisteanna (191)
James Browne
Ceist:191. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the resources his Department dedicates to the removal of old boats, specifically at a harbour (details supplied); the powers local authorities possess in compelling the removal of old boats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51370/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I assume the deputy is referring to vessels which would be considered wrecks. No resources in this Department are specifically assigned for the purpose of the removal of wrecks.
The relevant legislation under my remit which applies to wrecks is the Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act, 1993 and in particular ss. 51-52. In sum these set out the duty of the owner to remove or make safe obstructive wrecks and the powers of the appropriate authority to issue instructions in this regard, and if they are not complied with, to take the wreck in hand themselves. The owners of the wrecks are responsible for any costs arising from the authority’s actions.
I believe the appropriate authority in this case is Wexford County Council.
The Deputy may also wish to refer to earlier questions on these matters: 29818/15, 37396/15, 45550/15.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (192)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:192. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an underground path for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51260/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), formerly the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Sports Capital Programme Administration
Ceisteanna (193)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:193. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the sports capital programme grants will be allocated; and the criteria that will be adopted to determine the allocation and amounts. [51278/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details of all local allocations under the 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme were announced earlier today and can now be viewed on my Department's website.
The full scoring system and assessment procedures for applications was published previously and is also available on the website. In relation to the allocation amounts, the total amount available to allocate was divided by county on a per-capita basis. The score obtained at assessment stage and the amount of valid funding sought were the primary determinants of the recommended allocations. Some other minor adjustments were proposed by officials in cases where the full amount of the grant could not be provided with a view to facilitating some element of such applications.
Bus Éireann Services
Ceisteanna (194)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:194. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Bus Éireann plans to withdraw bus services from a number of national routes. [51279/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Bus Éireann, and I have 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.
Sports Capital Programme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (195)
Robert Troy
Ceist:195. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a club (details supplied) will be awarded sports capital funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51280/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details of all local allocations under the 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme, including to the group referred to, were announced earlier today and can now be viewed on my Department's website.
Sports Capital Programme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (196)
Robert Troy
Ceist:196. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a sports capital grant for a group (details supplied) will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51281/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details of all the local allocations under the 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme were announced earlier today and can now be viewed on my Department's website. Any organisation not awarded an allocation has also been notified of the result of the assessment process.