Written Answers Nos. 365-383
367. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 548 of 14 December 2017, the number of new entrants that commenced the green cert in 2017; the number of applications that were refused in 2017; the details of same in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14774/19]
View answerSuccessful applicants to the 2017 National Reserve were required to have completed a recognised agricultural education course giving rise to an award at FETAC level 6 or equivalent by the closing date for receipt of applications under the scheme of 15 May 2017. Of the 146 applicants for the National Reserve under the "new entrant" category, 13 were rejected on the basis of failure to meet the relevant educational requirements.
Based on the length of time required to achieve the necessary level of qualification, none of the successful applicants to the National Reserve in 2017 would have commenced the required course in 2017. My Department does not hold details of the number of students who commenced such agricultural education courses in 2017 across the range of course providers.
Details of the number of applications submitted to the National Reserve in 2017 under the ‘new entrant’ category, the number of those applications deemed unsuccessful and the number of unsuccessful applicants on the basis of not having met the agricultural educational qualification criteria by 15 May 2017 are set out in the following table:
|
Total applications to 2017 National Reserve ‘new entrant’ category |
Total unsuccessful ‘new entrant’ category applications in 2017 |
Total unsuccessful ‘new entrant’ category applications in 2017 based on education |
|
146 |
49 |
13 |
368. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all possible alternatives were considered by Coillte before the decision was taken to use acetamiprid for the control of pine weevil in Coillte forests (details supplied). [14795/19]
View answerThe management of the Coillte forest estate and operational matters such as the use of plant protection products are a matter for, and the responsibility of, Coillte as a commercial State Body.
I have therefore referred the question to Coillte and have requested that a response issue directly to the Deputy.
369. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which alleged animal discrepancies as identified during recent tuberculosis and brucellosis tests in the case of a person (details supplied) can be resolved in view of the fact that they have no knowledge of the way in which the discrepancies might have occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14810/19]
View answerA recent TB test carried out in this herd identified some discrepancies between the animals presented for the test and the animals listed on the AIM profile for the herd. As a result of these findings, it was necessary to restrict the herd.
The local Regional Veterinary Office is currently in contact with the herd keeper with a view to resolving these discrepancies.
370. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the contingency steps being taken to limit the impact of a no-deal Brexit on the agriculture sector here. [14865/19]
View answerI have already taken a number of contingency steps to help mitigate the impacts of Brexit on the agri-food sector, and I continue to explore further options that may be necessary in the event of a disorderly Brexit.
I have introduced a number of measures under the last three budgets aimed at improving competitiveness, and developing market and product diversification. These have included low cost loan schemes to assist on-farm and agri business cost effectiveness, additional supports to Bord Bia and Teagasc to support market and product diversification, and, in Budget 2019, a €78 million package to support farmers, fishermen and food SMEs.
More recently, I have held bilateral discussions with Commissioner Hogan on the economic impact of Brexit, including on the margins of the Council of Agriculture Ministers in Brussels on 18 March. I have stressed the need to be ready to deploy a range of measures to mitigate the impact on the sector, including through traditional EU market supports and exceptional aid provisions under the CAP's Single Common Market Organisation regulation, as well as through increased flexibility under State Aid regulations. Commissioner Hogan has confirmed that the EU is ready to respond positively, and my officials remain in regular contact with Commission officials in this regard.
While ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement is still the Government's objective, practical preparations are also underway for a no-deal Brexit.
On preparedness for import controls, we have been working with other departments and agencies to have the necessary arrangements in place at our ports and airports in order to allow the Department to fulfil its legal obligations as efficiently as possible, while also ensuring the minimum possible disruption to trading arrangements.
My Department has also sharpened its Brexit communications strategy, which now includes an enhanced Brexit page on the Department’s website, the circulation of focused Trader Notices to the relevant sectors, the establishment of a Brexit Call Centre and central e-mail address, and increased use of social media. I would urge operators in the sector to engage with these services as we continue our preparations for a possible no-deal Brexit.
371. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the decision by the EU Commission and member states not to renew chlorothalonil; the impact this will have on the tillage sector here and farm incomes; the timeline for implementation of this decision; the viable alternatives to this substance that exist for tillage farmers; and the supports available for transitioning. [14876/19]
View answerThe recent decision not to renew chlorothalonil was based on a change in the classification for carcinogenicity proposed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), following technical peer review, and a number of other critical areas of concern identified by EFSA and Member State scientific experts.
The timeline for implementing the decision will include a grace period of up to a year for distribution and use of existing stocks.
My Department is acutely aware how important chlorothalonil has been for the cereal producing sector in Ireland, not only as a primary disease control tool, but also as a resistance management tool, protecting other chemical families from the development of pathogen resistance. However the ability of growers to use pesticide products safely, without endangering themselves, consumers or the environment, and in compliance with regulatory approval criteria, must always be the primary concern in the approval process of all active substances.
Regarding alternatives, I understand that some new fungicide active substances have recently been approved at EU level, which could offer new disease control options for tillage farmers in the future.
372. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the volume and value of Irish seafood exports in 2017 and 2018, in tabular form; the main fish species; the amount of exports to the UK in value and volume and as a percentage of total exports in 2017 and 2018; the number of persons employed in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14881/19]
View answerI have set out in tabular form in the following link the value and volume of seafood exports from Ireland both to the UK and as a whole. The exports from the UK are also represented as a percentage of the total value and volume. Export of seafood figures have been compiled by the CSO for the years 2017 & 2018.
14,359 people are employed in the Irish Seafood industry in both direct and indirect capacities. These employment numbers are supplied by BIM.
373. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the volume and value of seafood imports in 2017 and 2018, in tabular form; the main fish species; the amount of imports from the UK in value and volume and as a percentage of total imports in 2017 and 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14882/19]
View answerI have set out in tabular form in the following link the value and volume of all seafood imports to Ireland from both the UK and all other countries for the years 2017 & 2018. The imports from the UK are also represented as a percentage of the total value and volume. Import of seafood figures have been compiled by the CSO. Seafood Imports
374. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the proposed EU directive (2018/0082(COD)) with regard to unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the food supply chain; the remaining stages to be approved at the EU Council; when the directive is expected to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union; and the transposition date for member states to implement same in domestic law. [14885/19]
View answerOn 12 March 2019, the European Parliament adopted, at first reading, the "Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the food supply chain". The Directive will be put forward for adoption as an “A” item (non-discussion) on the agenda of the next Council meeting. Following adoption at Council, the Directive will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, following which Member States will then have 24 months to transpose it into national law.
My Department and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation are establishing a working group on the transposition of the Directive, having regard to existing national legislation and enforcement provisions and how the legislation might be brought forward.
375. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the figures for the export of beef to China over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14928/19]
View answerMy 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 in line with the market development theme of the Food Wise 2025 strategy.
The Chinese market for Irish beef was opened in April 2018 and represented the culmination of significant work over a number of years. I am pleased that six Irish beef plants are currently approved to export beef to China. By gaining access to the Chinese market, we have opened a very significant beef market for the industry. It is now up to the industry, with the assistance of my Department and Bord Bia, to avail of this opportunity.
According to Central Statistics Office (CSO) trade statistics, Ireland exported approximately €2.8 million (1,400 tonnes) of beef to China in 2018, with exports only commencing during the summer. This indicates that Irish beef companies are beginning to gain a foothold in the Chinese market.
In addition, Ireland has had beef access to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China for some time, and exported the following amounts over the last five years:
- 62.186 million (19,289 tonnes) in 2018
- €76.580 million (25,543 tonnes) in 2017
- €42.883 million (16,035 tonnes) in 2016
- €31.223 million (9,952 tonnes) in 2015
- €52.138 million (17,430 tonnes) in 2014
376. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the final payment of the 2018 GLAS payment will be made available to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14969/19]
View answer2018 GLAS balancing payments can only commence when the Member State has verified that all eligibility conditions have been met. This is a requirement in the relevant EU Payment Regulations and is a long-standing EU audit requirement.
My Department is currently undertaking the required level of inspections and is working to have this completed shortly. It is currently anticipated that GLAS balancing payments of 15% will commence in mid-May.
377. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current and proposed Brexit support schemes for famers; and the current take-up in tabular form. [15007/19]
View answerIn order to help mitigate the impacts of Brexit on the farming sector, I have introduced a number of budgetary measures over the last three years which have been aimed at helping farmers to improve competitiveness, as well as helping the sector more widely to develop market diversification opportunities so that its exposure to the UK market can be reduced.
These measures include a series of low cost Brexit Loan Schemes, the latest of which is the Future Growth Loan Scheme, announced last week and operated jointly by my Department and by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. This new Scheme will facilitate the rollout of €300m worth of investment loans to eligible Irish businesses, including farmers. The loans will be competitively priced, will be for terms of 8-10 years and will support strategic long-term investment in a post-Brexit environment. The Scheme will run for three years and businesses will be able to apply for loan eligibility through the SBCI from 17th April. An earlier scheme available to farmers, introduced in Budget 2017, made €145m available to 4,250 applicants.
I also introduced a €78m Brexit package in Budget 2019 which included support for farmers and fishermen. The package included €23m in additional support for farmers in Areas of Natural Constraint, and €20m to applicants for the new Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot Scheme.
I also allocated additional grant monies to Bord Bia and Teagasc for market and product diversification. These measures are complemented by intensified trade missions and market access activity in order to increase the sector’s global footprint across the world and reduce our exposure to the UK market.
I also recently met with Commissioner Hogan to discuss the potential impact of a disorderly Brexit on the sector, and stressed the need to be ready to deploy a range of measures to mitigate the potential impacts on farmers and processors. The Commissoner confirmed the EU’s readiness to respond and support Ireland, and my Department’s officials are continuing to explore potential options with their Commission counterparts in this regard.
378. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has conducted a regional analysis of the impact of a hard Brexit; and if so, the details of same. [15008/19]
View answerBrexit has the potential to have a significant impact on the agri-food sector throughout Ireland. As the Deputy will be aware, the agri-food sector is of critical importance to the Irish economy, and its regional spread means that it underpins the socio-economic development of rural Ireland in particular.
My Department has conducted a range of analysis and research in relation to Brexit. This work is ongoing, and has been primarily concerned with the implications of Brexit for agri-food trade with the UK across different sectors.
For example, both internally and in consultation with the relevant stakeholders through the Brexit Stakeholder Consultative Committee and the All-Island Civic Dialogue process, my Department has established the extent of sectoral exposure to the UK market, the potential implications of Brexit for each sector, and the potential practical impact on the day-to-day functioning of trade flows.
The agencies reporting to my Department have also undertaken important research in relation to Brexit, with Teagasc publishing reports on, for example, the potential implications for the Irish agri-food sector in overall terms and on the implications for family farm incomes, and Bord Bia conducting important work through its Brexit Barometer.
Additionally, my Department has contributed to analysis by a range of agencies and bodies including the ESRI, Copenhagen Economics and the Department of Finance, amongst others.
These analyses have highlighted the exposure of the agri-food sector to the negative impacts of a 'no- deal' Brexit. Through Government support, I and my officials have introduced a series of budgetary and marketing measures aimed at mitigating the more severe impacts, and I am in regular contact with Commissioner Hogan in relation to securing additional support for the sector in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit.
379. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the marine sector post-Brexit if no agreement is reached; his contingency plans for fish producers and fish processors with emphasis on the arrangements which are provisionally agreed and are to be put in place should such a scenario arise in the weeks ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15045/19]
View answer380. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the contingency support package he has put in place for the marine sector; if Ireland's EU partners have agreed this package in a post-Brexit situation; the additional measures which have been considered should a no-deal Brexit occur; if funding for this package will be additional to existing committed funding under the present EU support programmes; if he is satisfied that all necessary preparatory work for Brexit and the marine sector here have been considered and are provisionally ready should Brexit occur within the next number of months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15046/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 379 and 380 together.
In light of ongoing uncertainty this Government has continued its preparatory work to taking account of all possible outcomes. The Government published a Contingency Action Plan on 19 December, setting out its approach to dealing with a no-deal Brexit.
The Government has already 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 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 agri-food and seafood businesses.
Our enterprise agencies are continuing to work with seafood companies to help them to deal with Brexit through making them more competitive, diversifying market exposure, and up-skilling teams.
My priority has been, and remains, to maintain existing levels of access to waters and resources. However, in a worst case scenario of a disorderly departure we can expect that those reciprocal arrangements will be impacted, at least in the very short term.
In recent months, I have continued to have regular meetings with my European colleagues, especially those from the group of 8 Coastal Member States whose fisheries are potentially most impacted by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, as well as the European Commission. I am also working closely with key stakeholders in the Irish fishing industry and am pleased at the level of unity on these key issues. In recent weeks, the EU has adopted two legislative proposals to help mitigate the significant impact that a “no-deal” Brexit would have on Irish fisheries.
The first proposal is to allow fishermen and operators from EU Members States to receive compensation under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund for the temporary cessation of fishing activities. This would help off-set some of the impact of a sudden closure of UK waters to EU fishing vessels in a no-deal scenario. The exact details of how this would work in practice and the funding elements are still under discussion within the EU. Of course, it would be our hope that such measures would not be necessary.
The second proposal amends the Regulation on the Sustainable Management of the External Fleets. The aim of this proposal is to ensure that the EU is in a position to grant UK vessels access to EU waters until the end of 2019, on the condition that EU vessels are also granted reciprocal access to UK waters. The proposal also provides for a simplified procedure to authorise UK vessels to fish in EU waters and EU vessels to fish in UK waters – should the UK grant that access. This proposal is limited to 2019 and is based on the agreement in the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 17 and 18 December 2018 on the fishing opportunities for 2019.
A disorderly departure, that included a loss of access to UK waters, would have very serious consequence for our seafood industry. I am satisfied that, in cooperation with our stakeholders and EU partners we are doing all that we can to plan to mitigate the potential impacts. A disorderly Brexit will be about damage limitation not, unfortunately, damage elimination.
381. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when works are to commence on the Killybegs Harbour project; the duration of the project; the timeline for its completion; the full extent of the works being proposed as part of the current phase of works sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15047/19]
View answerMy Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute. In addition, my Department also has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of North Harbour at Cape Clear, as well as the maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights and Beacons Act.
Between the years 2010 to 2018, as part of my Department’s Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, in excess of €20 million has been invested in maintenance, development and upgrading works at Killybegs Fishery Centre.
The Harbour 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 a much needed additional 120 metres quay space.
Because some of the material to be dredged was contaminated, the project was divided into two phases. Work on phase 1 of the project, which entailed the dredging and removal of the contaminated material, commenced in 2017 and was completed in 2018, the total cost of this phase including preparation, permitting and design costs stands at €6.5m.
I have announced the details of a €35.7m Fishery Harbour and Coastal Development Capital Programme for 2019. Killybegs has been allocated in excess of €5m this year of which €4m is earmarked for phase 2 of the Smooth Point project.
Phase 2 involves the dredging of the remaining uncontaminated material and construction of the 120 metres of berthing space. The timeline for this phase of the project remains as previously outlined to the Deputy on the 12 of February of this year.
My Department's engineers have finalised the tender documents with a view to commencing a public tender exercise in early April 2019. Following completion of the tender process, it is hoped to award a contract to the successful tenderer in July, with mobilisation on site to begin in August. I am confident that the timeline for the commencement of this phase, as outlined, will be met. Phase 2 has an estimated overall project duration of twelve months, however the final costs and timeline will only be determined following the competitive tendering process.
382. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of processors or exporters that have permission to export Irish beef to China; the number of applications to export beef to China under review; the main reasons for those applications being held up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15057/19]
View answerMy 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 in line with the market development theme of the Food Wise 2025 strategy. The opening of the Chinese market for Irish beef in 2018 was the culmination of significant work over a number of years and I am pleased that six Irish beef plants are currently approved to export beef to China.
Exports of Irish beef to China commenced during the summer 2018. According to CSO trade statistics, Ireland exported approximately €2.8 million (1,400 tonnes) to China in 2018. In addition, Ireland has had beef access to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for some time, and exported €62 million (19,000 tonnes) to that market in 2018.
My officials continue to liaise with the appropriate Chinese officials on market access and plant approvals in order to increase Ireland's ability to supply the market. There are currently 15 Irish beef plants which have sought approval to export beef to China and my officials are working on progressing these applications. However, the timeline for these approvals remains a matter for the Chinese authorities.
383. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if follow-up recommendations were received by his Department regarding a matter (details supplied); his plans to remove the tanks in the near future; the other information relating to the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15058/19]
View answerThe factual matters to which the Deputy refers are currently the subject of legal proceedings. A plenary summons and a statement of claim were issued by the Plaintiff on 27 February 2018 and an appearance was entered on my behalf on 13 April 2018. A defence and counterclaim were served on my behalf on 1 November 2018. A reply to the defence and counterclaim was served on 23 November 2018.
As these matters are therefore sub judice, I cannot provide any further information at this time.
