Written Answers Nos. 683-700
683. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of works for the smooth pier development (details supplied) at Killybegs Harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3052/22]
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, Ros An Mhíl and Killybegs under statute.
In recognition of increasing levels of fishing, commercial cargo and cruise liner activity in Killybegs a project to provide an additional 120 metres of berthing space at Smooth Point was initiated. Phase 1 of the project, which entailed the dredging and removal of most of the contaminated material, commenced in 2017 and was completed in 2018.
Phase 2 of the project involves the dredging of the remaining uncontaminated material and construction of the 120 metres of berthing. Following a competitive tender process the successful contractor commenced on site in late 2019 but experienced some difficulties and delays including those associated with the recent pandemic. A number of contractor's claims for additional costs associated with the construction contract were submitted to the Department in 2021 but all have been resolved under the procedures laid down in the Public Works Contract and the contractor has been paid in full. The Department understands that there are a number of financial disputes between the contractor and its supply-chain and while it would hope that the parties involved could amicably resolve these, the disputes remain a matter between the contractor and the suppliers involved.
The Department acknowledges that the contractor has not carried out any work on the site for several months and is currently taking legal advice on the best way to advance the project.
684. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an nationwide audit has been carried out into dog pounds; and if there are plans to carry out an audit in the future. [3056/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Control of Dogs Act 1986 (as amended), local authorities are responsible for the management of dog pounds and responsibility for the inspection of these pounds falls to the appropriate local authority veterinary inspectorate.
685. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the methodology used regarding the composition of a business case that was presented to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in respect of the salary and remuneration package for the new Chief Executive Officer at Horse Racing Ireland. [3060/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The Irish Horse Racing Industry Act 1994 and The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016 (Remuneration and Superannuation) provides that the terms and conditions of the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) are subject to the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and myself.
The contract of the previous CEO of HRI ended on 24th September 2021. Following a competitive process which was managed by Mazars on behalf of HRI a preferred candidate was identified.
The business case referred to detailed the rationale for the terms proposed, which were in line with those of the previous CEO.
The business case included the following:
- Details of the roles and responsibilities of the CEO post,
- The remit, functions, budget and staffing complement of the organisation,
- Any relevant comparator market rates within sector or elsewhere (i.e. comparator CEOs or other positions within the same sector or in the wider public sector),
- Any external advice or input on the appropriateness of the terms and conditions
- Internal referencing with second tier management (i.e. “headroom”), and
- Evidence of recruitment challenges experienced based on the approved rate for the post.
686. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a green low-carbon agri-environment scheme or GLAS appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3097/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named applied successfully for GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1st January 2016. The GLAS contract was selected for an on-farm inspection on 23rd November 2020. Notification of the inspection findings issued by letter dated 19th February 2021. This letter outlined the option of requesting a review of these findings.
The person named subsequently submitted a request for a review of the inspection findings, this review has now been finalised and a decision letter has issued to the applicant.
The option to appeal the outcome of this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office within the statutory timeframe are outlined in the decision letter.
687. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that the salary for the new Chief Executive Officer of Horse Racing Ireland was set at a higher rate than that previously stipulated; if the decision originated within his Department or Horse Racing Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3227/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI), established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The Irish Horse Racing Industry Act 1994 and The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016 (Remuneration and Superannuation) provide that the terms and conditions of the CEO of HRI are subject to the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and myself.
The final contract of employment provides for a single salary point of €190k. The salary was proposed by HRI and was consented by myself and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform following due consideration. NewERA were also consulted.
I support the terms of employment of the new CEO of Horse Racing Ireland and view the remuneration as proportionate, in light of HRI’s contribution to the economy and the responsibilities and challenges of the role. The terms are in line with those of the previous CEO.
688. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of pension entitlements that will be accrued, by year, by the new Chief Executive Officer of Horse Racing Ireland; the performance related bonuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3228/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra689. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the salary against which the salary of the new Chief Executive Officer of Horse Racing Ireland was benchmarked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3229/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra690. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a condition or mechanism exists within the contract for the new Chief Executive Officer of Horse Racing Ireland, which would see proposed salary increases in years two and three of the contract not implemented; if such a condition or mechanism exists that would see the salary reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3230/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 688 to 690, inclusive, together.
Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The Irish Horse Racing Industry Act 1994 and The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016 (Remuneration and Superannuation) provide that the terms and conditions of the CEO of HRI are subject to the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and myself.
The final contract of employment provides for a single salary point of €190k. The salary was proposed by HRI and was consented by to myself and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform following due consideration. NewERA were also consulted.
With regard to pension entitlements, the contract of employment for the new CEO of HRI provides for superannuation. This includes a choice of the three standard options provided for in the Template CEO Contract prepared by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The value of superannuation for the new CEO is personal information and GDPR applies.
There is no provision in the contract of employment for performance related bonuses.
With regard to benchmarking, I support the terms of employment of the new CEO of Horse Racing Ireland and view the remuneration as proportionate, in light of HRI’s contribution to the economy and the responsibilities and challenges of the role. The terms are in line with those of the previous CEO.
691. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of dairy cows there were in County Tipperary in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3236/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPreliminary estimates for the CSO June 2021 Livestock Survey, indicate that there are 1,604,500 dairy cows in Ireland. While a breakdown of 2021 dairy cow numbers per county from the CSO is currently unavailable pending the release of final results, according to CSO Census of Agriculture 2020 preliminary results, as of 1st September 2020:
there are 180,352 dairy cows in County Tipperary;
there are 1,832 farms with dairy cows in County Tipperary;
22% of farms in Tipperary (1,592) are classified by the CSO as Specialist Dairying; and
County Tipperary had the second highest number of dairy cows and the second highest number of dairy farms in Ireland after County Cork.
692. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of suckler cows there were in County Tipperary in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3237/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraProvisional estimates for the CSO June 2021 Livestock Survey, indicate that there are 940,300 suckler cows in Ireland. While a breakdown of 2021 suckler cow numbers per county from the CSO is currently unavailable pending the release of final results, according to CSO Census of Agriculture 2020 preliminary results, as of 1 September 2020:
there are 53,232 suckler cows in County Tipperary;
there are 3,140 farms with suckler cows in County Tipperary; and
54% of farms in Tipperary (3,978) are classified by the CSO as Specialist Beef Production - this would include beef finishing farms.
693. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of direct payments to County Tipperary farmers in 2021, by direct payment type and in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3238/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlmost €113 million was paid to Tipperary farmers in 2021, in respect of 2021 scheme year payments. As requested by the Deputy, the following table below outlines the total 2021 payment by scheme type.
|
Scheme |
2021 |
|
BPS |
€86,078,380.57 |
|
ANC |
€10,848,300.04 |
|
GLAS |
€6,593,016.67 |
|
REAP |
€418,756.25 |
|
TAMS |
€3,146,722.50 |
|
Sheep Welfare |
€454,658.52 |
|
BEEPS |
€2,023,394.40 |
|
Dairy Beef |
€226,439.80 |
|
BDGP T & BDGP II |
€1,801,315.87 |
|
Protein Aid |
€178,924.11 |
|
Organics |
€513,527.61 |
|
SIM |
€525,253.08 |
|
Total |
€112,808,689.42 |
The figures outlined in the above table relate to payments made between September 2021 and end December 2021 in respect of scheme year 2021. It should be noted that additional payments in respect of previous scheme years would also have been paid to Tipperary farmers in 2021.
Scheme payment updates, including County and scheme breakdown, are published on my Department's website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/73aea-schemes-and-services-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/#scheme-payments-update
694. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of forestry licences his Department projects it will issue in 2022; the number that are projected to be new licences for afforestation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3240/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department issued 4,050 forestry licences last year, which is an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020 albeit 2020 was a low output year.
These approvals included 2,877 felling licences. Critically, the availability of this volume of timber, at nearly 8.5 million cubic metres, stabilised supply to the processing sector in 2021. This is the highest volume ever issued in a single year.
In addition, 264 kilometres of forest roads were licensed, more than double the target in the Climate Action Plan 2021. The number afforestation licences remained static, with 502 afforestation licences issued, which represents 4,245ha of forestry.
As regards targets for 2022, which are currently being finalised, this year we will build on the momentum achieved in 2021 and will focus on increasing the number of afforestation licences issued. We will continue to keep resources under review and will implement all practical process improvements which result from the review and analysis in train under Project Woodland.
Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, I remain fully committed to delivering a licensing system which will meets the needs of the sector and of society and recent licensing trends demonstrate that we making progress towards achieving this.
695. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when CCTV cameras will be installed on racecourses and in race yards as has been recommended to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3241/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
Since 1st January 2018, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) is the regulatory body for all horseracing in Ireland. The IHRB is a company limited by guarantee set up by the Turf Club and the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee for the purpose of carrying out the regulatory and licensing functions for Irish horseracing. This body is responsible for protecting the integrity and reputation of Irish horseracing in Ireland.
HRI has allocated funding to the IHRB for the provision of CCTV at all racecourses as part of their integrity services budget. The IHRB has informed my Department that the tender process for CCTV at all racecourses is currently being finalised. The IHRB are continuing to target an urgent rollout of this project.
696. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine , further to Parliamentary Question No. 354 of 9 December 2021, the breakdown of when the 682 GLAS participants planted land, the number of participants and the area planted per year, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3267/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra697. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine , further to Parliamentary Question No. 354 of 9 December 2021, the month and year the 682 participants in GLAS who planted land applied for their afforestation licence; when they received their afforestation licence, by month and year; when they completed the planting of the lands compared with when the first grants and premium were paid, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3268/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra698. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the 682 participants in GLAS, who planted land, represents 1.42% of the total participants in GLAS as having planted land under the afforestation grant and premium scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3269/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra699. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of the 48,000 participants in GLAS who applied for afforestation approval under the afforestation grant and premium scheme during the term of GLAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3270/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 696 to 699, inclusive, together.
Following on from Parliamentary Question No. 354 of 9th December, 2021, 682 GLAS participants planted a total of 3,702ha. This is broken down by year in the table below.
|
Year |
Number |
Ha |
|
2016 |
225 |
1,277 |
|
2017 |
201 |
1,059 |
|
2018 |
106 |
584 |
|
2019 |
86 |
504 |
|
2020 |
64 |
277 |
As previously advised to the Deputy in Parliamentary Question 747 of 30th November of the 48,000 GLAS participants, just over 7,000 of those have a forest owner number with my Department. This means that they either had an application to plant or planted forestry, before or since joining GLAS. At 14.5%, this is a significant block of GLAS participants that have an interest in Forestry. The 682 that received the first instalment grant and first premium, during their participation in GLAS is a subset of those 7,000 farmers.
700. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of improvements in terms of safety, well-being and care of greyhounds and dogs in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3386/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) 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. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
