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Tuesday, 23 Jun 2020

Written Answers Nos. 598-618

Aquaculture Development

Questions (598)

James Browne

Question:

598. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to support the aquaculture sector using EU funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12135/20]

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Written answers

New EU provisions to amend the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Regulation (508/2014) which allow additional forms of aid specifically relating to the market impacts of the Pandemic were introduced by the EU as part of its Coronavirus Response. These changes include new provisions allowing Member States to award EMFF aid to aquaculture enterprises for reduced production or sales arising from the impacts of the Pandemic.

However, no additional EU funds were made available to Member States to assist in implementing these new measures, so our capacity to use these measures is subject to the level of uncommitted funds remaining in Ireland’s EMFF Programme, and to the availability of uncommitted funds in BIM’s 2020 budget. It is important to note that BIM continues to pay out on grants previously awarded and seafood enterprises, including many aquaculture enterprises, continue to apply for new EMFF grants, including some that cite Covid-19 as the reason for their proposed projects. Equally, aquaculture enterprises are eligible for the broad range of measures available to other business as a result of COVID 19.

I am continuing to monitor developments in the sector and have asked BIM to provide a detailed analysis of the proposal submitted by its representatives.

Departmental Staff

Questions (599)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

599. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a panel (details supplied) will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12136/20]

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Written answers

My Department is committed to ensuring that a highly skilled, motivated and efficient workforce is in place to meet on-going business needs and avails of Workforce planning to identify and assess these needs on an on-going basis.

Staff recruitment is continuing in my Department at present. Posts continue to be advertised either by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) or by my Department's Human Resources Division.

In relation to the specific post mentioned, I understand that, in accordance with the terms of the competition for this post, it was anticipated that this competition would give rise to one appointment and the order of merit list was to remain in place for a period of up to two years. This order of merit will be used to fill any further vacancies that may arise during that period in Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre.

Currently, there is no vacant craft worker position in Killybegs and it is not expected that the lifetime of the existing order of merit will be extended.

Programme for Government

Questions (600)

Alan Kelly

Question:

600. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a copy of all briefing documents provided to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party for their programme for Government negotiations will be provided. [12140/20]

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Written answers

The Department of the Taoiseach will be arranging for the publication of material provided by Government Departments in accordance with agreed procedures, via the Department of the Taoiseach, to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party, as part of Government formation negotiations.

Animal Welfare

Questions (601)

Michael McGrath

Question:

601. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding private residents keeping pigeons at their home; the legislation in this regard and in particular with a risk to disease and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12207/20]

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Written answers

Anyone who keeps poultry in Ireland must register their premises with my Department. People who keep other types of birds, including pigeons, are also encouraged to register their premises even though this is not a legal requirement. Registering a premises and flock details means that the Department can contact a person, if necessary, with information on how to protect birds in their possession in the event of a disease threat such as Avian Influenza.

Under the European Communities (Newcastle Disease) Regulations 2012 (SI 57 of 2012), anyone who owns or keeps a racing pigeon must ensure that the racing pigeon has been vaccinated against paramyxovirus.

Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, a person having possession of an animal must ensure that the animal is kept in a manner that safeguards its health and welfare. The Act also prohibits a person from causing unnecessary pain or suffering or endangering the health and welfare of any animal. My Department operates an Animal Welfare Helpline, Lo-call 0761 064408, along with a dedicated email address, AnimalWelfare@agriculture.gov.ie, which facilitates the reporting by members of the public of concerns in regard to the welfare of animals.

Agriculture Scheme Applications

Questions (602)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

602. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an application by a person (details supplied) for the BEAM scheme 2019 will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12210/20]

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Written answers

The objective of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) is 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. BEAM is funded by a combination of EU aid and Exchequer support, provided in light of the difficult circumstances that Irish beef farmers have been facing as a result of market volatility and uncertainty. Applications for BEAM were accepted from 19th August to 20th September 2019.

An application was submitted under appeal by the person named on the 19th August 2019 as they believed they had animals eligible for payment under the scheme. The tag numbers provided by the person named as part of the appeal were reviewed by staff from my Department and it was found that they did not meet the eligibility criteria for payment under the scheme.

A letter detailing this decision issued to the person named on the 7th October 2019. This letter also informed them of their right to appeal this outcome to the Agriculture Appeals Office. To date. no such appeal has been received.

Pesticide Use

Questions (603)

Marian Harkin

Question:

603. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 758 of 3 June 2020, if information will be provided on the specific regulatory measures for MCPA products which have been introduced in recent years as referenced in the response. [12212/20]

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Written answers

MCPA is a herbicide mainly used on grassland for the control of annual and perennial broadleaved weeds. Authorisations for products containing MCPA have been amended in recent years with enhanced measures to protect water quality.

The specific measures introduced in recent years include a reduction of approximately 20% in the maximum allowed application rate for products that only contain MCPA, an extended prohibited use period, running from the end of September until the beginning of March and a mandatory no-spray buffer zone of 5 m along all watercourses.

My Department has also introduced a mandatory product stewardship scheme. This scheme is in force since the start of 2018, making it a regulatory requirement for companies marketing products containing MCPA to participate in a programme of intensive monitoring of raw water in priority drinking water catchment areas for MCPA and chemically similar active substances. The stewardship scheme promotes best practice standards at a national level in relation to the supply and use of MCPA products.

Agriculture Scheme Applications

Questions (604)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

604. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an application for BEAM 2019 will be processed for a person in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12346/20]

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Written answers

The Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department. I understand that the decision of the Appeals Officer was issued to the person named on 30 January 2020.

The Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001, provides that the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive, subject to the following circumstances provided in the Act:

An Appeals Officer may revise a decision of an Appeals Officer if it appears to him or her that the decision was erroneous in the light of new evidence or of new facts brought to his or her notice since the date on which it was given, or if it appears to him or her that there has been any relevant change of circumstances since the decision was given (Section 10.1 of the Act). This would require the submission of new information that was not made available to the Appeals Officer at the time of the appeal decision.

In addition, the Director may, at any time, revise any decision of an Appeals Officer, if it appears to him or her that the decision was erroneous by reason of some mistake having been made in relation to the law or the facts (Section 10.2 of the Act). It is open to either party to the appeal to request a review of the appeal decision by the Director of Agriculture Appeals if they believe there is an error in fact or in law in the appeal decision issued.

It is also open to the person named to raise the matter with the Office of the Ombudsman or to appeal the decision to the High Court on any question of law (Section 11 of the Act).

Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme

Questions (605)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

605. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision on a TAMS grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12372/20]

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Written answers

The person named submitted two applications under the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage scheme which is one of the suite of seven measures available under TAMS ll scheme.

Queries arose in relation to the application submitted on 8 January 2020 for the replacement of damaged slats. A reply to these queries was received by email on 15 June 2020 and is currently being examined.

A second application also for replacement of damaged slats was received on 5 June 2020. Applications received under this tranche, Tranche 17, which closed on 5 June 2020 are currently being examined. The applicant will be advised, in writing, of the outcome of this application when this process is completed.

Pigmeat Sector

Questions (606)

Matt Carthy

Question:

606. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports in place for the pig sector; his plans to increase supports to the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12402/20]

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Written answers

The grade E average pig price for 2020 to date stands at €1.82/kg, which is 10.6% higher than the 2019 average. The current Irish price stands at €1.62/kg, level with the EU average.

TAMS II measures provide grants for capital investment in physical assets to assist the agriculture sector, including the pig sector, to develop their businesses. The scheme provides grant aid to the pig sector at a rate of 40% to facilitate investment centred upon improving animal health and welfare. Earlier this year, I announced my intention to increase the investment ceiling for the Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme from €80,000 to €200,000. This proposed amendment to the RDP Programme is subject to Commission approval.

The Pig Implementation Strategy Group oversees implementation of the measures recommended in the report of the Pig Industry Stakeholder Group. This group has an important role to play in achieving the objectives for the industry as laid out in Food Wise 2025. The increase in the investment ceiling for the Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme was a key recommendation from this group. Other supports stemming from this initiative cover animal health, biosecurity and the LEAN Programme. The Lean Programme for the sector was rolled out in 2019 by DAFM in partnership with Bord Bia, Teagasc and Enterprise Ireland. This programme will continue to operate in 2020 subject to the successful easing of COVID-19 restrictions in line with the Government’s roadmap to reopen the economy.

In 2019, approximately one-third of Irish pigmeat exports in value terms went to international markets. My Department continues to pursue the opening of new markets for pigmeat and the enhancement of existing ones in consultation with stakeholders. Currently, Irish pigmeat can be exported to a broad range of international markets including, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, and the USA. In May, I was pleased to announce the opening of the Mexican market for Irish pigmeat. With a population of more than 120 million, the Mexican market represents a substantial opportunity for Irish pigmeat exports.

Common Agricultural Policy

Questions (607)

Matt Carthy

Question:

607. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide financial supports to the cohort of younger farmers known as the forgotten farmers under the new Common Agriculture Policy; his views on the measures required to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12403/20]

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Written answers

My Department officials have previously consulted with the European Commission on the possibility of including the group of young farmers known as the forgotten farmers under the ‘specific disadvantage’ category of the 2017 National Reserve, which was established using the funding derived from a linear cut to the value of all farmers’ payment entitlements.

Prior to the Omnibus Regulation (2393/2017) coming into effect on 1 January 2018, the European Commission confirmed that Member States could not use the proceeds of a linear cut to fund a specific disadvantaged category through the National Reserve. The only funding option was the natural replenishment of the Reserve, such as from unused entitlements or the proceeds of clawback, and then only after the two priority categories of ‘young farmer’ and ‘new entrant to farming’ had been catered for.

The introduction of the Omnibus Regulation allowed for the possibility to include ‘specific disadvantage’ categories into the National Reserve from the proceeds of a linear cut, but only if a linear cut is required to fund the two priority categories of ‘young farmer’ and ‘new entrant’ in that particular year. As there has been sufficient funding available in the National Reserve from natural replenishment of the fund to cater for the two priority categories since then, the issue of a linear cut has not arisen.

To apply a linear cut to fund the National Reserve would involve a cut to the value of all farmers’ payment entitlements. Such a decision would need to be made in consultation with the Direct Payments Advisory Committee, made up of representatives of the main farming bodies and agricultural advisory services.

Discussions on the CAP post-2020 proposals are still ongoing at Council. Once agreed at Council level, the proposals will then be subject to trilogue discussions with the European Parliament and European Commission before they can be adopted and come into effect. The position regarding the National Reserve in the next programming period cannot be confirmed until such time as the regulatory provisions for the CAP post-2020 are agreed and in place.

Departmental Surveys

Questions (608)

Matt Carthy

Question:

608. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the body that will have responsibility for conducting a baseline biodiversity survey on each farm; the estimated timeframe to conduct such a survey; the estimated cost of such a survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12404/20]

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Written answers

The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is responsible for biodiversity policy in Ireland.

The draft programme for government includes a commitment to conduct a baseline biodiversity survey on farms. Responsibilities, costs and timelines associated with the proposed commitment are not, as yet, agreed.

Departmental Surveys

Questions (609)

Matt Carthy

Question:

609. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the body that will have responsibility for conducting a national hedgerow survey; the estimated timeframe to conduct such a survey; the estimated cost of such a survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12405/20]

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Written answers

The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is responsible for biodiversity policy in Ireland.

The draft Programme for Government includes a commitment to conduct a baseline biodiversity survey on farms. Responsibilities, costs and timelines associated with the proposed commitment are not, as yet, agreed.

Land Issues

Questions (610)

Matt Carthy

Question:

610. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the body that will have responsibility for conducting a national land use review; the estimated timeframe to conduct such a review; the estimated cost of such a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12406/20]

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Written answers

My Department has already commenced work on land use mapping as part of a collaborative project with a number of other government agencies, leveraging the expertise available in each agency to assure the highest quality information is available for policy makers. It is expected that this work will continue into at least the medium term.

At this point, it is difficult to forecast accurate costings relating to the review as these will be heavily dependent on its final structure, the process adopted, and the delivery model that is used to inform policy decisions in the future.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Questions (611)

Matt Carthy

Question:

611. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farms that are carbon neutral by county; his plans to increase the number of carbon neutral farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12407/20]

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Written answers

The Government’s policy position for the agriculture sector is an approach to carbon neutrality which does not compromise capacity for sustainable food production. There are three strands to my Department’s approach to carbon neutrality:

i. reducing agricultural emissions;

ii. increasing carbon sequestration; and

iii. displacing and substituting fossil fuel and energy intensive materials.

It is not currently possible to determine whether a farm is carbon neutral or not as our understanding of carbon sequestration levels from grassland soils is insufficient to be able to assign a sequestration figure at individual farm level. In fact, grasslands nationally are shown to be a source of emissions due to levels of farm activity on peat soils managed for agricultural use.

My Department and its agencies have a strong focus on improving the efficiency and sustainability of Irish farming and have invested heavily in several schemes and measures such as the Beef Data and Genomics Programme and our Agri-Environment Scheme, Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS). We are also actively promoting the adoption of technologies, for example, the funding of Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) equipment under Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS) and research findings for example soil fertility and other mitigation actions to promote efficiency and sustainability.

Furthermore, Ireland is a world leader in areas such as sustainable auditing and carbon foot-printing under the Origin Green programme. In total, Bord Bia has cumulatively undertaken over 200,000 carbon footprint assessments on a national scale to date, a world first.

I am confident that the agriculture sector as a whole will contribute significantly to Ireland’s decarbonisation and will require collaboration, co-operation and collective responsibility.

Pigmeat Sector

Questions (612)

Brendan Smith

Question:

612. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if additional resources will be provided to source new markets for pigmeat in view of the recent reduction in prices paid to pig farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12477/20]

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Written answers

Increasing international market access for agri-food exports is an important element of Food Wise 2025, the strategic framework for developing the sector. The strategy recognises that market entry and penetration is essential to ensure a fair return for primary producers of all meat species. In April 2017, I launched a seven-point action plan on market development. This plan is being activated through a series of actions, which included the allocation of more staff resources within my Department to work specifically on market access matters. This allocation of resources and the progress on the other actions are reviewed on an ongoing basis by my Department's High Level Market Access Committee.

Last year, I expanded my Department's cohort of Agricultural Attachés to include new posts in Tokyo and Mexico City and a new post in Seoul will be operational later this year. The attaché role encompasses trade development and cultivating contacts at official/political level which are crucial to our efforts to gain new market access and increase overall trade levels with host countries.

My Department continues to pursue the opening of new markets for pigmeat and the enhancement of existing ones in consultation with stakeholders. Currently, Irish pigmeat can be exported to a broad range of international markets including, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea and the USA. However, gaining access to new markets is generally the culmination of a lengthy process.

In May, I was pleased to announce the opening of the Mexican market for Irish pigmeat. With a population of more than 120 million, the Mexican market represents a substantial opportunity for Irish pigmeat exports. According to Bord Bia, a growing import demand, which sees the importation of some 1 million tonnes of pigmeat annually, is driven by a growing middle class and greater urbanisation. Imports currently account for 38% of total pigmeat consumption, with further growth anticipated.

In 2019, approximately one-third of Irish pigmeat exports in value terms went to international markets. The short-term outlook for the pigmeat market will be influenced by global supply and demand dynamics as well as by potential further COVID-19 disruption to supply chains and international competition. My Department will continue to prioritise market access both through maintaining existing markets and pursuing access to new ones.

Pesticide Use

Questions (613)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

613. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if plans are under way separate to the EU reapproval process to examine reducing the use of glyphosate use here except in circumstances in which it is required for specific purposes (details supplied); his plans to examine the potential ban of the substance at wholesale and retail levels with a licensing regime in place to limit and monitor use of the chemical taking into account the potential damage the substance is causing to local flora and fauna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12488/20]

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Written answers

The EU regulatory requirements for pesticides are widely considered to be among the strictest in the world, as indicated in the recent European Commission report on the Regulatory Fitness and Performance programme (REFIT) evaluation of the EU pesticides legislation. The EU system for pesticides approval is a two-stage process. Active substances, such as glyphosate, intended for use in plant protection products must first be approved centrally at EU level.

Individual commercial products containing approved active substances are subsequently authorised at a national level by Member State competent authorities. This is carried out on the basis of detailed scientific assessments which take account of local agronomic and environmental conditions and any specific measures stipulated in active substance approval decisions.

The EU process to consider if the current approval of the active substance glyphosate can be renewed has started. A decision must be reached before the existing approval expires on 15 December 2022. The renewal process will involve a comprehensive evaluation of all relevant data, comprising both specified regulatory studies and literature data. It will include the most up-to-date information and will carefully consider potential impacts of glyphosate use on biodiversity. There will also be a rigorous peer review process, involving public consultation and the participation of scientific experts from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Member State competent authorities, including the involvement of Irish experts.

My Department will be guided by EFSA’s conclusions on the EU evaluation and peer review processes in relation to decisions and actions concerning glyphosate.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (614)

Brendan Smith

Question:

614. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific details of the recently announced aid scheme for the beef sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12501/20]

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Written answers

I am acutely aware of the ongoing market disturbance related to Covid-19 in the Irish beef sector and the significant consequences for beef farmers and for the rural economy as a whole. Farmers with finished animals have suffered a dual impact over recent months: reduced prices and a reduced kill. The €50m in supports for the beef sector which I announced on 12 June is an emergency response to a dramatic economic shock, to mitigate the worst Covid-19 economic impacts on these farm enterprises. Beef farming is a significant economic contributor to local rural economies, and thus is more important than ever in sustaining these communities as we work towards economic recovery.

This measure is part of my ongoing efforts to ensure that all the appropriate support measures are put in place at national and EU level for our farming communities. I urge all actors in the supply chain to recognise their interdependence and work collaboratively towards our shared objective –a beef sector which is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable.

The funding announced on 12th June will provide for a support scheme for beef finishing farms which have been severely impacted by the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Details of the scheme are currently being worked out, following stakeholder consultation. The scheme must also submitted to the EU for state aid approval under the Covid-19 Temporary State Aid Framework.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (615)

Brendan Smith

Question:

615. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a financial support package for the sheep sector due to the adverse impact of Covid-19 resulting in market instability and loss of income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12502/20]

View answer

Written answers

My officials and I have ongoing contact with all the key stakeholders across the agri-food sector since the start of the pandemic. 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.

It should be noted that, for the sheep sector, national average price and slaughter volumes this year are above 2019 levels.

Sea Lice Controls

Questions (616)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

616. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the lice levels in Bertra Boy Bay and Kylemore Bay, County Galway; when the waters were last tested for sea lice; the testing undertaken in February, March and April 2020 in the waters; the results of same; if orders were issued to control the lice in the waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12552/20]

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Written answers

The control protocols for the management of sea lice are operated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State.

My Department is advised by the Marine Institute that two aquaculture sites were active during the period referred to by the Deputy in Bertraghboy Bay and Ballinakill Harbour (Kylemore Bay). These sites were inspected by the Marine Institute in accordance with Monitoring Protocol No. 3 in February and March 2020.

Following Covid-19 measures introduced by the Government, the sea lice monitoring programme was temporarily suspended on March 24th. Marine Institute inspection results prior to the suspension for both bays showed that sea lice levels were below trigger levels and no notices to treat were therefore issued.

Following the temporary suspension of the sea lice monitoring programme, the Marine Institute requested all operators to self-report sea lice levels on every active Atlantic salmon farm. This request has been fully complied with. There has been no report of sea lice levels in excess of the trigger levels in the bays referred to by the Deputy in April 2020.

Harbours and Piers

Questions (617)

Holly Cairns

Question:

617. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if dedicated funding will be put in place for small coastal piers in order to support sustainable fishing and coastal and island communities. [12650/20]

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Written answers

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.

The responsibility for the development, and maintenance of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each Local Authority in the first instance and their parent Department, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government thereafter.

However, as part of its annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, my Department provides 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. Between 2010 and 2019, €28.2 million in funding has been provided by my Department under this scheme.

Under this year’s programme, I have approved further funding of €3.1m to assist 10 coastal Local Authorities undertake and complete 58 development and repair projects on harbours and slipways owned by them. The package provides funding for maintenance and repair works in addition to supporting the ongoing development and enhancement of harbour facilities, including some marine leisure developments.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (618)

Holly Cairns

Question:

618. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Coivd-19 fishing tie-up scheme will be reviewed and adjusted to greater meet the needs of fishing communities and ensure more fishers avail of same. [12651/20]

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Written answers

The Government’s primary objective for the fishing sector throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic has been to maintain fishing activity in order to ensure critical food supply lines to the domestic and European markets. For this reason, the Government classified fishing as an essential service and kept the fishery harbours and related support services open throughout the Pandemic. This remains the primary Government objective in relation to the fishing sector.

The Covid-19 Temporary Fleet Tie up Scheme is simply designed as a safety net scheme to provide a further option to fishermen who choose not to continue fishing. It is not designed as a replacement for viable fishing activity, wherever those possibilities exist. As European and Asian markets gradually begin to recover, as is happening at present, it is likely that demand and prices will continue to improve and, in those circumstances, many fishermen will continue to choose to fish and not to avail of the scheme. The Temporary Tie up Scheme, as a safety net scheme, is not designed to attract all fishermen or to bring all fishing activity to a halt.

Fishermen have been and will continue to be able to avail of the horizontal Government Covid-19 supports, such as the Pandemic Unemployment Benefit, the Wage Subsidy Scheme and the banking arrangements. Those horizontal supports continue to be available to the fishing sector and the Temporary Tie up Scheme is a further complementary and additional support to fishermen who choose not to continue fishing. The Scheme is not intended as an income replacement scheme for fishing vessel owners. The Scheme is intended to contribute towards the fixed costs associated with fishing vessels of various sizes that voluntarily choose to tie-up. The supports to fixed costs available under the Scheme 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. Those support levels are in line with the official fixed cost data for the fleet compiled by BIM under the EU Data Collection Framework.

It is up to each fishing vessel owner to decide whether to tie-up for a month or two or to keep fishing. It is, of course, preferable that fishermen do not consider it necessary to avail of the Government’s safety net supports for either income or fixed costs, and instead find profitable markets for their fish. In line with my announcement of the Scheme in May, I will be reviewing the scheme at the end of June to ensure it is meeting its objectives and assess if market conditions continue to warrant its continued operation.

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