Written Answers Nos. 780-799
780. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the export of live cattle to Turkey is likely to commence; if all the necessary protocols have been put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22846/16]
View answerOn the 13th June 2016 Ireland was added to the list of Countries approved to export live cattle to Turkey. The market was opened following a period of detailed engagement by DAFM with the Turkish authorities, which culminated in a visit to Ireland by a Turkish Veterinary team in May 2016. A Veterinary Certificate allowing live exports of cattle from Ireland to Turkey is now in place in relation to cattle for breeding, fattening and slaughter. The Turkish authorities have now tendered for supply of live cattle and any application is a matter for commercial consideration by exporters here.
781. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at the recent European Union Agriculture and Fisheries Council on to the need to have additional food products exempted from the Russian ban on exports from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22847/16]
View answerThe issue of the Russian ban on agrifood exports from the European Union is one that is regularly discussed at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council. There are essentially two bans in place. The Russian Federation imposed a temporary ban on importation of pigs, pork and reproductive material certified from the EU after 26 January 2014 in response to the discovery of two cases of African Swine Fever in wild boar in Lithuania. Efforts to make progress in lifting this ban are continuing.
A more general ban on the importation of agrifood products was imposed by the Russian Federation in August 2014 on countries (including the EU) which had adopted sanctions against Russia in the context of the situation in Ukraine. Although partially lifted (since 1 June 2016) in respect of imports of beef, poultry and vegetables intended for use in baby food manufacturing, the overall ban remains in place, and on 29 June 2016. The Russian authorities announced a further extension, to 31 December 2017.
In the context of the ongoing difficulties on EU agricultural markets, all Member States, including Ireland, have consistently urged the European Commission to intensify its contacts with the Russian authorities with a view to lifting these bans, particularly with a view to restoring the trade in live pigs, pork fat, lard and offal. Commissioner Hogan again indicated at the Agri-Fish Council on 18 July that the Commission has been working hard on this issue, but has not been able to make the hoped-for progress to date. While efforts to secure real engagement from the Russian authorities will continue, the broader task of securing alternative market outlets for EU food products will also be progressed.
782. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at the recent European Union Agriculture and Fisheries Council on the ongoing difficulties facing the pigmeat sector; the proposals there are to provide additional assistance at European level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22848/16]
View answerMy Department carefully monitors developments in the pig sector, both domestically and internationally, and meets with stakeholders regularly to hear their views on developments. I am conscious of the fact that prices have come under pressure over the last year and the difficulties that this is causing for producers. Having said that, it must be noted that Irish prices have remained broadly in line with EU prices and I note there has been a slight increase recently, reflecting renewed market confidence in Europe and increased demand in China.
Recently, my Department distributed a €1m direct aid package for pig farmers in Ireland. This support originates from a package of measures proposed by the EU Commission in response to the significant price deterioration experienced by pig farmers in 2015, the impact of which has been exacerbated by the closure of the Russian market. Under the aid package agreed at EU level in September of last year, €0.5m was allocated for the pig sector for Ireland. The Government subsequently matched this funding to provide an overall aid package of €1m.
At an EU level, I have welcomed important elements in a €500 million aid package for the EU Agriculture sector but have called for maximum flexibility on how MS may utilise the funding. The details of these packages have yet to be worked out between the Commission and Member States.
I also note that the European Commission has recently established a Meat Market Observatory to provide the EU meat sector with more transparency by means of disseminating market data and short-term analysis in a timely manner. This was due to meet for the first time last week. The tasks of the group are to take stock of market developments, and to highlight and assess the current market situation for the sake of economic operators and the Commission services, along the lines of the Milk Market Observatory.
My Department also supports Bord Bia’s marketing and promotional activities, and the Pigmeat Quality Assurance scheme helps to consolidate the position of Irish pigmeat on the domestic market and to expand its presence on EU and third country markets. Bord Bia plans to use additional funds to run a targeted Pork promotional campaign this coming Autumn and further campaigns are planned to promote ham and bacon. Teagasc is also actively engaged in the provision of technical advice to improve the operational efficiency of pig farmers.
I have also included provision in the RDP for an on-farm capital investment scheme, TAMS II, with an overall budget of €395 million across all sectors, with €35.8 million allocated for 2016. Amongst the areas identified for initial funding are investments on pig farms for energy, water meters and medicine dispensers. Other elements of the RDP, such as targeted on farm animal health and welfare scheme will also be of benefit to the pig sector.
Finally, I am committed to ensuring that as many alternative markets as possible are open to the Irish Pigmeat sector. In that regard I will continue to prioritise the opening of new markets such as Vietnam and the Philippines, which serve as valuable alternative markets to Russia for Irish pigmeat exports. Indeed I will be leading a trade mission to Vietnam and China during the first week in September during which I will be prioritising the promotion of pigmeat in two of our main export markets.
783. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has secured agreement from the European Commission to have an advance payment of 70% of the basic payment scheme by mid-October 2016 in view of the income difficulties facing farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22849/16]
View answerI am particularly aware of the income difficulties facing farmers this year. Accordingly, I have been engaging with my colleagues in other Member States and also with Commissioner Hogan in order to ensure a coherent response is put in place. Following on from this process, Commissioner Hogan has announced a new package which includes provision for 70% advance payment under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in October 2016. Under European Union legislation governing the implementation of the BPS, the earliest date on which advance payments may be made, in respect of fully processed and clear applications, is 16 October of this year. The implementation of the 70% advance for BPS will provide further relief to farmers experiencing financial challenges.
784. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in the implementation of the report prepared by the pig industry stakeholder group; the timeline for the implementation of the measures proposed in that report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22850/16]
View answerThe development of a viable pigmeat sector is a priority for me given the crucial role which the industry plays. I am very conscious of the fact that prices have come under pressure over the last year and the difficulties that this is causing for producers.
Given the strategic importance which the sector plays in our agri-economy, a Pig Industry Stakeholder Group, chaired by Dr Sean Brady was established in my Department and membership was drawn from across the sector, including farmers and processors. This Group’s remit was to address these challenges facing the sector under themes such as biosecurity, animal welfare, quality assurance, antibiotic usage, animal health, salmonella control programme, marketing, feed, non-intensive sector and other production models. This was a very comprehensive exercise stretching over many months which also included a public consultation phase during which submissions were received and presented to the Committee by many different stakeholders. The Group completed its report in February and presented it to the High Level Implementation Committee overseeing the implementation of the Food Wise 2025 strategy. This reflected the fact that the preparation of this report is one of the key recommendations under the Food Wise Strategy.
This timely report afforded all industry stakeholders including farmers, processors and Government Agencies a chance to take a collective view of how best to address the challenges facing the industry in order to support its development in accordance with the Food Wise 2025 vision. The focus now must turn to its implementation and my Department is working on a plan for its implementation in the context of the Food Wise 2025 strategy. Given the comprehensive nature of the report, its support from stakeholders and its wide-ranging conclusions I believe that a focus on its implementation represents best use of available resources for all parties and most importantly will deliver the most meaningful outcome for the sector going forward.
785. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of any discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development following the British decision to leave the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22861/16]
View answerThe result of the UK referendum has the potential to give rise to significant challenges for the Irish agri-food sector, particularly in a north-south context. These challenges are very much to the fore of the analysis that my Department has been conducting in the lead-up to, and in the period since, the referendum. Areas that will be affected include the veterinary, trading and animal health arrangements between North and South. There will also be very significant implications for the fishing fleet in both jurisdictions.
I met my Northern counterpart, Michelle McIlveen, MLA, Minister for Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs, at the North South Plenary Ministerial meeting which took place in Dublin Castle on 5 July and we met again, along with our respective Secretary General - Permanent Secretary, on the margins of the Council of Agriculture Ministers on Monday 18 July. I agreed with her that our officials should meet at the earliest opportunity to work through some of the potential issues involved. A second meeting of senior officials will take place later this week, and I am committed to ensuring that our Departments continue to work well together in the coming months in the best interests of farmers and the wider industry.
It is important also to emphasise that the trading relationship remains unchanged, and that the precise impact of a UK exit will not be apparent until the post-exit relationship has been agreed. In the meantime I look forward to ongoing dialogue in the context of the Government’s co-operation with its counterparts in Northern Ireland and in the UK more generally.
786. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the date for the next meeting with the Northern Ireland Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in sectoral format, as provided for in the North-South Ministerial Council; the issues to be discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22862/16]
View answerThe next North-South Ministerial Agriculture Sectorial meeting is scheduled to take place in the autumn. The agreed Agriculture work programme under the North South Ministerial Council includes co-operation in relation to:
- the development of an All-Island Animal Health Strategy for control of animal movements and the prevention, containment and eradication of epizootic diseases in Ireland;
- the development of an All-Island Plant Health and Research Strategy including co-operation between both jurisdictions in relation to plant protection products; and
- issues arising at WTO, EU and CAP reform.
There is also co-operation in other areas of common interest as specific matters arise. As agreed at the recent NSMC Plenary, my Department is conducting a full audit of all areas of co-operation to identify the possible impacts and implications of the UKs withdrawal from the EU. The outcomes of this audit will be submitted to the NSMC Agriculture Sectorial meeting for consideration and final priorities will be agreed by the next NSMC Plenary for both pre-negotiation and negotiation phases.
I will be working very closely with my counterpart in Northern Ireland, Minister Michelle McIlveen, with a view to ensuring our Departments work well together in the coming months in the best interests of farmers and the wider industry.
787. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will be reimbursed moneys regarding an overclaim under the basic payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22885/16]
View answerThe person named submitted an application for the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme which was received in the Department on 10 May 2015. The application has been processed and payment has issued in full to the nominated bank account of the person named in three instalments in December 2015, March 2016 and late June 2016. These payments include the reimbursement in relation to the overclaim originally identified.
788. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) under the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22892/16]
View answerAn application under Tranche 1 of GLAS was received in my Department on the 16 May 2015 and the person named was approved into the GLAS 1 with effect from 1 October 2015. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue.
The application of the person named has successfully completed the latest GLAS pre-payment validation checks in respect of the 2015 scheme year. Subject to the application passing the remaining checks currently being carried out the 2015 part-year payment for the person named will be sent for payment shortly.
789. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a penalty on a basic payment scheme payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22893/16]
View answerThe person named was the subject of a Nitrates inspection on 31 March 2015, carried out by my Department on behalf of the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. This inspection identified non-compliances with the cross compliance requirements under the Nitrates Regulations relating to an Unlined Earth Banked Lagoon type facility leading to direct discharge of slurry and soiled water to ground water. As similar breaches under the Nitrates Regulations had been identified within the previous three years the regulatory provisions required that the rules on re-occurrence be applied and an additional penalty also applied as the breach was deemed to be intentional. This resulted in an overall penalty of 60% being applied against the 2015 Direct Schemes payments.
The person named was notified of this decision on 14 April 2015 and of their right to seek a review of this decision. I understand that to date no such request has been received by the Department, however the person named should contact their local District Inspector with details of the grounds for consideration in the review of the decision.
In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of any such review, the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office, within 3 months.
790. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the context of capitalising on the significant potential of the whiskey market and in the interest of creating a level playing field for all whiskey brands to consider the establishment of a wholesale whiskey market to establish parity with the Scotch whisky market by way of allowing new entrants access to mature stock and to facilitate growth in mature whiskey brands; if a new unaged Irish whiskey category can be created to allow for Irish whiskey brands to commence retailing immediately, thus ensuring they can compete immediately on international markets with non-aged whiskey from the United States of America, Japan and India; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22895/16]
View answerThe Irish Whiskey industry is expanding rapidly to meet rising demand on international markets where Irish Whiskey is currently the fastest growing spirit drink. Exports in 2015 recorded double digit growth to reach €410 million. In volume terms exports are likely to increase from 7 million cases in 2014 to 12 million cases by 2020 and 24 million cases by 2030. Significant investment has taken place since 2011 in expansion of existing facilities and development of new distilleries. However, release of additional capacity on to the market will take time as whiskey must, under EU and Irish law, be matured in wood for at least three years. So the product of distillations in 2016 and 2017 will come on the market close to 2020.
I am aware of the Compecon report by Dr. Pat Massey which concluded that the lack of a wholesale market in Irish Whiskey and the ageing requirement are barriers to expansion.
The recommendation on developing a wholesale whiskey market to facilitate the development of Irish Whiskey brands by businesses which do not themselves have distilling capacity is interesting and is also suggested in the industry Vision for Irish Whiskey. I would welcome initiatives to facilitate the development of such a market but do not have the power to compel individual distilling companies to set aside part of their production for a wholesale market.
Establishing an un-aged Irish Whiskey category is, however, ruled out by Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which applies both to product placed on the market in the Community and that produced in the Community for export. The Regulation defines the Whiskey category in some detail, including a requirement that the final distillate be matured for at least three years in wooden casks. Product which has not been matured for this period may not be described as Whiskey or retain the EU geographical indication status accorded to Irish Whiskey, which is one of the geographical indications included in a number of bilateral trade agreements between the EU and third countries. At national level, the Irish Whiskey Act, 1980 requires that Irish Whiskey be matured in wooden casks for at least three years in warehouses in the State and/or Northern Ireland.
I have asked my officials to explore with the industry and development agencies ways of developing and showcasing the portfolio of Irish Whiskey brands to promote awareness of Irish Whiskey in international markets and to contribute to the export and development goals of FoodWise 2025.
791. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to confirm receipt of an application for funding from an organisation (details supplied) which has made significant progress in the past two years and which sum is now required in order to allow it to continue to progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22896/16]
View answerMy department has received an application from the body referred to by the Deputy and is considering the matter at present.
792. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of implementing a pay increase to all those employed under the remit of his Department after 1 January 2011 of 2%, 4% and 5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23504/16]
View answerThe estimated cost of implementing pay increases to all employed by my Department of 2%, 4% and 5 % from 1 January 2011 to 30 June 2016 is €19.13m, €38.25m and €47.8m respectively. These figures do not take account of the application of adjustments to pay with effect from 1 July 2013 in accordance with the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013 and the relevant provisions of the Haddington Road Agreement.
793. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the cessation of Inland Fisheries Ireland fish farm operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22078/16]
View answer794. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will instruct Inland Fisheries Ireland to suspend the decision to cease fish farm operations until a proper analysis of the damage that decision will do to lakes and rivers, and the subsequent damage to a struggling rural tourism industry as independent reports state that the cost of production at IFI's Roscrea facility is comparable to commercial facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22296/16]
View answer802. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take to ensure that the decision by Inland Fisheries Ireland to close a fish farm at Cullion, Mullingar, County Westmeath is reversed (details supplied); if he is aware of the impact such a decision will have upon angling clubs and anglers across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22210/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 793, 794 and 802 together.
The proposal around rationalising the fish farm operations of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is a day to day operational matter for the Board of IFI.
I understand, however, that IFI’s intention is to phase out fish farming operations over the coming years and that it is intended by IFI that the phase out plan will include consultation with affected stakeholders.
IFI have recently announced the commencement of the public consultation process for stakeholders and individuals affected by the proposals. I recently met with the Board of IFI to reinforce the position set out by the previous Minister of State that a report of the consultation process is to be submitted to my Department before any further action is taken.
All stakeholders are encouraged to make a submission under the process which is open until 5pm on August 19. Submissions should be made in writing to Fish Farm Consultation, Inland Fisheries Ireland, 3044 Lake Drive, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin D24 Y265, Ireland.
795. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount raised by the National Oil Reserves Agency levy in each year from 2010 to 2015; his views on whether the current two cent per litre level is still appropriate; if he has given consideration to reducing the amount of the levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22433/16]
View answerThe information requested in relation to NORA Levy income is set out as follows:
NORA’s levy income (rounded figures):
2015 €130m
2014 €121m
2013 €123m
2012 €123m
2011 €130m
2010 €140m
While NORA is a non-commercial body it operates in a highly commercial environment purchasing oil stocks and negotiating storage arrangements. The Agency’s debt is accounted for on the Government balance sheet. NORA’s debt has been reduced to €63m by end December 2015 following €48m in capital repayments during 2015. This is reduced from a debt figure of over €400m which NORA owed in 2009 when the levy was increased to 2 cent per litre. It is intended to maintain the NORA levy at the current level until the loans are fully repaid at which time the situation will be reviewed.
NORA’s income is primarily used to fund the purchase of strategic oil stocks and to repay loans. The Agency’s cash reserves will be used in 2016 for storage projects, stock purchases and loan repayments.
796. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of discussions with the owners of the Whitegate refinery regarding potential buyers with a view to maintaining the operation of this vital energy supply asset for Ireland and the direct and indirect employment the facility provides to the surrounding region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22016/16]
View answer797. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action he is taking to ensure the future operation of the Whitegate oil refinery, which plays a vital role in securing Ireland's energy supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22017/16]
View answer798. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of discussions with the owners of the Whitegate refinery regarding potential buyers ahead of the expiry of its licence later this month, with a view to maintaining the operation of this key national energy supply asset and the employment it gives to the surrounding area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22143/16]
View answer799. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the future operation of the Whitegate oil refinery, which plays a vital role in securing our energy supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22144/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 796 to 799, inclusive, together.
Ireland has a single, privately owned, refinery in Whitegate, Cork. The owners, Phillips66, have been involved in a sales process in respect of the refinery for the last number of months. The Whitegate refinery is a fully privatised facility and its sale is a commercial matter between Phillips66 and a potential purchaser.
The Government views the continued operation of the Whitegate refinery on a commercial basis as highly desirable from an energy security and economic perspective. Security of supply remains a fundamental tenet of our energy policy and our overarching strategic energy security objectives are set out in the White Paper “Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future” published last December.
Under the terms of the 2001 Sale and Purchase Agreement entered into when the State sold the refinery in 2001, a legal obligation existed on the owners to continue to operate the refinery until at least July 2016. This obligation was a minimum legal requirement and is separate from the refinery licence.
Phillips66 has provided broad general updates to my Department about the status of the sale. However all commercial matters have been confidential between Phillips66 and interested parties; Phillips66 advise that the sales process is on-going.
