Written Answers Nos. 1157-1178
1157. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of the 2017 sheep welfare budget allocation that was not required; his plans for this unused allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55112/17]
View answerIn December 2016 I introduced the Sheep Welfare Scheme to contribute to the continuing viability and sustainability of the sheep sector in Ireland. The Scheme is funded through the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014 - 2020 and it complements the range of other RDP supports available to sheep farmers under schemes such as GLAS, TAMS, Knowledge Transfer and the Areas of Natural Constraint scheme.
Advance payments in the amount of €16 million under the first year of the Sheep Welfare Scheme have already issued. Balancing payments issue in respect of these applications will issue in 2018, which will bring the total for Year 1 of the Scheme to approximately €19m.
The details of the Sheep Welfare Scheme, including the amount of payment to participants, were approved by the European Commission in 2016. The payment rates are based on the agreed costings underlying the actions to be undertaken in the scheme, and an increase in the funding allocated to existing actions would thus require changes to the actions currently being undertaken by farmers, or the addition of new actions. Any such changes to the details of the scheme would require the agreement of the European Commission via the formal Rural Development Programme amendment process.
Year 2 of the Scheme has now been opened and new entrants to the sheep sector can apply for the Scheme at this stage should they wish to do so.
1159. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to establish a communication channel for agricultural planners and advisors in order that they can contact the company that digitises maps for his Department in view of the fact that this could help to speed up the correction of issues with digitised maps in applications for agricultural schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55114/17]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is the body with responsibility for administering direct payments to farmers via a number of different area based schemes, such as the Basic Payment Scheme. Arising from this, the Department maintains the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) which fulfils two primary functions:
- the identification and positioning of agricultural and forestry parcels, and
- the determination of the eligible area of land parcels
Some of this LPIS work is contracted out to an external company but the Department remains responsible for the maintenance of the LPIS. On this basis, there is no plans to establish a communication channel between agricultural planners and advisors and the company that carries out the maintenance and updating of the LPIS.
With a view to resolving issues that may arise in processing applications received by the Department as quickly as possible, my Department does maintain a number of avenues for communication with agricultural planners and agents, as well as the applicants themselves.
For example, the Department maintains a dedicated advisor e-mail service, which has received very positive feedback from advisors as well as telephone helpdesks and an on-line response facility for queries.
My Department is continuously reviewing these communications channels with a view to making ongoing improvements to the service that it provides.
1161. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to retain the current definition of an active farmer from 2018 onwards after the approval of the omnibus rules by the European Parliament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55116/17]
View answerThe recently approved Omnibus Regulation allows Member States the flexibility of retaining the current administrative checks under the Basic Payment Scheme in relation to active farmers on an optional basis from 2018. I have decided to retain the current approach in 2018, with the possibility of reviewing this approach in future years.
1162. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce grant aid for land drainage for farmers due to severe wet weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55117/17]
View answerAt this juncture, the budget for the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation scheme (TAMS) is already fully committed to current eligible items included in the scheme under our Rural Development programme. Support for land drainage is not therefore included in programme.
It must also be recognised that any such measure would require full compliance with environmental requirements including the need for a full national Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessments for any potentially affected Natura Areas. Such requirements in any potential measure should not be considered insignificant as would the challenge of securing European Commission approval.
1163. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the conditions attached to the recent renewal of Ireland's nitrates derogation 2018 to 2021; the measures he plans to implement to mitigate the negative impact of the conditions on the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55130/17]
View answerThe process of reviewing Irelands Nitrates Action Programme took place over much of 2017 under the remit of the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government. The review took place against the backdrop of an expanding national dairy herd and a slight disimprovement in water quality over the previous monitoring period.
From the outset the ambition was to ensure a balanced Nitrates Action Programme supporting efficient farming and also protecting and improving water quality. The successful negotiation of the continuation of Ireland's derogation was also a key priority for this Department.
In December 2017 Ireland secured a positive vote on the renewal of our nitrates derogation for the period 2018-2021 on the basis of a strengthened set of water protection measures. This contrasts with other EU Member States which have had severe difficulties in negotiating a successful renewal of their derogations.
The derogation allows herdowners farm at a more intensive stocking rate than normally allowed, subject to complying with specific conditions. The derogation is highly important in order to facilitate continued expansion of the dairy sector and for achievement of the targets set out in FoodWise 2025. There are additional conditions for derogation farmers to comply with which will improve on farm efficiency and contribute to the continued international recognition of the environmental sustainability of Irish agriculture which is vital in the context of significant agricultural exports in a competitive world market.
In order to be eligible to apply for a derogation farmers must have sufficient livestock manure storage. Storage requirements have been mandatory since the introduction of the Nitrates regulations a decade ago.
Half of all slurry produced on a derogation farm must be applied by 15 June annually. After this date slurry may only be applied using low emission equipment. Farmers are increasingly utilising their manures to greatest effect applying a greater percentage in the spring time. The condition further supports that move but also takes account of the fact that agriculture is responsible for 98% of ammonia emissions and that the nitrogen loss from slurry to the atmosphere through ammonia volatilisation in the summer is almost twice that of slurry applied in the spring time. Slurry application by Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) equipment reduces losses by 30% compared to application by splash-plate and reducing ammonia losses results in increased nitrogen uptake by grass. These measures will play an important role in improving efficiency, and reducing nutrient losses to air and water on the more intensively stocked derogation farms, against a backdrop of increase numbers of such farms.
Farmers can also apply for grant assistance for the purchase of LESS equipment under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) and secure funding of 40% of the cost- rising to 60% for young trained farmers. Applications to date for this scheme have been very strong and have exceeded expectation indicating that farmers are embracing this technology.
It is critically important that we achieve the objective of improved water quality in a balanced and proportionate manner securing the long term development ambitions for the industry and avoiding the challenges that are now being faced in some other Member States. The current programme and derogation conditions aims to achieve these twin objectives.
1164. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of money to be allocated to the hen harrier scheme; the scoring criteria to be used to define a person's qualification for the scheme; the maximum amount that a person can qualify for in one application; when it is planned to open applications; when the process will reach the payment stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55131/17]
View answerAt the outset, I should stress that this is a locally-led pilot project under the European Innovation Partnerships measure, and is not directly administered by my Department. The design and management of the programme are primarily matters for the local project team, who have consulted widely with farmers in designated areas in the development of the measures to be undertaken on the ground and associated payments.
Funding for the Programme is provided through Ireland's Rural Development Plan and I have allocated a budget of €25 million for the Hen Harrier Programme.
The Programme has been open for applications since the 8th December 2017 and all information regarding the selection criteria and payments available to farmers can be found in the Terms and Conditions for the Programme. The Terms & Conditions and all other information can be obtained from the Hen Harrier project team and are also available on their website www.henharrierproject.ie.
As stated above, the management of the programme is undertaken by the locally-led Hen Harrier project team and all decisions on issues with regard to payment dates and payable amounts are matters for them. I understand, however, that first payments to participating farmers will issue in 2018.
1165. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received under the tillage compensation payment scheme; the number of approved applicants; the number of successful applicants who have been paid; and the amount paid out under the scheme to date. [55173/17]
View answerThe crop loss support measure was launched in July 2017 to assist farmers most affected by the wet weather harvest conditions of September 2016. A total of 167 applications were received under the measure.
To date 63 applicants have received payments of €288,845.30. In a large number of cases, further information or clarification is required in order to fully process applications. In all of these cases, the applicants have been contacted directly by an official from my Department. As the further information requested is received, these cases will be examined again and subsequent pay runs will be put in place as more cases are cleared for payment.
1166. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the vacant properties and land not in use that are owned, rented or leased by his Department or by bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department, by square footage for buildings and by acres for land, in tabular form; the address and location of these properties; and the last date of occupancy or use of these properties. [55204/17]
View answerThe six State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres at Killybegs, Ros an Mhíl, Dingle, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth are managed and operated by my Department under Statute. The property portfolio at the six Fishery Harbour Centres consists of 215 properties, the income from which supports the running of the Harbours. With two exceptions, these properties are not residential.
The table following lists 19 properties, buildings and land under the remit of the Fishery Harbour Centres which are currently vacant. The majority of these are industrial properties.
Apart from five properties, most of the properties are subject to legal, operational or planning considerations before they can be considered for tender. The remaining properties are unsuitable for occupation.
Vacant properties and land not in use, owned, rented or leased by State Agencies is an operational matter for the Agencies themselves. Agencies under the remit of my Department have been asked to reply directely to the Deputy.
|
Location |
Address |
Building or Land |
Measurement * |
Last Date of Occupancy or use |
|
Castletownbere Fishery harbour Centre (FHC) |
Site 12, Dinish Island |
Land |
Undeveloped Land being prepared for Department use as part of major new development on Dinish Island |
|
|
Castletownbere FHC |
Site 15 Dinish Island |
Land |
Undeveloped land being prepared for Department use as part of major new development on Dinish Island |
|
|
Castletownbere FHC |
Site 16, Dinish Island |
Land |
Total area of sites 12, 15 & 16 – 13,700sq.m |
Undeveloped land being prepared for Department use as part of major new development on Dinish Island |
|
Dunmore East FHC |
Site 25 |
Building |
1712.5 sq.m |
2017 |
|
Dunmore East FHC |
Site 18 |
Building |
1134 sq.m |
2017 |
|
Dunmore East FHC |
Site 22 |
Building |
1205 sq.m |
2017 |
|
Howth FHC |
37-4 (A) Claremont Industrial Estate |
Land |
376 sq.m |
2013 |
|
Howth FHC |
Store 22 East Pier |
Building |
16.64 sq.m |
Unsuitable for occupation |
|
Howth FHC |
Store 25East Pier |
Building |
64.13 sq.m |
Unsuitable for occupation |
|
Howth FHC |
Store 27 East Pier |
Building |
59 sq.m |
2013 Unsuitable for occupation |
|
Howth FHC |
Mariners Hall, West Pier |
Both |
950.5 sq.m |
2012 |
|
Killybegs FHC |
Island House |
Building |
159 sq.m |
2017 |
|
Killybegs FHC |
Old Coastguard Station |
Building |
890 sq.m |
2013 |
|
Killybegs FHC |
Site 2 |
Land |
1.6 acres |
New Development site |
|
Killybegs FHC |
Auction Hall |
Building |
1171.2 sq.m |
Partly occupied |
|
Ros an Mhil FHC |
Ferry Ticket Office No.2 |
Building |
21.5 sq.m |
2016 |
|
Ros an Mhil FHC |
Cafe, Ferry Ticket Office building |
Building |
21.5 sq.m |
2007 |
|
Co Galway |
Harbour Master House, Derroe, Ballinahown, Rossaveel, Co Galway |
Building |
Site 0.25 Acres House 195 Sq.m |
2008 |
|
Co. Donegal |
Harbour Master House, Ballyloughan, Brucklass, Killybegs, Co. Donegal |
Building |
Not available |
Circa 2005 |
*Measurements are approximate.
1167. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ease the fodder crisis in counties Cavan and Monaghan and across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55228/17]
View answerWeather conditions for much of last autumn and early winter were challenging for farmers, particularly in parts of the West/North West. This resulted in the earlier housing of stock and challenges for some farmers in terms of fodder conservation. On foot of these challenges, I prioritised the payment of farm supports to assist farmers with cash flow. The European Commission agreed to my request, informed in part by the poor weather conditions of last autumn, for an advance payment of the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme and agri-environment schemes. These payments commenced after the earliest date possible which was 15 October, and balancing payments issued in early December.
These payments together with those issued under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme, injected over €1.3 billion into the Irish rural economy by the end of last year and are providing a very welcome boost for Irish farm families and will help to finance fodder purchase where necessary.
Last autumn as poor weather conditions continued, I then asked Teagasc to work locally in areas with fodder difficulties, supporting good budgeting for fodder supplies on farms over the winter ahead.
Furthermore, in order to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the issue of fodder availability in affected areas, I convened a fodder group chaired by Teagasc and comprising of all the main stakeholders including feed merchants and co-ops, banking, farm bodies etc. The group held its first meeting in December and met again on Monday, 15 January. The group's objective is to actively monitor the situation and to ensure co-ordinated expertise and guidance is available to affected farmers regarding their options. These may include sourcing alternative feed, reducing non-breeding stock numbers and ensuring they continue to carry out fodder budgeting.
As outlined at the weekend, my Department is engaging with stakeholders, including through Fodder task force, with a view to providing a targeted contribution towards long-distance transport of fodder to those areas most impacted by the adverse weather. As the deputy can appreciate, fodder sale and purchase is a normal and significant trade between farms on an annual basis and it is important that any prudent measure brought forward is appropriately targeted to those most impacted whilst not impacting negatively on this trade.
I would also stress that if a situation arises where the welfare of livestock is at risk, herdowners should contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Animal Welfare helpline or Regional Veterinary Office for support.
1168. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not received payment under the basic payment scheme. [55232/17]
View answerAn application in respect of the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 9 May 2017. Processing of this application has now been finalised and payment will issue to the nominated bank account of the person named in the coming days.
1169. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to support the suckler herd in the future (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55264/17]
View answerI am very conscious of the importance of the suckler sector to Ireland's rural economy and the wider agri-food industry.
My Department provides a number of supports to the suckler herd. A range of direct payments and grant schemes provide vital income and investment support to the suckler sector, including BPS, ANC, GLAS and TAMS.
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is the main support specifically targeted for the suckler sector, which will provide Irish beef farmers with some €300 million in funding over the current Rural Development Programme period. In response to significant demand, last year I reopened the BDGP programme for new entrants, reflecting the success of this programme, which targets both the environmental footprint and the profitability of the suckler herd through improving the genetic merit in participating herds.
There are a number of challenges facing the suckler sector in the short and medium term, particularly exchange rate volatility and Brexit. One of my priorities now is to further increase market access and market opportunities for Irish food and drink internationally. We are an exporting nation, with 90% of our food produce leaving the island. By further increasing our footprint internationally we can make a contribution to mitigating the effects of Brexit and develop our agri-food sector to realise its full potential.
Live exports also play a vital role in providing an alternative market outlet for Irish farmers, including weanlings from the suckler herd at this time of year. It is an area that I have paid particular attention to since taking up office. It is notable that live exports for 2017 were up by 47,000 head, or 33% compared to 2016.
Furthermore, provisional figures from the Central Statistics Office covering the year to October show a positive trend for Irish beef exports when compared to the same period in 2016.
1170. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a farm payment appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1000/18]
View answerUnder the Terms and Conditions of the Basic Payment Scheme, an applicant, as well as meeting the scheme criteria, must comply with EU regulatory requirements relating to Cross Compliance.The penalty applied under the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme relates to a breach of Cross Compliance requirements.
The Department’s records indicate that in 2016, the amount of nitrogen from livestock manure applied to land on the holding of the person named, (including that deposited by animals), was 192 kgs per hectare, which exceeded the limit of 170 kgs per hectare set down in the Nitrates Regulations for farmers without an approved derogation.
As similar breaches under the Nitrates Regulations had been identified within the previous three years, the regulatory provisions required that the rules on reoccurrence be applied and this resulted in a final penalty of 9% being applied against the 2017 Direct Schemes payments.
The person named was notified of this decision on 24th November 2017 and has sought a review of this decision. The matter is currently being examined by officials in my Department and the person named will be notified of the outcome on completion of this process.
In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of this review, the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office, within 3 months.
1171. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a Green, Low Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme, GLAS, payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1002/18]
View answerThe person named was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of 1st January 2017.
The Department is aware of an issue with this case that is preventing the 2017 advance payment being made to the applicant. The identification of a solution to this issue has been prioritised and it is expected that the payment will be made in the coming weeks.
1172. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme, GLAS, payment for a person (details supplied). [1020/18]
View answerThe person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received full entitlements in respect of the 2015 and 2016 scheme years.
The Department is aware of an issue with this case that is preventing the 2017 advance payment being made. The identification of a solution to this issue has been prioritised and it is expected that the payment will be made in the coming weeks.
1173. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme, GLAS, payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1022/18]
View answerThe person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016.
All payments due to the applicant have been made. The 2017 advance payment issued on 22 December.
1174. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of hectares of afforested land in County Leitrim; the percentage of this land that is agricultural; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1026/18]
View answerForestry is one of the many land use options available to farmers and land owners and the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme is one of a wide range of supports provided by my Department. In 2016, 433 hectares of new forestry was planted in Leitrim all of which was private planting, largely by farmers living in Co. Leitrim.
According to Ireland’s National Forest Inventory 2012, 26,500ha of land was under forestry in Leitrim, this represents approx 17% of the total land area. It should be noted that of that, 27% is planted with broadleaf species. This land is, by its nature, agricultural.
1175. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the use of poisons for the killing of cats; if he will take measures to prevent this practice (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1039/18]
View answerThe Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides that where poison is to be used, it may not be used to poison a protected animal and when used, there are strict controls on the manner of its application, so as to ensure protection of protected animals in particular.
Section 12 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 sets out the principles which seek to protect all animals from cruelty - requiring the avoidance of any unnecessary suffering and the minimisation of suffering.
It is understood that operators dealing with the removal of feral cats generally seek to capture and use humane injection where such a course of action is deemed necessary, taking account of the particular circumstances and the age and condition of the animals. This approach accords with the principles set out in section 12.
The practice of trap/neuter and release (TNR) is a well recognised way of dealing with feral cat problems. It is also noteworthy that certain animal rescues take in feral kittens, from operators following their removal, for re-homing where domestication is feasible.
I welcome the interest and involvement of animal welfare groups in seeking to resolve this situation as they can bring an important and valuable range of experience.
1176. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an agricultural scheme payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1049/18]
View answerThe person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received full payments in respect of the 2015 and 2016 Scheme years.
Regarding the 2017 advance payment, the Department has been in direct contact with the applicant in relation to an outstanding requirement in relation to the eligibility of an action. The applicant has been advised to consult with his Advisor in relation to this issue. Once the issue is resolved the payment will issue. GLAS payments are issuing on a weekly basis.
1177. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme, GLAS, payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1055/18]
View answerTo date the Department has issued 2017 GLAS advance payments to 39,000 famers totalling €140m. GLAS pay-runs are continuing on a weekly basis with further payments scheduled to issue this week as cases are cleared for payment.
However, between 3-4,000 GLAS applicants remain ineligible for a payment for a number of reasons including participants with outstanding annual Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) forms. The majority of applicants who correctly submitted their LESS form on time have now been paid their 2017 GLAS advance. The Department has made great efforts to bring this issue to the attention of farmers and advisors. Multiple reminders have issued. Participants with outstanding LESS forms are urged to submit them immediately.
Rare Breeds Forms are outstanding or requiring amendment in almost half of the cases qualifying for this action. Nutrient Management Plans remain outstanding in respect of some GLAS I and II participants and applicants should contact their advisors directly to have these submitted urgently. The Commonage Management Plan (CMP) requirements have not been met by some participant’s Commonage Advisor. Non-Submission of a 2017 BPS application – participants who fall into this category are being advised on the steps required to rectify the situation.
The remaining cases continue to be processed by the Department. As part of the processing of GLAS payments the Department is required to verify all of the data on which the claim is made. Where cases, correctly and accurately, do not pass the validation process they must be further examined and the issue arising resolved. Once these cases pass all validations they are included in future payment runs. Where action is needed by the participant concerned the Department is in direct contact with them.
1178. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons who participated in the beef data and genomics programme in each year since its inception; the number of persons who withdrew each year; the financial drawdown each year; the amount spent on the scheme since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1060/18]
View answerThe suckler sector is a vital component of Ireland's rural economy and the provision of support for the suckler sector is critically important. The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is the current primary support for the Irish suckler sector and makes provision for some €300 million of funding over the next six years to beef farmers.
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme provides for six years of payments to farmers for completion of actions which deliver accelerated genetic improvement in the Irish national herd and improvement of its environmental sustainability.
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme was announced in May 2015 and 29,890 participants initially applied. A second tranche of BDGP launched in April 2017 and 1,896 applications were received. The number of herds paid and withdrawals per year in the Programme are set out in the following table. Payments for the 2017 Programme year will continue as herds achieve compliance.
|
Year |
- |
Herds eligible for payment |
Withdrawals |
|
2015 |
BDGP 2015 - 2020 |
24,137 |
3,247 |
|
2016 |
BDGP 2015 - 2020 |
22,858 |
1,933 |
|
2017 |
BDGP 2015 - 2020 |
20,837 |
248 |
|
2017 |
BDGP 2017 - 2022 |
458 |
146 |
|
|
|
Total |
5,574 |
The payments made in each calendar year are:
|
Year |
- |
Payments made |
|
2015 |
BDGP farmer payments |
€29,095,680.02 |
|
2016 |
BDGP farmer payments |
€50,880,805.77 |
|
|
Training |
€6,237,481.00 |
|
|
Carbon Navigator |
€2,520,320.00 |
|
2017 |
BDGP farmer payments |
€44,655,801.05 |
|
|
Training |
€232,394.00 |
|
|
Carbon Navigator |
€1,379,980.00 |
|
|
Total |
€135,002,461.84 |
