Clare Daly
Ceist:184. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the salmon hatchery operated by a company (details supplied) in County Donegal has been awarded organic status. [16838/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOrganic Farming
Ceisteanna (184)
Freagraí scríofa
The certification, control and inspection of all organic operators in Ireland, including those engaged in the production of organic farmed salmon, has been delegated in accordance with EU Regulations to a number of approved Organic Control Bodies.
The relevant Organic Control Body has confirmed that the site named is certified as an organic freshwater rearing site i.e. a hatchery.
Origin Green Programme
Ceisteanna (185)
Clare Daly
Ceist:185. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the food producers that have been included in the Origin Green Programme while being investigated by his Department or other State agencies for breaches of statutory requirements. [16839/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Origin Green is the national sustainability programme for the Irish food and drink industry. It is a Bord Bia initiative and operated by that State Body.
Participating companies within the programme sign up on a voluntary basis. As part of the membership requirements, companies must develop a multi-annual sustainability plan with time-bound targets. This plan is then independently assessed and verified by a third party auditing and conformance body. It is then reassessed annually to ensure minimum performance requirements are being met. Should a company fail to meet these minimum standards, membership of Origin Green is revoked.
All members of Origin Green must comply with legislative requirements and evidence is sought from the independent programme auditors to ensure compliance.
Organic Farming
Ceisteanna (186)
Clare Daly
Ceist:186. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether it is appropriate for his Department to have responsibility for the organic food programme in view of the continued designation of a company (details supplied) as an organic producer of farmed salmon despite multiple investigations by his Department into breaches of licence conditions by that operator and the payment of fees to the assessors by the operators. [16840/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The organic status of operators in the food sector here in Ireland is certified by rigorous on-going assessment undertaken on behalf of my Department by designated Organic Control Bodies. My Department remains the Competent Authority under EU regulations but has delegated the certification function to those independent control bodies, in accordance with the relevant EU regulations and in common with the practice in many other countries across the EU. The control bodies in question act under formal service agreements with my Department and are themselves subject to audit by my Department, by INAB (the Irish National Accreditation Board) and by the various EU audit authorities.
The certification process for establishing organic status, which includes regular inspection, is financed through membership-subscriptions paid by all organic operators and through a service-payment from my Department to help defray costs. Again, this is normal practice throughout the EU.
In the case of the company mentioned, recent audits undertaken as part of this certification process have given no reason to withdraw its organic status.
Aquaculture Licences
Ceisteanna (187)
Clare Daly
Ceist:187. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the sites of a company (details supplied) that are being investigated by his Department for breaches of licence conditions; and when he expects these investigations to be completed. [16841/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is currently examining possible breaches of licence conditions in respect of three aquaculture licences held by the Company referred to by the Deputy.
These licences are in respect of the following sites:
1. Deenish (Co. Kerry)
2. Lough Swilly (Co. Donegal)
3. Roancarrig (Co. Cork)
Every effort is being made by my Department to bring these examinations to a conclusion as soon as possible. As these examinations are ongoing as part of a statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further pending completion of this process.
Fish Farming
Ceisteanna (188)
Clare Daly
Ceist:188. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to initiate an inquiry into salmon farming here in view of the public concern regarding environmental damage to the coastal environment caused by the industry and the recent report of the Scottish Parliament stating that salmon production in that country is unsustainable and is not being sufficiently regulated. [16842/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All applications for aquaculture licences are considered by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable National and EU legislation.
The licensing process provides for a period of Statutory and Public Consultation. Licensing decisions are taken following the fullest consideration of all scientific, environmental, legal, engineering and public policy aspects of each application.
In addition, decisions in respect of aquaculture licensing may be appealed to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) which is an independent body established by Statute for the specific purpose of considering such appeals.
In all the circumstances, it is clear that the aquaculture licensing system in Ireland takes full account of the views and concerns of all relevant stakeholders.
Veterinary Inspection Service Administration
Ceisteanna (189)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:189. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding relocating his Department's laboratories; and the projected timeframe for completion. [16872/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following a competitive tender process, my Department has commissioned RSM Ireland to undertake a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of options that have been proposed for the future development of the Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVLs). The team conducting the CBA includes internationally-recognised, independent experts in economic analysis and animal disease surveillance. It is expected to complete its work in mid-2018, after which a report and recommendations will be presented to me.
To date no decision has been taken in respect of the options proposed for the RVLs. My Department completed an initial consultative process with all relevant stakeholders on the options for the RVLs during the course of last year. Any decision that is made on the RVLs will be informed by both that consultative process and the outcome of the CBA.
TAMS Eligibility
Ceisteanna (190)
Peter Burke
Ceist:190. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a requirement when applying for a TAMS grant in relation to a TAMS approved machine (details supplied) that the balance of the cost must be financed through cash; if hire purchase or a pre-authorised loan can be considered as appropriate part finance when applying for a grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16925/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Terms and Conditions of the TAMS II Schemes are very specific in advising applicants that grant aid will not be paid in respect of new equipment or investments unless full ownership has been transferred to the applicant prior to the lodgement of the payment claim. Full ownership is defined as when the applicants themselves have fully paid for the investment from their bank account.
When an approval issues to an applicant for any new investment under the TAMS Schemes this approval is subject to the applicant adhering to the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme before any grant aid is paid.
There are no plans to change the Terms and Conditions of the TAMS Scheme in respect of the issue raised.
Farm Enterprises
Ceisteanna (191)
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Ceist:191. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the farm entitlements of a deceased person are paid to the deceased person's estate or if they are paid directly to the beneficiary of the farm enterprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16930/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Inheritance Enquiry Unit in my Department provides advice and assistance and is the central point of contact for family members, legal representatives and solicitors with my Department. When a person submits a Basic Payment Scheme application to my Department for a scheme year and subsequently dies, payments due to that person are released to the representatives of the deceased. Payments are released on foot of the receipt of specified testamentary documentation. The exact documentation required will depend on the circumstances surrounding the estate of the deceased. The Inheritance Enquiry Unit advises and assists concerned parties in the process of making all necessary transfers of schemes and herd number and puts in place the legal framework to allow for the issuing of outstanding payments.
Veterinary Inspection Service
Ceisteanna (192)
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:192. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when public consultation will take place on the preferred option identified by the by the strategic review working group for the future development of the regional veterinary laboratories network service in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17015/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following a competitive tender process, my Department has commissioned RSM Ireland to undertake a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of options that have been proposed for the future development of the Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVLs). The team conducting the CBA includes internationally-recognised, independent experts in economic analysis and animal disease surveillance. It is expected to complete its work in mid-2018, after which a report and recommendations will be presented to me.
To date no decision has been taken in respect of the options proposed for the RVLs, including the RVL in county Sligo. My Department completed an initial consultative process with all relevant stakeholders on the options for the RVLs during the course of last year. Consultation with Department staff and external stakeholders has also been undertaken by RSM Ireland as part of the CBA process. Any decision that is made on the RVLs will be informed by these consultations and the outcome of the CBA.
Farm Improvement Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (193)
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:193. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a payment under the equine knowledge transfer scheme. [17019/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Knowledge Transfer is one of a suite of measures included under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 and involves the formation of knowledge transfer groups across the beef, dairy, equine, sheep, tillage and poultry sectors. Participants attend meetings of their KT Group and complete a tailored Farm Improvement Plan with their approved KT Facilitator.
The person named is a primary participant in the Knowledge Transfer Equine Programme. A reimbursement of €750 per annum is due to farmer participants who complete all scheme commitments in each year of the three year programme.
The person named has satisfied all aspects of year one of the scheme and will be included in the next round of payments to KT Equine participants which is expected to issue shortly.
Waste Management
Ceisteanna (194)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:194. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is satisfied that local authorities are proactive and have adequate powers regarding the removal of abandoned vehicles on suburban roads and streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16951/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with section 59(1) of the Waste Management Act, 1996, each local authority is responsible generally for the supervision and the enforcement of the relevant provisions of the Waste Management Act in relation to the holding, recovery and disposal of waste within its functional area. Local authorities have specific powers under sections 55 and 56 of the Act to require measures to be taken, or to take measures directly, to prevent or limit environmental pollution caused or likely to be caused by holding, recovery or disposal of waste, and to mitigate or remedy the effects on the environment of any such activity. With regard to abandoned vehicles, Section 71 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 prohibits the abandonment of vehicles on any land, creates an offence in this regard and enables local authorities to enter on any land upon which vehicles have been abandoned to remove and store such abandoned vehicles. These vehicles may subsequently become the property of the authority, if not reclaimed by the registered owner within a period of four weeks. A local authority may also seek reimbursement of the costs for the removal and storage of abandoned vehicles from the registered owners of such vehicles.
In certain circumstances, an abandoned vehicle is also a matter for An Garda Síochana as vehicles and may be removed under Road Traffic legislation.
Broadband Service Provision
Ceisteanna (195)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a person (details supplied) will be connected to a broadband service via fibre optic cable recently installed by Eir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16858/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. Today, almost 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. Since this Government came into office almost 400,000 additional premises have access to high speed broadband. This will increase to nearly 8 out of 10 premises by the end of this year and by 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention. The premises referred to by the Deputy is in an AMBER area on my Department’s High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. It is therefore included in the State Intervention Area under the NBP.
With regards to the infrastructure deployment referred to by the Deputy, decisions made by private telecommunication operators relating to the rollout and siting of infrastructure to provide high speed broadband services throughout Ireland are undertaken on a commercial basis by competing service providers operating in a liberalised market. I have no statutory role or function to intervene in the commercial decisions of private operators, and therefore cannot direct operators regarding infrastructure installation or delivery of services.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now in its final stages.
In the interim, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.
Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department's website.
Internet Safety
Ceisteanna (196, 197, 198)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:196. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the Department that will take the lead role on the development and publication of the action plan on Internet safety; the timeframe for same; the processes that will be involved; if there will be a public consultation; the stakeholders that will be involved in its production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16881/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Sherlock
Ceist:197. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which he will engage with the Internet in the development of his Department’s input into the action plan on Internet safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16882/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Sherlock
Ceist:198. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the process by which his Department will develop and contribute draft actions to be considered as part of the action plan on Internet safety to be published in June 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16888/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 to 198, inclusive, together.
On 21 November 2017, I convened a meeting with my colleagues the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to progress the subject of digital safety for all citizens, especially children. It was agreed at that meeting that an Open Policy Debate would be the most appropriate way to progress the issue and ensure a coherent cross departmental approach.
On 8 March 2018, I hosted this debate at the Royal Hospital Kilmainhan which was opened by An Taoiseach. The event was supported by five other Ministers and organised in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Equality; Education and Skills; Health; Business Enterprise and Innovation; Children and Youth Affairs.
Over 120 representatives from a range of stakeholders participated, including NGOs, online companies, parents' groups and young people.
An Taoiseach announced that the Government would, by June of this year, prepare an action plan on online safety. My Department is actively contributing to the preparation of that plan, which is being currently coordinated by the Department of An Taoiseach. A report on the Open Policy Debate will form one of the inputs to the plan.
Media Pluralism
Ceisteanna (199)
Niall Collins
Ceist:199. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is satisfied regarding media diversity here; his plans to review media ownership and media control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16907/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Media diversity in Ireland is supported by various legislation and policies. Firstly, the Broadcasting Act requires the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to ensure the provision of open and pluralistic broadcasting services; to promote diversity in viewpoint, outlet and source, and to promote diversity in control of the more influential commercial and community broadcasting services.
One way in which the BAI achieve these goals is to assess licence applications and proposals for ownership and control changes under the BAI ownership and Control Policy 2012. Further information regarding the work of the Authority can be found on its website.
As a result of amendments made to the Competition Act 2002 by the Competition & Consumer Protection Act 2014, all media mergers must be notified to me as Minister. Following an assessment of the proposed media merger's impact on the plurality of media in the State, I must make a determination whether or not the proposed media merger may proceed.
The examinations of all previous proposed media mergers conducted by my Department are available on my Department’s website, as are a number of supplementary materials and a FAQ page concerning the media mergers process.
The amendments to the Competition Act also require the BAI to prepare a report every three years which describes the ownership and control arrangements for media businesses in the State; describes changes to ownership and control arrangements over the previous three years, and analyses the effect of those changes on the plurality of media in the State.
The first such report "Report on Ownership and Control of Media Businesses in Ireland 2012-2014" is also available on my Department's website . Preparatory work on the second such report by the BAI for the period 2015-2017 is currently underway.
Social Media Monitoring
Ceisteanna (200)
Niall Collins
Ceist:200. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the actions he is taking to address the issue of fake news on social media here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16909/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The dissemination of so-called "fake news" and disinformation through social media and other online platforms is currently a matter of widespread concern.
Effective, proportionate and appropriate responses to this issue will require international co-operation and agreement. In this regard, the European Commission established an Independent High Level Group on Fake News and Online Disinformation which reported in March 2018. The Report recognises the complexity of the issue and calls for a multi-stakeholder approach to drive greater transparency, fact-checking and media literacy in tackling online disinformation. It also recognises the importance of diverse and sustainable sources of news media and of quality journalism in this regard.
The European Commission is currently preparing a Communication in respect of an EU approach to addressing online disinformation which is expected to issue in the coming weeks.
At national level, the Government has established an interdepartmental group to consider the issues arising from recent experiences in other democratic countiries with regard to the use of social media by external, anonymous or hidden third parties. It will focus on the risks arising from disinformation spread by social media and other means, particularly in respect of safeguarding the integrity of electoral processes. My Department is represented on that group which is chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach.
The BAI has produced a media literacy policy to support users in acquiring the skills to better understand how media works and to determine the accuracy and fairness of the information they receive. The BAI also supports the recently formed Irish Media Literacy Network which has 93 members, including online platforms.
I have stated on a number of occasions that one of the most effective means of tackling disinformation is to support the provision of impartial and independent news which is reliable and provides the necessary Irish perspective on news events and current affairs. In this regard, it is important to ensure that public service broadcasters are properly funded to support quality journalism and news services. We must also recognise the financial difficulty that all broadcasters are facing. This is why the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill that I have proposed provides for the introduction of a new funding scheme to offer bursaries to journalists working in local or community radio stations. The Broadcasting Bill also provides for measures that will enable a reduction in the burden of the broadcasting levy on all broadcasters, and for exempting community broadcasters from the levy altogether. In addition, I have announced my intention to seek Government approval to amend section 41(2) of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 at Committee Stage of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill, in order to remove the hourly limit on advertising for commercial radio stations. Together, these measures will contribute to mitigating the financial challenges faced by Irish broadcasters.
National Broadband Plan Data
Ceisteanna (201)
John Deasy
Ceist:201. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of domestic, business and other premises in Waterford city and county that are broadband enabled; the number of addresses in County Waterford that remain to receive high-speed broadband under the State intervention contract when Eir and other commercial providers have completed their planned network investments locally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16920/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. Today, almost 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. Since this Government came into office almost 400,000 additional premises have access to high speed broadband. This will increase to nearly 8 out of 10 premises by the end of this year and by 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention. I assume the Deputies question refers to premises in Waterford County and City which have access to high speed broadband.
Of the over 61,000 premises in Waterford County, nearly 41,500 can currently access a high speed broadband connection. By the end of this year some further 3,300 will receive this access via eir’s ongoing commercial deployment. The remaining 16,500 premises will receive access to a high speed broadband connection via the State led intervention.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now in its final stages.
In the interim, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.
Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department's website.
Road Traffic Legislation
Ceisteanna (202)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:202. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the provisions for the display of tax certificates, insurance certificates and NCT certificates need to be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16951/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Motor tax, insurance and NCT discs are required to be displayed on a vehicle being used in a public place. Use includes leaving a vehicle stationary. There are no plans to review these requirements.
The Cost of Insurance Working Group, chaired by the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Mr. Eoghan Murphy, T.D., in his former role as Minister of State at the Department of Finance, published a Report on the cost of motor insurance in January 2017. The Group considered the issue of the abolition of the paper-based insurance disc as part of its deliberations. The decision of the Working Group was that it was not recommending the phasing out of the paper-based insurance disc. In arriving at its conclusion, the Group noted the experience in the U.K. where vehicle excise evasion surveys carried out after the abolition of the paper motor tax disc in that jurisdiction in 2014 have found that the rate of unlicensed vehicles was much higher than had been observed prior to abolition. In terms of enforcement, the Working Group also concluded that Ireland is not yet in a position to underpin an enforcement regime where technology would be the primary method of enforcement. The Group recommended that the phasing out of the paper insurance disc should be reviewed in the future as the development of technology progresses. The continued use of the paper motor tax and NCT discs will also be kept under review in that context.
Rail Services
Ceisteanna (203)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:203. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce the Leap card on Irish Rail in County Meath. [16843/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.