Written Answers Nos. 1-19
11. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total funding approved by his Department this year for the repair of storm damage to piers and so on; the money expended to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35171/14]
View answerMy Department provides funding, where exchequer funds allow, for the development and repair of Local Authority owned piers and slipways under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. On the 20th March this year, as part of the Government's overall co-ordinated response to the impacts of the winter storms I approved a total of €8.5 million in funding for the repair of the public pier, harbour and slipway network linked to fisheries and aquaculture.
Funding of €7 million was approved for 111 projects to repair Local Authority owned storm damaged harbours, piers and slipways and €1.5 million for remediation work at four Department owned, non-Fishery Harbour Centres.
It is not possible at this stage to provide information on the amounts of funding expended, as the funding allocated is not drawn down by the local authorities until completion of the relevant works. Accordingly a definitive figure is relation to actual expenditure would not be available until close to year end.
12. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine having regard to beef producer concerns regarding the price paid to the producers and the extent to which uncertainty in the industry has caused severe losses to the sector in the course of the past year, if he will provide consideration to the putting in place of structures to minimise the extent and impact of peaks and valleys in the beef industry in order to ensure a reasonable return for the producer; if all of the factors which have combined to depress the return to producers in recent times may be evaluated in full with a view to resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35154/14]
View answerI am acutely aware of the pressure being felt by farmers throughout the country as a result of the decline in beef prices over the last 12 months or more. Not only am I aware of it, but I have made addressing the concerns of these farmers a priority for the Government.
The Deputy is correct in noting that beef prices will always be subject to a degree of volatility. This is the same for most agricultural commodities such as milk prices or cereals reflecting the globalised world in which Irish agri-food produce is traded. As a country that exports most of what we produce, we are perhaps even more susceptible to the highs and lows of evolving prices than some of our neighbours.
This volatility has possibly never been more evident as it has been over the last three years. Prices in 2012 and 2013 rose steadily to an unprecedented peak of over €4.40 per kilo last year but have since declined. In looking at these changes, we cannot ignore normal supply and demand factors. This year we have slaughtered nearly 13% more animals than last year and the number of animals slaughtered is 23% higher than at this stage in 2012. Added to this supply increase, there has been a drop in beef consumption throughout Europe as well as in the returns to farmers notably in the UK also. The combination of these points will inevitably take its toll on prices here.
Putting structures in place to alleviate the impact of these price changes, and assisting farmers to be better prepared for these fluctuations, have been central to this Government’s term in office. The €1.2 billion per year secured in direct payments each year forms a constant and secure income for farmers, and this is a particularly important buffer as prices decline. In addition, the need to ensure a viable future for the beef sector has been central to the draft €4 billion Rural Development Plan submitted to the EU Commission in July.
While this plan is still under discussion with the European Commission, I am proposing in it a number of elements which will be of benefit to beef farmers throughout the country, including the beef data and genomics measure which will be worth around €49 million per year and should bring about long-term improvements to the sector through improving the genetic quality of the beef herd. Also, the continued support under the new agri-environment scheme GLAS and the €195 million per year support for disadvantaged areas should all benefit farmers in the event of fluctuating prices in the future.
These investment supports, together with the actions falling out of the Beef Roundtable, will help to put the sector on the appropriate strategic footing for the future. One such outcome arising from the Beef Roundtable involves better and more timely communication between processors and producers aimed at transmitting early and clearer market signals which bring about more strategically planned sectoral responses. Another key outcome has been my announcement of a public consultation regarding possible establishment of producer organisations in the beef sector. This public consultation has now closed and my Department is currently assessing the responses before deciding on next steps. Producer organisations can play a key role in conveying contractual negotiation powers on groups of farmers which can help to address imbalances in the supply chain.
While I cannot influence the price paid by factories I can of course help to put in place the structures and schemes which will drive on-farm efficiencies. I am confident that these structures in place, funded through this year’s €40 m investment, as well as the considerable investment through the RDP, will achieve this aim.
13. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the Indecon report into the greyhound industry published in July, which confirmed significant animal welfare problems in the industry, including whether hare coursing should now be banned. [35156/14]
View answerThe Report produced by Indecon International Economic Consultants on completion of their 'Review of Certain Matters Relating to Bord na gCon' was published in July 2014. This review was commissioned by my Department in order to assess the suitability of the legal, governance and regulatory framework supporting the greyhound industry and to identify opportunities to maximise the commercial income of Bord na gCon, with a view to assisting the greyhound racing industry in reaching its potential. Under the terms of reference for the review Indecon was tasked, inter alia, to assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of the systems operated by Bord na gCon with regard to the regulation of the industry and greyhound welfare and to make recommendations as to any changes required.
The Indecon Report confirms that Bord na gCon has a range of practical measures in place to deal with animal welfare and made recommendations as to how these measures could be enhanced.
The Report verifies that Bord na gCon has produced the "Code of Practice for the care and welfare of greyhounds”, as required under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011, to guide people involved in the industry as to how greyhounds should be cared for.
The Report also acknowledges that Bord na gCon has a Welfare and Racing Operations Support Manager and a Welfare Committee whose aim is to enhance the care and management of all greyhounds, including racing, coursing and retired greyhounds. That Committee is charged with the responsibility of identifying problems and proposing appropriate solutions to a variety of greyhound welfare issues over the entire life span of a greyhound. The Report also noted that Bord na gCon recently appointed a Director of Racing Compliance and Governance.
The Report also makes reference to the Retired Greyhound Trust which focuses on retired and unwanted greyhounds with a view to providing homes for these greyhounds as pets.
Bord na gCon employs three Area Stipendiary Stewards and 13 Control Stewards, who together with the Welfare and Racing Operations Manager, have all been appointed Welfare Officers under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011.
In addition many racetrack employees and officials have an animal welfare element included in their duties. Bord na gCon also ensures that veterinary surgeons attend race meetings and sales meetings.
The Indecon Report confirms that 2,706 greyhound litters were inspected in 2013 by Control/Stipendiary Stewards who are Authorised Officers under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011.
Indecon recommended that Bord na gCon na gCon should devise and implement a stronger system of appropriate and proportionate sanctions which would work both as a deterrent and a sanction. The measures suggested by Indecon include exclusion and disqualification orders, significant fines and unannounced inspections of kennels.
My colleague, Minister Tom Hayes TD, presented the Indecon Report to Bord na gCon on 7 th July 2014 for their consideration and has requested that the Bord prepares an action plan to implement the recommendations in the Report, including those that refer to greyhound welfare. I expect that plan to be submitted in the next few weeks.
The Deputy also makes reference to the banning of hare coursing. Under the provisions of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 the regulation of coursing is chiefly a matter for the Irish Coursing Club (ICC) subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon.
Greyhounds involved in coursing are subject to the provisions of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011. The ICC has confirmed that it has systems in place to underpin the welfare of animals participating in coursing and that it goes to great lengths to ensure the highest standards of hare and greyhound welfare are adhered to. These procedures include mandatory inspections of hares and coursing venues in advance of the commencement of an event.
The ICC ensures that a veterinary surgeon and an ICC control steward are present at all coursing meetings. In addition, veterinary staff from my Department and rangers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (part of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) attend a number of coursing meetings during the season in a monitoring capacity.
As a further control, a Monitoring Committee on Coursing was established during the 1993/94 coursing season and comprises of officials from my Department and representatives from both the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the ICC to monitor developments in coursing and in that regard the situation is kept under constant review to ensure that coursing is run in a well controlled and responsible manner in the interests of hares and greyhounds alike.
The systems in place to oversee coursing are, in my view, effective, proportionate and working well. I have no plans to ban hare coursing.
14. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he has taken to ensure that Irish agriculture is not at a loss because of recent sanctions imposed by Russia on certain goods from the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35169/14]
View answerLast year the value of our exports of agri-food products to Russia was €235 million. This represents about 2.5% of our total agri-food exports. However, not all agricultural products are affected by the Presidential ban. Tea extract, infant formula, casein and beverages are not subject to the trade restrictions. Moreover, Russia had already imposed a blanket ban on exports of pig-meat from the EU earlier in the year arising from an African Swine fever outbreak in Eastern Europe. There were also existing temporary restrictions in place on certain Irish plants producing dairy products, beef, beef offal and seafood arising from a Russian audit visit earlier this year so that the effect of the Presidential ban was incremental.
As to the actions taken, immediately upon announcement of the Presidential ban, I asked Bord Bia to establish an advice line to make the most up to date information available to Irish companies exporting to Russia and to assist them in progressing market opportunities elsewhere. I and my Department are making strenuous efforts to create other market possibilities for Irish agri-food exports. Last month we were successful in securing the opening of the Philippines to exports of Irish beef, pig-meat and sheep-meat, and the Vietnamese market for Irish pig-meat. Later this year I will be undertaking a trade mission to China. These are key markets in South East Asia which have been identified by Irish exporters as being of major strategic importance. China, in particular, is a crucially important growth market for Irish food and drinks with vast import potential across a number of agricultural sectors.
In addition, my Department and the Irish Embassy in Moscow have been heavily engaged with the Russian authorities on the pre-existing restrictions and are submitting the required corrective actions to have these temporary restrictions lifted as soon as possible.
At the beginning of the month I attended an extraordinary meeting of EU agriculture ministers to discuss the matter. The Commission has already taken a number of steps to address the immediate effect of the ban. These include the expansion of the timeframe for application of aids to private storage of butter and skimmed milk powder and the extension of the facility to cheese. These schemes are being taken up by the industry here and my Department is currently working closely with them. The Commission has also taken action to support the fruit and vegetables sector which, because of the perishable nature of the products, is particularly vulnerable to unexpected disruption of trade. The Commission has come forward with an additional allocation of €60 million of EU funding for CAP promotion programmes in 2015 and I have encouraged industry here to apply for part of this funding.
I have asked the Commission to continue to monitor the situation closely and to take prompt action, where appropriate. I also made clear at Council that there a number of tools available to us at EU level under the new Common Market regulation which we must be ready to deploy where required and where appropriate. Finally, I have called on the Commission to increase the advance payment, payable to farmers from 16th October next under the Direct Payments Scheme from the current 50%.
15. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to address the beef crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35166/14]
View answerI am acutely aware of the difficulties being experienced by beef producers as a result of the fall in prices this year. I am committed to working with farmers and industry to both deal with the current difficulties, and ensure we have the right measures in place to aid producers achieve better margins on their farms. The focus of this work must be on the strategic development of the sector and I have already outlined on a number of occasions the very important work being carried out at the Beef Forum.
In addition my Department is working, through the relevant State agencies, to improve efficiency and profitability at farm level. Through its research and advisory services, and the ‘BETTER’ Beef Farm Programme, Teagasc is working with industry to communicate these messages at primary producer level.
I have already outlined to the House the investment the Government is making in the sector through the €4 billion Rural Development Programme, the €1.2 billion annual Single Farm Payment and other strategic initiatives. The Government has also prioritised the opening of new markets for Irish beef and the development of markets where Irish beef is already well established.
The Bord Bia Origin Green global promotion and marketing initiative, designed to establish Ireland as a world leader in sustainably produced food and drink, brings together over 200 companies that are working with Bord Bia to develop, and commit to, sustainability plans. These plans set out clear targets in emissions, energy, waste, water, biodiversity and corporate social responsibility activities. Irish beef is now listed with more than 75 high-end retail chains across EU markets and a “Green” sustainable image is a necessity in order to keep hold of and grow these markets.
I have also led trade missions to China, the US, Algeria and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries in the Middle East. There have been noteworthy successes in securing market access from authorities in Japan, Singapore, Egypt and Iran. This year to date we have agreed access terms with the Lebanon, Philippines and Namibia. We are finalising technical arrangements with the US authorities which should see exports of Irish beef to the US commence shortly. I am also optimistic of making further progress with beef market access to China in the coming months.
The Government’s strategy for the beef sector has many strands. I am sure the Deputy would agree that the concerted effort at market development and market access has a key role to play in that strategy and is one I intend to drive firmly over the coming months.
16. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to seek an easing of the quota restrictions on Irish dairying or to get a reduction in the super levy that could be imposed on the industry between now and the ending of quotas next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35170/14]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the superlevy fine is set by milk quota Regulations agreed at EU level. Given that fact, it is not possible for me on a unilateral basis to change that rate without the agreement of both the Commission and all other Member States. At each Agriculture Council over the last year the issue of additional measures to ensure a ‘soft landing’ to milk quota abolition in 2015 was discussed. Several Ministers, including myself, called on the Commission to take action to ease the burden of the super levy in the final year of the quota regime but such an agreement was not forthcoming at the time and remains so presently. As there is no common position at the Council of Agriculture Ministers such an improvement looks unlikely to be achieved.
It must be clearly noted that a number of other countries are opposed to any action on this and have sought to link the issue to possible measures to regulate supply after quotas are gone. I am obviously resolutely opposed to any talk of supply controls after quota abolition next April on the basis that these quotas have only served to shackle Irish farmers over the last 30 years. The resultant stalemate means there is insufficient support for any change to the regulations and no agreement has been possible. The current Italian presidency agreed to consider the issue at their first Council meeting in July and I fully expect that the issue will remain high on the agenda for discussion at future Councils where I will continue to seek to have the matter progressed in a way that is fair to both Irish and EU dairy farmers.
In preparation for quota abolition, I have announced a number of significant investments by my Department in the Irish dairy sector particularly at farm level. These include the Dairy Expansion Scheme and the TAMS funding for the dairy sector. Furthermore, the draft Rural Development Programme 2014 -2020 provides for significant on-farm capital investments through the TAMS II scheme and will include funding for dairy equipment. Discussions with the Commission prior to approval will facilitate agreement of the overall RDP with the expectation for commencement of this scheme from next year. These current and prospective investments complement the excellent work being undertaken by Teagasc and ICBF in preparing dairy fairy farmers to take advantage of the significant opportunity which quota abolition will present.
For the information of the House, the estimated total volume of milk supplies up to the end of August 2014, taking into account the relevant butterfat adjustment, leaves Ireland 6.44% over quota at end of that month. This compares to 0.36% under quota this time last year and is down from 6.79% over quota at end of last month. In preparing their enterprises for the post quota era, I have at all times urged that farmers have regard for the fact that milk quotas would remain in place until April 2015, along with the associated superlevy regime, and I would take this opportunity today to reiterate this call. I would again urge farmers to use the time period between now and the removal of milk quotas to identify, with their dairy adviser, steps to manage both their milk supply and their dairy herds so that they have an efficient herd as they enter the post quota era. In this regard, I am organising a major dairy conference on November 19 next to assess our readiness for quota abolition and to take stock of the current challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
17. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that there are no further cuts to the disadvantaged areas scheme and reverse the cuts imposed to date, including the restoration of payments on the first 45 hectares. [35176/14]
View answerThe adjustments made to recent DAS Schemes ensured that the aid payment is focused on farmers whose farming enterprises are situated exclusively in DAS areas and 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.
Rather than simply apply an across the board cut to the rates payable or reduce the maximum payable area as a means to achieving these savings, it was decided that real efforts should be made to focus the Scheme on those farmers who are most actively contributing to achieving the aims of the Scheme. These are ensuring continued agricultural land use, thereby contributing to the maintenance of viable rural communities, maintaining the countryside and promoting sustainable farming systems, which take account of environmental enhancement measures.
Following a review at EU level the Less Favoured Areas Scheme was replaced as part of the overall agreement on the CAP Reform Package agreed during the Irish Presidency in June 2013. The new Scheme, to be known as Areas of Natural Constraint, is to be delineated by Member States using soil and climatic criteria as defined in the Regulation. In Ireland’s case, the three most relevant criteria are SMD (soil saturation), shallow/stony soils and slopes. As part of the agreement reached between the EU Institutions including the Council and European Parliament, Member States have until 2018 to designate the areas based on the agreed criteria.
It was accepted that pending the outcome of the Review and the implementation of the new designations that the provisions of the existing Scheme should remain in place during the interim period. The proposals included in the 2014-2012 Rural Development Programme are that the existing level of aid continue to be paid to farmers situated in Less Favoured Areas. It has also provisionally being decided that the ANC Scheme will have a funding of €195 million per annum, which is the same as the 2013 and 2014 level of funding. The minimum farming activity remains at 0.15 livestock units per hectare with a lower rate of 0.1 livestock units per hectare applying to marginal land including commonages. A lower level will be fixed for marginal land where it is environmentally justified.
18. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the impact Russia’s import ban is having on Irish fish exporters; the action he has taken to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35153/14]
View answerAs you are aware, on the 7th August 2014, Russia banned the importation of a list of seafood from the EU for a year or at least until the sanctions imposed by the Western countries on Russia are lifted. Those EU sanctions were, of course in response to the situation in Ukraine, and were fully supported by Ireland.
The effects of the Russian ban will be felt by Irish processors and exporters, by the catching sector and ancillary industries. The overall effects, taken in conjunction with the other global market circumstances, are potentially severe. The Russian market has become, in recent years, an extremely valuable one for the Irish fishing industry, especially for pelagic species such as mackerel, horse mackerel and to a lesser extent herring. The latter will, however, be affected in an indirect way as many of our exports are to countries that in turn are impacted by the ban and so those herring markets will in all likelihood contract.
Ireland’s direct fishery exports to the Russian market for 2013 were valued at €20.2 million. The figure for fishery exports to date for 2014 stands at €17 million. It was anticipated that this sharp growth would continue with the value for 2015 reaching as high as €40 million.
70% of our exports to Russia in 2013 were accounted for by mackerel, which is our single most important fishery. It is expected that there will be substantial pressure in volume and on prices in EU and international markets for pelagic fish as other countries which are affected by the sanctions compete with us in trying to find alternative markets for produce that should be going to Russia.
At the beginning of this month I wrote to Commissioner Damanaki on this issue to articulate the detrimental impact that this ban would have on Ireland’s fishery exports. At an emergency meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers on the 5th of September, I asked the EU Commission to set up a Taskforce to address the situation in Fisheries and to carry out an urgent review of the current rules and amount of funding available for storage aid, with a view to the establishment of an emergency fund. I have also strongly supported calls for a temporary increase in quota flexibility rules to allow Member States hold over more fishing quota until the following year, allowing time for improvement in the market.
The initial response from the Commission has been positive on the possibility of increased quota flexibility, which is seen by our industry as a necessary mitigation tool. To date, the Commission is continuing to examine the setting up of a taskforce. However, it has said that the establishment of an emergency fund would present legal difficulties. I remain hopeful that these difficulties can be overcome.
I am fully aware of the potentially very severe effect of this Russian import ban on our Irish fishing industry and will continue to press for the measures that I have set out, which I believe will help to mitigate the effects of this Russian import ban.
19. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, in the course of his discussions with EU colleagues, the unified position has been adopted in the context of any trade discussion between the EU and the US with a view to ensuring a stable Irish and European agrifood sector, with particular reference to the need to ensure security of supply throughout Europe while at the same time meeting the requirements of producers and consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35155/14]
View answerI would start by saying that Ireland is very supportive of an EU/US trade deal. An agreement between the world’s two major trading blocs has the potential to increase growth and grow jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.
This view is shared among my colleagues in the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers. Moreover, we also share a common understanding on the need to ensure a stable EU agri-food sector, that provides jobs and growth, contributes to food security, maintains viable rural communities and provides EU consumers with high-quality and safe food produced in an environmentally sustainable manner. These principles are enshrined in the reformed Common Agricultural Policy agreed last year under the Irish Presidency.
The EU Council of Agriculture Ministers has held regular debates on the proposed Free Trade Agreement with the United States and will continue to feed into the negotiating process as discussions continue. For my part, I will continue to use my influence with my Member State colleagues and with the Commission and Parliament to ensure that the eventual agreement with the United States is good for Ireland and good for Europe.
As to specific Irish interests, in the agri-food sector we have strong offensive interests, both in terms of market access and in eliminating some of the irritants that hinder trade. We are seeking substantial market access for our dairy products and in the prepared foods area. We also want to see action to address the question of Grade A equivalence for dairy and the licensing system that applies to dairy imports into the US.
Of course we have sensitivities as well. One of these is our beef sector. While we see some opportunities for establishing a niche market in the US for Irish beef, we have concerns regarding the prospect of increased beef imports into the EU. I have raised these concerns on a number of occasions with the EU Commission. I have proposed that Ireland’s sensitivities are reflected in the size and composition of any quota offered to the US. I have argued that the size of the quota should not exceed European market absorption capacity, which is substantially reduced according to the latest forecasts. I have also proposed that the quota should be designed – via end use conditions – to ensure that imports are not all concentrated on high value cuts and I have argued that an in-quota tariff rate should continue to apply to imports within the quota.
