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Tuesday, 8 Oct 2019

Written Answers Nos. 332-357

Departmental Staff Data

Questions (332)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

332. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 2102 to 2107 of 23 July 2019, the most recent figure for the number of positions that remain to be filled in a hard Brexit scenario as provided in his correspondence (details supplied). [40588/19]

View answer

Written answers

Focussing on immediate initial requirements in the area of East-West import controls for UK product into Ireland and the export of a limited range of agri-food products to the UK, in the event of a no-deal Brexit on October 31st, my Department will have 240 staff resources available across a range of disciplines in both front line control and back-up administrative spheres.

As of this week, a total of 148 new staff resources have been recruited by my Department. In addition, 60 resources are designated for assignment through internal redeployment of staff. My Department has also signed contracts with 31 Private Veterinary Practitioners (PVPs) for the provision of services to supplement the resources to be deployed in Dublin and Rosslare ports. 

My Department will continue to keep staffing requirements under review in response to ongoing developments.  

 

 

Fishing Industry Data

Questions (333)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

333. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated amount of mussel seed available for fishing in the waters of the State in each of the years 2016 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40612/19]

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Written answers

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) undertake surveys of areas with potential to or a history of mussel seed settlement each year. Arising from these surveys estimates are made of the findings of the areas which have been surveyed. BIM generally publishes the survey reports on its website at the following link - http://www.bim.ie/our-publications/aquaculture/

I will forward the Deputy's question to BIM for attention as appropriate.

Fishing Industry Data

Questions (334)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

334. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the location of mussel seed beds; the specific restrictions that apply in each area, such as the closed fishery in a location (details supplied) or other impediments to the fishing or transportation of mussel seed such as the detection of parasites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40613/19]

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Written answers

Bord Iascaigh Mhara generally publishes reports of surveys of seed beds that it undertakes, including of the area in question, on its website: www.bim.ie

EU environmental legislation, namely the Birds and Habitats Directives, provides protection for certain species, birds and habitats. Member States are required to designate areas of their territory for protection as part of an overall European network; the sites of these areas are the so-called Natura 2000 network. In Ireland, Natura 2000 sites are identified for designation by the National Parks & Wildlife Service under the responsibility of the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Ireland has designated approximately 80 marine Natura 2000 sites primarily located in coastal bays and estuaries where sea-fishing activities may occur. Castlemaine Harbour, near Cromane in Co. Kerry, includes two Natura 2000 sites.

Mussel seed fishing is subject to a prior consent process; accordingly mussel seed fishing which may impact on Natura 2000 sites must undergo screening for and, if necessary, appropriate assessment to determine if the activity will have a significant adverse impact on the features of the Natura 2000 site. In order to assess the potential impact, the local fishing industry is invited to submit a Fisheries Natura Plan for assessment and consideration. The most recent Plan underwent assessment in 2016.

Under the rules of the Fisheries Natura Plan for Castlemaine, up to two-thirds of the seed biomass identified by survey may be fished. The balance is reserved as prey for protected seabirds. Fisheries Natura Declaration No. 1 of 2017 (Castlemaine Harbour) sets out the rules which specifically apply to fishing for mussel seed there. Further details on the assessment and plan process can be found online at: http://www.fishingnet.ie/sea-fisheriesinnaturaareas/

Fishing Industry Data

Questions (335)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

335. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of mussel seed fished here in each of the years 2016 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40614/19]

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Written answers

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is statutorily responsible for the collation of data on catch and landing records for sea-fisheries including the mussel seed fishery. The SFPA is independent in the performance of its functions.

I will forward the Deputy's question to the SFPA for attention as appropriate.

Fishing Industry Data

Questions (336, 339, 340)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

336. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated amount of mussel seed available for fishing in waters in Northern Ireland in each of the years 2016 to 2018 according to his departmental advice or records; the amount fished in each of those years; if his attention has been drawn to restrictions that apply to the beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40615/19]

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Brendan Howlin

Question:

339. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the restrictions on the amount of mussel seed allocated to aquaculture farms in Northern Ireland that can be fished in Irish waters; the process by which such allocation is controlled; if it is linked to the total available mussel seed resource in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40618/19]

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Brendan Howlin

Question:

340. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he or his officials has an input into the way in which the relevant authority in Northern Ireland limits the total amount of mussel seed allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40619/19]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 336, 339 and 340 together.

Total allocations for aquaculture farms in Northern Ireland, estimates of amounts of mussel seed in Northern Ireland waters, the amounts fished and the regulation of fishing activities of such mussel seed are a matter for the authorities there.

Restrictions on mussel seed fishing activity in Irish waters may be subject to regulations from time to time and, in line with other sea-fishing activities, regulated by relevant fishing authorisations to eligible sea-fishing boats.

Fishing Industry Data

Questions (337)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

337. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total allocation of mussel seed by him in 2018, by aquaculture sites located here, excluding the Foyle area, Northern Ireland, and the Foyle area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40616/19]

View answer

Written answers

The data requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled and will be forwarded directly to him as soon as possible.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 40616/19.
The amount of mussel seed which may be fished is specified in authorisations issued to eligible Irish sea-fishing boats under section 13 of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. Authorisations issued by my Department to such vessels for aquaculture sites, excluding those in the Foyle area and Northern Ireland, amounted to 18,225 tonnes in 2018.

Common Fisheries Policy

Questions (338)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

338. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the definition of the joint management of mussel stocks; if it is still in operation; the legislative basis for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40617/19]

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Written answers

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the all-island basis for management of the mussel seed fishery in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland (DAERA NI) and the cross-border Loughs Agency.

The context for this has been the longstanding voisinage arrangements which provide for reciprocal access to waters for fishing in the area from the baselines out to six nautical miles around the coast of the State and Northern Ireland. The EU Common Fisheries Policy regulations and the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, as amended, provide a legislative basis for management of sea-fisheries.

Questions Nos. 339 and 340 answered with Question No. 336.

Fishing Industry

Questions (341, 342)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

341. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a vessel from the UK and Northern Ireland needs to hold an allocation of mussel seed given by him to an aquaculture site here in order to fish legally under the Sea Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2019; if such a vessel will be permitted to fish an allocation of mussel seed given to it by an authority in Northern Ireland in the territorial waters of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40620/19]

View answer

Brendan Howlin

Question:

342. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a vessel from the UK and Northern Ireland will be permitted to fish an allocation of mussel seed given to it by an authority in another part of the UK such as Wales to fish mussel seed in the territorial waters of the State under the Sea Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2019; if a fishing vessel owned by a Welsh company will meet the criteria of owned and operated in Northern Ireland to fish an allocation under the 2019 Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40621/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 341 and 342 together.

The Sea Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2019 amends section 10 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act. The relevant excerpt from the legislation is as follows:

““10. (1) Subject to section 9 and subsection (2), a person on board a foreign sea-fishing boat shall not fish or attempt to fish while the boat is within the exclusive fishery limits unless he or she is authorised by law to do so.

(2) A person who is on board a sea-fishing boat owned and operated in Northern Ireland may fish or attempt to fish while the boat is within the area between 0 and 6 nautical miles as measured from the baseline (within the meaning of section 85) if, at that time, both the person and the boat comply with any obligation specified in subsection (3) which would apply in the same circumstances if the boat were an Irish sea-fishing boat.

(3) The obligations referred to in subsection (2) are the following:

(a) an obligation under the Sea-Fisheries Acts 2003 to 2019 or regulations made under those Acts;

(b) an obligation under the Fisheries Acts 1959 to 2019 or regulations made under those Acts;

(c) an obligation contained in regulations made under section 3 of the European Communities Act 1972;

(d) an obligation under a provision of the treaties of the European Union, or a provision of an act adopted by an institution of the European Union, an institution of the European Communities or a body competent under those treaties;

(e) an obligation specified in a policy directive given by the Minister under section 3(2)(b) of the Act of 2003;

(f) such other obligation as the Minister may specify in regulations under section 3.

(4) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence.”

Accordingly, only sea-fishing boats which meet the requirements set out in the legislation may legally fish in the area subject to the legislation. As I put on record during the passage of the legislation through the Oireachtas, I understand that the authorities in Northern Ireland have and do license their vessels to fish for mussel seed and apply terms and conditions just as is the case for Irish sea-fishing boats which engage in the same form of fishing.

Fishing Industry

Questions (343)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

343. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the basis for an effective pooling of the mussel seed resource of the State in a system of joint management with a state that has no mussel seed resource in relation to a judgment (details supplied); the basis in law for a process which facilitates alienation of Irish mussel seed resource to the benefit of aquaculture sites in the UK; if he has sought the advice of the Attorney General on the matter; and if not, his plans to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40622/19]

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Written answers

Irish sea-fishing boats are authorised to fish for mussel seed within the exclusive fishery limits of the State under s. 13 of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. Persons on board vessels owned and operated in Northern Ireland are permitted to fish for mussel seed in the waters within 0 to 6 nautical miles of the baseline under s. 10(2) of the 2006 Act, as amended by the Sea-Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2019.

I am advised that these provisions form the legislative basis for the regulation and management of the natural resource in accordance with the requirements of Article 10 of the Constitution and the judgment of the Supreme Court in Barlow & Ors -v- Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine & Ors [2017] I.R. 440. No person, including the operator of an aquaculture site in the State or in Northern Ireland, may be authorised to fish for mussel seed in these waters other than in accordance with these provisions. Extensive advice has been sought from the Office of the Attorney General on the interpretation of the requirements of the Barlow judgment.

Fishing Vessel Licences

Questions (344)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

344. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the definition of the term owned and operated in Northern Ireland in relation to fishing vessels; the way in which is it defined in Irish law; if the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Naval Service will take responsibility to ensure foreign vessels are licensed in accordance with EU regulations as adopted by the control authorities for Irish vessels in cases in which foreign vessels are operating in the territorial waters of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40624/19]

View answer

Written answers

Regarding Northern Ireland fishing boats, I assume that the Deputy is referring to the Sea Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2019. I am advised that terms used within legislation generally derive the meaning from the context within which they are used in the relevant legislation and within the context of the Interpretation Act. During the passage of that Act through the Oireachtas and in response to queries from members of the Houses, I put on record that there is a specific register for Northern Ireland boats.

The matters raised concerning the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Naval Service appear to be operational matters for the Authority itself.

Brexit Issues

Questions (345)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

345. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are concerns regarding food imports in the event of a no-deal Brexit; if so, if his Department has identified certain food products that may be vulnerable in such a scenario; if mitigation plans have been drawn up for such a scenario; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40666/19]

View answer

Written answers

Brexit poses enormous challenges for the agri-food and fisheries sectors by virtue of their exposure to the UK market. In 2018, almost 46%, or €4.4 billion, of total agri-food imports across a wide range of product categories, came from the UK.

A no-deal Brexit will add costs, delays and complexity all along the food supply chain, but Ireland will continue to import food from the UK post-Brexit. The decisions regarding what food is imported from the UK are a matter for traders. These decisions will be informed by a range of factors including, but not limited to, the prevailing currency exchange rates, tariffs and consumer demand.

While every effort is being made to prepare and put in place mitigation measures, we can expect, at least in the initial period post-Brexit, that tariffs and checks and controls will be disruptive to trade with the UK. I can assure the Deputy that no-deal preparations have the highest priority in my Department and that I and my officials are continuing to work to minimise disruption in so far as we can.

Dairy Sector

Questions (346)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

346. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the greater use of dairy futures markets as a tool to allow farmers to hedge against volatile prices. [40682/19]

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Written answers

Futures markets are used successfully in other regional dairy markets such as the United States and New Zealand. The 2016 report of the Agriculture Markets Task Force to Commissioner Hogan noted that futures markets could play a role, among other instruments, in managing volatility, but found that they were underdeveloped in the EU dairy sector compared to, for instance, the cereals sector.

Such initiatives typically have a long lead in time to gain industry and stakeholder acceptance as a viable way to mitigate volatility, and that the driving force behind any such futures market development in the EU and Ireland must be industry-led.

I have previously facilitated discussion on a range of volatility management mechanisms. I am aware of the work which has already taken place in the Irish dairy sector, including the introduction of fixed price contracts and futures contracts, to allow primary producers to hedge against volatility. I would encourage industry players to continue with this important work.

Common Agricultural Policy Reform

Questions (347)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

347. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of recent CAP reform discussions at recent EU Agriculture Council meetings with respect to current European tools for price intervention in the dairy sector; and if a potential review of intervention prices which should reflect average production costs was discussed. [40683/19]

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Written answers

On 1 June 2018, the Commission published its proposals for the CAP post-2020. The proposals included a Regulation to amend a number of existing Regulations, including (EU) No. 1308/2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products.

Key proposed amendments to the current CMO Regulation include recalculating aid for the school milk schemes; moving articles dealing with sectoral interventions and the crisis reserve into the new CAP Strategic Plan Regulation; delete obsolete provisions applying to the sugar sector and export refunds; and, amendments relevant to the wine and olive oil sectors. The Commission's proposal does not suggest any changes to the market interventions such as public intervention or aid for private storage.

At the Agri-Fish Council in November 2018, Agriculture Ministers held a policy debate on the current market support measures and their effectiveness in previous years. While there were differing views, on the basis of discussions, it was determined that many Member States did not wish to seek major changes in the CMO Regulation.

From Ireland's perspective, I welcome the Commission proposals as it maintains the current suite of market interventions. It is important that we maintain a strong framework to underpin market stability and protect producers.

Discussions on market support measures have not taken place at the Agri-Fish Council since November last year. The Finnish Presidency considers the proposed amending CMO Regulation to be broadly stable, with the exception of further technical discussions to take place on wine labelling issues. Further discussions on the CMO proposals have not been scheduled at this time.

Forestry Sector

Questions (348, 364)

John McGuinness

Question:

348. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a company (details supplied); the nature of the process; if all stakeholders are consulted on the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40691/19]

View answer

John McGuinness

Question:

364. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a company (details supplied); the nature of the process; if all stakeholders are consulted on the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41030/19]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 348 and 364 together.

The Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020 includes supports for the establishment of new forest roads, to aid maintenance, thinning and felling a forest plantation. The scheme ensures that forest roads are constructed to a certain standard. Consent to construct a forest road is granted by way of licence.

All applications for forest road licences must be submitted by a registered forester on behalf of the applicant. This particular application was submitted by the company named on behalf of the applicant in April this year. Applications for forestry licences, including forest roads, are advertised on my Department’s website for a period of 30 days to provide for public consultation. During this time, interested parties may make a submission on an application. A site notice is erected at the entrance or proposed entrance to the site. The relevant prescribed bodies were advised of this application according to the criteria for referral to public bodies and invited to make a submission should they choose to do so. This process occurs in tandem with public consultation. Submissions received from members of the public or from prescribed bodies are reviewed by the District Forestry Inspector.

My Department is required to carefully vet all applications for forestry licences, with regard to their potential impact on the surrounding environment, habitats, archaeological monuments, on the social aspects of the proposal and to ensure that the proposal meets the required standards. The application referred to by the Deputy is still undergoing this process as the applicant decided to shorten the length of road. Any such modifications to an application will put the process on hold until the changes are finalised. Revised documents have been received and are being reviewed by the District Inspector.

Once a decision is made, it will be advertised on my Department's website. If approval is given, construction of the road cannot begin until after 28 days from the date of the decision. This is to allow for any appeals from either the applicant or third parties.

Parking Charges

Questions (349)

James Browne

Question:

349. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a castle (details supplied) should charge for parking for wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40695/19]

View answer

Written answers

Ownership of Johnstown Castle Estate transferred to Teagasc under the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988.

Accordingly, the issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Teagasc and I have therefore requested Teagasc to consider the matter and respond directly to the Deputy.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme Applications

Questions (350)

John McGuinness

Question:

350. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all overdue farm payments dating back to 2013 will issue to a person (details supplied); and if the matter will be expedited. [40728/19]

View answer

Written answers

This refers to an application under the Rural Environment Protection scheme (REPS).

Officials in my Department will carry out a review of the case and they will be in direct contact with the person named as soon as possible following this examination.

Questions Nos. 351 and 352 answered with Question No. 321.

Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme

Questions (353)

Niall Collins

Question:

353. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the project of roll out of the new areas of natural constraint; the way a land owner can make an application for inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40802/19]

View answer

Written answers

Under the current Rural Development Regulation (and subsequent amendments under the Omnibus Regulation), Member States were required to change the approach to the designation of land under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme. Previously, my Department had been identifying eligible areas using a range of socioeconomic indicators such as family farm income, population density, percentage of working population engaged in agriculture and stocking density. It was a requirement that from 2019, eligible areas must instead be designated using a defined list of bio-physical criteria such as slope, soil texture, soil rooting depth, soil moisture and drainage.

The ANC redesignation process was completed in December 2018 and the vast majority of land which was previously eligible under the ANC Scheme has remained eligible under the new approach. An additional 2,000 townlands became eligible to be considered for payment under the new approach and are eligible to receive a payment for the first time under the 2019 ANC scheme.

Some 700 townlands which would have previously been eligible are no longer eligible under the new designation. Farmers in townlands which are now no longer eligible under the new designation will receive a degressive phasing out payment in 2019 and 2020.

My Department wrote to all farmers holding ANC lands advising them of the status of these lands under the 2019 ANC scheme and advised of their right to appeal this position. Where a farmer notified my Department of their wish to make such an appeal, they have been provided with all relevant information in relation to the data underpinning the status of the specified townland in order that an appeal to the independently chaired Appeals Committee can be based on full information.

Farmers wishing to partake in the 2019 ANC scheme were required to submit their applications for the scheme via the Department’s online Basic Payment Scheme application facility. Applications were required to be submitted by the 15th of May 2019.

Payments under the 2019 ANC scheme commenced, on schedule, during the week commencing 16th September 2019 with 79,000 farmers being paid €168.5 million. This was an increase of 2,000 farmers on the opening payments in September 2018. In accordance with the amendments to the scheme as required under EU regulations, this payment represented an advance payment at a rate of 85%. The issue of the 15% balancing payment will commence in December of this year.

Overall funding for the scheme has been increased by €23million bringing the total overall budget for the scheme up to €250m. Payments continue on a twice weekly basis for cases which successfully fulfil the scheme eligibility criteria. To date some 84,000 farmers have received payments totalling €180m.

Question No. 354 withdrawn.

Farm Waste Disposal

Questions (355)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

355. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to change regulations on spreading chicken slurry here; if the same chicken slurry can be imported under current guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40843/19]

View answer

Written answers

The application of organic fertiliser to land is regulated by SI 605 2017 (The good agricultural practice for the protection of water regulations) which is the responsibility of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. My Department has issued a code of good practice for poultry farmers which sets out legal obligations and good practice in relation to the management of poultry litter.

The Nitrates Regulations will be reviewed in 2021 and the nutrient content of all livestock manures will be considered as part of that review.

Poultry litter is a category 2 animal by-product and, therefore, persons intending to land-spread poultry litter (end-users) are obliged to comply with the requirements of the European Animal By-Products Regulations (EC Regulation No 1069/2009 and Commission Regulation 142/2011), S.I. 187 of 2014 and the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) Regulations when it comes to the use of poultry litter as an organic fertiliser.

Once the product meets the standards and requirements of the Regulations and the conditions set by the Minister, the import and export between EU Member States is allowable. Until Brexit has been finalised, it will be unclear as to the issues that may arise in relation to importation from Northern Ireland.

Beef Industry

Questions (356)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

356. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1374 of 6 September 2019, the breakdown of the herdowners that purchased cattle in a mart and then slaughtered them within 30 days of the sale in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019, by category (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40857/19]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will find the requested information relating to Farm, Factory and Dealer herds in the following table.

The data in relation to controlled finishing units (feedlots) is being compiled at present and will be forwarded to the Deputy once it is available.

Sold

Slaughtered within 30 Days

%

Farmer

H/owner

Factory/

Abattoir

Dealer

Herds

Animals

Herds

Animals

Herds

Animals

2016

1,584,494

121,574

7.7

1910

112,937

40

3,519

72

5,118

2017

1,659,757

132,377

8

1,834

122,367

32

3,239

75

6,771

2018

1,574,548

123,726

7.9

1,700

115,990

39

3,228

60

4,508

2019

(to 29 Aug).

871,118

52,228

6

1,149

48,350

34

1,768

47

2,110

Beef Industry

Questions (357)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

357. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the injunctions taken against farmers by a company (details supplied) will be officially lifted in view of the fact protesters have stepped away from all factory gates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40858/19]

View answer

Written answers

This is a matter for the companies concerned.

However, it has been confirmed to my Department that, as per the terms of the agreement reached on September 15th, all relevant legal actions have been withdrawn.

Full details of the agreement of 15th September are available on my Department's website: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/farmingsectors/beef/Agreement15September170919.pdf

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