Written Answers Nos. 783-806
» ...
»
Written Answers Nos. 783-806
783. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45449/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute. In addition, my Department also has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of North Harbour at Cape Clear, as well as the maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights and Beacons Act, the aids to navigation located at Derrynane Harbour fall within the remit of my Department as a consequence.
I would advise the Deputy that the leading lights at Derrynane Harbour are operational and were upgraded in 2013. The two beacons referred to provide safe navigation to mariners on approach into Derrynane Harbour and have traditionally never been fitted with lights. These beacons are currently showing signs of structural deterioration and require repair and upgrade works.
To that end, my Department has engaged the services of Consulting Engineers to prepare detailed design for repair and upgrade works. A design has been completed and is currently under review by the Department’s Marine Engineering Division. It should be noted that as part of the design process, detailed consultation has taken place with local users and locals concerned in regard to the heritage value of the existing beacons in order to take their concerns on board.
While no final decisions on the details of the 2019 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme have been made at this stage, I have increased the overall allocation to this Programme by €6.29m to €27.29m, and expect the necessary repair and upgrading works on these beacons at Derrynane Harbour, including the provision of new lighting, to be carried out in 2019.
784. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of engagements, meetings or correspondence that each Minister of State in his Department has had with a person (details supplied) in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45450/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that Minister of State Andrew Doyle TD, has not had any engagements, meetings or correspondence with the named person (details supplied) in the past three years.
785. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter regarding ANC and BPS payments in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45506/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2018 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Schemes application on the 12th May 2018. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases ground inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a ground eligibility inspection. This inspection has been processed and notification of the findings issued on the 5th November 2018 to the person named. This notification outlines the options available at this stage, namely to accept the findings or to submit comments to my Department for consideration. On completion of this process, the inspection outcome will be finalised and any payments due will issue to the nominated bank account of the person named as soon as possible.
786. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is planned that the former Land Commission maintained by his Department will be made publicly available for genealogical research purposes; if his attention has been drawn to the genealogical value of the register as part of an holistic approach to genealogical research; if he has had discussions with other Departments or State bodies or the Attorney General regarding making Land Commission records fully available; the number of requests that have been made via the legal services division of his Department in the past ten years to date for information contained within the Land Commission data set and or catalogues; the number of these requests that have been granted in part or in full; if the Land Commission records can be released by way of a freedom of information request; the number of staff assigned on a full-time basis to the Land Commission records section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45550/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no immediate plans to make the 8 million or so former Irish land Commission (ILC) records generally available to the public for research purposes or otherwise, as they are still working documents. My officials regularly access these records to service queries from the public relating to current and past transactions and for the full completion of the work of the former ILC. Owners and purchasers of land and their personal or legal representatives are allowed access to and copies of relevant documents/maps. Since 2008, over 14,300 search and retrieval cases have been completed by the seven full time staff currently based at the Records Storage facility in Portlaoise. There are no statistics available relating to whether the requests were granted in part or in full. The office does not provide a research facility, as the provision of such a service would require much greater resources than those currently available.
My Department is mindful of the public interest in obtaining access to the vast repository of former ILC documents held. However wider access will be a matter for consideration when the completion of the work of the former ILC is at a more advanced stage. Furthermore the records which are available in paper format only are fragile, some dating back as far as the early 1800's and are an irreplaceable resource should they get damaged. In order to maintain them, it is essential that they are handled and stored appropriately. Opening up access to these files cannot be considered until appropriate measures are undertaken to minimise potential damage from routine handling.
In these circumstances, discussions with other Departments or State Bodies on general public availability of the documents have not arisen. However, the Department is in discussions with Trinity College Dublin with a view to cooperating in its research project “Beyond 2022”. The project seeks to create a virtual archive, recreating records that were destroyed in the fire in the Public Record Office of Ireland at the Four Courts in 1922. Relevant records have been identified in the ILC.
Under the Freedom of Information Acts, any individual is entitled to view personal data, or third party data held by this Department, subject to the restrictions laid out in those Acts.
787. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the GLAS section will accept a review of the decision to exclude a person (details supplied) from the GLAS scheme on medical grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45593/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016. Full payments were made for scheme year 2016. Participation in GLAS requires that all actions committed to are undertaken in line with the scheme requirements. In this case the requirements for the Low Emission Slurry Spreading action (LESS) were not adhered to and the GLAS contract was rejected from the scheme.
This decision has been reviewed by the Department and the original decision upheld. The person named has been informed of their right to appeal this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office.
788. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide assistance to the pig sector in view of difficulties due to low prices and high feed costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45606/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra789. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put forward at EU level in relation to the need to provide assistance to the pig sector due to low prices and high feed costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45607/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 788 and 789 together.
Price volatility has been a significant issue for the pig sector in 2018, and developments over the last few years have highlighted the cyclical nature of prices in the sector. Current prices stand at €139.93/100kg, which is 9% below prices at the same time in 2017 (an exceptional year for pig prices).
The continuing uncertainty regarding Brexit lends an even greater urgency to the expansion of international market access. And as such, my Department and I have made a major push to encourage market diversification. In June of 2017 I visited Mexico, the fourth largest importer of chilled and frozen pork in the world and made access to that market a top priority. Following visits from Mexican authorities, six export plants will shortly be audited as part of the first stage of gaining access to the Mexican market for Irish pig meat exporters.
There has also been a significant expansion in Ireland’s pig meat exports to East Asia in general and to China in particular. China is now the largest third country market with exports of €102m last year. In May I lead a trade mission to China, visiting Beijing and Shanghai. This visit included events, in association with Bord Bia, to promote Irish pork to further develop export opportunities.
I also travelled to Japan and the Republic of Korea in autumn 2017 to promote further opportunities for Irish producers in these markets. Exports to Japan more than doubled to €22m in 2017, putting it in second place in international markets. We can also expect that the new free trade agreement with Japan (JEEPA) will provide further benefit to trade. Growth in the Philippines was also strong, up 54%, making it the third-largest international market for Irish pigmeat exports. Additionally, I recently lead the first ever Irish governmental trade mission to Malaysia, where I agreed a veterinary health certificate for pigmeat, an important milestone in the process of opening this market for Irish exporters.
Last year the total value of pig meat exports, taking account of all pigmeat including prepared and preserved, was more than €793 million; an increase from €733 million in 2016. In volume terms, exports rose by over 10 million tonnes, growing from 265.3 million tonnes in 2016 to 277.1 million tonnes in 2017. I will continue to work closely with the sector and, by focusing on insight-led growth strategies, capitalise upon opportunities for Irish pig meat exporters on international markets.
As regards support for primary producers, TAMS II measures (under the 2014-2020 RDP plan) provide grants for capital investment in physical assets to assist the agriculture sector, including the pig sector, to develop their businesses. There are a huge variety of items available under the suite of TAMS measures and the Pig Sector is catered for under the current Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme (PPIS) of TAMS II. Additionally, in 2016 I established a Pig Implementation Strategy Group which oversees implementation of the measures recommended in the report of the Pig Industry Stakeholder Group. This group has an important role to play in achieving the objectives for the industry as laid out in Food Wise 2025.
790. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he has taken to support farmers facing difficulty with fodder supply over the winter months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45609/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have previously outlined in this House I undertook a number of actions this year to ensure sufficient supplies of Fodder for the coming Winter and Spring 2019.
My priority throughout the year has been to support measures to assist in the conservation of as much fodder for the coming Winter as possible from within our own resources, and to supplement this with necessary imports as required. To this end I introduced a number of targeted measures including:
- a €2.75 million Fodder Production Incentive for Tillage Farmers to encourage tillage growers to actively engage in the fodder market and there has been positive engagement with this measure
- a €4.25 million Fodder Import Support Measure for Autumn 2018. The measure seeks to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage. The measure operates through the Co-operatives/registered importers and will cover forage imported from 12th August 2018 to 31st December 2018.
In July I secured agreement from EU Commissioner Hogan to pay higher advance Pillar 1 and 2 payments which will be increased to 70% and 85% respectively. Almost €1 billion has been paid to farmers under Pillar 1 and 2 since mid September.
Following consultation with the EU Commission, my Department made some temporary adjustments to the GLAS scheme for this year which have the potential to add to the quantities of winter fodder available by bringing over 260,000 additional hectares into production. In addition, in consultation with my ministerial colleague Mr. Eoghan Murphy T.D., a two week extension of the closed period for the spreading of chemical and organic fertilisers was implemented that allowed farmers capitalise on autumn grass growth for fodder production.
Surveys of fodder supplies conducted on my behalf by Teagasc have shown a significant improvement in fodder availability with the national deficit moving from an estimated 18% shortage in early July to an 11% shortage in mid-September. Whilst there still remains a significant deficit on some farms I am hopeful that the results of a survey currently being finalised by Teagasc will show a further reduction in the national deficit given the favourable growing conditions of recent weeks.
I am confident that the range of measures introduced by me to date, taken together and targeted at producing as much fodder as possible from our own land, is the most effective response to ensuring adequate supplies ahead of the coming Winter. Notwithstanding all of the above mentioned actions, I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to closely monitor and engage on this significant challenge during the coming period.
791. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45683/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Terms and Conditions of the Basic Payment Scheme and other EU funded schemes an applicant, as well as meeting the scheme criteria, must comply with EU regulatory requirements relating to Cross Compliance.
A report detailing findings of an inspection carried out by Limerick City and County Council on 10th April 2018 was referred to my Department's Cross Compliance Unit for attention. This report detailed breaches of the cross compliance requirements under the Nitrates Regulations and related to the discharging of a large amount of slurry from an earthen walled slurry tank into a nearby river.
The breaches resulted in a 20% penalty being applied against the 2018 Direct Schemes payments. The person named was notified of this decision on 30th July 2018. A review request was received on 8th October 2018 and is currently being examined by the Department. The person named will be notified of the outcome of this review on completion of the process.
In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of the review, the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office within 3 months.
792. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a remote sensing inspection will be completed by his Department in order to allow a person (details supplied) to avail of an ANC payment; if the inspection will be completed without delay with a view to issuing a payment as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45684/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2018 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint schemes application on the 1st of May 2018. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing eligibility inspection. Processing of this inspection necessitated the verification of the position on the ground by means of a field visit. This field visit has been completed and the results are currently being processed to finalisation with the intention of issuing any payments due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.
793. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a remote sensing inspection will be completed by his Department in order to allow a person (details supplied) to avail of a ANC payment; if the inspection will be completed without delay with a view to issuing a payment as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45685/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2018 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Schemes application on the 12th April 2018. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing eligibility inspection. This inspection has been completed and the results are currently being processed to finalisation with the intention of issuing any payments due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.
794. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a remote sensing inspection will be completed by his Department in order to allow a person (details supplied) to avail of a ANC payment; if the inspection will be completed without delay with a view to issuing a payment as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45686/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2018 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Schemes application on the 9th March 2018. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing eligibility inspection. This inspection has been completed and the results are currently being processed to finalisation with the intention of issuing any payments due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.
795. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 20 September 2018, the reason a GLAS wild bird cover payment has yet to be issued to a person (details supplied); the reason a solution to issue these arrears has not been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45697/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved into GLAS 2 and has received payments for 2016 and 2017. The 2016 claim was underpaid for the Wild Bird Cover action and is due a correcting payment. The Department has undertaken a review of 2015 and 2016 GLAS payments in recent months and has identified a small number of cases due a supplementary payment. These payments will be processed after the 2018 advance payments commence and these are expected to commence later this month.
796. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the most up-to-date details of the deaths and injuries of greyhounds at tracks here for the period from January 2018 to date. [45712/18]
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.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for this organisation.
I will request officials in my department to refer the question to Bord na gCon for direct reply to the Deputy.
797. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount which will be spent on official development assistance in 2018; the recipients of this ODA; and the amount each recipient will receive. [45773/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe two main recipients of official development assistance from my Department are the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
From 2016 to 2018, my Department committed to an annual contribution of €20million to the WFP, the last payment of which was fulfilled with an advance payment of €10 million at the end of 2017.
The contribution to the FAO is by way of an assessed membership contribution, which was €1.369 million for 2018.
My Department is currently processing grant payments under the Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP). The objective of the AADP is to develop partnerships between the Irish agrifood sector and African countries to support the sustainable growth of the local food industry, build markets for local produce and support mutual trade between Ireland and Africa. As this Programme is a joint initiative between the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade the latter will also provide a similar amount in funding for the approved grants.
798. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a payment of the basic farm payment is in order and will issue further to an inspection carried out recently on land (details supplied) in County Cork. [45795/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2018 Basic Payment Scheme application on the 12th April 2018. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases land eligibility inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a Land Eligibility inspection. This inspection has been completed and the results are now being processed to finalisation with the intention of issuing any payments due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.
799. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the qualifying criteria for eligibility for the suckler farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45820/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn October 9 of this year I announced details of my Department’s 2019 Budget. This included the introduction of a €20m Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot scheme (BEEPS). This is a new pilot scheme targeted at suckler farmers, and aimed at further improving the economic and carbon efficiency of Irish beef production.
The purpose of the scheme will be to promote the practice of weight recording in the suckler herd with a view to using the data to inform decisions on breeding in order to promote more economically and environmentally efficient breeding practices.
Details of the scheme are being finalised and will be published as soon as they are available. All suckler farmers will be permitted to apply for this scheme.
800. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding provided to a society (details supplied) for inspection services relating to animal cruelty; the funding allocated for 2019; the number of inspectors this will provide for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45845/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has provided funding to organisations involved directly in protecting animal welfare and continues to support these organisations that provide a valuable service in the area of animal welfare. Applications for funding from animal welfare organisations are assessed by my Department and awards made on the basis of certain criteria, including the level and type of assistance provided by the organisation in the delivery of care and welfare services to animals and the level of funding raised by organisations from other sources to support welfare activities.
An advertisement was placed in the national press on 15th June 2018 inviting applications. These are currently being processed and an announcement on funding levels is expected in December. Organisations applying for funding must sign up to a strict set of guidelines, be in existence for two years or more, be registered with the Charities Regulator and provide detailed accounts. Organisations with income in excess of €100,000 must submit audited accounts. The manner in which any funding awarded to the society mentioned is used by the organisation for the protection of animal welfare is a matter for the directors of the group. My Department do not specify how the resources are used internally, therefore I cannot make comment how any future funding will be used.
The past funding to the group is available on my Departments website which can be accessed through the following link:
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/animalwelfare/fundingtoanimalwelfareorganisations/
ISPCA funding
2015 €310,000
2016 €310,000
2017 €395,000
801. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason land (details supplied) has been deemed ineligible; if an oral hearing will be held in relation to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45848/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to the reply to written Parliamentary Question number 976 answered on 7th September 2018, a recent field visit has now taken place and the Department has restored the eligible area to the claimed area of 92.03 hectares. Payment has recently issued to the applicant's nominated bank account on this basis.
802. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for an oyster licence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45849/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.
In addition, the legislation governing aquaculture licensing provides for an appeals mechanism. Appeals against licence decisions are a matter for the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) which is an independent statutory body. Full details of the appeals process can be obtained at: http://www.alab.ie/appealsprocess/
Determinations on these licence applications were made on 5th October 2018. These determinations are published on my Department’s website and, in addition, the applicant was informed in writing. As the statutory appeal period is still active in respect of these applications it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter at this time.
803. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the allocation in 2019 to North-South bodies in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45889/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that none of the north south implementing bodies established under the Good Friday Agreement are within the remit of my Department. Consequently, my Department has not allocated funding to these bodies during 2019.
804. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of grant applications under TAMS II in relation to the upgrading or provision of new poultry units for turkeys, that is, turkey grow houses; the number of applications approved; the additional capacity such grant aid will assist to increase turkey production; the number of applications per county; the number of applications approved to date; the number of projects completed and grant aid issued in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45927/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pigs and Poultry Investment Scheme of TAMS II provides for energy efficiency related investments, disease reduction facilities and feed system upgrades in poultry houses.
The Scheme does not provide for the provision of new poultry units.
No payments have issued to date to applicants who have indicated turkeys as their production units under the eligibility conditions of the Scheme.
805. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44606/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to accessibility to Killarney lakes for anglers with physical disabilities, I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that there are wheelchair hoists and access available on Loughs Lein, Cloonee, Currane and Caragh and these were facilitated by local angling clubs and interests some time ago. There is also wheelchair access available on the rivers Laune and Flesk, and these were again developed by local clubs. Regarding Lough Fada, the installation of wheelchair and disability access would be welcomed. However, in addition to a wheelchair hoist, the boats on this lake would also have to be designed to specifically take all wheelchair types. Research and consultation would first need to be undertaken to purchase suitable access and then develop same with local authorities.
IFI has previously submitted observations in relation to Kerry County Council’s road straightening plans in the area adjacent to Lough Fada and had suggested that access and parking could be improved during these works. IFI would be happy to consult and assist the Council in the development of such facilities.
Disabled angling access stand design can be found at https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Angling-Information/accessible-angling-stands.html. These have been developed by IFI in conjunction with the Irish Wheelchair Association.
I have asked IFI local management to facilitate a meeting with the project proposer to assess the technical aspects of the proposal and I am happy to investigate funding possibilities with a view to delivering on same.
806. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount that has been provided for in the capital estimates for 2019, 2020 and 2021 for the roll-out of the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45528/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the capital budget for 2019, funding for the NBP will be provided from within the overall funding envelope of €87 million for the Communications Programme in Budget 2019, with individual programme allocations still to be finalised and published in the Revised Estimates for Public Services. Specific funding allocations for 2020 and 2021 will be determined as part of the estimates processes for those years.
