Written Answers Nos. 225-237
225. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects payments to be made under the 2013 beef data scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10169/14]
View answerPayment under the 2013 Beef Data Programme cannot be made until all of the data required has been received. It is anticipated that complete data will have been received from most participants by the end of April 2014 and, therefore, payments will commence in June 2014 to those farmers who have met all of the Scheme requirements.
226. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider carrying out an in depth analysis to ascertain the reason for the drop in cattle prices; the impact it is having on the beef farmer and the beef industry; if he will consider reviewing the Harvest 2020 targets to take account of current market trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10170/14]
View answerMarket conditions in the cattle sector are analysed and examined on an ongoing basis by my Department and Bord Bia. Despite continued slow demand from some key export markets, prices for prime steers and heifers have remained relatively stable even though the combined kill for these categories has increased by 11% to date in 2014 compared to same period in 2013. While the young bull trade is challenging at present as age and weight issues continue to adversely affect demand, the number of young bulls slaughtered at DAFM-approved plants has increased by 58% from 4,200 head in week 1 of 2014 to 6,700 head in week 7.
Higher factory throughput is partly a result of cattle becoming fit for slaughter earlier than in previous years leading to a situation whereby factories are giving preference to certain types of stock that are better suited to the trade specifications demanded by their retail customers. The Irish beef industry is highly export dependent and the need to ensure that it is producing efficiently for overseas markets cannot be ignored. Finished cattle prices continue to be impacted by weak demand, particularly for manufacturing beef, in key export markets. One of the main difficulties in marketing young bulls over 16 months at age is that these animals are outside the specifications preferred by the UK market. This is a major disadvantage at present because the UK market has effectively become the highest-priced beef market in the EU.
Delays in slaughtering some animals combined with a weakening of prices for those outside market specifications undoubtedly put pressure on producer margins. However, neither I nor any Agriculture Minister can interfere in a trade that is cyclical in nature and prone to short-term price fluctuations. Although I have no function in relation to commercial transactions between the meat factories and their suppliers, I met representatives of both sides in the last week to discuss the current situation. As a result of that interaction, I am hopeful that the factories, in collaboration with the farming bodies, will be able to resolve the various issues that have lately caused difficulties for some producers. At my request, Meat Industry Ireland (MII) member companies will ensure that their livestock offices are open to deal with farmers with any particular queries or concerns on the marketing of their stock. MII member companies have made available contact details for each their main plants to enable farmers to phone them directly.
The relationship between processors and farmers is an interdependent one. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of both sides working together to manage the type and volume of cattle being brought to market so that the supply chain does not undermine the viability of beef production systems for either winter finishers or suckler farmers. The current situation clearly underlines the need for industry operators to improve communication on market trends and signals throughout the supply chain. An industry-led solution to the current uncertainty is essential to restoring confidence in the sector and I would encourage the various stakeholders to continue their efforts to reach a mutually acceptable outcome.
With regard to the Food Harvest 2020 (FH2020) targets, the original goal to increase the output value of the beef sector by 20% was subsequently increased to 40% on the recommendation of the industry-led Beef Activation Group. The various targets under Food Harvest 2020 are monitored and reviewed on a continuous basis by the High Level Implementation Committee which I chair, and any modifications to the strategy for the development of the sector can be made as appropriate.
For example earlier this month I announced the operational details of an investment package worth up to €40m to beef farmers in 2014. This package will include a €23m for Beef Genomics Scheme, €10m for the Beef Data Programme, €5m for the Beef Technology Adoption Programme and €2m in residual payments under the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme.
The Government’s investment is a strong vote of confidence in the suckler beef sector. It exemplifies the smart, green growth initiatives envisioned in the 2020 strategy and, coupled with additional support measures under the new Rural Development Programme, will underpin the development of a sustainable beef sector with long-term growth potential.
227. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a scheme to improve sheep breeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10216/14]
View answerI am well aware of the role played by the blackface mountain breed of sheep in the Irish sheep industry especially in our hill regions such as those in Co. Kerry. From a maternal point of view the characteristics of the blackface breed has made, and continues to make a significant contribution to the national breeding flock. Over many years various strains of the blackface breed have developed around Ireland in response to specific climatic and environmental conditions unique to certain regions. The Kerry Blackface mountain sheep is one such of example of this, where over many generations, through a combination of natural selection and management the strain has evolved to survive and thrive in the conditions that exist in the Kerry region. I am also aware that there are a number of threats facing the various families of Blackface that exist around the country; these include inbreeding and dilution by other sheep breeds and other strains of blackface mountain sheep. These strains have taken generations to evolve and their essential characteristics can very quickly be undone if incorrect decisions are made by farmers breeding these sheep. If the threats mentioned above are to be overcome by Blackface breeders it is essential that they begin a process of ancestry record keeping as soon as possible. Currently in Ireland there is a very well developed infrastructure funded by my Department to facilitate this process in the form of Sheep Ireland. Sheep Ireland, a sister organisation to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) provides a national sheep database in which Irish ram breeders currently record ancestry and performance data for their flocks. This data proves an invaluable resource to these breeders when making mating decisions each year especially with a view to avoiding any risk of inbreeding, while also helping them to identify genetics that will contribute positively to the performance and profitability of their flock. This national breed improvement programme being operated by Sheep Ireland is open to all interested groups of Blackface ram breeders. Detailed parentage records of lambs born are collected by all participating breeders which over time will provide a valuable database for future use. I would therefore recommend any groups who are concerned for the survival of the mountain blackface breed to engage with Sheep Ireland.
228. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to the ongoing crisis among our fishermen, who have been unable to fish since before Christmas, if he will confirm if fishermen in England have sourced money from either the EMF fund or the EU solidarity fund; if he will put in place any type of fund for our hard pressed fishermen who have loans to pay and who literally have had no income whatsoever for months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10217/14]
View answerFishing through the winter is difficult in normal circumstances but I am acutely conscious that the severe weather has caused the fishing fleet to be tied up for quite an extended period, a longer period than would be the norm with more typical winter weather. As the catching sector is by definition dependant on being able to go out and catch fish, and crews earn their living through a share of the catch, many fishermen have suffered financially because of this extended period restricted to port. We have had some breaks in the weather during February and many of the vessels that were harbour bound due to the severe weather were able to return to fishing and to some extent make up for lost time. No doubt we will continue to have intermittent stormy conditions in the weeks and months ahead, as is normal for this time of year, but I am hopeful that fishermen will be able to put to sea on a regular basis so that they can put that difficult period behind them.
On 12 February 2014, I informed the House that as part of its overall co-ordinated response to the impact of the recent unprecedented weather conditions, the Government had decided to allocate an additional €8.8 million for the repair of the publicly owned pier, harbour and slipway network linked to fisheries and aquaculture and to allocate up to €1.5 million to assist inshore fishermen in replacing lobster and shrimp pots lost or destroyed in the storms. In light of the additional funds now available, on 18 February my Department invited applications for funding from Local Authorities in respect of repair to fishery and aquaculture related harbours, piers and slipways damaged in the recent storm events. In relation to inshore fishermen, BIM has opened for applications a new scheme providing aid of up to €2,400 for the replacement of pots lost in the storms. The Deputy will agree that these are significant interventions in the current economic circumstances and are a clear indication of this Government's commitment to assisting rural coastal communities and the inshore fishing sector with their recovery from the storms.
In relation to any specific payments to compensate for lost earnings, the Minister for Social Protection has overall responsibility for funding income support to individuals and families in all sectors who have been unable to work because of adverse weather conditions.
As income from fishing is derived from landings of catch, the amount that can be caught and therefore the income from most fisheries is determined by the EU quotas which are restrictive, and made available under our management arrangements with catch limits set for whitefish each month. The quotas are managed to allow for access to quota for the full twelve months of the year, as far as possible. This may mean in many cases that the allocations made available for certain months are set at low levels, certainly less than Industry would like and would be capable of landing.
I always work very closely with, and I am advised by industry when setting catch limits during the year. Each month, a quota management advisory committee, involving Industry representatives and my Department, meets and examines available quota, uptake levels and the market situation and make recommendations to me on catch limits for the following month. The quota uptake figures for January 2014 and for the first part of February are significantly down. In order that vessel owners and their crews are enabled to compensate as early as possible for these low catch levels, allocations for March were set for a number of the key economic stocks at a higher level than in February. The level recommended by industry took account of concerns not to glut the market with very high landings in a single month and on that basis the arrangements recommended and put in place involve increases in key whitefish stocks including cod, haddock and whiting in the Celtic Sea, monkfish and megrim in the Celtic Sea and the hake stock in the Celtic Sea and the north west.
These increased quotas and fishing opportunities for March will help to re-balance the landings to bring them more into line with planned annual spread of quota uptake. They can be further adjusted in April to take into account of the low level of landings in the first 6 weeks of the year.
The approach adopted by the UK is a matter for that Government and I am not in a position to comment in it.
229. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on carrying out an audit of the bureaucratic burden on farmers with a view to bringing forward proposals to minimise the burden; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10239/14]
View answerMindful of the benefits to farmers, particularly the reduction in paperwork, but also the reduction in the level of clerical errors that ultimately delay payments, my Department has concentrated on the ongoing roll-out and improvement of online services for farmers. My commitment is to reduce the level of paperwork, the time needed to fill in applications and as the same time to reduce errors allowing for speedier service delivery.
With specific regard to the Direct Aid Schemes, including Single Payment and Disadvantaged Areas, which together account for payments in excess of €1.5 billion annually, my department’s iNet system is constantly upgraded. There are a variety of benefits in using iNet, including an on-line mapping element, which allows farmers, or their agents, who need to submit maps to the Department, to do so through iNet, thereby dispensing with the need to submit paper maps.In excess of 13,000 maps were submitted online in 2013. Other benefits of iNet include immediate acknowledgement of receipt of applications by my Department, the significant reduction in the ability to make simple clerical errors, due to the built-in system of controls and the ability to view maps and correspondence. In 2013, over 73,000 applications were submitted online, representing a ten-fold increase since iNet was launched.
I would urge anyone considering availing of the on-line facility to make enquiries via the website, www.agfood.ie or, alternatively, the dedicated Helpdesk at Lo-call 1890 252 118. There is no down-side in registering for on-line either individually, or through an agent, as farmers still retain the right to submit a traditional paper application, should they so choose. However, I am convinced that those who do sign-up will be readily impressed with the systems user-friendliness.
I must also refer to the current campaign to encourage more farmers to sign-up for my Department’s text messaging service, with a mail campaign having been launched recently. Currently some 70,000 SFP applicants are signed-up this service, which during 2013 was used to advise farmers of the SFP closing date, receipt of individual SFP applications, payments, Nitrates, etc. The benefits are very clear. There is no down-side to the service, so I would strongly urge all those not yet signed-up to do so immediately.
230. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on setting up a scheme whereby horses with stamped out passports can be slaughtered at a registered abattoir, tested for banned substances, and, depending on the result, allow the meat either enter the food chain or be sent for destruction; if this process could be operated on a similar basis to the system used for the BSE testing of cows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10286/14]
View answerUnder EU legislation (EU Directive 2001/82 and Regulation 504/2008), horses which have been treated with prohibited substances or whose passport has been stamped out of the food chain for any other reason, such as not having been identified within the mandatory period set down in EU legislation, cannot be slaughtered for human consumption. The exclusion of such horses from the human food chain was introduced by the EU for public health reasons and there is no prospect of this ban being lifted. In view of the fact that this is an EU requirement, it would be illegal to permit horses which had been stamped out of the food chain to enter the food chain following a negative test. My Department has no discretion in the matter.
231. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the statutory authority that An Bord Iascaigh Mhara purport to engage in salmon farming operations, expend monies and apply to become the operator of a fish farm in Galway Bay; the specific section and which relevant legislation empowers An Bord Iascaigh Mhara to operate a salmon farming enterprise; if he will refer this question to the Attorney General for clarification as to the boards legal entitlement to apply and be licensed to operate a commercial salmon farming enterprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10288/14]
View answerBord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Irish Sea Fisheries Board, is the Irish State agency with responsibility for developing sustainable Irish Sea Fishing and Aquaculture industries. BIM was established under the Sea Fisheries Act 1952. The powers and functions of the Board of BIM are enumerated at paragraphs 15 (a) - (u) of Section 15 and the first schedule to the 1952 Act. The specific powers granted to BIM under the 1952 Act are extensive and provide the statutory authority by which BIM is empowered to act.
I am satisfied that BIM’s authority to apply for an aquaculture licence is clearly within its legal remit and capacity as provided for by its establishing legislation.
As the aquaculture licence application in question is under active consideration, as part of the statutory process, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
232. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a meeting took place recently between him and the CEO of a company (details supplied); if a meeting took place, the political representatives from Ireland and any other jurisdiction who attended; the officials that attended; if minutes were taken; the persons that requested this meeting; when it was arranged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10289/14]
View answerOn 30 January I met with representatives of the company referred to by the Deputy. The meeting was chaired by an Taoiseach, Minister of State McGinley and Deputy Joe McHugh were also present. Officials from the Department of the Taoiseach and my Department were also in attendance. The meeting was held at the request of the company to discuss licensing and industry development issues associated with the company’s operations in Ireland.
The Deputy may wish to be aware, that as is appropriate, it was explained from the outset that the application in respect of a deep sea aquaculture facility in Galway Bay, or any other application submitted to my Department for consideration could not be discussed in detail in view of the statutory basis of the assessment process.
There is always a strict separation between my Ministerial role as decision maker in respect of aquaculture licence applications and my Ministerial duty to promote the sustainable development of the industry. This separation of duties is always strictly observed.
233. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide details of all consortia, the respective lead agency and proposed geographical area submitted for proposals to her Department in May 2013 in response to applications invited under the area based response to child poverty programme; the consortia from whom proposals have been approved to proceed to the next stage of the area based response to childhood poverty programme or as it is now referred to the area based childhood; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9993/14]
View answer234. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide the names and membership of the working group of the project team and the names and membership of the project team that assessed the proposals submitted to her Department in May 2013 in response to applications invited under the area based response to child poverty programme; the process, manner and procedures followed by the project team; the working group of the project team and her Department and the relationship and respective functions of these constituent parts, when assessing and scoring all proposals submitted against the criteria outlined in the material produced by her Department when inviting proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9994/14]
View answer235. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the scores awarded by the working group of the project team to each proposal submitted in May 2013 to her Department and assessed by the working group of the project team, in response to applications invited under the area based response to child poverty programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9995/14]
View answer236. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the required criteria during the next stage of development and design for proposals that have been approved to move to the next stage of the area based response to child poverty programme; the process and procedures that are in place to assess compliance with these criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9996/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 233 to 236, inclusive, together.
The information required by the Deputy is currently being collated and I will respond directly to the Deputy.
237. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on the circumstances leading to the resignation of the national lead on psychology for the Child and Family Agency this month; and if the post will be re-advertised in the near future. [10113/14]
View answerA lead psychologist was assigned from within the HSE to assist Children and Family Services with service development issues relating to psychology services. This work is nearing completion and proposals are being finalised for consideration by the Chief Executive Officer of the Child and Family Agency and the Director General of the HSE. This process will help to inform decisions on the most effective mechanism for the delivery of psychology services by the Child and Family Agency in accordance with its statutory remit.
I understand that having completed this work the assigned psychologist will revert to the HSE. The future human resource requirement of the Agency in the area of Psychology services will be determined having regard to the collaborative work currently being finalised by the Agency and the HSE. This will include an analysis of the current number of psychologists employed within the Health and Social Care system and the deployment of these resources.
