Holly Cairns
Question:415. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on his Department's efforts to ban inshore trawling within the six-mile limit. [56101/23]
View answerFisheries Protection
Questions (415)
Written answers
This time five years ago, in December 2018, a transition to a ban on vessels over 18 metres trawling in inshore waters, inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines, was announced by my predecessor. A significant part of the objective of this measure was to manage the fishing effort on sprat stocks which are primarily targeted within inshore waters. This measure however was the subject of extended legal proceedings following a Judicial Review taken by two fishermen challenging the validity of the Policy Directive which underpinned the initiative. The outcome of these proceedings, only achieved earlier this year, is that Policy Directive 1 of 2019 has been quashed by an Order of Certiorari made by the Court of Appeal.
As I have previously put on record on this issue, I have decided to proceed with a new public consultation in the matter of trawling in inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines. I am conscious of the dependence of our inshore fleet, compared to larger vessels, on fishing resources within the six nautical mile zone. Other issues that need to be reflected on include the balancing the management of our fisheries with the needs of the marine ecosystem and particularly with the forthcoming introduction of legislation for Marine Protected Areas.
My Department has sought up-to-date scientific and economic advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, respectively, on trawling in the waters inside the six nautical miles. Once those reports are finalised and policy options are identified by my Department, I can proceed with the public consultation. I look forward to receiving policy options from my Department for consideration in due course.
Agriculture Supports
Questions (416)
Richard O'Donoghue
Question:416. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when farmers dealing with the ash die back will be given a resolution to the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55852/23]
View answerWritten answers
My colleague, Minister of State Hackett, tasked an independent group to review existing Department supports for Ash Dieback. The group had a remit to review the existing and previous supports available to landowners with ash plantations funded under the National Forestry Programme and to engage with relevant stakeholders to seek their views on the current supports for ash forest owners.
The group presented the Minister of State with its report, which she is now considering. The report published in September contained thirteen recommendations covering a diverse range of issues. A detailed action plan is being prepared for submission to cabinet for approval in the very near future which will outline a comprehensive action plan by my Department to deal with the issue of ash dieback. Detailed deliberations are taking place to ensure an efficient, appropriate and proportionate response.
There is currently an attractive and enhanced reconstitution scheme for ash dieback open for applications under the new Forestry Programme 2023 - 2027. This scheme includes the following enhanced features:
- 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate, from €1,000 to €2,000;
- Enhanced replanting grant rates under the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027;
- Those applicants whose sites are still in premium will continue to receive the premium due for the remaining years;
- In addition, for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium, a top up premium equal to the difference between the equivalent forestry type and the existing premium will be paid. This will be calculated for the remaining years left in premium and paid in a single sum.
When the Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 opened in July it was noted that if a forest owner made an application they would not be disadvantaged if any changes are made as a result of the independent review process.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (417)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:417. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason there are different criteria for eligibility of horses and donkeys for the purpose of establishing stocking density under the ANC scheme; the reason, in particular, on one hand mares that have not been bred for two years cannot be counted, whereas donkeys in such circumstances are counted as half a livestock unit; whether he has any intention of allowing older, non-breeding mares and stallion horses to be counted as half-a-livestock unit in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55873/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under Ireland's CAP schemes, stocking requirements can be used by applicants to fulfil eligibility criteria in the following areas.
- Active Farmer Check
- Eco-Scheme
- Organic Farming Scheme
- Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC)
The equine eligibility criteria set out below followed extensive consultation with the farm organisations.
Donkeys are eligible for inclusion in stocking requirement calculations for the above Schemes and are valued at 0.80 of a livestock unit. In addition, they must be owned by the applicant and hold a valid passport with the donkey registered in the name of the applicant. Donkeys must also be maintained on the applicant's holding. It is important to note that no more than 50% of the stocking density requirement can be fulfilled using donkeys. Applicants are therefore required to use other livestock to fulfil the other 50% requirement.
Eligible breeding enterprises are eligible for inclusion in stocking requirement calculations for the above Schemes for horses and are valued at 0.80 livestock unit.
For 2023 an applicant must, in the first instance, be an equine breeder and have bred a foal, in either 2021 or 2022, from a mare registered as on the applicant’s holding in 2022, which was registered in a Stud Book approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with pedigree recorded (sire and dam). Furthermore, the premises of all who meet these criteria must be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in accordance with S.I. No. 113 of 2014 Control on Places where Horses are Kept Regulations 2014. It is important to note that 100% of the stocking density requirement can be fulfilled using eligible horses.
Both donkeys and eligible breeding mares are valued at 0.80 livestock unit.
An updated review of the eligibility criteria for horses and donkeys is currently ongoing. Consultation with relevant stakeholders will occur in 2024 with any agreed changes to equine eligibility in place from 2025 onwards.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (418)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:418. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will advise on whether farmers who can sell electricity generated by TAMS funded solar panels back to the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50282/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. There is an indicative budget of €370 million available for the period 2023-2027, and all investments must be linked to Climate, Environment or Animal Welfare.
The Solar Capital Investment scheme, which launched on 22 February 2023, is one of the schemes under TAMS 3. It encourages the purchase of solar investments, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuel energy by farmers. The solar scheme has its own investment ceiling of €90,000, and will be grant-aided at the enhanced rate of 60%.
TAMS is an On-Farm Investment Scheme which is co-funded by the EU. Under the current EU regulations and under the new CAP Strategic Plan, it is a strict requirement that the electricity generated annually from the installed solar PV system does not exceed the annual electricity demand of the farmyard, including the dwelling house. However, there will be occasions, typically in summertime, where the electricity generated will surpass the electricity demand, and the surplus electricity is subsequently spilled over to the grid.
In these circumstances, this is permissible, and furthermore, there is an obligation on the energy utility company to remunerate the farmer for this quantity of electricity. This spillover of generated electricity is catered for under the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), which is available to all renewable energy generators, including farmers. The price paid for the spillover electricity is set by the energy provider under the Clean Export Guarantee.
Currently grant aid for solar investments in TAMS is for the purposes of farm consumption. In cases where the applicant wishes to apply for non-TAMS support (e.g. SEAI) for a larger area of panels, the TAMS 3 unit must be a separate independent system if this additional support is being sought. If no additional non-TAMS support is sought, then the additional panels can be part of the TAMS system.
The electricity consumption of the dwelling house can be included on the solar survey as part of the holding for sizing the Solar PV installation. The dwelling house must be occupied by the herd owner or family member and situated on the holding. Only one dwelling house can be included on the Solar survey.
There are other state supports for the installation of solar panels, including support from the SEAI and all farmers should be examining all options for support. This can be installed in tandem with the TAMS investment for those farmers who wish to do this at scale, and is a further option for those keen to explore renewable energy generation.
Forestry Sector
Questions (419)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:419. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 771 of 20 September 2023, if he will now provide the details requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55895/23]
View answerWritten answers
Since his appointment in November 2021, the Director of Forestry has met with a wide range of established organisations from the forestry and farming sectors, relevant stakeholder groups and Coillte on a regular basis. Due to the significant number and variety of meetings, it is not possible to provide an exhaustive list, however, parties engaging with designated public officials are required to record their engagement on the Lobby register, www.lobbying.ie.
It is important to stress that the Director, as part of his role, is open to be contacted by any stakeholder with an interest in forestry whenever the need arises.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (420)
Michael Creed
Question:420. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person in County Cork (details supplied) will be paid their TAMS grants. [55907/23]
View answerWritten answers
The person named received a TAMS grant under the Dairy Equipment Scheme. Following a post payment inspection, a debt was incorrectly raised on the Department's accounts system.
The person named also submitted an application under the Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme TAMS II for a mobile slurry tank and trailing shoe attachment. This application was approved, and subsequently processed for payment. However, the payment was offset against the incorrect debt, resulting in a nil payment issuing to the applicant.
My Department is working to rectify this issue as a matter of priority.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (421)
Michael Creed
Question:421. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person in County Cork (details supplied) will receive their TB reactor grant payments. [55908/23]
View answerWritten answers
The primary compensation provision of the bovine TB programme is the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme. The scheme compensates eligible herd-owners up to the market value an individual animal would have attained on the open market at the time of its valuation, had it not been affected by disease, subject to ceilings.
The herd-owner in question entered a breakdown on 1st September 2023 on foot of a backward trace test on the herd. This test identified 6 reactor animals in the herd. These animals were valued on 6th September 2023 and removed for slaughter on 14th September 2023. Subsequent Gamma Interferon Testing (blood testing) of the remaining herd identified a further 44 reactor animals on 5th October 2023. These animals were valued on 10th October 2023 and removed for slaughter on 20th October 2023.
The Regional Veterinary Office have been in direct contact with the herd-owner and the payments are currently undergoing the necessary pre-payment validation checks. Payment is expected to issue to the herd-owner in the coming weeks. If anything further is required from the herd-owner, officials from the Regional Veterinary Office will make direct contact.
Turf Cutting
Questions (422)
Michael Creed
Question:422. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction amongst farmers regarding the issue of VAT refunds in respect of certain items of expenditure (details supplied); if he accepts that these changes by the Revenue Commissioners without prior notification represent an unfair changing of the rules for farmers without adequate consultation or notice; the conversations and meetings he has had with the Minister for Finance or the Revenue Commissioners on the matter; and if he believes, on the grounds of legitimate expectation, that farmers who incurred expenditure on the presumption of being entitled to a VAT refund, should be refunded. [55939/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. There is an indicative budget of €370 million available for the period 2023-2027, and all investments must be linked to Climate, Environment or Animal Welfare.
Farmers who qualify for grant aid under TAMS 3 are grant aided on the lower of the reference or receipted cost of the item, excluding VAT. Tax policy is determined by the Minister for Finance The rules for the reclaiming of VAT are set by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, and are not under the remit of my Department.
Turf Cutting
Questions (423)
Michael Lowry
Question:423. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to urgently address the critical issue of the delayed ACRES cooperation payments until February 2024, which was announced without any prior consultation with affected farmers or stakeholders (details supplied); if he agrees that immediate action and a review of the document submitted by an organisation are crucial; the steps he will take to rectify the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55946/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the deputy is aware, and in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) was launched last year as a flagship environmental scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 with a budget of €1.5bn over its duration.
It was fantastic and a credit to our farmers to see the exceptional demand for entry into the ACRES Scheme, demonstrating their interest in taking on actions to address climate, biodiversity, and environmental issues.
While it was initially planned to take in applicants in two Tranches, with 30,000 in Tranche 1, in respect of the ambition of our farmers, I made a decision, which was supported by Government to accept all valid applications submitted last year. There are now just under 46,000 farmers actively involved in the Scheme.
I do acknowledge the intensive and focused efforts of all involved in the implementation of the Scheme - of farmers, of advisors, of the ACRES Co-operation Project teams and of officials across Government - who have all been working together on the first year of this new scheme.
However, the decision to accept all applicants into Tranche 1 of ACRES has put significant pressure on the ability to pay all eligible participants in 2023.
I want to further acknowledge that farmers were expecting payment before the end of the year and that my officials have been working to expedite payments, but with the unprecedented numbers, it has not been possible to get all eligible applicants paid in ACRES by the year end.
I want to reconfirm that payments for ACRES General participants will commence on December 18th 2023. Due to the additional complexity associated with the Co-operation Project (CP) stream, payments for ACRES CP participants are being progressed and will begin to issue in February 2024. Everything is being done to pay all ACRES applicants who clear pre-payment checks as a matter of priority.
In response to requests for advance payments, it is important for budgetary and audit purposes, and for farmers themselves, that the correct payment is made at the outset. A once-off or interim payment is not an alternative, as it would undermine the integrity of the ACRES payment system, and any such expenditure would not meet the standards required to access EU funding in accordance with the new performance reporting obligations under the CAP Strategic Plan.
I would also point out that this Government has allocated some €9.8 billion over the next five years through the CSP to farming families and rural communities, to support the production of world class, safe and sustainable food, and to support farmers’ efforts to help us achieve our climate and environment ambitions. ACRES has funding of €1.5 billion over its five-year lifetime, to facilitate the participation of 50,000 farmers.
The structure of ACRES is at the forefront of agri-environmental schemes across Europe. I want to acknowledge the achievements that we have secured to date in scaling a results-based approach up to a national level, building on the success of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) initiative, which farmers have found to be extremely effective and rewarding.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (424)
Carol Nolan
Question:424. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will take emergency measures to ensure full delivery of the ACRES payment pre-Christmas 2023; the reason approximately 27,800 farmers (60%) will not receive payment until February 2024 at the earliest; if he accepts that these delays will create massive financial hardship for those whose payments are delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55947/23]
View answerWritten answers
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a flagship environmental scheme, namely, the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), was launched last year under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. There was exceptional demand for entry into the Scheme, which demonstrates the interest of farmers to take on actions to address climate, biodiversity and environmental issues.
While it was initially planned to take in applicants in two Tranches, with 30,000 in Tranche 1, as a Government the decision was made to accept all valid applications submitted, and there are now just under 46,000 farmers actively involved in the Scheme.
The decision to accept all 46,000 applicants has put significant pressure on the ability to pay all participants in 2023.
I do acknowledge the intensive, focused and collective effort from all concerned - from farmers, from my Department, from advisors and from Co-operation Project Teams - in working together on the first year of this new scheme. However, this decision to accept all applicants into Tranche 1 of ACRES has put significant pressure on the ability to pay all eligible participants in 2023.
I want to further acknowledge that farmers were expecting payment before the end of the year and that my officials have been working to expedite payments, but with the unprecedented numbers, it has not been possible to get all eligible applicants paid in ACRES by the year end.
Payments will commence on December 18th 2023 for ACRES General participants. Due to the additional complexity associated with the Co-operation Project (CP) stream, payments for ACRES CP participants are being progressed and will begin to issue in February 2024.
Everything is being done to pay all ACRES applicants who clear pre-payment checks as a matter of priority.
Departmental Data
Questions (425, 426, 427, 428)
Colm Burke
Question:425. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of TB reactors in each of the past ten years in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55948/23]
View answerColm Burke
Question:426. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of TB reactors in dairy stock per year over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55949/23]
View answerColm Burke
Question:427. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of TB reactors in beef stock per year over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55950/23]
View answerColm Burke
Question:428. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how many animals under three months were TB reactors per year over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55951/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 425 to 428, inclusive, together.
The table below provides the TB Reactor numbers requested on a national level for the past 10 years.
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. I am acutely aware of the financial and emotional trauma associated with a TB breakdown.
It causes significant hardship for farmers and farming families, and I am fully committed to the objectives of the Bovine TB Eradication Strategy which aims to reduce and ultimately eradicate this disease in Ireland. This battle against TB continues in 2023.
There are three main sources of infection for cattle - the purchase of infected cattle, the presence of residual (undetected) infection within cattle herds and spread from wildlife (badgers predominately). The relative importance of these factors vary from herd to herd and all three need to be addressed to protect livestock and eradicate TB.
As of 3rd December 2023, on a 12-month rolling basis, herd incidence has increased to 4.86% compared to 4.17% at the same time last year. In the past 12 months 4,983 herds were restricted, compared to 4,388 in the previous 12-month period. An increase of 595 herds restricted (13.5%).
Larger herds, fragmented farms, and herds that buy in cattle are all more at risk of TB breakdown. In addition the expansion of the dairy herd since 2015 has had an impact on increasing TB levels also.
As the spread of this disease is multifactorial, it is being fought on many fronts. The TB programme in each county focuses on factors including wildlife, how disease is distributed in the area, contiguous programmes, gamma interferon testing, cleansing and disinfection, testing compliance and swift isolation and removal of reactors.
Each TB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. In the case of every outbreak involving three or more standard reactors, there is a veterinary visit to advise the herdowner on how to eliminate infection and measures necessary to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Emphasis is placed on the biosecurity measures a farmer can take to reduce risks on their farm, and when buying in animals.
Ireland's bovine TB Eradication Programme operates in line with best national and international scientific research and advice. A large body of peer-reviewed research has been conducted into the spread of TB in Ireland and the risks underlying its transmission. This research has found that the principal causes of TB introduction and spread include:
- movement of cattle with undetected infection.
- residual infection in cattle previously exposed to TB.
- spread across farm boundaries.
- indirect spread through other biosecurity breaches, and/or,
- spread from infected badgers to cattle.
This research has recently been reviewed in its entirety for the Bovine TB Stakeholder Forum by its Scientific Working Group, which comprises a panel of internationally recognised experts in TB research.
I am committed to reducing TB incidence rates across the country. We have made good strides since I launched the new TB Strategy in 2021 with all stakeholders working collectively and collegiately to reduce TB rates. We must keep this going with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd.
The details of the new TB Strategy along with the results of the review are available on www.bovinetb.ie
|
Number of TB Reactors 2013 - 2023 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
*2023 |
|
Total Number of Reactors in Dairy Herds |
7,288 |
7,567 |
7,005 |
8,958 |
8,564 |
9,174 |
8,837 |
12,440 |
12,234 |
14,791 |
16,333 |
|
Total Number of Reactors in Suckler Herds |
6,158 |
6,490 |
6,304 |
6,035 |
6,607 |
6,033 |
5,894 |
7,275 |
6,072 |
6,155 |
6,666 |
|
Total Number of Reactors in Beef Herds |
1,677 |
1,610 |
1,645 |
1,602 |
1,825 |
1,937 |
1,989 |
2,332 |
1,906 |
1,958 |
2,002 |
|
Total Number of Reactors in Other Herds |
556 |
463 |
402 |
365 |
349 |
403 |
347 |
515 |
492 |
481 |
607 |
|
Total Number of Reactors under 3 months old |
67 |
305 |
128 |
145 |
100 |
187 |
150 |
53 |
56 |
70 |
101 |
|
Total Number of Reactors |
15,612 |
16,145 |
15,317 |
16,914 |
17,266 |
17,491 |
17,058 |
22,614 |
20,931 |
23,393 |
26,617 |
* Preliminary Figures as of 3rd Dec 2023
Question No. 426 answered with Question No. 425.
Question No. 427 answered with Question No. 425.
Question No. 428 answered with Question No. 425.
Departmental Data
Questions (429)
Colm Burke
Question:429. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of money paid out per year over the past ten years under the TB compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55952/23]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland’s TB Eradication Programme has a comprehensive compensation regime in place for herd-owners who are affected by bovine TB.
The On Farm Market Valuation Scheme is the principal compensation measure available to Herd-owners whose herds are affected by a bovine TB breakdown in their herd. The Scheme aims to compensate farmers up to the open market value of an animal as if they were not affected by disease, subject to ceilings.
The Income Supplement Scheme is a targeted scheme which assists farmers who lose 10% or more of their herd to disease due to a single TB breakdown. Income supplement is only payable in cases where the 10% threshold is met in one continuous restriction period and where Depopulation is not deemed an appropriate measure.
The Hardship Grant is a targeted scheme aimed at assisting eligible herd-owners who retain and feed animals during prolonged periods of restriction as a result of a TB breakdown. The scheme runs each year for herds restricted between November 1st and April 30th.
Depopulation Grant is paid for each animal removed in the depopulation measure and for those herds that are partial or fully depopulated on foot of a veterinary decision made on analysis of the overall TB disease situation within a herd
In the table below, total expenditure per year in respect of all compensation measures is below.
|
Year |
Total number of payments* |
Total Compensation Paid |
|
2013 |
10,144 |
€12,688,025.12 |
|
2014 |
9,963 |
€15,226,852.97 |
|
2015 |
9,164 |
€13,398,976.55 |
|
2016 |
8,759 |
€13,992,519.73 |
|
2017 |
10,492 |
€14,045,075.15 |
|
2018 |
11,006 |
€18,086,953.64 |
|
2019 |
10,905 |
€17,721,595.75 |
|
2020 |
12,279 |
€20,700,106.80 |
|
2021 |
12,853 |
€26,096,406.63 |
|
2022 |
11,427 |
€26,521,430.38 |
|
2023 – to 11th Dec 2023 |
12,860 |
€35,668,081.98 |
*includes multiple payments across all schemes made to any single herd in the calendar year.
Departmental Data
Questions (430)
Colm Burke
Question:430. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of running the TB eradication scheme per year over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55953/23]
View answerWritten answers
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. I am acutely aware of the financial and emotional trauma associated with a TB breakdown.
It causes significant hardship for farmers and farming families, and I am fully committed to the objectives of the Bovine TB Eradication Strategy which aims to reduce and ultimately eradicate this disease in Ireland.
The cost’s outlined below include, compensation to farmers, the wildlife programme, TB testing and supplies, and various research programmes.
Exchequer Cost of TB Programme 2013-2023
|
Year |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
To 30 Nov 23 |
|
Total millions |
€31,739 |
€35,556 |
€30,251 |
€30,776 |
€32,570 |
€36,658 |
€37,544 |
€43,939 |
€52,489 |
€57,448 |
€64,479 |
Animal Diseases
Questions (431)
Colm Burke
Question:431. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the badger vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55954/23]
View answerWritten answers
Bovine tuberculosis (TB), caused by infection with Mycobacterium bovis, is a persistent problem in cattle herds in Ireland. The epidemiology of TB is complex and challenging.
There are three main sources of infection for cattle - the purchase of infected cattle, the presence of residual (undetected) infection within cattle herds and from wildlife (badgers predominately). The relative importance of these factors vary from herd to herd and all three need to be addressed to protect livestock and eradicate TB.
Specifically on the issue of wildlife, M. bovis was first detected in badgers in Ireland in 1974, although its significance was not fully understood at that stage. In the 1980s, the east Offaly project provided evidence of the role of badgers in the epidemiology of TB. A large scale trial over a five-year period from 1997 to 2002 in areas within Counties Donegal, Monaghan, Kilkenny and Cork showed significant reductions (from two fold to four fold) in the incidence of TB in areas where badgers were removed relative to areas where badgers were not removed.
On the basis of this evidence the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine established a wildlife programme to reduce the density of badgers in areas of high TB prevalence. However, it is acknowledged that culling on its own is not sustainable as a long-term measure, and a vaccination programme has now also been integrated into the DAFM Wildlife Programme. I have, over recent budgets, provided significantly extra funding for the Wildlife Programme and I will continue to back its work.
Badger vaccination is now an integral part of the Irish TB Eradication Programme. This follows over 15 years of research work using BCG vaccine to prevent tuberculosis infection in badgers, and scientific trials carried out between 2013 and 2017 that show that vaccination is no less effective than culling.
Badger vaccination is thus being substituted for continued culling of badgers such that a significant reduction in the numbers of badgers culled can be achieved over the coming years while still maintaining effective control of the risk posed to cattle.
The large-scale rollout of badger vaccination commenced in late 2019. Every year more and more of the countryside is designated as vaccination zones. This is reflected in the numbers of badgers captured for vaccination in these zones rising from an initial figure of 1,937 badgers in 2019, to 4,698 badgers in 2020. This figure rose again in 2021 to 6,586 badgers, with a further 7,244 badgers captured for vaccination in 2022. With regards to 2023 there has been 7837 badgers captured for vaccination up until the end of November.
I am committed to reducing TB incidence rates across the country. There is a terrible financial and emotional pain associated with a TB breakdown. We have made good strides since I launched the new TB Strategy in 2021 with all stakeholders working collectively and collegiately to reduce TB rates. We must keep this going with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd.
Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla
Questions (432, 434)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:432. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta a Roinne do 2023 atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht a dhéanamh sna meáin Ghaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sé a dheimhniú go mbainfear amach roimh dheireadh na bliana an céatadán 5% a leagtar síos in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [55989/23]
View answerÉamon Ó Cuív
Question:434. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta a Roinne do 2023 atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht a dhéanamh i nGaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sé a dheimhniú go mbainfear amach roimh dheireadh na bliana an céatadán 20% a leagtar síos in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [56027/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 432 and 434 together.
Úsáideann mo Roinn fógraíocht chun eolas a sholáthar don phobal faoi raon leathan scéimeanna, seirbhísí agus polasaithe na Roinne. Áirítear leis seo fógraíocht i nGaeilge.
Tá mo Roinn tiomanta go hiomlán do na ceanglais mar atá leagtha amach faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 a chomhlíonadh.
De réir an Achta, beidh gach eolas ar fhógraíocht Ghaeilge mo Roinne do 2023 le chéile agus curtha faoi bhráid an Choimisinéara Teanga faoin 10 Márta 2024 lena fhoilsiú ina dhiaidh sin.
Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla
Questions (433)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:433. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta 2023 na gcomhlachtaí poiblí a thagann faoi scáth a Roinne atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht a dhéanamh sna meáin Ghaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sé a dheimhniú go mbainfidh na comhlachtaí sin amach roimh dheireadh na bliana an céatadán 5% a leagtar sios in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [56009/23]
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Maidir leis an 12 Chomhlacht Stáit atá faoi choimirce mo Roinne, is ábhar oibriúcháin do na Comhlachtaí Stáit iad féin an fhaisnéis a iarradh. Tá an cheist seo curtha ar aghaidh agam chuig na Comhlachtaí Stáit atá faoi choimirce mo Roinne agus d'iarr mé orthu freagra díreach a thabhairt ar an scéal.
Question No. 434 answered with Question No. 432.
Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla
Questions (435)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:435. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta 2023 na gcomhlachtaí poiblí a thagann faoi scáth a Roinne atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht i nGaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sé a dheimhniú go mbainfidh na comhlachtaí sin amach roimh dheireadh na bliana seo an céatadán 20% a leagtar sios in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [56045/23]
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Maidir leis an 12 Chomhlacht Stáit atá faoi choimirce mo Roinne, is ábhar oibriúcháin do na Comhlachtaí Stáit iad féin an fhaisnéis a iarradh. Tá an cheist seo curtha ar aghaidh agam chuig na Comhlachtaí Stáit atá faoi choimirce mo Roinne agus d'iarr mé orthu freagra díreach a thabhairt ar an scéal.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (436, 441)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:436. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the rebate on VAT that was available to farmers buying milk tanks is being withdrawn (details supplied); if this will affect farmers putting up new milking parlours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56065/23]
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Michael Ring
Question:441. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has any plans to amend the TAMS scheme in light of recent changes to the flat rate VAT scheme for unregistered farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56075/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 436 and 441 together.
The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. There is an indicative budget of €370 million available for the period 2023-2027, and all investments must be linked to Climate, Environment or Animal Welfare.
Farmers who qualify for grant aid under TAMS 3 are grant aided on the lower of the reference or receipted cost of the item, excluding VAT. Tax policy is determined by the Minister for Finance The rules for the reclaiming of VAT are set by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, and are not under the remit of my Department.
Turf Cutting
Questions (437)
Carol Nolan
Question:437. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to address concerns (details supplied) relating to the enforcement of prohibition orders served by his Department relating to a commonage bog in Trumera, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56067/23]
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Any breaches of the EIA (Agriculture) Regulations (SI 456 of 2011, as amended) that are brought to my Department's attention are investigated.
In cases, prohibition notices may issue and be followed up where appropriate to ensure they are being adhered to. Re-instatement notices may also be issued where necessary, and there may also be follow-up action in that regard.
My Department does not comment on any specific individual cases, however, information regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Agriculture) Regulations can be found at: gov.ie - Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations (www.gov.ie)
Animal Carcase Disposal
Questions (438)
Cathal Crowe
Question:438. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what options are available to farmers whose animals have died and who are unable to correctly dispose of the carcasses due to strike action in knackeries. [56070/23]
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My Department is currently assessing all options available for the disposal of fallen animals and is actively engaged in developing an interim solution to this situation for both farmers and animal collectors.
The State operates a Fallen Animal Scheme in which the State provides financial supports to assist farmers dispose of animals that die on farm – this support is channelled through the animal collectors to subsidise their cost of rendering. Renderers have recently increased the fees they charge to animal collectors for rendering significantly.
Engagement is ongoing with stakeholders, all options are being considered in order to provide a workable solution to this serious situation.
This includes, but is not limited to, access to Category 1 rendering facilities in Northern Ireland.