Tuesday, 14 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 826-851

Departmental Schemes

Questions (826)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

826. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the schemes available to community groups, agencies or local authorities from his Department to assist in the development of coastal infrastructure such as piers, pontoons and slipways; the maximum amount available under such schemes, including matching contribution amounts required; the timelines and anticipated closing dates for applications for such schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15163/20]

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.

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, Local Government and Heritage 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.

Each year, Local Authorities are invited to submit prioritised lists of projects for consideration to be included in the annual capital programme. All applications for funding made by Local Authorities in respect of qualifying projects are then assessed, taking into account compliance with 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. The deadline for receipt of detailed applications under this year’s scheme was the 17th of April 2020.

Under this year’s programme, funding of €3.1m has been approved to assist 10 coastal Local Authorities undertake and complete 58 development and repair projects on harbours and slipways owned by them. The maximum eligible project cost under this year’s scheme is €200,000, with my Department contributing 75% of funding and the relevant Local Authority providing 25%. 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.

Harbour Fees

Questions (827)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

827. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to reviewing a charging regime at a facility (detailed supplied). [15246/20]

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. 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).

Charge 9, Schedule 2 of the order sets an annual rate only for swing moorings of between €200 and €300 per annum depending on the size of the vessel.

However, I assume the deputy is referring to Charge 17, Schedule 2 of the order which sets out the rates for the berthing of yachts and pleasure crafts, and has a summer rate between April and September of €150 per metre in length of the vessel . This charge already allows for monthly, weekly and even shorter stays at lower rates.

As the rates and charges applicable in respect of services are prescribed in the Rates and Charges Order referred to above, changes to the rates would require legislative change and this is not envisaged at present.

Departmental Funding

Questions (828)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

828. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there will be an allocation in 2020 to the national reserve; if so, when the allocation will be made; the monetary value of the allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15296/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

On 23rd January 2020, my Department announced details regarding the continuation of the National Reserve in 2020, with the provision of funding in the region of €3 million. This funding allocation has been met from the natural replenishment of the fund without the requirement for a linear cut to the value of all Basic Payment Scheme entitlements.

Applications under the 2020 National Reserve were available to the two priority categories of ‘young farmer’ and ‘new entrant to farming’. The closing date for receipt of applications was 15th May 2020. My Department is currently processing the applications submitted. Payments to successful applicants under the 2020 National Reserve are scheduled to commence in early December 2020.

Forestry Sector

Questions (829)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

829. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans in place for a compensation scheme for those who have land affected by the ash dieback disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15298/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department introduced a revised reconstitution scheme for plantations affected by Ash Dieback, known as the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (Ash Dieback) or RUS on 10th June.

The revised Scheme offers significant support on top of the €7m already spent since the first support scheme for Ash Dieback was introduced in 2013. The scheme provides a suite of options that will give owners the opportunity to recover the maximum economic value possible from their affected ash plantations.

Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme

Questions (830)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

830. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the results of ANC appeals were released; if all failed applicants were given substantial reasons for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15370/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Under the current Rural Development Regulation (and subsequent amendments under the Omnibus Regulation), Member States were required to change the approach to the designation of land under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme.

This process was a lengthy project, involving protracted technical engagements with the EU DG for Agriculture and Rural Development and the Joint Research Centre in the EU Commission. The technical process was completed in late 2018 and, at that time, further to a series of consultation meetings with key stakeholders, full details of the outcome of the process as regards the eligibility status of the lands in question were published on my Department’s website. Some 700 townlands that would have previously been eligible were no longer eligible under the new designation. Over 2,000 townlands became eligible and were eligible to receive a payment for the first time in 2019.

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

The first stage of this process was for farmers to lodge an Appeals Notification Form with my Department by the 8th of April 2019. Following receipt of this Notification Form, a letter issued from my Department detailing the reason(s) for the ineligibility of the townland concerned following the re-designation process and offering the opportunity to request a full review of the Department’s decision by the Independent Appeals Committee.

Following the completion of the appeal process by the Independent Appeals Committee, letters commenced issuing from my Department the week commencing the 27 April 2020, advising them of the outcome of their appeal. Where an appeal was not successful, farmers were advised of their right to submit an additional appeal to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Harbours and Piers

Questions (831)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

831. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount allocated to Malinbeg pier, Malinbeg, Glencolmcille, County Donegal to carry out maintenance and upgrade the pier to a safe standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15388/20]

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.

Malinbeg Pier is owned by Donegal County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development rests with that Local Authority in the first instance and its parent Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage 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, with Donegal County Council having received funding of € 3.1m during this period.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that funding of €3.1m has been approved for the Local Authority element of my Department’s 2020 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Donegal County Council has secured €433,500 of funding for eleven projects under this year’s programme.

One of the approved projects under this year’s programme is for upgrade works to be carried out at the slipway in Malinbeg. It is proposed by Donegal County Council to replace the existing electric winch with an electro-hydraulic winch, which is deemed to be more suitable to this location. This project has received funding approval of €22,500 from my Department.

Beef Industry

Questions (832)

Seán Canney

Question:

832. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the introduction of an independent pricing regulator for the beef industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15407/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy will be aware, there is a commitment in the new Programme for Government to the establishment of a new authority called the National Food Ombudsman (NFO) to enforce the Unfair Trading Practices Directive.

The NFO will have a specific role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland, but the Deputy should be aware, the Ombudsman will not have a role in determining prices for beef or any other commodity. 

Animal Diseases

Questions (833)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

833. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he plans to take to ensure all Connemara ponies for sale are tested first for HWSD irrespective of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15657/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Connemara Pony Breeders Society (CPBS) has been approved by my Department to maintain the Studbook for Connemara Ponies and, in this regard, operates a breeding programme for the breed. Within its breeding programme, the CPBS has identified the presence of Hoof Wall Separation Disease (HWSD) which is caused by a genetic defect that appears to occur only in the Connemara pony breed. Research carried out by the Connemara Pony Breeders Society, in conjunction with Weatherbys, has enabled them to test for the presence of the HWSD gene.

In response to the presence of the problem in the breed, the CPBS has included in its breeding programme, the requirement that all foals born after 1/1/2016 are tested for HWSD and the result of this test is stamped on the horse’s passport. In addition, in 2019, CPBS has offered a discounted rate to test older ponies for HSWD and has stepped up its their awareness campaign among members.

My Department has allocated funding over the past number of years to the CPBS under the Equine Technical Support Scheme to facilitate this project.

EU Regulations

Questions (834)

Matt Carthy

Question:

834. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason his Department did not seek to introduce legislation to place those in industry currently responsible for the dispensing of medication from operating as a responsible person under the EU Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulation 2019/6. [15711/20]

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 Regulation's provisions.

Article 103 of the new regulation provides for the retail of veterinary medicinal products by member states. The specific rules will be determined by National law and it is the intention of my Department to provide for Responsible Persons who operate within the Licensed Merchant sector to continue to have a role in the dispensing of veterinary medicinal products as provided for in the current legislation (heretofore).

Animal Culls

Questions (835)

Matt Carthy

Question:

835. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of cattle culled in each of the years 2015 to 2019 due to tuberculosis for which compensation was payable under the eradication programme by county in tabular form. [15712/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The information requested is contained in the attached document.

*Number of cattle culled due to tuberculosis for which compensation was payable under the eradication programme

County	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019
CARLOW DVO	157	278	127	72	100
CAVAN DVO	999	615	1,557	1,057	1,290
CLARE DVO	1,545	1,304	1,174	1,329	1,341
CORK NORTH DVO	886	1,453	1,668	2,226	2,292
CORK SOUTH DVO	1,042	1,098	750	785	859
DONEGAL DVO	261	367	318	110	229
DUBLIN DVO	60	75	63	179	180
GALWAY DVO	874	954	948	979	1,114
KERRY DVO	1,014	842	1,065	1,416	1,295
KILDARE DVO	148	233	128	180	82
KILKENNY DVO	820	367	490	224	496
LAOIS DVO	425	533	472	673	396
LEITRIM DVO	237	136	238	247	239
LIMERICK DVO	653	835	586	453	333
LONGFORD DVO	152	140	51	196	133
LOUTH DVO	58	156	266	75	154
MAYO DVO	287	234	498	471	393
MEATH DVO	678	1,009	620	831	489
MONAGHAN DVO	538	839	1,098	1,917	1,409
OFFALY DVO	433	480	410	345	472
ROSCOMMON DVO	434	390	407	499	538
SLIGO DVO	310	250	264	450	290
TIPPERARY NORTH DVO	697	914	1,096	1,522	992
TIPPERARY SOUTH DVO	318	519	333	371	409
WATERFORD DVO	273	472	302	414	158
WESTMEATH DVO	493	559	862	725	461
WEXFORD DVO	1,013	600	926	802	819
WICKLOW EAST DVO	659	605	482	547	1,050
WICKLOW WEST DVO	455	575	388	410	335
Total	15,919	16,832	17,587	19,505	18,348

*Notes

Figures taken from the Animal Health Computer System (AHCS). Does not include payments that may have been made manually.

Figures include animals removed following a herd depopulation. Such animals may not have tested positive but were removed for disease eradication purposes.

Proposed Legislation

Questions (836)

Matt Carthy

Question:

836. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeframe for introducing legislation to appoint a national food ombudsman. [15713/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to the establishment of a new authority to be called the National Food Ombudsman to enforce Directive (EU) No. 2019/633 on Unfair Trading Practices.

My Department has been preparing for the transposition of the Unfair Trading Practices Directive into national legislation before the 1 May 2021 deadline. The preparations included the launch of a public consultation process in October 2019 which resulted in over 650 submissions received from individuals, stakeholder organisations and public representatives.

My Department is also in consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment which has responsibility for certain related national legislation, namely the Consumer Protection Act 2007 S.I. No. 35/2016 (Grocery Goods Undertakings) Regulations 2016. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), under the aegis of that Department, is the enforcement authority for S.I. No. 35/2016.

Following the completion of the required assessment of the legal and operational matters associated with the Directive and the commitment in the Programme for Government, I will be in a better position to advise of the exact timeframe for the establishment of the new office of National Food Ombudsman.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (837)

Matt Carthy

Question:

837. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeframe to introduce legislation with regard to the Covid-19 credit guarantee scheme. [15714/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The new COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) falls within the remit of the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and further details will be announced by him, including with regard to the legislative timetable.

I am pleased that, unlike the previous Credit Guarantee Scheme, my Department's involvement in the design and structure of this new scheme means that farmers and fishers will be able to benefit from the guarantee scheme, along with all other SME borrowers.

Common Agricultural Policy

Questions (838)

Matt Carthy

Question:

838. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the position of Ireland in negotiating the future of the CAP takes into consideration the need for local variance within individual states in CAP guidelines to help ensure biodiversity. [15715/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The new legislative proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy 2021 - 2027 were launched in June 2018 by Commissioner Hogan. The Commission proposals, as drafted, involve significant changes, including in relation to governance, the distribution of direct payments among farmers and the environmental conditionality attaching to such payments. Indeed, three of the nine objectives of the CAP relate to the achievement of a higher level of environment and climate ambition, including in relation to the protection of biodiversity and the preservation of habitats and landscapes.

The proposals provide for additional discretion for Member States in configuring the measures available, within parameters which are laid down in the draft proposals. Taking this balanced approach, the new CAP is intended to provide for appropriate national flexibility while also maintaining a common approach and a level playing field. It is an approach that Ireland supports. The CAP already supports locally-led environmental and other measures and the new arrangements will continue to do so.

Negotiations are continuing under the German Presidency. I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work closely with the Presidency, my European counterparts and the European Commission to ensure that the next CAP continues to provide necessary support and the best possible outcome for Ireland's farmers and agriculture sector.

Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme

Questions (839)

Matt Carthy

Question:

839. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if upcoming tranches of TAMS will include provision for financial supports towards the restoration of derelict farmhouses and other buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15716/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The TAMS II Scheme has been very successful in terms of uptake with the number of approvals that have issued to date exceeding 28,800. All of these approvals represent committed expenditure under the TAMS II measure of the Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020. Until such time as these approvals are acted upon or expire, the budget for TAMS must include provision for the potential expenditure involved. Current estimates indicate that the total budget of €395m available under TAMS II for the suite of seven measures covering a wide range of investments will be fully spent.

There are no plans, therefore, to introduce additional investment items such as supports towards the restoration of derelict farmhouses and other buildings under TAMS II.

However, the GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme funds the restoration and preservation of traditional farm buildings and structures of significant heritage value and which are conserved for agricultural use. The scheme is administered by the Heritage Council on behalf of the Department during the lifetime of the current Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

One of the conditions of entry to the scheme is that a farmer must have a GLAS contract with my Department. The applicant must also own the building or the related structure for which funding is sought or be acting with the permission of the owner.

€1.25 million was allocated in the 2020 budget. The grants range between €4,000 and €25,000 and cover up to 75% of the cost of the works.

The closing date for the receipt of applications for the 2020 Scheme was 18February 2020 and eligible applicants were chosen on a competitive basis. The Heritage Council has issued grant offers to successful applicants and it is expected that 80 to 90 projects will be supported this year.

Animal Diseases

Questions (840)

Matt Carthy

Question:

840. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of poultry flocks impacted by an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza in 2020 by county, that will benefit from the one-off financial support scheme announced by him in tabular form; the amount that will be provided in total and on average to each farmer; the basis on which the funds will be distributed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15717/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The outbreak of the low pathogen H6N1 strain of avian influenza affected 14 poultry flocks in the period between 10 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. All affected flocks were located in Country Monaghan. This particular strain of avian influenza (subtype H6N1) has no food safety implications, but does impact on flock productivity.

While there is no legal basis for a mandatory compensation scheme under EU legislation in respect of the particular subtype of the disease identified, a once-off financial support scheme has been established. Any of these affected flock owners are eligible to apply and subject to meeting the criteria as laid down in the terms and conditions for this one scheme will receive ex gratia payments at a maximum rate of €10,000 per flock owner. Terms and conditions including application forms are available on my Departments website and applications for the above referenced flock owners will be accepted until the deadline of 31 July 2020.

Full details are at: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/otherfarmersschemes/schemeoffinancialassistanceforavianinfluenzaoutbreaksoftheh6n1subtypeinpoultryflocks2020/

I want to acknowledge that the flock owners in question have taken the correct action in depopulating their flocks for the greater good of the sector. In light of the significant economic impact this has had on their business, I am pleased to be able to provide some assistance towards the costs of depopulation which they have incurred.

Site Acquisitions

Questions (841)

Matt Carthy

Question:

841. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is in discussions or the process of securing additional property for sale or lease in Dublin city at present; the details of such proposals or discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15718/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department is not engaged in discussions or the process of securing additional property for sale or lease in Dublin City.

The Office of Public Works has responsibility for managing the State's property portfolio on behalf of Government Departments and Offices and the matter of sourcing or securing any additional property would fall under the remit of that Office.

Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme

Questions (842)

Holly Cairns

Question:

842. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason dairy farms are excluded from the TAMS grant in respect of solar panels in view of the fact pig and poultry farms are covered. [15889/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department extended grant aid for the Solar Photovoltaic installation to all farming sectors from the TAMS application date of 6 April 2019 including dairy farms.

This grant aid is available under Animal Welfare Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme, Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme and Organics Capital Investment Scheme measures of TAMS ll.

Full details of all available grant aided investments can be found on my Department’s website.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (843)

Holly Cairns

Question:

843. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has met representatives of organisations (details supplied); and if not, when he will do so. [15890/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am planning to meet later this week the fishing industry representatives from the catching, processing and inshore sectors including the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO), the Irish South and West Fish Producers’ Organisation (ISWFPO), the Irish South and East Fish Producers' Organisation, the Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation (IFPO), the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) and the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association (IFPEA). 

I look forward to working closely with the industry organisations to build a sustainable future for our fishing sector.

Hardship Grant Scheme

Questions (844)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

844. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to visit the Drumkeeran area in County Leitrim to witness the damage the recent landslide has caused to farmland; if the affected farmers will be given a waiver to their basic payment scheme applications for three to five years in order to reinstate the farmland in view of the fact it was an act of God; if a fund will be put in place to support the farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15901/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I visited Drumkeerin on Monday 13th July to see the situation first-hand and to meet local farmers and public representatives.

The terms and conditions for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) include provision for force majeure cases, and these provisions would include instances such as the recent bog slide. Where a farmer is concerned that this event might have an impact on their scheme payments, they should contact the Department to inform them of the circumstances of their own case and to provide any available evidence of the impact on their own landholding such as geo-tagged photographs. Farmers affected can write to the Direct Payments Unit, Government Offices, Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise or ring 076 106 4420. This will ensure that the Department is aware of cases which may be impacted and all such cases will be examined individually.

The BPS is an annual scheme, and thus application is made separately for each year.

Departmental Staff

Questions (845)

Patrick Costello

Question:

845. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated amount it would cost in 2021 if nine additional full-time ecologists were recruited for his Department. [15966/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department is the consent authority for forestry licences. As you may be aware, changes have been made to internal Appropriate Assessment Procedures (AAP) in relation to these decisions. These were introduced in response to important Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions and their subsequent interpretation by the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) and others. These findings meant that in order to grant licences which fully meet environmental requirements, fundamental changes to the licensing system were unavoidable and assessment now requires significant ecological input.

In order to deliver on these new requirements, my Department has and is recruiting additional resources including ecologists, as follows:

- Three new permanent ecologists have joined the Department ecology team, with three more to be appointed shortly.

- We have also engaged external ecological expertise to help with the backlog of files. Four local ecologists have also been contracted provide extra support. Further, an ecology contract with five new ecologists has been started.

A project plan is now in place for dealing with licence applications and aims to make best use of these resources in order to increase the number of licences issued. We are keeping resources under continuous review to ensure that they are sufficient to deliver the plan.

In terms of the cost of estimated cost of additional full-time ecologists, the first point of the pay scale for ecologists recruited to the Department, including the 2% increase due in October 2020, is €34,651. To employ 9 ecologists for one year based on current salary levels is €311,000.

This figure only represents the cost for the year 2021 and would obviously rise incrementally in subsequent years if the recruited ecologists were to be retained.

Sheepmeat Sector

Questions (846)

Carol Nolan

Question:

846. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the approximate number of lambs imported in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020; his views on whether this undermines the sustainability of the Irish market in lamb; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15971/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As a member of the European Union, Ireland is part of a single EU market that permits trade between member states without tariffs or quantitative limits. The Intra EU movement of animals is recorded on the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES). The data provided below was extracted from the TRACES database and represents sheep of all ages imported into Ireland for all movement purposes.

As the Deputy will appreciate, as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, it is not my role to comment upon commercial decisions taken by private entities in an open market. It should however be noted that, for the sheep sector, Irish average price and slaughter volumes in 2020 to date are above 2019 levels.

Year	Quantity
2020 (to 01/07/2020)	200,123
2019	461,552
2018	521,798
2017	492,776

Data from the 2019 sheep and goat census returns record that a total of 3.81 million sheep were kept in the country at the end December 2019 and approximately 2.8 million sheep were slaughtered in Ireland in 2019.

Trade Agreements

Questions (847)

Carol Nolan

Question:

847. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15972/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

A political agreement was announced in June 2019, marking the end of a twenty-year period of negotiations on the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement. The agreement is currently undergoing a process of legal scrubbing and translation, with the Commission expecting to bring the matter to the EU Trade Council in the final quarter of 2020.

The provisional application of those aspects of the Agreement which the Commission has exclusive competence for (including trade) will require the agreement of the Trade Council (Qualified Majority Voting) and ratification by the European Parliament. If agreement is secured it would see it brought in on a phased basis over six years. The formal ratification process for the wider Agreement - will require ratification by individual Member States, because it contains elements which fall under both EU competence and Member State competence. 

However, in the meantime, we have an opportunity to review the draft final report of the “Sustainability Impact Assessment” on the agreement, which was published on 8 July 2020. The Commission engaged the London School of Economics to carry out this report, which is at present undergoing thorough analysis by officials in my Department. The outcome of the study will inform Ireland’s approach to the EU Trade Council.

The EU study is being augmented at national level by the whole-of-Government review announced by former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, in collaboration with this Department, commissioned the Implement Consulting Group to carry out an Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment (ESIA) for Ireland. This report is due in August 2020.

Brexit Supports

Questions (848)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

848. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an application for a BEAM scheme payment will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15991/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An application under the BEAM scheme 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 officials from my Department and it was determined 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 informed them of their right to appeal this outcome to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office.

Fur Farming

Questions (849)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

849. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter regarding a farm (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16106/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department is in the process of preparing a Bill to provide for the phased introduction of a ban on fur farming which will include a prohibition on mink farming.

Along with animal welfare considerations, social and economic aspects in relation to the industry need to be taken into account. The Bill will make it illegal for any new fur farms to be established and will put in place phase out arrangements for the small number of current operators. This will allow for an orderly wind down of the sector and allow time for employees to find alternative opportunities. The Programme for Government 2020 contains a clear commitment regarding the prohibition of fur farming and Department officials are currently preparing the appropriate draft heads of a Bill to facilitate the achievement of this objective with a view to seeking Government authority at an early date.

Felling Licences

Questions (850)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

850. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be issued on a felling licence application submitted in May 2018 by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in making a decision on this application despite assertions made by his predecessor that procedures were being put in place early in 2020 to process such applications; when these procedures will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16110/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The felling licence application for the person named is within the Maumturk Mountains SAC (code 002008) and upstream from Lough Corrib SAC (000297). Potential adverse impacts of the proposed clear fell operations on the Qualifying Interests of the SACs could not be ruled out and, therefore, it was determined that a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) was required.

A letter requesting the NIS and detailing the information required was issued to the person named and their forester on 21st May. The NIS is now awaited and my Department will process the tree felling licence application when this document is received.

Public Inquiries

Questions (851)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

851. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of tribunals, public investigations and commissions of investigations in process; the length of time each has been under way; when each will conclude; the cost to date of each; and the estimated cost of each at completion. [16132/20]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I wish to advise the Deputy that there are currently no tribunals, public investigations or commissions of investigations in process in my Department.