Written Answers Nos. 1-25
10. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of GLAS payments which were due for payment in 2016 that have been received by applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12190/17]
View answerThe Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) has a maximum annual payment of €5,000 under the general scheme with provision for payment up to €7,000 (known as GLAS+) where the farmer is required to give exceptional environmental commitments in a limited number of cases. Applications under the first two tranches of the GLAS scheme resulted in almost 38,000 farmers being approved into the scheme in its first year of implementation which represented an unprecedented level of interest in the first year of an agri-environment scheme. A further, just under 14,000 applications, were received under GLAS 3 which closed in mid-December last. Approvals have now issued in respect of over 90% of these applications, with the remaining applications currently being examined by the Department with a view to issuing further approvals where appropriate. This will bring the overall participation levels in GLAS to well over the targeted participation level of 50,000 farmers.
Under the EU Regulations governing GLAS and the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue.
My Department as the accredited Paying Agency must ensure that, before payment issues, everything in an application that can be checked is checked as required under the regulations. Therefore, payments can only issue where all the required validation checks have been successfully passed.
2016 payments represent the first full year of payment under GLAS. At the end of December 2016, there were approximately 37,500 active participants in the GLAS scheme, of which 27,400 or over 71% received payments valued at over €97m, representing 85% of their 2016 payment.
As issues with outstanding GLAS cases are resolved they are being paid in weekly payment runs. Further payments are issuing on a weekly basis with payments valued at over €110m now issued and over 84% of participants now paid. Further payments are issuing on a weekly basis.
Currently some 25,578 farmers are active GLAS 1 and a further 11,577 are active in GLAS 2 of which 21,686 in GLAS 1 and 9,524 in GLAS 2, have successfully completed the GLAS prepayment checks in respect of the 2016 scheme year and a first payment instalment of 85% has issued.
The current position is that 3832 farmers in GLAS 1 and 2,053 farmers in GLAS 2 have yet to receive their payment and their applications continue to be processed to payment stage, where appropriate.
Outstanding payments under both GLAS 1 and GLAS 2 are largely delayed due to declaration of incompatible parcel usage on the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application for a chosen GLAS action; changes in parcel boundaries on which a GLAS action is chosen including splitting or merging of parcels; an applicant no longer claiming a parcel on their 2016 BPS; incomplete documentation such as incorrect information on Low-Emission Slurry Declaration forms, incomplete interim commonage management plans and incompatible data and parcel history on Department databases.
Payments under the Scheme will continue to issue on an ongoing basis as issues are resolved and cases are cleared for payment.
I am well aware of the need to process all 2016 payments without delay and are ensuring that all resources required both on the I.T. and administrative side are directed towards resolving the outstanding queries on these cases.
In relation to the online application system for GLAS, I would point out that it will in fact be a mandatory regulatory requirement under the governing regulations from the 2018 claim year onward to have on online system. The Department launched an ambitious development programme to move to an online application and payment processing system for the GLAS scheme. Compared to our closest neighbours, where farmer interest in agri-environment schemes is also very strong, this is a significant achievement as these areas remain in the early stages of approving applications.
In the context of the recently launched consultation process on the future of the CAP it is in Ireland’s interests that we have a fully developed robust electronic processing and payment system that will give the necessary assurances that disbursement of EU funds is managed to the highest standards. Not only will this act as a protection against potential disallowances in this programming period but will also serve to strengthen our position in negotiating funding for a future agri-environment Scheme in the next programming period.
14. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he has monitored the potential market growth for Irish food and food products globally; the markets or products that have shown the greatest potential; the extent to which he expects to maximise the impact on these markets in the future having particular regard to geopolitical developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12343/17]
View answerThe Irish food and drink sector has recorded seven consecutive years of export growth, passing the €11 billion mark in 2016. The strongest performers last year were dairy, pigmeat, sheepmeat, beverages and prepared foods. While export markets look set to remain challenging in this year, amid some market uncertainty, the pickup in dairy demand is expected to continue while further opportunities are likely in beverages.
International markets led the growth in exports in 2016, contributing over 80% of total growth in exports and rising by an estimated 13% to just under €3.5 billion or 31% of exports. International trade in 2016 was led by stronger exports of dairy, beverages, prepared foods, pigmeat and beef. Overall, international exports were driven notably by the US, where exports increased by 23% to €955 million and China which recorded an increase of 35% driven principally by dairy and pigmeat. Increases were also recorded in other Asian markets.
Exports to the UK were 8% lower at €4.1 billion, affected by a weaker sterling. The share of exports to the UK declined from 41% to 37% by contrast to the increases in international and other European markets.
Exports to the other European markets increased by 3% in 2016 to reach just over €3.5 billion or 32% of total food and drink exports. Increases were recorded in meat, seafood and prepared foods. Growth was driven by strong performance on the Netherlands, German and French markets. Exports to Spain, Poland and Scandinavian markets also increased.
The bulk of Irish food and drink production is destined for markets outside Ireland. Policy has been both to build on existing markets and to identify opportunities for further market diversification. FoodWise 2025 highlights the importance of retaining a presence in mature markets and the huge potential for growth in exports beyond EU markets, in particular China, South East Asia , Middle East and Africa.
The programme of trade missions which I have undertaken with my Department and agencies in the past reflects this trajectory. We will continue to review progress market by market in the FoodWise High Level Implementation Committee, which I chair, and in interdepartmental fora.
15. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the prices being received by Irish farmers are not reflective of the quality of produce (details supplied); and his further views on whether the marketing of Irish meat is placing sufficient emphasis on the unique quality of the produce in a European Union context. [12339/17]
View answerMost meat produced in Ireland is exported. Exporters and Bord Bia are engaged on an ongoing basis in identifying market opportunities and building market relationships based on the high quality of quality assured and sustainably produced Irish beef and sheepmeat. As export markets may have a local preference orientation, it is impressive that Irish beef was exported to 84 export markets in 2016.
Prices paid for R3 steers by Irish meat plants during the week ending the 25th of February averaged €3.72/kg excluding VAT. This compared with an average price of €4.17/kg for R3 steers in the UK and an average price of €3.75/kg paid for R3 young bulls around continental Europe. The British price in Sterling terms has fallen consecutively each week of 2017. The current Irish cattle price has been largely stable since the beginning of 2017 while cattle supplies have been increasing. The most recently available data show that weekly throughput at Irish export premises reached almost 36,000, its highest level for this time of year for over ten years.
In the lamb sector, reported prices at Irish meat plants averaged €4.61/kg excluding VAT for the week ending the 25th of February. This represents a 12% decline on this time last year, when hogget prices averaged €5.26/kg. It is below the levels of 2015 and 2016 but on a par with 2014 and previous years and an improvement on January and February. To-date in 2017, Irish sheep supplies have risen by 15%, or 53,000 head.
For pigmeat, the latest reported price for week ending the 25th of February was €1.60/kg excluding VAT, a 17% recovery on equivalent 2016 levels. This is largely driven by growing demand for frozen pork and offal products in China and a fall in production there. The medium-term outlook for the sector is optimistic .
Supplies have tightened somewhat in recent weeks, and UK prices have also recovered somewhat.
Irish beef exports in 2016 reached 535,000 tonnes in 2016, the highest level in more than a decade and were valued at €2.38 billion. Overall exports of Irish meat and livestock were valued at €3.66 billion. This represented one third of total food and drink exports. Both Irish pigmeat and sheepmeat exports increased in 2016, by four per cent to €615m and €240m respectively.
Winning customers in global markets is achieved by demonstrating the quality of our produce and the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme and Origin Green initiative are critically important in this endeavour. Irish beef is purchased by the largest three UK retailers, arguably the most valuable market of scale. Beef exports to Germany have almost trebled in value over the past five years. The membership of the Bord Bia Chef's Irish Beef Club attests to the high reputation of Irish beef. Last week Bord Bia welcomed the first member from outside Europe at an event in Dubai. This club which comprises over eighty award winning chefs who are advocates of Irish beef is evident of the premium positioning of our product in export markets.
16. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of persons in County Meath enrolled in the areas of natural constraint scheme; the status of the process of reviewing qualifying areas for the areas of natural constraint scheme; if his Department has completed the mapping exercise in County Meath; when the maps will be published; the consultation that will be undertaken with persons in County Meath on the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12361/17]
View answerThere were 1,230 applicants under the 2016 ANC scheme in County Meath.
Under the Rural Development Regulation each Member State must designate areas eligible for payments under the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme. The ANC scheme replaces the previous Disadvantaged Areas Scheme / Less Favoured Areas Scheme. The designation of eligible areas under these schemes to date has been based on a range of socio-economic factors. From 2018 eligible areas must instead be designated using a set list of bio-physical criteria. In cases where a Member State does not introduce this new system for payment, the old scheme remains in place but payments must phase out on a digressive basis.
The biophysical criteria set out in the legislation to underpin the new system of designation are:
- Low temperature
- Dryness
- Excess soil moisture
- Limited soil drainage
- Unfavourable texture and stoniness
- Shallow rooting depth
- Poor chemical properties
- Steep slope.
My Department has commenced work on this project, and relevant technical experts are currently working on sourcing and analysing the data in relation to the new criteria. Department officials have also been in contact with the Joint Research Centre and DG Agri in the EU Commission in relation to technical issues arising. Over the coming months this analysis will identify areas deemed to be facing natural constraints, which will in parallel be subjected to a refinement process. It is envisaged that stakeholders will be consulted as this process develops.
17. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the contingency steps he is taking to safeguard the interests of the agrifood sector, CAP payments and the fishing sector following the decision by the UK voters to leave the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12356/17]
View answerI would like to remind the House that I and my Department have been actively engaged in assessing the impact of the Brexit vote on the Irish agri food sector, consulting with appropriate stakeholders and engaging with the relevant politicians and institutions. This work is being done in conjunction with the overall Government response being co-ordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach.
I fully recognise the potential difficulties that the agri food sector could face in the event of a hard Brexit. The sector is of critical importance to our economy and its regional spread means it underpins the socio-economic development in rural areas in particular. The sector employed approximately 173k people (i.e. 8.6% of total employment) in 2016, and the total value of agri food exports was more than €11 billion.
The highly integrated nature of agri food trade between Ireland and the UK is shown in CSO trade figures, with some €4.8bn (39%) of exports to the UK last year, and €3.7bn (46%) of agri food products imported from the UK.
A number of credible analyses have been conducted on the potential impact on Ireland of a UK exit from the EU, and all of these show that the result will, most likely, be unambiguously bad for the Irish agri-food sector. The more immediate impacts relate to the significant drop in the value of sterling against the euro and the effects this is having on industries with significant trading activity in the UK, particularly the mushroom and forest products sectors.
The medium to longer term impacts will revolve around the potential application of tariffs, the implications of divergence in regulations and standards, border controls with the Great Britain and Northern Ireland and certification, including the related areas of veterinary and animal health certification. There will also be difficult challenges in relation to potential restricted access to fishing grounds and resources.
In response to the challenges being posed by Brexit I have undertaken a number of important steps within my Department, which include the establishment of a Brexit Response Committee and a dedicated Brexit Unit. I have also created a Stakeholder Consultative Committee, which is complemented by frequent contact with representative organisations and companies on an ongoing basis.
In addition I hosted two All-Island Civic Dialogues for the agri-food sector, to which interested stakeholders from both sides of the border were invited. The first of these - focusing on the dairy, cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry sectors - took place on 15 December 2016. The second - dealing with the prepared consumer foods, horticulture, forestry and cereals/animal feed sectors - took place on 8 February 2017. A Civic Dialogue for the seafood sector was held on 1 February 2017. All of these opportunities for consultation allowed me and my Department establish the issues of critical concern to industry stakeholders.
I am also in regular communication with Commissioner Hogan and my officials have taken part in meetings with the Commission and the Barnier Task Force.
At EU level, I have had regular contact with the Commission and with counterparts in the UK and other member states, including meetings with my Spanish and Maltese colleagues on the margins of last Monday’s Council of Ministers. Arrangements are currently being made for further formal bilateral meetings over the coming weeks involving – Germany, The Netherlands and Denmark over St. Patrick’s weekend and Poland, Austria and Estonia at the end of the month.
In all of these engagements I am making clear our demand for continued unfettered access to the UK market, without tariffs and with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures, as well as keeping the UK market viable for Irish producers by minimising the risk from UK trade agreements with third countries.
In relation to fisheries, Ireland wants to maintain current access to fishing grounds in the UK zone in the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and north of Donegal and protect our quota share for joint fish stocks.
Last October, as part of Budget 2017, I announced measures aimed at alleviating the pressures of income volatility and the potential impact of Brexit. These measures included the introduction of the ‘Agri Cashflow Support Loan’ fund of €150 million; enhanced taxation measures and an additional allocation of €1.6m in 2016 and €2m in 2017 to Bord Bia to ensure that they are in a position to provide Brexit-related supports to affected companies. I also provided for increased funding under the Rural Development Programme and Seafood Development Programme.
I recently awarded over €1.8 million in grants to 19 seafood enterprises under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme for the seafood sector. The aim of these grants is to incentivise seafood innovation and new product development as a means of meeting the Brexit challenge.
The UK’s decision to leave the EU reinforces the need to develop as many outlets for our agri-food exports as possible, in order to minimise our dependence on any one market. Indeed this principle of market development is already a key component of Food Wise 2025. We have been very active in recent years in our efforts to diversify markets, and in aiming to respond to consumer demands in emerging markets.
Inward and outward trade visits will play a key role in our efforts to provide as many markets as possible for Irish agri-food products. Last September Minister Doyle and I led very successful trade missions to China, Singapore, Vietnam and South Korea and to North Africa in November. I have just returned from leading a trade mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates which was very successful and I am currently considering potential further destinations for later in 2017.
In relation to CAP payments the UK decision to leave the EU will result in a loss of the UK contribution to the EU budget of between 5 and 10%. This could have implications for future spending decisions in what is already a very tight budgetary framework. Given that the CAP accounts for some 37% of the EU budget, we could expect additional pressure for further contraction in CAP funding in the years ahead. However, it is important to remember that the amount of CAP funding per Member State under Pillars 1 and 2 is fixed under 2020 in the Regulations of the Council and European Parliament and it will require a co-decided amendment on these Regulations to change the figures.
Notwithstanding this, the future of the CAP is of course a very important issue for Ireland’s agriculture sector. I strongly believe that the CAP has evolved considerably and very effectively in recent years in response to changing market, consumer and environmental demands.
At the Council of Agriculture Ministers earlier this week, I stressed the importance of ensuring that the CAP continues to evolve in the way that it has over recent reforms, and that it supports the achievement of European strategic objectives. This will help to reinforce the relevance and effectiveness of the policy, and to secure a strong CAP budget for the period post-2020.
I wish to assure the House that the Government remains very focused on supporting the agri-food industry through the challenges ahead. I will continue to consult with the industry as the negotiations develop, and press Ireland's case for continued free access to the UK market, without tariffs and with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures.
18. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider examining the way to co-ordinate the roles of various Departments (details supplied) in relation to animal welfare issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12195/17]
View answerMy Department works collaboratively on a range of issues with other Departments.
With regard to the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, officials of my Department co-operate very closely with colleagues from that Department and with officials in the local authorities, in particular, in relation to implementation of the Control of Horses Act and legislation relating to dog breeding establishments (DBEs). In 2015, a joint inspection programme of dog breeding establishments involving both Departments was conducted with a view to ensuring that these establishments complied with the provisions of the 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act. While most of the establishments were found to comply with the provisions of the Act, corrective action was taken carried out in an integrated manner by officers of my Department and the relevant Local Authorities where necessary following the discovery of individual cases of non-compliance.
My Department liaises on a daily basis with Local Authorities in relation to the enforcement of the Control of Horses Act 1996 and the provisions of the Animal Health and Welfare Act generally. Under Section 37(2) of the Act, the manager of a local authority may appoint authorised officers to exercise functions conferred on them for the purposes of enforcing the 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act. With regard to the Control of Horses Act, the removal of stray or abandoned horses is frequently undertaken jointly by officials of my Department and of the Local Authorities. In addition, the development of urban/traveller horse projects, which seek to reduce the number of stray horses and educate young people in the care of animals, is an outcome of the co-operation between my Department and the Local Authorities. I am glad to report a major improvement in horse welfare outcomes in recent years.
My Department also works collaboratively with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Areas of engagement include those covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). My Department liaises with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on invasive alien species, particularly with regard to the monitoring and control of entry into Ireland of species which have been identified, at national and European level, as a potential threat to our native biodiversity.
I can assure the Deputy that this on-going level of co-operation will continue with the other Departments in the period ahead.
1. Section 37 (2) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 allows managers of Local Authorities to appoint authorised officers for the purposes of enforcing the Act within the functional area of the Authority. Excerpt is as follows:
‘The manager of a local authority for the purposes of enforcing this Act in the functional area of the authority, or other authority in accordance with subsection (6)(b), may, appoint in writing, such officers of the authority as he or she considers appropriate to be authorised officers for the exercise of all or any of the functions conferred on an authorised officer under this Act in the functional area of the authority, or other authority in accordance with subsection (6)(b), specified in the appointment’
2. Dog Breeding Establishment Inspections between DAFM and Local Authorities in 2015
In 2015 DAFM has conducted in the order of 70 joint inspections of Dog Breeding Establishments with Local Authority personnel. Sean O’Laoide county veterinary officer in Westmeath County Council sits on the Farmed Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC) funded by the Department and has an integral role to play in terms of identifying and dealing with dog breeding welfare issues.
Figures for 2016 not yet collated.
3. Current prosecutions being undertaken under the Animal Health and Welfare Act
38
4. Calls to DAFM Animal Welfare Helpline in 2016
- 643 Designated Department Animal Welfare Cases
- 466 Calls referred to others (ISPCA, DSPCA, etc)
- 1109 Total
5. Urban/Traveller Horse Projects
In a number of these projects DAFM has provided funding in coordination with the Local Authority Veterinary Services for initial capital costs such as stables, fencing and also fund education courses in welfare training such as farriery courses. Land is supplied by Local Authorities. New project opened by the Minister in Clondalkin in 2017. Projects should endeavour to be self-financing. Projects have very high approval rate amongst members.
DAFM spend on Urban Horse Projects in 2016 - €782,728
Seizures under Control of Horses Act in 2016 - €725,171
6. Examples of Welfare Officers appointed by local Authorities
- Dog Warden
- Veterinary Inspectors
- Employees of Dog Pounds
7. Example of cases where Zoo asked for clarification on the Animal Health and Welfare Act
Pinioning - Cutting flight feathers of birds
Feeding of live vertebrates - e.g. feeding live mice to snakes.
19. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to address the situation in which there is overproduction of beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12363/17]
View answerThere are a number of challenges facing the beef industry in the short and medium term, including exchange rate volatility, Brexit and political uncertainty both within the EU and in third countries. I am also aware, as I am sure the Deputy is, that a number of forecasts have predicted an additional 100,000 head of cattle to be available for slaughter in 2017, with the majority of these to go to plants in the early part of the year according to Bord Bia's performance and prospects publication.
While concerns have been raised about the impact of the supply of cattle on prices in 2017 I note however that R3 steer prices have held steady, and actually risen slightly, since the beginning of the year, despite increased slaughter numbers, which is a relatively positive start to 2017.
One of the key elements in coping with all challenges facing the beef sector is ensuring that there are sufficient markets for Irish beef. A strong demand for meat, including beef exists globally, and figures from the European Commission's most recent Short Term Outlook for meat markets showed a 2.1% projected growth of per capita beef consumption for 2016.
While we exported approximately 97% of our beef exports in 2016 to the UK and EU, I am acutely conscious of the importance of growing third country markets as a valuable outlet for any increase in Irish beef production. Indeed, this is a crucial component of the Food Wise 2025 strategy. Very significant progress has been made in this regard in recent years, and my Department is currently in the process of securing beef access to a range of third countries including China, South Korea, Ukraine, Thailand and Vietnam.
One of my priorities now, particularly in the context of Brexit, is to further increase the market opportunity for Irish food and drink internationally. We are after all an exporting nation, with 90% of our food produce leaving the island. I have just returned from a successful trade mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates last week during which enhanced access to the Saudi market was achieved for Irish beef. This builds on the opening of some major markets in the last two years including the US, Canada and Japan. To date this year we have also secured new market access for Irish beef to Egypt. This is a vital means of providing our beef sector with as many commercial opportunities as possible for Irish beef in addition to our traditional European markets.
I am also very conscious of the vital role that live exports play in providing an alternative market outlet for Irish farmers, especially in an environment where the number of calf births has increased, as in recent years. The opening of the Turkish market for live cattle exports in 2016 has been a good example of this, with approximately 20,000 live cattle exported there over the course of the last few months of 2016. I also note that exports of live cattle to Libya have recommenced, which is a positive and welcome development. My Department is also currently actively examining the possibilities of bilateral health certificates for the export of cattle to Kazakhstan and Montenegro and for breeding cattle to Morocco. I remain actively committed to ensuring that Irish beef producers have the option of exporting to as many markets as possible.
My Department and state agencies such as Bord Bia will continue to work to ensure that any increase in production from the Irish beef herd can deliver a viable return to the primary producer. I allocated additional funding to Bord Bia in Budget 2017 for the specific purpose of dealing with the impact of Brexit which will help to support Irish food and drink exports in 2017. This, in addition to the opening of a new office by Bord Bia in Singapore this year, will ensure that exports of Irish beef are promoted effectively to provide viable export markets for any increases in Irish beef production. Bord Bia has been very proactive in recent years in its promotion of Irish Beef in Europe and further afield and this work allied to our trade missions and promotional work will help to ensure there are a growing number of viable markets open to Irish beef this year and into the future.
20. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for publishing the Sea Fisheries Bill; the timeframe for its introduction; if he will provide an overview of its content and its impact on the sea fisheries sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12359/17]
View answerThe main purposes of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill are to provide for a points system for serious infringements by skippers and licence holders of the Common Fisheries Policy as required by Council Regulation 1224/2009; to affirm that fishing quotas are a national resource; and to introduce other miscellaneous and technical amendments.
It is anticipated that the most significant impact of the Bill will be its contribution to the promotion of compliance with fisheries law. The masters’ and licence holders’ points systems are key components in the EU Control framework aimed at promoting compliance with Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) rules by addressing situations where individuals repeatedly commit serious infringements of those rules.
I am planning to include provisions relating to the long-standing Government policy that quotas are a national asset in primary legislation. This will support the public ownership of national quotas and protect against any unintended privatisation of quotas, ensuring that benefits arising from such quotas are not lost to the State and the coastal communities reliant on the fishing industry.
I am currently awaiting further legal advice of the Attorney General in relation to the required EU points system for sea-fishing boat licence holders. Apart from this issue, my Department’s work is advanced on drafting the General Scheme of a Bill.
Once the draft General Scheme has been finalised, the next step would be to undertake a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) on the Points System for Licence Holders. This will take approximately six weeks of public consultation. The RIA for the other elements of the draft Bill has already been carried out.
Thereafter, I plan to submit a Memorandum to Government seeking approval for the drafting of the Bill along the lines of the General Scheme and the forwarding of the General Scheme for consideration to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. This will provide for Pre-legislative Scrutiny prior to its submission to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting.
21. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of persons in counties Carlow and Kilkenny that have not received 85% of their total 2016 payment under GLAS 1, GLAS 2 and AEOS; the reason for this delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12364/17]
View answerUnder the EU Regulations governing the Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) and the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue.
My Department as the accredited Paying Agency must ensure that, before payment issues, everything in an application that can be checked is checked as required under the regulations. Therefore, payments can only issue where all the required validation checks have been successfully passed.
In relation to 2016 payments, under AEOS the previous agri-environment Scheme, just over 8,600 AEOS participants were due a payment. AEOS II participants completed their 5-year contracts on 31 December 2016. Under the EU Regulations governing this Scheme and all other area-based payment schemes, a full check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System must take place before the final payment can issue. As all AEOS II participants will be receiving their final payments under the scheme, re-checks on payments made for all scheme years must be completed before final payment can be processed. This is the same procedure as applied to AEOS 1 participants finishing in that Scheme.
To date, AEOS 2016 payments amounting to over €22m have issued. The remaining cases are currently being checked and payments will continue to issue on an ongoing weekly basis as these cases are cleared.
A total of 49 farmers in Co. Carlow were due a 2016 payment in AEOS of which 41 have been paid and 8 are awaiting payment.
As issues with outstanding GLAS cases are resolved they are being paid in weekly payment runs. Further payments are issuing on a weekly basis with payments valued at over €110m now issued and over 84% of participants now paid. Further payments are issuing on a weekly basis.
2016 payments represent the first full year of payment under GLAS. At the end of December 2016, there were approximately 37,500 active participants in the GLAS scheme, of which 27,400 or over 71% received payments valued at over €97m, representing 85% of their 2016 payment.
Some 280 farmers are active GLAS 1 and a further 128 are active in GLAS 2 in County Carlow of which 224 in GLAS 1 and 111 in GLAS 2, have successfully completed the GLAS prepayment checks in respect of the 2016 scheme year and a first payment instalment of 85% has issued.
The current position for Co. Carlow is that 56 farmers in GLAS 1 and 17 farmers in GLAS 2 have yet to receive their payment and their applications continue to be processed.
For Co. Kilkenny 435 farmers are active GLAS 1 and a further 216 are active in GLAS 2 of which 372 in GLAS 1 and 179 in GLAS 2 have successfully completed the GLAS prepayment checks in respect of the 2016 scheme year and a first payment instalment of 85% has issued.
The current position for Co. Kilkenny is that 63 farmers in GLAS 1 and 37 farmers in GLAS 2 have yet to receive their payment and their applications continue to be processed.
Outstanding payments under both GLAS 1 and GLAS 2 are largely delayed due to declaration of incompatible parcel usage on the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application for a chosen GLAS action; changes in parcel boundaries on which a GLAS action is chosen including splitting or merging of parcels; an applicant no longer claiming a parcel on their 2016 BPS; incomplete documentation such as incorrect information on Low-Emission Slurry Declaration; incomplete interim commonage management plans and incompatible data and parcel history on Department databases.
Payments under the Scheme will continue to issue on an ongoing basis as issues are resolved and cases are cleared for payment.
22. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to address the numbers abandoning farming as a profession; his views on whether, if farming is not made attractive to young farmers, half of the countryside will be planted in forestry in ten years time with hundreds of jobs lost in the farming sector as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12193/17]
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.
A young farmer is defined as a farmer aged no more than 40 years of age in the year when they first submit an application under the Basic Payment Scheme and who commenced their farming activity no more than five years prior to submitting that application. A new entrant to farming is defined as a farmer who commenced their agricultural activity during the previous two years and did not have any agricultural activity in their own name and at their own risk in the five years preceding the start of the present agricultural activity.
The National Reserve provides for an allocation of entitlements at national average value or a top-up on existing entitlements that are below the national average value to two mandatory categories of ‘young farmer’ and ‘new entrant to farming’. The National average value of entitlements is approx. €185. In 2015 the National Reserve fund was based on a 3% cut to the Basic Payment Scheme financial ceiling and provided some €24 million in funding. Some 6,250 applicants were allocated entitlements under the 2015 National Reserve. The Young Farmers Scheme is a separate scheme that provides for an additional payment to young farmers based on activated entitlements. Over €24 million is allocated to the Young Farmers Scheme each year from 2015 to 2019. The National Reserve and Young Farmers schemes together with the value of associated Greening payments provided for an allocation of Pillar 1 payments in excess of €52.5 million in Ireland in 2015.
I was glad to announce recently 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
- 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.
23. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the oversight role played by his Department in ensuring that the codes of practice drawn up under section 25 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, along with the provision in the Act that prohibits the hunting of animals which have been released in an injured, mutilated or exhausted condition, is adhered to by hunt clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12344/17]
View answerThe Hunting Association of Ireland has a detailed code of conduct in place in respect of the hunting of foxes. This code places responsibility on member packs to ensure that hunting is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 that prohibit the hunting of animals which have been released in an injured, mutilated or exhausted condition. Evidence of breaches can be reported to the Animal Welfare Hotline operated by my Department.
Section 25 of the Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013 also allows for the establishment of codes of practice and for the adoption of codes published by other persons for the purposes of providing practical guidance relating to any aspect of the Act, including fox hunting. My Department has engaged with the hunting associations with a view to adopting codes of practice under Section 25 of the Act in order to ensure that those who participate in hunting will continue to honour their obligations to maintain the highest standards of behaviour at all times.
I am fully committed to promoting good practices that respect the welfare of all animals and my Department devotes considerable resources to protecting animal welfare and in dealing with breaches of animal welfare legislation. Under the Act, on summary conviction, a person can receive a fine of up to €10,000 and, on indictment, €250,000 and/or imprisonment up to 5 years. There are fixed penalty payments for lesser offences. The Act provides the framework within which the welfare of animals can be safeguarded and I am hopeful that the substantial and significantly increased levels of penalties for offences of animal cruelty provided for under the Act will act as a deterrent to animal welfare abuses.
24. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will announce details of an aid package to be paid to grain farmers in counties that had suffered from serious weather conditions during the harvest of 2016, further to a vote in Dáil Éireann vote on 19 January 2017 in which a majority of the members of the Dáil voted for such a package to be put in place. [12186/17]
View answerI hosted a further Tillage Stakeholders Forum on Thursday 16 February which consisted of representatives from all sides of this Sector.
Addressing the Forum, I took the opportunity to highlight that one of my priorities has been to address the impact of the change in the sterling exchange rate and lower commodity prices in some sectors, which have caused cash flow difficulties for farmers.
Therefore I was pleased to facilitate the “Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme”, which was developed by my Department in co-operation with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and makes €150 million available to farmers throughout Ireland at interest rates of 2.95%. Distributed through AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank, it provides tillage farmers with a low cost, flexible source of working capital and will allow them to pay down more expensive forms of short-term debt, ensuring the ongoing financial sustainability of viable farming enterprises. The loans are for amounts up to €150,000 for up to six years and are flexible with interest only facilities of up to three years. Although there are no official figures as yet on the drawdown from the Scheme, very strong interest has been reported.
As an additional support to cash flow on farms, including Tillage farms, that to date €1.18 billion has been paid out to 123,648 farmers and payments are ongoing. Payments of €200.8 million have also been made to 93,854 applicants under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme.
I can confirm to the Deputy that a wide ranging discussion took place among all the stakeholders who attended the Forum, including on the issue of crop losses as a result of the poor harvest conditions of last autumn. My officials have since then had some further with stakeholders, and I will consider further the outcome of those deliberations.
25. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of persons in County Westmeath enrolled in the areas of natural constraint scheme; the status of the process of reviewing qualifying areas for the areas of natural constraint scheme; if his Department has completed the mapping exercise in County Westmeath; when the maps will be published; the consultation that will be undertaken with persons in County Westmeath on the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12369/17]
View answerThere were 2,455 applicants under the 2016 ANC scheme in County Westmeath.
Under the Rural Development Regulation each Member State must designate areas eligible for payments under the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme. The ANC scheme replaces the previous Disadvantaged Areas Scheme/Less Favoured Areas Scheme. The designation of eligible areas under these schemes to date has been based on a range of socio-economic factors. From 2018 eligible areas must instead be designated using a set list of bio-physical criteria. In cases where a Member State does not introduce this new system for payment, the old scheme remains in place but payments must phase out on a digressive basis.
The biophysical criteria set out in the legislation to underpin the new system of designation are:
- Low temperature
- Dryness
- Excess soil moisture
- Limited soil drainage
- Unfavourable texture and stoniness
- Shallow rooting depth
- Poor chemical properties
- Steep slope.
My Department has commenced work on this project, and relevant technical experts are currently working on sourcing and analysing the data in relation to the new criteria. Department officials have also been in contact with the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and DG Agri in the EU Commission in relation to technical issues arising. Over the coming months this analysis will identify areas deemed to be facing natural constraints, which will in parallel be subjected to a refinement process. It is envisaged that stakeholders will be consulted as this process develops.
