Written Answers Nos. 195-210
195. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expenditure details for all consultancy or audit services provided to his Department by a company (details supplied) from 2015 to 2018, inclusive, and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7554/19]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not engaged the consultancy or audit services of the company in question from 2015 to date.
196. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to reduce the 70-day retention period for all animals that go onto farms before they can be resold to 30 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7575/19]
View answer201. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the four movement rule that was brought onto farms will be removed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7598/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 201 together.
A Quality Payment System (QPS) for the payment of bonuses in respect of certain categories of cattle at slaughter plants was introduced in 2009 by agreement between Meat Industry Ireland (MII) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA). My understanding is that the conditions attached to qualification for this bonus payment include a limit on the number of movements of cattle in their lifetime prior to slaughter. This is a purely private arrangement between both parties and my Department has no role in its design or implementation.
The following was received from the Department on 25 February 2019
I wish to clarify that while the Quality Payment System related to the beef grid was agreed between Meat Industry Ireland (MII) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) in 2009, this payment is based on the classification of the carcass, i.e. a price differential is set between certain classification grades.
The Department's understanding is that, in addition to the payment as determined by Quality Payment System, additional bonus payments may be made. Any additional bonus payments, and the conditions attached to qualification for such bonus payments, are determined by processors and their retail customers. Such conditions can include a restriction on the number of movements. This is a commercial arrangement and the Department has no role in its design.
These extra conditions are determined by processors and their retail customers.
197. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when remediation work will be completed on Haulbowline Island, County Cork and what the reason for the delay. [7580/19]
View answerMy Department assumed responsibility for remediation works at Haulbowline Island on behalf of the Irish Government in 2012 with a particular focus on bringing about compliance with the terms of a CJEU judgment (Case C-494/01) under the Waste Framework Directive concerning the East Tip site. Funding for the remediation project is currently provided to my Department, in accordance with the specific conditions set out by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, on an annual basis up to the completion date of the remediation works.
The East Tip works are the most significant element of the remediation project. In the period up to 2017 expenditure was focused on preparing for and securing the necessary planning and waste licence consents for the East Tip remediation and upgrading the island infrastructure in anticipation of works. Following the signing of contracts in July 2017, the remediation of the East Tip commenced and in December 2018 I visited the site to see that the works had been substantially completed. I understand that there are some minor finishing works on the site to be completed early this year. The access road leading into the site is also being upgraded and this is scheduled for completion by the end of April 2019.
While the priority has been remediation of the East Tip, work on assessing a suitable solution for the former steelworks factory site has also been advanced in preparation for the next phase of the remediation project. Detailed site investigations have been undertaken and the preparation of an application for planning consent has also been advanced. The Government has decided that the Minister for Defence will be the ultimate owner of Haulbowline Island, in keeping with the main occupancy of the island being the headquarters for the Irish Naval Service. Any remediation solution for these areas will need to be cognisant of their likely long term use.
198. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has completed his value-for-money review into the regional veterinary laboratories; and if so, when it will be made public. [7584/19]
View answerMy Department commissioned a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of options that were proposed by a Working Group in 2016 for the future development of the Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVLs). The team conducting the CBA included internationally-recognised, independent experts in economic analysis and animal disease surveillance. My Department has been presented with the CBA report and senior officials are currently considering the recommendations. Due consideration is also being given to feedback we received following consultation on two separate occasions with our stakeholders - following publication of the 2016 Working Group report and during the CBA process. A proposal on how best to redevelop the RVLs over the next few years will be informed by both of those consultative processes and by the findings of the CBA. The focus of my Department is now on securing and improving the service to the sector at best value to the tax payer and on securing the necessary capital funding for investment.
199. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put to the European Commission to introduce measures to support the pig sector in view of continuing inadequate price returns to producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7595/19]
View answer200. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce measures to support primary producers in the pigmeat sector in view of the closure of some pig units; if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing pressures on individual farms to survive due to inadequate returns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7596/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 200 together.
Price volatility has been a significant issue for the pig sector in the last 18 months, highlighting the cyclical nature of prices in the sector. Current prices stand at €137.19/100kg, which is 0.8% below prices at the same time in 2018.
The continuing uncertainty regarding Brexit lends an even greater urgency to the expansion of international market access, so, my Department and I have made a major push to encourage market diversification. In 2017 I visited Mexico, the fourth largest importer of chilled and frozen pork in the world and made access to that market a top priority. Following visits from Mexican authorities, six export plants were recently audited as part of the first stage of gaining access to the Mexican market for Irish pig meat exporters and we expect the outcome of those audits shortly.
There has also been a significant expansion in Ireland’s pig meat exports to East Asia in general, with exports to China, Japan and South Korea totalling €100m last year. In May of 2018 I lead a trade mission to China, visiting Beijing and Shanghai. This visit included events, in association with Bord Bia, to promote Irish pork to further develop export opportunities .I also travelled to Japan and South Korea in 2017 to promote further opportunities for Irish producers in these markets. Exports to Japan increased by 36% to €30m last year and exports to South Korea increased by 29% to reach €11m. Additionally, I led the first ever Irish agri-food trade mission to Malaysia last November, where I agreed a veterinary health certificate for pigmeat, an important milestone in the process of opening this market for Irish exporters. I will continue to work closely with the sector and, by focusing on insight-led growth strategies, capitalise upon opportunities for Irish pig meat exporters on international markets.
As regards support for primary producers, TAMS II measures (under the 2014-2020 RDP plan) provide grants for capital investment in physical assets to assist the pig sector to develop their businesses. A massive variety of items are available under the suite of TAMS measures and the Pig Sector is catered for under the current Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme (PPIS) of TAMS II. Additionally, in 2016 I established a Pig Implementation Strategy Group which oversees implementation of the measures recommended in the report of the Pig Industry Stakeholder Group. This group plays a vital facilitating role in achieving the objectives for the industry as laid out in Food Wise 2025.
I recently met with Commissioner Hogan to discuss the unique exposure the agri-food and fisheries sectors to the threat of a disorderly Brexit, and the challenges that it could present. I stressed the need to be ready to deploy a range of measures to mitigate the potential impacts on farmers and processors, including via traditional market supports and exceptional aid under the CAP's Single Common Market Organisation regulation, and increased flexibility under State Aid regulations. Commissioner Hogan reiterated the EU’s willingness to respond and support Ireland, and we will remain in contact on these issues as a clearer picture emerges.
202. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the Strategy for the Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector 2018 to 2023; the number of agreed actions; and the timetable for implementation in tabular from. [7635/19]
View answerThe ‘Strategy for the Inshore Fisheries Sector 2019-2023’ has been finalised following an extensive development process involving the National and Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums. I was very pleased to receive a presentation on the Strategy from the Chair of the National Inshore Fisheries Forum at our meeting on 30 January.
The Strategy is the first industry-led blueprint for the inshore fisheries sector. I understand an inclusive approach was taken to identifying key issues and priorities for the sector, including a Steering Group with industry and State partners, a dedicated workshop and public consultation.
From the presentation given, I understand that the Strategy identifies a vision for the inshore sector, that it “will have a prosperous and sustainable future delivered through a united industry with a strong and influential voice”. To achieve this, the Strategy sets out 14 objectives for the sector, which are grouped under four themes. These objectives are linked to specific actions that will underpin the Strategy's implementation.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara will lead the implementation of the Strategy in partnership with the National Inshore Fisheries Forum. BIM will work closely with the Forum to prepare a plan for implementing the Strategy and identify the objectives and actions that will be prioritised. The Strategy will frame the work of the Forum over the next number of years, until 2023, and affords an opportunity to target funding support available under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to where it can be most effectively used.
I look forward to launching the Strategy with the National Inshore Fisheries Forum in the coming weeks and, in the medium term, to seeing the output achieved through the implementation of this Strategy.
203. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions at EU level recently with regard to reducing the price of fertiliser costs for farmers, including wholesale CAN prices; the status of the investigation of the European Commission into the margins enjoyed by EU fertiliser manufacturers; and when the results of the investigation will be finalised. [7636/19]
View answerI am very conscious that fertiliser is a major input cost for Irish farmers. Currently, there is no manufacturing of fertilisers in Ireland, resulting in indigenous fertiliser companies being price takers, dependent on global supply and demand, and subject to Euro exchange rates against the US dollar and other currencies. Fertilisers are mainly traded in US Dollars and are thereby subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) monitors the price of fertilisers on a monthly basis. My Department receives data on the type and quantity of fertilisers and lime sold on a quarterly basis from Industry. The Central Statistics Office's 2018 Preliminary estimates of Output, Input and Income in Agriculture identifies an increase in volume of 7.3% combined with a price increase of fertilisers consumed on Irish farms. This resulted in an increase of €59.7m in overall expenditure on fertilisers, to a total of €572.7m in 2018.
I have long believed that the elimination of fertiliser tariffs and anti-dumping duties is something that could help farmers reduce their input costs. I have raised this issue at the Agri Fish Council since 2016, both with the Commission and in consultation with my Council colleagues. At the Agri Fish Council in June 2017, I asked the Commission to address the significant overpricing of fertilisers in the EU brought about by the imposition of anti-dumping duties on imports.
In that context, the Commission undertook a study of the anti-dumping levy imposed on ammonium nitrate fertiliser imported from Russia during 2017 and 2018. This study was supported by a number of European farming organisations, including the IFA.
The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1722 of 14 November 2018 outlines the findings of this review. A total elimination of the levy was not supported in the findings. The decision was taken to reduce the levy by just over 30%. The reduction in levies applies to products with more than 28% ammonium nitrate. In Ireland the level of ammonium nitrate is restricted to a nitrogen level of less than 28% and is used in the form of calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN). While this product is not directly affected by the levy, changes in the price of ammonium nitrate may impact the price of CAN.
204. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications approved for the nitrates derogation in each of the years 2015 to 2018; the 2019 closing date for applications; and the number of applications received to date in tabular form. [7638/19]
View answerFarmers are obliged to ensure annual compliance with the limits of the Nitrates Regulations.
Derogations are granted under the Nitrates regulations allowing a higher intensity of livestock farming with applicants subject to additional environmental conditions. Applicants are required to submit an annual application, on-line, and which can be completed by the herd owner or his/her adviser.
The closing date for 2019 applications is 31 March 2019.
Farmers who applied for a derogation in 2018 have until 31 March 2019 to submit fertiliser accounts in respect of 2018 also. The number of applications since 2015 to date is detailed below:
|
Year |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
|
Applications Received |
6,330 |
6,804 |
6,995 |
6,891 |
323 (As at cob 11/2/19) |
|
Applications approved |
5,997 |
6,533 |
6,557 |
in progress |
205. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the review of the nitrates derogation; and when it will be completed. [7639/19]
View answer206. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he will ensure the sustainable continuation of the derogation at 250kg/Org N as stated recently. [7640/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 206 together.
The nitrates derogation enables farmers to exceed the 170 kg livestock manure nitrogen limit (2 Dairy cows per Ha) up to a maximum of 250 kg N/ ha ( less than 3 Dairy cows per Ha) subject to adherence with specific additional environmental requirements and is an important facility for more intensive farmers. With 6,900 applicants in 2018 farming 466,000 ha, derogation farms have become a very significant intensive farming cohort over recent years, the area farmed under derogation having increased by 40% from 2014 to 2018. In addition, Dairy cow numbers increased by c. 340,000 by 2018 compared to 2010; chemical N & P usage has increased by c. 10 % in 2017 and in 2018.
Against this background, the environmental impact from the increased livestock numbers and fertiliser use has been highlighted recently by the EPA in terms of deterioration in river water quality and an increase in GHG agricultural emissions in 2017. Furthermore ammonia emission levels are increasing and exceeding the national emission threshold of 116 KT.
The increased environmental pressures highlight the need for additional engagement with intensive farmers. Consequently a review of the derogation conditions takes place this year in consultation with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG), the Department with responsibility for the Nitrates regulations and under which the derogation is made available.
An expert group has been established specifically for this task. The Group is jointly chaired by DHPLG and DAFM and comprises senior scientific experts from DHPLG, DAFM, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Teagasc. This group will review and recommend opportunities for derogation farmers to increase their environmental contribution and sustainability credentials.
To inform the review, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) will publish a consultation paper and invite submissions from interested parties and the public over a 6 week period in early Spring.
The recommendations of this review will be subsequently considered in the context of ensuring a sustainable derogation going forward.
207. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers that have appealed the removal of their lands from the areas of natural constraint scheme in 2019, by county in tabular form. [7641/19]
View answer208. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is providing farmers that have appealed the removal of their lands from the areas of natural constraint scheme in 2019 with information on the data underpinning the removal of the relevant townlands; and the steps a farmer can take to appeal the ruling. [7642/19]
View answer209. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if appeals to the removal of lands from the areas of natural constraint scheme in 2019 will be completed in time before 2019 payments to issue. [7643/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 207 to 209, inclusive, together.
Further to the completion of the review of eligible lands under the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme, which was required by EU regulation, my Department wrote to all impacted farmers advising of the status of their lands under the 2019 ANC scheme. These letters included a form to instigate an appeal. The appeals form is also available on www.agriculture.gov.ie. For any farmer who wishes to appeal the status of a particular townland under the 2019 ANC scheme, an independently chaired appeals process is available.
The first step in the appeal process is for a farmer to submit a form to my Department indicating an intention to appeal the status of a particular townland. Further to receipt of these notifications, my Department is providing detailed information to appellants in relation to the data underpinning the status of the townland in question in order that they can base any appeal to the independent Appeals Committee on full information. While timelines will be in a large part dictated by the volume of full appeals received, it is expected that the appeals process will be completed in advance of the commencement of payments under the 2019 ANC scheme.
To date my Department has received 1,263 notifications of appeal from farmers. It should be noted that appeals will be townland based, given the townland structure of the ANC scheme. The appeal notifications received represent 679 distinct townlands. The number of farmers' appeals by county is as follows: -
|
County |
Number of ANC Appeals |
|
Carlow |
52 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
|
Clare |
0 |
|
Cork |
18 |
|
Donegal |
92 |
|
Dublin |
1 |
|
Galway |
13 |
|
Kerry |
21 |
|
Kildare |
32 |
|
Kilkenny |
22 |
|
Laois |
155 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
|
Limerick |
31 |
|
Longford |
0 |
|
Louth |
8 |
|
Mayo |
0 |
|
Meath |
13 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
|
Offaly |
74 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
135 |
|
Waterford |
16 |
|
Westmeath |
22 |
|
Wexford |
503 |
|
Wicklow |
55 |
210. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the capital projects completed by his Department since 2011; the initial contract value of same; the final cost of same; and the final cost of the capital projects that have had an ex post review in tabular form. [7842/19]
View answerThere were no capital projects completed in my Department since 2011 with a value in excess of €10 million. However, my Department has two major capital projects in progress, which are not yet complete.
One capital project is currently in progress on the East Tip, Haulbowline Island. My Department assumed responsibility for remediation works at Haulbowline Island in 2012. Contracts were signed in July 2017 and works are expected to be completed by the end of April 2019 which is in line with the schedule set out under the contract. While final contract expenditure figures are not yet available, it is anticipated the contract will be completed within budget.
The second capital project is for the Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre, Dinish Wharf Expansion Works. The contract was awarded in July 2018 and expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2019. It was initiated in response to increasing levels of fishing activity in particular, but also in recognition of the increased levels of commercial cargo business being conducted in the harbour. The project has been approved for up to 50% co-funding under the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
