Written Answers Nos. 1410-1436
1410. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to address matters with regard to the BEAM plan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35671/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll details relating to Beef Exceptional Aid Measure are set out in the Terms and conditions published on my Department's website:
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/farmingschemesandpayments/beefexceptionalaidmeasure/BEAMTANDC150819.pdf.
The scheme, which has been agreed with the EU Commission, was designed to ensure that the aid is effectively used and targeted towards those most affected by the market disturbance in the sector. It is not possible to change the terms of the scheme at this point.
Eligibility under the scheme is determined at herd level. Registered farm partnerships with multiple herd numbers will be able to make an application for the scheme under each individual herd number.
I recently extended the closing date for BEAM applications to the 15th of September. There is a helpline in place to deal with individual farmers queries and my Department will be holding a number of online clinics in the run up to the new closing date.
1411. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason an application for a felling licence (details supplied) applied for in May 2018 has not been decided on yet despite being told on 7 September 2018 that it would be decided by 18 December 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35686/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for a tree felling licence for the person named, was received in May 2018. As the application takes in Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) it was referred to the Inland Fisheries Ireland board, the local authority and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
My Department places great importance on the careful assessment of applications to ensure that any proposed felling does not adversely affect the surrounding environment. In addition to this, where felling sites are near or within SACs, particular attention must be paid to the conservation objectives of these sites. Measures must be taken to ensure that any possible effects are mitigated.
The proposed site overlaps the Maumturk Mountains SAC and is near the Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex. For this reason, the application was referred to my Department’s Ecologist who has determined that a Natura Impact Statement is required. My officials will be in touch with the applicant shortly setting out the information that is needed in the Natura Impact Statement.
1412. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of outstanding felling licence applications on hand in his Department lodged more than four months ago; the number of these that relate to 2018; the reason for the delay in making decisions on felling licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35687/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe commencement of the Forestry Act, 2014 in May, 2017 brought about significant changes in the consent process for forestry operations. Felling licences are now valid for up to 10 years and may cover several felling events, such as thinning then clear felling on the same plot. Land owners considering future operations have the opportunity of applying for a tree felling licence well in advance of any operations taking place. This was likely a contributory factor to the doubling in the number of felling licences applied for from 2017 to 2018, from 3,300 to 6,600.
In 2018 and to end July 2019, 8,764 felling licences have been issued, 80% of which were issued within four months, with 90% issued within six months. The number of felling licences issued this year has doubled on that issued in the same period in 2018. That is, 1,819 issued in 2018 and 3,639 issued in 2019.
There are a number of reasons why decisions on felling licences may be delayed. In the first instance, applications may be returned to the applicant as they are missing certain information or required documentation is not provided. Following on from that, having been reviewed by the district inspector and because of the specifics of the site in question, my Department’s archaeology or ecology services may be required. This would be where the proposed felling site contains or is near to an archaeological monument or near to or within a Natura site. Further, if a site is within a Special Area of Conservation or a Special Area of Protection, the input of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) must be obtained before a decision may issue. All information from referrals and submissions must be carefully considered before an approval issues and this means that the process is somewhat longer for those cases.
There are currently 673 felling licence applications on hand. In relation to 2018, the number on hand is 249, which means that over 96% of 2018 applications have been processed.
1413. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a review under the BDGP scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35743/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department.
I have been advised by the Agriculture Appeals Office that a request was submitted on behalf of the person named for a review of the Appeals Officer's decision regarding his appeal. A comprehensive review of the case was undertaken by the Director of Agriculture Appeals.
The review has been finalised and a letter issued to the person named on 26 August 2019 advising of the outcome.
1414. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will allow farmers (details supplied) that sold cattle during the reference period to enter into the beef exceptional aid measure scheme; if not, the reason these farmers will not be covered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35754/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll details relating to Beef Exceptional Aid Measure are set out in the Terms and conditions published on my Department's website:
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/farmingschemesandpayments/beefexceptionalaidmeasure/BEAMTANDC150819.pdf
The scheme, which has been agreed with the EU Commission, was designed to ensure that the aid is effectively used and targeted towards those most affected by the market disturbance in the sector. It is not possible to change the terms of the scheme at this point.
With regard to mart sales please, the terms and conditions of the scheme provide that, where an animal has been presented for slaughter by an agent or by a dealer within 30 days of purchase, including those purchased in the mart, payment may issue to the immediate previous herd owner or in respect of the previous eligible herd number, where that herd owner is an applicant.
I recently extended the closing date for BEAM applications to 15th September. There is a helpline in place to deal with individual farmers queries and my Department will be holding a number of online clinics in the run up to the extended closing date.
1415. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the restriction has been put on farmers to reduce the herd by 5% if they wish to qualify for the beef compensation scheme BEAM; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35760/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Beef Exceptional Assistance Measure is an exceptional aid provision which was given effect through Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/1132. While Member States were invited to give an opinion on the draft Regulation through the Commission’s Common Market Organisation (CMO) Management Committee, the Regulation was within the Commission’s own legal competence, and was not for negotiation with Ireland or indeed other Member States, in terms of its content.
The implementing regulation requires that " the measures taken by Ireland shall be aimed at reducing production or restructuring the beef and veal sector" among other objectives. The full Regulation is available online at:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32019R1132&from=EN.
The requirement under the scheme to reduce bovine livestock manure nitrogen by 5% over the period of the scheme assists in the building of economic and environmental resilience in the sector and will not require a reduction in herd size in all cases. Please see further details on my Departments website https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/beam/.
I am delighted to see that a large number of farmers have already applied online for this key support. Some 20,000 farmers have already submitted their applications but there are over 70,000 farmers who are potentially eligible for a payment and I have decided to extend the deadline to 15th September to facilitate applications from as many of these as possible. I also want to ensure that my Department is in a position to make payments to applicants at the earliest possible date and therefore I would urge eligible farmers to make their application by the new deadline.
1416. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a farm payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35768/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no outstanding GLAS payments due to this applicant.
1417. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for the dairy equipment scheme by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35843/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application under the Dairy Equipment Scheme in Tranche 13 of TAMS II. The application was unsuccessful at ranking and selection stage of Tranche 13 and has been rolled over to the current tranche, Tranche 14.
A further ranking and selection process is currently being carried out, following which the applicants will be advised as to whether they have been successful or have rolled over to the next Tranche which closes on the 4th October.
1418. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a post-mortem has been carried out on a dog (details supplied); if not, the reason therefor; and if a regulation that post-mortems be carried out on all dogs that die at greyhound tracks to be carried out by an independent vet will be considered. [35854/19]
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.
Bord na gCon has informed me that it is aware of a greyhound fatality at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium on Saturday, August 17th 2019. It is my understanding that the greyhound in question received immediate care from the designated veterinary surgeon on duty at the track. Examinations indicate that the greyhound passed away due to a cardiovascular problem. A post-mortem was not carried out on the greyhound in question. It is not standard practice to carry out post-mortems on greyhounds that pass away at stadia. Instances of fatalities in greyhounds at stadia are extremely rare and are regrettable when they do occur, with best veterinary care and advice followed in each case.
1419. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the outrage amongst fishing communities and emergency services in Greencastle, Inishowen, County Donegal and further afield at the decision not to proceed with the sea survival centre at the National Fisheries School at Greencastle, County Donegal despite it being officially announced, planning permission attained and tenders issued for construction; and if this decision will be reviewed and reversed. [35949/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis proposed project is currently under review in the wider context of the availability of existing professional sea survival training facilities within the State and the significant cost, both construction and operational, of such an additional facility. The existing modern professional sea survival training facilities, based at the National Maritime College of Ireland, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, are unique in Ireland and designed both for fundamental safety training and specialised survival training, to increase survival ability in emergency situations. These purpose built, state of the art, facilities are available for the provision of all necessary and required training for fishermen in Ireland.
At the present time, there is no provision for or plans to proceed with this additional project and funding has not been provided in Bord Iascaigh Mharas's (BIM) Vote in 2019, for this proposed additional facility. Technical details in relation to the proposed project are a matter for BIM including in relation to announcements, planning and tendering for the project.
1420. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in issuing a payment to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35950/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first grant payment application for the contract in question was received in late July 2016 by my Department.
The eastern part of Plot 1 is on unregistered land and my Department’s Forestry Division awaits proof of ownership for this land before payment can be made.
Section 3.2 of the Forestry Standards Manual (November 2015) states the following:
“For unregistered land, the proof of ownership takes the form of an Indenture or Memorial from the Registry of Deeds, such documentation should be submitted along with a map stamped by the applicant’s solicitor showing the area of the proposed plantation. The owner’s solicitor must also provide a letter confirming that the area of the plantation is included in the Deeds, and the ownership is unchanged since the last entry”.
If the person named would like to receive any further detail about the situation with their afforestation contract, they should contact the First Grant Section of the Forestry Division in my Department at Tel. No.: 053 9163525.
1421. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made in respect of a review request lodged on behalf of persons (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in making a decision on the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35966/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously indicated to the Deputy, this case relates to the persons named not having submitted Single Payment Scheme (SPS) applications for scheme years 2013 & 2014 and a Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application in 2015. An appeal letter and supporting documentation was submitted by an agricultural advisor on behalf of the persons named.
The establishment of the right to a payment under BPS is dependent on the reference years 2013, 2014 and 2015. Any decision to accept applications for those years has to be carefully considered given the considerable time that had elapsed up to September 2018, when the appeal was submitted. This is particularly the case when a decision will need to be made as to whether BPS entitlements can also be allocated.
It should be noted that applications under the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Basic Payment Scheme were submitted online and on time by the approved agricultural advisor on behalf of the persons named.
The original documentation and further material requested by my Department has been fully examined. This appeal has not been upheld on the basis that the information provided does not meet the Force Majeure or Exceptional Circumstances criteria laid down in EU legislation.
A letter recently issued to the persons named setting out the position and outlining their right of further appeal to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office.
1422. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to assist with the installation of seabins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36069/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, under statute, owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl.
The Sea Bin in Howth Fishery Harbour Centre came about as a result of a fund raising exercise initiated by a local Marine Biologist. The Department funded the installation and will continue to maintain the Sea Bin into the future.
I would also advise the Deputy that my Department has for some four months now been trialing a similar Sea Bin in Dingle Fishery Harbour Centre. Ultimately, my Department sees the possible potential for these devises to augment and complement the on going operations to remove unwanted debris from the waters within the harbours.
Harbour Management in Howth and Dingle will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the Sea Bins and consider the most appropriate locations within the Harbours to maximise their capabilities.
The installation of Sea Bins will form part of the resource efficiency action plan of my Department for the Fishery Harbour Centres, as part of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment’s Green Government Initiative. The Fishery Harbour Centres also work closely with BIM’s Fishing for Litter and Clean Oceans Initiatives and within my Department’s Climate Action Plan.
Future decisions on the wider roll out of these devices, will be made having considered the overall assessments of their operational impacts.
1423. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a GLAS appeal application by a person (details supplied). [36074/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was rejected from the GLAS scheme following the result of an on farm inspection and has sought a review of that decision which is currently underway as part of the internal appeals process.
The applicant will be informed of the outcome, in writing, once the review is completed.
1424. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when construction works on the middle pier upgrade at Howth Harbour will commence; the length of time the project will take to complete; the estimated cost of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36128/19]
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.
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 Fishery Harbour Centre (FHC).
My Department is proposing to extend the Middle Pier Quay in Howth FHC to improve access, maintenance and berthing facilities. Additional berthing space would, in addition to relieving vessel congestion issues, enable greater segregation between the activities of fishing vessels and the marine tourism and leisure activities which are mainly concentrated on the West Pier. This segregation is desirable both from an operational and a health & safety point of view.
Tenders for the project issued on 27th June 2019 and the final date for receipt of submissions is 4th October 2019. The tender evaluation process period is expected to be completed by the end of November 2019.
The final cost of these extension works will only be determined following the public tender process, and it is envisaged that the works themselves could take up to 18 months to complete.
As is the case for all developments in the six Fishery Harbour Centres, any decision with regard to initiating capital works projects can only be considered on the basis of available exchequer funding. Therefore, the decision in regard to this project will only be made when the budgetary position for 2020 becomes clearer.
1425. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of unpaid internships issued and or granted to persons to work in his Department over the past five years to 28 August 2019; the number of persons that took up unpaid internship roles in that timeframe; if his Department continues to offer unpaid internships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36140/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that no scheme for unpaid internships exists within my Department. Therefore, unpaid internships have not taken place in my Department in any of the five years in question.
1426. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are dedicated, professionally trained and certified cybersecurity staff in relation to cybersecurity protocols under the remit of his Department; if such specialists are being recruited; if his Department maintains a risk register of security breaches; if so, if there are staff that analyse, log and maintain such a register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36220/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is acutely aware of the risks arising from potential cybersecurity attacks and breaches and takes a very proactive approach to preventing, detecting and responding to these threats.
My Department’s computer systems are independently certified to meet the ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Standard. It has invested considerable resources to protect the information that it needs to support the wide range of activities that it carries out and has experienced and trained staff dedicated to the prevention/detection of and the response to any cybersecurity threats
My Department maintains a risk register and has trained staff who analyse, log and maintain such a register.
1427. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has a disaster recovery plan, business continuity plan and or disaster recovery sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36236/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDivisions within my Department are required to have Business Continuity Plans (BCP) and these documents identify the Division’s priority work and set out the strategy to maintain these services in the event of a crisis. These plans were mobilised in recent years when severe weather events prevented access to many Government buildings. In addition, each of the six main DAFM geographic locations have a location-specific BCP that deals with overarching business continuity planning for all the Divisions located in that area.
The Department maintains a Disaster Recovery site for its IT operations. However, in terms of work locations, given the number of DAFM offices around the country, it does not maintain recovery sites per se . Instead, staff and critical work can be redistributed within their geographical location or even between locations if necessary. This flexibility is possible largely because my Department has invested in an IT infrastructure that does not limit staff to a specific desk or building. Staff can access critical systems from any DAFM office. This is so that, in the event of a disaster, staff can maintain priority services from other DAFM offices or remotely.
This infrastructure is, itself, underpinned by a comprehensive IT recovery plan which includes mirroring of resources and frequent back-up of information.
1428. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the dates can be altered to allow an entry to the beef exceptional aid measure scheme in relation to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36271/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll details relating to Beef Exceptional Aid Measure are set out in the Terms and conditions published on my Department's website:
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/farmingschemesandpayments/beefexceptionalaidmeasure/BEAMTANDC150819.pdf.
The scheme, which has been agreed with the EU Commission, was designed to ensure that the aid is effectively used and targeted towards those most affected by the market disturbance in the sector. It is not possible to change the terms of the scheme at this point.
I recently extended the closing date for BEAM applications to 15th September. There is a helpline in place to deal with individual farmers queries and my Department will be holding a number of online clinics in the run up to the extended closing date.
1429. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of instances in which mechanical grading was suspended in meat plants in cases in which a machine is found to be working outside of tolerance and manual grading is instigated to date in 2019; when the report on the replacement of the outdated grading machines will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36273/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo date in 2019, there have been 300 inspections conducted by DAFM officers in factories operating mechanical classification. During these inspections, there were approximately 30,000 carcasses checked for classification. During that period, mechanical classification machines were turned off on 6 occasions and factories instigated manual grading of carcasses.
The independent report on the modernisation trial of the mechanical classification system will be published in due course.
1430. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason balancing payments for AEOS, ANC and GLAS have not been paid from 2015 to 2018 to a person (details supplied); when the payments will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36274/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position in relation to AEOS, ANC and GLAS payments for the person named is as follows:
AEOS: The person named completed their AEOS contact on 31 December 2015. The position in relation to AEOS payments for the 2015 scheme year is currently being examined. The applicant will be contacted directly if any balance is due.
ANC: Payments in respect of the person named are under review and my Department will contact the applicant when the review is complete.
GLAS: The person named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016 and was paid for the 2016 and 2017 scheme years. An issue arose in relation to an increase to the eligible areas for some commonage claims which delayed processing of the 2018 scheme year payment. This issue is being investigated and the 2018 GLAS payment will be processed once the issue has been resolved. Any balancing payments due in relation to commonage claims for the 2016 and 2017 scheme years will be processed in due course.
1431. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara céard iad na pleananna atá aige le cé dhomhain mhara a thógáil i Ros an Mhíl, Contae na Gaillimhe; cén obair atá déanta go dtí seo ar an togra seo; cén obair bhreise atá ceadaithe; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [36391/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá sé Lárionad Cuain Iascaigh ainmnithe faoi úinéireacht an Stáit, suite i mBaile Chaisleáin Bhéarra, Daingean Uí Chúis, an Dún Mór Thoir, Binn Éadair, na Cealla Beaga agus Ros an Mhíl, ar úinéireacht ag mo Roinnse agus déanann an Roinn iad a chothabháil agus a chur i bhfeidhm, faoi reacht.
Cuireann an Roinn maoiniú ar fáil ar bhonn bliantúil do na Lárionaid Chuain Iascaigh, lena n-áirítear Ros an Mhíl, faoin gClár Forbartha Infreastruchtúir Cuanta Iascaigh agus Cósta. Tá dul chun cinn déanta le blianta anuas ar chlár céimnithe chun bonneagar Lárionad Cuain Iascaigh Ros an Mhíl a fhorbairt agus tá infheistíocht shuntasach déanta ann. Ar an iomlán, tá tuairim is €29.5m infheistithe i bhforbairtí caipitil i Lárionad Cuain Iascaigh Ros an Mhíl idir 2000 agus 2018.
Is tiomantas suntasach i leith an chalafoirt an méid infheistíochta atá déanta ina leith agus d'éascaigh sin pontúin nua do bháid farantóireachta a dhéanamh agus a shuiteáil, oibreacha dreideála agus caladh bád a chur ar fáil. Tá pointe bordála breá ann do mhuintir Árann agus do lucht turasóireachta na n-oileán a chuireann leis na seirbhísí a chuirtear ar fáil agus le sábháilteacht na ndaoine a bhaineann úsáid as Lárionad Cuain Iascaigh Ros an Mhíl.
Tá an fhéidearthacht maidir le tionscadal calafoirt domhainfharraige ag Lárionad Cuain Iascaigh Ros an Mhíl á mheas ag an Roinn le tamall anuas. Choimisiúnaigh an Roinn comhairleoirí DKM chun Anailís Costais is Tairbhe a dhéanamh ar a bheadh i gceist le cé domhainfharraige a fhorbairt ag Ros an Mhíl. Cuireadh dréacht-thuarascáil ar aghaidh chuig an Roinn i Meitheamh 2017. Rinneadh an tuarascáil a mheas ach níor glacadh léi go foirmeálta riamh.
Ó dréachtaíodh an tuarascáil sin, tá athrú tagtha ar roinnt de na bunphrionsabail a bhí mar thaca leis an gcéad anailís a rinneadh. In 2018, choimisiúnaigh an Roinn comhairleoirí innealtóireachta ina dhiaidh sin chun athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar na réitigh dearaidh, ar na roghanna scóipeála agus ar ghnéithe oibríochta a d'fhéadfadh a bheith i gceist lena leithéid de thogra amach anseo. Fuarthas an tuarascáil sin in Aibreán 2019 agus tá sí á meas go hiomlán i láthair ag an Roinn. Aithníodh sa tuarascáil an gá atá le fiosruithe eile suímh ag Ros an Mhí, agus táthar i mbun na bhfiosruithe sin i láthair na huaire.
Mar a bhíonn le gach forbairt sna sé Lárionad Cuain Iascaigh, ní dhéanfar aon chinneadh eile amach anseo i ndáil le tús a chur leis an tionscadal seo i Ros an Mhíl a mheas ach ar an mbonn maoiniú státchiste agus tosaíochtaí náisiúnta iomaíochta a bheith ar fáil.
1432. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén méid infheistíochta atá déanta ag a Roinn i ngach calafort iascaigh ón mbliain 2000 i leith agus í briste síos de réir gach calafoirt; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [36392/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá sé Lárionad Cuain Iascaigh ainmnithe faoi úinéireacht an Stáit, suite i mBaile Chaisleáin Bhéarra, Daingean Uí Chúis, an Dún Mór Thoir, Binn Éadair, na Cealla Beaga agus Ros an Mhíl, ar úinéireacht ag mo Roinnse agus déanann an Roinn iad a chothabháil agus a chur i bhfeidhm, faoi reacht.
Is mian liom a chur in iúl don Teachta go ndearnadh infheistíocht breis is €232 milliún idir na blianta 2000 agus 2018 chun obair chothabhála, forbartha agus uasghrádaithe a dhéanamh ag na sé Lárionad Cuain Iascaigh mar chuid de Chlár Forbartha Infreastruchtúir Cuanta Iascaigh agus Cósta na Roinne. Déantar briseadh síos sa tábla thíos ar an maoiniú a fuair gach Lárionad Cuain Iascaigh.
* Ba chóir a thabhairt ar aird nach ndearnadh Lárionad Cuain Iascaigh d'ionad Dhaingean Uí Chúis go dtí 2007, agus go bhfuil caiteachas a thabhaigh an Roinn i gCuan Dhaingean Uí Chúis idir 2000 agus 2006 san áireamh sa bhfigiúr do Lárionad Dhaingean Uí Chúis.
|
Lárionad Cuain Iascaigh |
Caiteachas Iomlán (2000 - 2018) |
|
Baile Chaisleáin Bhéarra |
€66,587,099.42 |
|
Dún Mór |
€23,020,680.74 |
|
Ros an Mhíl |
€29,451,675.73 |
|
Na Cealla Beaga |
€82,062,229.37 |
|
Binn Éadair |
€12,194,841.93 |
|
Daingean Uí Chúis |
€18,766,103.31 |
|
Iomlán |
€232,082,630.50 |
1433. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans in place for retiring farmers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36395/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Early Retirement Scheme was suspended in 2008. It was re-opened briefly in September 2009, with limited additional funding to accommodate farmers who had applications completed or close to completion at the time of the original suspension in 2008. I can confirm that there are no plans to re-open this scheme or to introduce another scheme at this time.
In recent years, the priority of my Department has shifted to the encouragement of generational change for farmers by assisting the development of our young farmers. There are a range of supports in place including specific agri-taxation measures to incentivise this generational change. These agri-taxation measures specifically aimed at young farmers include 100% stock relief on income tax for certain young trained farmers and stamp duty exemption on transfers of land to young trained farmers.
Under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme, there is also an enhanced capital investment scheme for young trained farmers under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes. This Scheme provides them with grant aid at a rate of 60% of the cost of the investment, compared to the standard grant rate of 40%, and I believe it is an important support and encouragement to young farmers starting in agriculture for the first time.
With regard to the future of the CAP post-2020, one of the major initiatives which I will continue to
support is to combine EU measures with national measures such as taxation and other incentives, to
stimulate generational renewal. This is vital to protect the future of farming in Ireland.
1434. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of meetings he has held to date with producers and processors in the seafood sector dealing with Brexit matters only; his plans to meet with the sector again to further advance preparations for Brexit and the necessary contingency planning for all eventualities post 31 October 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36460/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra1435. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of supports being considered by his Department for the marine sector in a post-Brexit scenario; the plans being considered for producers and processors within the package being prepared for his Department; if the necessary EU approval and or funding has been obtained for this support package; his views on whether the level of support for the marine sector is on a par with supports currently available for other sectors of business, industry and producers here; if so, the comparisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36461/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra1436. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to make known the levels of supports, preparatory planning, contingency planning and post-Brexit strategies he plans to put in place for the marine sector; if he has prepared for all post-Brexit scenarios for the marine sector here; when such supports will be available for the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36462/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1434 to 1436, inclusive, together.
Both my officials and I have had intensive discussions with the European Commission, other relevant Member States and stakeholders regarding the potential negative impact of a disorderly or no- deal Brexit on the Irish fishing industry and the wider seafood sector as whole. These discussions intensified in recent months and were based on preparatory work already done.
I have met with the Irish Fishing Industry regularly, some ten times, since 23rd June 2016 with the main focus on Brexit along with other meetings in which Brexit was also on the agenda. My most recent meeting was on 5th September and there will be Brexit information Seminars on the 10th of September in Dublin, the 27th of September in Wexford and the 30th of September in Cork.
The key issues in a no-deal situation which I have stressed in all discussions are the potential loss of access for Irish and other EU vessels to the UK fishing zone, the need to ensure ongoing protection of fish stocks in the waters around Ireland from a subsequent increase in fishing activity and potential supports for the seafood sector to meet the challenges they may face. It is also important to be aware that, in such a no-deal situation, the EU and Ireland could also face a loss of quota share.
Throughout the discussions, I emphasised the necessity for a co-ordinated European response to ensure that there would be proportionate and equitable use of mitigation measures for the fishing fleet overseen by the Commission.
The outcome of these discussions can be seen in the EU Brexit Contingency plan that was published on 10th April. This highlights fisheries as one of the most immediately critical issues facing the EU in a no-deal Brexit. We now have identified and agreed co-ordinated and fully prepared measures that will be immediately available to address a no-deal Brexit situation on 31st October, if the UK were to decide to deny EU vessels access to UK waters. As I have stated previously, I am seeking additional EU funds to support these mitigation measure if they become necessary. Such financial discussions are still ongoing and there are many variables at play but I can assure the Deputy that the seafood sector will, along with agriculture be a key priority for this Government.
