Barry Cowen
Question:232. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total legal costs incurred by his Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and estimated in 2014. [49333/14]
Written Questions Nos. 232 - 255
Departmental Legal Costs
My Department generally avails of the legal services of the Chief State Solicitor’s Office, however, occasionally it engages private Solicitor firms and Junior and Senior Counsel. Details of such engagements are provided in the table:
|
Year |
Total Amount paid € |
|
2011 |
102,189 |
|
2012 |
113,091 |
|
2013 |
112,096 |
|
2014 (estimated) |
973,390 |
Public Relations Contracts Expenditure
Barry Cowen
Question:233. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total external public relations costs incurred by his Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and estimated in 2014. [49374/14]
My Department did not employ external public relations firms for the years in question. Public relations advice is provided by my Department’s Press Office.
Harbours and Piers Development
Terence Flanagan
Question:234. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the future of Howth Harbour, County Dublin, and other harbours regarding tourism perspectives, opportunities for marine leisure and fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49397/14]
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has responsibility for the six Fishery Harbour Centres located at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Dingle, Ros an Mhíl and Killybegs. The Centres are first and foremost working fishery harbours and their primary objective is to provide for the needs of fishermen and the fishing industry generally. Each Centre has unique features which facilitate a broad range of other diverse activities. The Department is conscious of the importance of both fishing and non-fishing activities at the harbours and endeavours to facilitate and develop both.
Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is no exception to this diversity and the Department is anxious to increase the profile of the Harbour for the betterment of the wider community. Howth Harbour regularly receives applications for holding events, yacht races, local celebrations etc within the harbour precincts and indeed most of these are approved.
In excess of €17 million has been invested in maintenance, development and upgrading works at the Centres in the period 2011 to 2013. Over €3.2 million of this was allocated to Howth, which has served as a catalyst for the enhancement of facilities available to the marine leisure and tourism sector, boat repair facilities and indeed business generally in the harbours. For 2014 funding of €8.64 million was approved for the maintenance and development of the Centres, including €1.18 million in respect of Howth.
I have allocated €11.5 million in voted funds for the 2015 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Decisions on the projects for inclusion under this programme will be based on an evaluation of the priorities across the six Fishery Harbour Centres taking due account of the overall funds available.
The development and upkeep of each harbour as a state of the art Fishery Harbour Centre, supporting a broad range of marine related activities is and will remain an ongoing process. Harbour Users Fora meetings are held regularly at each harbour and provide an important platform for sharing ideas with our customers and obtaining stakeholder feedback which ultimately helps inform decisions on the future developments in the harbours.
Food Industry Development
Bernard Durkan
Question:235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which price fluctuations to dairy and beef producers may be anticipated with the objective of putting in place stabilisation measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49417/14]
The reply is as follows.
Beef
Price volatility in the beef sector has perhaps never been more evident as it has been over the last three years. Prices rose steadily from €3.22 a kilo at the start of January 2011 to an unprecedented peak of over €4.40 per kilo in June of 2013, but declined to €3.51 in September of 2014 before recovering to the current prices of €3.77. In looking at these changes, we cannot ignore normal supply and demand factors. This year we have slaughtered nearly 10% more animals than last year and over 18% on 2012. Added to this supply increase, there has been a drop in Beef consumption throughout Europe. The combination of these points is clearly having an impact.
Putting structures in place to alleviate the impact of these price changes, and assisting farmers to be better prepared for these fluctuations, have been central to this Government’s term in office. The €1.2 billion per year secured in direct payments each year forms a constant and secure income for farmers, and this is a particularly important buffer as prices fluctuate. In addition, the need to ensure a viable future for the beef sector has been central to the draft €4 billion Rural Development Plan submitted to the EU Commission in July.
The RDP includes a number of elements which will be of benefit to Beef farmers throughout the country, including the beef data and genomics measure which will be worth around €300 million over a 6 year period and should bring about long term improvements to the sector though improving the genetic quality of the beef herd. Also, the continued support under the new agri-environment scheme GLAS and the €195 million per year support for disadvantaged areas will be of significant benefit to beef farmers.
Reducing input costs and improving efficiencies on farms has also been a key focus, and in this regard the funding by my Department to Teagasc, ICBF and Animal Health Ireland is critically important. I have also been active in developing new market opportunities for Irish beef and in recent years markets such as Japan, Singapore, Egypt and Iran have been opened, and we are at an advanced stage in opening the US and Chinese markets and this process is ongoing.
Dairy
In respect of the dairy sector, prices are clearly a function of global market dynamics, with supply and demand issues in markets across the globe affecting prices across different dairy commodity groups in domestic markets. Price volatility is a continuing feature of dairy commodity markets, and it is clear that managing the price peaks and troughs in a way that allows farmers and others to plan ahead is a significant challenge for the sector. This issue was very much in focus at the recently held National Dairy Conference which I hosted in November.
The consensus emanating from the Conference based on numerous analyses is that the long-term fundamentals of global dairy market are strong and intact and that the Irish dairy sector is well placed to gain from the opportunities that will arise. Notwithstanding this any objective analysis indicates that we are currently facing into a period of downward price movement following a prolonged period of high prices. Managing the impact of this kind of volatility, particularly on farmer suppliers, remains a key challenge. Market support measures will have a role and I have called on the EU Commission to deploy them as appropriate to support the markets. Processors and the lending sector will also have a role to play through measures such as fixed price contracts and flexible financing arrangements.
Some market support measures have already commenced. Private Storage schemes for butter, cheese and SMP have already been introduced by the Commission in September in a move which I both advocated and welcomed. The Schemes have been extended to the end February for butter and SMP. The Private Storage scheme for cheese has been discontinued due to overuse by non Russian ban affected countries. Furthermore the commencement date under which intervention will be available in 2015 has been advanced to 1 January. These steps already taken by the Commission, some of which have been utilised in Ireland, are certainly welcome, but all possibilities, including a targeted export refund mechanism, or potentially an increase in the intervention rate, need to be considered. In the context of Private Storage schemes, it is critically important to retain some flexibility around the release date to allow for market conditions.
In terms of tools to monitor the market and anticipate the volatility now inherent in it, it is obvious that any market analysis tools that contribute to our better understanding of the market and which facilitate policy makers in an underpinning of their actions with a clear evidentiary basis is to be welcomed. The availability of timely and accurate market information is of course a critical success factor for in any effort to manage price volatility. At EU level, the primary aim of the Milk Market Observatory (MMO), which was founded earlier this year, is to provide the EU dairy sector with more transparency by means of disseminating market data and short-term analysis in a timely manner. At the most recent EU Council of Ministers meeting and along with a number of other like-minded Ministers, I stressed that the role played by European Milk Market Observatory is critical, noting that the challenge for the observatory is to ensure that the data is as close to real time as possible. It is only through timely possession of this information that all of the actors in the sector will be able to respond appropriately with the measures required. At that meeting the Commission indicated an openness to an examination as to how the MMO could be strengthened further including the provision of more relevant data and trend analysis.
Food Industry Development
Bernard Durkan
Question:236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will take to prevent dramatic reductions in the prices paid to producers in the dairy and beef sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49418/14]
The reply is as follows.
Beef
As the Deputy will appreciate, questions of price are ultimately matters to be determined between the purchasers and the sellers of cattle. It is neither appropriate nor possible for me or any other Minister for Agriculture in the EU, to intervene directly on these issues. Indeed, the new Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has emphasised this point again in recent weeks via correspondence directed to my Department. Cattle prices are determined by supply - demand dynamics which are in turn influenced by a range of different factors such as consumer preferences, distance to market, consumer confidence, retail promotions, competition with other meats and the overall macroeconomic situation.
Nonetheless, it is vital that farmers are sufficiently remunerated for producing quality animals. My role as Minister for Agriculture is to create a policy support environment that will allow the beef sector to flourish in line with normal market principles. In the recent budget, I announced a total package of approximately €74 million for the beef sector in 2015, including a provision of €52 million for a proposed Beef Data and Genomics Programme which will place Ireland at the leading edge globally in the use of genomics in beef production. The current Genomics Scheme is being further developed and enhanced as part of a 6-year RDP measure which, once approved by the European Commission, will deliver a payment per animal of €100 for the first ten animals, with the remaining animals being eligible for an €80 payment per animal in participating herds. In 2014, I have brought forward a number of initiatives to help the sector, including the creation of the Beef Genomics Scheme with a budget of €23 million in 2014. I have also ensured that the budgets of the Beef Data Programme and the Beef Technology Adoption Programme are retained at €10 million and €5 million which, when added to residual payments under the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme, amounts to an investment of €40m in 2014.
We have also had notable successes in securing new market opportunities for Irish beef in recent times, with Japan, Lebanon and Philippines opened in the last 12 months. There has also been significant progress in securing market access to Canada, and I expect that Irish beef will be landing on supermarket shelves in the US next year. In addition, Ireland secured a major breakthrough during my recent trade mission to China and, as a result of this, an inspection team from China has been hosted by my Department over the course of the last week or so. This is an important step in securing access for Irish beef to that market.
I should also note recent agreement on a number of outcomes through the Beef RoundTable process. This agreement addresses a range of the issues raised by farmers in recent months, particularly as regards market signals and product specifications. The RoundTable also endorsed the development of Producer Organisations which should, in my view, go a long way to addressing negotiating power along the supply chain and ensure a fair return to beef producers over the medium to long term.
Finally, it should be noted that prices for R3 steers In Ireland have risen by 26 cents per kilo since the beginning of September. This is an increase of over 7% during this period and Irish prices are now at 101% of the EU15 average price.
Dairy
As the Deputy is aware, dairy prices are a function of global market dynamics, with supply and demand issues in markets across the globe affecting prices across different dairy commodity groups in domestic markets. Price volatility is a continuing feature of dairy commodity markets, and it is clear that managing the price peaks and troughs in a way that allows farmers and others to plan ahead is a significant challenge for the sector.
After two years of extremely high prices, the combination of strong production in key dairy producing countries, including the USA, New Zealand, Australia and the European Union, driven by good weather , increased cow numbers in the US and strong cereal harvests, has seen the emergence of a surplus in dairy products on international markets coming into 2015. Furthermore, with Russia and China accounting for 27% of the traded world market in the dairy sector, the effect of surplus stocks in the Chinese market along with the displacement effect of the Russian ban can be seen as critical factors in setting the context for price evolution in the sector.
The anticipated decline in price in 2015 largely reflects the impact of the aforementioned developments on global dairy markets but that these negative results are expected to be temporary in nature.
Under the new Common Agriculture Policy there is a range of tools available to mitigate the worst impact of downward price volatility, including Aids to Private Storage, Intervention and Export Refunds and, as recently as earlier this week at the EU Council of Ministers meeting, I have called on the EU Commission to deploy these tools as appropriate. The Single Farm Payment will also provide a measure of income stability during this difficult period. I have also asked the banking sector to tailor their financial products to take account of the kind of price volatility that will be a feature of international dairy markets, and of course co-ops have a role to play in ensuring that their contractual arrangements with suppliers provide a requisite measure of stability. A focus on innovation and the production of added value products will also have a role to play in mitigating the impact of volatility, and a greater use of futures markets may also feature among the tools deployed by the sector.
In terms of how this will evolve in the medium term, Teagasc, in common with a number of other commentators, anticipate that lower milk prices will lead to a slowdown in the expansion of milk production globally through 2015, with global dairy markets set to witness signs of recovery as the year progresses. In the medium to longer term population growth and increasing affluence in developing countries will continue to drive strong growth in demand for dairy products, and I very much believe that Irish producers will be well placed to take full advantage of this demand. .
Food Industry Development
Bernard Durkan
Question:237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the new markets established for beef and dairy produce in the past four years; the extent to which prospects have improved in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49419/14]
The reply is as follows.
Beef
My Department engages on a daily basis with many countries, in collaboration with Bord Bia and Irish embassies’ personnel on market access issues. These initiatives have led to a number of notable successes over the past four years in securing agreement to import from authorities in Japan, Singapore, Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Namibia, The Philippines and New Caledonia.
Following a decision by the authorities in the US to lift the ban on the importation of beef from the European Union, the Federal State Inspection Service (FSIS) carried out an audit of Irish beef production controls in June 2014. We received the draft final report of their visit recently and we continue to engage in order to complete the steps necessary to gain access for Irish beef to the US market. My Department is working with the meat industry to advance the various technical requirements to ensure commencement of the trade at the earliest possible date.
In November 2014, I led a Trade Mission to China and I secured a commitment from the Chinese authorities to send an inspection team to Ireland to carry out on audit of Irish beef production controls, in particular with regards to BSE. The inspection team arrived on the 10th of this month and is currently carrying out its programme. While there are a number of stages to complete before Ireland secures access for beef to China, I am hopeful that the inspection visit currently under way will lead to significant progress on the issue.
There is a strong demand for beef globally and my focus is to continually seek to gain access to third country markets which will enable Irish exporters to take advantage of the opportunities that arise.
Dairy
With respect to the dairy sector and whilst traditional markets such as the UK and the EU will naturally remain paramount for Irish dairy sector exports, it is abundantly clear that significant market opportunities exist for the sector in new markets outside the EU in the medium to long term horizon. An examination of the export statistics in the sector gives a real sense of the emerging opportunities in new and exciting markets for Irish dairy produce. In this regard the Deputy will already be aware that more than 85% of Irish dairy production is exported and Ireland exported dairy products to over 130 countries worldwide in 2013, with one third of the value of dairy exports going outside the EU. In 2013, the value of dairy exports increased by 15 per cent to some €3 billion for the first time.
It is abundantly clear that Ireland’s high standards of food safety and environmental sustainability fundamentally underpin this success. As Minister for Agriculture, I have recently witnessed firsthand the potential of the Chinese market in particular. Ireland’s dairy offering resonates with Chinese and other third-market consumers who place safety, traceability and sustainability at the core of their value proposition. Companies based in Ireland exported almost €300m worth of dairy produce to China in 2013 and the expectation for 2014 is that the figure will run approximately 25% ahead of last year. This follows on from the positive announcement from Chinese authorities earlier this year in respect of the results of an audit of Ireland’s dairy sector, which means that Irish plants have been found to fully meet the standards of new Chinese food safety laws. This approval will allow the Irish dairy sector to build on their formidable reputation in international markets, and in the increasingly important Chinese market, and to further capitalise on Ireland’s reputation for green, efficient, high quality dairy production.
Whilst an obvious and significant market, the dairy sector’s new frontiers, in terms of development and consolidation, do reach beyond China. For example, in 2013 Irish dairy exports to Nigeria were broadly compatible to exports to the United States. Exports to Senegal outperformed exports to a number of Ireland’s more traditional near-Europe trading partners. These are examples used to highlight some of the new and exciting frontiers for the Irish Dairy sector.
I can assure the deputy that the development of international market opportunities for Irish Agri food products will continue to be a priority for my Department.
Sugar Industry
Bernard Durkan
Question:238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which progress is being made in respect of restoration of sugar production from sugar beet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49420/14]
In 2011 I met with two separate groups which had conducted feasibility studies into the possibility of establishing a new sugar/bioethanol facility in the country. The figures published by the interested groups who are investigating the possibility of building a new facility, indicated that the overall capital costs involved could range from €250 million to €400 million, depending on what type of facility would be constructed. I informed both groups at the time and many times since in the Dáil and through the media, that any venture to develop a combined sugar/bioethanol production facility in Ireland, would have to be a viable commercial proposition, and supported by a business case which is sufficiently robust to attract the funding from investors for the very substantial capital investment required. I clearly informed both groups at the time that it was my job to look for agreement at EU level to allow for the growing of sugar beet for the manufacture of sugar, at the earliest possible date.
In this connection, I secured agreement as part of the overall CAP reform package at the last EU Council of Agriculture Ministers, which I chaired in June 2013, to abolish all sugar quotas by 30 September 2017. This agreement removes, with effect from 1 October 2017, the current EU quota barrier for operators in Ireland or other Member States, wishing to re-establish a sugar industry.
At the time, this agreement was welcomed by those parties who are interested in seeking to re-establish a sugar industry here. It is now up to those same entities to move the project forward and to garner sufficient commercial and financial support to turn their plans into a viable reality.
Departmental Programmes
Bernard Durkan
Question:239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the concerns expressed by various farmers' organisations throughout the country in respect of the various revised farmer support payments have been examined with a view to accommodating their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49421/14]
My Department is in the process of implementing the Schemes that form part of the reformed CAP regime following the agreement reached during the Irish Presidency in June 2013. The Schemes include the Basic Payment Scheme, Greening Payment, the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme, GLAS and many other measures, which will be implemented with effect from 1 January 2015. I can confirm that all stakeholders, including the farming organisations, have been fully consulted on an ongoing basis during the implementation process. The focus is now on putting in place schemes that can be operated efficiently and effectively and that will ensure that payments are made to farmers on a timely basis under the various measures.
For example, I initiated a process of consultation in July of 2013 with the farming community, all farming organisations and other relevant stakeholders to ascertain their views on the most appropriate application of the Direct Payment Regulation in light of Ireland’s unique agricultural profile and circumstances. The results of this consultation process were taken into account when formulating the final shape of direct payments in Ireland for the period 2015 to 2019.
In recent months, the Direct Payments Advisory Committee, consisting of the main farming organisations and farm advisory bodies, has been consulted regarding the detail of the implementation of the National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme. The decisions relating to the setting of objective eligibility criteria in relation to these Schemes reflects the views of this Committee.
Food Labelling
Bernard Durkan
Question:240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which labelling and traceability continues to be effective throughout the food industry with particular reference to beef, lamb, pig meat, poultry, fish and fish products; the extent to which breaches have been identified in the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49422/14]
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), under the aegis the Minister for Health, has overall responsibility for the enforcement of food safety and labelling requirements in Ireland. It carries out this remit through service contracts with my Department and other agencies including the Health Service Executive (HSE), Local Authority Veterinary Service and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. Inspections to ensure compliance with traceability and labelling legislation are carried out by inspection services provided by these agencies under the aforementioned contracts. Under EU law primary responsibility for the safety and traceability of food placed in the market place lies with food business operators. The role of my Department is to verify compliance by the food business operators with this requirement.
Regulation (EC) No. 178 of 2002, which sets out the general principles and requirements of EU food law, stipulates, among other things, that food business operators at all stages of production, processing and distribution within the businesses under their control must ensure that foods satisfy the requirements of food law. Specifically in regard to traceability, the regulations require that food business operators must have systems in place to be able to identify any person from whom they have been supplied with a food. They must also have a system in place to identify the other businesses to which their product has been supplied. In other words a food business operator at each and every stage in the food chain must be able to identify the source of its inputs as well as having details of the first recipient of its output. This is commonly referred to as the “one step forward one step backward” traceability system.
My Department has a permanent veterinary presence at all its approved slaughter plants. Controls at stand-alone secondary processing plants are carried out at a frequency which is based on an annual risk assessment for each plant. An annual audit of imported products is carried out in each Department approved meat plant. The audit includes physical identity, labelling and documentary checks. This includes product originating both in EU Member States and third countries. In addition, labelling and documentary checks form part of the routine checks conducted by Department officials.
Rules on the labelling of meat and meat products are laid down in EU legislation. For beef, the current rules require compulsory origin labelling, with place of birth, rearing and slaughter specified.
In 2011, the European Union passed a new Council Regulation on Food Information for the Consumers (FIC), Regulation 1169/2011, which will be implemented by way of EU Commission implementing regulations and has updated the requirements for consumer information and labelling in a number of areas, including as regards country of origin labelling for a range of products. As of 1 April 2015, meat from swine, sheep, goats and poultry must be labelled with an indication as to where the animal was reared and where the animal was slaughtered. My Department will, following a consultation process early next year, give effect to this requirement by way of a Statutory Instrument. The FIC also requires the European Commission to produce reports evaluating the mandatory indication of origin or place of provenance for different products including milk, milk used as an ingredient in dairy products and ingredients that represent more than 50% of a food. These reports may also be accompanied by proposals to modify the existing legal provisions.
The European Commission has already produced a report on meat used as an ingredient and the reports for the other products were due to be presented by 13 December 2014 but have not yet been published by the European Commission.
The FSAI has advised my Department that the number of inspections where non compliance with labelling legislation were found over the last four years are as follows:
|
Year |
- |
|
2010 |
9,919 (14.04%) |
|
2011 |
9,499 (15.98%) |
|
2012 |
9,415 (14.68%) |
|
2013 |
7,855 (14.63%) |
The majority of these were minor and remedial action was taken.
Environmental Policy
Bernard Durkan
Question:241. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the various habitat directives are seen to impact negatively on some parts of the agricultural sector; if such impact is deemed to impede the retention of family farm enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49423/14]
Designations under the Habitats (and Birds) Directives are the responsibility of my colleague, Minister Humphreys, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Such designations are put in place by the Minister to fulfil the necessary legal obligations to protect these important areas for biodiversity as required by EU legislation. From an agri-food sector viewpoint, it is critical that our food production systems are sustainable and accordingly we must respect the environmental sensitivities in our farmed landscape, including these designated areas where relevant. My department is committed to supporting the ambitious targets for enhanced food production under Food Harvest 2020 and beyond without compromising these sensitivities.
Supporting family farm enterprises in designated areas is very much part of the strategy. These areas must be farmed to keep them in optimal environmental condition, but equally, some farming activities can sometimes be detrimental to certain species, and these must be taken into account if the farming system is to be sustainable.
Following discussions with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and stakeholders, my Department has proposed a range of measures for the protection and restoration of biodiversity in these designated areas under Ireland's next Rural Development Programme (RDP). These farmers will have the option, under Pillar II, of joining the new agri-environment Scheme: Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme, (GLAS), as priority applicants when the programme is approved by the EU Commission. The proposed GLAS prioritises measures in these designated areas, thereby offering priority entry to the new Scheme to farmers affected by such designations. The proposed payment rates are higher than those set out in the previous RDP and will offer substantial support to farmers in designated areas.
Common Agricultural Policy Reform
Bernard Durkan
Question:242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he has examined the effect of Common Agricultural Policy reform throughout the agricultural sector with particular reference to the degree to which family farm enterprises continue to be protected as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49424/14]
I am satisfied that farm families in Ireland will benefit from the reformed CAP. Data from Teagasc’s National Farm Survey shows that direct payments accounted for 77% of family farm income on average in 2013, and are even more significant as a source of income for drystock farms, particularly those in disadvantaged areas. The environmental focus of supports under CAP reform, with a ‘greening’ payment under Pillar I and funding for the new GLAS scheme under Pillar II, will enhance the sustainability of Irish farms. The enhanced support for young farmers under both Pillars, in conjunction with the Budget changes recently introduced following from the Agri Taxation review, should encourage greater land mobility and earlier transfer to young trained farmers.
Equine Industry Issues
Bernard Durkan
Question:243. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which breeding management and husbandry of the non-thoroughbred horse sector continue to be monitored and controlled or regulated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49425/14]
My Department currently approves 7 organisations to maintain 11 studbooks for registered equidae in the non-thoroughbred sector which covers the following breeds: Irish Sport Horse, Irish Draught Horse, Irish Sport Pony and Irish Cobs maintained by Horse Sport Ireland (HSI); Connemara pony maintained by the Connemara Pony Breeders Society; Irish Piebald and Skewbald and Irish Donkey maintained by the Irish Piebald and Skewbald Association, trading as Leisure Horse Ireland; Irish Warmblood maintained by the Irish Warmblood Studbook; Irish Riding Pony maintained by The Irish Pony Society; Kerry Bog Pony maintained by The Kerry Bog Society; The Irish Appaloosa maintained by The Irish Appaloosa Association. As part of their approval process each organisation is required to submit a detailed application and is inspected by my Department.
Each approved studbook keeping organisation is required to operate a breeding programme for their respective breed. The principles of the breeding programme are set out in EU legislation and include elements such as the characteristics of the breed, the objectives of the breed, the sections within the studbook, the eligibility criteria for entry and the use of performance data relevant to the breed’s objectives.
Any changes to the studbook rules during their three year period of approval are required to be notified to my Department.
A number of organisations and institutions are working to promote appropriate breeding, management and husbandry practices in an effort to increase the level of efficiency within the sport horse sector.
One of the aims of Teagasc is to promote efficient and profitable equine production and to improve the skills of producers. To this end, Teagasc hosts events to educate and inform breeders on new developments and best practice and provides advice to equine producers in relation to breeding, husbandry and management. It also offers equine courses, encompassing marketing and horsemanship and provides a distance learning horse breeding course.
A number of third level educational institutions are also fulfilling an important role in developing professional skills in relation to the sport horse sector by offering undergraduate equine-related modules and courses.
In January of this year, I launched the HSI, Teagasc, Royal Dublin Society initiative to develop a 10-year strategy for the sport horse sector for the period to 2025. The aim of the project is to ensure that the sport horse sector contributes, to the maximum possible extent, to our export-led economic recovery and to increase the income of horse breeders, producers and participants in the wider supply chain. I understand that the strategy document was recently finalised and will be presented to me very shortly.
I am very conscious of the contribution of the sport horse sector to the economy. According to a report commissioned by Horse Sport Ireland, the sport horse industry contributes in excess of €708 million per annum to the Irish economy and provides 12,512 fulltime job equivalents. Almost 50,000 people participate in the sector. In this regard, I was delighted to be in a position to provide a significant increase in funding to Horse Sport Ireland in the recent budget. In addition, the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which my Department submitted last July to the European Commission for approval, contains a proposal to establish Knowledge Transfer Groups in the equine sector. It is proposed that these Knowledge Transfer Groups will focus on breeding management and husbandry.
Fishing Industry Development
Bernard Durkan
Question:244. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons that continue to be employed in the fishing industry. [49426/14]
The seafood sector provides employment for approximately 11,000 people around the coast of Ireland. This comprises in the region of 4,980 full and part time fishermen, 1,760 fish farmers, 2,860 in seafood processing and 1,400 in a range of ancillary activity. Food Harvest 2020 has recognised the potential of the seafood sector to increase employment by 3,000 to 14,000 by 2020 , while Bord Iascaigh Mhara’s Strategy for the period 2013-2017 is targeting the creation of 1,200 jobs by 2017. My Department is presently working on development of a Seafood Development Programme for the period 2014-2020, co-funded by the new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. The Programme will invest €241 million in the seafood industry up to 2020 and will seek to maximise the contribution of the seafood sector to the economy and to further increase employment in coastal communities.
Fishing Industry Development
Bernard Durkan
Question:245. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to protect the interests of the Irish fishing industry in the context of the EU Common Fisheries Policy; if he is satisfied regarding the future for sea fishing families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49427/14]
The reformed CFP which was finalised last year under the Irish presidency will result in real meaningful reform to how EU waters are fished in the future. The agreement is designed to ensure the long term sustainability of fishing in Ireland and throughout EU waters, utilising best scientific advice as a key determinant in setting annual fishing quotas in the future. It will provide the framework for the long term sustainability of fish stocks around our shores, the continued economic viability of our fishing fleet and fish processing while supporting the communities that depend on a vibrant fishing industry. New opportunities for the direct involvement of the fishing industry are also a central part of the new CFP Reform which, for the first time, introduces a regionalised approach to fisheries management. We have moved away from the old system of an EU decision making approach centralised in Brussels.
The policy provides for the development of measures appropriate for each region by the member States working with the stakeholders through the new Advisory Councils to devise and implement measures that work for the types of fisheries in the region and involving fishermen in the decision making process. This new approach puts fishermen at the core of developing conservation measures for fisheries in which they are involved and also makes specific references to taking account of the needs of Irish fishermen
From the outset of the Common Fisheries Policy revision process, Ireland’s overarching goal was to ensure a sustainable, profitable and self reliant industry that protects and enhances the social and economic fabric of rural coastal communities dependent on the seafood sector, while balancing these objectives with the need to safeguard fish stocks for future generations. This will ensure that families dependent on the fishing can look forward to being part of a vibrant, productive and resilient Irish fishing industry.
Food Harvest 2020 Strategy
Bernard Durkan
Question:246. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which this country remains on target in respect of Food Harvest 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49428/14]
The reply is as follows:
|
Baseline 2007/2009 €m |
Target 2020 €m |
Target % 2020 |
Latest 2013 €m |
Latest 2013 |
|
|
Primary |
|||||
|
Total (2013) |
4,596 |
6,275 |
+33% |
6,166 |
+34% |
|
Exports |
|||||
|
Total (2013) |
8,298 |
12,000 |
+40% |
10,204 |
+23% |
|
GVA |
|||||
|
Total (2012) |
6,053 |
8,568 |
+40% |
7,450 |
+23% |
Food Harvest 2020, published in 2010, set out a strategy for 'smart green growth’ mapping the future direction of the sector. I launched ‘Milestones for Success 2014’ in September which highlighted the headline growth and achievements under Food Harvest 2020. This detailed progress report sets out clearly what has been achieved over the past four years and provides facts, figures, analysis and examples to illustrate how the overall agri-food sector has moved to its current position as an important driver of economic recovery. Progress measured to date indicates that the Value of Primary Output has increased significantly and has effectively reached its target. Export performance has also been strong and at end 2013 was halfway towards achieving the 2020 target of €12 billion and has continued to perform strongly this year. Value Added has increased to €7.5 billion again halfway to its target increase of €2.5bn by 2020. Building on the success of Food Harvest 2020, I launched the 2025 Agri-Food Strategy process on 25 November. The Strategy will be developed by a Committee chaired by Mr John Moloney and consists of the leading figures from the agri-food sector. The background papers and questionnaire are available on the Department’s website at www.agriculture.gov.ie/2025strategy and the closing date for public consultation is Friday, 9 January. The 2025 Agri-Food Strategy will set out the key actions required to maximise the contribution of the sector to economic growth, job creation and environmental sustainability over the next decade. The final report of Committee of the 2025 Agri-Food Strategy will be presented to me in July next year.
Now is an opportune time to look to the future and consider what the agri-food industry can achieve over the next decade to 2025. We are entering a period of profound change and it is vital that the optimum strategy is identified to meet the challenges ahead and embrace this major opportunity for growth and expansion.
Food Industry Development
Bernard Durkan
Question:247. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which employment levels continue to remain stable in the agrifood and seafood sectors; the degree to which opportunities for expansion remain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49429/14]
The CSO’s recently published Quarterly National Household Survey (Quarter 3 2014) showed that employment in the agri-food sector overall, and in its component parts, has reached 168,600, up from 145,500 at end 2009. Based on the latest data, this sector represents circa 8.8% of national employment. As the Deputy is aware, the CSO figures are based on sample surveys and some stability in their figures has been evident in recent quarters following the introduction of new samples post-Census 2011. The positive CSO employment results above are borne out by annual surveys which Enterprise Ireland and BIM carry out on all their food industry clients. These provide an accurate assessment of company employment trends since 2009 and show that employment levels for EI food and beverage client companies rose from 38,784 at end 2009 to 42,212 in 2013, while employment for BIM seafood processing clients also rose by 450 in the same period.
Food Harvest 2020 identified particular potential for direct and indirect employment gains in the dairy, seafood and beverage sectors. Progress to date on these and other targets is set out in the ‘Milestones for Success 2014 ’ report, published in September.
I recently announced the establishment of a new committee, chaired by John Moloney, with responsibility for developing a strategy up to 2025. Background documents and a consultative questionnaire are available on my Department’s website, and I would urge any interested parties to make a submission before the consultation deadline of 9 January.
Fish Discards
Bernard Durkan
Question:248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the cessation of the dumping of surplus of fishing catches has progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49430/14]
The new CFP, which was negotiated to completion under the Irish presidency, will ensure real meaningful reform to how EU waters are fished in the future. The agreement is designed to ensure the long term sustainability of fishing in Ireland and throughout EU waters, utilising best scientific advice as a key determinant in setting annual fishing quotas in the future. A key element of the reformed CFP in achieving this goal will be the introduction of the landing obligation. This will see the landing obligation for pelagic stocks coming into force with effect from 1 January 2015.
Under the regional approach to decision making set out in the CFP, Ireland has worked with fellow Member States (UK, France, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands) on developing appropriate measures for fisheries in the North Western Waters. This group has worked closely with the North Western Waters Advisory Council and the Pelagic Advisory Council and has finalised a discards plan for pelagic stocks in North Western Waters in advance of the introduction of the landing obligation for these stocks on 1 January 2015.
Work on a plan for whitefish stocks has commenced to provide for the landing obligation which comes into force on 1 January 2016. This work is being carried out in consultation with the Advisory Council.
Defence Forces Recruitment
Dan Neville
Question:249. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Defence the reason a person (details supplied) in County Limerick did not pass to the next round to be considered for placement in the Naval Service and Army; if the person will be provided with the information regarding their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48840/14]
The position is that it is a matter for the Military Authorities to select candidates based on specific criteria and in accordance with Defence Force Regulations for positions in the Defence Forces. In relation to this particular case, the Military Authorities have advised that the individual referred to did not satisfy the requirements for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force.
I am unable to comment any further on this matter, as it is the policy of the Department of Defence to treat all applications for enlistment in the Defence Forces as strictly private and confidential.
Departmental Reports
Seán Fleming
Question:250. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has published its annual report for 2013. [48768/14]
As I previously informed the Deputy in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 535 on 15 July 2014, the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report 2013 was published on 4 July 2014. The Report was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on the same date. The Report is available for viewing on the Department of Defence website at www.defence.ie.
Defence Forces Deployment
Denis Naughten
Question:251. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of call-outs for the bomb disposal units in 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014 respectively; the corresponding number of call-outs to schools to deal with unstable chemicals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48920/14]
Primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP), assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Teams respond when a request is made by An Garda Síochána for assistance.
The number of EOD call-outs in 2012, 2013, to date in 2014 and the corresponding number of call-outs to schools to deal with unstable chemicals are as follows:
|
Year |
Total number of Call-outs |
Call-outs to schools |
|
2012 |
209 |
15 |
|
2013 |
250 |
55 |
|
2014 |
136 |
5 |
Defence Forces Personnel
Denis Naughten
Question:252. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence when the last intake of personnel to the bomb disposal unit commenced their training; the numbers involved; when they became fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48922/14]
Denis Naughten
Question:253. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the current number of vacancies within each of the bomb disposal units; when it is planned to commence further training for such positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48923/14]
Denis Naughten
Question:254. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the retirement numbers from the bomb disposal unit in each of the past five years and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48924/14]
Denis Naughten
Question:255. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel from the bomb disposal unit that are currently on overseas duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48925/14]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 to 255, inclusive, together.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal is the military term used to refer to what is commonly called ‘bomb disposal’. Explosive Ordnance Disposal is a task assigned to the Defence Forces by Government and is provided in Aid to the Civil Power. Within the Defence Forces the Explosive Ordnance Disposal function is assigned to the Ordnance Corps. I am informed by the military authorities that there are a limited number of vacancies within the Ordnance Corps at present due to the retirement of personnel. The Defence Forces does not disclose the number of vacancies as this information is operationally sensitive.
I am further informed by the military authorities that the Defence Forces currently have a number of personnel deployed overseas in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal role. The Defence Forces do not disclose the number of personnel deployed in specific roles, as this information is also operationally sensitive.
I am informed by the military authorities that it takes up to two years to train an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer.