Written Answers Nos. 511-530
511. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he and or his predecessor engaged with Horse Racing Ireland in relation to an alliance formed with an organisation (details supplied); if so, the nature of the engagements; and if another organisation remains a fully owned subsidiary of Horse Racing Ireland. [16831/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
I am aware that the board of HRI gave approval for a new strategic alliance between Tote Ireland and the UK Tote Group (UKTG) for the period 2021-2027.
I have been informed that the governance of Tote Ireland will not change and the Tote will remain 100% owned by HRI.
512. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of contracts awarded to a company (details supplied) and its subsidiaries by his Department and each body and local authority under his remit from 1 January 2016 to 14 July 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16834/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested in relation to my Department is set out in the attached table.
As regards the twelve State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
|
- |
Value of contracts awarded to Aramark Ireland and its subsidiaries € |
|
2016 |
Nil |
|
2017 |
Nil |
|
2018 |
61,313 |
|
2019 |
91,970 |
|
2020 (up to 14th July) |
45,985 |
513. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position in relation to an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16892/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department.
I have been advised by the Agriculture Appeals Office that a request for a review of the Appeals Officer's decision was received from the person named. I understand that the person seeking the review has recently submitted further documentation to the Agriculture Appeals Office in support of the request and I am informed that this will be taken into consideration when reaching a determination.
Reviews are conducted by the Director of Agriculture Appeals in accordance with the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001. I am informed that requests for reviews are generally dealt with in order of receipt. While it is not possible to give a precise timeframe for completion of the review, I am advised that every effort is being made to finalise the case as soon as possible.
515. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address concerns that the number of forestry felling licences being approved has increased the number of appeals being lodged under the ecology heading (details supplied) which is leading to serious delays and backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16960/20]
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. Landowners considering future operations, have the opportunity of applying for a tree felling licence well in advance of any operations taking place.
I am acutely aware that delays in issuing licences has led to difficulties for some in the sector, although of course not all licences are used immediately. My Department is intensively engaging with all relevant stakeholders on these issues. The current licensing difficulties are as a result of the changes made to internal Appropriate Assessment Procedures (AAP). These were introduced in response to important Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions and their subsequent interpretation by the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) and others. These findings meant that in order to grant licences which fully meet environmental requirements, fundamental changes to the licensing system were unavoidable. All licence applications are subject to a statutory public notification system.
I accept the current changes to procedures are very significant and they have been challenging to implement such is the scope and breadth of them, which has unfortunately meant that there have been delays in issuing licences. It has taken substantial resources and effort to introduce a robust and workable system, which meets the legislative requirements, and I believe we now have that in place. My Department's licensing decisions are being confirmed at the Forestry Appeals Committee, which gives confidence in these revised procedures.
My Department has a detailed project plan in place for dealing with the current backlog and new applications, which includes significant investment in extra resources required to deliver the plan. These resources are a combination of additional ecologists, forestry inspectors and administrative staff where required.
The project plan is a targeted, process-driven approach which prioritise files in a manner which will result in an increased number of licences being issued in the short-term and will deliver a return to expected timelines in the longer term. Applicants who have or are prepared to submit a Natura Impact Statement, where appropriate, will be prioritised.
A Project Management Board, with a dedicated Project Manager, will oversee and monitor delivery. There will be a continuous review of the process, in order to effect efficiencies. A communication plan to keep stakeholders fully and regularly informed of progress, with a dedicated central resource to deal with queries, is a key element of the project. While much of the success of the project plan lies with my Department, stakeholders also need to engage with it. This will require a commitment from forestry companies to submit applications that are of the required standard and quality, and to submit NISs in accordance with the guidance provided.
I am more than aware that the current situation is challenging, but it is a temporary disruption which, when resolved, will make for a better, more sustainable and fit-for-purpose forestry licensing system for many years to come.
516. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of each official engagement and meeting he attended during the period 27 June 2020 to 14 July 2020. [17009/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring the period in question, my predecessor as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Barry Cowen TD met with a number of farm organisations and some State agencies that fall under the remit of this Department.
He also had introductory video calls with EU Trade Commissioner, Phil Hogan, EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski as well as the EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevicius.
In addition, he also discussed matters of mutual interest with his Northern Ireland counterpart, Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Edwin Poots MLA and the UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice MP.
517. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to expand the criteria to protect more trees on private and public land; if he will issue a national directive to oblige counties to develop a tree management strategy; his further plans to develop a national tree plan to streamline tree preservation orders across each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17037/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTree preservation orders are a matter for the Local Authority in which the relevant tree or trees are located. These orders are covered under Section 205 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 and therefore come under the remit of my colleague Darragh O’Brien T.D Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.
518. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 13 December 2018, when outstanding grants for 2013 will be paid to a person (details supplied); if they were paid, the date of payment and the account to which the money was lodged in view of the fact payment was promised in January 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17056/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn official from my Department has contacted a nominated contact for this application to finalise the arrangements for the processing of the outstanding payment.
519. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on prohibiting fur farming; the progress on legislation regarding the prohibition of fur farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17062/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is in the process of preparing a Bill to provide for the phased introduction of a ban on fur farming which will include a prohibition on mink farming.
Along with animal welfare considerations, social and economic aspects in relation to the industry need to be taken into account. The Bill will make it illegal for any new fur farms to be established and will put in place phase-out arrangements for the small number of current operators. This will allow for an orderly wind down of the sector and allow time for employees to find alternative opportunities.
The Programme for Government 2020 contains a clear commitment regarding the prohibition of fur farming and Department officials are currently preparing the appropriate draft heads of a Bill to facilitate the achievement of this objective with a view to seeking Government authority at an early date.
520. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will support the application by Horse Sport Ireland to become a commercial semi-State body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17093/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Sport Ireland is a company limited by guarantee. This organisational configuration has been in place since its inception in 2008. A comprehensive review of the structure was carried out by Indecon Consultants in 2017 and recommended certain changes which are in the process of being implemented.
I am not aware of any proposal or any request to change its configuration.
521. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the upgrading of Dinish Pier in Castletownbere, County Cork; the reason construction has stalled; and when the upgrade is expected to be completed. [17097/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 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.
Following a competitive tender competition, my Department awarded a contract to L&M Keating Ltd. to construct a 216 metre quay extension on Dinish Island, Castletownbere. Work commenced on the €25m project in October 2018 and to date there has been significant progress in the delivery of the project, with a substantial element of the works now completed.
Recently, work on the site slowed dramatically and the current situation is that work has ceased. My Department, in conjunction with its Consulting Engineers who are administering the works contract, are engaged closely with the contractor in this regard.
522. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of licences for felling, afforestation and forest roads issued by month between 1 January 2015 and 1 June 2020, inclusive in tabular form. [17098/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides extensive statistical data on its website. It must be noted that prior to the commencement of the Forestry Act, 2014 on 24th May, 2017, consent for afforestation and forest road works was by way of approval rather than by licence. The following tables provide the number of approvals/licences issued for the years 2015 to 30th June, 2020.
I am acutely aware that delays in issuing licences has led to difficulties for some in the sector. My Department is intensively engaging with all relevant stakeholders on these issues. The current licensing difficulties are as a result of the changes made to internal Appropriate Assessment Procedures (AAP). These were introduced in response to important Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions and their subsequent interpretation by the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) and others. These findings meant that in order to grant licences which fully meet environmental requirements, fundamental changes to the licensing system were unavoidable. All licence applications are subject to a statutory public notification system.
I accept the current changes to procedures are very significant and they have been challenging to implement such is the scope and breadth of them, which has unfortunately meant that there have been delays in issuing licences. It has taken substantial resources and effort to introduce a robust and workable system, which meets the legislative requirements, and I believe we now have that in place. My Department's licensing decisions are being confirmed at the Forestry Appeals Committee, which gives confidence in these revised procedures.
My Department has a detailed project plan in place for dealing with the current backlog and new applications, which includes significant investment in extra resources required to deliver the plan. These resources are a combination of additional ecologists, forestry inspectors and administrative staff where required.
The project plan is a targeted, process-driven approach which prioritise files in a manner which will result in an increased number of licences being issued in the short-term and will deliver a return to expected timelines in the longer term. Applicants who have or are prepared to submit a Natura Impact Statement, where appropriate, will be prioritised.
A Project Management Board, with a dedicated Project Manager, will oversee and monitor delivery. There will be a continuous review of the process, in order to effect efficiencies. A communication plan to keep stakeholders fully and regularly informed of progress, with a dedicated central resource to deal with queries, is a key element of the project. While much of the success of the project plan lies with my Department, stakeholders also need to engage with it. This will require a commitment from forestry companies to submit only applications which have a realistic chance of being planted, to ensure all applications are of the required standard and quality, and to submit NISs in accordance with the guidance provided.
I am more than aware that the current situation is challenging, but it is a temporary disruption which, when resolved, will make for a better, more sustainable and fit-for-purpose forestry licensing system for many years to come.
|
Afforestation |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
January |
151 |
122 |
160 |
84 |
63 |
41 |
|
February |
151 |
124 |
99 |
104 |
78 |
58 |
|
March |
183 |
158 |
154 |
109 |
69 |
56 |
|
April |
169 |
182 |
170 |
120 |
87 |
69 |
|
May |
152 |
135 |
140 |
67 |
57 |
33 |
|
June |
126 |
86 |
106 |
47 |
32 |
22 |
|
July |
92 |
68 |
51 |
31 |
30 |
|
|
August |
104 |
85 |
54 |
35 |
60 |
|
|
September |
114 |
107 |
55 |
71 |
22 |
|
|
October |
152 |
113 |
64 |
78 |
42 |
|
|
November |
223 |
176 |
101 |
55 |
26 |
|
|
December |
134 |
110 |
89 |
54 |
22 |
|
|
Total |
1,751 |
1,466 |
1,243 |
855 |
588 |
279 |
|
Forest Roads |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
January |
54 |
47 |
48 |
35 |
101 |
19 |
|
February |
22 |
27 |
37 |
31 |
59 |
32 |
|
March |
29 |
36 |
29 |
28 |
39 |
40 |
|
April |
26 |
24 |
37 |
21 |
51 |
38 |
|
May |
31 |
39 |
31 |
36 |
48 |
37 |
|
June |
22 |
41 |
44 |
37 |
47 |
24 |
|
July |
43 |
50 |
38 |
26 |
48 |
|
|
August |
53 |
80 |
43 |
60 |
46 |
|
|
September |
49 |
62 |
35 |
38 |
25 |
|
|
October |
37 |
48 |
41 |
62 |
24 |
|
|
November |
50 |
43 |
64 |
53 |
22 |
|
|
December |
59 |
32 |
33 |
34 |
32 |
|
|
Total |
475 |
529 |
480 |
461 |
542 |
190 |
|
Tree Felling |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
January |
302 |
235 |
245 |
232 |
513 |
81 |
|
February |
242 |
274 |
167 |
106 |
1,079 |
177 |
|
March |
126 |
185 |
181 |
203 |
664 |
180 |
|
April |
109 |
114 |
132 |
130 |
568 |
127 |
|
May |
145 |
234 |
190 |
212 |
124 |
149 |
|
June |
98 |
177 |
59 |
149 |
272 |
85 |
|
July |
124 |
206 |
444 |
83 |
356 |
|
|
August |
85 |
275 |
408 |
704 |
124 |
|
|
September |
249 |
497 |
540 |
738 |
156 |
|
|
October |
805 |
324 |
165 |
579 |
73 |
|
|
November |
258 |
2,927 |
358 |
386 |
134 |
|
|
December |
199 |
1,283 |
217 |
81 |
117 |
|
|
Total |
2,742 |
6,731 |
3,106 |
3,603 |
4,180 |
799 |
523. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the significant backlog of forest licensing approvals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17099/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra524. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average age of a felling licence for the calendar years 2015 to 2019, inclusive (details supplied); and the number of applications, in absolute and relative terms, that are decided in periods of time greater than four months. [17100/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 523 and 524 together.
The 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. Landowners considering future operations, have the opportunity of applying for a tree felling licence well in advance of any operations taking place.
I am acutely aware that delays in issuing licences has led to difficulties for some in the sector, although of course not all licence are used immediately. My Department is intensively engaging with all relevant stakeholders on these issues. The current licensing difficulties are as a result of the changes made to internal Appropriate Assessment Procedures (AAP). These were introduced in response to important Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions and their subsequent interpretation by the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) and others. These findings meant that in order to grant licences which fully meet environmental requirements, fundamental changes to the licensing system were unavoidable. All licence applications are subject to a statutory public notification system.
I accept the current changes to procedures are very significant and they have been challenging to implement such is the scope and breadth of them, which has unfortunately meant that there have been delays in issuing licences. It has taken substantial resources and effort to introduce a robust and workable system, which meets the legislative requirements, and I believe we now have that in place. My Department's licensing decisions are being confirmed at the Forestry Appeals Committee, which gives confidence in these revised procedures.
My Department has a detailed project plan in place for dealing with the current backlog and new applications, which includes significant investment in extra resources required to deliver the plan. These resources are a combination of additional ecologists, forestry inspectors and administrative staff where required.
The project plan is a targeted, process-driven approach which prioritise files in a manner which will result in an increased number of licences being issued in the short-term and will deliver a return to expected timelines in the longer term. Applicants who have or are prepared to submit a Natura Impact Statement, where appropriate, will be prioritised.
A Project Management Board, with a dedicated Project Manager, will oversee and monitor delivery. There will be a continuous review of the process, in order to effect efficiencies. A communication plan to keep stakeholders fully and regularly informed of progress, with a dedicated central resource to deal with queries, is a key element of the project. While much of the success of the project plan lies with my Department, stakeholders also need to engage with it. This will require a commitment from forestry companies to submit applications that are of the required standard and quality, and to submit NISs in accordance with the guidance provided.
I am more than aware that the current situation is challenging, but it is a temporary disruption which, when resolved, will make for a better, more sustainable and fit-for-purpose forestry licensing system for many years to come.
The table below shows data for applications for tree felling licences. It should be noted that prior to the commencement of the Forestry Act, 2014 on 24th May, 2017, all tree felling licences were dealt with manually and age-related data are not available for all the years requested. The data below are for 2018 to 2020.
|
- |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Applications received |
6,600 |
3,175 |
758 |
|
Licences issued |
3,603 |
4,098 |
823 |
|
% issued within four months |
77% |
71% |
60% |
|
% issued over four months |
23% |
29% |
40% |
|
Average days to decision* |
109 |
185 |
215 |
* For decisions made in the year indicated.
525. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of tree planting rates and numbers conducted through afforestation by license under section 22 of the Forestry Act 2014 in tabular form. [17101/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides annual planting and other statistics on its website. My Department does not keep data on the number of trees planted at sites, rather the hectares planted. The table below shows the hectares planted per county in the last three full years.
|
- |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
|
Carlow |
62.37 |
25.57 |
21.75 |
|
Cavan |
316.67 |
320.63 |
167.45 |
|
Clare |
518.38 |
261.71 |
352.43 |
|
Cork |
419.69 |
297.03 |
423.40 |
|
Donegal |
54.13 |
63.86 |
44.52 |
|
Dublin |
10.80 |
4.21 |
35.10 |
|
Galway |
400.32 |
286.60 |
278.78 |
|
Kerry |
377.66 |
332.44 |
301.47 |
|
Kildare |
33.02 |
79.28 |
24.88 |
|
Kilkenny |
89.55 |
136.13 |
89.06 |
|
Laois |
98.57 |
71.21 |
49.09 |
|
Leitrim |
536.22 |
298.66 |
289.18 |
|
Limerick |
99.48 |
81.01 |
156.49 |
|
Longford |
200.70 |
171.44 |
62.02 |
|
Louth |
21.85 |
10.31 |
1.27 |
|
Mayo |
531.78 |
255.97 |
239.07 |
|
Meath |
122.04 |
105.87 |
51.33 |
|
Monaghan |
61.38 |
86.74 |
59.28 |
|
Offaly |
165.63 |
72.05 |
76.24 |
|
Roscommon |
431.11 |
399.28 |
315.09 |
|
Sligo |
189.96 |
139.34 |
119.35 |
|
Tipperary |
161.65 |
127.67 |
157.84 |
|
Waterford |
163.40 |
42.60 |
49.45 |
|
Westmeath |
206.88 |
174.65 |
77.03 |
|
Wexford |
114.36 |
60.45 |
58.86 |
|
Wicklow |
148.15 |
120.77 |
49.46 |
|
Total |
5,535.75 |
4,025.48 |
3,549.89 |
This represents tree planting on private lands, which is funded under the Department's Forestry Programme 2014-2020. The rate of afforestation has been in decline in recent years, due to a number of factors including competition for land amongst land owners regarding the value and management of their forests, negative public perception of forestry and difficulties and delays in issuing licences. The Programme for Government contains commitments to support the forestry sector and woodland creation and to tackle these issues.
526. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a failure to ensure sales note return by fish buyers has resulted in almost one quarter of the boats under ten metres in length that applied for the July tie-up scheme have been deemed ineligible; the number of inshore boats being turned down for the temporary tie-up scheme for June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17102/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo assist with the impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic on our fisheries sector and in response to requests for aid from fisheries representatives, a Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme was introduced under my Department's European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme 2014-20. The Tie-up Scheme is a safety net scheme designed to assist active fishermen who consider that it is not economical to fish in the present market environment, by aiding them to tie-up their vessel for a one or two month period over June to August. The Scheme provides participants with aid to cover the typical fixed costs of the vessel size concerned, complementing the income supports separately available from Government under the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and Wage Subsidy Scheme.
In order to ensure that aid is directed to active fishermen only, and bearing in mind that many smaller vessels in our fleet do not have vessel monitoring systems or EU Logbooks, a scheme requirement was introduced that applicants must have minimum sales of €5,000 in 2019 recorded on the Sales Notes System operated by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). With some limited exceptions, sales of fish must, by law, be recorded on the Sales Notes System.
The day-to-day operation of the Sales Notes System, including compliance matters, is an operational matter for the SFPA and I am therefore precluded from involvement in this matter.
527. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will establish a taskforce to review working conditions in the meat processing industry in view of recent media reports and statements presented to the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17103/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the context of the Covid19 pandemic, primary responsibility for public health policy and implementation rests with the Department of Health and the HSE. Responsibility for health and safety in the workplace rests with the Health and Safety Authority, under the auspices of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
My Department's statutory responsibility in the context of meat plants is to ensure that the Department approved meat plants operate in compliance with the EU’s food hygiene legislation, animal health and animal welfare standards.
As part of the whole of Government response to the pandemic, my Department will continue to contribute to the HSE-chaired National Outbreak Control Team and will provide any support required to the HSE at local and national level.
528. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a farmer could continue to claim BPS and relevant rural development payments under force majeure if a mudslide occurs and leaves land unfit for agricultural purposes for a period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17136/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe terms and conditions for schemes such as the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and rural development schemes such as the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme include provision for force majeure cases, and these provisions would include instances such as the recent bog slide.
Where a farmer is concerned that such an event might have an impact on their scheme payments, they should contact my Department to inform them of the circumstances of their own particular case and to provide evidence of the impact on their own landholding.
Farmers can write to the Direct Payments Unit, Government Offices, Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise or ring 076 106 4420. This will ensure that the Department is aware of cases which may be impacted and all such cases will be examined individually.
529. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of late applicants to the BEEP-S scheme by county, in tabular form; the number within these applications that have been accepted, rejected or are outstanding, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17166/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme – Suckler is to further increase economic and environmental efficiency in the suckler herd through better quality data on herd performance, supporting decision making on farm and support of best practice in welfare management.
The scheme opened on 12th March 2020 and the closing date for receipt of applications was 15th May 2020. Applications were made via my Department’s online application system at www.agfood.ie . More than 27,000 applications were received on time.
The table below sets out the position in relation to late applications to this programme.
|
County |
Total Received |
Total Accepted |
Total Rejected |
Total Pending |
|
Cavan |
6 |
1 |
5 |
0 |
|
Clare |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Cork |
8 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Galway |
6 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
|
Kerry |
9 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Laois |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
15 |
4 |
10 |
1 |
|
Meath |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
4 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
5 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
5 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
5 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Total |
83 |
22 |
51 |
10 |
530. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans with to enact unfair trading practices legislation as per EU Directive 2019/633 of the European Parliament; if he plans to implement additional measures in line with the flexibility provided for in the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17167/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to the establishment of a new authority to be called the National Food Ombudsman to enforce the provisions of Directive (EU) No. 2019/633 Unfair Trading Practices (UTP Directive), which must be transposed into Irish law by 1 May 2021. Any proposed measures that extend beyond the minimum harmonisation requirements of the UTP Directive would require primary legislation.
My Department has been engaged in preparations, in consultation with the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation for the transposition into national legislation of the Directive by the deadline. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), under the aegis of the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation, is the enforcement authority for S.I. No. 35/2016 (Groceries Goods Undertakings Regulations, 2016). The legal and operational matters associated with the transposition of the UTP Directive and the associated Programme for Government committment are currently being assessed.
