Written Answers Nos. 713-729
713. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the allocation of public moneys to the horse and greyhound fund will be scrutinised as part of his Department's 2017 expenditure review, announced on budget day 2016. [10506/17]
View answerThe forthcoming Spending Review will be undertaken on a targeted basis operating in parallel to the Estimates process for 2018. Rather than a comprehensive review of all of the Departments expenditure this review has been designed by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to be a system of rolling selective reviews. All current Departmental expenditure - with the exception of pay rates - will be examined over a three year period. In addition, where appropriate, capital grants will also be included in the Review process.
The allocation to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund has not been selected for review in 2017.
714. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that reported incidents of the illegal killing of wild deer in Cork north-west are currently at unprecedented levels and the highest nationally (details supplied); if he will hold an urgent meeting with the relevant experts to discuss this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11841/17]
View answerResponsibility for the management of wild deer on public lands lies with my colleague, the Minister for the Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs under the Wildlife Acts. I am not in a position to comment on speculation that the crimes alluded to have their origins in reports regarding wild deer and TB in cattle.
715. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a report (details supplied) supported by his Department confirmed only ten deer were culled by 15 hunters over an area of 69,283 hectares during the period of 6 January 2016 to 31 July 2016 in County Wicklow and during the same period just two minor road traffic accidents involving deer were recorded in the same area, his views on whether the findings of this report suggest recent claims of out of control deer numbers and calls for additional deer culls are misleading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11845/17]
View answerUnder the Wildlife Acts responsibility for and the management of wild deer on public lands and the issuing of hunting licences to hunters and others lies with the Minister for the Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
The report referred to, which is an interim report, actually records 12 deer as being shot for the period mentioned. The figures are qualified in the report which states that, to establish an accurate estimate of deer densities, requires substantial resources over a protracted period and that there is substantial anecdotal evidence of deer sightings as well as clear evidence of adverse impacts. It goes on to say that the results rely on levels of observance townland by townland accurately noting of deer events as well as a commitment to keep records and that the data in Appendix L does not cover extensive sightings without dates.
With regard to whether additional culls are necessary, I should point out that the Irish Deer Management Forum, which was established for the purpose of implementation of short and long-term deer management objectives, has recommended that, in the interest of deer welfare, a programme to reduce deer density should be designed and undertaken in the Calary Area in Wicklow within prescribed seasons and measures.
717. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the young farmers scheme is currently open for applications; if not, his plans to reopen the scheme for young farmers in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11855/17]
View answerThe Young Farmers Scheme was introduced in 2015 as a measure to support young farmers under the reformed Common Agricultural Policy. The Young Farmer’s Scheme will operate each year from 2015 to 2019.
Details in relation to the application process for the Young Farmer’s Scheme 2017 will be available in the coming weeks and will be widely advertised in the farming media and on my Department’s website. The closing date for applications under the Scheme will be 15th May 2017.
718. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a green cert course can be completed online; the process involved with applying for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11856/17]
View answerTeagasc deliver the Green Cert on a full-time, part-time and distance education (online) basis.
I am advised that the distance education option extends over a minimum of 15-18 months and is offered at Teagasc Regional Education Centres and Agricultural Colleges as a distance learning option. To be eligible for the distance education option, an applicant must be the holder of a Level 6 or Higher Major Award in a non-agricultural discipline, have continuous access to a commercial farm in the Republic of Ireland for the duration of the course and have access to all farm details including financial details.
In order to facilitate planning of courses, people who wish to register an interest in completing the distance education option can do so by contacting their local Teagasc office or Agricultural College.
720. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of appointments he directly makes to the board of Bord na gCon; if in the course of making such appointments he takes appropriate steps to ensure that they are familiar with or part of the greyhound industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11915/17]
View answerFrom the 1st November 2014 all appointments are made through the Public Appointments Service (PAS). The Public Appointments Service advertises the positions based on job descriptions which address the need for specific skills on the board. Candidates are shortlisted by PAS based on an assessment of suitability for the post advertised, with the final decision on appointment made by the relevant Minister.
Recent appointments to the board of Bord na gCon have included individuals with veterinary, legal and financial experience as well as experience in the greyhound sector. My view is that boards are best served by a mix of appropriate skills and expertise.
721. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the impact the closure of Harold's Cross Greyhound Stadium is having across the wider greyhound industry; if he has sought to meet the board of the Irish Greyhound Board, IGB, to clarify the rationale for its decision; the reason a stadium which, while showing an operating loss of just €53,000, is in fact extremely profitable when the track's tote return of €330,000 is included was actually closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11916/17]
View answerBord na gCon has statutory responsibility for the development of the greyhound racing industry. In that context, it runs commercial operations in a number of greyhound stadia, including Harold's Cross.
In 2014, against the background of reducing income for the organisation through the recession and a significant debt burden, my department commissioned an independent report into certain matters relating to Bord na gCon, including its financial performance and prospects. That report provided a road map for the sustainable development of the greyhound sector, and in that context recommended a number of asset disposals, including Harold's Cross, in order to reduce the debt burden.
Bord na gCon has informed my Department that having considered the matter, and having regard to the recommendations in the Indecon Report, it has decided to cease racing at Harold's Cross and initiate the sale of the Stadium in order to reduce its debt levels and increase its capacity to provide support and assistance to the industry.
Greyhound racing has been part of the Dublin landscape for many years and Bord na gCon inform me that it is their intention that this continues to be the case and that it is further developed.
Shelbourne Park has been operating 3 nights per week, which is limited use for a property in this location and with the facilities on offer. There is sufficient capacity in Shelbourne Park to accommodate the Harold’s Cross racing schedule there. One cannot lose sight of the fact that Shelbourne Park is located only 2.2 miles from the Harold’s Cross site.
While the closure of Harold's Cross Stadium is very regrettable, its view is that there is no other option if the burden of debt on the organisation is to be reduced in any meaningful way.
722. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he has failed to consult representatives of the fishing industry who have serious issues to address in the context of the Sea-Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2017, which seeks to deal with a decision of the Supreme Court on the voisinage arrangements; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that under the provisions of the Common Fisheries Policy he is obliged to consult fishery interests and group representatives on policy matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11918/17]
View answerThe Government approved the publication of the Sea-Fisheries (Amendment) Bill to address the issues raised by the Supreme Court judgment of 27 October 2016 and the Bill was published on 13 February 2017. The Bill is available on the Oireachtas website.
The Supreme Court judgment found that fishing by Northern Ireland vessels within the 0 to 6 nautical mile zone of the territorial waters of the State under the Voisinage arrangements is not currently provided for in domestic law. The voisinage arrangements are long-standing reciprocal arrangements which allow fishing boats from Northern Ireland access to fish within the 0 to 6 nautical mile zone of the territorial waters of the State and vice versa.
It is important to note that the Supreme Court upheld the High Court finding that the voisinage arrangements are not invalid but that, as it stands, there is insufficient provision in domestic law for them. The Supreme Court in fact noted that the arrangements were a sensible recognition at official level of practice and tradition, where fishing boats traditionally fished neighbouring waters.
Voisinage arrangements were in place prior to the London Fisheries Convention 1964 and were continued under the terms of the Convention. The arrangements are compliant with the Common Fisheries Policy, as Article 5 of EU Regulation 1380/2013 recognises and permits neighbourhood arrangements (such as the voisinage arrangements) which existed before the Common Fisheries Policy came into force.
The purpose of the Bill is not to change long-standing fishing access arrangements but to take account of the Court’s judgment and provide for arrangements that existed prior to 27 October to be reinstated within a legislative framework. Access continues to be accommodated for Irish sea-fishing boats to fish within the Northern Ireland 0 to 6 nautical mile zone. The Bill will fulfil Ireland’s obligations and give the voisinage arrangements a proper legal footing.
723. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to extend the transitional arrangements for the nitrates directive, in order that their eventual discontinuation can be negotiated within the scope of the full review on the basis of introducing additional measures to encourage the use of organic fertilisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11920/17]
View answerMy Department has been liaising with the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government which is the lead Department with respect to these regulations.
The transitional provisions of ‘The Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Water Regulations 2014’ or ‘Nitrates Regulations’ had provided for phosphorus levels in excess of the maximum fertilisation rate, where pig manure, poultry manure or spent mushroom compost is applied. This provision ended on 31 December 2016 having been introduced over 10 years ago.
In order to assist the pig sector with the ending of the transitional provisions the following immediate action has been taken –
- My Department has contacted Teagasc who are continuing to promote the use of livestock manures as valuable fertilisers.
- Pig manure imported onto a holding in the closed period in 2017 will be treated as inventory for application in 2018, rather than being considered as applied in the year of importation.
- My Department is contacting all intensive pig farmers in order to request their permission to make their details available to agricultural advisors to highlight to farmers local to them the availability and value of pig manure.
Through the implementation of these activities it is expected that the impact of the ending of the transitional provisions will be minimised. A public consultation period for the Nitrates Regulations has commenced led by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and assisted by my Department. This is an opportune time for the industry to bring forward suggestions to make best use of organic fertiliser while maintaining water quality standards.
724. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the waiting times for agricultural appeals; if extra staff have been drafted in to deal with the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11932/17]
View answerAppeal files are generally dealt with chronologically, based on date of receipt. The average processing time for appeals in 2016 from the date of receipt of the Department file was 103 days. The target turnaround time for appeals in 2017 is 90 days. The time taken to finalise appeals can vary depending on a number of matters such as the complexity of an appeal case, availability of appellants and of Department officials for appeal oral hearings, and where necessary the need to obtain legal advice before finalising a case. Staff requirements are monitored on an on-going basis to determine if additional resources are required.
725. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of lands in counties Cavan and Monaghan used for forestry or involved in the State forestry and planting programme; the way in which this is monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11940/17]
View answerThe National Forest Inventory (NFI) is the principal means of monitoring national forest cover in Ireland. The NFI records and assesses the extent and nature of Ireland’s forests, both public and private, in a timely, accurate and reproducible manner. The NFI is a detailed periodic survey of permanent forest sample plots based on a randomised systematic grid sample design. The exercise is repeated every 5 years with the most recent NFI available for 2012. Work on the next NFI is currently underway.
According to the National Forest Inventory (NFI) 2012 total forest cover in Counties Cavan and Monaghan is 8.7% and 4.3% respectively. The total area of forest for the country according to the NFI is estimated to be 731,650 ha or 10.5% of the total land area of Ireland. Further information is available at www.agriculture.gov.ie/nfi/.
726. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average age of persons who work in the farming sector; the initiatives that are being taken on board by his Department in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11941/17]
View answer727. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address the number of farmers leaving farming due to lack of supports by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11942/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 726 and 727 together.
The CSO's 2013 Farm Structures Survey indicated that approximately 37,700 or 27% of Irish farmers are over 65 years and 8,200 (6%) aged under 35. A full age breakdown can be found as follows. These figures compare with Eurostat data for 2013, which showed that 31% of all EU farm holders were over 65 and 6% are aged under 35.
Age of Farm Holder
|
2013 |
Number |
% of farmers |
|
< 35 |
8,200 |
6% |
|
35 - 44 |
22,800 |
16% |
|
45 - 54 |
34,800 |
25% |
|
55 - 64 |
35,600 |
26% |
|
> 65 |
37,700 |
27% |
|
Total |
139,100 |
100% |
Source: Farm Structures Survey, 2013. CSO
The CSO's 2010 Census of Agriculture shows that in 2010 there were 139,860 farms in Ireland. This figure is compared to 141,527 farms in 2000, a decrease of 1.2% in ten years. The 2013 Farm Structures Survey also carried out by the CSO puts the number of farms in Ireland at 139,600, a reduction of just 260 from the 2010 figures.
There are a number of tax measures specifically aimed at young farmers, specifically ‘100% Stock Relief on Income Tax for Certain Young Trained Farmers’ and ‘Stamp Duty Exemption on Transfers of Land to Young Trained Farmers’. The Agri-taxation Review was published as part of Budget 2015 and set out the main policy objectives for continuing support through agri-taxation measures including:
- Increasing land mobility and the productive use of land
- Assisting succession and the transfer of farms.
Both objectives are especially relevant to young farmers and Budget 2015 included a number of new measures in this regard, as well as measures to enhance and strengthen the existing supports.
In addition I recently announced that the ‘Succession Farm Partnership Scheme’ has been approved and administrative arrangements are being finalised for its commencement this year. The Scheme provides for a €25,000 tax credit over five years to assist with the transfers of farms within a partnership structure and will promote the earlier inter-generational transfer of family farms. It will encourage and support important conversations within farm families about succession planning.
728. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the incentives for young farmers who are considering working on their home farm after completing their agricultural courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11943/17]
View answerThe National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme were introduced under the reform of Direct Payments in 2015. These schemes were designed to provide financial support to young farmers and new entrants to farming during the crucial early years immediately following the setting up of a farming enterprise.
The National Reserve provides for an allocation of entitlements at the national average level or a top-up on existing entitlements that are below the national average to two mandatory categories of ‘young farmer’ and ‘new entrant to farming’. The Young Farmers Scheme is a separate scheme that provides for an additional payment to young farmers based on activated entitlements. Successful applicants under both schemes are required to meet agricultural educational qualification standard at FETAC Level 6 or equivalent.
The Young Farmer’s Scheme will operate from 2015 to 2019. EU Regulations set down the definition of a ‘young farmer’ for the purposes of eligibility for the National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme as follows:
- S/he is participating in the Basic Payment Scheme in the year in which s/he submits an application;
- S/he is no more than 40 years of age at any time during the calendar year in which s/he first submits and application under the Basic Payment Scheme; and
- S/he is setting up an agricultural holding for the first time or has set up such a holding during the five years preceding the first submission of the Basic Payment Scheme application.
In 2015 the National Reserve fund was based on a 3% cut to the Basic Payment Scheme financial ceiling and provided some €24 million. Some 6,260 applicants were allocated entitlements under the 2015 National Reserve. I recently announced that funding of just over €5 million will be made available to fund a National Reserve in 2017. Full details in relation to the application process for the National Reserve and the Young Farmer’s Scheme in 2017 will be available in the coming weeks and will be widely advertised in the farming media and on my Department’s website. The closing date for applications under both schemes will be 15th May 2017.
The Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme of TAMS II provides grant aid for a range of investments aimed at facilitating the entry of farmers and generational renewal. The TAMS Scheme specifically targets support at young farmers by offering them a greater rate of aid intensity at 60% compared to the standard grant aid rate of 40%. In addition, support is being provided for grant aid for dairy buildings specifically for qualifying young farmers.
There are a number of tax measures specifically aimed at young farmers, specifically ‘100% Stock Relief on Income Tax for Certain Young Trained Farmers’ and ‘Stamp Duty Exemption on Transfers of Land to Young Trained Farmers’. The Agri-taxation Review was published as part of Budget 2015 and set out the main policy objectives for continuing support through agri-taxation measures including:
- Increasing land mobility and the productive use of land, and
- Assisting succession and the transfer of farms.
Both objectives are especially relevant to young farmers and Budget 2015 included a number of new measures in this regard, as well as measures to enhance and strengthen the existing supports.
In addition I recently announced that the ‘Succession Farm Partnership Scheme’ has been approved and administrative arrangements are being finalised for its commencement this year. The Scheme provides for a €25,000 tax credit over five years to assist with the transfers of farms within a partnership structure and will promote the earlier inter-generational transfer of family farms. It will encourage and support important conversations within farm families about succession planning.
