Written Answers Nos. 985-1004
985. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36192/18]
View answerDingle Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department under Statute.
In October 2017, under the Department’s Fishery Harbour Centre Capital Development Works Programme, and following a public tendering exercise, LandM Keating Ltd were awarded the contract to undertake capital dredging works at Dingle FHC to dredge the main navigation channel in Dingle FHC and to create a new vessel turning area at the main pier.
Over the course of the works, the contractor constructed a temporary access road along the foreshore. Arrangements made between the contractor and the individual concerned were a private matter between the contractor and the individual. My Department was not party to, nor aware of the details of any such agreement.
986. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the payment for suckler cow farmers will be increased to €200 per suckler cow (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36212/18]
View answerExamination of appropriate measures to support all agri food sectors, including the suckler sector, is underway in my Department in preparation for the next iteration of the CAP. The measures adopted will be informed by stakeholder consultation on the needs of the sector to develop in an economically and environmentally sustainable way, as well as the available budget and structure of the new CAP when it is finalised.
Currently, the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is the main support specifically targeted for the suckler sector, which provides Irish beef farmers with some €300 million in funding over the current Rural Development Programme (RDP) period. This scheme is an agri-environmental measure to improve the environmental sustainability of the national suckler herd by increasing genetic merit within the herd.
My Department has rolled out a range of schemes as part of the €4 billion Rural Development Programme (RDP), 2014 - 2020. In addition to the BDGP, other supports which are available for suckler farmers under Pillar II of the CAP include GLAS, ANCs and Knowledge Transfer Groups. Suckler farmer also benefit from the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Greening payments under CAP Pillar I.
I am strongly of the view that the current range of supports available to suckler farmers, together with ensuring market access to as many markets as possible, both for live animals and beef exports, are appropriate supports for the continued development of the sector. National Farm Survey data suggests that suckler farmers receive support equivalent to approximately €500 per suckler cow on average.
I will continue to argue for as strong a CAP budget as possible, post 2020. In particular, I am committed to ensuring that suckler farmers continue to receive strong support in the next CAP. My view is that such payments should support and encourage suckler farmers to make the best decisions possible to improve the profitability, and the economic and environmental efficiency, of their farming system.
987. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the case of a person (details supplied) who had a penalty on the person's farm payments will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36261/18]
View answerThe penalty applied under the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme relates to breaches of Cross Compliance requirements. Under 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.
A report detailing findings of an inspection carried out by my Departments Agri Environment Structures Division on 26 October 2017 was referred to my Department's Cross Compliance Unit for attention. This report detailed breaches relating to the cross compliance requirements in respect of Statutory Management Requirement (SMR) 1 which relates to Nitrates.
The breaches resulted in a 20% penalty being applied against the 2017 Direct Schemes payments.
The person named was notified of this decision on 5th February 2018 and of their right to seek a review of the findings from the District Inspector. To date no such review request has been received.
In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of any such review, the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office, within 3 months.
988. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farming payments will be issued on time in view of the pending fodder crisis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36263/18]
View answerMy Department administers a wide range of schemes which provide vital support to underpin the continued sustainability and growth of the agri-food sector. With the challenging weather conditions experienced by farmers this year, I am keenly aware of the importance of these supports for farmers, and accordingly the issuing of payments under these schemes is a matter of priority for my Department.
The main schemes are delivered under the framework of the EU Common Agricultural Policy, and each year approximately €1.5bn issues under these schemes. My Department has a strong record in the efficient delivery of these payments, as evidenced by the fact that we perform very favourably compared to other EU Member States in terms of both the dates on which payments are delivered and our ability to maximise the drawdown of available EU funding.
In terms of the individual schemes, The Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme is due to commence payment on schedule again this year. In 2017, in the week beginning 18th September, payments in excess of €160 million issued to over 75,000 farmers. This represented a significant increase over the 65,000 paid at the same stage in 2016.
The main Direct Payment scheme is the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). Advance payments are due to commence on 16 October this year, which is the first date permissible under the EU Regulations. In light of the challenging conditions experienced in 2018, agreement has been reached that the advance payment rate will be set at 70% for 2018, rather than the 50% provided for in EU regulations.
Following the first payments issuing on 16th October, regular payment runs will be made in respect of all applicants whose applications are fully processed and who have no outstanding errors. The balancing payment, at a rate of 30%, will begin to issue to farmers at the beginning of December.
For the 2017 BPS advance payment, 111,000 farmers received an advance payment totalling some €700 million on the first pay run, representing an increase from the 109,000 farmers paid at the same stage in 2016.
2017 GLAS advance payments commenced in November 2017. To date 99.7% of eligible advances have been paid. GLAS balance payments commenced on schedule in May 2018. To date 99% of eligible cases have been paid. The bulk of outstanding payments are due to the non submission of Commonage Management Plans (CMPs), Nutrient Management Plans (NMPS) and non participation in GLAS training. 2018 advance payments are on track to commence in November and will be paid at the higher rate of 85%. GLAS payments continue to issue on a weekly basis.
To assist farmers in replenishing their fodder stocks, flexibilities have been introduced in the GLAS scheme for the LIPP and EMFL actions. LIPP parcels can be cut for the production of hay or silage from 1 September to 30 November 30. In addition off takes can be removed from GLAS fallow land parcels for the production of fodder during the same period. These derogations will apply for 2018 only. Standard scheme specification apply from 1 December 2018 onwards.
989. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the positions in his Department and the organisations under its aegis that have arrangements in place for lo-call numbers or 1800, 1850 and 1890 telephone numbers for members of the public to contact his Department or organisations under its aegis; the number of these that are completely free to call for persons who use mobile telephones and may incur major bills phoning such organisations; if the situation will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36391/18]
View answerMy Department has mostly phased out the use of 1800, 1850 and 1890 for members of the public to contact this Department. Telephone contact is facilitated through a combination of geographic area code numbers (057, 021, 01 etc.), and the Non-Geographic Number (NGN) 0761 range. However, to avoid possible confusion or delays the 1850 “out of hours emergency contact number” continues to be provided as an option.
Where previously used 1850/1890 numbers have been replaced the caller receives a message informing them of the change of number and there is no charge to the caller for such calls.
The call tariffs applied may vary across the different service providers, depending on each subscriber’s contract and whether they are calling on a mobile or a landline.
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), as part of its remit as the statutory body responsible for the regulation of the electronic communications sector (telecommunications, radio communications, broadcasting transmission and premium rate services) and the postal sector, has undertaken a review of Non-Geographic Numbers.
In July 2018 ComReg published a “Response to Consultation and Draft Decision” document (ComReg 18/65) regarding the future use of these NGN ranges and directions on handling these numbers from a tariff perspective.
My Department will review the use of NGN’s in line with the ComReg Decision on their use when finalised.
As regards the organisations under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the agencies themselves.
990. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the Council of Europe recommendation concerning fur animals and specifically the practice of farming the mink species here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36440/18]
View answerI am familiar with the recommendations in the report of the Standing Committee of the European Convention for the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes, concerning fur animals 1999.
My Department has statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals under the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations, 2010 (Statutory Instrument No 311/2010) and the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. Irish fur farmers are, in this regard, subject to the same animal welfare legislation as other livestock farmers.
A review of all aspects of fur farming in Ireland was commissioned in November 2011. The Terms of Reference of the Review Group were:
(i) To review fur farming in Ireland taking into account existing legislative provisions for the licensing of mink farming;
(ii) To comment on the economic benefits of the sector;
(iii) To consider the effectiveness of existing welfare controls, and
(iv) To make appropriate recommendations
The Review Group invited submissions from the public and interested parties and considered over four hundred submissions which were received.
The Group concluded that it did not find the arguments in favour of banning the farming of fur animals in Ireland compelling and recommended that instead, fur farming be allowed continue under licence and subject to official control.
On foot of the Review Group’s deliberations, my Department introduced more rigorous controls on licence holders in the areas of animal welfare, animal accommodation, security and nutrient management. Licensees are subject to regular inspections, including unannounced inspections by Department officials.
In the circumstances, I have therefore implemented the recommendations of the group in full.
991. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on a review of a sheep welfare scheme penalty in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36441/18]
View answerThe 2017 application of the person named was selected for a Sheep Welfare Scheme inspection, the outcome of which resulted in a reduction in payment being applied.
The person named was notified of this outcome and has sought a review of the inspection findings. The matter is currently being examined by officials in my Department. The person named will be notified of the outcome on completion of this process shortly.
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.
992. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who submitted a BPS application in 2018 who have parcels of land within designated areas; the number of these farmers by county; the amount of designated land these farmers have within zero to five, five to ten, ten to 15 ha and so on in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36455/18]
View answerThe data requested in relation to 2018 BPS applications with parcels designated under the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme is set out in the spread sheet at the following link.
993. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 450 of 19 June 2018, the status of an aquaculture licence application by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36478/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, my Department received an application for an Aquaculture Licence from the person referred to by the Deputy in June 2017.
There were a number of technical and scientific complexities associated with the application which were examined by my Department in conjunction with the Marine Institute. This examination is now complete.
As the application is currently being assessed by my Department in accordance with the statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further pending the conclusion of that process.
994. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a farm payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36571/18]
View answerThe case in question relates to an over claim on a 2015 Basic Payment application. The matter has now been fully resolved and the relevant payment will issue shortly.
995. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Sligo County Council will be assisted with the cost of removing a 2.5 tonne whale carcass that has washed ashore to help to stop the spread of pollution into Sligo Bay and onto Strandhill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36583/18]
View answerThe issue referred to by the Deputy is a matter for the Local Authority. The removal of organic waste material from beaches does not come under the remit of my Department.
996. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the deterrents in place to prevent illegal dumping in Coillte forests and lakes in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36586/18]
View answerCoillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the management of its forest estate, are the responsibility of the company.
Bye–laws were introduced under Section 37 of the Forestry Act 1988, at the request of Coillte, to regulate illegal or unauthorised activities by members of the public on its property. Illegal dumping is one of the unauthorised activities encompassed by those Bye-Laws.
The matter was raised with Coillte who advise that, due to the extent and location of the Coillte estate, illegal dumping is a significant issue for the company. The company advise that it has six Business Area Units across the country, each with a specific function in relation to the management of broad estate issues like dumping.
I understand that the company’s Midlands Business Area Unit, which covers almost ten counties including Cavan and Monaghan, will spend approximately €20,000 on waste disposal associated with illegal dumping this year. Coillte advise that this is double the expected amount indicating a higher level of dumping activity in general.
Coillte advise that it is committed to ensuring that visitors can enjoy visiting its forest parks and trails without the sight of illegally dumped rubbish. The company adds that, to deter illegal dumping, it installs signs, barriers and CCTV at illegal dumping hotspots. I am advised that Coillte is currently trialling a ‘Confidential Line’ which will be displayed on the company website and signage, with information gathered to be filtered back to staff either through e-mail or by phone on more urgent items. Coillte advise that it actively investigates all reports of dumping and, where evidence is found of those responsible, it is passed on to local authority Litter Wardens who are responsible for issuing fines and pursuing prosecutions. The company add that it has good working relations with all Local Authorities to manage and remove dumped material.
997. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an application for a licence by a person (details supplied) can be amended to include another species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36605/18]
View answerMy Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.
In addition, the legislation governing aquaculture licensing provides for an appeals mechanism. Appeals against licence decisions are a matter for the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) which is an independent statutory body. Full details of the appeals process can be obtained at: http://www.alab.ie/appealsprocess/.
In accordance with the applicable legislation, the Statutory and Public Consultation phase in respect of this application is now concluded. Every effort is being made to expedite a decision on this application having regard to the complexities involved. As this licence application is under active consideration as part of a statutory process it would not be appropriate to comment further on the matter at this time.
998. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is considering long-term measures and proposals that will seek to avoid further livestock fodder shortages in future years. [36708/18]
View answerIn order to address fodder issues arising from the prolonged wet winter and spring of this year I formed a representative group chaired by Teagasc, including stakeholders such as Co-ops, banks, farm bodies amongst others, to coordinate advisory messages to farmers around replenishing depleted stocks of fodder in advance of next winter. I further requested the group to co-ordinate advice on managing grazing and fodder conservation through the extended period of dry weather throughout the summer. Practical advice on fodder conservation options this autumn are being shared across the group and with the wider farming community.
Once we finally navigate our way out the other side of this really difficult period, it is an absolute priority to make sure that in future years enough fodder is conserved to deal with whatever weather conditions future winters may bring. I am asking Teagasc to make it a matter of priority in its advisory campaign to advise farmers on how best to build back up stocks of fodder. It is important that we learn some of the lessons from this Spring and Summer and build resilience into our systems going forward.
As the most recent weather events have shown, farmers should have access to measures that improve their capacity to respond to these occurrences. I have asked my officials, in the context of the upcoming CAP reform, to examine all available risk management tools to determine which of these may be most appropriate to the farming sector.
999. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he plans to take to address the impending fodder shortage in autumn 2018. [36709/18]
View answerI would like to give the Deputy a full account of the actions and measures I have put in place over the last short while to meet the challenges in this sector. Following the fodder difficulties of last Winter and Spring I formed a representative group chaired by Teagasc, including stakeholders such as Co-ops, banks, farm bodies, amongst others, to coordinate advisory messages to farmers this Summer around replenishing depleted stocks of fodder. I have requested the group to co-ordinate advice on managing grazing and fodder conservation through this extended period of extraordinarily dry weather. Practical advice is being shared across the group on dealing both with the current weather and on filling the significant fodder gap.
On 26 June last, I launched a national fodder survey to be compiled by Teagasc through its client network as well as clients of the other fodder group stakeholders, with another survey being conducted this week. Given the findings of this survey, the overall priority must be to conserve as much fodder for the coming winter as possible when the opportunity to do so arises.
I met with Commissioner Hogan on 24 July last and briefed him on the impact on Irish Agriculture of the dry spell. I secured agreement from the Commissioner to pay higher advance payments this Autumn. As a result, advances for Pillar 1 and 2 payments will be increased to 70% and 85% respectively, resulting in €260 million in additional cash flow for farmers at a vital time of the year. I also proposed to Commissioner Hogan certain flexibilities for participants under the GLAS scheme which will replenish their fodder stocks for the winter period. In this connection I am pleased to have secured the agreement of the European Commission for these measures which are now in place since 1 September and which together bring a potential additional 270,000 hectares into fodder production.
Furthermore on 3 August I announced a €2.75 million Fodder Production Incentive for Tillage Farmers to encourage tillage growers to actively engage in the fodder market. This measure will provide an incentive of €155 per hectare for tillage growers who grow a temporary crop of short rotation grasses for fodder production over the winter months and €100 per hectare for those growing catch crops such as fodder Rape, Turnips and Brassica crops. Currently over 23,000 hectares of catch crops are supported under the Agri-Environment Scheme, GLAS. This additional funding commitment aims to incentivise a doubling of this area. I am confident this measure will support Tillage farmers to supply into the market for fodder. Tillage farmers are a critical part of our agricultural sector, supplying the brewing and distilling industry, grain to the feed industry and straw to the livestock sector, whilst also delivering other benefits.
Also, following consultation in August with my Government colleague the Minister for Planning, Housing and Local Government Mr. Eoghan Murphy T.D. flexibility has been granted on an extension to the closed period for spreading of chemical and organic fertilisers in order to capitalise on autumn grass growth for fodder production. This extra two weeks granted by Minister Murphy will allow application up to 30 September and 31 October respectively and again maximise the opportunity for Autumn production.
On 22 August I announced a €4.25million Fodder Import Support Measure for Autumn 2018. The measure seeks to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage, that is: hay, silage, haylage, alfalfa and others from outside the island of Ireland. The measure will operate through the Co-operatives/registered importers and will cover forage imported from 12 August 2018 to 31 December 2018 and will of course be subject to EU State Aid (de-minimis) rules. I wish to confirm that while the measure will operate through the Co-operatives/registered importers, the actual beneficiaries will be farmers who need supplies of fodder.
I know that the range of measures introduced by me to-date taken together and targeted at producing as much fodder as possible from our own land provide the most effective response to a fodder shortfall. I can also assure you that I will continue to closely monitor and engage on this significant challenge during this difficult period.
1000. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied) regarding a farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36750/18]
View answerMy Department received an appeal from the company named in respect of the burning of land outside of the permitted period in 2017. Such lands are not eligible for payment under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and this has created an over claim on the company's BPS application.
Following a review, my Department has decided to waive the administrative penalty applied in this case. However, the over claimed land has been excluded from the company's BPS application and payment issued on 9 May 2018 on the remaining eligible hectares. A letter detailing the position issued to the company named which also outlined the option of appealing the decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office.
Further information was submitted on behalf of the company named on 30 August 2018, however the position remains unchanged.
1001. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36777/18]
View answerHaving reviewed the documentation on file for the person named, it has been established that underpayments exist for scheme years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Officials in the Department are currently arranging for the person named to be paid the amounts owed and they will be in contact shortly with the person named.
1002. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce low cost credit facilities for farmers facing financial difficulties; when the scheme will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36827/18]
View answerOne of my priorities is to improve access to finance for the agri-food sector. I announced in Budget 2018 that my Department is considering the development of potential Brexit response loan schemes for farmers, fishermen and for longer-term capital financing for food businesses. These schemes are developed and delivered in cooperation with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland and take time to develop and operationalise. Consideration and discussions with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Finance are ongoing on a long-term investment scheme and an announcement in this regard is expected to be made shortly.
While continuing to explore additional funding mechanisms to address gaps in the market, I also liaise with the main banks on access to finance issues relating to the agri-food sector. I have had ongoing engagement with the banks on the cash flow pressures arising from the effects of the weather on grazing and fodder stocks and I welcome that they are following through on their commitment to support the sector. The delivery of last year’s Agriculture Cash Flow Loan Scheme is acting as a catalyst to encourage financial institutions to improve and develop new loan products for the sector. A recently announced initiative by one of the main banks mirrors the Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme in offering a discounted interest rate with extended and flexible repayment terms. The ‘Milk Flex’ loan product developed by the Irish Strategic Investment Fund, with dairy co-op and private banking participation, is another good example of innovation in this regard.
I know that many farmers will be relying heavily on co-op and merchant credit to navigate through the current situation. Therefore, I have also welcomed recent initiatives by co-ops in relation to credit facilities for their suppliers.
1003. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he plans to introduce to ensure that there are adequate supplies of fodder and foodstuff for the coming winter and spring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36828/18]
View answerI would like to give the Deputy a full account of the actions and measures I have put in place over the last short while to meet the challenges in this sector. Following the fodder difficulties of last Winter and Spring I formed a representative group chaired by Teagasc, including stakeholders such as Co-ops, banks, farm bodies ,amongst others, to coordinate advisory messages to farmers this Summer around replenishing depleted stocks of fodder. I have requested the group to co-ordinate advice on managing grazing and fodder conservation through this extended period of extraordinarily dry weather. Practical advice is being shared across the group on dealing both with the current weather and on filling the significant fodder gap.
On 26 June last, I launched a national fodder survey to be compiled by Teagasc through its client network as well as clients of the other fodder group stakeholders, with another survey being conducted this week. Given the findings of this survey, the overall priority must be to conserve as much fodder for the coming Winter as possible when the opportunity to do so arises.
I met with Commissioner Hogan on 24 July last and briefed him on the impact on Irish Agriculture of the dry spell. I secured agreement from the Commissioner to pay higher advance payments this Autumn. As a result, advances for Pillar 1 and 2 payments will be increased to 70% and 85% respectively, resulting in €260 million in additional cash flow for farmers at a vital time of the year. I also proposed to Commissioner Hogan certain flexibilities for participants under the GLAS scheme which will replenish their fodder stocks for the Winter period. In this connection I am pleased to have secured the agreement of the European Commission for these measures which, are now in place since 1 September and which together bring a potential additional 270,000 hectares into fodder production.
Furthermore on 3 August I announced a €2.75 million Fodder Production Incentive for Tillage Farmers to encourage tillage growers to actively engage in the fodder market. This measure will provide an incentive of €155 per hectare for tillage growers who grow a temporary crop of short rotation grasses for fodder production over the winter months and €100 per hectare for those growing catch crops such as fodder Rape, Turnips and Brassica crops. Currently over 23,000 hectares of catch crops are supported under the Agri-Environment Scheme, GLAS. This additional funding commitment aims to incentivise a doubling of this area. I am confident this measure will support Tillage farmers to supply into the market for fodder. Tillage farmers are a critical part of our agricultural sector, supplying the brewing and distilling industry, grain to the feed industry and straw to the livestock sector, whilst also delivering other benefits.
Also, following consultation in August with my Government colleague the Minister for Planning, Housing and Local Government Mr. Eoghan Murphy T.D., flexibility has been granted on an extension to the closed period for spreading of chemical and organic fertilisers in order to capitalise on Autumn grass growth for fodder production. This extra two weeks granted by Minister Murphy will allow application up to 30 September and 31 October respectively and again maximise the opportunity for Autumn production.
On 22 August I announced a €4.25million Fodder Import Support Measure for Autumn 2018. The measure seeks to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage, that is: hay, silage, haylage, alfalfa and others from outside the island of Ireland. The measure will operate through the Co-operatives/registered importers and will cover forage imported from 12 August 2018 to 31 December 2018 and will of course be subject to EU State Aid (de-minimis) rules. I wish to confirm that while the measure will operate through the Co-operatives/registered importers, the actual beneficiaries will be farmers who need supplies of fodder.
I know that the range of measures introduced by me to-date taken together and targeted at producing as much fodder as possible from our own land provide the most effective response to a fodder shortfall. I can also assure you that I will continue to closely monitor and engage on this significant challenge during this difficult period.
1004. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a parcel of land (details supplied) has entitlements; if this parcel can now be classified as clean land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36901/18]
View answerUnder the Basic Payment Scheme, payment entitlements are not linked with specific parcels of land. In order to receive payment under the Basic Payment Scheme an applicant must declare one eligible hectare for each payment entitlement that is held.
With regard to the classification of particular land parcels as clean land, any land declared in support of an application for an area based scheme is subject to administrative and on-farm checks as required to determine eligibility.
