Written Answers Nos. 980-999
980. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the flood relief supports that will be available to farmers along the River Shannon where land has been flooded. [3889/20]
View answerI and my colleagues in Government are acutely aware of the hardship being experienced along the Shannon river catchment area as a result of flooding. Government is providing a cross-agency response to the issue, co-ordinated by the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, under the guidance of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
Officials from my Department are active participants in the work of the Group. I have also tasked my officials with monitoring the situation in parallel with their ongoing involvement with other Departments and State Agencies in the affected areas. In addition, I have asked Teagasc to monitor the situation on the ground and I understand that they have established support in locally affected areas (Shannon basin) through farm visits where necessary and the availability of advisors to support any farmers seeking information or guidance.
While there has been significant levels of flooding on farmland, the majority of bovine animals are still currently housed. The potential for animal welfare to be compromised is a key concern. My Department is operating a helpline (Callsave number 0761 064408 or 01-6072379) to which affected farmers or anyone with a concern regarding the welfare of animals can report details. My officials remain ready to respond to any such reports.
Positive weather last year resulted in significant levels of fodder being saved throughout the country and there have been no reports to date of shortages or supply issues in the affected areas.
In terms of support to the agricultural sector, my Department has issued payments of just over €1.7 billion in direct support payments to the farming community in respect of their activities for 2019.
I can assure the Deputy that I, my officials and those Agencies under my remit will continue to closely monitor the situation in the weeks ahead and will work with those most impacted by this extended wet period.
981. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the advisory support available from his Department and State agencies under his remit with respect to contingency planning for business interruptions from Covid-19. [3890/20]
View answerMy Department continues to monitor the evolving situation and is guided by the public health advice of the Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health and the HSE in relation to Covid-19, which is currently in a containment phase in Ireland.
As is prudent, the Department is reviewing its business continuity arrangements in light of this advice.
I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation's website which contains valuable advice for businesses on preparations they could take now, in order to reduce the impact on their business in the event of an outbreak. This advice is available at the following link:
https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Business-Continuity-Planning-A-checklist-of-Preparatory-Actions-in-Responding-to-the-COVID-19-Outbreak.html# ity-Planning-A-checklist-of-Preparatory-Actions-in-Responding-to-the-COVID-19-Outbreak.html#
My Department is also, of course, aware of the disruption to global trade which has already occurred as a result of COVID-19. This is a particular concern for our agri-food industry which exports the vast majority of its products. Along with our colleagues in the Irish Embassy network, we are monitoring the situation as it develops in our overseas markets and, acknowledging the very difficult and complex situation, will provide every assistance wherever possible.
As my Department does not report on operational matters of its agencies, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to them and have asked the agencies to respond directly.
982. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to protect agricultural and fishing interests at upcoming Brexit negotiations. [3891/20]
View answerIn 2019, the overall value of Irish food and drink exports was €14.5 billion, which is an increase on the €13.7 billion exported in 2018. The UK remains our largest market, with exports of almost €5.5 billion in 2019. Those exports include:
- Over €1bn worth of dairy products, or over 375,000 tonnes, more than €300m of which was cheddar cheese;
- More than €1bn of beef, or more than 230,000 tonnes, equivalent to 43% of our overall beef exports;
- Almost €1.2bn of Prepared Consumer Foods.
Therefore, my Department’s primary interest is to secure the best possible outcome from the EU-UK negotiations for the Irish agri-food and fisheries sectors, given the disproportionate exposure of these sectors to the UK market.
Despite the uncertainties that surround Brexit, the Department is very clear on its ‘asks’ in these negotiations, which are:
- continued free access to the UK market, without tariffs and with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures;
- minimisation of the risk from UK trade agreements with third countries; and
- maintenance of existing reciprocal access to fishing waters and resources.
In the latter respect, we will continue to insist that the negotiations on fisheries are fully integrated with the overall negotiations, and not dealt with in isolation.
In the longer term, the future relationship negotiations will be particularly important to help protect existing market share and to avoid any possible displacement of Irish product. The timeline for negotiations is challenging, and it is likely that they will be demanding and difficult, as Brexit negotiations have been to date.
The Department is working within a whole-of-Government effort, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to ensure the best possible outcome for the agri-food and fisheries sectors. It is also in ongoing consultation with stakeholders to consolidate and improve our preparations.
983. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the countries to which Ireland has live exports, by sector; the breakdown of cattle exported to each country in 2019 and to date in 2020, by sector, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3892/20]
View answerThe live export information requested by the Deputy is provided in the spreadsheet attached.
The breakdown per sector is available via the Dept website here:
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/animalidentificationmovement/cattle/bovinebirthandmovementsmonthlyreports/
LIVE BOVINE EXPORTS 01/01/2019 to 31/12/2019
|
Country |
No of Animals |
|
ALBANIA |
34 |
|
ALGERIA |
250 |
|
BELGIUM |
2943 |
|
BULGARIA |
72 |
|
CZECH REPUBLIC |
5151 |
|
ENGLAND |
3622 |
|
FRANCE |
7810 |
|
GERMANY |
13 |
|
GREECE |
2495 |
|
HUNGARY |
1367 |
|
ITALY |
30145 |
|
KAZAKHSTAN |
1068 |
|
KOSOVO (SERBIA) |
65 |
|
LEBANON |
155 |
|
LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA |
13122 |
|
LITHUANIA |
103 |
|
LUXEMBOURG |
48 |
|
MOROCCO |
318 |
|
NETHERLANDS |
84526 |
|
NORTHERN IRELAND |
33644 |
|
POLAND |
6648 |
|
PORTUGAL |
198 |
|
ROMANIA |
1082 |
|
RWANDA |
30 |
|
SCOTLAND |
512 |
|
SLOVAKIA |
1885 |
|
SPAIN |
90828 |
|
TUNISIA |
747 |
|
TURKEY |
11309 |
|
WALES |
1373 |
|
Total |
301,563 |
01/01/2020 to 23/02/2020
|
Country |
No of Animals |
|
BULGARIA |
140 |
|
ENGLAND |
457 |
|
FRANCE |
452 |
|
GREECE |
384 |
|
HUNGARY |
133 |
|
ITALY |
1975 |
|
KOSOVO (SERBIA) |
31 |
|
LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA |
1595 |
|
NETHERLANDS |
8478 |
|
NORTHERN IRELAND |
6641 |
|
POLAND |
419 |
|
SCOTLAND |
109 |
|
SPAIN |
6612 |
|
WALES |
188 |
|
Total |
27,614 |
984. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the countries to which Ireland exported food and drink products in 2018 and 2019; the breakdown in volume terms and in value of total exports and as a percentage of total exports, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3893/20]
View answerIn 2018, the total value of Irish agri-food exports was €13.7 billion. Preliminary figures for 2019 indicate that this figure reached €14.5 billion. Along with traditional food and beverages, these figures include non-edible products such as forestry, animal foodstuffs and animal hides.
In 2019, Irish agri-food goods were exported to over 180 countries worldwide.
A breakdown of export destinations in 2018 & 2019 in respect of both value and volume of goods based on CSO data is available at the following link.
The 2019 export data is provisional with final data expected to be available in mid-March.
985. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the countries from which Ireland imported food and drink products in 2018 and 2019; the breakdown in volume terms and in value of total imports and as a percentage of total imports, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3894/20]
View answerIn 2018, €9.8 billion of agri-food products were imported from some 180 countries worldwide. Preliminary figures indicate that this figure reached €10 billion in 2019. Along with traditional food and beverage products, these figures include non-edible products such as forestry, animal foodstuffs and animal hides.
A breakdown of the countries of origin and the value & volume of goods for 2018 & 2019 based on CSO data is available at the following link.
The 2019 import data is provisional with final data expected to be available in mid-March.
986. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding allocated in 2020 to each specific State agency under his aegis by current and capital funding, in tabular form. [3895/20]
View answerThere are twelve state bodies under the aegis of my Department and the information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
State Body |
Current € M |
Capital € M
|
|
Veterinary Council of Ireland |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Teagasc |
132.582 |
10.95 |
|
National Milk Agency |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Bord Bia |
58.129 |
Nil |
|
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board |
0.4 |
Nil |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
15.25 |
12.1 |
|
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
4.35 |
0.6 |
|
Marine Institute |
14.423 |
14 |
|
Irish National Stud |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Bord na gCon |
16.756 |
0.044 |
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
54.1 |
13.100 |
|
Coillte |
Nil |
Nil |
987. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the most recent developments on reform of the CAP and progress on agreeing a new programme at EU level; and the progress made in attaining unanimous agreement by all member states to reverse the proposed budget cuts to the next CAP. [3896/20]
View answerSince their publication by the European Commission in June 2018, intensive discussions have taken place on the CAP reform proposals. A significant number of Working Group meetings have been held under the Austrian, Romanian and Finnish Presidencies, and work is continuing apace under the Croatian Presidency. The proposals have also been discussed extensively at the Special Committee for Agriculture and have been a standing agenda item at every Council of EU Agriculture Ministers meeting.
While significant progress has been made, decisions on many key issues have still to be agreed. These include the proposed new green architecture, which is aimed at achieving a higher level of climate ambition, and the New Delivery Model, which is aimed at measuring Member States' performance in achieving the objectives of the CAP. Before the new proposals can be implemented, it will be necessary to reach overall agreement within the Council, and then with the European Parliament and Commission. The new Parliament has yet to reach a position in plenary on the proposals.
Under the MFF draft proposals, the European Commission has proposed that funding for the CAP should be set at €365 billion, which equates to a cut of approximately 5%. I have consistently stated that this is unacceptable for Ireland, and I have worked hard with my European counterparts, and with Commissioners Hogan and Wojciechowski, to build consensus around the need to maintain a strong CAP budget post-2020.
There are divergent views among Member States on the appropriate level for the budget. Some, including Ireland, have indicated their willingness to increase their national contributions, once they contribute towards areas of added European value, while others feel equally strongly that the current proposals would be too costly.
There is still some way to go before agreement can be achieved, but I can assure the Deputy that my Department and I will continue to ensure that protecting the CAP budget remains a key priority for Ireland in these negotiations.
Agreement on the next MFF is a matter for Heads of State and Government, and requires unanimity by all Member States at the European Council. The proposed budget must also be agreed by the European Parliament.
988. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the EU fixed total allowable catches for all fish species in tonnage in Irish waters, that is, the exclusive economic zone of Ireland for 2019 and 2020; and the total allowable catches for Irish vessels in tonnage in the same waters for each year. [3897/20]
View answerUnder the Common Fisheries Policy, Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for stocks to which the Irish fleet have access are decided annually based on the scientific advice of the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES). The TACs for the year are, in turn, based on the ICES area divisions and subdivisions, not any particular Exclusive Economic Zones (EZZ). The majority of Irish fishing takes place in ICES areas 6 and 7.
I have attached a table for the Deputy's information with the TAC and the Irish quota for 2019 and 2020 for TACs caught partially in the Irish EEZ. These areas are not exclusive to the Irish EEZ as they cover a number of different ICES areas and subareas. The figures do not include the valuable inshore fisheries which are not managed by way of a TAC and quota system.
Summary Quota Situation for Irish Fisherman: Irish Quotas agreed at the Council of Ministers, December 2019. All values in €million.
|
STOCK |
AREA |
2019 TAC |
2019 Quota |
2020 TAC |
2020 Quota |
|
Cod |
VIb |
74 |
16 |
74 |
16 |
|
Cod |
VIa |
1,735 |
385 |
1,279 |
284 |
|
Megrims |
VI |
5,782 |
749 |
5,901 |
764 |
|
Monkfish |
VI |
11,453 |
1,145 |
7,971 |
797 |
|
Haddock |
VIb XII XIV |
10,469 |
824 |
10,742 |
824 |
|
Haddock |
VIa Vb |
3,226 |
528 |
3,973 |
650 |
|
Whiting |
VI |
1,112 |
324 |
937 |
273 |
|
Norway lobster |
VI |
15,092 |
204 |
15,899 |
215 |
|
Plaice |
VI |
658 |
261 |
658 |
261 |
|
Pollack |
VI |
397 |
56 |
238 |
34 |
|
Saithe* |
VI |
11,753 |
455 |
7,340 |
402 |
|
Common sole |
VI |
57 |
46 |
57 |
46 |
|
Cod |
VIIa |
807 |
532 |
257 |
169 |
|
Cod |
VII b-k |
1,610 |
650 |
805 |
461 |
|
Megrims |
VII |
18,132 |
3,001 |
18,732 |
3,101 |
|
Monkfish |
VII |
32,999 |
2,501 |
35,299 |
2,675 |
|
Haddock |
VII b-k |
8,329 |
1,851 |
10,859 |
2,413 |
|
Haddock |
VIIa |
3,739 |
1,619 |
3,156 |
1,366 |
|
Whiting |
VIIa |
727 |
419 |
721 |
415 |
|
Whiting |
VIIb-k |
19,184 |
5,334 |
10,863 |
4,073 |
|
Norway lobster |
VII |
19,784 |
7,296 |
16,815 |
6,201 |
|
Plaice |
VIIa |
3,075 |
1,499 |
2,790 |
1,442 |
|
Plaice |
VII bc |
74 |
63 |
74 |
67 |
|
Plaice |
VII fg |
1,662 |
240 |
2,003 |
253 |
|
Plaice |
VII hjk |
109 |
47 |
67 |
30 |
|
Pollack |
VII |
12,163 |
929 |
12,163 |
929 |
|
Saithe |
VII |
3,176 |
1,492 |
3,176 |
1,492 |
|
Common sole |
VIIa |
414 |
74 |
457 |
77 |
|
Common sole |
VII bc |
42 |
36 |
42 |
36 |
|
Common sole |
VII fg |
841 |
26 |
1,652 |
52 |
|
Common sole |
VII hjk |
382 |
171 |
329 |
148 |
|
Hake |
VI, VII |
79,762 |
4,400 |
63,325 |
3,493 |
|
Skates & Rays |
VI, VIIa-c, & e-k |
10,184 |
1,329 |
10,184 |
1,329 |
|
Tusk* |
V, VI, VII |
4,130 |
68 |
1,207 |
68 |
|
Blue Ling |
Vb,VI,VII |
11,378 |
33 |
10,750 |
31 |
|
Blue Ling |
II, IV |
53 |
4 |
32 |
2 |
|
Ling |
VI - IX, X, XII, XIV |
12,196 |
898 |
12,196 |
898 |
|
Greenland Halibut |
IIa, IV, VI |
1,250 |
14 |
1,250 |
14 |
|
Spurdog |
I, V - VIII, XII, XIV |
270 |
53 |
270 |
53 |
|
Greater silver smelt |
V, VI, VII |
4,661 |
329 |
3,729 |
263 |
|
Boarfish |
VI, VII,VIII |
21,830 |
15,086 |
19,152 |
13,235 |
|
Herring |
VIaN |
4,170 |
630 |
3,480 |
526 |
|
Herring |
VIaS, VIIbc |
1,630 |
1,482 |
1,360 |
1,236 |
|
Herring |
VIIa |
6,896 |
1,795 |
8,064 |
2,099 |
|
Herring |
VII ghjk |
4,742 |
4,097 |
869 |
750 |
|
Blue whiting |
I - VIII a,b,d,e XII,XIV |
319,727 |
37,800 |
326,484 |
38,599 |
|
Mackerel |
VI, VII |
260,813 |
55,313 |
368,031 |
78,052 |
|
Horse mackerel |
IVb, IVc, and VIId |
12,629 |
376 |
11,213 |
334 |
|
Horse mackerel |
IIa,IVa,VI,VIIa-c,e-k,VIIIabe |
117,518 |
30,306 |
69,017 |
17,726 |
|
Albacore |
North Atlantic |
29,537 |
2,854 |
26,869 |
2,891 |
989. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of aquaculture production carried out in 2018 and 2019, by value and tonnage, in tabular form. [3898/20]
View answerAn Bord Iascaigh Mhara has advised me that the information requested by the Deputy in respect of aquaculture production in 2018 and 2019 is as set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Volume (Tonnes) |
Value €M |
|
2018 |
37,564 |
159.782 |
|
2019 |
38,025 |
171.918 |
990. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the final 2020 Irish quotas in tonnage and value for each fishing species agreed at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting in December 2019; the value of same; the final 2020 quota agreed for each such species; and the difference between 2019 and 2020 quotas in percentage terms, in tabular form. [3899/20]
View answerThe informaton requested by the Deputy is set out in the table setting out the tonnage and value of Irish quotas for 2020 and the percentage difference between the 2019 and 2020 quotas.
Summary Quota Situation for Irish Fishermen: Irish Quotas agreed at the Council of Ministers, December 2019. All values in €million.
|
STOCK |
AREA |
2019 Quota |
2020 Quota |
Volume change |
Value 2019 |
Value 2020 |
Value change |
|
|
Cod |
VIb |
16 |
16 |
-3% |
€0.05 |
€0.05 |
2% |
|
|
Cod |
VIa |
385 |
284 |
-26% |
€1.27 |
€0.95 |
-25% |
|
|
Megrims |
VI |
749 |
764 |
2% |
€2.78 |
€2.88 |
4% |
|
|
Monkfish |
VI |
1,145 |
797 |
-30% |
€5.56 |
€3.93 |
-29% |
|
|
Haddock |
VIb XII XIV |
824 |
824 |
0% |
€1.69 |
€1.71 |
1% |
|
|
Haddock |
VIa Vb |
528 |
650 |
23% |
€1.08 |
€1.35 |
25% |
|
|
Whiting |
VI |
324 |
273 |
-16% |
€0.47 |
€0.40 |
-14% |
|
|
Norway lobster |
VI |
204 |
215 |
5% |
€1.73 |
€1.85 |
7% |
|
|
Plaice |
VI |
261 |
261 |
0% |
€0.51 |
€0.52 |
1% |
|
|
Pollack |
VI |
56 |
34 |
-39% |
€0.14 |
€0.09 |
-38% |
|
|
Saithe* |
VI |
455 |
402 |
-12% |
€0.71 |
€0.64 |
-10% |
|
|
Common sole |
VI |
46 |
46 |
0% |
€0.42 |
€0.43 |
1% |
|
|
Sub Total (Area VI) |
4,992 |
4,566 |
-9% |
€16.42 |
€14.80 |
-9.9% |
||
|
Cod |
VIIa |
532 |
169 |
-68% |
€1.75 |
€0.57 |
-68% |
|
|
Cod |
VII b-k |
650 |
461 |
-29% |
€2.14 |
€1.54 |
-28% |
|
|
Megrims |
VII |
3,001 |
3,101 |
3% |
€11.13 |
€11.67 |
5% |
|
|
Monkfish |
VII |
2,501 |
2,675 |
7% |
€12.14 |
€13.17 |
9% |
|
|
Haddock |
VII b-k |
1,851 |
2,413 |
30% |
€3.79 |
€5.01 |
32% |
|
|
Haddock |
VIIa |
1,619 |
1,366 |
-16% |
€3.31 |
€2.84 |
-14% |
|
|
Whiting |
VIIa |
419 |
415 |
-1% |
€0.61 |
€0.61 |
1% |
|
|
Whiting |
VIIb-k |
5,334 |
4,073 |
-24% |
€7.75 |
€6.01 |
-22% |
|
|
Norway lobster |
VII |
7,296 |
6,201 |
-15% |
€62.02 |
€53.50 |
-14% |
|
|
Plaice |
VIIa |
1,499 |
1,442 |
-4% |
€2.94 |
€2.88 |
-2% |
|
|
Plaice |
VII bc |
63 |
67 |
6% |
€0.12 |
€0.13 |
7% |
|
|
Plaice |
VII fg |
240 |
253 |
5% |
€0.47 |
€0.50 |
7% |
|
|
Plaice |
VII hjk |
47 |
30 |
-36% |
€0.09 |
€0.06 |
-35% |
|
|
Pollack |
VII |
929 |
929 |
0% |
€2.34 |
€2.38 |
2% |
|
|
Saithe |
VII |
1,492 |
1,492 |
0% |
€2.34 |
€2.38 |
1% |
|
|
Common sole |
VIIa |
74 |
77 |
4% |
€0.68 |
€0.72 |
6% |
|
|
Common sole |
VII bc |
36 |
36 |
1% |
€0.33 |
€0.33 |
1% |
|
|
Common sole |
VII fg |
26 |
52 |
100% |
€0.24 |
€0.49 |
103% |
|
|
Common sole |
VII hjk |
171 |
148 |
-13% |
€1.57 |
€1.38 |
-12% |
|
|
Hake |
VI, VII |
4,400 |
3,493 |
-21% |
€13.51 |
€10.88 |
-19% |
|
|
Skates & Rays |
VI, VIIa-c, & e-k |
1,329 |
1,329 |
0% |
€1.92 |
€1.95 |
2% |
|
|
Sub Total (Area VII) |
33,508 |
30,222 |
-10% |
€131.20 |
€119.01 |
-9% |
||
|
Tusk* |
V, VI, VII |
68 |
68 |
0% |
€0.07 |
€0.07 |
1% |
|
|
Blue Ling |
Vb,VI,VII |
33 |
31 |
-6% |
€0.04 |
€0.04 |
-5% |
|
|
Blue Ling |
II, IV |
4 |
2 |
-50% |
€0.01 |
€0.00 |
-49% |
|
|
Ling |
VI - IX, X, XII, XIV |
898 |
898 |
0% |
€1.71 |
€1.73 |
1% |
|
|
Greenland Halibut |
IIa, IV, VI |
14 |
14 |
0% |
€0.16 |
€0.16 |
2% |
|
|
Spurdog |
I, V - VIII, XII, XIV |
53 |
53 |
0% |
€0.02 |
€0.02 |
1% |
|
|
Cod |
I,II |
322 |
322 |
0% |
€1.06 |
€1.08 |
1% |
|
|
Sub Total (Other whitefish) |
1,392 |
1,388 |
0% |
€3.06 |
€3.10 |
1% |
||
|
TOTAL DEMERSAL |
39,893 |
36,176 |
-9% |
€150.68 |
€136.91 |
-9% |
||
|
Stock |
AREA |
2019 Quota |
2020 Quota |
0 |
Value 2019 |
Value 2020 |
0 |
|
|
Greater silver smelt |
III, IV |
8 |
8 |
0% |
€0.01 |
€0.01 |
1% |
|
|
Greater silver smelt |
V, VI, VII |
329 |
263 |
-20% |
€0.22 |
€0.18 |
-19% |
|
|
Boarfish |
VI, VII,VIII |
15,086 |
13,235 |
-12% |
€3.02 |
€2.68 |
-11% |
|
|
Herring |
VIaN |
630 |
526 |
-17% |
€0.27 |
€0.23 |
-15% |
|
|
Herring |
VIaS, VIIbc |
1,482 |
1,236 |
-17% |
€0.63 |
€0.53 |
-15% |
|
|
Herring |
VIIa |
1,795 |
2,099 |
17% |
€0.76 |
€0.91 |
19% |
|
|
Herring |
VII ghjk |
4,097 |
750 |
-82% |
€1.74 |
€0.32 |
-81% |
|
|
Blue whiting |
I - VIII a,b,d,e XII,XIV |
37,800 |
38,599 |
2% |
€6.43 |
€6.66 |
4% |
|
|
Mackerel |
VI, VII |
55,313 |
78,052 |
41% |
€71.91 |
€101.47 |
41% |
|
|
Horse mackerel |
IVb, IVc, and VIId |
376 |
334 |
-11% |
€0.32 |
€0.29 |
-10% |
|
|
Horse mackerel |
IIa,IVa,VI,VIIa-c,e-k,VIIIabe |
30,306 |
17,726 |
-42% |
€25.76 |
€15.29 |
-41% |
|
|
Herring |
I, II |
3,399 |
3,035 |
-11% |
€1.44 |
€1.31 |
-9% |
|
|
Albacore |
North Atlantic |
2,854 |
2,891 |
1% |
€8.73 |
€8.98 |
3% |
|
|
TOTAL PELAGIC |
153,475 |
158,754 |
3% |
€121.23 |
€138.85 |
15% |
||
|
TOTAL ALL STOCKS (Ex Deepwater) |
193,368 |
194,930 |
1% |
€271.92 |
€275.77 |
1% |
991. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the financial allocations on an annual basis under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 for schemes (details supplied); the annual amount expended on the listed schemes in each year since established up to 31 December 2019; the number of active participants in each scheme; and the number of approved applicants that subsequently withdrew from each scheme, in tabular form. [3900/20]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out as follows:
Table 1 – Allocations and Expenditure under certain RDP Schemes
|
|
Knowledge Transfer Scheme €000 |
GLAS €000 |
Beef Data and Genomics Programme €000 |
TAMS II €000 |
Sheep Welfare Scheme €000 |
Hen Harrier Programme €000 |
|
Allocation 2015 |
0 |
20,000 |
35,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Expenditure 2015 |
0 |
11,453 |
34,692 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Allocation 2016 |
0 |
139,500 |
52,000 |
28,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
Expenditure 2016 |
0 |
102,615 |
61,800 |
3,971 |
0 |
0 |
|
Allocation 2017 |
22,821 |
228,500 |
49,000 |
49,832 |
17,000 |
2,940 |
|
Expenditure 2017 |
13,784 |
195,583 |
47,137 |
31,256 |
15,851 |
717,000 |
|
Allocation 2018 |
23,000 |
226,000 |
49,500 |
69,943 |
20,000 |
3,500 |
|
Expenditure 2018 |
21,665 |
231,978 |
47,451 |
66,751 |
17,650 |
1,154 |
|
Allocation 2019 |
25,000 |
203,000 |
46,500 |
70,000 |
18,000 |
3,115 |
|
Provisional Expenditure 2019 |
22,167 |
213,799 |
43,403 |
76,519 |
17,382 |
3,523 |
None of the schemes in question were operational in 2014. As a result, there was neither a budget allocation nor expenditure for the schemes in question during that year.
Table 2 – No. of participants and withdrawals
|
|
Knowledge Transfer Scheme |
GLAS |
Beef Data and Genomics Programme |
TAMS II |
Sheep Welfare Scheme |
Hen Harrier Programme |
|
Number of active participants |
18,204 |
48,619 |
24,010 |
11,694 |
18,502 |
1,524 |
|
Number of applicants that have withdrawn |
1,498 |
2,526 |
7,789* |
838 |
1,507 |
1 |
* Data includes participants excluded from the scheme because of issues relating to non-completion of training and Carbon Navigator requirements
992. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expenditure incurred in each of the years 2014 to 2018, inclusive, and up to 31 December 2019 for each measure (details supplied) under the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020, in tabular form; the original budget allocations made for each year in the 2014 to 2020 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3901/20]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out as follows.
Table 1. DAFM Expenditure by Measure Level 2014 - 2019
|
|
Expenditure 2014 |
Expenditure 2015 |
Expenditure 2016 |
Expenditure 2017 |
Expenditure 2018 |
Provisional Expenditure 2019 |
|
Measure 1 - Knowledge transfer and information actions |
48,881 |
9,667 |
8,668,524 |
19,531,480 |
29,136,302 |
22,576,830 |
|
Measure 2 - Advisory services, farm management and farm relief services |
0 |
0 |
288,053 |
643,996 |
283,657 |
316,395 |
|
Measure 4 - Investments in physical assets |
4,616,074 |
14,774,478 |
10,094,541 |
32,258,179 |
67,528,093 |
76,566,334 |
|
Measure 7 - Basic services and village renewal in rural areas |
0 |
0 |
725,488 |
752,358 |
835,685 |
1,135,850 |
|
Measure 10 - Agri-environment-climate |
170,820,857 |
132,805,931 |
183,601,526 |
251,501,887 |
278,113,018 |
256,927,840 |
|
Measure 11 - Organic farming |
0 |
1,844,024 |
5,145,977 |
6,530,788 |
9,811,311 |
9,225,500 |
|
M12 Natura 2000 and Water Framework Directive payments |
25,729,388 |
11,550,542 |
4,380,542 |
2,084,117 |
795,113 |
111,089 |
|
Measure 13 - Payments to areas facing natural or other specific constraints |
195,655,247 |
206,525,119 |
206,470,513 |
205,303,634 |
228,616,740 |
248,539,151 |
|
Measure 14 – Animal Welfare Scheme |
0 |
0 |
0 |
15,850,949 |
17,649,626 |
17,381,712 |
|
Measure 16 - Co-operation |
0 |
79,717 |
333,717 |
1,331,405 |
3,536,248 |
1,992,738 |
|
Measure 19 - Support for LEADER local development |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measure 20 - Technical Assistance |
0 |
65,182 |
902,151 |
1,383,207 |
1,361,368 |
1,356,309 |
|
M97 Early Retirement |
0 |
0 |
4,248,250 |
2,430,121 |
808,357 |
173,707 |
Table 1 does not include information for Measure 19 - Support for LEADER local development as this is not operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.
Table 2. Financial Allocations for RDP 2014 – 2020 by Measure.
|
|
Total Allocation 2014 - 2020 |
|
Measure 1 - Knowledge transfer and information actions |
125,800,000 |
|
Measure 2 - Advisory services, farm management and farm relief services |
8,300,000 |
|
Measure 4 - Investments in physical assets |
425,000,000 |
|
Measure 7 - Basic services and village renewal in rural areas |
6,000,000 |
|
Measure 10 - Agri-environment-climate |
1,531,005,630 |
|
Measure 11 - Organic farming |
56,000,000 |
|
M12 Natura 2000 and Water Framework Directive payments |
73,250,000 |
|
Measure 13 - Payments to areas facing natural or other specific constraints |
1,370,000,000 |
|
Measure 14 – Animal Welfare Scheme |
100,000,000 |
|
Measure 16 - Co-operation |
62,000,000 |
|
Measure 19 - Support for LEADER local development |
250,000,000 |
|
Measure 20 - Technical Assistance |
8,145,000 |
|
M97 Early Retirement |
9,207,547 |
While the RDP Regulation provides for a structure according to measures and sub-measures, the annual breakdown is made at aggregate kevel and is not formally subdivided down to measure/sub-measure level or scheme level. Essentially, any unspent EAFRD funds in a year are carried forward to subsequent years.
The Deputy should be aware that while the majority of the RDP budget will be spent by the end of 2020, expenditure on some schemes will involve carry-over into 2021. Under EU regulations governing the RDP, funds for multi-annual commitments entered into by the end of 2020 may be claimed up to the end of 2023.
993. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the individual allocation to each respective rural development programme scheme in 2020. [3903/20]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of the allocations for the RDP schemes in 2020 is provided as follows.
|
|
Allocation 2020 € |
|
Beef Data and Genomics Programme |
44,500,000 |
|
Rural Environment Protection Scheme |
47,015 |
|
Agri-Environment Option Scheme |
224,000 |
|
Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme |
202,716,000 |
|
Knowledge Transfer Scheme |
5,000,000 |
|
Locally-led Environmental Schemes |
14,285,000 |
|
Organic Farming Schemes |
11,975,000 |
|
Early Retirement |
220,000 |
|
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme |
82,550,700 |
|
Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme |
250,000,000 |
|
Collaborative Farming |
400,000 |
|
Technical Assistance |
1,452,700 |
|
Targeted Animal Health Advisory Services |
900,000 |
|
Animal Welfare scheme for Sheep |
18,000,000 |
|
Traditional Farm Building Scheme |
1,250,000 |
|
Food Producer Scheme |
2,156,000 |
|
Continuous Professional Development |
0 |
|
European Innovation Programme |
949,075 |
|
Beef Producer Organisation |
75,000 |
994. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to reintroduce the deep retrofit grant scheme for homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2568/20]
View answerThe Deep Retrofit Pilot Scheme was launched in 2017 as a time bound pilot to investigate the challenges and opportunities of deep retrofit in Ireland. The scheme was closed for new applications in July 2019 in line with the published Application Guidelines. Successful projects that were not completed in 2019 will be funded this year.
A range of other grants for energy efficiency upgrades continue to be available from the SEAI. The Budget 2020 allocation of €146 million (capital and current) is the highest ever budget for these schemes. More information is available from https://www.seai.ie/grants/. A record level of funding (€45 million) for retrofitting social housing is also being made available to Local Authorities by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. This investment is an important step towards realising the Government's Climate Action Plan targets.
The Climate Action Plan commits to reviewing and redesigning the existing grant schemes to ensure alignment with Government climate objectives and value for money. The Plan also sets an ambitious target of 500,000 energy efficiency retrofits by 2030. Achievement of this target will be supported by the Project Ireland 2040 allocation of €3.7 billion as well as the range of measures identified in the Plan.
To deliver our Climate Action Plan target, a Retrofit Taskforce has been established which will develop a new retrofitting delivery model. Our plan will:
- Group homes in the same area together to drive down cost
- Start with social homes owned by the local authorities, but will embrace privately owned homes in the wider community
- Develop smart finance options (e.g. loan guarantee models)
- Introduce easy pay back models (e.g. through your utility bill)
Budget 2020 provided €20 million to commence this process, starting with groups of social homes in the Midlands to be upgraded at the same time. Private homeowners will be encouraged to participate through the provision of SEAI grants.
The selection of the Midlands to start rolling out this plan is ideal because of the structural changes occurring there.
995. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding fibre broadband provision at a location (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2596/20]
View answerThe Deputy's Question refers to a premises which is located in the AMBER area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map, which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led Intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI).
Work has already begun and a deployment plan will be made available by NBI shortly. All counties will see premises passed in the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State will have access to high speed broadband within the next four years. The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 150Mbps from the outset.
Approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs), including schools, library hubs and local sports halls in every county in Ireland, including County Wexford, will be connected to high speed broadband this year, to enable communities to quickly get free public access to high speed broadband. 12 BCPs are planned for deployment in Wexford. The planned BCP locations are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie. It should be noted that some BCP locations may be subject to change.
The BCPs have been specifically selected by the local authorities so that they can provide public Wi-Fi and other facilities to support mini digital/enterprise hubs to the local community in advance of the main NBP deployment. Broadband Officers in each Local Authority were tasked with consulting with local communities and business to find the appropriate mix of locations to reap the maximum benefits.
All BCPs will have a free public Wi-Fi connection, some will also have hot-desks, and some will be digital hub business centres where digital training, business information events and other SME supports are organised.
By the end of next year, NBI plans to pass approximately 115,000 premises, with 70,000 - 100,000 passed each year thereafter until rollout is completed.
996. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the provision of an annual support towards the cost of bin charges for homes in which a family member uses incontinence pads; when details of the scheme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2645/20]
View answerMy Department has been examining this issue in detail and has engaged with relevant stakeholders, including representative organisations and the HSE, in an effort to see how best to provide a financial support to persons with long-term incontinence with respect to the disposal of medical incontinence wear. However, there are complex issues at play in this area, which are understandable given the sensitive nature of the medical data in question.
Since mid-2017, a range of charging options have operated, which encourage householders to reduce and separate their waste. This provides flexibility to waste collectors to develop various service-price offerings that suit different household circumstances. Mandatory per kilogramme 'pay by weight' charging was not introduced. A Price Monitoring Group (PMG) was established in mid-2017 to monitor the on-going cost of residential waste collection to homeowners across Ireland as the ‘flat-rate structure’ was being phased out. While fluctuations in prices and service offerings have been observed, the overall trend has been relative price stability. Results from the PMG are available on my Department's website.
997. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of an Eircode for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2721/20]
View answerEircodes are assigned to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Capita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, in accordance with their licence agreement.
Each new postal address assigned an Eircode is published on the free to use Eircode Finder website, a notification letter is issued to the property occupant containing the Eircode of that address and an updated Eircode Database is provided to licenced businesses for their use.
Eircode have advised my officials that the individuals concerned address (details supplied) has been assigned an Eircode and is now published on the Eircode Finder website. Eircode have also advised my officials that a member of their customer service team has been in contact with the individuals concerned and that a notification letter has been issued with the Eircode.
Eircode have informed my Department that 102,700 property addresses have been assigned an Eircode since the launch in 2015.
998. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the grants available for electric cars in view the fact that some models are excluded from the SEAI grant; the reason for same in further view of the fact that persons are being encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint; and his plans to address the matter. [2727/20]
View answerCurrently, there are a generous range of supports available to support the purchase of electric vehicles and related charging infrastructure. The priority of the Government, at this time, is to target supports where they can have the most effect in aiding Ireland's transition to a low carbon economy.
As such, in order to qualify for the current electric vehicle purchase grant, an electric vehicle must be classified as M1 (passenger vehicle) or N1 (light commercial vehicle) and meet certain requirements including criteria relating to range and tailpipe emissions. These criteria would encompass quite a wide range of electric vehicles that the average consumer might seek to purchase with up to 45 unique models eligible.
The supports available include a purchase grant of up to €5,000 for new electric vehicles as well as Vehicle Registration Tax relief of up to €5,000 for battery electric vehicles and up to €2,500 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. In addition, further grants are available to support the purchase of electric vehicles in the taxi/hackney/limousine sector. There are also supports for electric vehicle charging points.
My Department keeps the support levels for electric vehicles under constant review; looking at market data as well as international experience to seek to ensure that the support budget can make the most impact for Ireland and Irish consumers.
999. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a response will issue to correspondence (details supplied) regarding a proposal for changes to the electric car grant schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2764/20]
View answerCurrently, there are a generous range of supports available to support the purchase of electric vehicles and related charging infrastructure. The priority of the Government, at this time, is to target supports where they can have the most effect in aiding Ireland's transition to a low carbon economy.
With regards to the electric vehicle purchase grant the objective of the policy is to increase the number of electric vehicles on Ireland’s roads as quickly and as efficiently as possible. As such, it is envisioned that the grant being provided for the vehicle, as opposed to just the battery, will increase initial purchases but also support the development of a second hand market for electric vehicles; an important consideration in terms of meeting demand but also in sustaining and continuing to promote electric vehicle prevalence in the Irish market. It is important in this regard for consumers to know that the market practices of buying and selling an electric vehicle are similar to those that are in place for vehicles which are non electric.
In line with EU and international ambition, the Government will continue to promote this important technological shift for our transport sector and one of the key ways to do this is for consumers to see, in their everyday lives, as many electric vehicles as possible.
My Department is not aware of large scale scrapping of electric vehicles early in the period of their useful life. While there are differences in electric vehicle life cycles I am confident that as Ireland and the EU continue to grow the market we will see electric vehicles have increasing useful life periods.
Developing and increasing the number of electric vehicles on the road is a key priority for this government and in promoting this policy the Government is also committed to monitoring the electric vehicle market as it matures so as to continue to support those schemes which have the most impact in meeting our objectives.
