Written Answers Nos. 207-213
211. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the rationale behind individual stickers being placed on fruit such as apples; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27113/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for enforcing EU marketing standards legislation on fruit and vegetables traded in Ireland which helps to ensure that produce on display is labelled properly and in such a way as not to mislead the consumer. There is no obligation on individual producers or traders of fruit and vegetables to individually label pieces of fruit and vegetables in this regard.
The labelling information required is usually marked on the packages in which the fresh produce is supplied. However, if the produce is unlabelled on receipt, the trader still has a responsibility to ensure the produce is labelled before being sold on or put on display for sale.
Products may be presented unpackaged, provided that the trader displays adjacent to the goods offered for sale, a label showing prominently and legibly the information particulars specified in the quality standards relating to origin of the product and, if necessary, the class and variety. The information must be presented in a manner that will not mislead the consumer.
It should be noted, however that some traders/producers of fruit and vegetables choose to place the necessary information particulars on individual pieces of fruit.
212. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the refurbishment of a helipad (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27111/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe construction of a new helipad referred to by the Deputy is a project being undertaken by Mayo County Council, with financial assistance from my Department.
My Department provided funding for the purchase of land for this project in late 2020. I have been informed that Mayo County Council are working to finalise a detailed design and to prepare tender documents for the helipad's construction at present. It is anticipated that tendering for this project will be undertaken in the near future.
My officials will continue to work closely with Mayo County Council to progress this important project.
213. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the criteria that was used to determine the frequency of sailings when publishing the tender for a ferry service (details supplied); the details of the annual customer numbers availing of the ferry sailings for the past five years in tabular form; if there is scope to increase the number of ferry sailings to more than two return sailings per day; if an analysis can be provided on the way this compares with ferry services provided to other islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26862/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that island communities have access to reliable transport services is a core objective of my Department. A subsidy is paid to attract operators to provide a service where it may not otherwise be viable for them to do so. While the subsidy will assist with operating costs and to establish a transport service, operators are encouraged to develop the service further.
As is standard with Requests for Tender (RFTs) issued by this Department for ferry services, the frequency of sailings requested is a minimum acceptable number. Prospective operators are encouraged to include additional sailings and services above the stated minimum required, and commonly do so. The RFT does not in any way limit the number of sailings that operators can supply. As with all schedules, timetables are discussed and agreed with the island communities prior to the commencement of a service. Where there is a demand for extra sailings, operators may, and do provide additional sailings.
The number of subsidised services varies from island to island, contingent on the location of the island, distance from the mainland, the access to services - schools, shops and other services on the island - the number of passengers / tourists etc.
When developing an RFT the frequency of the sailings requested is a minimum acceptable level. Distance from the mainland and the availability of shops, schools and local services all contribute to the number of sailings required.
The table below sets out the number of passengers carried by the subsidised ferry services on the route referred to by the Deputy over the past five years.
|
Year |
Passengers |
|
2020 |
9,546 |
|
2019 |
17,117 |
|
2018 |
18,110 |
|
2017 |
17,918 |
|
2016 |
18,482 |
