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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Oct 2005

Vol. 606 No. 3

Other Questions.

EU Directives.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

119 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the current status of the nitrates directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26207/05]

The implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Ireland's national action programme under the directive was formally submitted to the European Commission by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on 29 July 2005. The next step is for the Minister to make regulations to give legal effect to the action programme. My Department, supported by Teagasc, has been assisting the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in finalising these regulations. I expect the Minister of that Department to publish the draft regulations shortly for public consultation.

The final but extremely important stage of the process is for Ireland to secure a derogation from the general organic nitrogen limits in the directive so that farmers can operate, under appropriate conditions and controls, up to a level of 250 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare. My Department and Teagasc developed the derogation proposals in consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. There have been preliminary discussions with the Commission about the derogation application and I will be pressing strongly to have these discussions concluded as early as possible in 2006.

To help farmers meet their obligations under the action programme, I am seeking approval from the European Commission for significant improvements in the farm waste management scheme. These include increasing the grant rate from 40% to 60% and to 70% in the counties in Zone C, a top-up of 5% to 10% for young farmers, higher investment ceilings and the extension of the scheme to the pig and poultry sectors.

The nitrates directive was introduced in 1992, yet farmers still have no idea where they stand. The Minister stated grant aid for waste management purposes will be introduced by 1 January 2006 but did not indicate whether or when the derogation permitting the use of 250 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare.

In light of a recent breakthrough in the area of pig manure as a result of a decision of a Spanish court, has the Minister re-examined the use of pig and poultry manure as fertiliser? As she and my constituency colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith, are aware, pig and poultry are among the most important industries in Counties Cavan and Monaghan and the Border region in general. Has the Minister examined the implications of the court case? The ruling makes clear that pig and poultry manure are classified as fertiliser as opposed to waste. Will the Minister consider changing so-called waste management grants to manure or fertiliser storage grants and treat these important pig and poultry by-products in the appropriate manner? Will she also ensure that the greatest possible amount of these products can be spread on other farms without imposing excessive red tape? Does she accept the Commission's contention that excessive red tape must be eliminated?

I am surprised the Deputy did not thank me for recognising the significant implications of my proposals for his constituency and deciding to increase grant aid. He did, however, reflect——

We have not seen much grant aid yet.

The Deputy will see it in January.

The issue is before the European Commission. It is my intention to activate the scheme from the beginning of next year when applications will be sought. In the period prior to Commission approval being given, those preparing to develop new facilities should make appropriate preparations, for example, securing the necessary planning permissions.

The derogation would be important for approximately 10,000 dairy farmers. It was on that basis that the Department initiated discussions with the Commission prior to the initial action plan being agreed. I am anxious to deal with this issue in its entirety as quickly as possible. While we can revisit history and what has been done since 1992, recriminations will not sort out the issue. No side, whether the farming fraternity, Government Departments or political parties, was eager to progress the issue. Hindsight, as the Deputy will be aware, is 20/20. The grant aid has been introduced in recognition that the directive will have implications for farmers. I am delighted the scheme we have proposed to the Commission gives greater recognition to small farmers. The directive's implications are as important for small farmers as for larger farmers, a fact reflected in the decision to increase the investment ceiling to €120,000. The Department has tried to strike a balance between the interests of small and large farmers.

On the classification of the scheme, I agree the use of the word "waste" is counter-productive. Pig and poultry manure is regarded as an asset rather than a waste and on that basis the Department is investigating new technologies and methodologies for dealing with it. This will also involve examining further proposals to support the sector.

The outcome of the recent Spanish court case is being evaluated. However, an initial examination indicates that it does not have major implications for Ireland. That said, the matter has not been definitively addressed and the Department is continuing to examine its implications.

We must proceed to the next question.

Will the grant aid be based on actual or estimated costs?

The scheme will include an annual review.

I remind the House that speakers have one minute to put supplementary questions and to answer them.

I do not want to see builders taking a hand out of farmers.

The Minister should show us the colour of her money.

I look forward to doing so.

Bovine Diseases.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

120 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the discovery of BSE in an animal born in Wales in 2002; the latest date on which an infected animal was born here; her views on the implications of the discovery in Wales; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26462/05]

I am aware both of the confirmation of BSE in an animal born in Wales in 2002 and the reports of BSE being transmitted in an experimental sheep flock in the United Kingdom. There are no particular implications for Ireland as a result of either incident.

To date, 16 cases of BSE have been confirmed here in animals born after 1998, the most recent of which had a registered date of birth of March 2001. Similarly, the reports of BSE in a sheep flock, while informative, have no particular implications for BSE policy here.

The occurrence of BSE in animals born after 1998 does not detract from the decline in the incidence of the disease here and throughout the European Union. The epidemiological evidence here and in the United Kingdom suggests that a tight control on the use of mammalian meat and bone meal plays a significant role in reducing the incidence of the disease. It has been suggested in the UK that these cases may be related to imported feed as the controls in place in Ireland and the UK since 1996 were not introduced EU-wide until 2000. Given the incubation period for BSE, we will, at EU level, have to wait several more years before the full effect of the complete ban on the use of processed animal proteins can be measured.

Apart from the aforementioned case in the UK, no case of BSE has been identified in the EU sheep population despite the fact that testing, which is capable of discriminating BSE from scrapie, is now mandatory throughout the EU. Were such a case to be identified here consideration would have to be given to how to deal with the affected flock and the progeny of the affected animal. Although a case of BSE has been confirmed in a single goat in France, no such cases have been experienced in Ireland and should such a case be confirmed here decisions about control measures would have to be taken. The Department continues to operate a range of controls at various locations to protect public health and eradicate BSE and scrapie.

I thank the Minister for her reply. While we all welcome the decline in the overall number of reported cases of BSE, does the Minister not consider it a cause of grave concern that 16% of the animals identified this year as carrying the disease were born after the ban on the use of processed animal proteins was introduced? Two of the animals in question were five years old. Seven other animals identified as having BSE by August this year were born after the ban was introduced. Therefore, a substantial number of animals identified this year as having BSE were born after the introduction of the ban. What research or investigations are the Department carrying out on this development?

Sixteen animals born after 1997 have been diagnosed with BSE, of which four were born in 1998, seven in 1999, three in 2000 and two in 2001. A further ten cases were confirmed in animals born in 1997 but a number of these were born before the full range of control measures was in place. The Department carries out an investigation into each of the comparatively small number of cases of animals which were born after the introduction of the ban on the use of animal proteins in feed being identified as having BSE. These cases are examined by my Department with support from outsourced expertise.

While the Department has not yet reached a definitive conclusion on the reason these cases have occurred, it has been advised by scientific experts at European level that sporadic outbreaks of the disease are likely to persist. In some cases, presumably the earliest, evidence of spicules was found in or around the farmyard in question. These occurred after Ireland introduced a ban on the use of animal proteins in feed but before the European Union issued an EU wide ban. As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland introduced a ban in 1996 or 1997 but some other countries did not follow suit until 2000. There was, therefore, an interregnum.

A comparison of the number of cases of BSE identified between January and September this year and January and September last year shows the figure fell from 96 to 50, a significant reduction.

There is a one minute time limit.

I appreciate the Deputy's particular concern on this issue. We are doing everything we can to ascertain if there are particular issues as to why this occurs. However, I have been advised that there will always be sporadic incidents and that is reflected in the UK also.

I accept there will be sporadic incidents but I would be interested to know if anybody has done a geographical audit on the areas where BSE has occurred. These are not just sporadic incidents. Such an audit might be worthy of consideration.

Given the concerns raised by Deputy Johnny Brady yesterday on the MRSA superbug being passed on by veterinarians to the beef cattle herd, what is the danger involved? What precautions will the Minister take to ensure that this deadly disease is not passed on to the food chain by the veterinarians carrying the MRSA superbug? It is a dangerous and serious disease. If it reaches humans through the food chain, it will be more serious than the BSE crisis.

Deputy Brady might explain himself when he is on his feet.

As I have not been promoted yet, I cannot answer Deputy Breen's question.

Does the Minister see a change arising in the practice of culling entire herds affected by BSE? Many farmers and organisations, such as those we met in her county last week, raised this issue. They feel that only the affected animal or related animals should be culled. Is a change likely in that area?

A number of issues have been raised. On Deputy Upton's question, we have looked at the geographical spread. There have been investigations and last week there was a prosecution for an illegal animal knackery circumventing the controls. Where issues outside of the scientific aspects arise, the Department deals with them strictly.

I did not get a copy of the press release on MRSA to which Deputy James Breen referred but I sympathise with people who have suffered from MRSA. It is a considerable imposition on them. Perhaps the Deputy and I could discuss the issue afterwards and I will certainly raise it on his behalf.

There is evidence that perhaps the necessity of a cull has outweighed its usefulness. That being said, I have noticed that every time we try to pull back from the precautionary measures brought forward, we find something else. The strictness of the regime is such that we are in a position to be strong in our export markets. As we are trying to enter even more markets, that strict control mechanism may need to continue for some time but it is reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Departmental Properties.

John Carty

Question:

121 Mr. Carty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of sites and their locations made available by her Department towards the provision of social housing. [26167/05]

Under the ——

Obviously the biggest issue for agriculture in County Mayo.

That is because of the good stewardship under which all issues are dealt with. I agree with Deputy Naughten.

It sounds good on MidWest Radio.

Under the affordable housing initiative my Department has identified six sites for consideration in counties Cork, Dublin, Galway and Kildare. The sites in County Cork are located in Clonakilty and in Model Farm Road in Cork city. The sites in County Dublin are located in Harcourt Terrace, Dublin city and in the townland of Backstown near Lucan. The site in County Galway is located in Athenry. The site in County Kildare is located in the townland of Stacumny near Celbridge.

What about Bailieborough in Cavan?

The Minister of State may remember that on the Land Bill 2004 I raised an important question on Land Commission land being handed back to county councils. He has taken on board my suggestion, which was supported by Deputy Naughten and others, that county councils would not just sell this land off on the open market to the highest bidder because it was made available for the ordinary people to feed a cow and a calf. If any change is being made in that regard or if such land is not being made available for recreation facilities for GAA clubs, soccer clubs etc., much of this land could be suitable for social housing or affordable housing, in particular, for young couples, some of whom may be returning to the country and whose families would have availed of this land in the past.

I ask that sites would be made available for such people. I hope the Minister of State will take that into consideration. He indicated to me that it would form part of the Bill, that this land could not be sold off and that such people would be facilitated if at all possible.

I agree with Deputy Brady. He has spoken and written to us and raised it on Second Stage and Committee Stage of the Land Bill 2004. The first time I heard the terms cow plots and cow parks was when they were used by Deputy Brady in this context. I assure the Deputy that these properties, if they should change hands, will be used for the common good, for public good and community use. There will be no case of such properties being sold or local authorities being allowed sell them to people to make profit. They will be for the public good and that will be copperfastened in the legislation. Report Stage of the Land Bill 2004 will be before this House next week.

Agriculture Sector.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

122 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers who have left full-time farming since 1997; her views on the fall in the numbers of full-time farmers; the steps, she is taking to deal with the drift from the land; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26455/05]

According to Central Statistics Office data there were a total of 147,600 farmers in 1997, of which 98,300 or 67% were classified as full-time or farmers having no other occupation. By 2003, the latest year that such data are available, the total number of farmers had fallen by 8% to 135,300. Of this number, 77,900 or 58% were classified as full-time or having no other occupation.

While the decline in total farmer numbers has been relatively modest at approximately 1% per annum, the decline in the number of full-time farmers is more substantial. This reflects an ongoing trend as increasing number of farmers opt to choose a combination of on-farm and off-farm employment. This trend towards part-time farming reflects a number of both push and pull factors, including low incomes on small farms and the much greater availability of off-farm employment. In recent years many farmers have opted to supplement their incomes from off-farm sources while continuing to farm successfully.

Both full and part-time farmers make important contributions to the rural economy. While the decoupling of direct payments will provide farmers with more flexibility and freedom, a clear focus on production costs and their optimal level of production will be critical to maintaining the viability of all farm holdings.

The Agri-Vision 2015 committee indicated in its report that it believes the trend to part-time farming will continue. Many smaller farmers find that combining farming with off-farm employment is an effective way to ensure the viability of their holdings. At the same time, full-time farmers are looking to the new flexibility offered to them under decoupling to develop and intensify their commercial farm enterprises.

This Government is committed to maintaining the greatest number of family farms through the development of competitive full-time farming, while at the same time providing an economic environment which enables smaller farmers to avail of both on and off-farm opportunities to secure their future.

Is there sufficient input into alternative farm enterprises to encourage farmers who for whatever reason might have given up their previous type of farming and would be looking to some alternatives that would give them the opportunity to stay and earn a viable income on the land? Has the Minister had discussions with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on ensuring adequate and appropriate alternative employment in rural areas for part-time farmers?

Alternative farming is certainly now an option on the basis of decoupling and I note a slight trend in that direction such as specialisation in the free range area. We are doing all we can to encourage organic farming. This is a difficult task but every effort is being made to encourage it. On the basis of REPS, for example, we were in a position to give opportunities to people who wish to get involved in organic farming and not have their full farm considered as part of the REPS application. Alternatives are certainly being provided.

This is being complemented by work being done by my colleague, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív. He is working with me on Leader, CLÁR and a number of existing options as opposed to those provided by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Much work parallel to that under the rural development directive, which has now been signed off, will provide those alternatives and support off-farm income. Growth in farmers' markets has given added impetus to farmers to produce for such markets and other alternative areas. We now need to drive forward the opportunities that are there.

It is evident from the Minister's phrase "many farmers opted to supplement their income" that she spent time with Carr Communications during the summer. As the Minister knows well, the majority of those farmers have been forced to supplement their income because they cannot make a basic living from agriculture. Is the reason Teagasc now puts forward figures on whole household income on farms, rather than farm income, an effort to cook the books in that regard?

What measures are being taken to try to address the situation where retailers dictate the farm gate price farmers receive for their product? At the ploughing championships over the past week, farmers told me that viability is the key issue for them. What are the Minister's plans for the modulation fund and how will these be communicated to farmers?

I have no need to go to Carr Communications. I can speak to the Deputy in two languages, and a third if he is stuck.

Deputy Brady knows all about that.

It is quite unfair and incorrect to say Teagasc cooked the books. While the household survey will indicate one result, the farm survey will indicate another. If I remember correctly, the farm survey shows a 3% increase in farm incomes. The policies we now pursue recognise the different types of farming taking place. I am delighted the Deputy took the opportunity to attend the ploughing championships. Let him heed the good work done by this Minister such as payment of disadvantage payments, REPS scheme four coming on stream——

What about the beef premium overshoot? The farmers are €70 million out of pocket.

The beef premium overshoot is to be paid. The Deputy's facts are incorrect. I am glad he is wakening up to what is happening.

The Minister slipped up there when she went to Brussels. She must have just brought a small basket with her.

Beef premium has been paid and the overshoot has been dealt with and passed by a committee in the Deputy's absence. Single farm payment will be paid on time in December and new alternatives are being worked on to try and support farming enterprises. I will continue with this work. Over a short period some 47,000 people have moved into REPS. Farmers are looking at alternatives.

EU Directives.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

123 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she will give effect to EU Directive 2004/28, to provide a new framework governing the veterinary medicines regime across Europe; if her attention has been drawn to concerns expressed that the new regulations will mean that products previously available directly from pharmacies will now require a prescription from a vet and will lead to significant additional costs for farmers; if she will designate pharmacists as a suitably qualified professional for prescribing purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26459/05]

Directive 2004/28 of the Council and of the European Parliament, which is the new EU legislation governing the veterinary medicines regime, must be transposed into national law no later than 30 October of this year. My Department has circulated draft regulations designed to give effect to the new EU legislation and to reform aspects of the existing national regime for consultation. Written submissions have been received from most of the stakeholders. My Department has also subsequently met many of these stakeholders as part of the consultative process. In addition, as required by the relevant legislation, the animal remedies consultative committee will meet shortly to consider the draft regulations, following which I will make final decisions on the issues involved so that the regulations can be brought into force by the transposition deadline.

I am aware of the concerns expressed that some veterinary medicines that may currently be purchased from pharmacies will require a veterinary prescription following adoption of these regulations. The position on this issue is as follows. While the directive provides that all veterinary medicines for food producing animals must be subject to prescriptions, it also includes a provision for exemption criteria to be adopted at EU level that will provide a mechanism for certain categories of medicines to be exempted from the prescription requirement. The EU has not yet adopted a decision on the exemption criteria but must do so before 1 January 2007. Pending this decision, existing national prescription and distribution arrangements may remain in place. As I indicated in a previous reply, I will consult on this and make a decision in due course.

I appreciate the Minister has replied to this question twice. The key issues are competition or lack of, monopoly, black market and costs. Account must be taken of these issues in terms of any changes in the regulations.

Will the Minister publish the exemption list she has submitted to Brussels?

I will consider that in due course. As I said in my previous reply, it reflects what is usually used.

Before 31 October.

I agree with Deputy Upton that those are the issues with which we must deal. The United Kingdom has proceeded differently on the black market. We must ensure competition and people must not feel under pressure that their choice will be restricted. We want a balance between the confidence of the consumer and the cost to the farmer. I intend that between now and 1 January 2007 we will be in a position to have a fair and balanced approach to the matter.

Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.

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