Written Answers Nos. 30-45
30. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to ensure that the requirements of legislation for the transportation of dogs and pups to and from dog breeding establishments are met by parties in the UK in the aftermath of Brexit. [41260/18]
View answerThe trade of dogs - commercial movements within the EU, and movement from a non-EU country into the EU - is governed by EU law (the "Balai Directive"). Dogs moved to another EU Member State from Ireland must be accompanied by an EU pet passport and a health certificate issued by a Department veterinarian, be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination. Before travel, dogs must undergo a clinical examination by an authorised veterinarian, who must verify that the animals show no obvious signs of disease and are fit to be transported.
The premises exporting dogs to other EU Member States must be registered with my Department in advance of the export.
These procedures ensure that only healthy dogs, over the age of 15 weeks, are allowed to be exported.
Exporters must also comply with national and EU law on the protection of animals during transport. Council Regulation 1/2005 regulates the transport of live animals between EU countries and provides for checks on animals entering or leaving the EU. The transport of animals by air is also governed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Information about any breaches of these regulations can be provided to my Department, which will treat any information received in the strictest of confidence.
The UK has not to date provided information on what if any requirements may be imposed with regard to commercial movements of dogs to the UK after Brexit.
31. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts being made to safeguard the fishing sector in the context of Brexit. [41462/18]
View answerThe key priorities for Ireland and the EU27 in the context of fisheries and Brexit will be the maintenance of current access to fishing grounds in the UK zone in the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and north of Donegal and the protection of Ireland’s existing quota shares. My continued objective is to ensure that the implications for fisheries are fully taken account of throughout the negotiations for a future EU-UK relationship.
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 also working closely with key stakeholders in the Irish fishing industry and am pleased at the level of unity on these key issues. The results of my engagement with the Barnier Task Force, in close collaboration with the Tánaiste are evident in the agreed EU position on fisheries.
In the context of the economic relationship, the European Council confirmed its readiness to start work towards a balanced, ambitious and wide-ranging free trade agreement (FTA). On fisheries, it is very welcome that the maintenance of reciprocal access to fishing waters and resources is proposed in the European Council Guidelines.
The actual agreement on a future relationship can only be finalised and concluded once the UK has become a third country, that is after it leaves the EU on 29 March 2019. This is why a status quo transitional arrangement is so important. Of course, it is in the interest of everyone that a future relationship agreement is concluded as quickly as possible after the UK leaves the EU to provide certainty sooner rather than later.
It is very welcome that the European Council has proposed that the whole of the EU acquis will apply to the UK during the transition, which means that in the context of a Withdrawal Agreement the status quo will be preserved with the aim of avoiding any gaps or cliff edge effects between the UK leaving the EU and when a future relationship agreement enters into force.
I would like to assure the Deputy that, working together with the Tánaiste and his team and the Barnier Task Force, I will continue to work to ensure that negotiations on fisheries remain inextricably linked to the overall future relationship negotiations in order to protect our existing access rights and quota entitlements.
Overall, it is Ireland’s view that the EU27’s basic position should be to protect EU fishing communities. While all parties would like higher quotas, the way to achieve that is to grow the stocks through sustainable management for the benefit of all.
32. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of agricultural land here used to grow vegetables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41450/18]
View answerWhile approximately 1% of Ireland’s agricultural land is utilised to grow vegetables, the value of output from this area is significantly higher than that percentage area would indicate.
Ireland’s horticulture industry has the fourth highest farm gate output value in the agricultural sector, exceeded only by beef, dairy and pig meat.
The horticulture sector contributed approximately €433m to Irish farm output in 2017. Within this, the farm-gate value of field vegetable production (excluding potatoes) was estimated at €71.5m.
The sector is labour intensive with an estimated 6,600 people directly employed full-time. In addition the sector contributes strongly to economic activity and indirect employment upstream and downstream.
The Food Wise 2025 strategy targeted a 25% increase in output value for the horticulture sector overall and increasing consumer demand for horticultural produce and the need to increase fruit and vegetable consumption presents opportunities to achieve this growth in output.
Notwithstanding its potential the Government recognises the challenges that lie ahead for the sector. It continues to provide support though the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. In Budget 2019 funding for this scheme is increased by an additional €1 million to €6 million for 2019. This increase was secured in response to strong demand for investment at grower level and Government's desire to improve competitiveness within the sector.
Separately, the EU Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables offers potential to increase grower collective bargaining power.
Mentoring on financial resilience will shortly be rolled out to horticultural growers by Bord Bia. In addition, through Bord Bia the State is also working to develop LEAN practices across the horticultural sector. Teagasc also continues its work to support the sector with significant investment evident through the new horticultural research unit which opened in Ashtown earlier this year.
To conclude, the Government and its State Agencies are putting the resources in place to allow Ireland’s horticulture sector achieve its potential and capitalise on the opportunities that lie ahead.
33. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts being made to ensure all applications under the areas of natural constraints scheme selected for a remote sensing eligibility inspection are carried out at the earliest date; when all finalised ANC payments will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41016/18]
View answerEU regulations governing the administration of the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme and other area-based schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including Ground or Remote Sensing (Satellite) inspections where applicable, are fully completed to ensure eligibility with the various schemes requirements before any payments issue.
The method of selecting of cases for inspection is set down in EU regulations and is undertaken by means of a risk analysis process with cases being selected on a risk and random basis. All cases to be selected for inspection must be eligible beneficiaries under the various schemes. Therefore the selection of cases for inspection, while commencing after the closing date for receipt of applications, i.e. 15th May, is an on-going process so as to ensure this specific regulatory requirement is adhered to. Furthermore as amendments to applications could be accepted by my Department up to 9th June, and allowing for the Preliminary Checks process whereby applicants could amend their application further up to 19th June as a result of issues notified to them by my Department, the details of the land to be subject to the inspection process cannot be finally established until these periods have elapsed.
The process of a remote sensing inspection involves a comprehensive review of the satellite imagery received at two stages during the year, and also the assessment of additional imagery, where required, to ensure that the actual claimed area in the application form corresponds to the area farmed by the applicant, that the crop types are as claimed and that ineligible land or features are not included for payment purposes. The governing regulations further prescribe that where it is not possible to make an accurate determination on the eligibility of a parcel or parcels of land by means of an assessment of the available imagery, a field visit must be undertaken to verify the position on the ground.
As of 9th October my Department has received remote sensing inspection results in respect of 66% of the inspection cases. Of these cases 75% have been processed to payment stage, with the ANC payment having issued in 73% of these cases. The issuing of the ANC payment is also subject to other checks in addition to land eligibility e.g., stocking density and stock retention. Where an over-declaration in area is identified as part of the inspection process, officials in my Department will be in contact with the applicant.
The Department continues to make ANC payments as further cases become eligible and every effort is made to pay as quickly as possible.
34. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the Killybegs Harbour works will commence; if no delays have occurred on this project or that other harbour projects have been prioritised over Killybegs to date; the timeline for the Killybegs project moving forward; if the necessary funding is in place and ring-fenced for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41262/18]
View answerKillybegs Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department under Statute.
The Fishery Harbour Centre (FHC) has been attracting increasing levels of fishing, commercial cargo and cruise liner activity and the need for additional berthage has been recognised. The Smooth Point project when complete will provide an additional 120 metres of sheltered berthage to a depth of -9.0m Chart datum in Killybegs FHC. In addition to facilitating the increased activity it would also enable relocating larger fishing vessels from the Blackrock Pier to the new berthage area.
Because some of the material to be dredged was contaminated, for management purposes, the project was divided into two phases. Phase 1 which entailed the dredging and removal of the contaminated material commenced in 2017 and has been completed in 2018 at a cost of approximately €6.5m.
The commencement of phase 1 was delayed due to a longer than expected permitting phase. €3.5m was allocated for phase 1 in 2018 however, as additional work was carried out as part of these works, an extra €0.7m had to be allocated in 2018 to complete it bringing the expected total spend in 2018 to €4.2m.
Phase 2 involves the dredging of the remaining uncontaminated material and construction of the 120 metres of berthing space. It is proposed to issue tenders for phase 2 in 2019, with works commencing next year and a completion date in 2020. The final costs of phase 2 will only be determined following the competitive tendering process, however it is estimated to be in the region of €9m.
The provision for the development and upgrading of Fishery Harbours in 2019 has been increased by €6.284m to €27.284m. Developments in the six Fishery Harbour Centres are considered under annual capital programmes on the basis of available Exchequer funding. While decisions on the final make up of the 2019 Capital Programme have yet to be made, I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to tendering and commencing Phase 2 of the project at Smooth Point in 2019, with a view to completing the project in 2020.
35. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made by the agrifood sector here in developing a market for Irish beef in China. [41354/18]
View answerThe opening earlier this year of the Chinese beef market is the result of years of cooperation and hard work on the part of my Department, the Irish Embassy in Beijing, Bord Bia, and the Irish beef industry. It is a hugely significant achievement for our industry, as well as an excellent endorsement of our world-class safety standards and product quality.
Three beef plants were approved by the Chinese Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) in April. As part of my Trade Mission to China in May it was confirmed that a further three beef plants had met the required standards for approval. These plants were subsequently formally approved and listed by CNCA in June. This was a great result and reflects the on-going work in this area.
My Department has spent many years working closely with the Chinese authorities in order to secure this agreement. This work has included inward and outward trade missions, inspection visits, and various bilateral contacts with officials in relevant Chinese Ministries. Throughout the course of this work, my officials have developed a deep understanding of Chinese requirements. This understanding has been essential in devising procedures to satisfy the conditions of China’s protocol.
A new Veterinary health certificate that covers both beef and pigmeat came into effect on 1st June 2018 and the beef trade has commenced with product already having arrived into China by both air freight and shipping. My officials continue to make progress on various technical issues and the focus now is on trying to get additional plants approved and listed by the Chinese authorities.
As I have previously stated, the role of the Government is to open up market access and to remove barriers to trade; the industry must then make its own decisions in relation to market priorities, but I hope that Irish beef exports will follow the same success that our dairy and pigmeat sectors have enjoyed in China to date.
36. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the recently published advice of an organisation (details supplied) which advocates a possible 68% cut in the mackerel total allowable catch for 2019; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the advice is totally flawed as the actual stocks are not in decline; the steps he will take to avoid coastal states adopting the flawed advice in order to prevent the wipe out of the pelagic sector; the bilateral discussions he has undertaken with other coastal states to date on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41261/18]
View answerThe International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) is a network of scientists from marine institutes from over 20 member countries including Ireland. ICES provide advice on catch levels for all of the fish stocks of importance to Ireland. This advice is produced through a collaborative process by scientists from around the world including those from the Marine Institute here in Ireland.
The advice for mackerel for 2019 was published on the 28th of September last and is a complex and detailed document. It does contain within it a number of caveats about how the advice is arrived at.
The headline advice is that the catch, by all parties including those who operate outside the 2014 Mackerel Agreement, for 2019 should not exceed 318,403 tonnes. This would equate to a 68% reduction compared to total 2018 catches. Ireland's quota would reduce by 61% compared to 2018.
This advice, like all advice, is based on a number of data inputs that are interpreted by the scientists according to standard rules of procedure. Given the importance of this stock to Ireland, I asked the Marine Institute to provide their views. They have advised that while there was a rigorous analytical process conducted by ICES there are some concerns - recognised by ICES themselves - regarding the quality and the relative weighting of some of the data inputs that were utilised.
In light of this information, Ireland, working in co-operation with a large number of fellow EU Member States, called for an urgent review by ICES of the data inputs. The other Coastal States supported this position as did ICES themselves. The latter confirmed earlier this week that an inter benchmark review will take place as soon as possible.
Mackerel is our single most important fishery and Ireland is the second largest quota holder in the EU. We rely on a long term sustainable fishery. That is why we must be absolutely confident in the scientific advice. If ICES had advised a 60% increase I would be equally calling for a review.
No decision on a TAC level for 2019 was reached between the Coastal States (EU, Norway, Faeroes Islands, Iceland, Greenland and Russia) and a further round of negotiations is scheduled for the 25th and 26th of October. In the interim, I will continue to consult with the Marine Institute and BIM as well as relevant Member States, the Commission negotiators and stakeholders, in particular the fishing industry. The TAC setting will involve all the Coastal States, in particular the other parties to the 2014 Mackerel Agreement, Faeroes and Norway.
37. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to encourage new persons to consider sheep farming as a viable occupation. [41448/18]
View answerI am very conscious of the important role that the sheep sector plays in relation to the continued growth and development of our agri-food sector. With this in mind, I have ensured that my Department has put in place a range of supports for the sheep sector in recent years across a number of schemes.
In relation to Pillar 1 supports under the Common Agricultural Policy, sheep farmers continue to benefit from the direct income support available under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). In addition, Ireland’s Rural Development Programme (RDP), 2014-2020, also contains a number of support schemes which offer direct financial benefit to Irish sheep farmers. Sheep farmers continue to benefit from the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) Scheme and from GLAS in large numbers, as well as from capital investment support under TAMS. In Tuesday's Budget I announced an additional €23m for the ANC scheme, bringing the total to €250m in 2019. I expect sheep farmers to be significant beneficiaries of that measure. The RDP also includes specific provision for sheep farmers within the Knowledge Transfer Programme, which has helped to build on the existing knowledge base and skills set in the sector in a way which will help to ensure continued sustainable development in the sector.
In addition to these measures, in December 2016 I announced the new Sheep Welfare Scheme as an amendment to the RDP. Under this scheme, farmers are required to choose from a menu of actions which aim to improve the overall welfare of their flock. These actions must be completed over a 12 month period, and in return the farmer receives a payment of €10 per breeding ewe.
This important support was introduced for a period of four scheme years, and I am glad to say that over €18.4m has issued on time to sheep farmers in respect of Year 1 of the Scheme. 85% advance payments under year 2 of the scheme are due to commence in November of this year.
I am pleased to note the strong export performance of the sector last year, which was reflected in the Central Statistics Office (CSO) 2017 trade and livestock statistics. In 2017, just under 63,000t of Irish sheepmeat worth €311 million was exported in comparison to 56,000t worth €277 for the previous year. This represents a significant growth in tonnage of 12.5% and net worth of 12%.
I am committed to ensuring that my Department continues to work to underpin the development of the sheep sector and to encourage young people to enter the sector. A range of supports under CAP Pillar I and the Rural Development Programme schemes, as well as significant agri-taxation incentives, are in place to encourage inter-generational transfer and land mobility, particularly for young trained farmers.
38. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work ongoing in his Department in addressing climate change; the schemes in place to help farmers improve their farms' environmental performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41295/18]
View answerMy Department is actively engaged on issues relating to agriculture and climate change on both an international and national level.
At farm level, my Department and its Agencies are actively involved with the farming sector through initiatives such as the Origin Green Farm Sustainability and Quality Assurance schemes and Knowledge Transfer schemes. A key component of the Origin Green assessment is the independent farm audit where the farmer receives a feedback report on his or her farm’s performance. This allows them to make informed decisions on improving the sustainability of their farms while also improving their efficiency and farm viability. The knowledge transfer schemes, funded under the Rural Development Programme, are essential in facilitating the transfer of information from research and advisory services to farmer discussion group networks and cover a range of topics related to sustainability and climate mitigation.
My Department is supporting a number of other schemes and measures under the Rural Development Programme to help farmers improve their farm’s environmental performance. Measures such as the Agri-Environment scheme, GLAS, includes specific measures to support climate change objectives whilst our Organic farming scheme supports organic farming as an alternative farming system contributing to improving soil quality and mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
Improving breeding and maintaining the health of livestock is also very important to achieving efficiency and managing emissions. This is actively supported through our Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP). This Programme ranks the efficiency of beef breeding animals on a star based system, with 5-star being the most efficient. Building on the success of this Programme I have just announced a new pilot scheme - The Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot – which will be targeted at suckler farmers and specifically aimed at further improving the carbon efficiency of beef production by measuring the weaning efficiency of suckler cows. Farmers will get detailed feedback on the performance of individual animals allowing them to identify the most productive cows in their herd. On the Dairy side, the ‘Economic Breeding Index’ is identifying the most efficient animals for grass based production system.
In terms of sequestration, or the capturing of carbon, our most significant intervention is the national afforestation programme. Afforestation and forests also play a key role in replacing energy intensive materials and providing sustainable renewable biomass to the energy sector. We are therefore, investing heavily in the Afforestation Scheme to encourage landowners to establish forests on their land. The Government has recently approved significant improvements in grant and premium rates under the agroforestry and forestry for fibre options.
My Department is also investing heavily in research and I have recently announced an additional €5.4 million in research grant awards. This brings the total grants awarded for collaborative inter-institutional agri-food research under my Department’s 2017 Competitive Research Call to over €19 million. This investment in agri-food research will support the sector to innovate in terms of production efficiency, higher value products and environmental sustainability.
We are continuously looking ahead; increased environmental ambition will be a key element of CAP Post 2020. As we look towards defining the measures and targets under the new CAP regime the recently published Teagasc report “An Analysis of Abatement Potential of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Irish Agriculture 2021-2030” is key to informing the type of abatement measures we need to focus on with a view to achieving the 2030 targets.
39. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports provided to Bord Bia to assist Irish agrifood businesses to find new markets for their produce in the context of a potentially changed trading environment post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41296/18]
View answerI am firmly committed to increasing market access and opportunities for all Irish agri-food exports around the world. Total agri-food exports amounted to €13.6 billion in 2017, according to the Central Statistics Office trade statistics, an increase of 74% since 2009. My Department officials continue to work towards opening and enhancing access to as many markets as possible. This is a key part of our response to the challenges and uncertainty posed by Brexit, and is in line with the market development theme of the Food Wise 2025 strategy. Opening new markets involves a wide range of detailed work taking place across a range of levels including political, diplomatic, technical and official levels. This year already, I have led trade missions to the US, Canada and China. I will be leading a delegation to Indonesia and Malaysia very shortly and my colleague, Minister Doyle will be visiting China.
Bord Bia’s work is critical to the successful growth of our food and drinks exports.
The development of the Origin Green programme, providing proof of the sector’s sustainability credentials, has played an important part. Bord Bia also works closely with my Department to prioritise and develop new markets, building on its significant investment in consumer and retail insights.
As an agency, Bord Bia has played a key role in our Brexit response to date, facilitating conversations at the highest levels with UK retail CEOs, and ensuring that our ongoing commitment to the UK market is fully understood. We have no intention of stepping back from the UK market. On the contrary, we will redouble our efforts to build on our consumer reputation and strong relationships to maximise growth and supply high quality and innovative products to our neighbouring island.
Bord Bia’s Brexit Barometer has been used to identify evolving client priorities and concerns and to further inform Bord Bia’s Brexit programmes and supports. As a result of the many findings from that exercise, Bord Bia has launched a series of Brexit support programmes focussed on supply chains, customs requirements regarding trade, and currency risk for the industry.
Significant additional funding has been provided to Bord Bia in various tranches since the Brexit referendum, as a key part of our Brexit response for the food industry. Bord Bia received approval in 2018 to recruit 32 additional staff as part of the wider Brexit response. A recruitment campaign commenced in April 2018 and so far 22 positions have been filled. Recruitment is ongoing for the balance and it is hoped that these additional staff will be in place by end of the year. 13 of these positions are to be based abroad in line with the Government policy of doubling our Global footprint.
I am pleased that in this week's Budget I secured the allocation of a further €5.35 million to Bord Bia for 2019, bringing its total grant in aid to €46.6 million for 2019. This compares to a grant in aid of €28.9 million in 2014, an increase of over 60% over five years.
40. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied regarding the action taken to date or likely to be taken to offset the impact of Brexit on the agrifood sector, with particular reference to the possibility of a no-deal Brexit; if he is further satisfied that all has to be done in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41480/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the agri-food sector is of critical importance to the Irish economy, and its regional spread means it underpins the socio-economic development of rural Ireland in particular.
The Government is seeking to minimise the impact of Brexit in the first instance through a negotiated outcome which avoids a hard border on the island of Ireland and which delivers trading arrangements in the future which are as close as possible to those that prevail at present. I am hopeful that progress can be made in the short-term on both the Ireland-Northern Ireland back-stop and on the framework for the discussions on the future EU-UK relationship, so that they can be incorporated into a Withdrawal Agreement that will provide for a transition period and a more orderly Brexit in the period up to 2021.
In the meantime, the Government has introduced a range of measures to deal with the short-term impacts of Brexit. In terms of dealing with Competitiveness issues, my Department introduced a €150 million low-cost loan scheme, new agri-taxation measures and increased funding under the Rural Development and Seafood Development Programmes in the 2017 Budget. In Budget 2018 I, along with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, introduced a new €300m “Brexit Loan Scheme” to provide affordable, flexible financing to Irish businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit or who will be in the future - at least 40% of which will be available to food businesses.
I have followed up these measures with further initiatives announced this week as part of Budget 2019, which contains a €78 million Brexit package for farmers, fishermen, food SMEs and to cover additional costs in my Department. This includes €44 million in direct aid to farmers through increased spending on areas of natural constraint, the introduction of a Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot Scheme and additional funding for the horticulture sector. Support for the food industry to the tune of €27 million includes measures aimed at improving competitiveness and innovation, additional funding for Bord Bia and additional funding to progress the National Food Innovation Hub in Teagasc Moorepark. And €7 million has been provided to support Brexit preparedness work within my Department, namely, to meet the staffing and IT costs associated with the additional import control and export certification requirements arising from Brexit.
Under Market Diversification, my Department is supporting Bord Bia in its investment in market insight (through its ‘Thinking House’) and in market prioritisation initiatives which are aimed at identifying and developing potential diversification opportunities. Indeed, I have increased funding to Bord Bia by €14.5m since the UK referendum.
As regards Product Diversification, I am supporting Teagasc in the development of a new National Food Innovation Hub in Fermoy (€8.8 million funding announced by An Taoiseach and myself last October).
In line with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-coordinated ‘whole of Government’ approach to Brexit, my Department is planning for an orderly Brexit which involves, inter alia, a transition period to the end of December 2020. Key Government decisions in this regard have been made in July and September in relation to staffing and IT resources, and engagement with the relevant ports and airports is ongoing in relation to the infrastructure needed to carry out import controls and customs checks.
Work is also ongoing in relation to contingency planning for a disorderly Brexit at the end of March 2019. In this regard my Department’s focus is on the arrangements that will be necessary in order to fulfil its legal obligations as efficiently as possible while also ensuring the minimum possible disruption to trading arrangements. Similar to the work already undertaken in relation to the central case scenario, my Department will be working closely with other Departments in progressing these arrangements over the coming period.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government remains very focused on supporting the agri-food industry through the challenges ahead. 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 entire UK which is as close as possible to the current arrangement.
41. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the use of glyphosate will be reconsidered in view of the findings of the DeWayne Johnson court case in California; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41449/18]
View answerRegarding the use of plant protection products containing glyphosate in Ireland, I continue to be guided by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), who have both concluded, on the basis of extensive reviews involving public consultation, that glyphosate can be used safely without putting consumers or users at risk. The EFSA review included an assessment of potential dietary exposure that could result from pre-harvest use and concluded that this use does not pose a risk to human health.
My Department will continue to monitor international peer reviewed scientific evidence and the guidance provided by EFSA and ECHA.
42. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number and location of trade visits he and officials from his Department have undertaken or are scheduled to undertake including his forthcoming visit to Indonesia and Malaysia for the specific purpose of identifying new markets for Irish agrifood products most likely to be affected by Brexit; the value to the economy of already identified or to be identified new markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41481/18]
View answerThe pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is of course an ongoing and 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. Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Gulf region. This is where our efforts will be focused for the foreseeable future, particularly given the need to diversify our markets and to reduce our reliance on traditional destinations such as the UK.
Trade missions, of course, play a crucial role in market development, not just in terms of the valuable opportunity that they provide for businesses to make contacts and develop relationships, but also in terms of their usefulness in developing political and official contacts, which are often just as important in facilitating business development and resolving market access issues. For this reason they are an essential component of the suite of measures that I and my Department deploy in our efforts to develop more opportunities for Irish agri-food exporters.
In the last two years I have led a series of very successful trade missions. In 2017, destinations included the Gulf States, the US, Mexico, Japan and South Korea. In the case of the latter two, this was an ideal opportunity to exploit the benefits to be derived from the EU's recent trade and economic partnership agreements with South Korea and Japan.
This work has continued in 2018. I have already led trade missions to the US, Canada and China, and my Department is currently making the final arrangements for a further trade mission to Indonesia and Malaysia at the end of October. Again this will include participants from across the agri-food sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as high-level political discussions. Both of these markets had been identified by my Department as offering huge potential to the Irish agri-food sector.
These and the other missions that my Department are planning for the first half of 2019 will serve to enhance and improve our existing levels of market access in these destinations. It will also promote Ireland’s reputation as a producer of high quality, safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy products. The destinations are also in keeping with the recent market prioritisation exercise that was 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.
It is also no coincidence that the destinations that have we recently visited and plan to visit are now some of the countries showing the greatest increase in growth, with the value of exports to Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central/South America standing at almost €2.8 billion in 2017. The value of trade to these markets increased by 159% since 2009. These markets now account for over 20% of total agri-food exports.
Growth to emerging markets has been led by Asia, with exports of €1.6 billion in 2017, of which around €1 billion went to China. Exports to other Asian markets grew by 85% since 2012 to €659 million in 2017. Trade to Africa has also grown to €606 million, while exports to the Middle East have also grown significantly, to reach €370 million.
My Department will continue to seek out and identify new markets, and I am ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities that may arise.
43. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to introduce an aptitude test as part of the selection process for election observers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41580/18]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the response to a previous parliamentary question on this matter, Question 36 of 9 October 2018, as well as to responses to the following related parliamentary questions: Question No. 45 of 20 September 2018, Questions Nos. 69 and 70 of 7 September 2018, Questions Nos. 103 and 104 of 24 July 2018, Questions Nos. 57 and 58 of 3 July 2018, Question No. 60 of 21 June 2018, Question No. 107 of 24 April 2018, Question No. 98 of 28 March 2018, Question No. 16 of 25 January 2018, Questions Nos. 428 and 396 of 26 July 2017 and Question No. 651 of 2 May 2017. There are no plans to introduce an aptitude test as part of the selection process for election observers.
44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the recent discussions in Northern Ireland with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the political parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41638/18]
View answerSince the Assembly elections of March 2017, the Irish and British Governments, as co-guarantors of the Agreement, have worked tirelessly to support and facilitate the parties in their efforts to form a new power-sharing Executive. Unfortunately, to date, it has not proved possible to reach an agreement on the formation of an Executive, despite intensive engagement. The absence of the Executive also means that that North South Ministerial Council cannot meet.
I am currently engaging with Secretary of State Bradley on how both Governments can most effectively secure the effective operation of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. I met with Secretary of State Bradley in Dublin on 17 September and again in Belfast this Monday, 8 October.
We have engaged with all of the political parties to hear their views on how at this point the two Governments can best support a way forward to get the Institutions up and running again. All parties have re-affirmed their commitment to operating the devolved institutions and have provided views on their key concerns and issues.
In the period ahead, I believe a new political process is required to get beyond the current impasse and secure the necessary agreement between the parties on operating the devolved institutions again.
I do not underestimate the way to go in achieving that, but I firmly believe that a resolution is possible and that the calls from across all sections of the community in Northern Ireland for the devolved institutions to operate will be heeded.
The Government will continue to do everything in its power, in accordance with its responsibilities as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, to secure the effective operation of all of the institutions of the Agreement.
45. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance if the single parent tax credit will be reinstated for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41547/18]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that the person in question is still in receipt of the Single Person Child Carer Credit (SPCCC). The credit, which can only be claimed by one parent for any individual year, has been with the individual since it was relinquished by the child’s mother in February 2014 and Revenue is not aware of any change to this arrangement.
