Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Written Answers Nos. 935-959

Veterinary Medicines

Questions (935)

Carol Nolan

Question:

935. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will re-examine regulations that would prohibit merchants from selling and administering animal preventative remedies without a prescription from a veterinary surgeon in view of the significant challenges the Covid-19 crisis is generating in the agriculture sector and in further view of the fact that the implementation of these regulations could create significant financial burdens for already overstretched farmers and providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5129/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

EU Regulation 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products comes into effect in January 2022. This Regulation is binding in full and has direct effect on all Member States. There is limited national discretion available to Member States in relation to a number of the Regulations articles.

In 2004, European legislation established a requirement that all veterinary medicinal products that are intended for use in food-producing animals should be subject to a veterinary prescription. However, a 2006 EU Directive allowed for the maintenance of non-prescription status for certain veterinary medicinal products which did not present a risk to human or animal health or to the environment, and which met the specified criteria for exemption from veterinary prescription. Ireland availed of the exemption in Directive 2006/130/EC at the time and anthelmintics were allowed to continue to be available without prescription.

There is a similar exemption available under the new EU Regulation 2019/6. However, since that time our knowledge regarding the impact of extensive use of anthelmintics has changed. For example, anthelmintic resistance has been widely reported in parasites of livestock species in Ireland and globally, resistance is developing year-on-year and is now a significant animal health issue.

In 2019, the Health Product Regulatory Authority’s (HPRA) Advisory Committee for Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) established a Task Force to review the method of supply of antiparasitic veterinary medicinal products that are intended for food-producing animals against the criteria set out in Regulation 2019/6. A copy of the Report is available on the HPRA’s website www.hpra.ie.

The Report states that the available scientific evidence shows that antiparasitic veterinary medicines that are intended for use in food-producing species do not comply with the criteria for derogation from veterinary prescription specified in EU Regulation 2019/6. It also states that a consequence of this determination is that any such products that are supplied without veterinary prescription will need to be upregulated to supply under veterinary prescription. Ireland and all other Member States must now comply with this regulation from January 2022.

In accordance with existing national legislation, antiparasitic veterinary medicinal products for use in food-producing species that are supplied under prescription may be dispensed by veterinary practitioners, pharmacists and licensed merchants. This means that all current stakeholders that are already permitted to supply such products will be entitled to continue to stock them in the future (but from January 2022 onwards a veterinary prescription will be needed to dispense them).

My Department is committed to working with all stakeholders in considering how best to implement the new EUI Regulations on veterinary medicinal products and plan to have a public consultation in Q2 2020. A dedicated email address has been set up for this purpose and I would encourage all interested parties to send their observations to [e-mail].

These changes which will take place will do so from January 2022 and, as such, are not related to or impacted by the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Felling Licences

Questions (936)

Carol Nolan

Question:

936. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of tree felling licences granted to farmers since January 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5130/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department is the competent authority for the receipt, assessment and approval of forestry licences including tree felling licences. Felling licences are issued to any landowner who makes an application and differentiation is not made between farmers and others.

Since the start of the year, 649 felling licences have been issued up to 8th May. These licences cover over 5,900ha and a volume in excess of 1.6 million m 3.

Licences continue to issue each week and are details are published three times per week on my Department's website.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (937)

Carol Nolan

Question:

937. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has engaged with a company (details supplied) with a view to ensuring that financial and supply arrangements with Irish farmers are maintained going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5131/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy will be aware, as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I have no role in commenting on individual commercial decisions. Along with my Department and Bord Bia, I regularly engage with the key retail, food service and other customers at both national and international levels, with a view to promoting the quality, safety and taste of Irish food and drink products. I urge all industry stakeholders to recognise their interdependence and to engage together in a way that ensures the ongoing sustainability of the supply chain.

I am acutely aware of the issues presented to the agrifood 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.

My Department and agencies will continue to monitor the impacts on the agrifood 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.

I understand that the company named has announced that it intends to re-open some of its outlet on a limited basis shortly and this is undoubtedly good news for the Irish beef sectors.

Beef Industry

Questions (938)

Carol Nolan

Question:

938. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if emergency intervention measures for beef farmers will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5132/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am acutely aware of the issues presented to the agrifood 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 agrifood 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.

The response to the economic impacts on the sector should include a strong, shared EU response, using the instruments available in the Common Agricultural Policy. I have already highlighted to Commissioner Wojciechowski the serious consequences for farmers and the food industry and the need to ensure that the full range of market supports available under the Common Market Organisation Regulation are made available. These supports include Aids to Private Storage and Exceptional Aid measures, flexibilities when it comes to on-farm inspections and early payment of the Basic Payment Scheme.

Following Ireland’s efforts in leading an agreed EU-27 statement on the need for further supports, the Commission have introduced Aids to Private Storage for Dairy (SMP, Butter, Cheese), Beef and Sheepmeat . Applications for aid may be submitted as of 7 May 2020.

The provision in the regulation with regard to beef is for the entry into storage of separated hindquarters from S, E, U, R or O grade bovines over 8 months. Storage is for a fixed period of 90, 120 or 150 days. Product currently in storage is not eligible. There is no storage limit, but there is a minimum volume of 15 tonnes/Contract. The aid will be provided at a fixed rate of €1,008 (90 days), €1,033 (120 days) or €1,058 (150 days). There is no closing date set in the regulation.

Private Storage Aid (PSA) is a risk management tool / safety net available to EU producers of certain agricultural products under the CMO regulation (1308/2013). The aim is to facilitate producers to store the product for a stipulated temporary storage period. It is not possible to project the effect of Private Storage Aid on farm gate prices. In the first instance, it is for industry to decide if they wish to place product into storage, then the schemes operates on a first-come first-served basis across the EU, there is no specific Member State allocation with the exception of cheese, and also a number of factors will determine farm gate price.

The fact that the entire hindquarter (bone-in or deboned) has to be put into storage, rather than individual steak cuts, limits its practical benefit for the Irish beef industry. Nonetheless, it is an important market support tool to have available.

I am also working with my colleagues in Government to ensure that all businesses, including those in the agrifood 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 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 primary producers 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 agrifood sector under review.

I have already provided an additional €20m in supports for the beef sector in Budget 2020, on top of the €20 million provided last year for the BEEP pilot. 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 is a significant increase in the payment available compared to the BEEP Pilot in 2019. 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 urge you to encourage suckler farmers to apply before the deadline of Friday 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 were paid recently. Balancing payments to participants in 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 agrifood 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.

Agriculture Scheme Appeals

Questions (939)

Robert Troy

Question:

939. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied). [5181/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I understand that the Agriculture Appeals Office have finalised the appeal concerned and have notified the person named directly, in writing, by letter of the outcome of the appeal.

Animal Welfare

Questions (940)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

940. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to strengthen the laws on animal welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5194/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides a modern framework for applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare and replaced a number of enactments dating back over a century. The Act was passed, after a lengthy and constructive debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas and came into operation on 6 March 2014.

Offences under the Act may be prosecuted in the District Court by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, local authorities and members of An Garda Síochána. Matters tried on indictment are the remit of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the normal manner. Accordingly, the statistics set down below relate to cases prosecuted at the suit of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Prosecutions under the Act have been pursued following investigations by authorised officers of the Department, An Garda Síochána and authorised officers of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. These officers investigate matters relating to animal cruelty and neglect and, where the evidence supports such action, a file prepared and the matter pursued through the Courts.

Since the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 came into operation in March 2014, over 100 cases have been prosecuted through the Courts. Fines in excess of €60,000 have been imposed. Seven persons have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment; these sentences were suspended in four cases. The Probation Act was applied in eight instances.

Sixteen persons have been disqualified from keeping animals under section 58 of the Act.

A number of cases remain before the Courts and further files have been sent to the Chief State Solicitor with a view to be instituting proceedings; other files are currently being examined in my Department with a view to pursuing a prosecution if the evidence so warrant.

In summary, the current modern legislative framework provided by the Act is considered fit for purpose. Similarly, enforcement of the existing legislation has been working satisfactorily, and is kept under review with a view to ongoing improvements as needed.

Harbours and Piers Maintenance

Questions (941)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

941. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the dredging of Howth harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5219/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Howth Fishery Harbour Centre (FHC) is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department under Statute.

Siltation in Howth Harbour has been recognised as an issue for some time, and the requirement for a dredging project to restore adequate depth in the entrance channel and within the harbour is accepted. The Harbour was last dredged in the early 1980’s. A number of investigative and preparatory works and initiatives have been undertaken over the last few years in respect of a potential dredging project in Howth FHC.

A final site investigation report was received in October 2016 and has been assessed by my Department's Engineers. This report included vital information on the nature and amount of the material to be dredged. The Department also appointed Consulting Engineers in 2016 to advise on a number of possible developments in Howth, including a dredging project. A final report was issued from the Consulting Engineers in late October 2017 which confirmed that, while the concentrations of contaminants in the sediment to be dredged are such that it is classified as “non-hazardous”, this classification means that dumping at sea will not be permitted, which in turn has a significant effect on the project cost.

Department Engineers subsequently met with Fingal County Council, to review possible operational and permitting requirements. Engagement with the Council is ongoing in regard to exploring disposal options for the dredged material. It is my Department’s view that an option to re-use the dredged material to the west of the West Pier as part of the methodology for the project is the most effective and efficient option.

It is estimated that circa 225,000 cubic metres of silt will need to be removed from the harbour in the event that a full harbour dredge is undertaken and, for illustration purposes, this was equated to an estimated 20,000-30,000 possible truck movements. It is also the position that if the option to re-use the material is not possible, the potential costs of the project increase significantly and the overall scope of the project would have to be re-examined.

The project itself will require Planning Permission, an Environmental Impact Statement and a Waste License which are being progressed. The permitting process is likely to take up to 24 months. A variety of factors will impact on the cost of a potential dredging project, including the disposal options, overall scale of the project, and market factors.

The Department went to tender on the 3rd of October 2018 for a Consulting Engineering practice to bring the project through the planning, environmental permitting and design phase, and should a decision be made to progress the project, this consultant will also be responsible for the supervision of onsite works. The successful tender was commissioned for these works on the 19th of December 2018.

Site investigation works are being undertaken, as are technical and environmental impact assessments; however the COVID19 pandemic has had a significant effect on the ability to complete the research and investigation works. These works are required as part of an overall planning application submission and it remains my Department’s intention to lodge a planning application for the Howth Dredging project in 2020.

As is the case with all developments in the six Fishery Harbour Centres, any future decision with regard to initiating a full dredging project in Howth FHC will only be considered on the basis of available exchequer funding and competing national priorities.

Dairy Sector

Questions (942)

Carol Nolan

Question:

942. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has engaged with the European Commission on the need to introduce a private storage aid scheme for the dairy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5242/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am acutely aware of the issues presented to the agrifood 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 agrifood 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 have engaged with my European colleagues to seek a strong, shared EU response, using the instruments available in the Common Agricultural Policy to address the economic impacts on the sector. While the Commission introduced some flexibilities in the agrifood area as part of its Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative in early April, these did not go far enough, and did not address the market disturbance that has already been particularly acute in some sectors.

I therefore initiated the preparation of a Joint Statement from Member States calling for a strong pan-European response and, in particular, for market support and exceptional aid measures to be deployed by the Commission. I succeeded in garnering the support of all twenty-six of my counterparts, and the Joint Statement was submitted to Commissioner Wojciechowski by Ireland on behalf of all Member States on 16 April.

The fact that all twenty-seven Member States agreed this joint approach was a powerful expression of solidarity and has been met with a response from the Commission with the opening of a range of Private Storage Aid measures, including for cheese, skimmed milk powder, butter, sheepmeat and beef on the 7th May 2020.

Private Storage Aid (PSA) is a risk management tool / safety net available to EU producers of certain agricultural products under the CMO regulation (1308 / 2013). The aim is to facilitate producers to store the product for a stipulated temporary storage period. It is not possible to project the effect of Private Storage Aid on farm gate prices. In the first instance, it is for industry to decide if they wish to be product into storage, then the schemes operates on a first-come first-served basis across the EU, there is no specific Member State allocation with the exception of cheese for which Ireland received 2,180 tonnes, and finally a number of factors will determine farm gate price. Nonetheless, it is an important market support tool to have available and one which Industry Representatives and Farming Organisations both nationally and in Europe lobbied strongly for.

I will also continue to work with my colleagues in Government to ensure that all businesses, including those in the agrifood sector, get access to suitable supports, and the measures in place are being kept under review.

Animal Welfare

Questions (943)

Carol Nolan

Question:

943. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which veterinary medicinal products and medicated feed regulations adopted by the European Council on 26 November 2018 and due to come into effect from 28 January 2022 will impact on the points of sale of dosing products for animals and the points of sale to obtain such products by farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5246/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

EU Regulation 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products comes into effect in January 2022. This Regulation is binding in full and has direct effect on all Member States. There is limited national discretion available to Member States in relation to a number of the Regulations articles.

In 2004, European legislation established a requirement that all veterinary medicinal products that are intended for use in food-producing animals should be subject to a veterinary prescription. However, a 2006 EU Directive allowed for the maintenance of non-prescription status for certain veterinary medicinal products which did not present a risk to human or animal health or to the environment, and which met the specified criteria for exemption from veterinary prescription. Ireland availed of the exemption in Directive 2006/130/EC at the time and anthelmintics were allowed to continue to be available without prescription.

There is a similar exemption available under the new EU Regulation 2019/6. However, since that time our knowledge regarding the impact of extensive use of anthelmintics has changed. For example, anthelmintic resistance has been widely reported in parasites of livestock species in Ireland and globally, resistance is developing year-on-year and is now a significant animal health issue.

In 2019, the Health Product Regulatory Authority’s (HPRA) Advisory Committee for Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) established a Task Force to review the method of supply of antiparasitic veterinary medicinal products that are intended for food-producing animals against the criteria set out in Regulation 2019/6. A copy of the Report is available on the HPRA’s website www.hpra.ie.

The Report states that the available scientific evidence shows that antiparasitic veterinary medicines that are intended for use in food-producing species do not comply with the criteria for derogation from veterinary prescription specified in EU Regulation 2019/6. It also states that a consequence of this determination is that any such products that are supplied without veterinary prescription will need to be upregulated to supply under veterinary prescription. Ireland and all other Member States must now comply with this regulation from January 2022.

In accordance with existing national legislation, antiparasitic veterinary medicinal products for use in food-producing species that are supplied under prescription may be dispensed by veterinary practitioners, pharmacists and licensed merchants. This means that all current stakeholders that are already permitted to supply such products will be entitled to continue to stock them in the future (but from January 2022 onwards a veterinary prescription will be needed to dispense them).

My Department is committed to working with all stakeholders in considering how best to implement the new EUI Regulations on veterinary medicinal products and plan to have a public consultation in Q2 2020. A dedicated email address has been set up for this purpose and I would encourage all interested parties to send their observations to [e-mail].

These changes which will take place will do so from January 2022 and, as such, are not related to or impacted by the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Agriculture Scheme Expenditure

Questions (944)

Carol Nolan

Question:

944. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he plans to disburse or use the approximately €25 million underspend from the BEAM scheme; if a further BEAM scheme will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5264/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The objective of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) was to provide temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132. This aid was granted to provide temporary market adjustment support in response to a specific market disturbance as outlined in Ireland's notification to the EU Commission and the 5% reduction was part of the conditionality sought by the EU.

Approved BEAM participants have given a commitment to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on the holding by 5% for the period 01 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 as compared with the period 01 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 as recorded on Department systems.

With regard to the use of funds from the BEAM Scheme in 2019, I have already provided €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 an extension to 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 up to a maximum of 100 head/herd. This is a significant increase in the payment available compared to the BEEP Pilot in 2019. 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 urge you to encourage suckler farmers to apply before the deadline of 15 May.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (945)

Carol Nolan

Question:

945. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had engagements with the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development from 1 March 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5265/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I can confirm that I have engaged on several occasions with the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, in recent weeks. The purpose of my engagement with him has been to highlight the economic impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on our agrifood sector, as well as the need to have a strong European response to deal with the crisis.

At this extremely difficult time, the protection of human life and health is vital, and is a shared priority amongst my European colleagues. However, it is also clear that the crisis is likely to impose significant economic impacts, including for the agriculture sector. In this regard, I welcome the measures introduced by the Commission to date to support the sector, including the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative, the temporary State Aid framework and the payment flexibilities provided for under the current CAP regulations. However, I believe a more extensive, specific response targeted at the agriculture sector is required.

I wrote to Commissioner Wojciechowski in early March, and again in early April, urging him to consider the implementation of support measures under the Common Organisation of the Market (CMO) Regulation. In between, on 25 March, I took part in a video-conference meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers with the Commissioner and took the opportunity to highlight the potential economic impact the COVID-19 crisis will have on Ireland’s agrifood sector. I again urged the Commissioner to consider the deployment of market support measures, and called for further flexibilities to be shown in relation to CAP Pillar I and Pillar II payments. I subsequently reinforced these messages in a one-to-one video conference call with the Commissioner on Wednesday 15 April.

Throughout this time, I also engaged with my European colleagues to seek a strong, shared EU response, following which I secured the participation of every single Member State in a strong Joint Statement calling for a common European response to a pan-European problem, which my officials submitted to the Commissioner's office on Thursday 16 April.

I am pleased to say that after this strong show of European solidarity the Commission swiftly announced a programme of support for the sector including Aids for Private Storage for the meat and dairy sector, and flexibilities with regard to control measures and scheme implementation.

I intend to continue a sustained engagement at the highest level with the European Commission on this matter. In that regard, I have again spoken personally to Commissioner Wojciechowski on 7 May to highlight the need for an ongoing focus on the challenges to the sector at this time, and the continued requirement for a strong, common approach at European level. I will stress this point further at the video conference of European Agriculture Ministers with the Commissioner on 13 May.

Young Farmers Scheme

Questions (946)

Carol Nolan

Question:

946. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications made under the young farmer scheme since it was introduced by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5266/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Young Farmers Scheme was introduced in 2015. The number of applications made under the scheme by year since 2015 is set out in the following table. The scheme is currently open for submission of 2020 applications, with a closing date for receipt of applications of 15 May 2020.

County	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019
Carlow	150	152	153	134	127
Cavan	370	382	410	414	423
Clare	379	387	407	426	425
Cork	1,070	1,108	1,137	1,179	1,189
Donegal	436	427	427	408	387
Dublin	44	42	42	45	44
Galway	786	825	860	893	921
Kerry	510	537	543	554	543
Kildare	143	143	150	155	144
Kilkenny	328	341	344	354	347
Laois	279	283	306	311	304
Leitrim	255	252	265	255	251
Limerick	383	395	403	395	420
Longford	155	159	161	169	176
Louth	96	97	99	101	98
Mayo	747	759	775	815	852
Meath	294	286	276	294	300
Monaghan	238	242	247	251	264
Offaly	257	273	280	289	295
Roscommon	380	377	387	399	392
Sligo	208	219	240	248	252
Tipperary	520	527	553	572	581
Waterford	252	248	266	264	257
Westmeath	186	192	207	210	218
Wexford	402	399	399	399	394
Wicklow	180	172	175	174	159

Departmental Consultations

Questions (947)

Carol Nolan

Question:

947. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of internal and external consultancy reports commissioned by his Department in each of the years 2014 to 2019 and to date in 2020; the details and cost of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5267/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The information requested by the Deputy on the number and cost of internal and external reports commissioned by my Department in each of the years from 2014 to date, is set out in the following table.

Reports

Trade Agreements

Questions (948)

Carol Nolan

Question:

948. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there have been developments in concluding a beef trading deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5268/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The role of my Department in developing trade with non-EU countries is to secure, enhance and maintain access to those markets. The conditions governing market access are set out in veterinary health certificates negotiated with importing countries. Once a veterinary health certificate has been agreed bilaterally, it is matter for industry, with the support of my Department and Bord Bia, to avail of the resulting market opportunities. However, the actual level of exports to a particular destination in any given period will depend on a range of factors, including global supply and demand dynamics, currency fluctuations and individual customer requirements.

There have been no new developments regarding the export of Irish beef to the Islamic Republic of Iran. A veterinary health certificate for beef exports to Iran which was agreed in March 2013 remains valid. The certificate specifies that the beef must be boneless and is restricted to animals aged under 30 months.

Trade with Iran, including Irish beef exports, is hindered by a combination of unfavourable trading conditions, competition from lower-cost producers, fluctuations in domestic meat prices, and non-regulatory or financial barriers. In relation to the non-regulatory barriers, work is ongoing at EU level to facilitate efficient commercial transactions between businesses in member states and Iran.

Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme

Questions (949)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

949. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if force majeure will be considered for the temporary reduction of the stocking rate for a 2019 area of natural constraints application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5295/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named applied for the 2019 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme on the 2 May 2019. The terms and conditions of the scheme set out that applicants must meet specific minimum stocking density and stocking retention requirements in order to be eligible for payment under the scheme.

The person named has not met the minimum stocking requirements as set out in the scheme terms and conditions. As a result, no payment issued to the named individual under the 2019 scheme.

An appeal was received by the Department on behalf of the person named on 9 April. Following a review of the information provided, this appeal was deemed to be unsuccessful. The details as set out by the Deputy do not, unfortunately, satisfy the requirements for a review to be successful on the grounds of force majeure.

A letter advising of the outcome of the review and their right to submit a further appeal to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office has issued to the person named.

Protected Disclosures

Questions (950)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

950. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of protected disclosures his Department has received since the legislation was introduced; the number of protected disclosures examined to conclusion by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5297/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As required under the relevant legislation, my Department has a Protected Disclosures Policy in place under which a staff member who wishes to make a protected disclosure may do so to any of the following confidential recipients:

- an independent confidential service engaged for this purpose;

- the Head of the Internal Audit Unit in the Department, or

- any member of the Department’s Management Board.

Contact details for all of the above confidential recipients, as well as procedures for making a protected disclosure, are contained in the policy document which has been circulated to all staff and which is also easily available on the Department's intranet.

The numbers and status of Protected Disclosures received in the Department to date are:

Year	Number	Current Status
2015	Nil	-
2016	3	All cases closed
2017	2	One case closed, one case ongoing
2018	1	One case ongoing
2019	2	Two cases ongoing

Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme

Questions (951)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

951. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) is not entitled to a TAMS grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5329/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named submitted an application for approval for grant-aid under the Animal Welfare and Nutrient Storage Scheme, one of the suite of seven measures available under TAMS II. The application was approved on 2 May 2017, with all works to be completed by 2 May 2020.

Due to the current Covid-19 situation, my Department is allowing flexibility on TAMS completion deadlines. To this end, a 3-month extension has been given to all works due to completed (or approvals due to expire) between 1 March and 1 July. The person named now has until 2 August 2020 to complete the approved works.

The Future Growth Loan Scheme was launched last year to make up to €300 million of long-term strategic investment loans available to eligible Irish businesses, including farmers and the agrifood & seafood sectors. The loans are competitively priced, for terms of 8-10 years and support strategic long-term investment in a post-Brexit environment. There is a minimum loan amount of €100,000 for SMEs with a specially negotiated minimum of €50,000 for primary agriculture. There was very strong demand from SMEs and farmers for this longer term, lower cost finance, which resulted in a rapid take-up of the Scheme and limited remaining capacity.

My Department is engaged with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Finance on further liquidity and access to finance measures, especially in the context of COVID-19 and, as announced recently, will part-fund a €200million second tranche of the Future Growth Loan Scheme for capital investment. 40% (€80million) of this will be ring-fenced for farmers, fishers and food SMEs. It should be noted also that farmers are also eligible to apply to Microfinance Ireland for smaller loan amounts.

Inshore Fisheries

Questions (952)

Pa Daly

Question:

952. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding set aside to support inshore fishermen in view of the fact that funding for storage does not suit this sector. [5452/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Our fishing sector, not least our inshore fleet, has been particularly hard hit by the severe market disruption in Europe and internationally caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic. The closure of many markets and disruption of established distribution channels, particularly to restaurants and the food service industry domestically and internationally, has seen market demand and sale prices drop very substantially in many of our key markets. However, there are still markets open both domestically and internationally and it is important that we continue to supply these markets to maintain food supply, service our established customers and be in a position to take advantage of increased demand as markets open up. That reopening of markets may commence now that some countries are commencing a phased re-opening from lockdowns, but may take some months to return to a level of normality.

I have met with representatives of our fisheries sector on a number of occasions, most recently on 29 April, to hear their views on the impacts of the Pandemic and how the EMFF Programme may support them during this difficult period. Representation included the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, the four fisheries producer organisations, the fisheries cooperatives and the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association. There was a positive and constructive engagement, with a broad consensus from industry representatives, including inshore fisheries representatives, that aid for temporary tie-up of fishing vessels should be the priority, enabling some vessels to tie-up, while others fished to meet market demands.

Following my engagement with representatives of fishermen, I announced on 8 May a Covid-19 Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme for fishing vessels in the Polyvalent, Beam Trawl and Specific segments of the fleet, to be implemented under Ireland’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme 2014-20, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

The Covid-19 Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme will be operational from 1 June and will be available to the inshore fleet and to larger vessels. It will allow vessel owners to voluntarily opt to tie up for a maximum of two months over the period June to August. The Scheme will support the fixed costs incurred by the vessel owners and is designed to complement the Covid-19 wage supports and loan arrangements already being provided by Government to the fishing sector and indeed other sectors of our economy. The supports to fixed costs available under the Scheme are outlined in the table below and range from €6,000 per month for a maximum of two months for the very largest vessels over 24 metres, to €500 per month for a maximum of two months for the very smallest vessels under 6 metres in length.

Size of vessel	Payment over 1-month tie-up period	Payment over 2-month tie-up period
Size of vessel	Payment over 1-month tie-up period	Payment over 2-month tie-up period
> 24m	€6,000	€12,000
18 < 24m	€4,600	€9,200
15 < 18m	€2,000	€4,000
12 < 15m	€1,900	€3,800
10 < 12m	€800	€1,600
8 < 10m	€750	€1,500
6 < 8m	€500	€1,000
<6m	€500	€1,000

In order to underpin the Government’s policy of ensuring that the food chain is maintained and to maintain an essential presence in our markets, the Scheme will be available to a maximum of 66% of the fishing fleet, in the different size categories, in any one month. Any vessel not receiving support to tie-up in any particular month may continue to fish.

In order to limit the benefits of the Scheme to active vessels, an applicant vessel must have carried out fishing activities at sea for at least 120 days over the 2-year period 2018/19 and have made a first sale of fish to a minimum value of €5,000 in the calendar year 2019, by reference to the Irish Sales Note System administered by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority.

Forestry Management

Questions (953)

Marian Harkin

Question:

953. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the regulations in regard to the spraying of forestry plantations with cypermethrin at different times of the year (details supplied); the regulations in regard to set-back distances between adjacent land and the location the spraying is being carried out; the regulations in regard to a notice period to be given to adjacent landowners in order that they can make preparations to have animals indoors and windows closed; if there are other insecticides that would work which are less toxic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5456/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department is the Competent Authority in Ireland with responsibility for the authorisation of Plant Protection Products (PPPs) and regulations on their use. There is one cypermethrin-based product authorised for use in forestry plantations. This authorisation is for the control of Pine weevil (Hylobius abietis) in replanted forest sites, where the control of this pest is necessary to keep young tree saplings alive and to keep the forest stand viable. This application is done by handheld or knapsack sprayers, where a small quantity of product is applied directly onto each sapling.

There is no legal requirement for forest owners to inform adjacent land owners of their intention to spray, although many do nor is there a need for animals in adjacent properties to be moved as the application of this PPP is by hand in a very targeted manner that minimises exposure of the environment. Regulations require users of this PPP to be professionally trained and they are required to refrain from application within 20m of watercourses. There is very little cypermethrin used in recent years and the sector has generally moved to use alternative PPPs. My Department is currently funding projects investigating alternative ways of controlling this very damaging pest.

Beef Industry

Questions (954)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

954. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter regarding the beef plan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5463/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The objective of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) was to provide temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132. This aid was granted to provide temporary market adjustment support in response to a specific market disturbance as outlined in Ireland's notification to the EU Commission and the 5% reduction was part of the conditionality sought by the EU.

Approved BEAM participants have given a commitment to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on the holding by 5% for the period 01 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 as compared with the period 01 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 as recorded on Department systems.

With regard to the use of funds from the BEAM Scheme in 2019, I have already provided €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 an extension to 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 up to a maximum of 100 head/herd. This is a significant increase in the payment available compared to the BEEP Pilot in 2019. 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 urge you to encourage suckler farmers to apply before the deadline of 15 May.

Departmental Offices

Questions (955)

Peter Burke

Question:

955. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are vacancies in the offices of his Department at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5493/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government guidance during the current pandemic is that, where possible, employees work from home and only travel to their workplace to carry out essential duties.

I can confirm that my Department does not have an office in either of the locations mentioned.

Beef Industry

Questions (956, 957)

Michael McNamara

Question:

956. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the beef taskforce has met remotely or otherwise since 9 January 2020; when it will publish its report into the matters set out in the Kildare Street agreement of 15 September 2019 to be published by the end of 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5514/20]

Michael McNamara

Question:

957. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason one of the signatories (details supplied) to the Kildare Street agreement was excluded from participating in the beef taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5515/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 956 and 957 together.

The last meeting of the Beef Taskforce was on 9th Jan 2020. Taskforce members have been advised that a written update on the work of the Taskforce will be provided - this update is currently being finalised and is expected to issue shortly. These documents will also be published on the Department’s website. As previously advised to members, a meeting of the Taskforce will be convened as soon as is practical.

As I have previously stated, I am satisfied that the current composition of the taskforce is sufficiently representative of all of the relevant stakeholder groups.

Food Labelling

Questions (958)

Michael McNamara

Question:

958. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to recent incidents in which imported food has turned up on supermarket shelves carrying Bord Bia labels; his views as the Minister with responsibility for food on Bord Bia effectively promoting foreign produce as Origin Ireland and, thereby, misleading consumers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5516/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am not aware of any recent incidents as outlined by the Deputy.

For packaged meat to be to be labelled with the “Q” mark “Origin Ireland” – all stages of production, processing and packaging have to take place within Ireland with all these participants being members of the Bord Bia Sustainable Quality Assurance Scheme.

I would like to advise the Deputy, that all operational issues to do with the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Schemes are matters for that organisation. Should the Deputy have any further concerns in relation to the use of Bord Bia labels, then he should contact them directly at [e-mail].

Beef Industry

Questions (959)

Michael McNamara

Question:

959. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will change the date by which farmers must reduce their herd size to comply with the conditions of the BEAM scheme in view of mart closures and resultant difficulties in selling cattle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5517/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The objective of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) was to provide temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132. This aid was granted to provide temporary market adjustment support in response to a specific market disturbance as outlined in Ireland's notification to the EU Commission and the 5% reduction was part of the conditionality sought by the EU.

Approved BEAM participants have given a commitment to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on the holding by 5% for the period 01 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 as compared with the period 01 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 as recorded on Department systems. Given that this requirement only begins next July and is reviewed across the duration of a year, it is not intended to amend that condition at this time.

Participants who need advice on how to manage this reduction can contact the Department or consult an agricultural advisor to work out which changes will make most sense on their farm.