Written Answers Nos. 345-354
345. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure his Department will provide the most up to date advice and guidance regarding an advance of the next breeding season schmallenberg disease in order to keep losses to a minimum as both sheep and cattle farmers mainly in the south of the country suffered considerable losses this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21439/13]
View answerMy Department is continuing to monitor developments in relation to this recently discovered virus which is spread by midges.
It is expected, that as the vector active season progresses over the summer there will be significant spread of the virus and infection. The effects of the spread of the virus will depend on the stage of pregnancy when adult animals are infected. Further spread to unaffected herds/flocks in northern and western counties is very likely to occur during the 2013 vector season but should have relatively little impact in non-pregnant livestock.
It is generally impractical to attempt midge control measures except for valuable breeding stock and it would be hoped that a strategy of exposure of non-pregnant animals may in fact be beneficial pending the development of an effective vaccine. Exposed animals develop a strong immunity and are unlikely to suffer any ill-effects if exposed to the virus on a subsequent occasion. If this viral infection becomes endemic the ill-effects are likely to be confined to pregnant sheep that have not been previously exposed as there is no evidence of clinical disease in adult sheep. Based on Australian experience in vaccinating against a similar virus/disease (Akabane virus infection) it is anticipated that vaccination is likely to be an effective tool in control of the SBV infection. A commercial vaccine is in development and my Department is monitoring developments closely.
346. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will extend the closing date of the fodder transport subsidy scheme from 3 May 2013 at least to mid May; if he will extend the existing distribution network to livestock marts and private merchants to expedite the alleviation of the fodder crisis across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21440/13]
View answer350. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will extend the closing date of the fodder transport subsidy scheme from 3 May to at least mid May; if he will extend the existing distribution network to lifestock marts and private merchants to expedite the alleviation of the fodder crises here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21525/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 346 and 350 together.
In light of the continuing fodder problem, I announced last week that the duration of the Imported Fodder Transport Scheme has been extended until Friday 10th May. I am satisfied that the volume of imported fodder is making a real difference on farms and assisting farmers through the current shortage. The extension of the scheme for a further week will build on this and ensure that further supplies are imported with the benefit of the transport subsidy.
Apart from this initiative on the fodder transport scheme, I have addressed the issue of credit facilities with the banks and the co-ops. The banks have been requested to take a flexible approach towards extending credit to farmer customers at this difficult time. The co-ops responded already with the introduction of interest free credit to farmers for the purchase of fertiliser in the month of May, which will be a key component in addressing this year’s fodder problem. I am keeping the matter under constant review.
347. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that the forthcoming single farm payment advance disadvantaged areas, agri-environment option scheme, REP scheme payments are made at an early date in view of the current fodder and cash flow crisis by the farming community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21441/13]
View answerI am acutely aware of the financial and other difficulties being experienced by some farmers as a result of recent unseasonable weather, with difficult conditions experienced on farms last summer having been compounded by an extended winter.
In light of the difficulties experienced by farmers in sourcing fodder supplies, I announced, on 24th April, the allocation of €1 million to fund the Imported Fodder Transport Scheme, which is designed to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage (hay, silage, haylage) from outside the island of Ireland. In light of the continuing difficulties being experienced last week, I extended the duration of the scheme until 10th May. I also confirmed that maize silage is eligible under the scheme. I am pleased to note that since the introduction of this Scheme that significant quantities of fodder have been imported and are reaching those in most need.
In terms of EU payments, it will be recalled that my successful approach to Commissioner Ciolos for agreement to making an advance payment of the 2012 Single Farm Payment was prompted by the very wet weather experienced throughout last summer. Mindful of ongoing difficulties, I have decided that a formal request should again be made to the EU Commission seeking agreement to pay an advance from 16 October of the 2013 Single Farm Payment which, it being the first day of the new EU financial year, is the earliest potential payment date and almost 2 months ahead of the standard timeline. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme are scheduled to begin issuing in September 2013.
Under the EU Regulations governing all 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 agri-environment payment can issue.
2013 advance payments under REPS and AEOS cannot be made until SPS applications are submitted and validated and a cross check between the area contained in the agri-environment application and the SPS application is successfully completed. Successive EU audits have made it absolutely clear that compliance with both these requirements and EU Regulations must be strictly adhered to and eligibility conditions met before any payment issues.
While my Department commits to commencing agri-environment payments as early as possible, due to the requirement to complete these administrative checks, I expect that the 2013 agri-environment scheme payments of REPS and AEOS will commence in the final quarter of 2013.
Approximately 1,500 payments AEOS payments have issued over the last 10 days, while close to a further 600 AEOS payments valued at just over €1.3m is expected to issue within the next week.
348. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on the appeal for a disadvantaged area scheme payment by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21443/13]
View answerThe person named is one of a number of applicants under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, whose cases were impacted by the requirement of a minimum stocking density of 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011 and who applied for and were refused derogation in this regard.
The person named subsequently availed of the option to appeal to the independently chaired DAS Appeals Committee. However, I understand that the Appeals Committee has been in direct contact with the person named and that the additional information sought has recently been supplied to the Committee. The person named will be notified of the outcome, in writing, once the process is completed.
349. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position in relation to the proposed sale of Coillte's harvesting rights (details supplied); his views on the impact this may have for this country and particularly for County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21447/13]
View answerFurther to the Government decision that a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests be considered for sale, NewERA, Coillte, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department have worked to examine the financial and other implications of developing the potential of Coillte’s forest assets. Substantial work has been undertaken on the identification of the forestry assets involved, the determination of their value and the consideration of a number of issues associated with the proposed sale of the harvesting rights. These include, inter alia , the possible impact on the timber industry and public access to recreational land.
I am aware of the significance of the timber processing sector both economically, in terms of exports and employment, and socially, in terms of the location of those jobs which are predominantly in rural areas. I am also aware that Coillte currently manages 10 Forest Parks and over 150 recreation sites throughout Ireland and that their forests provide a range of recreational opportunities for the general public continuing a long tradition of open access to state owned forests. In view of the importance of such recreational opportunities for citizens for ongoing recreation and for tourism, any sale will take account of public access to recreational land. As stated by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in his contribution to the Dáil debate on this issue on 26th February last, it is the Government’s intention that appropriate provisions would be included in any sale of Coillte harvesting rights to allow for the maintenance of the company’s current open forest policy. While the consideration process is at an advanced stage, no decision has been taken, as yet. The outcome of the overall analysis will be considered by the Government upon its completion.
351. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will discuss with all suppliers of feed stuff for animals in order to request them to reduce their prices to try to alleviate the pressure on struggling farmers who cannot afford to feed their livestock at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21533/13]
View answerIn light of the continuing fodder problem, I announced last week that the duration of the Imported Fodder Transport Scheme has been extended until Friday 10th May.
I am satisfied that the volume of imported fodder is making a real difference on farms and assisting farmers through the current shortage. The extension of the scheme for a further week will build on this and ensure that further supplies are imported with the benefit of the transport subsidy.
Apart from this initiative on the fodder transport scheme, I have addressed the issue of credit facilities with the banks and the co-ops. The banks have been requested to take a flexible approach towards extending credit to farmer customers at this difficult time. The co-ops responded already with the introduction of interest free credit to farmers for the purchase of fertiliser in the month of May, which will be a key component in addressing this year’s fodder problem.
352. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, in view of the farming crisis and the next round of grants to be made available to farmers, the provision of a grant for the purpose of building a hay shed will be made a priority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21538/13]
View answerThe current programme of on-farm investment schemes operated by my Department closes for applications at the end of this year and provides grant-aid for investments in relation to a number of specific areas such as dairy equipment, sheep fencing/handling and rainwater harvesting. No decision has yet been made in relation to the targeted areas which will be the focus of such grant-aid under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme.
353. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding Coillte harvesting rights (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21545/13]
View answerFurther to the Government’s decision that a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests be considered for sale, NewERA, Coillte, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department have worked to examine the financial and other implications of developing the potential of Coillte’s forest assets. Substantial work has been undertaken on the identification of the forestry assets involved, the determination of their value and the consideration of a number of issues associated with the proposed sale of the harvesting rights. These include, inter alia , the possible impact on the timber industry and public access to recreational land.
In relation to possible impact on the timber industry, the Coillte State Assets Steering Group, comprising of representatives from NewERA, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department, met with the Chairman and other representatives of the Irish Timber Council, on 13th March 2013 at which the industry expressed their concerns regarding the proposed sale of Coillte harvesting rights. I am aware that the Council’s main concerns are the continuity of supply of timber to the sawmill sector, the potential prices of timber and the overall implications for their businesses and jobs. The Steering Group is also considering the report, by EPS Consulting for the Irish Timber Council, on “The impacts on the sawmill sector arising from the proposed sale of Coillte’s harvesting rights – February 2013 ”.
Coillte currently manages 10 Forest Parks and over 150 recreation sites throughout Ireland and their forests provide a range of recreational opportunities for the general public continuing a long tradition of open access to state owned forests. As the Government and I are aware of the concerns expressed about the implications for access to such recreational opportunities, any sale will take account of public access to recreational land. As stated by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in his contribution to the Dáil debate on this issue on 26th February last, it is the Government’s intention that appropriate provisions would be included in any sale of Coillte harvesting rights to allow for the maintenance of the company’s current open forest policy. While the consideration process is at an advanced stage, no decision has been taken, as yet. The Government is fully conscious of the concerns that have been raised by the general public, recreational groups, the timber processing sector, trade unions and elected representatives in relation to the Coillte sale proposal. The outcome of the overall analysis will be considered by the Government upon its completion.
354. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the sale of Coillte harvesting rights (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21569/13]
View answerFurther to the Government’s decision that a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests be considered for sale, NewERA, Coillte, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department have worked to examine the financial and other implications of a potential transaction. Substantial work has been undertaken on the identification of the forestry assets involved, the determination of their value and the consideration of a number of issues associated with the proposed sale of the harvesting rights. These include, inter alia , the possible impact on the timber industry, public access to recreational land, environmental and social impacts and consequential implications for the company.
As part of the consideration process, a number of detailed financial, technical and other specialist reports were prepared for Coillte, by external specialist consultancy bodies, in full consultation with the Board of Coillte and its executive management. The reason for such detailed and extensive consideration is that it is essential that any decision is based on the most accurate, comprehensive information possible. As I have said previously, the Government will proceed with caution in relation to this matter and no final decision has been taken, as yet. The outcome of the overall analysis will be considered by the Government upon its conclusion.
