Tuesday, 20 Nov 2018

Written Answers Nos. 506-525

GLAS Payments

Ceisteanna (506)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

506. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when all payments will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47975/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named was approved into GLAS 2 and has received payments for 2016 and 2017. The 2017 claim is due a correcting payment in respect of the Wild Bird Cover action. The Department is currently working on this issue and expects the correcting balance payment to issue shortly.

In addition, this case has cleared the validations for the 2018 advance and this payment will issue in the coming days.  

Basic Payment Scheme Data

Ceisteanna (507)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

507. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide information (details supplied) on land eligibility and the basic payment scheme by county in 2016 and 2017, in tabular form. [48057/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The information is not readily available at the level of detail requested. Officials in my Department are currently examining the request and I will respond to  the Deputy as quickly as possible.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A

Further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 507 and 508 of 20 November 2018, please find below data requested relating to Cross Compliance inspections and Land Eligibility inspections for the years 2016 and 2017.

The data is being provided at national level as the annual inspection programme, including the risk analysis selection process, operates on a national basis. Therefore any comparison on a county basis is meaningless. The inspection outcomes are not comparable across counties.

Cases for inspection are selected by risk analysis with farmers selected randomly and by risk criteria. The selection process is carried out at Head Office level using various national data sets. Local Office staff have no involvement in the selection process. The selection process must meet the EU regulatory requirements and is subject to frequent audit by the EU Commission.

The risk categories used take account of the land types, number and scale of enterprises, number of livestock and previous inspection history. Once the risk categories are identified the farms are selected randomly within each risk category. The Department is required to review the performance of the risk analysis annually and, where appropriate, to update the risks to be used in the following year.

Statistics on Land Eligibility Inspections – 2016 and 2017

The following table details the total number of land eligibility inspections; the number of ground and remote sensing inspections; the number of cases that incurred no payment reduction and the number of cases that incurred a payment reduction or a reduction/penalty based on the various reduction/penalty categories under the Basic Payment Scheme for the years 2016 and 2017. Area reductions determined under these schemes may also impact on payments under other EU funded area-based schemes. The following should be noted in respect of the data:

- The data provided is based on the current position and may be subject to change as a result of reviews/appeals.

- 2016/2017 Scheme Years - A new penalty regime was introduced in 2016 as part of the measures under the “Simplification of the CAP”. This amended the rate used for the calculation of penalties and also the penalty categories. This new regime applied for 2017 also. The data provided is based on the reduction/penalty categories prescribed in the EU governing regulations.

2016 & 2017 – BPS Land Eligibility Inspections – See Explanatory Notes

Year	Total No. of Inspections	No. of Ground Inspections	No. of Remote Sensing Inspections	No. of Cases - No Reduction	No. of Cases – Reduction Under 3%/2ha	No. of Cases – Reduction/ Penalty 3%-10%	No. of cases – Reduction/ Penalty Over 10%	Total Value of Reductions/ Penalties
2016	7,111	898	6,213	6,186	650	189	86	€209,583
2017	7,403	896	6,507	5,932	1,065	269	137	€374,280

Statistics on Cross Compliance related Inspections – 2016 and 2017

The following table details the number of eligible BPS applicants, the number of cross compliance related inspections; the number of clear cases; the number of cases with a minor non-compliance that did not result in a monetary penalty; the total number of penalty cases; a breakdown of the penalty categories and the monetary value of penalties applied under BPS/Greening/YFS, for the years 2016 and 2017.

Cross Compliance related inspections include the following: Full Cross Compliance and Animal Identification & Registration inspections, LA Nitrates inspections, Ad Hoc inspections, Cross Reports, etc. Penalties for breaches of Cross Compliance requirements apply to payments across all EU funded schemes. The following should be noted in respect of the data:

- The data for 2017 is based on the current position and will not take account of specific inspection elements yet to be finalised or cases not yet cross reported for processing.

- The data provided is based on the current position and may be subject to change as a result of review/appeals, etc.

2016 and 2017 – Cross Compliance Related Inspections

Year	Total No. of eligible BPS applicants	No. of Inspections	No. of Clear Cases	No. of Cases Minor Non- Compliance – No Monetary Sanction	Total No. of Penalty Cases – Monetary Sanction Applied	No. of Cases - 1% - 5% Penalty	No. of Cases - >5% - 20% Penalty	No. of Cases - >20% - <100% Penalty	No. of Cases 100% Penalty	Value of Monetary Sanction Applied- BPS/Greening/YFS
2016	124,810	7,743	3,037	2,204	2,502	2,025	329	88	60	€1,716,049
2017	124,206	7,681	3,251	2,357	2,073	1,736	244	61	32	€1,805,083

Basic Payment Scheme Data

Ceisteanna (508)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

508. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide basic payment scheme information (details supplied) by county for 2016 and 2017, in tabular form. [48058/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The information is not readily available at the level of detail requested. Officials in my Department are currently examining the request and I will respond to  the Deputy as quickly as possible.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A

Further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 508 and 507 of 20 November 2018, please find below data requested relating to Cross Compliance inspections and Land Eligibility inspections for the years 2016 and 2017.

The data is being provided at national level as the annual inspection programme, including the risk analysis selection process, operates on a national basis. Therefore any comparison on a county basis is meaningless. The inspection outcomes are not comparable across counties.

Cases for inspection are selected by risk analysis with farmers selected randomly and by risk criteria. The selection process is carried out at Head Office level using various national data sets. Local Office staff have no involvement in the selection process. The selection process must meet the EU regulatory requirements and is subject to frequent audit by the EU Commission.

The risk categories used take account of the land types, number and scale of enterprises, number of livestock and previous inspection history. Once the risk categories are identified the farms are selected randomly within each risk category. The Department is required to review the performance of the risk analysis annually and, where appropriate, to update the risks to be used in the following year.

Statistics on Land Eligibility Inspections – 2016 and 2017

The following table details the total number of land eligibility inspections; the number of ground and remote sensing inspections; the number of cases that incurred no payment reduction and the number of cases that incurred a payment reduction or a reduction/penalty based on the various reduction/penalty categories under the Basic Payment Scheme for the years 2016 and 2017. Area reductions determined under these schemes may also impact on payments under other EU funded area-based schemes. The following should be noted in respect of the data:

- The data provided is based on the current position and may be subject to change as a result of reviews/appeals.

- 2016/2017 Scheme Years - A new penalty regime was introduced in 2016 as part of the measures under the “Simplification of the CAP”. This amended the rate used for the calculation of penalties and also the penalty categories. This new regime applied for 2017 also. The data provided is based on the reduction/penalty categories prescribed in the EU governing regulations.

2016 & 2017 – BPS Land Eligibility Inspections – See Explanatory Notes

Year	Total No. of Inspections	No. of Ground Inspections	No. of Remote Sensing Inspections	No. of Cases - No Reduction	No. of Cases – Reduction Under 3%/2ha	No. of Cases – Reduction/ Penalty 3%-10%	No. of cases – Reduction/ Penalty Over 10%	Total Value of Reductions/ Penalties
2016	7,111	898	6,213	6,186	650	189	86	€209,583
2017	7,403	896	6,507	5,932	1,065	269	137	€374,280

Statistics on Cross Compliance related Inspections – 2016 and 2017

The following table details the number of eligible BPS applicants, the number of cross compliance related inspections; the number of clear cases; the number of cases with a minor non-compliance that did not result in a monetary penalty; the total number of penalty cases; a breakdown of the penalty categories and the monetary value of penalties applied under BPS/Greening/YFS, for the years 2016 and 2017.

Cross Compliance related inspections include the following: Full Cross Compliance and Animal Identification & Registration inspections, LA Nitrates inspections, Ad Hoc inspections, Cross Reports, etc. Penalties for breaches of Cross Compliance requirements apply to payments across all EU funded schemes. The following should be noted in respect of the data:

- The data for 2017 is based on the current position and will not take account of specific inspection elements yet to be finalised or cases not yet cross reported for processing.

- The data provided is based on the current position and may be subject to change as a result of review/appeals, etc.

2016 and 2017 – Cross Compliance Related Inspections

Year	Total No. of eligible BPS applicants	No. of Inspections	No. of Clear Cases	No. of Cases Minor Non- Compliance – No Monetary Sanction	Total No. of Penalty Cases – Monetary Sanction Applied	No. of Cases - 1% - 5% Penalty	No. of Cases - >5% - 20% Penalty	No. of Cases - >20% - <100% Penalty	No. of Cases 100% Penalty	Value of Monetary Sanction Applied- BPS/Greening/YFS
2016	124,810	7,743	3,037	2,204	2,502	2,025	329	88	60	€1,716,049
2017	124,206	7,681	3,251	2,357	2,073	1,736	244	61	32	€1,805,083

Fishing Industry

Ceisteanna (509)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

509. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to protect our fishing interests at EU level; the status of discussions ahead of the December EU Council meeting of fisheries ministers at which the 2019 allowable catches and quotas will be agreed; and the bilateral discussions he has had in 2018 with his counterparts regarding 2019 total allowable catches and quotas. [48059/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Let me begin by reassuring the Deputy that the fishing industry is a key priority for this Government and my officials and I are constantly engaged in protecting and enhancing the interests of that industry across a wide range of issues at all levels within the EU.  

While the process for deciding on TAC levels for 2019 concludes in December, our preparation begins much earlier. The scientific data upon which the Commission bases its proposals generally becomes available from June onwards and that is when we begin our preparation in earnest. That data is informed by the work of the Marine Institute amongst others who work closely with the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES). 

Discussions take place with many parties on issues in relation to December Council. There will be high level meetings with the Commission, the Presidency and other Member States as part of the preparation for the December Fisheries Council and a number of important technical meetings. There are also international negations to be concluded before December, for example those taking place this week in  London on mackerel – our single most important fishery. 

I engaged with a number of my Ministerial colleagues earlier this week at the Agriculture & Fisheries Council. These meetings help me to understand the priorities of other Member States and also gauge where Ireland can build relationships to help us deliver our priorities at the December Council.  

My aim in all of these negotiations is always, in consultation with the stakeholders, to ensure that we have a profitable and sustainable fishing industry that will continue to benefit our coastal communities. As part of this, I have also launched a public consultation as part of our Sustainability Impact Assessment and I look forward to the outcome of that process which I intend to lay before the Oireachtas later this month.  

This year, we are facing and additional challenge with the Landing Obligation - or discard ban- coming fully into force.  Without pre-empting the outcome of the Sustainability Impact Assessment, or going into a stock by stock analysis, it is safe to say that I am concerned about a number of the proposals. Where cuts are justified by the scientific advice I will support them but I must be satisfied that the advice from ICES is being applied correctly by the Commission and in a fair and consistent manner. 

I am always conscious of the immediate impacts the decisions taken at the December Fisheries Council have for so many communities around our coast. This is why I believe the advance preparation should be as comprehensive and inclusive as possible involving my own Department as well as Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Marine Institute; all industry representatives and the Environmental Pillar. This process is invaluable and helps me identify the key areas of concern.  

The December Council is always a challenge and this year will be no different. I endeavour to ensure that my direct engagement and that of my officials with the issues concerning fisheries at EU level is as comprehensive as possible. I can assure the Deputy that Ireland is well prepared and I will do my utmost to ensure that the final outcome is one that is good for the industry and the long term sustainability of the stocks. 

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Ceisteanna (510)

James Browne

Ceist:

510. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a single farm payment for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48071/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named submitted a 2018 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint schemes application on the 11th 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. 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 to the nominated bank account of the person named as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.

Harbours and Piers Development

Ceisteanna (511)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

511. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the capital works that will be carried out in Howth Harbour in 2019; the estimated cost of each project; when each of the capital project works will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48075/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My 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.

I am happy to advise the Deputy that between the years 2010 to 2018, as part of my Department’s Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, in excess of €10 million has been invested in maintenance, development and upgrading works at Howth FHC.

In addition, I will shortly be announcing further support under the 2019 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. No final decisions on the full suite of projects to be undertaken under the 2019 capital programme have been made at this stage; however I have increased the overall allocation to this Programme by €6.29m to €27.29m.

Aquaculture Licence Applications

Ceisteanna (512)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

512. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an aquaculture licence for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48088/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My 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/

A determination was made on this licence application on 5th October 2018. This determination is published on my Department’s website and, in addition, the applicant was informed in writing.

As you are aware ALAB has received an appeal against this decision. As the Board is currently considering the appeal in question as part of a statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter pending the conclusion of that process.

Marine Resources

Ceisteanna (513, 514, 515)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

513. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of all incidences of cardiomyopathy syndrome in farmed salmon here in the past two years. [48151/18]

Clare Daly

Ceist:

514. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the incidents of cardiomyopathy syndrome reported in salmon farms here can be considered a potential threat to wild Atlantic salmon populations or other fish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48152/18]

Clare Daly

Ceist:

515. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of incidences of cardiomyopathy syndrome in wrasse captured from the wild for the purposes of controlling lice in farmed salmon; and if infected wrasse could pose a potential threat to the native population of wrasse [48153/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 513 to 515, inclusive, together.

Cardiomyopathy Syndrome (CMS) is not listed as a disease requiring specific control measures in EU Council Directive 2006/88/EC and there is no legislative requirement for salmon farm operators to officially report the incidence of CMS.

However, under a voluntary good practice programme operated by the Marine Institute salmon farm operators report incidents of increased mortality on marine sites to the Institute when it exceeds specified trigger levels, regardless of the reason for the mortality.

The Marine Institute is not aware of any evidence that the occurrence of CMS in farmed salmon represents a potential risk to wild Atlantic Salmon population or other fish.

The Marine Institute is not aware of any incidences of CMS in wild caught wrasse used for the purposes of controlling sea lice in farmed salmon.

Coillte Teoranta

Ceisteanna (516)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

516. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of tax Coillte has paid since it was established in 1988. [48164/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The payment of tax is a matter for, and the responsibility of, the company as a commercial State Body. I have accordingly referred the Deputy’s question to Coillte and have requested that a response issue to you within 10 days.

The Deputy may wish to note that information about tax paid each year by Coillte is published in its Annual Report, copies of which are laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.  

Agriculture Scheme Payments

Ceisteanna (517)

Pat Breen

Ceist:

517. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an inspection will be finalised and payments issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48254/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named submitted a 2018 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint schemes application on the 12th 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. The finalisation of the inspection process, which included a field visit, is nearing completion with the intention of issuing any payments due to the nominated bank account of the person named as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.

Beef Data and Genomics Programme

Ceisteanna (518)

Pat Breen

Ceist:

518. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48258/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) provides for six years of payments to participating farmers for the completion of actions which deliver accelerated genetic improvement in the Irish national herd and the improvement of its environmental sustainability.

The person named submitted an application to join the BDGP in 2015. An application was also received from a family member who subsequently transferred her land and animals to the person named. Under the Terms and Conditions of the BDGP, reference land and animals are based on the number of cows that calved in the herd in 2014. After the transfer of the land and animals the person named applied to increase his reference number based on the amalgamation of the two herds. This request was agreed to but due to the requested amalgamation additional animals needed to be genotyped. This requirement was subsequently fulfilled.

Payment had already issued to the person named in respect of his original reference data.  A balancing payment for the additional land and animals for the above named applicant has been processed and will appear in their nominated bank account in the coming days. 

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (519)

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Ceist:

519. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the implications for the Irish marine sector of the draft withdrawal agreement for Brexit between the EU and the UK; if the interests of the Irish fisheries sector have been protected within the context of the draft agreement; the measures which specifically will protect the marine sector within the draft agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48262/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Overall, Ireland’s and the EU27’s basic position is to protect our fishing communities. While all parties would like higher quota shares, the way to achieve that is to grow the fish stocks through sustainable management for the benefit of all. Managing fisheries sustainably and fairly must be an integral and inseparable part of the overall future EU/UK relationship.

If this withdrawal deal goes through, from a fisheries perspective, we have clarity that there will be no changes to the status quo on fisheries for the duration of the transition period.  The transition period will last at least until the end of December 2020 but could be extended. Within this timeframe and within the context of the overall economic partnership, the EU and UK will work to establish a new fisheries agreement to be in place after transition.

As is set down in the draft Political Declaration, negotiations on fisheries will take place in the context of the overall future economic relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom.  In other words, fisheries will not be dealt with in isolation.

I will continue to work closely with the Tánaiste, the Commission, relevant Member States and the fishing industry to ensure the best outcome for Irelands’ fishing communities.

Statutory Instruments

Ceisteanna (520)

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Ceist:

520. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress he has made in preparing a replacement statutory instrument for serious fishing infringements as per the EU directive; the level of consultation he has held since May 2018 when the previous statutory instrument was rescinded by Dáil Éireann; the persons or bodies he has consulted with since May 2018 either within the fishing sector or Members of Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48263/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy is aware, on 20th March 2018 I signed into force the European Union (Common Fisheries Policy) (Point System) Regulations 2018, S.I. No. 89 of 2018. However, S.I. No 89 was annulled by Dail Eireann on 29 May 2018.

I am at present considering, with my legal advisors, next steps following that annulment. I expect legal advice to be to hand in the near future and once it has been fully considered, I will determine next steps in this matter.

As the Deputy may be aware, S.I. No. 89 adopted the requirements of Article 92 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1224/2009 and Title VII of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 404/2011 of 8 April 2011. It should be noted that both of these EU regulations went through the ordinary legislative procedure at EU level which would have included widespread consultation with interested parties including the Member States, Advisory Councils, NGOs and the fishing Industry.  The matter has also been discussed at industry liaison meetings over the years.  The EU regulations on this matter are highly prescriptive in relation to licence holders, leaving little room for further negotiation.

Departmental Advertising Campaigns

Ceisteanna (521)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

521. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and other consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48306/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The vast bulk of my Department's advertising is in respect of press notices in the specialised farming press, provincial and national newspapers. This includes the publication of Statutory Notices that are required to comply with various national and EU legislative requirements. Decisions on the placement of notices are made on a case by case basis, depending on the nature of the advertisement and the target audience.

Mediavest currently holds the central Government contract for the provision of the majority of advertising needs. Advertising campaigns related to forestry, fisheries, aquaculture license applications, various Department schemes and services, and animal health and welfare.

Due to the volume of individual adverts, it is not possible to list all instances of advertising. The following table sets out the main campaigns and the total advertising expenditure for the five years, as requested.

2014

Title of Policy or Programme Campaign

Awards of €20m for Agri-Food and Forest Research

Rural Development Programme

North Irish Sea Razor Clam Consultation 2014

Consultation on changes to the razor clam fishery in the vicinity of Natura 2000 sites off Wexford at Cahore and Rosslare

Fishing Opportunities for 2015

Draft Policy Statement on Blue Whiting (2014)

Regulatory Impact Assessment of the Proposal for a Bill to amend the Sea Fisheries & Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006

Fire Awareness

Ongoing promotion of forestry

Wood promotional programme 2014

Contribution to publication of 'Oak-fine timber in 100 years'

Ongoing promotion of forestry

Miscellaneous Public Notices

Advertisement of Statutory Instruments

Total expenditure      €287,131

2015

Title of Policy or Programme Campaign

Seafood Development Programme 2014-2020 & Draft Environmental Report and AA Screening

National Strategic Plan For Sustainable Aquaculture Development

Non-Commercial Pot Fishing Consultation 2015

Fishing Opportunities for 2016

Proposal to limit the number of multi-rigged fishing gear towed simultaneously

Proposal to increase the allocation to the Celtic Sea Herring Sentinel Fishery for 2016

Ongoing promotion of forestry

Miscellaneous Public Notices

Advertisement of Statutory Instruments

Total expenditure      €230,160

2016

Title of Policy or Programme Campaign

Awards of €28m for Agri-Food and Forest Research

Rural Development Programme

Consultation: Draft Fisheries Natura Plan for Dundalk Bay 2016-2020

Consultation: Draft Mitigation Response Plan for scallop fishery off Wexford Coast

Consultation: Draft Fisheries Natura Plan for Castlemaine Harbour 2016 - 2026

BPS Online applications information campaign

Requirements for the suckler farmer of the Beef Data and Genomics Programme

Fishing Opportunities for 2017

Review of Replacement Capacity Requirements under Sea Fishing Boat Licensing Policy

2016 North West Herring Scientific Quota

Scheme Funding available from Department

Ongoing promotion of forestry

Miscellaneous Public Notices

Advertisement of Statutory Instruments

Total expenditure €312,021

2017

Title of Policy or Programme Campaign

Farm Safety Promotion

Sheep Clean Livestock Policy

Food Wise 2017 Conference

Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment (GLAS) Scheme radio advert encouraging participants to submit their Nutrient Management Plan

Rural Development Programme

Consultation:Management of Velvet Crab

Independent Aquaculture Licensing Review

BPS Online applications information campaign

Fishing Opportunities for 2018

Consultation on amendment to Statutory Instrument 621 of 2011 – Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 (Prescribed Organisations for the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board) Regulations 2011.

Consultation on amendment to Statutory Instrument 621 of 2011 – Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 (Prescribed Organisations for the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board) Regulations 2011.

Review of Mackerel Allocation Policy between the Fleet segments (2017)

Dog Purchase radio campaign

Avian Influenza information campaign

Scheme Funding available from Department

Quota Balancing for Pelagic Stocks (2017)

Ongoing Promotion of forestry

Miscellaneous Public Notices

Advertisement of Statutory Instruments

Total expenditure      €544,657

2018 to date

Title of Policy or Programme Campaign

Agri-Food and Forest Research

Sheep Clean Livestock Policy

Rural Development Programme

Consultation: Proposal for conservation measures for Brown Crab Consultation: Proposal to Increase the MnCRS for Razor Clam in the North Irish Sea

Consultation: Draft Fishery Natura Plan for Irish Sea Mussel Seed Fishery for the years 2018-2023

BPS Online applications information campaign

Trawling Activity inside the 6 nautical mile zone

Ongoing Promotion of forestry

Woodland Environment Fund

Forest Fire Awareness

Sector Expert Profile on careersportal.ie

Miscellaneous Public Notices

Advertisement of Statutory Instruments

Total expenditure      €283,703

Agriculture Scheme Payments

Ceisteanna (522)

Pat Breen

Ceist:

522. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 775 of 6 November 2018, when the inspection for a remote sensing eligibility will be completed; when payments will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48368/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named submitted a 2018 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Schemes application on the 11th 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. This inspection has been processed and the person named was notified of the initial findings on 15th November 2018.  The 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.

Fishing Industry

Ceisteanna (523)

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Ceist:

523. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his position on the voisinage agreement which was agreed under the London Fisheries Convention 1964 and subsequently materialised under exchange letters of 1965 between both jurisdictions; his future approach to this agreement; the degree of engagement he has had with his UK counterpart since the Bill on the voisinage agreement was withdrawn from Seanad Éireann in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48410/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Voisinage arrangements are long-standing reciprocal arrangements which have allowed fishing boats from Northern Ireland access to fish within the 0 to 6 nautical mile zone of the territorial waters of the State and vice versa. On the basis of the provisions of Articles 2 and 9 of the London Fisheries Convention, pre-existing reciprocal arrangements were re-affirmed at the time by means of an exchange of letters in the 1960s between the UK/Northern Ireland and Ireland. The Common Fisheries Policy (Article 5 of Regulation 1380/2013) provides for the continuation of such neighbourhood arrangements.

On 27 October 2016, the Supreme Court issued a judgment in a case taken by a number of mussel seed fishermen in which it found that fishing by Northern Ireland boats within the 0 to 6 nautical mile zone of the territorial waters of the State under the Voisinage arrangements is not permitted by law. It is important to note that the Supreme Court upheld the High Court finding that the Voisinage arrangements are not invalid but that, as it stands, there is insufficient provision for them in domestic law. The Supreme Court in fact noted that the arrangements were a sensible recognition at official level of practice and tradition, where fishing boats traditionally fished neighbouring waters.

The application of the judgment is to all fishing by Northern Irish fishing boats in the 0 to 6 nautical mile zone, measured from the baselines, relying on the Voisinage arrangements. The Government approved the publication of the Sea-Fisheries (Amendment) Bill to address issues raised by the Supreme Court judgment, in so far as it relates to access for Northern Irish vessels. If enacted and commenced, the Bill will give the Voisinage arrangements a proper legal footing. The Bill was published in February 2017, commenced debate in the Seanad shortly thereafter and remains before the Oireachtas.  It is fair to say that considerable opposing views to the Bill have been expressed in debates to date, particularly linking the Bill to Brexit.  In the meantime, access continues to be provided for Irish sea-fishing boats to the Northern Ireland 0 to 6 nautical mile zone. 

The UK had initially intimated that it would like to retain the Voisinage arrangements element of the London Fisheries Convention but had not advanced any legal basis on which they can be retained. More recently, and not surprisingly, the UK has expressed concerns about the unequal situation which currently prevails.

From the moment the UK leaves the EU, any negotiations on a new Voisinage arrangement would fall within the exclusive competence of the European Union and would be negotiated by the EU with the UK on our behalf.

Afforestation Programme

Ceisteanna (524)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

524. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost of proposals (details supplied) in tabular form. [48413/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The estimated additional cost to the Exchequer of increasing the grant rate for GPCs 1 to 3, based on 2017 planting figures, is as follows: 

GPC	2017 ha Planted	Grant rate (N)	N+2.5%	N+5%	N+7.5%	N+10%
1	48.8	€2,740	€3,342.80	€6,685.60	€10,028.40	€13,371.20
2	0	€3,705	€0.00	€0.00	€0.00	€0.00
3	4,345.48	€3,815	€414,450.20	€828,900.31	€1,243,350.47	€1,657,800.62

The estimated additional cost to the Exchequer of increasing the premium rate for GPCs 1 to 3, based on 2017 planting figures, is as follows:  

GPC	2017 ha Planted	Premium rate (N)	N+2.5%	N+5%	N+7.5%	N+10%
1	48.8	€185	€225.70	€451.40	€677.10	€902.80
2	0	€440	€0.00	€0.00	€0.00	€0.00
3	4,345.48	€510	€55,404.87	€110,809.74	€166,214.61	€221,619.48

Afforestation Programme

Ceisteanna (525)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

525. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the different tree species permitted under both diverse conifers and broadleaf species under grant and premium category 3; his views on increasing the minimum level for broadleaf planting under this category; and the process involved to seek this. [48415/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Grant and Premium Category 3 is comprised of an intimate mix of Sitka spruce and/or Lodgepole Pine together with a suitable diverse conifer (as described in the Forestry Standards and Procedures Manual – see list below). The diverse conifer content must be at least 10% of the total number of trees planted. This diverse species can be intimately mixed through the forest or planted in groups through the forest, or a combination of both where silviculturally compatible with the main species. In an intimate mix, the diverse conifer species may be substituted by suitable broadleaves, including birch, planted in groups where soils are suitable.

There is a large selection of conifers and broadleaves that can be used in GPC 3 as listed in the following table:

Diverse Conifers	Broadleaf Species
Monterey cypress	Common alder
Western hemlock	Italian alder
Douglas fir	Beech
Grand fir	Cherry
Corsican pine	Spanish (Sweet) Chestnut
Monterey pine	Norway maple
Scots pine	Sycamore
Norway spruce	Pedunculate oak
Serbian spruce	Sessile oak
Western red cedar	Red oak
Coast redwood	Downy Birch
Giant redwood	Silver Birch
Japanese cedar	Lime

Under the midterm review of the Forestry Programme 2014-2020, which was completed in February 2018, the minimum level for broadleaf planting was reviewed.  New rules introduced under this review increased the minimum mandatory requirement per site from 10% to 15% broadleaves with a minimum of 5% broadleaves to be planted as a block or blocks in grant and premium category 5 to 12.  Under the midterm review, rates were increased across the board, with broadleaf species attracting the highest increases. In fact broadleaf planting as a percentage of overall planting has increased from 21% in 2017 to 26% so far in 2018.