Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Written Answers Nos. 910-934

Bord Iascaigh Mhara

Questions (910)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

910. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a BIM application by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4137/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am advised by Bord Iascaigh Mhara that it has no outstanding application for funding from the person named. However, BIM advise me that the Deputy may have in mind the possibility of aid under the EMFF Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme for losses incurred by mollusc farmers because of a suspension of harvesting of their product arising from a biotoxin event in 2019.

Naturally occuring phytoplankton blooms sometimes occur on our Atlantic coasts, typically when nutrient levels and temperature rise in late Spring or Autumn. These blooms can produce potent toxins and these are monitored by the Marine Institute to ensure food safety. On occasions, a temporary suspension of the harvesting of molluscs may be ordered which is lifted again when the event passes.

Where a biotoxin event leads to the closure of a particular bay for more than four months, BIM may, at its sole discretion, initiate a targeted call for applications for aid under the Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme from licensed mollusc farmers operating in the area concerned. I have no role under the Scheme in determining whether such a call for applications is initiated. To date, BIM has not invited applications for aid from any area affected by a biotoxin event.

GLAS Issues

Questions (911)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

911. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4139/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Heritage Council is administering the 2020 GLAS Traditional Farm Building Scheme (GTFBS) on behalf of my Department and the application of the persons in question has passed the assessment stage.

The Heritage Council has requested a conservation specification for the proposed works from the applicants which will have to be approved by the Council prior to the commencement of works.`

Forestry Management

Questions (912)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

912. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to deal with the eradication of a diseased product (details supplied) in view of the fact that felling licence applications are on hold and not being granted. [4147/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department continues to issue forestry licence decisions daily, as advertised on my Department's website. However, forestry licence applications cannot be processed if the application is missing information or where certain information has been requested but not received.

An application for a tree felling licence was made by the person named in June 2019. In November last, a letter issued to the applicant asking them to provide a harvest plan and map, to which no response has been received. Without this information, officials are unable to further assess the tree felling licence application. I would advise the applicant to engage a forestry professional to assist them with preparing the requested documents.

As regards the eradication of the diseased product i.e Ash Dieback, a review of the suspended reconstitution scheme has concluded and it is now proposed to make available a broader range of silvicultural and management measures under the scheme. Full details of the scheme will be publicised in the near future.

Public Parks

Questions (913)

Michael McGrath

Question:

913. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the newly developed public park on the site of the former Irish Steel plant at Haulbowline, County Cork, will open to the general public; when the land will be formally transferred to Cork County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4201/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I understand that the Deputy is referring to the former waste disposal site known as the East Tip on Haulbowline Island.

Last October, charge of the site was returned to Cork County Council which acts as my Agent for operational matters at Haulbowline. This followed the successful conclusion of the remediation works contract. The Council has requested permission to operate the site as a public recreational amenity. It is important to note that the main occupancy of the island is the headquarters for the Irish Naval Service and the Government has accordingly decided that ownership of the island will transfer to the Minister for Defence. My Department, acquired ownership of Haulbowline Island to enable remediation of the East Tip. My Department remains actively engaged with representatives of the Department of Defence and Cork County Council to put in place the appropriate mechanisms to transfer ownership of the island to the Department of Defence and to finalise a lease for the Council, to facilitate the operation of the recreational amenity.

The ultimate opening date of the facility will be a matter for Cork County Council in due course.

Departmental Staff

Questions (914)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

914. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a certificate of service will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4228/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I wish to advise the Deputy that my officials will shortly contact the individial concerned directly.

Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme

Questions (915)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

915. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a TAMS payment will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4246/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The application in question has been approved for payment and the applicant can expect payment shortly.

Basic Payment Scheme

Questions (916)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

916. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4285/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named submitted his 2019 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application on 2 May 2019 in which he declared the lands he was farming.

Land which has been burned between the closed season for burning (1 March - 31 August) of any given year is not eligible for payment under the Basic Payment Scheme and my Department actively investigates incidents of illegal burning. As outlined by the Deputy, parcels submitted by the person named were subject to burning during the closed season for burning.

The Department has reviewed this case and have identified that two parcels submitted on the BPS application by the person named were burned. My Department wrote to the person named on 3 March 2020 advising him of the current position with regard to these parcels. In addtion, the person named has been given the right to a review of his position and to submit any documentary evidence that he may have regarding the burning of these parcels.

Animal Diseases

Questions (917)

Martin Kenny

Question:

917. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the date from which Ireland can apply to have the BSE status changed from controlled to negligible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4468/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Ireland can apply for negligible BSE risk status once 11 years has passed following the birth of the youngest case of classical BSE, and this period will be up on Jan 14th 2021. To be included in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) list of negligible BSE Risk Countries, a submitted application has to be accepted by them. Applications would ordinarily be considered for acceptance in the September following the submission of the application, and once the application is deemed acceptable and reviewed by the OIE’s panel of experts, negligible BSE risk status would be ratified at General Session of the OIE which occurs annually in May.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (918)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

918. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a replacement payment will be provided for an agricultural payment made some time ago to a person (details supplied) which was never cashed; when the payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4645/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named has never been the registered owner of the herdnumber supplied and therefore could not have received a payable order under that herdnumber.

The cattle headage scheme was EU-funded and, following the introduction of compulsory electronic payment to bank accounts in 2008, any funds relating to earlier payable orders that remained un-cashed after a maximum 6 year period were, on the direction of the EU Commission, surrendered back to the EU.

It is not possible, therefore, to reissue such payments in any case.

Harbours and Piers Funding

Questions (919)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

919. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a funding application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4662/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My 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 Marine Works (Ireland) Act 1902, and piers, lights and beacons constructed under the auspices of the Congested Districts Board.

Responsibility for the maintenance and development of Local Authority-owned harbours and piers rests with each individual Local Authority in the first instance and its parent Department, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government thereafter.

As part of the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, my Department has provided limited funding to assist coastal Local Authorities in carrying out small-scale projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways in their ownership.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have approved funding of €2.5m for the Local Authority element of my Department's 2020 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. My Department wrote to the 17 Coastal Local Authorities on 20th February inviting them to submit prioritised lists of projects for consideration. All initial applications for funding made by Local Authorities in respect of qualifying projects have been assessed, taking into account the criteria of the scheme, the priority attached to each project by the relevant Local Authority, the funding available and the need to ensure a broad geographical spread of projects.

Detailed applications on the prioritised projects were requested from Local Authorities on 20th March and the deadline for receipt of these was the 17th April. Further evaluation of these detailed application forms is currently underway and a decision will then be made on the final suite of projects to be included in the Local Authority element of the 2020 Capital Programme. A detailed application for funding has been sought and submitted by Kerry County Council in respect of Glen Pier, Ballinskelligs under the 2020 programme.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (920)

Peter Burke

Question:

920. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost to the Vote of his Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4694/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The estimated total cost to my Department, if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000, would be €104,609.48.

It should be noted that this amount is based on current figures and could change if an officer decided to alter their work pattern, which could bring their salary subject to PRSI below €100,000.

Basic Payment Scheme

Questions (921)

Robert Troy

Question:

921. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a basic payment scheme payment for 2019 will be issued to a person (details supplied). [4768/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named was assigned the herd number quoted on 3 October 2018.

With regard to the 2019 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), the person named has not submitted an application under this scheme and, in addition, he does not have any BPS entitlements to draw down payments.

Basic Payment Scheme

Questions (922)

Frank Feighan

Question:

922. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a back payment will be issued to a person (details supplied) in view of the fact they made an error in their online application for the 2019 basic payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4773/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An application for the 2017 ANC scheme year was received from the person named when they ticked the box to indicate they wished to apply for the scheme when submitting their online BPS application on 3rd May 2017.

However, no application for the ANC scheme has been received from the person named in respect of the 2018 and 2019 ANC scheme years. When submitting their 2018 online BPS application on 14th March 2018, the named individual did not tick the box to apply for the ANC scheme. As a 2017 ANC applicant, a system generated message was provided to applicants which indicated that if they wished to apply for the ANC scheme in 2018, then they needed to tick the box. If applicant did not do so, they were then required to confirm that they did not wish to continue in the ANC scheme by clicking "Ok" before continuing with their BPS application.

Furthermore, an application for the 2019 BPS scheme was received from the person named on 28th May 2019. The named individual again did not click the box to apply for the ANC scheme in 2019.

An appeal in relation to the non-application for the ANC scheme for both 2018 and 2019 was submitted by the named individual to the Department on 2nd December 2019. Following a review of the information provided, the appeal was rejected by the Department and a letter issued to the named individual advising them of this.

The named individual may make a further appeal to the Agricultural Appeals Office. The Agricultural Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to farmers who are dissatisfied with decisions of the Department. This must be done within three months of the date of the letter issued by the Department to advise the named individual that their initial appeal to the Department was unsuccessful.

Animal Diseases

Questions (923, 924)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

923. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to assist farms in counties Cavan and Monaghan impacted by avian influenza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4782/20]

Matt Carthy

Question:

924. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports he plans to provide to poultry farms that have been affected by avian flu; the measures he will pursue to reduce instances of avian flu; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4822/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 923 and 924 together.

The spread of more serious strains of avian influenza in Europe, as well as recent outbreaks of non-notifiable avian influenza here and in Northern Ireland, serve as a reminder to all stakeholders that continued vigilance is needed against avian influenza particularly as we are still within the high risk period for the disease.

The National Disease Control Centre (NDCC) in my Department issues regular updates and advice on avian influenza to all stakeholders including primary producers in the poultry sector. These updates and a range of highly informative and useful information relating to avian influenza can be found on my Department's website at: www.agriculture.gov.ie/avian_influenza/

In relation to the recent incident to which the Deputies refer, there is no legal basis for mandatory compensation in respect of the particular subtype of the disease identified, as it is not of a subtype defined under the relevant EU legislation as notifiable. However, my Department is currently exploring potential for exchequer funding, in the context of the State Aid rules framework, to partially offset the costs of depopulation and rendering for those producers affected.

GLAS Issues

Questions (925)

Colm Burke

Question:

925. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a GLAS payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4875/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The above named was accepted into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016.

An inspection took place on the herd owners holding which found that the GLAS contract should be terminated. A request for a review of this decision was received from the person named and the original decision was amended, in that it was found that GLAS participation could continue with a penalty imposed.

The person named was advised in writing of the outcome of the request for a review. The option remains open to appeal this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office should he remain dissatisfied with the decision.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme

Questions (926)

Seán Fleming

Question:

926. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding amendments to a townland (details supplied) in circumstances in which its status is being considered for change under the disadvantage area scheme which is under review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4917/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Under the Rural Development Regulations (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.

From 2019, eligible areas were instead to be designated using the following list of bio-physical criteria:

- Low temperature

- Dryness

- Excess soil moisture

- Limited soil drainage

- Unfavourable texture and stoniness

- Shallow rooting depth

- Poor chemical properties

- Steep slope

Following the completion of this process in late 2018, the vast majority of land that was eligible under the previous criteria remained eligible under the new approach. Over 2,000 additional townlands also became eligible to receive a payment under the scheme with effect from 2019.

Some 700 townlands that would have previously been eligible were not eligible under the new designation. Farmers who were impacted financially by this change were eligible to receive a degressive phasing out payment in 2019 and 2020.

An independently chaired Appeals Committee was appointed to examine any requests received by my Department from farmers for a full review on the status of a townland following the re-designation of townlands under the 2019 ANC Scheme.

An appeal in relation to the townland in question was received by the Committee. The outcome of this appeal will be notified to the relevant farmer following the completion of the work of the Appeals Committee. It is anticipated this work will be completed shortly.

Suckler Welfare Scheme

Questions (927)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

927. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost of increasing the payment under the suckler cow scheme to €200 per cow for the first 15 cows in the herd; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4919/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

It should be noted that payments under the Beef Data and Genomics Programme are area-based and not linked directly to animal numbers. Applying an animal related payment based on existing participation rates for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme, the total additional cost of increasing the payment as described based on current participation rates would be over €63.5M annually.

The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) provides Irish beef farmers with up to €300 million in funding over the current Rural Development Programme (RDP) and provides a high degree of important performance data to beef farmers to drive efficiency through facilitating better decision making.

My Department has rolled out a range of other schemes from which beef farmers benefit, as part of the €4 billion RDP including GLAS, ANCs and Knowledge Transfer Groups. Suckler farmers also benefit, of course, from the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Greening payments under CAP Pillar I.

In 2019, a further €20 million of exchequer funding was made available through the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme, to encourage farmers to measure the weaning efficiency of their suckler cows.

The Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) provided temporary exceptional adjustment aid in 2019 to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132. Over 34,500 farmers had applied for BEAM at its closing date of 20 September, payments of €78 million issued.

In recognition of the important income support role played by the ANC scheme, the total allocation for the scheme has been increased by €48m over the last two budgets (€25m in Budget 2018 and €23m in Budget 2019). In both 2018 and 2019, payment rates in the scheme were increased, with a targeting of increases corresponding to the different level of constraint in the different categories of land in the scheme.

I have already provided an additional €85m in supports for the beef sector in Budget 2020, on top of the €20 million provided last year for the BEEP pilot. This includes a €45 million provision for the extension of the BDGP (Beef data and genomics programme) This year’s BEEP scheme – the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme (Sucklers), will deliver a maximum payment of €90 per suckler cow for the first 10 cows, and €80/head thereafter. This extra funding is available to suckler farmers right now. It is a straightforward scheme, which can deliver a significant cash-flow injection, and I would encourage all suckler farmers to apply before the deadline of Friday 15 May.

My Department is providing a lo-call telephone helpdesk for extended hours this week to assist farmers with their applications for BEEP-S and for BPS, telephone [phone].

BDGP Participatio n

2020 participation total Herds	24,396.00
Total Animals	541,047
Average number of sucklers/Herd	22

Payments

95 for first 10	23,176,200
80 for remainder	21,468,480
Annual total	44,644,680
200/animal	108,209,400
Additional funds required annually	63,564,720

Forestry Grants

Questions (928)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

928. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost of extending the forestry scheme payment period from 15 to 30 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4920/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The estimated cost of introducing a 15 year extension to forestry premium payments would be €8m per 1,000 ha's. This assumes an average premium rate of €533 /ha across the various Grant Planting Categories (GPC). The final amount would obviously be influenced by the take-up of the individual GPCs.

The estimated cost of extending the premium under the current Forestry Programme 2014- 2020 from 15 to 30 years would have been €271 million.

Harbour Fees

Questions (929)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

929. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a payment plan will be accepted in respect of outstanding harbour charges from a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4944/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department owns, manages and maintains the six State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute. The Fishery Harbour Centres (Rates and Charges) Order 2012 (214 of 2012), which came into effect on the 1st July 2012, sets out the fee schedule for the use of the facilities at each of the six Fishery Harbour Centres. Different rates apply according to the type and nature of the vessel, the different use made of the facilities by the vessel, the size of the vessel and the quantity, value and species of fish landed (where applicable).

The details supplied by the Deputy relate to a legal matter. As such, any communication on this case should be made by the person involved or their solicitors to the solicitor dealing with the matter on the Department’s behalf for consideration.

Beef Industry

Questions (930)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

930. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which it is expected to stabilise beef processing for producers in such a way as to ensure adequate supply into the future and sufficient profit to the producer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4954/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy will be aware, levels of beef processing are a commercial matter driven by the market, which is currently experiencing higher levels of volatility than usual due to the ongoing COVID -19 crisis.

I am acutely aware of the issues presented to the agri-food sector in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. My Department and I are working to ensure that business and services to farmers can continue, keeping food and other processing facilities operational, ensuring that payments and commercial activities that are necessary to protect farm incomes can continue.

There are likely to be significant economic impacts for the agri-food sector, arising from reduced demand in key markets around the world. The loss of high value food service customers is already of significant immediate concern.

I am pleased to say that, following engagement with my European colleagues, I secured the agreement of every single Member State to support a strong joint approach calling for a common European response to a pan European problem. This joint approach calls for rapid deployment of support measures under the Common Market Organisation Regulation, including Private Storage Aid for dairy and other products, and exceptional aid for beef and sheep farmers. It also focuses on flexibility for basic payments and rural development with earlier payment dates, higher rates of advance payment and flexibilities in relation to on-the-spot controls and administrative checks.

Following Ireland’s efforts in leading an agreed EU-27 statement on the need for further supports, the Commission has introduced Aids to Private Storage for Dairy (SMP, Butter, Cheese), Beef and Sheepmeat . It is important that these and all available market supports are deployed.

I am also working with my colleagues in Government to ensure that all businesses, including those in the agri-food sector, get access to suitable supports, and the measures in place are being kept under review.

Working with my colleague Minister Humphreys, I have ensured that up to €180 million in new lending capacity is available for the agri-food sector: 40% of the €250 million COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme will be available for food businesses. Similarly, 40% of an additional €200 million tranche of the Future Growth Loan Scheme will be ring fenced to provide long-term investment support for farmers, fishers and food businesses.

I continue to liaise with the banks on liquidity for the primary sector, and also want to highlight the availability of working capital assistance to farmers and fishers through Microfinance Ireland’s COVID-19 Business Loan. We will continue to keep the finance needs of the whole agri-food sector under review.

I have already provided an additional €85m in supports for the beef sector in Budget 2020, on top of the €20 million provided last year for the BEEP pilot. This includes a €45 million provision for the extension of the BDGP (Beef data and genomics programme) This year’s scheme – the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme (Sucklers), will deliver a maximum payment of €90 per suckler cow for the first 10 cows, and €80/head thereafter. This extra funding is available to suckler farmers right now. It is a straightforward scheme, which can deliver a significant cash-flow injection, and I would encourage all suckler farmers to apply before the deadline of 15 May.

Conscious of the cash flow pressures on farms at present, I have brought forward €26m in GLAS payments by a month, and these funds have been made already. Balancing payments under the Organic Farming scheme have also been brought forward. I have also increased funding in my Department’s Calf Welfare Investment Scheme from €1.5 million to €4 million, to assist farmers with extra calves. A range of practical flexibilities have been introduced in departmental schemes, including, for example, the extension of completion deadlines for TAMS by 3 months, and the submission for Nitrates records to the end of June. My Department has also worked to ensure that the supply chain continues to function. Critical state services in dairy and meat processing plants continue to function so that farmers have an outlet for their produce, a protocol has been developed for the continued operation of marts, albeit on a limited basis, and the critical certification and other services required to support exports of live animals and products continue to operate.

My Department and agencies will continue to monitor the impacts on the agri-food sector as the situation evolves, and to provide appropriate supports to the sector. Senior officials from my Department remain in constant contact with stakeholders right across the sector to share information on emerging issues and contingency planning, and we will continue to develop appropriate supports as the situation evolves.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (931)

Chris Andrews

Question:

931. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of times to date in 2020 he has met formally with the CEO and or chairperson of Horse Racing Ireland; and when he will next meet the CEO and or chairperson. [5043/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.

While no formal meetings have taken place between myself and the CEO or chairperson of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) to date in 2020, my officials are in regular conatct with the officials at HRI. A meeting between the Secretary General of my department and the CEO and chairperson of HRI took place on 26th March. In addition, both my officials and I have been in regular contact with the Chairperson and CEO throughout the current public health emergency.

Teagasc Activities

Questions (932)

Frank Feighan

Question:

932. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether Teagasc could be instructed by his Department to play a greater role in the promotion of the live cattle export industry to help it to fulfil its potential with measures (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5063/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Teagasc was established under the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988 to provide research, advisory and educational support to the agriculture and food sector. Teagasc develops its programmes, services and activities in conjunction with its clients and partners overseen by an Authority that is representative of the main stakeholder groups in the agri food sector. It is a matter for Teagasc and its Board to prioritise activities in the delivery of these services and to allocate it resources in accordance with these priorities.

I am advised by Teagasc that it does not have a role in the promotion of any particular commercial activity, including the export of live animals. Teagasc of course recognises the importance of live exports to the livelihoods of farmers and supports farmers in ensuring that this outlet continues to be a sustainable channel for calves. Teagasc’s emphasis therefore is on ensuring that animals are produced that are of the highest possible beef quality and that all welfare standards are upheld to the greatest possible extent.

Teagasc is also a member of the ‘Calf Stakeholder Forum’ recently set up by my Department. Teagasc plays two important support roles with regard to the sustainability of the export of live calves:

1. Calf management, health and breeding: Teagasc research and advisory activity emphasises the importance of colostrum feeding, calf housing and the prevention and treatment of disease. Teagasc along with ICBF have developed the Dairy Beef Index to ensure that the dairy herd produces high quality beef cattle, while at the same time minimizing any adverse consequences for calving difficulty or the gestation length of the dairy cow. In conjunction with Animal Health Ireland, Teagasc is also developing a control programme for IBR which will be critical in sustaining live exports.

2. Calf welfare: Teagasc’s research and advisory services also have a critical role in promoting the highest possible calf welfare standards across the entire supply chain i.e. on dairy farms, in livestock marts, during transport and in lairage. It should be noted that research work carried out at Teagasc Grange on the welfare implications of the transport of live animals to the continent has been instrumental in the maintenance of live exports from Ireland.

Forestry Sector

Questions (933)

Joe Carey

Question:

933. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the annual deductions that occurred on a forestry contract (details supplied); if the deductions are repayable to the landowner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5064/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The contract specified was approved under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme with two grant payments and twenty annual premiums to be paid across the lifetime of the contract. The first and second grant payments were made in 2000 and 2004 respectively. Twenty annual premiums were paid between 2000 and 2019 to the beneficiary of the contract, with the last premium payment having been paid on 05/04/2019.

All premium payments were made in full and no deductions were made. An area of 0.3ha was excluded from the eligible area due to the presence of an ESB line and a letter to this effect was issued to the applicant in February 2002. The applicant is advised to contact the ESB directly if there are any pending issues in this respect.

The contract is therefore complete and no further payments are due.

Felling Licences

Questions (934)

Robert Troy

Question:

934. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the circumstances in which a tree felling licence was awarded to a person (details supplied) will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5092/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Applications for forestry operations must be carefully assessed by officials of my Department to ensure any possible impacts the operations may have on the surrounding countryside and environment are fully considered. For this reason, my Department has recently amended its Appropriate Assessment procedures to take account of important Court of Justice of the European Union decisions, in respect of the Habitats Directive.

The tree felling application for the person named was reviewed by a forestry inspector and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) was requested on 12th September, 2019. As the Deputy has been informed previously, if the applicant wishes to progress with the application, they must supply the requested NIS before any further assessment of their application can take place.