Written Answers Nos. 634-652
634. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the second tranche of funding will be released to applicants to the Covid-19 stability fund for community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18880/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach.
The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund is intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups currently delivering critical front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19.
This fund will provide up to €35million of funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) and the criteria align with DAF objectives to support:
1. The personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged; or
2. The educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or
3. Persons with a disability.
Over one thousand applications were received during the application period. Due to the considerable interest in the Stability Scheme and in order to ensure that funding is released as quickly as possible, applicants are being considered in smaller groupings.
Tranche One of funding was announced on Friday 26th June and the second tranche of funding was announced on Monday 27th July. To date 277 organisations have been allocated €14.27 million in funding. The full list of successful applicants can be found at the following link https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3957e-covid-19-stability-fund-successful-applicants/.
In consideration of the broad range of organisations that support the most vulnerable in our communities, I opened Phase Two of the Stability Scheme for unincorporated charities on Friday 24th June with a closing date of Monday the 10th August. Further information on phase 2 is available at the following link https://www.pobal.ie/programmes/covid-19-cv-stability-scheme/.
Remaining applications from phase 1 are currently undergoing a comprehensive assessment process which includes liaising with a number of other Government Departments and successful applicants will be announced shortly.
635. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the Department or State agency that has responsibility for a particular Land Commission embankment (details supplied). [18158/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe former Irish Land Commission retained a portion of the purchase money from the acquisition of a small number of estates, for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of embankments and sluices on those particular estates only. These retained funds are entrusted to the Public Trustee, who is an official in my Department. The Public Trustee has responsibility for the investment of these funds and the income earned may be applied for the specific purpose described in the trust deed for the estate in question.
A trust was set up in 1952 to provide funds for the maintenance and repair of embankments in the townlands of Aghavine and Gortavadda, formerly part of the Gubbins Estate in County Cork. This is the only fund held by the Public Trustee around the area of Ballymacoda. Any application for the release of available funds for works carried out, in accordance with the trust deed, should be made in writing by the current trustees to the Public Trustee at my Department’s Cavan office.
636. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the decisions taken at the European Council meeting of 17 July 2020 that will impact financial supports for agriculture in Ireland. [18258/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s key objective throughout the negotiations on the post-2020 EU budget has been the retention of a sufficient budget for CAP post-2020. This is particularly important in light of the ongoing needs of farmers, including the requirements of higher levels of environment and climate ambition set out in the new EU Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies.
Despite challenging negotiations, Ireland has succeeded in the objective to maintain the CAP budget for the next 2021-2027 period for the farming sector and rural development, reversing the proposed damaging cuts. The CAP 2021 - 2027 is expected to be some €387 billion in current prices and this represents a small increase on the CAP budget allocation for the 2014 – 2020 period. Detailed examination of the package is ongoing.
Proposal for the 2021 - 2027 Multiannual Financial Framework were launched in 2018 and negotiations have been ongoing since then. The agreement at European Council level brings this process another step forward. The final stage will be agreement with the European Parliament which is hoped to be reached in October 2020.
In recognition of the particular structural challenges facing our agricultural sector the package agreed includes a special additional allocation of €337 million for Ireland. This national allocation has been made from the rural development element of the traditional MFF budgetary framework.
Furthermore, under the specific COVID-19 Recovery Instrument, the Next Generation EU fund, a further allocation of funding to support the sector is expected to provide a significant allocation of €194 million to Irish Agriculture under this instrument.
The Government’s position has always been that a strong and properly funded CAP is a fundamental requirement if we are to continue to support the sector. I therefore welcome this agreement which represents a positive outcome for Ireland.
637. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the EU Common Fisheries Policy regarding the UK stance on zoning attachments; his view on supporting the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18285/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to assure the Deputy that Fisheries is an important priority for Ireland. We are seeking to protect the interests of the Irish fleet in terms of both access and the quota share it currently enjoys in UK waters. From the outset of the negotiations, Ireland and our EU partners have been clear on our level of ambition in this area and on the fact that progress on an overall trade deal is linked to progress on fisheries. This is reflected in the EU mandate and the draft EU legal text. This government fully supports the proposal to maintain the current access and quota shares going forward.
The EU position was the result of considerable internal discussion and reflects a delicate balance. In sum, we are seeking to uphold continued levels of reciprocal access and stable quotas. The UK Government has a very different approach. They emphasise their status as a “coastal independent state” and insist that new arrangements should be based on annual negotiations, which follow the principle of zonal attachment. Clearly, the two sides are still very far apart. This is very concerning to us – as is reflected in the EU mandate, one of our key priorities is to avoid economic dislocation for Union fishermen that have operated in UK waters. This remains our collective approach. The Task Force is continuing to push for better UK engagement on this area.
Since taking office, I have met with the Fisheries Commissioner, Virginijus Sinkevicius by video link. I made clear to the Commissioner that we are placing our full reliance on Mr Barnier and the Commissioner delivering on the agreed EU negotiation mandate that sets down clearly the EU objective to “uphold existing reciprocal access conditions, quota shares and traditional activity of the Union fleet.
I have also met with representatives of the Irish fishing industry on 22 July where I listened carefully to the clearly-articulated challenges facing the fishing industry in the context of Brexit. I made clear that I will be pressing for a fisheries agreement with the UK that upholds both existing quota shares and existing reciprocal access to UK waters. I will continue to press for the maintenance of the linkage of fisheries to the overall economic partnership agreement as this will be central to a successful agreement. I assured the industry representatives of my commitment and that of the Government to work towards a fisheries agreement with the UK that protects their interests and ensures a long term future for our coastal communities dependant on fisheries
Michel Barnier met in late May with Fisheries Ministers from Member States directly impacted by the UK withdrawal from the EU. There was clear consensus from Ministers, including from Ireland, on continued support for the EU mandate’s position on fisheries. The Government fully supports Mr Barnier in his role and we remain confident that Irish and EU fisheries interests will continue to be protected after the transition period has ended.
638. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions being taken to improve animal welfare in the greyhound industry here and in countries to which they are exported; and if he will report on the progress being made. [18338/20]
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 (BnG) is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
My Department devotes considerable resources to protecting animal welfare and in dealing with breaches of legislation. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 applies to all animals, including greyhounds. The Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 further protects their welfare and empowers officers of BnG to inspect premises where greyhounds are kept. A confidential phone line and email has been set up for the public to report any alleged welfare breaches.
The Greyhound Racing Act 2019 strengthens the current sanctioning regime and addresses doping and integrity. This Act also makes provision for a traceability system, which is being prioritised by BnG, and will enable lifetime tracing for every racing greyhound.
My Department also works closely with animal welfare charities. I welcome the initiative of the Dogs Trust in facilitating the International Greyhound Forum, which includes the ISPCA and BnG.
With regard to the exportation of greyhounds, the rules covering the movement of all breeds of dogs, including greyhounds, between EU Member States is currently set at a European level.
BnG has informed me that it continues to advise owners to only export to destinations that provide the expected levels of greyhound welfare in its Code of Practice in the Care and Welfare of the Greyhound, a view which I fully endorse. I have received assurances from BnG that it is committed to the expansion of the Code of Practice to include advice on best practice when exporting greyhounds. In addition, the International Greyhound Forum continues to give consideration to issues relating to the export of greyhounds.
The Strategic Plan of Bord na gCon for the period 2018-2022 has as welfare as a key priority. BnG have detailed significant progress made in implementing an extensive Care & Welfare Programme in the last 12 months, for example; the opening of BnG's first Care Centre in early July 2020, introduction of an Injury Support Scheme to provide financial support where a greyhound is injured at a racing event, introduction of financial incentives for domestic re-homings of racing greyhounds and a partnership with Greyhound Pets of America which led to number of US re-homings in 2019.
BnG introduced a Care Fund with effect from September 2019 whereby 10% of all admissions. 10% of restaurant packages, 5% of tote profits and 50% of all sponsorships are directly attributed to the Care Fund.
My Department met with the Board of BnG numerous times since June 2019 and has received assurances that the Board remains committed to the protection of the integrity of the greyhound industry and to promoting the welfare of greyhounds and that all necessary resources are being committed to these ends.
639. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will put in place with immediate effect to resolve the delays being experienced in the supply chain for timber due to objections to felling licences being granted under the Forestry Act 2014; his views on the lack of resources available to the forestry appeals committee to deal with such objections in a timely fashion; his further views on the impact this will have on the supply of timber for house building and the construction industry in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18895/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
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.
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 and, for the next 6 weeks, the focus will be on felling licences.
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.
The Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) is operationally independent of my Department. Additional resources have been assigned to the FAC over past months, including additional administrative resources and personnel with planning expertise, to assist with administering appeals. Resource needs will continue to be monitored.
The Programme for Government gives a commitment to implement the recommendations of the Mackinnon Review and to review the forestry appeals process. I am committed to aligning the forestry licensing and appeals processes with that of the national planning and other comparable appeals processes. I am considering how best this may be achieved and expect to be making further announcements in this regard in the coming weeks.
Delays in issuing licence approvals for felling in recent months has resulted in some reduced sawmilling activity. However, the extent to which this specific issue is impacting on domestic house construction in the short term is unclear when significant lockdowns were in place due to COVID 19. In terms of supply, Irish timber is sold on both the Irish and UK markets. Disruption to supplies of logs from forests has the potential to reduce the amount of timber exported to the UK market, with Irish markets taking available supplies. While hard won markets in the UK will still need to be maintained, the expectation is that the industry will start to see a significant increase in licence approvals later in 2020 which will signal a return to normal conditions in terms of issuing of licence approvals.
My Department continues to host two weekly conference calls with both Coillte and Forest Industries Ireland to monitor progress on felling licences and related issues. 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.
640. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans with regard to the provision of Halal meat. [17972/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to make the Deputy aware that Article 4(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing provides for a derogation, in the case of slaughter prescribed by religious rites, from the usual requirement for animals to be stunned before slaughter. Each Member State of the European Union exercises its discretion as to whether or not to avail of the derogation.
In Ireland, Statutory Instrument No. 292 of 2013 gives effect to the Regulation, and allows for a derogation from stunning prior to slaughter in the case of slaughter prescribed by religious rites. In order to avail of this derogation, Food Business Operators are required to obtain the approval of my Department, including information of their need to avail of the derogation.
641. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action being taken to address backlogs in the forestry licensing and appeals system; if his attention has been drawn to claims that the delays are endangering the forestry industry and endangering timber supplies and up to 12,000 jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17982/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe commencement of the Forestry Act, 2014 in May, 2017 brought about significant changes in the consent process for forestry operations. The Act makes provision for third-party submissions and establishes the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC).
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 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 am acutely aware that delays in issuing licences have led to difficulties for some in the sector, although of course not all licences are used immediately. 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. Afforestation licences are valid for three years and some applications are speculative in nature, which is borne out by an average conversion (to planted land) of 63% over the last four years.
My Department is intensively engaging with all relevant stakeholders on these issues. 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 the current backlog has arisen. 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. Our 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 will result in tree planting, 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.
642. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funding will be made available for persons involved in aquaculture operating in Fenit Bay, Kenmare Bay and Dingle Bay, County Kerry; if so, the status of the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18146/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Programme 2014-20 is the principal source of development funding for the fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing sectors.
The EMFF Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme provides supports to the aquaculture industry to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises while also preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency. This scheme is implemented on a national basis by Bord Iascaigh Mhara. The overall budget allocated to the scheme over the lifetime of the EMFF Programme is over €20 million.
Approval of grants under the EMFF Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme is an operational matter for BIM.
Aquaculture funding is for capital investments and the scheme is open to all aquaculture operators who meet the eligibility requirements.
Details of the Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme, who may be eligible to apply for aid and the detailed application and assessment criteria are specified in detail on the website of Bord Iascaigh Mhara at the following link: http://www.bim.ie/schemes.
643. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question 950 of 13 May 2020, the measures he undertook to address issues raised in the protected disclosure cases that were closed in 2016 and 2017; if no action was taken, the reasons the cases were closed; the timeline for the completion of the outstanding protected disclosures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18169/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs required by the relevant legislation, my Department has a Protected Disclosures Policy in place under which a staff member who wishes to make a protected disclosure may do so via any of our designated confidential recipients. The recipient carries out an initial review, to establish whether the case meets the criteria for a Protected Disclosure. If it meets the criteria, the case is then assigned to a senior official who will take the appropriate action, for instance an investigation, depending on the subject matter of the case.
In relation to the cases from 2016 and 2017, the information required by the Deputy is as follows:
2016
One case was reviewed and accepted as meeting the criteria for a Protected Disclosure. Following investigation the case was formally closed in February 2017 with the agreement of the discloser.
One case was reviewed and accepted as meeting the criteria for a Protected Disclosure. The substance of the disclosure was then transferred for investigation. Following that investigation the finding was appealed to the Workplace Relations Commission but then withdrawn by the discloser in October 2017.
One case was reviewed and accepted as meeting the criteria for a Protected Disclosure. Following investigation the substance of the disclosure was deemed to be without foundation.
2017
One case was reviewed and accepted as meeting the criteria for a Protected Disclosure. The substance of the disclosure was then transferred for investigation, following which the case was withdrawn by the discloser in August 2018.
One case was reviewed and accepted as meeting the criteria for a Protected Disclosure. The substance of the disclosure was then passed to an Assistant Secretary for investigation. The ASG has been in contact with the discloser in relation to how the matter can be progressed in accordance with their wishes, while balancing the rights of others.
644. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the establishment of a dedicated forum for the wool industry here will be supported in view of the severe economic challenges affecting the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18257/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra648. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will establish a wool forum to discuss ways in which the decline in wool prices can be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18739/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 644 and 648 together.
Wool production is an important component of agri-industry and Ireland produces excellent quality wool. In an industry such as the wool industry where prices tend to move in cycles, it is imperative that the players ensure and promote a diversity of options for the product in the market place.
The current market uncertainties should provide an impetus for the industry players to come together to see what business opportunities are out there and try to promote the excellent product in as many markets as possible. While I am not considering the establishment of a dedicated Irish Wool Forum at present, I will of course consider any proposal that the industry wishes to submit to me in this regard.
645. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount spent on refurbishment and maintenance to Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18635/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute. In addition, my Department also has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of North Harbour at Cape Clear, as well as the maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights and Beacons Act.
Between the years 2017 to 2019, as part of my Department’s Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, in excess of €18.6 million has been invested in maintenance, development and upgrading works at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre. 2017 saw investment of €5.2m, in 2018, Killybegs received €7.2m and in 2019, €6.2m.
A budget of €11.6m allocated for capital works in Killybegs under the 2020 Programme. The main project of note in this year’s Programme is the continuation of the Smooth Point extension phase 2, which has been allocated €10m. This project will deliver a much needed additional 120 metres quay space to address increasing levels of fishing, commercial cargo and cruise liner activity in the harbour.
To date in 2020, some €2.8m has been expended on works in Killybegs and despite difficulties experienced as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, we remain on target to maximise the overall budget allocated for Killybegs.
646. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 439 of 16 April 2019, if the corresponding figures for 2019 and to date in 2020 will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18640/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1184 of 20 April 2017 governs the monitoring of carcass classification, carcass presentation and weighing. The legal tolerances for authorisation of a mechanical classification system are set out in that legislation.
The figure quoted of 60% is the minimum accuracy figure for conformation and fat cover that must be achieved for a mechanical classification system to be authorised for use in any EU state.
The average performance for conformation in Ireland in 2019 was 93.3% and 95.1% for fat cover. To date in 2020, average performance for conformation is 93.2% and 95.6% for fat cover.
In 2019, 23 machines were inspected during 410 inspections. During these inspections, the accuracy was greater than 90% on 326 occasions for both conformation and fat.
To date in 2020, the 23 machines were inspected during 204 inspections. During these inspections, the accuracy was above 90% on 169 occasions for conformation and fat.
The Deputy should be aware that these accuracy figures include over-scores as well as under-scores when compared to manual grading.
647. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress and or the outcome of the administrative inquiry into the capacity of Ireland to apply the rules of the EU Common Fisheries Policy for which an inquiry was requested by the European Commission in 2019 following the identification of severe and significant weaknesses in the control system here during a Commission audit carried out in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18642/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2019, Ireland received a formal decision of the Commission's intention to conduct an administrative inquiry under Article 102(2) of the 2009 EU Fisheries Control Regulation to evaluate Ireland's capacity to apply the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). This is further to a 2018 audit carried out by the Commission in Killybegs which identified "several serious deficiencies in the Irish fisheries control system, which threaten to undermine the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)." Principally, the Commission identified shortcomings related to the effective control of pelagic fisheries, issues related to underreporting of catches of these species; inadequate and ineffective sanctioning system for offences committed by operators; and the lack of control and enforcement of bluefin tuna catches by recreational vessels.
The formal administrative inquiry requires Ireland to provide information on these specific findings to enable the Commission to further evaluate Ireland's capacity to apply the rules of the CFP and to assess the potential consequences of any failure to do so. All of the required data has been submitted and the Commission will analyse the information provided by Ireland. The Commission has not, to date, provided its assessment of the material submitted by Ireland.
As Minister, I have no role in the operational control matters which formed the Audit's findings. The monitoring and control of fishing vessels within Ireland's Exclusive Fisheries Zone are matters for the Irish control authorities. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, all operational issues of this nature concerning sea-fisheries control are, as a matter of law, exclusively for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Naval Service. The issues arising in the administrative inquiry are primarily operational matters for the SFPA and, as Minister, I am precluded from getting involved in these matters.
649. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will increase TAMS funding to deal with the upsurge in applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18744/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe indicative allocation for the TAMS II scheme over the course of the Rural Development Programme is €395 million. To date, €229 million has been paid across all the available schemes and a further €72m in approvals have yet to be claimed by applicants. Expenditure is being monitored closely on a weekly basis.
The scheme budget is part of our overall €4billion Rural Development Programme. This Programme is fully subscribed and Ireland is second amongst all EU member states in our drawdown of EU funding. Any additional TAMS funding from within the RDP would require a reallocation from an existing scheme which itself is fully subscribed.
Priority for the TAMS budget must be to get applicants with existing approvals who do not intend to proceed with the investment to let us know so that we can use the that financial commitment for other applicants. My Department has raised this with farm organisations and with the advisory bodies who have a key role to play in communicating this message to farmers.
Tranche 17 of TAMS II closed on 5 June 2020. Under this tranche 4,952 new applications were received. These applications, together with those rolled over from tranche 16, bring the total number to be considered to 5,430.
The process is that these applications must pass the initial administrative checks required and are then subject to the ranking and selection process. Ranking and selection is the process of ranking each application in each tranche using the pre-defined criteria. The processing of all these applications is underway and approvals will commence in the coming weeks.
650. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of Connemara ponies born before 2016 tested for HWSD in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18750/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Connemara Pony Breeders Society (CPBS) has been approved by my Department to maintain the Studbook for Connemara Ponies and, in this regard, operates a breeding programme for the breed. Within its breeding programme, the CPBS has identified the presence of Hoof Wall Separation Disease (HWSD) which is caused by a genetic defect that appears to occur only in the Connemara pony breed. Research carried out by the Connemara Pony Breeders Society, in conjunction with Weatherbys, has enabled them to test for the presence of the HWSD gene.
In response to the presence of the problem in the breed, the CPBS has included in its breeding programme, the requirement that all foals born after 1/1/2016 are tested for HWSD and the result of this test is stamped on the horse’s passport. In addition, in 2019, CPBS has offered a discounted rate to test older ponies for HSWD and has stepped up its their awareness campaign among members.
My Department has allocated funding over the past number of years to the CPBS under the Equine Technical Support Scheme to facilitate this project.
I have contacted the Connemara Pony Breeders Society and they have informed me that the information requested will take some time to collate. Therefore, I will respond to the Deputy in writing at a later date.
651. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff at each grade based at each Department office in tabular form. [18834/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has staff located at various offices throughout the country, performing a wide range of roles and functions. The attached spreadsheet provides a detailed breakdown of the number of staff, their respective grades and their locations throughout the Department.
652. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the EU funds allocated to Ireland for the European agriculture guarantee fund in each of the years 2017 to 2020; the amount of unspent funding in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18835/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease find below the information in relation to Pillar 1 expenditure under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS, Greening Young Farmers Scheme and Protein Aid), for the years 2017 to 2020. EU Regulation 1307/2013 sets out the maximum ceilings to apply for these payments each year, not a budget.
The following should be noted when comparing the expenditure column to the ceiling column. Firstly, not all applicants for BPS fully utilise their allocated entitlements each year. Secondly, all applicants for aid under the BPS and other schemes are required to satisfy a number of eligibility requirements before payment can be made on foot of the application. In each scheme year, a number of applications for payment fail to meet these requirements and the Department is therefore not permitted to make payment on these applications.
The ceilings set by the Commission are the maximum payment amount allowable within the scheme for each year. Where the ceiling has not been utilised in full, these amounts remain available to the member states to pay applicants who subsequently become eligible for payment. Such payments are currently ongoing across all scheme years.
Please note that there has been no expenditure to date under Pillar 1 in relation to the 2020 scheme year.
|
Year |
National Ceiling |
Total Expenditure under Pillar 1 |
|
2017 |
€1,211,900,000 |
€1,193,054,607 |
|
2018 |
€1,211,500,000 |
€1,183,898,882 |
|
2019 |
€1,211,100,000 |
€1,187,115,089 |
|
2020 |
€1,211,000,000 |
N/A |
