Written Answers Nos. 1391-1407
1391. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine his views on a matter regarding phosphates in dairy farming (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37919/12]
View answerI am very aware of the difficulties this summer on farms as a result of the adverse weather conditions.
Farmers planning their fertiliser applications must take into account the concentrate fed in the previous year. Additional concentrates can therefore be used this year provided they are taken into account in next year’s plans for application of chemical fertiliser. Where a farmer is using ‘straights’ such as barley with a lower Phosphorus content than the more common compound ration, he/she can also take this into account when calculating fertiliser plans for the 2013 year.
The Nitrates Regulations allow farmers to assume Index 3 for phosphorus in the absence of a soil sample result. It is in farmers’ interests therefore to soil sample because if analysis results show a lower Index then the farmer is allowed to use more phosphorus.
1392. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the suckler cow welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37922/12]
View answerThe Suckler Welfare Scheme is a five year Scheme and was introduced to improve welfare standards for beef animals born between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012 and to assist in the establishment of a breeding database from which Suckler farmers could identify the best breeding stock for their particular requirements. The Scheme is fully funded by the Exchequer and a recent Value for money Audit has concluded that the Scheme had largely met its objectives. The continuation of this Scheme will be considered during the forthcoming budgetary process.
1393. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the number of letters issued to farmers, broken down on a county by county basis, in relation to stocking density under the new rules of the disadvantaged area scheme 2012; the number of replies received from each county seeking a derogation from the conditions of the scheme as provided in these letters; the amount of time it will take to reach a decision on the applications for a derogation; the total amount of savings it is projected will be made by these new rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37958/12]
View answerIn order to make the necessary savings under the budget for the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, a range of technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria were introduced, with the agreement of the EU Commission, to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows: To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community; To maintain the countryside; To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.
I did, however, give the commitment that all applicants, whose stocking density was below 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011, would be written to formally and given the opportunity to apply for a derogation and, in this regard, I can confirm that in excess of 10,000 have been written to and afforded the opportunity to seek derogation from the 0.3 livestock unit requirement. In the region of 9,000 responded and these applications are currently being processed. The following were the categories under which farmers could apply for derogation: Category 1: Farmers with a lower stocking density as a result of adherence to an agri-environment of similar type of plan; Category 2: Farmers, who are not subject to the restrictions from a stocking density point of view of plans referred to under Category 1 above, but whose stocking levels were restricted by the poor land productivity and farming constraints; Category 3: This Category is for farmers who took over a farm either immediately before or during 2011, where the previous owner died; Category 4: This category is for farmers whose livestock were affected by an epizootic disease. An epizootic disease is any disease that affects a large number of animals in one place at one time; Category 5: New Entrants; Category 6: Miscellaneous, This category is for farmers who consider their particular circumstance is not covered in the categories set out above, e.g. farmers who were occupationally incapacitated as a result of an illness and/or hospitalisation.
These derogation applications are currently being processed, each case being individually reviewed. Decision notifications, which have recently begun issuing, are being sent to each applicant. Those whose applications are successful are being advised that their 2012 DAS applications will be further processed for payment, subject to the other Terms and Conditions governing the 2012 Scheme.
Those whose applications are unsuccessful are being afforded the right of appeal. In this regard, I have decided that an independent Appeals Committee, chaired by an independent Chairman, should be established to process appeals in relation to applicants whose applications for derogations have been unsuccessful.
It is not possible at this stage to break down the derogation applications by county or to quantify the level of savings.
1394. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding a headage payment appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38017/12]
View answerIn order to make the necessary savings under the budget for the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, a range of technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria were introduced, with the agreement of the EU Commission, to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows: To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community; To maintain the countryside; To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.
I did, however, give the commitment that all applicants, whose stocking density was below 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011, would be written to formally and given the opportunity to apply for a derogation and, in this regard, I can confirm that in excess of 10,000 have been written to and afforded the opportunity to seek derogation from the 0.3 livestock unit requirement. In the region of 9,000 responded and these applications are currently being processed. The following were the categories under which farmers could apply for derogation: Category 1: Farmers with a lower stocking density as a result of adherence to an agri-environment of similar type of plan; Category 2: Farmers, who are not subject to the restrictions from a stocking density point of view of plans referred to under Category 1 above, but whose stocking levels were restricted by the poor land productivity and farming constraints; Category 3: This Category is for farmers who took over a farm either immediately before or during 2011, where the previous owner died; Category 4: This category is for farmers whose livestock were affected by an epizootic disease. An epizootic disease is any disease that affects a large number of animals in one place at one time; Category 5: New Entrants; Category 6: Miscellaneous, This category is for farmers who consider their particular circumstance is not covered in the categories set out above, e.g. farmers who were occupationally incapacitated as a result of an illness and/or hospitalisation.
These derogation applications are currently being processed, each case being individually reviewed. Decision notifications, which have recently begun issuing, are being sent to each applicant. Those whose applications are successful are being advised that their 2012 DAS applications will be further processed for payment, subject to the other Terms and Conditions governing the 2012 Scheme. Those whose applications are unsuccessful are being afforded the right of appeal.
In this regard, I have decided that an independent Appeals Committee, chaired by an independent Chairman, should be established to process appeals in relation to applicants whose applications for derogations have been unsuccessful.
1395. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine when payment of a road grant for forestry will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38085/12]
View answerPayment of the application by the person named under the Forest Roads Scheme will be made this week.
1396. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine when payment will issue on an agri environment option scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38106/12]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1st September 2011 and has received full payment totalling €866.45 in respect of 2011.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check of all applications, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. This process is well advanced in respect of the 2012 scheme year and I expect that payments will commence later in the year.
1397. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will give a geographical breakdown of the successful applicants for milk quota under the new entrants scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38109/12]
View answerIn February last, details were announced of the 2012 Scheme for the Allocation of Milk Quota to New Entrants to Dairying. The scheme had a closing date of 4th May 2012. Approximately 270 applications were received in my Department before this deadline.
These applications were subject to a preliminary examination to ensure compliance with the eligibility criteria as set out in the Detailed Rules of the scheme. A total of 249 applications were submitted to the Assessment Panel for examination.
The Scheme provides for three New Entrant categories, namely:
- Category A - Brand New Entrant to Dairying
- Category B - Purchaser of Quota as a New Entrant through the Milk Quota Trading Scheme
- Category C - Purchaser of Quota as a Successor through the Milk Quota Trading Scheme
The table below contains the geographical breakdown of the successful candidates of the 2012 scheme under the three categories. The number of eligible applications received for each county appears in brackets.
|
County |
Category A |
Category B |
Category C |
|
Cork |
18 (62) |
4 (4) |
- |
|
Tipperary |
11 (30) |
4 (5) |
- |
|
Waterford |
7 (20) |
3 (3) |
- |
|
Limerick |
5 (20) |
2 (2) |
3 (3) |
|
Kilkenny |
4 (17) |
1 (1) |
- |
|
Wexford |
3 (14) |
2 (2) |
1 (1) |
|
Laois |
3 (5) |
- |
- |
|
Offaly |
2 (2) |
- |
- |
|
Galway |
1 (5) |
1 (1) |
1 (1) |
|
Meath |
1 (4) |
1 (1) |
- |
|
Kildare |
1 (2) |
1 (1) |
- |
|
Wicklow |
1 (3) |
- |
- |
|
Carlow |
0 (2) |
- |
- |
|
Cavan |
0 (5) |
1 (1) |
- |
|
Clare |
0 (2) |
1 (1) |
1 (1) |
|
Donegal |
0 (1) |
- |
- |
|
Kerry |
0 (8) |
5 (5) |
- |
|
Longford |
0 (2) |
1 (1) |
- |
|
Louth |
0 (1) |
- |
- |
|
Monaghan |
0 (1) |
- |
- |
|
Westmeath |
0 (7) |
2 (2) |
- |
|
TOTALS |
57 (213) |
29 (30) |
6 (6) |
1398. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine his plans regarding new entrants to the commonage framework plan; if those new entrants will be allowed to purchase, rent or lease dormant shares currently being claimed for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38123/12]
View answerThe review of the Commonage Framework Plans, which was carried out by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with the assistance from my Department is completed. The review, which was conducted at individual commonage parcel level, indicates both the minimum and the maximum livestock units that will have to be maintained in order for the commonage to be maintained in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC). It is necessary that all commonage land be maintained in GAEC to be eligible for payment under the Single Payment Scheme, Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, REPS and Agri-Environment Options Scheme.
Arrangements are now underway to notify applicants under the above mentioned Schemes of the minimum and maximum stocking levels now allowed in respect of the commonage land they declare.
In relation to new entrants, the following provisions apply regarding the acquisition of commonage land. Where a share in commonage is registered on a folio as an undivided share, it can be purchased, rented or leased and submitted in a similar fashion to any non-commonage owned, rented or leased land. However, if the right to use commonage is a grazing right, the grazing right cannot be legally detached from the enclosed (green land) to which it is appurtenant. Any applicant wishing to submit commonage that is not registered, as an undivided share must also have control of the green land to which it is appurtenant and be in a position to declare such green land on their application form.
The stocking density requirements for each commonage parcel will be reviewed on an annual basis and provision will be made for new entrants, who are legally entitled to claim a share of the commonage. In addition, an existing shareholder, who may not have claimed his or her share of the commonage before or for some time will also be accommodated under the new requirements.
1399. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will ensure that the Animal Health and Welfare Bill does not put the productive agricultural sector and exports at any type of competitive disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38138/12]
View answer1401. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will ensure that the Animal Health and Welfare Bill will not impose any unnecessary or additional costs of bureaucracy on farmers at a time when they are struggling to survive the worst summer in living memory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38140/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1399 and 1401 together.
First and foremost the Animal Health & Welfare Bill consolidates existing legislation in the area of animal health and welfare and will minimise bureaucracy in the first instance by reducing the number of different pieces of legislation in the area.
The Bill is vital to underpin and enhance the competitiveness of Ireland as a food exporter. The proposed legislation will play a key role in protecting Ireland’s image as a country which not only respects the welfare of its animals but also accords critical importance to animal health and biosecurity issues. The risks of animal disease have grown significantly since the Diseases of Animals Act 1966 due to greater movement of animals, animal products and people.
There are no new charges foreseen in the Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012. The Bill provides that any extension of the levies, as currently provided for under the relevant 1979 Act, would have to come before both Houses of the Oireachtas by way of motion. Furthermore, the Bill only allows for charging of fees where there is a service rendered such as lab tests, inspection of a premises or processing an application for registration of premises or the like.
1400. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38139/12]
View answerIreland is officially free of Brucellosis since 2009 (our last case was in 2006) and my Department has scaled down the brucellosis testing programme since then, as follows:
- the age threshold for annual round testing has been increased from 12 to 24 months;
- only 20% of dairy herds and 50% of non-dairy herds are required to be tested this year for the round test.
- the validity period of the pre-movement test has been increased from 30 days to 60 days;
- the age-limit for the pre-movement test for female animals has been increased from 12 to 18 months and, in view of the lower risk attached to their movement, to 24 months for bulls.
All of the above changes have reduced the number of animals to be tested from 4.7m in 2008 to 1.8m this year, with significant benefits to farmers in terms of reduced testing costs, estimated at approximately €10m per annum. I will be consulting with the farming organisations in the next few months about a further scaling down of the Brucellosis testing programme in 2013, but I will continue to adopt a cautious approach in view of the fact that Brucellosis is still present in Northern Ireland.
1402. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will confirm that we will be assured of having a continuation of the Government supports that are available, that is, the €100 per suckler cow and the 15 disposal costs of all p i calves in the compulsory programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38141/12]
View answerI put in place some limited funding to support an industry led programme to eradicate Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) during this year’s voluntary phase in order to encourage farmer participation in the programme and to help demonstrate the economic benefits that accrue to farmers as a result of BVD eradication and is currently being reviewed.
1403. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38142/12]
View answer1407. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will clarify the situation regarding live exports to Libya in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38418/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1403 and 1407 together.
Following extensive consultation with the Libyan authorities by my Department with the support and assistance of the Irish Embassy in Rome, the Libyan market was recently opened for live male cattle under 24 months from Ireland. My Department will continue to work with the Libyan authorities with a view to further easing trading access.
1404. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine when the Bord Bia pig technical advisory committee will agree on a definition of free-range/outdoor production for the inclusion in the pig quality assurance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38205/12]
View answerThe Bord Bia Pig Quality Assurance Scheme (PQAS) is voluntary and application for membership certification is open to all producers (including outdoor production) who have a valid National Pig Identification and Tracing Scheme herd number and who wish to participate.
The conditions for membership certification are clearly set down by Bord Bia and these must be fully adhered to. An independent audit is carried out prior to certification and periodically thereafter.
While outdoor pig production is not currently carried out on a large scale in Ireland due largely to climatic conditions and animal welfare considerations, there are a small number of pig production units operating as free range. Having regard to this, the revised Bord Bia PQAS Standard sets out a number of additional requirements for free range pig producers who wish to be certified. The revised standard is currently the subject of ongoing discussions within the Pig Technical Advisory Committee.
The revised standard is expected to be agreed in the near future.
1405. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine when a decision on single farm payments will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38216/12]
View answerThe person concerned has appealed the Department’s decision in this case to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office. A hearing in the matter is currently being arranged and the person will be contacted in this regard as soon as possible.
1406. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding fishing rights in Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38316/12]
View answerIreland's shares of the fish resource in waters around our shores is determined by a system of relative stability, based on historical fishing patterns in the confines of set management areas which were determined at the outset of the Common Fisheries Policy. That system has continued since and was not changed in the CFP Reform’s of 1992 or 2002. There is no support in the Council of Ministers for a change in the traditional quota allocations in the current Reform either and the Commission has not proposed any changes.
Securing increased fish quotas for Ireland and enhanced fish landings into Ireland remains an objective , but must I believe be delivered within the structures in place. Ireland has been successful in recent years by working within the system, in securing a very significant two thirds share of the new and very large Boarfish Fishery. This fishery will permit Ireland to catch 56,666 tonnes of boarfish this year.
The other way of increasing Irish fish catches and landings into Ireland is by growing the stocks on which we are dependant and which are proximate to Ireland. By growing stocks we increase our permitted volumes of landings, even within a fixed sharing arrangement. The quota increases secured in this way in the Celtic Sea this year are clear evidence of the gains that can be secured through this approach.
There are many conservation vehicles in the context of the reform of the CFP which hold the potential to substantially increase catches by Irish fishermen in the short and medium term, these include long term management plans of stocks, reducing and eliminating discards where possible and rebuilding stocks to Maximum Sustainable Yield.
