Written Answers Nos 690-706
690. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons holding Civil Service positions above clerical officer grade in his Department who entered the Civil Service via a route other than through an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service or its predecessors; the grades of each; and the basis for the non-standard recruitment. [11850/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the easing of the moratorium on recruitment in the Public Sector in late 2014, my Department secured delegated sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to overall staffing resources in May 2015. This removed the necessity for compliance with Employment Control Framework (ECF) targets, and provided the Department with the flexibility to fill critical resource needs subject to adherence with specified pay ceilings which are fixed and binding.
My Department works closely with our recruitment partners, the Public Appointments Service (PAS) to recruit suitable staff across the broad range of skills required to meet our business goals. However, due to significant pressure on the PAS system, my Department has assisted PAS in managing pressures and avoiding delays in the recruitment process by carrying out recruitment campaigns where small numbers of staff are sought. The Department is in a position to do this because it obtained a recruitment license from the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA) in July 2009 in accordance with the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004. External recruitment into the Department may therefore be undertaken by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Department or alternatively the Department may administer such recruitment itself. In either case, all competitions are administered in accordance with the Codes of Practice set down by the CPSA.
Since securing the Delegated Sanction my Department has recruited the following number of staff through open Competitions:
|
- |
No. of staff |
|
Civil Engineer Grade III |
5 |
|
Civil Engineer Technician Grade II |
2 |
|
Librarian |
1 |
|
Laboratory Analyst |
9 |
|
Research Officer |
7 |
|
Seed Analyst |
4 |
691. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the directions provided to the payment of staff in the public sector and Civil Service that fall under the direction of his Department for the days during Storm Emma when staff were directed to stay at home; if deductions in pay and annual leave were made to staff in the public sector or Civil Service as a result of days lost during the storm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11867/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the lead up to Storm Emma, the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) with representatives drawn from Government Departments, Met Éireann and various other stakeholders met daily in the National Emergency Coordination Centre, which is located in Agriculture House, the Headquarters of my Department. The Group provided regular updates to the Media and to the wider public with safety for citizens a priority at all times.
In light of the Met Éireann red level warning for blizzard like conditions, and on the advice of the National Emergency Coordination Group, Government Departments, Offices and Agencies not involved in the provision of essential services were advised to close on Thursday and Friday in Munster and Leinster. My Department contacted staff to alert them to the office closure via email and SMS text and were notified that in the event that the red level warning extended countrywide, that all offices would close.
During the two days that my Department was closed to the public, a number of essential staff members continued to work in various locations around the country, as well as from their homes. As the NECG carried out their meetings in Agriculture House, this required a number of my staff to be in attendance.
No deductions from pay or leave will be made in respect of the days when the office was closed on the advice of the NECG. My Department is considering the arrangements that will apply in respect of staff who could not attend work due to adverse weather conditions on other days, given that a number of staff continued to work either in essential services or remotely.
692. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive a beef genomics payment for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11920/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraProcessing of the application for the person named has recently been finalised and payment for the 2017 Programme year will be made to his bank account in the coming days.
693. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive a GLAS, areas of natural constraint and knowledge transfer payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11921/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named is a primary participant in the Knowledge Transfer (KT) Beef Programme and has successfully completed all requirements of year 1 of the KT Programme. As required under the governing EU regulation, her associated KT reimbursement of €750 issued to her KT Facilitator on 12 March 2018. Under the Terms & Conditions of the programme the facilitator must confirm to my Department within 25 working days ( i.e. by 19 April 2018) that payment has been transferred to the person named.
A late application under the 2017 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme was received from the above named applicant on 9 October 2017. Following examination of the case and an appeal from the applicant under Force Majeure grounds the application was accepted on 19 January 2018. This case has now been processed and payment will issue to the nominated bank account in the coming days.
The above named person was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016 and is fully up to date with their GLAS payments.
694. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will reconsider the approach taken with regard to an agri-environment options scheme, AEOS penalty in the case of a person (details supplied) in view of the specific circumstances involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11926/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved into the AEOS2 scheme with a commencement date of 1 September 2011. His contract was due to run until the end of 2016. He received payments in respect of the 2011-2014 scheme years.
In 2015, an administrative check established that his AEOS parcels were declared on the Basic Payment Scheme application of another herd number. As he no longer met the eligibility criteria, as set out in the Terms and Conditions of the scheme, the contract was terminated and full recoupment of all payments made under the scheme was sought.
This decision was subsequently reviewed by the Department and the original decision was upheld in a letter from the Department to the herdowner concerned, dated 21 March 2017.
The person named appealed this decision to the Agricultural Appeals Office. The Agricultural Appeals Office notified the herdowner that the appeal was unsuccessful in a letter dated 22 August 2017.
695. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive a GLAS payment which was due in November 2017; the reason this has not been issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11932/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received full payments in respect of 2015 and 2016.
Administrative checks involving a number of sections within the Department take place on all GLAS claims. All cases must clear validation checks before payment can issue. Department officials are working proactively to complete the checks in this case to allow for the issue of payment. Once this case clears validations the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments are being made on a weekly basis.
696. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive an organics payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11952/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was originally a participant in the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) with a contract end date of 31 December 2016. An extension to his contract was approved by my Department, giving him a new end-date of 31 December 2020. His 2017 OFS advance payment issued last week.
697. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the engagement between his Department and meat factories and other stakeholders in recent weeks with regard to resolving the difficulties that have arisen as a result of his Department's introduction of a clean livestock policy for sheep; if on-site shearing services will be arranged by his Department with factories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11953/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFood legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter. My Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders. The policy document was finalised in February 2017. This policy is a public health measure, intended to reduce the potential risk to consumers that may arise if meat is contaminated by dirty fleeces.
The cleanliness of a fleece is related to the farming practices from where the sheep originates as well as being influenced by the stakeholders along the supply chain. All stakeholders can influence the cleanliness of the sheep fleece.
Teagasc has produced “A Guide for Sheep Producers”, which sets out key advisory recommendations for sheep producers to assist them in the production of sheep with fleece that are suitable for slaughter for human consumption, a copy of this guide was issued to all registered flock-owners along with the 2017 sheep census forms in early December 2017. My Department has also written to all sheep farmers and transporters directly. Full details regarding the policy are available on the Department's website
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodsafetyconsumerissues/foodsafetycontrolsonmeat/cleanlivestockpolicy/
The production of sheep meat suitable for human consumption is the primary objective and responsibility of the food business operator in line with food legislation. Each food business operator must draw up procedures to demonstrate how they achieve this. This involves a fleece evaluation and actions, as necessary, to ensure cleanliness of the fleece prior to slaughter.
My Department oversees the production of sheep meat to ensure that it meets the standards necessary for consumers and our trading partners.
The need for an effective clean livestock policy is regarded as being very important not just in terms of basic food safety, but also as a reputational issue for Ireland’s meat industry and our export trade. Our clean livestock policy is vital for the protection of the consumer and to protect our export markets.
During all stages of the drafting of the Clean Livestock Policy for Sheep my Department undertook a consultation process with stakeholders who were invited to attend meetings and put forward proposals. My Department has actively engaged with all relevant stakeholders since the introduction of the policy including meetings with representatives of the farming organisations and meat plants to discuss issues as they arise.
The onus is on food producers to ensure that only clean sheep fit for slaughter are sent to meat plants. Sending dirty sheep to slaughter increases the contamination risk from harmful bacteria. Dirty sheep risk our valuable sheep and fleece markets. My Department has publicised the requirements for primary producers to ensure that animals being sent for slaughter are clean, and provides guidance in that regard. Actions have also included publication of articles in the farming press, production of leaflets (in tandem with Teagasc) and mailshots to producers.
Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 states that - Food business operators rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures, as appropriate and as far as possible to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter.
698. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11974/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2017 Flood Damage Relief Measure was implemented in response to the localised severe flooding experienced in the Inishowen area on August 22nd 2017. An application was received under this scheme from the person named on 25 September 2017. During processing of the application it emerged that this application did not satisfy all the criteria of the scheme as the holding was outside the eligible areas for support. A letter notifying the applicant of this and his right to appeal issued on 19 January. The applicant lodged an appeal on 5 March, and the review of this file has been completed. A letter has issued on 16 March notifying the applicant that the Department's original decision remains unchanged. If the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of this review, he may wish to contact the office of the Ombudsman.
699. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in west County Cork waiting for GLAS payments; when the payments will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12009/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 13 March 2018 for County Cork 3,788 participants have received their 2017 payment. 286 cases continue to be processed, including when outstanding documentation is submitted by the GLAS participants concerned. I would encourage all applicants with outstanding obligations to complete them as soon as possible.
Payments continue to be made on a weekly basis.
700. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a matter (details supplied) under the Control of Horses Act 1996 will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12036/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Control of Horses Act, 1996 designates to local authorities responsibility for issues relating to stray and neglected horses in both urban and rural areas. My Department provides funding to the local authorities to assist in implementation of the Act namely, in seizing straying horses or horses causing a danger to persons or property. In 2017, an amount of €.533 m was paid to the local authorities throughout the country to help them in dealing with straying/abandoned horses in their respective areas. Separately, my Department also provides funding for the development of education and training programmes for horse owners including new structures to provide shelter for the urban horse population with the aim of reducing the number of straying animals and encouraging young people in the care and welfare of horses. My Department are also actively engaged alongside welfare organisations, the local authorities and An Garda Síochána in the Dublin Region Horse Welfare Working Group which will focus on equine issues arising in the greater Dublin area.
The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 includes provisions relating to animal welfare, prohibition on animal cruelty and abandonment of animals, including horses. It is an offence under that Act to abandon an animal and a person who abandons an animal is not relieved of responsibility for the welfare of that animal. A person who commits such an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine of €5,000 and/or up to six months in jail or both. For major cases taken on indictment, the maximum penalty is €250,000, with a maximum custodial sentence of five years imprisonment or both. Penalties imposed upon successful conviction vary at the discretion of the court, with the Act containing provisions that where an individual convicted of serious animal welfare offences may be banned by the courts from keeping animals, or indeed have the numbers of animals they may keep restricted. The provisions of the Act are enforced by Authorised officers of my Department, An Garda Síochána, officers of Customs & Excise and authorised officers of ISPCA and DSPCA and the Turf Club. To date these officers have initiated fifteen cases in relation to equine cruelty, of which seven have been successfully prosecuted and four are currently before the courts.
My Department continues to stress that it is the responsibility of horse owners to ensure the welfare of horses in their ownership and/or their care and to dispose of them appropriately. I would remind horse owners that the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC) has advised that best practice for dealing with unwanted horses is that they should be sold or otherwise humanely disposed of, as such actions prevent the emergence of long-term animal welfare problems.
701. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of suckler farmers who are quality assured. [12054/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe scheme which the Deputy refers to is operated by An Bord Bia and is called the Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme (SBLAS). The Quality Assurance Schemes operated by Bord Bia have been developed over a period of years and extend beyond the farm gate as vertical industry integrated schemes. Participation in the schemes is voluntary. The latest iteration of the quality assurance scheme, the Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme, was launched in April 2017.
The scheme was developed partly to address the increasing demand from purchasers of Irish meat products, both nationally and internationally, for proof that Irish meat, including beef, was produced sustainably on farms that were certified members of an accredited Quality Assurance Scheme.
The Bord Bia scheme includes beef and sheepmeat and does not differentiate livestock relating to suckler herds. I understand that at the end of 2017 there were 51,500 farmers accredited to the scheme. Information relating to operational matters can be obtained directly from Bord Bia by mailing them at info@bordbia.ie .
702. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not received GLAS payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12120/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe above named was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2017.
Administrative checks involving a number of sections within the Department take place on all GLAS claims. All cases must clear validation checks before payment can issue. Department officials are working proactively to complete the checks in this case to allow for the issue of payment. Once this case clears validations the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments are being made on a weekly basis.
703. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the number of open greenfield programmes involving milk production operating here; his views on the sustainability of such farming operations, which have animals living in exposed roofless cubicles, and which in the context of the climate conditions prevailing raise animal welfare issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12132/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the existence of a number open Greenfield programmes involving milk production in Ireland. Experimental models such as these are aimed at optimising efficiency through technology adoption, reducing labour requirements and ensuring sustainability through environmental and animal welfare best practice. It should be noted that similar models are operated successfully in countries like Canada and New Zealand where temperatures can be considerably lower than those typically seen in Ireland.
While the structure of these businesses is to a large extent an operational matter for the producers concerned, my Department ensures that requirements in terms of animal welfare and sustainable practices are well understood and implemented within the sector.
A high standard of animal welfare is crucial to the sustainability and profitability of dairy farms and is demanded by my Department as the industry regulatory body and other stakeholders including consumers. Cold stress in animals is mainly mitigated by ensuring that animals have access to sufficient food and water which has a higher impact on cold stress than the availability of roofing on their housing.
While the extreme weather events of recent times are thankfully unusual, it is important that models continue to be reviewed by all relevant stakeholders in terms of animal welfare and operational sustainability in the context of climate change. It is also essential that contingencies be developed to ensure that the models remain flexible, effective and in line with best practices.
704. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive outstanding GLAS payments. [12134/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll GLAS payments are up to date for this applicant.
705. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has sought a report from Teagasc in relation to its participation and role in the greenfield programme which leaves animals exposed to the prevailing weather; the number of such farming operations Teagasc is involved with; the names of its partners involved with it; the location of such farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12139/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Greenfield Dairy Farm project was set up in 2010 to demonstrate worldwide best practise in the design, construction and operation of sustainable grass based milk production systems to Irish dairy farmers within the constraints of commercial farm practise.
Glanbia, the Agricultural Trust and the farm owners, formed a limited company (Greenfield Dairy Partners Limited) which leased the farm (120ha) from the owners for a 15-year period. A full-time farm manager with the help of two farm operators manage the farm. Teagasc staff, based at Moorepark, are not involved in the day-to-day operations, but do provide strategic oversight for the project in the form of business planning and technical support. Teagasc also organise farm walks and visits, and oversee the dissemination of results on the performance of the farm.
Over the last 8 years, Greenfield has had a very good animal welfare record with cow and calf mortality, one of the key performance indicators that is recorded and reported weekly, significantly below national average rates. Since the start of the project the farm has held numerous open and focus days where thousands of farmers attended. It has been commended for its transparency and has been used as guidance for many farmers throughout Ireland.
Like many farms in the country, the Greenfield dairy farm was impacted by the extreme weather associated with Storm Emma, with approximately 26 cm of snow falling which, when combined with easterly gale force winds caused snow drifts of up to 1.5m on the farm and access roads. Out of a total of 370 cows, there were 290 cows on the farm; 270 calved and 20 approaching calving. In preparation for the storm, approximately 80 in-calf cows and 30 calves were moved to a nearby farmyard which provided more sheltered accommodation.
The farm manager and assistant stayed on the farm for the entire duration of the storm to monitor the stock under the adverse conditions. Four other stakeholder staff were brought onto the farm to assist with farm operations. Staff ensured that all animals were provided with adequate feed and water, which is the main animal welfare priority in such situations. All calves were fed warm milk twice daily each day prior to, during and after the storm. Cows were milked once every day, which is the normal practice on the farm during the busy calving period. Unfortunately over the 24-hour period, five calves and two cows died due to the adverse effects of Storm Emma; an additional calf died in the following 24-hours.
The weather events of early March 2018 were extremely unusual and occurred at the worst possible time of the year for spring calving pasture based farms. Teagasc regrets the animal deaths that occurred, but faced with the large snowfall and drifting, are satisfied that everything that was humanly possible was done to alleviate the situation.
While such an event is unlikely to be repeated during the lifetime of this project, Teagasc in association with its stakeholders will carry out a thorough review of the Storm Emma event. This will include a review of the farm infrastructure and recommendations as to how such adverse events are prepared for and alleviated in the future. Teagasc will also prepare a specific set of guidelines to help farmers to cope with extreme adverse events such as occurred with Storm Emma and storm Ophelia.
Teagasc are involved in a number of other similar agreements where strategic oversight in the form of business planning and technical support is given. These farms highlight best practice in livestock production in terms of animal breeding, grassland management, physical animal performance, animal health and financial management.
The details are as follows:
|
Farm |
Location |
Partners |
|
Newford suckler beef farm |
Athenry, Co. Galway |
Dawn Meats Ltd, McDonalds & The Irish Farmers Journal |
|
Shinagh dairy farm |
Bandon, Co. Cork |
Carbery Milk Products & Shinagh estates Limited |
|
Gurteen Dairy Farm |
Bandon, Co. Cork |
Carbery Milk Products & Shinagh estates Limited & a Share farmer |
All of the farms operate in a completely transparent manner, with all measurements and data available to visiting groups, other interested parties and the farming public.
706. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding the option of issuing P licences to fishermen who have UK registered boats but would have fished the inshore six mile zone area up until the point at which the Voisinage agreements were struck down in the Supreme Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12216/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 transferred the functions of sea-fishing boat licensing from the Minister to the Licensing Authority for Sea-fishing Boats, which operates on an independent basis subject to criteria set out in that Act and Ministerial Policy Directives. The Licensing Authority is the Registrar General of Fishing Boats, an official of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine or, under the superintendence of the Registrar General, the Deputy Registrar General of Fishing Boats. All applications for sea-fishing boat licences are considered by the Licensing Authority.
Section 3(5) of the 2003 Act prohibits the Minister from exercising any power or control in relation to individual cases, or a group of cases, with which the Licensing Authority is or may be concerned.
I have made enquiries of the Registrar General who advises me that in 2003, following approval from the European Commission, the Scheme for the Licensing and Registration of Traditional Pot Fishing Boats in the Irish Inshore Fleet was launched. This scheme, also known as the “Potting Scheme”, was designed to regularise the licensing and registration of small inshore boats where the applicant, inter alia, had to demonstrate a commercial sea-fishing record by means of pots in the inshore sector as well as demonstrating a commercial sea-fishing record (by the applicant or immediate family) going back to 1990. Applications under the Scheme had to be received not later than 18 June 2003.
I am further advised that the Scheme closed on 11 August 2006. This date was set because of an obligation imposed by the European Commission on Ireland to complete the licensing and registration of eligible vessels under the Schemes at the earliest possible date as part of a process of finalising the fishing fleet capacity limits of all Member States. As the Potting Scheme is now closed, no further applications can be considered for a licence under its terms and conditions.
It is however, open to any qualifying person(s) to apply to licence and register a sea-fishing boat at any time under normal licensing procedures. The Licensing Authority will consider the issue of a sea fishing-boat licence in situations where all the requirements of current licensing policy, including the provision of appropriate replacement capacity (i.e. gross tonnage and engine power), have been complied with.
