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Wednesday, 27 Feb 2019

Written Answers Nos. 170-187

Irish Land Commission

Questions (170)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

170. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Land Commission records have been digitised to date; if so, the number that have been; his plans to digitise the entire records collection in order to preserve it for the longer term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9924/19]

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Written answers

None of the 8 million or so former Irish Land Commission records held are available in digital format. There are no plans to digitise them at present, although my Department may consider this at a future date.

Animal Slaughtering Standards

Questions (171)

Denis Naughten

Question:

171. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 535 to 537 of 12 February 2019, in the case of each of the 21 instances in which mechanical grading was suspended, the number of carcases that were rechecked by the manual grader back to the last known point of accuracy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9925/19]

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Written answers

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1184 of 20 April 2017 governs the monitoring of carcase classification, carcase presentation and weighing.

When the machine is found to be out of tolerance by officials from my Department the slaughter plant is instructed to revert to manual grading.

The overall performance of a machine is determined when the inspection is carried out. All carcasses are checked normally in real time on the slaughter line or on occasion in the chilling rooms to determine machine score. There is no mechanism to permit an officer to pinpoint exactly when the machine went out of tolerance.

The number of inspections conducted annually significantly exceeds the legal requirement for the minimum number of inspections set down in EU legislation. In 2018, my Department conducted almost 550 inspections. This is an average of 20 inspections per factory per year, which significantly exceeds the legal minimum requirement of 8 inspections per year. At each inspection an average of 85 carcasses were inspected for correct classification and carcase presentation. The legal requirement is 40 carcasses per inspection.

Horse Sport Ireland

Questions (172)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

172. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the suggestion in a report (details supplied) on Horse Sport Ireland that the operation of its studbook should be separated from it in view of its role as the national governing body for equestrian sport; his further views on operating a public tender for the management of the Irish Sport Horse draught horse studbook; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9929/19]

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Written answers

Equine studbooks are subject to approval by my Department under European Communities (EQUINE ) Regulations, S.I. No.357 of 2011 and Horse Sport Ireland is currently approved to hold the Irish Sports Horse and Irish Draught Horse Studbooks.

The report by Indecon International Consultants “ Review of certain matters relating to Horse Sport Ireland” which was published in 2017 recommended that HSI should retain responsibility for national breeding policy but that the organisation’s board should consider the merits of transferring the Sport Horse and Irish Draught studbooks which it currently administers to the Irish Horse Board. This recommendation falls to the Board of Horse Sport Ireland to consider i.e. whether this is the most effective way to achieve the breeding and production objectives.

The Board of Directors of HSI has recently been restructured and a new Chairperson and three board members have been appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine in consultation with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. It will be a matter for this Board in the first instance to consider the future of the studbooks currently under the organisation’s control.

Beef Industry

Questions (173)

Martin Ferris

Question:

173. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that beef factory lots are being used to manipulate the factory price paid to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9935/19]

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Written answers

I am aware that there has been recent discussion about the use of feedlots in the production of beef.  I am also aware of the current challenges facing beef farmers, however, I cannot intervene directly in any commodity price. Cattle prices are a matter for the processing industry and the farmers who supply it. 

Neither can I intervene in commercial decisions around the farming system that processors purchase cattle from.  Cattle prices are influenced by a variety of factors such as the level of consumer demand, production levels and exchange rate differences. The UK's decision to leave the EU also presents enormous challenges for the entire beef sector.

One of the unique strengths of the agri-food sector has been the shared vision for the sustainable development of the sector in Food Wise 2025.  It is crucial that we all continue to work together. At the last Beef Round table, I highlighted the need for stakeholders to recognise their inter-dependency and to support the sector through examination of mechanisms to add value along the supply chain and increase the strength of all links in the supply chain, including Beef Producer Organisations.

Officials in my Department are currently engaging extensively with stakeholders in relation to Beef Producer Organisations which have strong potential to help strengthen the position of the primary producer in the supply chain.

Animal Sales

Questions (174)

Martin Ferris

Question:

174. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the four-movement cattle rule will be revisited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9940/19]

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Written answers

There is no rule limiting the number of cattle movements to four.

However, I understand that meat processors make bonus payments in respect of cattle which meet market specifications determined by them in conjunction with their retail customers.

In order to obtain the bonus payment, animals supplied must meet these specifications. The four movement rule to which the Deputy refers is one such specification. It is entirely a commercial matter and is not a condition imposed by my Department.

Fallen Animal Collection Scheme

Questions (175)

Martin Ferris

Question:

175. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the 120 km offal waste transport rule will be examined in view of the fact that it is perceived to inhibit competition. [9941/19]

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Written answers

The Fallen Animal TSE Subsidy Scheme is an integral part of the infrastructure underpinning Ireland’s successful livestock and meat processing industries, which have an estimated combined export value of €3 billion annually. The Scheme ensures primarily that fallen bovine animals over 48 months, which must be BSE-tested in accordance with EU legislation, are disposed of in compliance with all animal and public health and environmental regulations.

An operator is free to dispose of animals not eligible under the Fallen Animal TSE Subsidy Scheme to a licensed plant of his choice and the arrangements made are a commercial matter between them.

A review of the Fallen Animal TSE Subsidy Scheme was undertaken in 2013, in consultation with stakeholders. This review took into account a number of factors, including budgetary considerations, TSE testing requirements, Animal By-Product (ABP) regulations, the need to maintain competition and the need for an adequate collection and disposal infrastructure. The importance of having adequate rendering capacity especially in the event of a serious (Class A) disease outbreak was given high priority in the review of the Scheme.

A number of changes were introduced to the collection of fallen animals in 2013. Those included enhanced compliance provisions and putting limits on the distance material can be transported while maintaining a competitive aspect to the market.

Under the terms of the scheme the haulage distance for material to which the scheme applies from the intermediate plant (knackery) to rendering plant shall not exceed 125kms radius unless with the prior approval of my Department. The scheme also provides that, where there are not two or more rendering premises inside 125kms radius from the intermediate plant, then delivery is permitted to either of the two nearest rendering premises as measured by road.

GLAS Payments

Questions (176)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

176. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not received a GLAS payment for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9971/19]

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Written answers

The person named was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2017 and has received all payments in respect of scheme year 2017.

A validation issue was identified in relation to the applicant's Low-input Permanent Pasture claim which has delayed processing of the 2018 Advance payment. The case is being actively worked on at the moment and once the case clears validations, the 2018 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments are issuing on a weekly basis.

Brexit Supports

Questions (177)

Joan Burton

Question:

177. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of financial state aid support that will be available to producers in the event of a no-deal hard Brexit; the level of support committed to by the EU Commission; the persons he has met with in relation to same to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9990/19]

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Written answers

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 areas in particular. As such, Brexit has the potential to have a very significant impact on farmers and on the agri-food sector throughout Ireland.

I and my officials have been working very hard for quite some time to sensitise other Member States and the European Commission to the potentially very severe impacts of Brexit on the Irish agri-food and fisheries sectors, and to the likelihood of specific supports being required in order to deal with these impacts. The institutions of the European Union are very well aware of the likelihood of a significant impact of a disorderly Brexit on Ireland’s economy.  This has been part of the discussion from the beginning, and indeed this is explicitly recognised in the Commission’s own communication on contingency planning.

Most recently, I held a bilateral meeting with Commissioner Hogan at the end of January to discuss the potential impact of a disorderly Brexit on the Irish agri-food and fisheries sectors. We discussed the unique exposure of these 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 through traditional market supports and exceptional aid under the CAP's Single Common Market Organisation regulation, as well as increased flexibility under State Aid regulations, which has already been the subject of discussions with the Commission. Commissioner Hogan reiterated the EU’s readiness to respond and support Ireland, and we will remain in contact on these issues as the situation evolves. 

As regards state aid limits, my Department operates the State aid rules and regulations governing the agriculture sector, where the state aid limits under the agriculture de minimis regulation are currently set at €15,000 per undertaking over a rolling three year period. 

I very much welcome the announcement by the European Commission, that the maximum threshold limits under the agriculture de minimis regulation will increase from €15,000 up to €25,000, with effect from 14 March 2019.  This will allow for greater flexibility and efficiency, notably in times of crisis and situations demanding a swift response by the public authorities.

I have said that the State will not be found wanting when it comes to supporting the Irish agri-food sector and farmers when it comes to Brexit.  The increase in the agriculture de minimis limits is a very important first step.

With regard to increases or exemptions to state aid limits applicable to other sectors, this is a matter for the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation, who are the competent authority for the implementation of the general State aid rules and regulations in Ireland.

Live Exports

Questions (178)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

178. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a matter regarding the 30-day rule will be addressed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9994/19]

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Written answers

Live exports are a critical part of Ireland’s livestock industry. They play a significant role in stimulating price competition and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers.

I am pleased that in 2018 live exports of cattle increased by over 30% to 246,000 head compared to 2017. This change was driven by a significant increase in calf exports to other EU countries (159, 000 head in 2018). Calf exports to Spain in 2018 increased by 66% on 2017, to over 72,500 head. Exports of Irish calves to Italy and the Netherlands also increased last year, to over 12,500 and 48,500 head respectively. Calf exports to Belgium increased from 4,200 to 13,000 head, from 2017 to 2018. In 2017 I reduced the veterinary inspection fee payable on live exports of calves less than three months of age from €4.80 to €1.20, which has brought greater equity to the inspection fee regime.

It is a requirement under EU law that cattle exported from Ireland within the EU must complete a residency period on a holding prior to export. The animal must have been resident on a single holding for 30 days or more, within 29 days of moving to an assembly centre for export. Subsequent to moving from the holding, an animal may move one time through a mart and/or one time through a dealer’s holding, in that order. No further moves are permitted. The 30 days holding of origin and any dealer holding must be free from all TB restrictions at time of export.

To check on compliance with the requirements, additional validation checks on the residency requirement were introduced by the Department on the Animal Identification and Movement System in April 2017.

Radon Control Strategy

Questions (179)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

179. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the grants available to households for radon remediation in circumstances in which variations of radon levels have been detected in the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9789/19]

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Written answers

Currently there are no grants available to households specifically in relation to radon remediation. While the Radiological Protection (Amendment) Act, 2002 provides a legislative structure for radon remediation, no scheme was ever commenced under its provisions. In light of lessons learned in the delivery of similar schemes in other jurisdictions, the provisions under the 2002 Act are no longer considered appropriate for the delivery of a modern, efficient and effective scheme.

To ensure the maximum uptake for testing and remediation of dwellings of any future scheme, my Department provided funding last year for the Environmental Protection Agency to undertake a survey on radon financial incentives in both high and low risk areas. The outcomes of this survey are currently being analysed and will inform policy on future actions in this regard.

Bituminous Fuel Ban

Questions (180)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

180. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the ban on smoky coal will come into effect nationwide. [9807/19]

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Written answers

I refer to the reply to Question No 198 on 19 February 2019. The position is unchanged. Recent scientific evidence indicates that air pollution is more damaging at lower concentrations than was previously understood. With this in mind, I am committed to bringing forward Ireland's first ever National Clean Air Strategy. The Strategy, which I intend to publish this year, will provide the policy framework necessary to identify and promote integrated measures across Government that are required to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner air, while delivering on wider national objectives. Domestic solid fuel use will be addressed in the context of the strategy.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Questions (181)

Tom Neville

Question:

181. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the process for paying carbon tax for airlines flying in Irish airspace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9835/19]

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Written answers

Since 2012, greenhouse gas emissions associated with flights operating in the European Economic Area (EEA), including domestic flights as well as those to and from third countries, are covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). Airlines are required to monitor, report and verify their emissions, and to surrender allowances against those emissions. Airlines receive tradeable allowances covering a certain level of emissions from their flights per year and must purchase allowances to cover any shortfall between their allocated sum of free emissions allowances and their actual emissions, as reported annually. The EU since decided to limit the scope of the EU ETS to flights within the EEA to support the development of a global Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). CORSIA aims to stabilise emissions at 2020 levels by requiring airlines to offset the growth of their emissions after 2020.

Fuel consumption associated with aviation emissions included in the EU ETS are not subject to a carbon tax in Ireland.

Broadband Service Provision

Questions (182)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

182. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the date for the roll-out of high-speed broadband for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9840/19]

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Written answers

The premises referred to by the Deputy is in the BLUE area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map, which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The BLUE areas are where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services. Where a citizen living in a Blue area is unable to obtain a high speed broadband service, I would encourage them to email my Department at broadband@dccae.gov.ie with their Eircode and details of the service providers they have contacted and the issues encountered in respect of accessing high speed broadband.

Inland Fisheries

Questions (183)

James Browne

Question:

183. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the eel fishermen compensation scheme for affected fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9934/19]

View answer

Written answers

I refer to the reply to Question No. 574 of 12 February 2019. I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that payments have issued to applicants who have communicated, in writing, formal acceptance of the offer and confirmation of an undertaking to adhere to the conditions of the scheme and their individual letter of offer. Payments will issue to other eligible applicants as soon as they make the required returns to IFI.

In addition, the closing date or appeals under the scheme was Friday last, 22 February, and all appeals received will be considered shortly.

Broadcasting Charge

Questions (184, 185, 186, 187)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

184. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the broadcasting levy; and the plans and timelines in relation to the introduction of the reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9943/19]

View answer

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

185. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the broadcasting levy; and the plans and timelines in relation to the introduction of the reduction [9945/19]

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Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

186. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the broadcasting levy; the plans and timelines in relation to the introduction of the reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9947/19]

View answer

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

187. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the broadcasting levy; the plans and timelines in relation to the introduction of the reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9949/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 to 187, inclusive, together.

A number of Deputies have raised this issue with my Department and replies are in the process of being issued to all.

The position is that the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill which includes proposed amendments to the Broadcasting Levy provisions is currently at an advanced drafting stage by Parliamentary Counsel and is expected to be published in Q2 2019.

The Bill includes amendments to Section 33 and 123 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to allow for the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to be allocated public funding from TV Licence fee receipts towards meeting its operating expenses. A further amendment to Section 33 provides criteria that the Authority can consider when determining the granting of exemptions, deferrals or reductions in the levy for individual broadcasters or classes of broadcasters. It is intended that the consequent reductions in levy contributions, up to a maximum of 50%, would be applied across the board by the BAI so that all broadcasters would benefit in equal proportion from the measure.

It is not possible to make changes to the existing levy provisions until the legislative amendments contained in the Broadcasting (Amdendment) Bill have been enacted and the BAI makes a new Levy Order to give effect to same.

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