Pat Deering
Question:6. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts he is making in terms of market access to third countries for Irish meat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18237/18]
Other Questions
Beef Exports
In view of the fact that Brexit is coming down the line at 100 mph and the ongoing difficulties and struggle in the beef sector, what efforts is the Minister making to access third country markets from the meat sector and how soon can they become available?
I am firmly committed to increasing market access and opportunities for all Irish agrifood exports, including Irish meat, around the world. Total agrifood exports amounted to €13.6 billion in 2017, according to the Central Statistics Office trade statistics, an increase of 74% since 2009.
In 2017, meat exports totalled almost €3.8 billion, including beef exports of €2.4 billion in 2017, a 6% increase on 2016; and pigmeat exports of €790 million in 2017, an 8% increase on 2016. Poultry exports were €275 million and sheepmeat exports reached €310 million last year.
My officials continue to work towards opening and enhancing access to as many markets as possible. This is a key part of our response to the challenges and uncertainty posed by Brexit and in line with the market development theme of the Food Wise 2025 strategy. A wide range of staff members across my Department are involved in market access work, which is co-ordinated by an internal high-level market access committee chaired by an assistant secretary. In April 2017, I announced a seven-point plan towards increasing market access and I am satisfied that good progress is being made on this plan. At my Department's request, Bord Bia has undertaken a major data-based market profiling exercise for potential third-country markets for Irish exports. The initial results were launched at the Food Wise conference last December and this will help inform the Department's market access work. A website portal with information on market access and certification conditions across meat and other products is currently being finalised and expected to be launched in the coming weeks. An intensified programme of trade missions to promote Irish food and drink on European Union and third-country markets is under way. Since last year, trade missions have taken place: to USA and Mexico in June 2017, Japan and South Korea in November 2017, USA and Canada in February 2018 and Turkey in March 2018. During my St. Patrick's Day visit to London, I undertook a series of important meetings with the UK retail sector. The next mission, to China and Hong Kong, will take place in mid-2018. Meat market access has been a major feature of these trade missions, including an application for pigmeat access in Mexico. In addition, an application for sheepmeat access to Japan is under way, as well as slow but steady progress regarding beef access in South Korea.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House
The recent opening of the Chinese market for Irish beef and the Saudi Arabian market for Irish sheepmeat are just some examples of the successes that have been achieved. In both cases some technical work remains to be completed before trade can commence. Working to open major markets for Irish beef and other meats is a process that can often take a number of years, as opposed to weeks or months, with the timeframe being determined by the importing country. It involves a wide range of detailed work taking place across a range of levels including political, diplomatic, technical and official levels.
We heard a lot of good news in the past number of weeks about the Chinese market opening up. It has taken quite a period to get to that stage. There have been a number of inspections etc. and there seems to be a time lag in that regard. Can the Minister give an indication of what processes are required to move along a bit faster? Can he indicate when the first beef will be exported to China, how much will be involved and what are the targets for this year, next year and subsequently? Also, which cuts are involved? Apart from the Chinese market, in what other markets does the Minister envisage there might be opportunities in the future?
The effort that goes in to opening any market - take the Chinese market as a case in point - is quite extensive. It involves a lot of political engagement, a lot of technical engagement in my Department and a lot of diplomatic effort. I acknowledge the enormous assistance that we were given in that context by the Chinese ambassador in Dublin. My Department has officials in the embassy in Beijing who are continuously engaged with the Chinese authorities in terms of the effort.
There is an extensive level of engagement with the authorities of any individual country in terms of the requirements of that market. We have to meet the requirements of every individual market we are working to access, whether for beef in Korea, beef in China or beef in America or any other product.
We are confident as an industry that our product meets the highest international standards and we are conscious that we export our reputation with every item of food that we send abroad. Nonetheless, we still must meet their requirements and their technical specifications and that is the reason for a lot of engagement with various agencies, such as AQSIQ and CNCA, which are the two agencies in China. There has been some change in respect of those agencies in recent times but it is an extensive ongoing engagement that fortunately has borne fruit now. Hopefully, the industry will follow shortly in terms of export details. There are some minor details on our side to be resolved but I expect product to move in the second half of this year.
The Minister stated he expected product to move in the latter part of this year. How much does he expect this year? Is there any indication in that regard? That is the Chinese market.
In what other markets does the Minister see possibilities in the future? Is the Japanese market a possibility?
What type of beef cuts would be a priority in these markets?
On the latter point, one of the points which the industry made to me in the context of the significance of the Chinese market was that they could see an opportunity specifically for what the industry would refer to as the fifth quarter. If one can get a better price there, there is an opportunity to raise the overall price for the carcass, which has to be good for the primary producer.
I am reluctant to put a volume on the amount of beef that could move to this market.
China has quickly become the second biggest market for Irish dairy exports and also for pork exports. Could it become the same for beef? Who knows. It is important now that the industry, with the assistance of An Bord Bia, works collectively with all of us to try to ensure we secure an important foothold there. The industry has been very active in anticipation of that. I hope the volume will increase. In respect of other markets, we have access already in Japan and we are looking to see if we can get the 30 month restriction lifted. We have ongoing engagement with Korea, including very recently. It is a significant market we are not in currently. We would like to get access. We are engaged continuously in efforts to increase market access, and it is informed now by Bord Bia's work in respect of prioritisation.
Ceist Uimh. 7 is in the name of Deputy Martin Heydon. However, I understand agreement has been reached that Deputy Bernard Durkan will take the question. Is that agreed? Agreed.
Farm Household Incomes
Martin Heydon
Question:7. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of farm incomes over the past year; the way in which these figures compare to previous years both nationally and in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18248/18]
This question relates to the level of farm incomes in County Kildare and throughout the country.
In March this year, the Central Statistics Office, CSO, released its preliminary estimate of output, input and income in agriculture for 2017, and this shows that aggregate farm income, or operating surplus, increased by 35.2% to €3.498 million in 2017. This followed an increase of 3.6% in 2016. The value of goods output for the sector increased by 13.6% to €8.016 million. Teagasc's national farm survey for 2016 showed that average family farm income was €23,848, which is made up of an average of €46,561 for full-time farmers and €11,086 for part-time farmers. It should also be noted that there are significant differences in family farm income depending on the system of farming and the size of the farm.
Teagasc's detailed national farm survey for 2017 will be published next month. Teagasc estimated last December that average farm income for 2017 could reach almost €32,000, which would represent an average increase of 30% over 2016. Aggregate and average farm income is not calculated at county level, so it is not possible to give details of farm income for County Kildare. The Food Wise 2025 strategy includes actions to support farmers in improving the competitiveness and profitability of their enterprises. This includes actions aimed at helping farmers to manage the impact of price volatility; improving productivity and adapting new technology; and incentivising land mobility and farm restructuring. These supports will make Irish farm enterprises more competitive and sustainable and maximise their contribution to regional and local rural economies.
There are a number of competitiveness recommendations and actions being progressed through the Food Wise 2025 high level implementation committee, HLIC. I chair the committee, which is made up of high level representatives from all the relevant Departments and State agencies. It reviews progress on the detailed actions on a quarterly basis. Stakeholders regularly present to the committee on priorities for particular sectors or themes and competitiveness will be a theme for the June meeting. I will also be publishing Steps to Success 2018, the third progress report of Food Wise 2025, in July and this will include a report on progress on the various competitiveness actions.
The Minister will have a further opportunity.
I thank the Minister for his reply. To what degree does the Minister expect to be able to promote and foster growth in farm incomes in the future having regard to new markets throughout the European Union and in third countries? Will he indicate the extent to which he feels farm incomes need to grow throughout the country to ensure the retention of the next generation on family farms?
Before the Minister answers, Deputy Eamon Scanlon wishes to make a comment.
There is no doubt that this has been the worst year for farm incomes right across the country because of what has happened due to the bad weather. Yesterday, we saw hailstones falling right across the country. The cold weather has slowed down grass growth and that is affecting incomes. Will the Minister consider extending the fodder scheme for another two weeks? In common with other Deputies, I have had quite a number of calls, particularly from the north west where the demand is still great for fodder. There is hay coming in and it is badly needed.
Does Deputy McConalogue want to make a quick comment?
I endorse Deputy Scanlon's request. Unfortunately, the Minister's response to the fodder crisis has been very poor at all times. Even in response to measures he was asked to take in a Private Members' motion in the Dáil last week, he has still not acted to introduce a hardship scheme or indeed meal vouchers for farmers who still have to feed cattle. I endorse Deputy Scanlon's request. Fodder is still being imported in certain parts of the country and is going to be needed for another week or two. Will the Minister confirm that he will extend the scheme to enable that?
In fairness, Deputy Jackie Cahill did ask that in Question No. 3. The Minister might try to address that and take into account the other comments, including Deputy Cahill's.
I acknowledged earlier that the recent adverse weather has caused difficulty on some individual farms. Our response has been measured and appropriate in the context of an ongoing developing situation. We will continue to observe and respond accordingly if it is considered that it is required to extend the fodder scheme. The Deputies will be aware that all the indicators of grass growth in the past week have been significantly ahead. That is ultimately the solution to the fodder crisis. However, as I said, it is something we keep under review.
I take Deputy Durkan's point concerning how we protect farm incomes. What is obvious is that 2017 farm incomes will be exceptionally high. However, taken in the round, what is also abundantly clear is that there is exceptional volatility in farm incomes. In the context of the question tabled by Deputy McConalogue on CAP, one of the things we need to look at is how we address volatility in the context of the policy instruments available to us through the CAP. The industry is doing a lot, particularly on the dairy side, on fixed price and fixed margin contracts etc. That is important. However, are there other things we can do? It is no use singing off the rooftops because 2017 dairy farm incomes were high when we all see now that the price of milk, allied with increased costs associated with the weather, is going to show this is a very challenged sector at the moment. It is likewise with livestock, although prices may be strong at the moment. We must address volatility and not take a particular snapshot at a moment in time that can be skewed one way or another.
We have gone way over time. The next question is in Deputy Durkan's own name.
Animal Welfare Expenditure
Bernard Durkan
Question:8. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports he has provided to the animal welfare sector over the past year in respect of all animals, bovine, ovine, sporting and non-sporting equine, swine and poultry; the extent to which traceability and identification continues to be of assistance with this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18306/18]
This question relates to the extent to which animal welfare supports are available throughout the country, the degree to which they are effective and continue to be effective, and the extent to which ongoing monitoring can take place.
My Department supports the animal welfare sector directly with a scheme of ex gratia payments. In December 2017, 111 animal welfare organisations received funding of €2.56 million which represents the largest annual amount allocated to date. This record allocation together with the fund raising efforts of the animal welfare charities will greatly assist their work in the course of 2018. While some recipients are focused on only one species others do not restrict their welfare mission. Therefore, it is not possible to set out a species by species break down of this support.
My Department provides funding for the development of education and training programmes for horse owners, including new structures to provide shelter for the urban horse population with the aim of reducing the number of straying animals and encouraging young people in the care and welfare of horses. Funding of over €172,000 was allocated last year and this funding continues to be available into 2018. More recently my Department has awarded a tender to operate an education programme with a focus on welfare for sulky drivers and trotter horse owners. This will take place in a number of locations around the country.
My Department also underpins animal welfare by ensuring and operating a robust legislative base for animal welfare. I refer in particular to the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. The penalties under the Act are as high as can be permitted under our legal system. Upon summary conviction a person is liable to a fine of up to €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both, or for conviction on indictment of a fine not exceeding €250,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five years, or to both.
Enforcement has been enhanced by a provision in the Act that allows some investigative powers to be granted to persons outside my Department, including the Irish Society for the Prevention to Cruelty to Animals, ISPCA, and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, DSPCA. This arrangement is working well and has led to a significant number of successful prosecutions.
Other measures undertaken by my Department to support animal welfare include the continued operations of the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council, a multi-stakeholder group that meets on a regional basis and includes representatives of farmers, An Garda Síochána, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, veterinarians and welfare groups. This has been very successful in its regional forum in acting as an early warning system. Where natural and weather events have led to problems in certain locations my Department has acted quickly and effectively to bring emergency supplies to particular premises where feed has been an issue.
I should add that my Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty and neglect for investigation: call save 0761 064408 or 01 6072379. All calls received are followed up as appropriate.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House
Traceability and identification are important aspects of animal ownership that underpin the welfare of animals. Good progress has been made in recent years in dog microchipping. Adherence to the equine identification rules is evidenced by the significant number of passports that continue to be issued by the passport issuing organisations.
I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. To what extent has it been possible to identify breaches in animal welfare and how were they detected in the course of the past 12 months? What animals were most often found to be at risk of breaches in animal welfare, including equines, both horses and donkeys, and to what extent has it been possible to intervene positively at that stage?
My Department brings prosecutions under the 2013 legislation and also through arrangements with approved organisations such as those mentioned in the reply, the DSPCA and the ISPCA, which are authorised officers of my Department in certain circumstances where welfare issues arise. To date, 47 cases have been prosecuted, and 27 are currently ongoing. I consider that resorting to the courts is in many cases a reflection of failure. What is unseen and happens regularly with these authorised officers and Department officials is they engage directly with cases where there is alleged abuse and try to work with owners to ensure these issues are addressed rather than having to resort to the courts. However, there are incidents where it is required, in the public interest and in the interests of animal welfare, to proceed with prosecutions. I am pleased to say that the courts have taken a very appropriate response in terms of the cases presented and there have been successful contributions which should act as a deterrent in other cases.
I thank the Minister for his reply. Would it be possible to identify well in advance areas of potential abuse with a view to ensuring, for instance, that equines do not wander out onto public roads and thoroughfares as a result of which they may travel quite a long distance, as happened in one particular case in the very recent past?
On the issue of the legislative framework dealing with equines, where there are cases of abuse and cruelty, the 2013 legislation is available and we take action under that. Where horses stray onto public grounds and are abandoned or maltreated, it is, in the first instance, the function of the local authority, under the Control of Horses Act, to move in those circumstances. I appreciate there have been a number of high profile incidents, which have been the subject of particular comment on social media, and which has been used as a reference point to point to the fact that nothing is being done, but that is not the case. I would like to see more activity from local authorities where the issue of horses, which have been either abandoned or abused, straying onto public grounds arises. Local authorities have powers under that legislation to act. My Department takes all appropriate action under the 2013 legislation where abuse issues occur in private ownership.
I thank the Minister for that response.
Compensation Schemes
James Browne
Question:9. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide compensation for those who lost fishing equipment due to storm damage over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17579/18]
What are the Minister's plan to provide compensation for those who lost fishing equipment due to storm damage during the past year?
My Department's European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, EMFF, operational programme is the vehicle for financial supports to the seafood sector up to 2021. The programme delivers a wide range of supports for aquaculture, fisheries and seafood processing through a suite of 17 schemes. I have made in excess of €50 million available to the seafood sector in 2018 through a range of EMFF schemes. In doing so, I secured a very significant commitment from the Exchequer to this programme. This means that anything I can do to assist the seafood sector must be through the EMFF programme.
The EMFF Regulation 508/2014 provides for a special compensation scheme for fishermen experiencing significant economic losses arising from severe storms, etc. Article 35 foresees the establishment by fishermen of a Mutual Fund for Adverse Climatic Events and Environmental Incidents. This fund would act as a form of mutual insurance for otherwise uninsurable losses by paying compensation to affiliated fishermen for losses that exceed 30% of the fisherman's annual turnover arising from severe storms and other adverse climatic events, for losses arising from environmental incidents and for the costs of rescue at sea for fishermen or fishing vessels.
The fund must be established and managed by fishermen and be funded through the subscriptions of affiliated fishermen. The compensation would only be available to fishermen affiliated to the fund. Support to the fund from the EMFF programme would be in the form of a contribution to the costs of compensation paid out by the fund. Depending on the type of vessels or fishermen experiencing losses, EMFF assistance may be as high as 80%.
To date, no fishing representatives have proposed to me that they wish to take on responsibility for the establishment of a mutual fund. I cannot lawfully establish the fund on behalf of the sector. When appropriate representatives of the sector are in a position to establish the fund, my Department and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM, stand ready to assist and advise fishermen and their representatives in any way possible. However, the EMFF does not permit a financial contribution towards the costs of establishment or management of the fund. In order for such a fund to be viable, it is likely to be necessary for the fishing sector to strongly support the initiative through widespread affiliation.
During the past season and as a result of Storm Ophelia last autumn fishermen have suffered severe losses to their equipment, in particular, their pots, ropes and coils. That has caused a set back with respect to their working hours, profits and to the sustainability of many of those fishermen and their families. The programme for Government commits to the developing the blue economy as a priority. As a result of the long winter and the damage caused by Storm Ophelia, there has been a setback in the development of the blue economy. Small boats suffered especially and my county of Wexford was very badly hit. It would have taken many small boats 14 days of consistently getting out to get those pots back in time ahead of that storm without overloading those boats. That is assuming the weather held well, but at that time fishermen were only getting out three or perhaps four days a week. They would have needed almost a month's notice to get out and bring their pots back in. In those circumstances is there anything specific the Minister can do for those fishermen who lost their lobster pots and the crab fishermen and shrimp fishermen who suffered losses to their equipment and a serious financial set-back?
Before the Minister replies, I note Deputy Murphy O'Mahony wishes to make a brief comment.
I thank the Acting Chairman. I also thank my colleague, Deputy Browne, for giving me a minute of his time. I, too, want to highlight the devastating effect Storm Ophelia had on our fishermen. There has been much talk of its effect on other sectors, and rightly so, but fishermen were very badly affected, especially with regard to lobster and crab pots. It is important to point out that, as a result of this, there will be a shortage at Christmas of shellfish for restaurants, etc. Perhaps that is something we should keep in mind and plan for. I would also like to know the Minister's plans for compensating the fishermen of west Cork, all the way from Courtmacsharry to Castletownbere, who have been very badly affected due to the loss of pots.
I thank the Deputies for their questions. The Government is committed to the blue economy. It is interesting to note that the growth in the blue economy is faster than the growth in the mainstream economy. I had the privilege yesterday to attend a global seafood fare in Brussels and met representatives of the fishing industry, 23 different companies from all around the coast stretching from Malin Head to Mizen Head and all points in between. They are capitalising on that growth. I appreciate the sector the Deputies mentioned is critical with respect to the raw material it is bringing to the market. We stand ready and waiting, but this is an issue that the sector needs to activate. There is a provision under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, EMFF, to establish a mutual fund. We have recently very successfully established the Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums and the national umbrella body, the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, as well as the long established producer organisations, POs, such as the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation and the Irish South & West Fish Producers Organisation, with which the Members will be familiar.
They need to come together to establish the mutual fund. We will then be in a position to respond to losses. I acknowledge that there have been losses to the sector, but this is the vehicle that needs to be activated.
I assume that, when established, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, EMFF, will not be retrospective. My specific point was on the fishermen who suffered badly in the past season and are still suffering because of losses. They are experiencing cashflow difficulties in their attempts to keep themselves going. Theirs is a high-risk job. They are out there collecting the raw material for our blue economy. While I am glad that that economy is growing, fishermen, their families and their communities across the country, in particular along the southern and south-eastern coasts, have suffered badly. Is any retrospective help available for small operators whose equipment has suffered significant damage?
One of the most positive and important developments in recent times has been the establishment of a forum for the inshore sector. While it is still in its infancy, the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, NIFF, is co-ordinating on needs and is being well used by fishermen. We will shortly be putting out to public consultation a number of policy matters that are relevant to the livelihoods of those involved in the NIFF.
However, the solution to the issue in question rests with the EMFF. This is the first time that we have had a substantial European fund backed by Exchequer funding. Provision has been made, but I urge those affected to become active in their regional forums before triggering it. The EMFF may not currently deliver on historical losses, but let us put it in place and ensure that the sector is protected in future. I appreciate that the kinds of loss the Deputy has mentioned, while not significant in an overall financial context, are significant for the smaller players. The EMFF is the vehicle, though. Unfortunately, it has not been activated yet, but we now have the forum and the funds within the EMFF to deal with the situation. I encourage those fishermen to get active in their regional forums, which are the vehicles through which redress will occur in future.
With everyone's co-operation, we might be able to take three more questions before 12 noon. I ask Deputies to stick to their times.
Greyhound Industry
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:10. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of his deliberations on the Welfare of Greyhounds (Amendment) Bill 2017; the way in which he will improve the welfare of greyhounds being exported in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16267/18]
The Minister and Minister of State are hoping to introduce the greyhound industry (amendment) Bill shortly. It has undergone pre-legislative scrutiny and so forth, but there are rumours within the animal welfare community, including among the ISPCA, Dogs Trust and other organisations, that there will not be a white list of countries with low welfare standards to which the export of greyhounds will be forbidden.
As the Minister and Minister of State know, I introduced the small Welfare of Greyhounds (Amendment) Bill this time last year. It would have set out a white list of banned countries that did not have our standards.
I thank the Deputy for his co-operation.
The welfare of greyhounds is regulated by the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 and the Animal Health and Welfare Act of 2013. The latter applies to all animals, whether kept for commercial, domestic, sport, show or other purposes, and contains robust measures against their ill-treatment. It provides that a person having an animal in his or her possession or control must safeguard and not threaten the health and welfare of that animal. The Act also provides for increased levels of penalties.
The position regarding the export of dogs, including greyhounds, is as follows. The majority of dogs that are moved from Ireland go to the UK and trade within the EU of dogs, including greyhounds, is governed by EU law. Dogs moved to another EU country from Ireland must be accompanied by an EU pet passport, be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination. The premises exporting dogs must be registered with my Department in advance of the export. Before travel, dogs must undergo a clinical examination by an authorised veterinarian, who must verify that the animals show no obvious signs of disease and are fit to be transported. Dogs must also have a health certificate issued by a Department veterinarian. These procedures, including vaccination, ensure that only healthy dogs over the age of 15 weeks are allowed to be exported. Exporters must comply with EU law on the protection of animals during transport, while the transport of animals by air is governed by the International Air Transport Association, IATA. In this context, I am aware that a number of airlines do not transport commercial consignments of greyhounds.
Bord na gCon, which is responsible for the governance, regulation and development of the greyhound industry, has stated that it does not support the export of greyhounds to destinations that do not conform with the standards in the Animal Health and Welfare Act, the Welfare of Greyhounds Act or its own code of practice and standards. This is a view that I fully endorse.
My Department has a close working relationship with animal welfare charities on all aspects of animal welfare. Officials of the Department have met the welfare members of the International Greyhound Forum, which includes the Dogs Trust, the ISPCA and Bord na gCon, to consider issues surrounding the export of greyhounds.
I am aware that Deputy Broughan introduced a Private Members' Bill to amend the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 last year.
(Interruptions).
I am sorry, but I will stop the Minister of State for a moment. I must ask Members who are using their phones in the confines of the Chamber to please stop doing so. I have held my patience on several days. It is disruptive to the Deputies and Ministers who are trying to put and answer questions.
The Deputy is still talking.
He is on the phone. He cannot hear the Acting Chairman.
I just hope that it is noted and we do not-----
He cannot hear you.
Someone might tell him. The Minister of State may continue.
My focus is on the greyhound industry Bill that I am introducing to ensure that the principles of good governance and regulation are clearly and unambiguously laid down in primary legislation. In broad terms, the Bill seeks to address deficiencies in the existing legislation and the governance of Bord na gCon. It will strengthen regulatory controls in the industry, modernise sanctions and improve integrity with a view to building a reputation for exceptional regulation in the sector. It is hoped that a memorandum will go to the Government in the coming weeks, which will request approval to publish the updated general scheme and submit it to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for drafting.
I thank the Minister of State, but he still has not told me whether he will agree to including a white list in the legislation, which is what the welfare agencies want. He and his predecessors have told me that dogs have been exported to Argentina, Pakistan and China. I am always given the mantra that 80% of racing dogs in the UK are Irish, but they end up going from there to other countries. The problem is that countries with low standards of animal welfare are becoming homes for what are almost our national symbol, namely, our wonderful greyhounds. Last month, I asked the Minister of State about how one of our famous dogs, Droopys Patrice, had ended up in China. He told me that no greyhounds were exported directly to China, but that dog was found there.
Primary legislation needs to be strong on this matter. If the Minister of State wants, he can insert my Bill straight into his draft Bill or simply adopt mine as a Government Bill and bring it through the Houses. Either way, we need a white list so that we can ensure our dogs do not end up in places like the Canidrome in Macau.
The Bill has undergone pre-legislative scrutiny by the committee and I am anxious to introduce it on the floor, where all these matters can be considered. We could have a white list. Ultimately, however, it is not within the competence of this State's legislation to control dogs travelling onwards subsequent to being exported to EU countries.
The Government needs to work closely with the EU on this matter.
We do.
The Greyhound Rescue Association told us that, between 2010 and 2015, almost 3,000 of our greyhounds were surrendered to dog pounds, of which 2,500 were destroyed and 400 were, thankfully, homed or collected by welfare organisations. These are bad figures. In 2016, 284 greyhounds entered pounds, of which half were euthanised. The Government needs to address what is a major welfare issue.
Dogs Trust, which helped me to draft the Bill on a white list, recently launched the #Greywatch campaign asking members of the public to consider adopting greyhounds and lurchers, which are wonderful, sentient animals.
The focus must be on countries that do not share our standards.
I would like the Department to consider that urgently and include it in the Bill.
Governance, integrity and animal welfare are all part and parcel of the draft legislation. I will make the point repeatedly to the stakeholders that they will have to measure up in that regard. Hopefully when the legislation comes before the House we will be able discuss these matters more comprehensively. The pre-legislative scrutiny process worked very effectively, as far as I can tell-----
When can we expect the legislation to be published?
If I had my way, it would be published tomorrow but I am hoping it will be published soon.
Question No. 11 replied to with Written Answers.
Harness Racing Industry
Gino Kenny
Question:12. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to oversee the regulation of sulky racing in view of its significance in Traveller and working class culture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10101/18]
I ask the Minister to make a statement on the sulky racing and horse ownership traditions in Traveller and working class communities.
The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides a robust and wide ranging protection for all animals. This includes horses and ponies used in road racing. Horse owners or keepers who allow harm to come to the animals in their care will have committed an offence under this Act. The relevant road traffic legislation is also applicable to all road users.
The issue of regulating sulky racing has been examined by my Department and the issues are complex and not always clear cut, particularly as a variety of horse drawn vehicles are legitimately and safely used on Irish roads. The approach being taken by my Department is to raise awareness of the importance of good horse welfare among sulky participants and the owners and keepers of trotting horses.
My Department has recently awarded a tender to operate an education programme that has been designed specifically for sulky drivers and trotter horse owners in a number of locations around the country. This course will encourage participants to move away from road racing practices and move to racing on tracks and to engage with the regulated sport of harness racing on tracks, as operated by the Irish Harness Racing Association. The course provider has a clear understanding of the cultural sensitivities surrounding participation in road racing. Meeting these goals will be underpinned by the relevant experience of both the course provider and the team of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses that will deliver the course. The course will be offered to persons involved in trotting and sulky racing on the road. The first course will commence in the Dublin region in the coming weeks.
I thank the Minister for his response. Horse ownership, whether in the rural or urban environment, is a very positive thing. The Minister visited the Clondalkin Equine Club last year and saw for himself the positivity connected with owning horses in an urban environment. The majority of horse owners are responsible but there have been some examples of reckless behaviour by individuals who have taken part in sulky racing on main roads. Such behaviour is reckless but the answer is not to ban sulky racing. Some commentators have suggested that sulky racing be banned but that will not work. It will simply drive the practice underground.
I welcome the fact that a study of sulky racing is being undertaken. A few friends of mine attended an event at a sulky track in Portmarnock recently. That track, which is not widely known about, is very good and very positive for those who use it.
As I said when I visited Clondalkin at the opening of the facility out there, the horse is a part of our DNA as evidenced by the great Punchestown festival taking place this week. The urban horse is as much a part of the story of the Irish horse and cannot be forgotten or written out. That said, there is an issue around welfare that is disproportionately evident in that area. While we have effective legislation in the form of the 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act, there are complex issues here around the control of horses, for which local authorities have primary responsibility, as well as road traffic issues. The unregulated nature of sulky racing on public roads poses dangers for horses, their owners and the public at large. This is a complex area but the aforementioned education initiative is to be welcomed. We need both the carrot and the stick in this area. We have the legislative toolbox necessary but we need to ensure all actors involved in the implementation of that legislation live up to their respective responsibilities.
I welcomed what the Minister said in February 2017 about the fact that the urban horse is an integral part of the lives of working people. Sometimes urban horse ownership has very negative connotations but it is actually a very positive thing, particularly for young people in working class communities. Travellers also have been unfairly criticised in the context of horse ownership.
Once a year in Crossmaglen a regulated sulky racing event takes place. It is regulated by the police and the local authority in the North. Perhaps something similar could be organised in the South at some point in the future. We should regulate sulky racing rather than banning it and forcing it underground. Regulation will improve safety for the horses and their owners.
I welcome the Deputy's remarks. We endeavour to work with the national umbrella body for harness racing as well and while I take the point the Deputy makes about Crossmaglen, there are organised and regulated sulky events held in the Republic of Ireland also. It should not be forgotten that people have opportunities to be part of structured and organised events rather than the unregulated events which bring sulky racing into disrepute and compromise animal welfare. Horse ownership, which we all celebrate, comes with a responsibility for welfare. That is at the heart of the question and at the heart of public concern. It is also why we have the aforementioned education initiative. Individual horse ownership comes with responsibilities.
Agriculture Scheme Appeals
Eamon Scanlon
Question:13. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if additional staff will be allocated to supplement existing staffing numbers in the context of the workload in the Agriculture Appeals Office and in view of the fact that in 2016 and 2017 there was an increase in the volume of requests for reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16269/18]
I wish to ask the Minister whether additional staff will be allocated to the Agricultural Appeals Office given the workload of that office and the fact that in 2016 and 2017 there was an increase in the volume of requests for reviews.
The Agriculture Appeals Office is an independent office established in 2002 to provide an appeals service to farmers who are dissatisfied with decisions concerning designated schemes operated by my Department. The Agriculture Appeals Act 2001, along with the agriculture appeals regulations 2002, as amended, set down the functions of the director and the appeals officers, the decisions that may be appealed and the procedures to be followed in respect of appeals.
A total of 638 appeals were received in 2017 compared with 598 in 2016, an increase of 6.7%. In 2018, the number of agriculture appeals received at the end of quarter one was 106. This is lower than the number received in quarter one of 2017 and quarter one of 2016. The current appeals legislation provides for reviews of the decisions of appeals officers. In 2015 a total of 21 requests for reviews of appeals officer decisions were received by the office. In 2016, 45 such requests were submitted and in 2017 a further 41 requests for reviews were submitted. Requests for reviews are generally dealt with in order of receipt. A total of 18 reviews of appeals officer decisions were completed in 2017.
The Agriculture Appeals Office was restructured in 2017 and two additional staff were assigned to the office. The administrative function of the office has been split in two and a new full-time support unit has been established to deal with the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board, ALAB, and a full-time higher executive officer was assigned to manage agriculture appeals. The legislation states that only the director may revise the decision of an appeals officer if it is determined that there is an error in fact or in law. The Act provides that a deputy director may be appointed to cover the director in his or her absence. My Department is exploring options to appoint a deputy director of appeals.
The report of the review of the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001 and the operation of the Agriculture Appeals Office was received by my Department in December 2017 and was published in February 2018 for stakeholder consultation. The recommendations contained in the report of the review committee are currently under consideration by my Department, particularly with regard to legislative changes that may be required to give effect to them. My Department avails of the workforce planning process to continually assess its business needs and I am confident the workforce planning process will ensure that sufficient resources continue to be available to the Agriculture Appeals Office, even with changing demands.
I thank the Minister for his response. The programme for Government contains a commitment to review the agriculture appeals procedures and to make them more transparent, which would be very welcome.
The review which was published is a very good assessment of where we are at. Additional staff have been appointed to the office. I would encourage farmers who feel aggrieved by decisions to bring those decisions to the attention of the Agriculture Appeals Office. The office is there to serve farmers.
I think that is acknowledged in the report which was carried out independently of my Department. Indeed the Agricultural Appeals Office itself is independent of the Department. It works very similarly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, to which a file is moved lock, stock and barrel. It happens similarly in my Department. We keep the number of staff required there under constant review to see if it is fit for purpose. I am satisfied that it works pretty well but no organisation is beyond review, and certainly that review, whereas it has acknowledged the good work that body does and has raised some questions which are under consideration currently.
Written Answers are published on the Oireachtas Website.