Written Answers Nos. 51 - 70
51. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the flexibility which will be given to farmers who lack adequate broadband to file applications online to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7144/18]
View answerUnder EU regulations, 2018 is the first year that all applications for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) must be submitted online. Recent years have seen significant growth in the number of farmers applying for the BPS online, and this is reflective of the range of benefits that online application brings for farmers.
Among the benefits available of online applicants is the availability of preliminary checks for online applications. These preliminary checks allow online applicants to be advised of certain errors at an early stage and to correct any such issues without penalty.
These preliminary checks have proved very successful in previous years, and they represent one of the many advantages for farmers in making their BPS applications online.
From 2018 all the elements of the Direct Payments Schemes (BPS, Greening, Young Farmers Scheme, National Reserve, and transferring of entitlements) will be online. This will help to ensure that the Department can process all applications under these schemes as efficiently as possible.
I am aware that for some people, this will be the first year that they will have engaged with the online applications process. To help farmers to submit their application online in 2018, I have ensured the early opening for the BPS application facility in 2018. The application process in 2018 is opening over a month earlier than in 2017. This will provide more time for farmers to familiarise themselves with the online application facility and to submit their applications. My Department has already contacted farmers advising them of the requirement to submit online in 2018.
Officials from my Department will also be providing a range of supports to farmers over the coming weeks and months, including a series of BPS clinics in locations throughout the country. The details of these clinics are currently being finalised and they will enable farmers to sit with an official from my Department who will guide them through the process to enable submission of the application online by the farmer there and then.
Further supports such as telephone help lines and ‘How to’ guides will also be in place. As we move towards the application deadline, my Department will be in contact with farmers again to provide further details on these supports. These supports will ensure that all farmers are able to access these important payments.
I would urge all farmers to avail of the opportunity to apply for the BPS at this early stage via the online system. It is open for farmers to do this either as individuals or through an agent. Higher levels of online applications will allow my Department to continue to improve on the delivery to farmers of essential payments under schemes such as BPS and the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme.
52. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of fishermen in Brexit negotiations; if provisions are being put in place to regain Irish waters following Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3860/18]
View answerAs I have stated before, fisheries is, and will remain, a high priority for Ireland in the Brexit negotiations. I am determined to ensure that fisheries remain high on the Brexit agenda in the EU and that the interests of Ireland's fishing communities are fully protected.
In recent months, I have continued to have positive, regular meetings with my European colleagues, especially those from the group of 8 member states whose fisheries are most impacted by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
I am confident that we are all in agreement when it comes to our collective determination to ensure that our existing rights and entitlements are fully protected into the future.
My engagement with the Barnier Task Force, in close collaboration with the Tánaiste, has also intensified as we begin discussions on the possible transition phase and the future overall relationship between the EU27 and the United Kingdom.
My continued objective is to ensure that the implications for fisheries are fully taken account of in the establishment of the framework for a future EU-UK relationship. Ireland’s key asks in this regard will be maintenance of current access to fishing grounds in the UK zone in the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and north of Donegal and protection of Ireland’s existing quota shares.
I am glad to say that the Commission has concurred with our viewpoint that fisheries arrangements must be an integral part of the overall future relationship agreement. They also accept the key point that fisheries is a zero sum game and that any gain for the UK would mean a loss for Ireland and the rest of the EU.
I am also working closely with key stakeholders in the Irish fishing industry and am pleased at the level of unity on these key issues.
In conclusion, I would like to assure the Deputy that, working together with the Barnier Task Force, I aim to ensure that fisheries are inextricably linked to overall future relationship negotiations and that all of our existing access rights and quota entitlements are fully protected.
53. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department has taken to support farmers facing difficulty with fodder supply over the winter. [7010/18]
View answerWeather conditions for much of last autumn were challenging for farmers in some parts of the West and North West in particular. Difficulties in harvesting fodder in some of these areas were compounded by the need to house livestock earlier than usual, resulting in additional pressure on fodder supplies over the course of the winter.
To immediately address this issue I prioritised the payment of farm supports to assist farmers with cash flow. The European Commission agreed to his request, informed in part by the poor weather conditions of last autumn, for an advance payment of the 2017 Basic Payment Measure and Agri-environment measures. These payments commenced after the earliest date possible which was 15th October 2017, and balancing payments issued in early December 2017. These payments together with those issued under the Areas of Natural Constraints Measure, injected over €1.4 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 additional fodder purchase where necessary.
At this time I also requested Teagasc, through its farm advisory service, to identify farmers who would be most at risk of running out of fodder and provide them with support to carry out fodder budgeting on their farms and explore all viable options to ensure that they had sufficient feed for the coming winter.
In order to provide additional assistance to those livestock farmers severely affected by ongoing fodder shortages, mainly in parts of the West and North West, I introduced a targeted Fodder Transport Support measure, operated through the Co-operative structure, to partly offset the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where it is available and those where it is scarce. This measure applies only to fodder purchased in the period from 29 January 2018 until 20 April 2018.
While the areas identified by Teagasc as being the most affected are predominantly located in parts of the West and North-West, the measure is not county specific within the region. As with all measures, certain criteria apply. Farmers, in a locality within the region, identified by Teagasc as having a significant fodder shortage, having completed a fodder budgeting exercise with their FAS agricultural advisor, will be eligible to receive a financial contribution towards the costs of transport of fodder, sourced through the Co-operative system. Only the shortfall in fodder will be eligible to receive support under the measure.
Teagasc assessments of whether there are significant forage shortages in specific areas is ongoing. It is important to emphasise that this is a targeted and locally focused measure, centering on areas of fodder scarcity that normal local trading in fodder cannot service.
This measure will provide a financial contribution of €8 per standard bale of hay or straw for feeding and €12 per standard bale of silage or haylage towards the additional cost of transporting the fodder from the East and South of the country to the affected areas of the West and North West. Farmers will still pay the cost of the fodder in the normal way. To ensure that normal local trade in fodder is not disrupted, a minimum transport distance of 100 km will apply.
Financial assistance under the Fodder Transport Support Measure is payable in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 1408/2013 on de minimis aid in the agricultural production sector. No applications for support under this measure were received up to last Friday, 9 February. Processing and verification of applications for support will be carried out in a timely fashion.
Full details on the operation of the measure, including application forms and Department contact details are available on my Department’s website.
54. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the communications he has had with Coillte in view of the reported problems with the forestry partnership project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7008/18]
View answerCoillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the Coillte Farm Partnership Scheme, are the responsibility of the company.
The company has, since its meeting with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, on 12 December, provided my Department with general briefing about farm partnership contracts entered into between the company and landowners. Coillte is party to a number of farm partnership agreements that have been signed with c. 630 individual farm partners. These partnership schemes were offered to private landowners between 1993 and 2012. In total 7 schemes were offered over this period.
The company has also updated my Department on the actions it is taking in response to concerns about certain contracts and to improve its communications with their farm partners. My colleague, Minister of State Andrew Doyle, TD, who has special responsibility for forestry met with Coillte on Tuesday, 6th February 2018, at which Coillte provided a comprehensive update.
Coillte has also informed the Department that they wrote to all its farm partners in December last informing them that it had put in place a dedicated phone line to provide support for its farm partners. My understanding is that the number of partnerships which have outstanding issues are less than ten which is very small relative to the overall number in the schemes. I also understand that Coillte is satisfied that there are no cases where farmers have not been paid what they are due and is also satisfied that it is fulfilling all of its contractual obligations. Coillte is engaging with each partner to resolve any other issues on a case by case basis. I am satisfied that these will be resolved in due course and that it should be left now to both partners in the agreements to resolve them together.
55. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS, 1, 2 and 3 farmers who have received their 2017 advance payment; the number who have not received this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7149/18]
View answerThe GLAS scheme is the most popular scheme ever run under a Rural Development Programme in Ireland. The original target of 50,000 participants was surpassed well ahead of the targeted date - such is the popularity of the scheme. Given that the first approvals under the scheme run from 1 October 2015 it is a remarkable achievement to have exceeded this target within a period of 15 months.
GLAS 2017 advance payments have now issued to just under 44,000 applicants, representing over 93% of all participants that are eligible for payment. Of the 25,214 applicants for GLAS 1, 22,555 have received the 2017 advance payment, with 2,659 remaining. 9,700 and 11,540 have been paid for GLAS 2 and GLAS 3 respectively, with the Department continuing to process applications for the remaining 1,527 and 1,740 in these tranches.
In approximately 2,700 of the outstanding cases, applicants remain ineligible for payment until they complete the steps they must take before the Department can process their payment. The general issues preventing payments taking place include the non-submission of nutrient management plans (NMPs), commonage management plans, low emission slurry spreading forms, rare breeds forms and 2017 BPS application issues that remain to be resolved.
Other cases will be examined separately to clarify what remedy can be put in place to resolve their particular issue. Where action is needed by the participant concerned the Department, if it has not already done so will be in direct contact with them.
Updates are published weekly on my Department’s website and clearly show that steady progress is being made in reducing outstanding cases. While my officials are prioritising the clearing of cases and where a farmer has been contacted for additional information it is important that any such request is responded to as the information requested is essential to finalise all checks.
56. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeframe and costs of the fodder transport scheme for farmers in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7134/18]
View answerWeather conditions for much of last autumn were challenging for farmers in some parts of the West and North West in particular. Difficulties in harvesting fodder in some of these areas were compounded by the need to house livestock earlier than usual, resulting in additional pressure on fodder supplies over the course of the winter.
To immediately address this issue I prioritised the payment of farm supports to assist farmers with cash flow. The European Commission agreed to his request, informed in part by the poor weather conditions of last autumn, for an advance payment of the 2017 Basic Payment Measure and Agri-environment measures. These payments commenced after the earliest date possible which was 15th October 2017, and balancing payments issued in early December 2017. These payments together with those issued under the Areas of Natural Constraints Measure, injected over €1.4 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 additional fodder purchase where necessary.
At this time I also requested Teagasc, through its farm advisory service, to identify farmers who would be most at risk of running out of fodder and provide them with support to carry out fodder budgeting on their farms and explore all viable options to ensure that they had sufficient feed for the coming winter.
In order to provide additional assistance to those livestock farmers severely affected by ongoing fodder shortages, mainly in parts of the West and North West, I introduced a targeted Fodder Transport Support measure, operated through the Co-operative structure, to partly offset the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where it is available and those where it is scarce. This measure applies only to fodder purchased in the period from 29 January 2018 until 20 April 2018.
While the areas identified by Teagasc as being the most affected are predominantly located in parts of the West and North-West, the measure is not county specific within the region. As with all measures, certain criteria apply. Farmers, in a locality within the region, identified by Teagasc as having a significant fodder shortage, having completed a fodder budgeting exercise with their FAS agricultural advisor, will be eligible to receive a financial contribution towards the costs of transport of fodder, sourced through the Co-operative system. Only the shortfall in fodder will be eligible to receive support under the measure.
Teagasc assessments of whether there are significant forage shortages in specific areas is ongoing. It is important to emphasise that this is a targeted and locally focused measure, centering on areas of fodder scarcity that normal local trading in fodder cannot service.
This measure will provide a financial contribution of €8 per standard bale of hay or straw for feeding and €12 per standard bale of silage or haylage towards the additional cost of transporting the fodder from the East and South of the country to the affected areas of the West and North West. Farmers will still pay the cost of the fodder in the normal way. To ensure that normal local trade in fodder is not disrupted, a minimum transport distance of 100 km will apply.
Financial assistance under the Fodder Transport Support Measure is payable in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 1408/2013 on de minimis aid in the agricultural production sector. No applications for support under this measure were received up to last Friday, 9 February. Processing and verification of applications for support will be carried out in a timely fashion.
Full details on the operation of the measure, including application forms and Department contact details are available on my Department’s website.
57. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department has taken to support farmers facing difficulty with fodder supply over the winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6913/18]
View answerWeather conditions for much of last autumn were challenging for farmers in some parts of the West and North West in particular. Difficulties in harvesting fodder in some of these areas were compounded by the need to house livestock earlier than usual, resulting in additional pressure on fodder supplies over the course of the winter.
To immediately address this issue I prioritised the payment of farm supports to assist farmers with cash flow. The European Commission agreed to his request, informed in part by the poor weather conditions of last autumn, for an advance payment of the 2017 Basic Payment Measure and Agri-environment measures. These payments commenced after the earliest date possible which was 15th October 2017, and balancing payments issued in early December 2017. These payments together with those issued under the Areas of Natural Constraints Measure, injected over €1.4 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 additional fodder purchase where necessary.
At this time I also requested Teagasc, through its farm advisory service, to identify farmers who would be most at risk of running out of fodder and provide them with support to carry out fodder budgeting on their farms and explore all viable options to ensure that they had sufficient feed for the coming winter.
In order to provide additional assistance to those livestock farmers severely affected by ongoing fodder shortages, mainly in parts of the West and North West, I introduced a targeted Fodder Transport Support measure, operated through the Co-operative structure, to partly offset the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where it is available and those where it is scarce. This measure applies only to fodder purchased in the period from 29 January 2018 until 20 April 2018.
While the areas identified by Teagasc as being the most affected are predominantly located in parts of the West and North-West, the measure is not county specific within the region. As with all measures, certain criteria apply. Farmers, in a locality within the region, identified by Teagasc as having a significant fodder shortage, having completed a fodder budgeting exercise with their FAS agricultural advisor, will be eligible to receive a financial contribution towards the costs of transport of fodder, sourced through the Co-operative system. Only the shortfall in fodder will be eligible to receive support under the measure.
Teagasc assessments of whether there are significant forage shortages in specific areas is ongoing. It is important to emphasise that this is a targeted and locally focused measure, centering on areas of fodder scarcity that normal local trading in fodder cannot service.
This measure will provide a financial contribution of €8 per standard bale of hay or straw for feeding and €12 per standard bale of silage or haylage towards the additional cost of transporting the fodder from the East and South of the country to the affected areas of the West and North West. Farmers will still pay the cost of the fodder in the normal way. To ensure that normal local trade in fodder is not disrupted, a minimum transport distance of 100 km will apply.
Financial assistance under the Fodder Transport Support Measure is payable in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 1408/2013 on de minimis aid in the agricultural production sector. No applications for support under this measure were received up to last Friday, 9 February. Processing and verification of applications for support will be carried out in a timely fashion.
Full details on the operation of the measure, including application forms and Department contact details are available on my Department’s website.
58. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which each of the 29 recommendations contained in a report (details supplied) has been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7115/18]
View answerThe Joint Sub-Committee on Fisheries Report on Promoting Sustainable Rural Coastal and Island Communities (published in 2014) to which the Deputy refers made a number of recommendations which concerned a range of Government policies including natural resources, marine safety and social protection. I intend to address progress on aspects relevant to my remit as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
A number of the recommendations have been superseded by initiatives which have taken place.
In relation to representation structures for the industry for instance, the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) and Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums (RIFFs) provide arenas for inshore fishermen to develop proposals on inshore fisheries management, including compliance and data gathering. The NIFF is representative of sea-fishing boats of less than 12m overall length in the fishing fleet. The focus on the NIFF work programme is on fisheries management in the coastal waters within 6 nautical miles. The NIFF is taking the lead in setting priorities for the inshore sector including ongoing work in developing a dedicated strategy.
To date, the twelve NIFF meetings have led to very constructive two-way conversations on issues of mutual concern, industry priorities, emerging policies & initiatives. NIFF members are now included on a number of fisheries consultative structures including the Quota Management Advisory Committee, the Industry Science Fisheries Partnership, the SFPA Consultative Committee, the EMFF Operational Programme Monitoring Committee and BIM/Bord Bia Market Advisory Group. This gives the inshore sector a role in making recommendations on a range of fisheries policy matters including on allocation of Ireland’s quotas, on data collection and scientific research. Perhaps most important of these is that the NIFF now has an input into how funding is utilised including through the Inshore Fisheries Conservation Scheme.
The Sub-Committee’s 2014 report refers to managing the lobster and shrimp fisheries. Changes came into effect in 2014 regarding the management of these fisheries, following on from an extensive consultation process. In more recent times lobster in particular has been a feature of the agenda of the meetings which I have had with the NIFF and I look forward to a discussion with NIFF on the review of the effectiveness of the current conservation measures in 2018. The current V-notching conservation measures have been extended through 2018 to facilitate these discussions.
With regard to the mackerel quota, there has been a change to the way this is allocated. For 2017 and future years, the 87% to 13% share out of the quota between the Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) pelagic fleet and polyvalent segment of the fleet will remain unchanged. Where Ireland’s quota exceeds 90,000 tonnes, the quota shall be shared on a 80% to 20% basis between the pelagic and polyvalent fleet. A minimum of 2% of the mackerel quota, or 1,000 tonnes, whichever is the greater will be deducted annually for demersal swaps before any share out between segments is undertaken.
There is an open mackerel fishery for vessels under 18 metres in length. An amount of 2.5% of the overall polyvalent Mackerel Quota has been set aside for this fishery and a monthly catch limit is used. This catch limit is recommended each month by the Whitefish Quota Management Advisory Committee which consists of fishing industry representatives. For 2017, under 18m Boats had a catch limit of 5 tonnes per month. In the last number of years much of this quota has remained under-utilised.
Quotas for other species which can be targeted by the inshore fishing sector have set-a-side allocations for smaller sea-fishing boats. Key inshore stocks are not limited by quota arrangements, for instance lobster and crab species which are the mainstay for many small boats.
The sub-committee made a recommendation with regard to “minor fishing infractions”. In November 2014, my Department published a public consultation document in the form of a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) of a proposal for a Bill to amend the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 to provide for, inter alia, a system of fixed penalty notices (“on the spot” fines) for minor fisheries offences. This provided the possibility of creating a subset of minor offences which are legally suitable to be dealt with by way of fixed penalty notices.
In summary, the process suggested in the RIA involved giving a person who was alleged to have committed a minor offence an option to pay a fixed payment which would mean that a prosecution would not be taken in the Courts. If the payment was not received within 28 days, the prosecution would be initiated in the courts and on conviction it was expected that a higher fine would be applied.
A number of industry submissions received under the RIA on the implementation of fixed penalty notices raised concerns that these would be used in place of verbal or written warnings. Other comments raised concerns regarding potential inequalities in the application of the system between different Sea Fisheries Protection Authority Port Officers and Naval Service personnel. There were also comments regarding the constitutionality of applying sanctions in the absence of a Court decision and others seeking a fully administrative system. In light of the comments submitted in respect of the above proposal on a fixed penalty system, it was decided not to proceed with the introduction of such a system.
With regard to fishing infrastructure, it is important to say that my Department owns, maintains and directly manages six Fishery Harbour Centres at Killybegs, Ros an Mhíl, An Daingean, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth, under Statute.
In 2018, I have allocated €27.9m to the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Programme. €2m of this is allocated to the Local Authority element of the programme targeting piers, harbours and slipways under their ownership across the 17 Coastal Local Authorities. On 31 January 2018 Local Authorities were invited to submit prioritised lists of projects for consideration. Ultimately, the infrastructure supported will be of great benefit to many rural coastal and island communities.
The remainder of the 2018 Capital programme, €25.9m will be invested in the ongoing development, maintenance and upgrade of the Fishery Harbour Centres. This investment will build on the €92m invested in the Fishery Harbour Centres since 2010 and the €25m invested in the Local Authority infrastructure over the same period.
In December 2016 I commissioned an Independent Review of Aquaculture Licensing. The Report of the Review Group was submitted to me at the end of May 2017. The Review Group carried out a detailed examination of the existing aquaculture licensing process, undertook comprehensive stakeholder consultation and looked at comparative national and international consent systems to determine best practice for managing a complex licensing process in a transparent, environmentally appropriate and legally robust manner.
The Group’s Report is published and available to view on my Department’s website. A total of 30 separate recommendations are contained in the Report.
In that regard I can confirm that my Department is committed to and actively working towards the achievement of 300 licence determinations for 2018 with a further 300 targeted for 2019. This will meet a core objective of the Aquaculture Licensing Review Group. The achievement of 600 determinations over the next two years will effectively eliminate the backlog as an issue.
My Department's €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme is the vehicle for financial supports to the seafood sector up to 2021. The Programme delivers a wide range of supports for aquaculture, fisheries and seafood processing through a suite of 15 Individual schemes which are administered by BIM.
In summary, there are a number of recommendations not relevant to the remit of my Department and I have endeavoured to give the Deputy an update on relevant matters, including policy developments, which have occurred since the report was published. I would like to assure the Deputy that this Government is fully committed to the seafood sector and the coastal communities who are dependent on fisheries and aquaculture.
59. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many farmers in the west of the country are now experiencing problems with slurry disposal due to bad weather; and his plans to carry out a study into the feasibility of establishing bio-digestive systems to avoid disposal crises due to worsening climate conditions and to ensure safe disposal of slurry. [7158/18]
View answerWe are aware of reports of difficulties regarding slurry disposal linked to bad weather. Regarding slurry management, under the Good Agriculture Practice (Nitrates) Regulations, farmers are required to have adequate manure storage for all their animals. With respect to water, the Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters Regulations obliges farmers to ensure precautions are taken when spreading organic and inorganic fertilisers.
The Government recognises that indigenous renewable energy plays a vital role in our domestic fuel mix and there is an opportunity to encourage the utilisation of agricultural waste as an alternative source of energy. My Department is committed to working closely with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment which is the lead Department in the renewable energy area.
My Department recognises the valuable role that a resource-efficient agriculture sector can play in this regard. In particular, given the interest from industry in mobilising biomethane, my Department is collaborating closely with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment to consider the potential for anaerobic digestion to contribute to Ireland’s significant renewable energy and GHG targets, and promotes the development of Ireland’s bioeconomy.
Additionally, the agriculture sector has been focused on the supply of bioenergy feedstock, whether from biomass in the form of wood products such as forest thinnings and wood fuel, animal by-products or other agri-food by-products such as straw, slurries and processing waste. Crops can also be grown specifically as biomass.
The agriculture and forest sector has a critical role to play in contributing to our national climate change ambitions and bioenergy represents a key component of that contribution.
60. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to monitor 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 current geopolitical developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7152/18]
View answerThe pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is a central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. This work is all the more relevant after the UK’s decision to leave the EU.
Food Wise 2025 outlines the potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region, and our efforts will be focused on developing new opportunities in these markets, as well consolidating our position and deepening our penetration of well established markets in the European Union, including the UK, and the United States.
In the meat sector, the focus is on obtaining access to new markets or improving the terms of access to others. In 2015 we gained access to the US market for Irish beef. In the same year we also got access to the Canadian market for Irish beef and to the Omani market for Irish beef and sheepmeat.
In 2016 we gained access to the Maldives for beef, sheepmeat, pigmeat and poultrymeat. We also gained access to the Iranian market for sheepmeat and we regained access to the Israeli market for beef.
In 2017, the market in Egypt was re-opened to exports of beef from Ireland and we got access to the Chilean market for Irish pork.
On the dairy front, Ireland exported in the region of €4bn in dairy products to nearly 130 countries in 2016. Against the backdrop of EU-agreed trade deals such as those completed with Canada and Japan, my Department continues to prioritise efforts to gain access to new 3rd country markets and, equally importantly, to deepen existing markets for Irish dairy products. In many instances such efforts are on foot of trade missions at Ministerial level.
CSO data for the year to end November 2017 showed that Irish dairy exports were approaching 20% ahead of the same period in 2016, on foot of factors such as improving global prices (which was particularly evident in sectors such as butter), but also as a result of increases in volumes exported across a range of product categories. This demonstrates that our efforts are contributing positively to Irish dairy sector exports.
It is also worth noting that the value of exports to emerging markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central/South America stood at almost €2.2 billion in 2016. The value of trade to these markets increased by 52% in the period 2012 to 2016. Exports to these markets now account for 19% of total food and drink exports, compared to 16% in 2012. This growth in the share of exports occurred during a period when total food and drink exports jumped by more than 23%.
Growth to emerging markets has been led by Asia, with trade growing by more than 150% to €1.2bn. This in turn has been led by China, which recorded a more than three-fold increase (total €880m v €283m in 2012). Exports to other Asian markets grew by 73% in the same period, to €318 million.
Trade to Africa has held steady around the €500m mark during this period, notwithstanding the challenges faced by those West African countries whose economies are so reliant on a strong international oil price. Encouragingly, exports to North African countries grew by just under 50% in 5 years, helping to counterbalance this impact.
Exports to the Middle East grew by 21%, to €370 million.
The role of trade missions also cannot be underestimated in gaining further market penetration for Irish Agri food products to new and existing markets.
I led a series of very successful Trade Missions in 2017, during which destinations included the Gulf States, the US and Mexico. I also led an extensive trade mission to Japan and South Korea. This was a very opportune time to bring a delegation of Ireland’s food leaders to this part of the world, given that the EU has concluded a Free Trade Agreement with South Korea as well as agreeing an Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan.
My Department is currently making arrangements with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland for a trade mission at the end of the February to the US and Canada. This will include participants from across the agri-food sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as relevant political engagement. Both of these markets had been identified by my Department as offering huge potential to the Irish agri-food sector.
Such missions help to increase the profile of Ireland as a producer of high quality, safe, and sustainably produced food and beverages.
This and future work will be informed by a market profiling exercise completed by Bord Bia at my request. This exercise identified opportunities in new and more mature markets, and will provide valuable market intelligence both for industry operators and policy makers.
61. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the contact he has had with Coillte about the current non-payment of forestry financial instalments due to contracted farmers; his plans to carry out an audit to ensure all lessors are being paid with correct contract terms in place; his further plans to meet Ireland's target of planting 7,100 ha of forestry a year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7141/18]
View answerCoillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the Coillte Farm Partnership Scheme, are the responsibility of the company.
The company has, however, since it’s meeting with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, on 12 December, provided my Department with general briefing about farm partnership contracts entered into between the company and landowners. The company has also updated my Department on the actions it is taking in response to concerns about certain contracts and to improve its communications with their farm partners. My colleague, Minister of State Andrew Doyle, TD, who has special responsibility for forestry met with Coillte last week, at which Coillte provided a comprehensive update.
As mentioned, the Coillte Farm Partnership Scheme is an operational matter for the company. Coillte has advised, however, that, as a result of issues that have been raised by a small number of partners, Coillte has been conducting a thorough review. Coillte advise that, while this process is still ongoing, it can confirm that having reviewed its contracts with farm partners, it is satisfied that there are no cases where farmers have not been paid what they are due and it is satisfied that it is fulfilling all of its contractual obligations. I am also advised that Coillte has engaged the services of KPMG to carry out an independent review and to help improve the quality and level of information provided to partners, particularly in relation to payments and how they are calculated. Coillte also advise that, from 2018 onwards, partners who are due to receive annuities in the coming years will receive an annual statement that includes payment information.
As regards plans to meet annual afforestation targets, my Department is currently undertaking a midterm review of the Forestry Programme 2014 - 2020 under which there will be proposals to make further improvements to the forestry schemes. These improvements are aimed at encouraging farmers to see forestry as part of the farming enterprise as opposed to being an alternative to farming. I expect to be making a further announcement on this Review and its recommendations in the coming weeks.
62. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the problems being created for farmers in the west by the new regulations preventing acceptance of wet and dirty sheep in processing plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7159/18]
View answerFood legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter. My Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders. The policy document was finalised in February 2017. This policy is a public health measure, intended to reduce the potential risk to consumers that may arise if meat is contaminated by dirty fleeces.
My Department currently applies a 3-category system for both the bovine and the sheep CLP, requiring food business operators at slaughtering establishments to categorise as follows:
Category (A) Satisfactory –
Sheep that can be slaughtered, without an unacceptable risk of contaminating the meat during the slaughter process, by using the standard hygienic dressing procedures routinely employed by the plant.
Category (B) Acceptable –
Sheep that can only be slaughtered, without an unacceptable risk of contamination of the meat during the slaughter process, by putting in place additional interventions including extra defined dressing controls.
Category (C) Unacceptable –
Sheep unfit for slaughter because of fleece condition. These sheep must not be presented for ante-mortem in this condition and it is the responsibility of the Food Business Operator (FBO) to take the required remedial action.
The cleanliness of a fleece is related to the farming practices from where the sheep originates as well as being influenced by the stakeholders along the supply chain. All stakeholders can influence the cleanliness of the sheep fleece.
Teagasc has produced “A Guide for Sheep Producers”, which sets out key advisory recommendations for sheep producers to assist them in the production of sheep with fleece that are suitable for slaughter for human consumption, a copy of this guide was issued to all registered flockowners along with the 2017 sheep census forms in early December 2017. My Department has also written to all sheep farmers and transporters directly. Full details regarding the policy are available on the Department's website- https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodsafetyconsumerissues/foodsafetycontrolsonmeat/cleanlivestockpolicy/.
The production of sheep meat suitable for human consumption is the primary objective and responsibility of the food business operator in line with food legislation. Each food business operator must draw up procedures to demonstrate how they achieve this. This involves a fleece evaluation and actions, as necessary, to ensure cleanliness of the fleece prior to slaughter.
My Department monitors the cleanliness of the sheep presented for slaughter on a daily basis. It should be noted that the vast majority of sheep are deemed acceptable at the slaughter plant.
The need for an effective clean livestock policy is regarded as being very important not just in terms of basic food safety, but also as a reputational issue for Ireland’s meat industry and our export trade.
63. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to offset the impact of Brexit on farmers in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6855/18]
View answerBrexit has the potential to have a significant impact on the agri food sector in Ireland, including in Co. Wexford.
The agri-food sector is of critical importance to the Irish economy. Its regional spread means it underpins the socio-economic development of rural Ireland in particular. Farming is an essential part of the social, cultural and economic fabric of the country and it is also part of a wider EU dispensation that values a Common Agriculture Policy built on family farming, food security, high standards of food safety and environmental sustainability. These are values that we hold dear, and so it is critically important when we consider the impact of Brexit that the positive contribution of agriculture to the rural and national economy, and to society in Ireland, and indeed elsewhere in the European Union, is to the forefront in our deliberations.
Since the UK referendum in June 2016, the Government has introduced a range of measures to help the agri-food sector navigate the short-term impacts of Brexit. In Budget 2017, I introduced measures to help reduce farm gate business costs, including a €150 million low-cost loan scheme, new agri-taxation measures and increased funding under the Rural Development and Seafood Development Programmes.
In the 2018 Budget I also announced a €50m Brexit support package, which will be comprised of a number of initiatives. Firstly, in cooperation with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I am establishing a new Brexit Loan Scheme aimed at providing affordable, flexible financing to Irish businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit or who will be in the future. The Scheme aims to make up to €300 million of working capital finance available to SMEs and mid-cap businesses (up to 499 employees), at least 40% of which will be available to food businesses.
Due to State Aid rules, this new Scheme will not be available to farmers and fishermen, so I am considering the development of a separate loan scheme in 2018 similar to the 2017 low-cost scheme, based on €25m funding from my Department to the Scheme. These measures are aimed at enhancing competitiveness within the sector.
I have also introduced supports for Bord Bia for investment in their market insight and market prioritisation initiatives which are aimed at identifying and developing potential diversification opportunities. I have already increased funding to Bord Bia by €10 million since the Brexit vote, and a further €4.5 million is allocated in Budget 2018.
To enhance product diversification, I have also allocated funding to support the development of the new National Food Innovation Hub, which will be located in Teagasc Fermoy, Co. Cork.
I wish to assure the Deputy that Government remains very focused on supporting farmers and the agri-food industry through the challenges ahead, whether they are based in Wexford or in any other part of the country. The Government will be firm in arguing that any agreement reached between the EU and the UK must take account of the very serious challenges presented by Brexit for the sector, particularly given the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland and the importance of our economic relationship with the UK. And of course ultimately Ireland's objective in the negotiations is to have a trading relationship with the UK which is as close as possible to the current arrangement.
64. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he plans to mitigate the guaranteed negative impact for milk producers in view of the fact that the floor price for skim milk powder has been removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7015/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Irish dairy market, following on from broader EU and International trends, is currently in a much improved position compared to the relatively recent past. Of course we remain extremely vigilant in monitoring the current market and emerging trends, particularly as we approach the peak period for Irish milk production .
Whilst the overall dairy sector is now in a much better place, particularly at the farm gate, the issue of intervention stocks overhanging that particular market remains a cause for concern, arising from the significant recourse to this market measure for skimmed milk powder (SMP) across the EU since September 2015.
There are now approximately 376,000 tonnes of SMP in public intervention stocks, effectively overhanging the EU SMP market. My Department and I engaged at Council of Ministers meetings and directly with the Commission on recent measures to limit further stock piling of SMP in 2018 without due justification, including the Commission's proposal, to which the Deputy refers, to reduce the fixed price ceiling to zero.
I strongly argued that this measure should be specified as for 2018 only, to avoid setting a precedent for the longer term. This point was accepted and agreed in the final version of the measure, as adopted by the Council per COUNCIL REGULATION (EU) 2018/147 of 29th January 2018, which came into effect the following day, 30th January.
I have clearly stated previously, at Council of ministers meetings and elsewhere, that it is imperative for the Commission to remain vigilant in monitoring the market situation, and to have contingencies in place in the event of market volatility re-emerging, particularly in relevant markets, namely raw milk, butter and SMP in particular.
In common with the vast majority of EU Member States where dairy production is of significance, I recognised that the current situation in respect of existing stocks could not be allowed to persist indefinitely and that there is general acceptance that doing nothing is not an option.
It is important to note that this measure does not represent a change to the fundamental provisions of the intervention mechanism, nor to the necessary supports that intervention provides during periods of market volatility. Ireland has welcomed and made use of intervention during such periods of instability. This measure responds and is framed around a very specific set of circumstances, namely; very significant intervention stocks of SMP; a significant divergence between SMP and butter prices in negative and positive directions respectively, and; a generally more favourable market context in the EU dairy sector, including the farm gate in respect of more recent raw milk returns.
I have clearly stated that the system, as it evolves, will need to display flexibility in respect of adapting to market contingencies, including flexibility around proposed SMP buying-in prices at tendering rounds, to react to the broader market situation at any given point in time.
However, the issue of current stocks cannot be disentangled from the issue of managing SMP intervention in 2018 and beyond. The issues involved, with respect to both market management and sentiment in the sector, are complex and require ongoing careful management.
Given the Commission’s effective status as among the world’s biggest players on the SMP market, and as such their capacity to affect market sentiment, it would be appropriate that they continue to act prudently and responsibility in the disposal of stocks. I am satisfied to date that the Commission has managed these stocks in a prudent manner.
My Department has and will continue to engage with the Commission, with other Member States, and with national stakeholders on these important issues.
65. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the programme for Government commitment to increase ANC funding by €25 million in 2018; and if increased payments will reflect the constraint of land type. [7150/18]
View answerI am very aware of the importance of the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme, which issues annual payments in excess of €200 million to over 95,000 farmers.
The ANC Scheme has always been recognised as a very important support for rural society and farmers across the country who farm constrained lands. In light of the importance of the scheme, the Programme for Government included a commitment to provide an additional €25m for the Scheme in 2018. I am pleased to confirm that this commitment was delivered in Budget 2018 and that, subject to the EU Commission’s approval of an amendment to Irelands Rural Development Programme, this new funding will be available for payment under the 2018 ANC Scheme.
A number of different options were available in deciding how this additional funding was to be divided. I was conscious of the need for money to be targeted at those farmers on lands with higher levels of constraint.
With this in mind and having considered the views of stakeholders, I have decided to distribute the additional €25 million as follows:
- €13m will be allocated to the 'mountain type land' category
- €9m will be allocated to the 'more severely handicapped' category' and
- €3m will be allocated to the 'less severely handicapped' category.
These allocations will have the effect of increasing the current payment per hectare rates across all land categories. Those farming on what is called “mountain type land” will see their payment increase from €109.71 to €135 on their first 10 hectares, and from €95.99 to €112 on remaining hectares up to a maximum of 34 hectares. Farmers with land categorised as “more severely handicapped lowland” will see an increase from €95.99 to €104 per hectare up to a maximum of 30 hectares. Finally, those with “less severely handicapped lowland” will see an increase from €82.27 to €88.25 per hectare up to a maximum of 30 hectares.
I am satisfied that these increased payment rates are consistent with the underlying logic of the Scheme, where the highest level of support is targeted at those who are faced with the highest level of constraint on their land. These changes must now be formally agreed with the EU Commission, by way of an amendment to our Rural Development Programme. My officials have initiated this process, with a view to introducing these new rates for payment in 2018.
66. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of delayed GLAS payments for 2017 to persons in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6668/18]
View answerThe GLAS scheme is the most popular scheme ever run under a Rural Development Programme in Ireland. The original target of 50,000 participants was surpassed well ahead of the targeted date - such is the popularity of the scheme. Given that the first approvals under the scheme run from 1 October 2015 it is a remarkable achievement to have exceeded this target within a period of 15 months. GLAS 2017 advance payments have now issued in just under 43,800 cases, representing 93% of all farmers that are eligible for the payment. This payment is worth over €157m to Irish farmers. Payments are continuing every week.
GLAS payments cannot issue until all regulatory requirements are met. Each GLAS payment claim must be put through a suite of checks for each action and where any individual check fails the issues must be investigated and resolved before being cleared for payment.
In addition to the checks outlined above, in approximately 2,700 cases, applicants remain ineligible for payment until they complete the steps they must take before the Department can process their payment. The general issues preventing payments taking place include the non-submission of nutrient management plans, commonage management plans, low emission slurry spreading forms, rare breeds forms and 2017 BPS application issues that remain to be resolved. My Department is communicating further with those affected to prevent further delays to payments.
Details of GLAS payments to Carlow and Kilkenny applicants are as follows.
|
|
GLAS 1 |
|
GLAS 2 |
|
GLAS 3 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
County |
Advance Paid |
Advance Not Paid |
Advance Paid |
Advance Not Paid |
Advance Paid |
Advance Not Paid |
Cases |
Advance Paid |
Advance Not Paid |
|
Carlow |
246 |
31 |
107 |
20 |
116 |
10 |
530 |
469 |
61 |
|
Kilkenny |
380 |
48 |
181 |
26 |
159 |
31 |
825 |
720 |
105 |
67. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will publish the legislative changes recommended by the review of aquaculture licensing processes; the timeframe for completion of the legislative changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7136/18]
View answerI commissioned the Independent Review of Aquaculture Licensing in December 2016 and the report was submitted to me at the end of May 2017. The Review Group carried out a detailed examination of the existing aquaculture licensing process, undertook comprehensive stakeholder consultation and looked at comparative national and international consent systems to determine best practice for managing a complex licensing process in a transparent, environmentally appropriate and legally robust manner.
The Group’s Report is published and available to view on my Department’s website. A total of 30 separate recommendations are contained in the Report.
The core concern of aquaculture farmers that gave rise to the Review was the licensing backlog. Accordingly it is the elimination of this backlog that is the highest priority and I can confirm that my Department is committed to and actively working towards the achievement of 300 licence determinations for 2018 with a further 300 targeted for 2019. This will meet a core objective of the Aquaculture Licensing Review Group. The achievement of 600 determinations over the next two years will effectively eliminate the backlog as an issue.
My Department’s draft Implementation Plan for the recommendations of the Review Group takes account of legislative, environmental, technical and public interest issues that have a bearing on the sustainable development of the industry. The Implementation Plan is very much a working document and will be subject to ongoing change as progress is made in addressing the various recommendations. My Department will of course consult closely with industry in the implementation of certain areas and I can confirm that my Department’s officials have already met with industry representatives on both the shellfish and finfish sides of the industry regarding the Implementation Strategy. This close engagement will continue.
In relation to Legislative change, as the Deputy will know, the Report of the Review Group acknowledges that the preparation and enactment of legislation is a lengthy process. In this regard, the Group also recommended that pragmatic practical measures should be adopted immediately and at the same time the policy and legislative review should be commenced.
All procedures in relation to aquaculture licensing are grounded in the applicable national and EU legislation including but not limited to:
- Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997
- Foreshore Act 1933
- EU Habitats Directive of 92/43/EEC
- EU Birds Directive 79/409/EEC
- Consolidated Environmental Impact Assessment Directives 2011/92/EU
- Public Participation Directive (Aarhus Convention)
Industry Representatives all agree that the elimination of the Licensing backlog is the most important pragmatic measure that needs to be addressed and it is therefore entirely correct that this be given the highest immediate priority by my Department.
My Department is fully committed to the implementation of the Report and is actively examining the optimum means of progressing all Recommendations in an efficient and effective manner having regard to all the complexities involved.
68. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons awaiting GLAS payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6909/18]
View answerThe GLAS scheme is the most popular scheme ever run under a Rural Development Programme in Ireland. The original target of 50,000 participants was surpassed well ahead of the targeted date - such is the popularity of the scheme. Given that the first approvals under the scheme run from 1 October 2015 it is a remarkable achievement to have exceeded this target within a period of 15 months. GLAS 2017 advance payments have now issued in just under 43,800 cases, representing 93% of all farmers that are eligible for the payment. This payment is worth over €157m to Irish farmers. Payments are continuing every week.
In approximately 2,700 of the outstanding cases, applicants remain ineligible for payment until they complete the steps they must take before the Department can process their payment. The general issues preventing payments taking place include the non-submission of nutrient management plans, commonage management plans, low emission slurry spreading forms, rare breeds forms and 2017 BPS application issues that remain to be resolved.
My Department is communicating further with those affected to encourage them to take the required action that will allow their payment to be processed. The remaining applications continue to be processed with payments issuing on a weekly basis.
There are currently in the region of 1,200 farmers awaiting their GLAS 2016 balance payment. Of these 137 will be paid their balance payment in the coming days. The main reason payment has not issued is failure to submit a Nutrient Management Plan MP. Other reasons for delays include cases where a change has been made to the case between the advance and balance payment stage, cases that have come to light during processing that require further investigation by the Department and inspection related issues.
69. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which live exports performed in 2017; the efforts being made to promote live exports in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7137/18]
View answerLive exports are an important component of Ireland’s livestock industry. I am conscious of the vital role they play in stimulating price competition, and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers. The ongoing search for new third-country markets is a priority for my Department, particularly in the context of the challenges posed by the upcoming UK exit from the EU.
In 2017, live cattle exports recovered from the decline of the previous year, with a 30% increase to nearly 190, 000 head. Last year my Department reduced the veterinary inspection fee payable on live exports of calves under three months of age to €1.20 per animal. This gave an important boost to the trade, and brought greater equity in the fees payable for calves, weanlings and adult cattle. Exports of calves rose by 20%, to just over 100, 000, in 2017.
Live exports will continue to inform the destinations selected for trade missions in 2018 as it did in 2017.
Earlier this month I led a trade mission to Turkey, focussing on live exports. Ireland exported 30,000 cattle to Turkey last year, around 6% of their total import requirement. The trade delegation included officials from my Department and Bord Bia, as well as representatives from the Irish live cattle export companies. I met key stakeholders involved in the Turkish livestock sector, including Minister Fakibaba. Whilst we had a broad ranging discussion, live cattle exports were central to our discussion.
I am happy to confirm that as of the end of May, buyers in the Turkish private sector will be permitted to import cattle for production. Currently this trade is through the State body only. Being able to sell production cattle through this channel will open up valuable new opportunities for trade.
Last year I outlined a seven-point plan aimed at increasing international market access for Irish food and drink exports in 2017. The plan included the allocation of dedicated veterinary and other expertise to target current markets of interest to Irish food exporters, and to ensure that exporters meet the conditions laid down by third countries. The new Division will provide continued support for the live export trade, following on from the success in opening the Turkish and Egyptian markets.
My Department, in cooperation with our EU partners, works closely with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The OIE is the global standard setting body relating to animal health and animal welfare. Ireland has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to animal welfare by approving additional multiannual financial assistance to the OIE to support its efforts in two particular areas - the slaughter of animals and long distance transport.
My Department will continue to promote and maintain an environment in which live exports can continue in both an economic and sustainable manner, and with regard to welfare.
70. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the recent acquisition of Portmarnock racecourse by NAMA and its imminent auction; if special consideration can be given to an organisation (details supplied) which has community based organisational status; if the social and sectoral benefits that would result from the sale of this infrastructure to the organisation will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7132/18]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the activities of the National Asset Management Agency are outside the remit of my Department.
With regards to the organisation referenced, my Department funded the Indecon Review of the Irish Harness Racing Sector, which was published on 1st November 2017. This report provides the sport with a road map for its potential development and I will be supporting the recommendations within my Department's remit from the outset.
I would also welcome progress reports from the Irish Harness Racing Association (IHRA) on their implementation of remaining recommendations outlined in the Indecon Review, and as I have said previously, I will consider any future funding requests in this context. As such, I can also confirm that there is no provision in this year's budget for capital acquisitions for the Harness Racing Sector.
I would like to highlight that in addition to the funding provided for the Indecon Review, and the support for the report's recommendations within my remit, the IHRA have also received a number of additional supports from my Department, namely:
- With a view to raising the awareness of the critical importance of good horse welfare amongst road racing sulky participants and the owners and keepers of trotting horses, my Department is currently involved in a tender process to provide a relevant education programme in 2018. The tender process is at an advanced stage and a key element of the programme’s intent is to encourage participants to move from the practice of road racing and to encourage engagement in regulated Irish Harness Racing Association activities.
- Approval for grants totalling €40,077 under the Equine Technical Support Scheme were issued in 2017.
- Support valued in excess of €25,000 for 'Road Racing Education Programme' were also issued in 2017.
Similarly in 2016, the IHRA received grants totalling €21,704 under the Equine Infrastructure grant scheme, with a view to supporting this sector in a targeted way.
