Written Answers Nos. 653-672
653. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the EU funds allocated to Ireland from the European agriculture rural development fund in each of the years 2017 to 2020; the amount of unspent funding in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18836/20]
View answer€2,190,589,653 has been allocated to Ireland from the European Agriculture Rural Development Fund for the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme. The funding is for the full period of the programme and under the "N+3" rule expenditure up to 2023 is eligible to be claimed against the 2014-2020 allocation.
While the Rural Development Programme Financial Plan sets out an indicative allocation of approximately €313m for each of the 7 years 2014-2020, where expenditure in a year is less than the indicative allocation the amount available for subsequent years of the programme is increased accordingly. Thus, the extent of unspent EU funds is measured more accurately at the end of the programming period rather than on an annual basis.
As per table 1 below, expenditure of EAFRD funds in 2017 was €22.4m less than the indicative allocation whereas, in 2018 and in 2019, it exceeded the indicative allocation by €22.7m and €25.9m respectively. Expenditure in the Jan-June 2020 period is almost €64m of the full year indicative allocation but the vast majority of the programmed spend will take place in the second half of the year.
Table 1 EAFRD for 2017-2020 €
|
|
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 (expenditure to end June 2020) |
|
Indicative allocation |
313,007,411 |
312,891,690 |
312,764,355 |
312,567,814 |
|
Claimed Expenditure |
290,583,175 |
335,621,514 |
338,680,234 |
63,971,876 |
|
Expenditure compared to indicative allocation |
-22,424,236 |
+ 22,729,824 |
+25,915,879 |
N/A |
654. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the EU veterinary funding allocated to Ireland in each of the years 2017 to 2020; the amount of unspent funding in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18837/20]
View answerThe EU provides co-funding to support member countries undertake disease control and eradication programmes. Ireland receives EU co-funding for veterinary programmes on bovine TB, avian influenza, TSEs and salmonella.
EU co-funding is based on costs incurred for specific programme inputs and is paid a year in arrears. Therefore, funding payable in respect of the 2020 Programme year is not payable until 2021 pending Commission assessment of the results of the 2020 Programme and analysis of costs incurred.
655. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the EU fisheries funding allocated to Ireland for the EFF and the EMFF, respectively in each of the years 2017 to 2020; the amount of unspent funding in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18838/20]
View answerMy Department's €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Operational Programme 2014-2020 is the vehicle for financial supports to the seafood sector and is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
The Programme delivers a wide range of supports for enterprises and individuals in the fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing sectors, for coastal communities through the Fisheries Local Action Groups, and for control and enforcement of the Common Fisheries Policy, EU Data Collection and measures under the Integrated Maritime policy. Supports are delivered through a suite of schemes, covering measures such as innovation and research, capital investment, training, advisory services, marketing, stock conservation and management, and environmental sustainability.
The Programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union and provides €239.3 million in funding - an investment of €91.7 million provided by the Government of Ireland and €147.6 million provided by the European Union. Our expectation is that funding under the programme will be fully spent.
The predecessor to the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund was the Seafood Development Operational Programme which was implemented over the period 2008 to 2015. No funding was allocated under this programme during the period 2017 to 2020.
656. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farms which are family farms; the average size of the farms; the average annual pillar 1 CAP payments received by the farms; the average annual pillar 2 CAP payments received by the farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18839/20]
View answerThe CSO Farm Structure Survey in 2016 estimated that there are 137,500 farms in Ireland, with 137,100 of these classified as family farms (99.7%). The CSO defines these farms as those that "are operated as family based enterprises".
The CSO estimated that the average farm size in Ireland is 32.4 hectares.
The Teagasc National Farm Survey preliminary estimates for 2019 found that on average the total direct payments received per farm was €18,452, but that this varies considerably by system.
|
Farm System |
Basic Payment |
Other Payments* |
Total Direct Payments |
|
Dairy |
€16,513 |
€3,874 |
€20,387 |
|
Cattle Rearing |
€7,794 |
€6,912 |
€14,706 |
|
Cattle Other |
€10,758 |
€7,172 |
€17,930 |
|
Sheep |
€11,587 |
€7,725 |
€19,312 |
|
Tillage |
€19,519 |
€5,830 |
€25,349 |
|
All |
|
|
€18,452 |
* Includes payments for organics, TB compensation, BEEP, BDGP, GLAS, KT, BEAM, ANC, Forestry, Sheep Welfare and Miscellaneous.
657. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farms which are not family farms; the average size of the farms; the average annual pillar 1 CAP payments received by the farms; the average annual pillar 2 CAP payments received by the farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18840/20]
View answerThe CSO Farm Structure Survey in 2016 estimated that there are 137,500 farms in Ireland, with 400 of these not classified as family farms (0.3%). The CSO defines these “Commercial Farms” as “registered as companies which paid all their workers as employees (including management) or farms connected with institutions (e.g. schools, colleges, religious communities, prisons etc.). All persons working on commercial farms are classified as regular non-family workers”.
A further breakdown of data requested by the Deputy is not available in respect of these farms.
658. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a study will be commissioned into the impact of micro-farms on the domestic economy and on the agrifood sector in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18841/20]
View answerTeagasc published a report on the Sustainability of Small Farming in 2017. The report focused on a sample of farms with less than €8,000 of 'Standard Output' (i.e. the average monetary value of the agricultural output at farm-gate price). They found that 37% of farms nationally were classified as small farms, farming 16% of the total farmland area and producing approximately 5% of the total standard output of Irish agriculture.
In terms of economic sustainability, the report found that smaller farms tended to be less productive and less efficient and employed lower levels of labour. They tended to rely heavily on direct payment support and/or off-farm employment. Collectively, small farms accounted for 13% of the national envelope for CAP Pillar 1 payments. Half of all small farms were classified as economically vulnerable. Despite this, 85% of small farm operators intended to continue farming.
In terms of environmental sustainability, the report found that smaller farms tended to have lower nitrogen and phosphorous balances on a per hectare basis. They also produced lower levels of GHG emissions in absolute terms, although they were less efficient in terms of units of output produced.
The report also notes that small farms in the EU play a number of important socioeconomic roles including maintaining rural welfare; keeping rural areas populated; contributing to the rural non-farm economy and providing environmental public goods such as attractive landscapes.
Teagasc plan to carry out this survey again in 2021, although the timeframe may be impacted by Covid-19 restrictions.
659. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if matters raised correspondence by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18924/20]
View answerI can confirm that the correspondence referred to has been received in my office. A direct response will issue in due course.
660. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the shutdown of the horticultural peat industry in Ireland will seriously impede growers of crops (details supplied) in Ireland and will have dramatic negative effects on the commitment included in the programme for Government to support the horticultural industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18993/20]
View answerThe extent of any commercial impact on the horticulture sector arising from a decision by Bord na Mona to suspend all peat harvesting will depend initially on the level of domestic stocks of horticultural peat on hand, alternative suppliers of peat and the development of alternative growing mediums.
The amenity and soft fruit sectors are the most reliant on milled horticulture grade peat. My Department is participating in a cross-departmental working group led by the former Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht which is evaluating the use of peat in the commercial horticulture sector. Future options around the role and use of peat in the horticulture sector are currently under discussion in the working group.
My Department, recognising the importance of the horticultural sector continues to provide a range of dedicated supports. These include the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture which provides support to all sectors within horticulture at a rate of 40% on capital investments.
On a broader level, the EU producer organisation scheme operated by my Department provides EU assistance at a rate of 50% to Producer Organisations implementing measures that support competitiveness, market development and research and innovation through approved operational programmes. Indeed, in relation to the question posed, my Department is funding research projects examining the scope for peat reduction and peat alternatives through one of the Producer Organisations operating in the fruit and vegetable sector.
661. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the welfare standards that will be used when funding the greyhound sector from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund; the way in which standards will be assessed; and the time period the industry will be given to reach same. [19156/20]
View answerBord na gCon is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Bord na gCon (BnG) is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The greyhound sector has undergone a series of reforms in recent times, including the enactment of the Greyhound Racing Act 2019. The Act strengthens the legal basis for the sector, including fortification of the integrity of the industry. It also makes provision for a greyhound traceability system, which is being prioritised by BnG, and will enable every racing greyhound to be traced throughout its life.
In 2019, BnG introduced a Care and Welfare Scheme to address all aspects of greyhound care, this includes; incentivising rehoming in Ireland and abroad, granting aid to injured greyhounds, and the establishment of a separate “Greyhound Care Fund” comprising 50% of existing sponsorship, 10% of all admissions and restaurant packages and 5% of net Tote. Implementation of the Scheme has been impacted to a degree by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The welfare of greyhounds remains a priority for BnG and was a key consideration during the suspension of racing activity. Between 24th March and 8th June 2020, BnG implemented a Covid-19 greyhound care payment scheme of €2 per day in respect of each active greyhound.
My Department met with the Board of BnG numerous times since June 2019 and has received assurances that the Board remains committed to the protection of the integrity of the greyhound industry and to promoting the welfare of greyhounds. My Department is also assured that all necessary resources are being committed to these ends. All reported incidents of greyhound cruelty and neglect are investigated, and where breaches of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 are identified, appropriate action is taken.
Future financial support of the greyhound industry will entail a refocusing of funding towards welfare initiatives in the first instance, making welfare standards the centrepiece of the industry.
My Department and BnG sign an annual Performance and Oversight Agreement and my Department monitors the achievement of the goals and targets set out in that Agreement. BnG were instructed by my Department to apply a minimum of 10% of the total 2020 Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund to be spent on welfare and integrity.
Regular bilateral meetings are held at a senior level to discuss matters relating to governance, including policies, performance and funding of Bord na gCon.
662. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the project of establishing a traceability system for racing greyhounds is in place (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19157/20]
View answerBord na gCon is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bord na gCon and therefore the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
663. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a felling licence will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19160/20]
View answerAn application for a tree felling licence was received from the person named by my Department in August, 2019. The application was initially referred to my Department’s Archaeology Unit, as the proposed tree felling would take place near to archaeological monuments. That Unit has submitted their report on the site.
Every application must be carefully assessed for its possible effects on the surrounding countryside and environment to ensure that potential impacts are considered. The tree felling site is close to four environmentally sensitive sites and possible effects cannot yet be ruled out. For this reason, the application has also been referred to my Department’s Ecology Unit.
To assist with the assessment of the application, the person named may, if they wish and at their own expense, submit an Natura Impact Statement (NIS). If they decide to do so, they may contact Felling Section of my Department and they will be provided with guidance on what aspects the NIS should focus. The NIS can greatly reduce the time that would otherwise be required to complete the assessment and once received, the application will be prioritised.
664. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of funding provided by his Department directly or via bodies under his aegis for farm safety week in each of the years 2015 to 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19184/20]
View answerThe Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has primary responsibility for Health and Safety on Farms, while the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is fully supportive of their work and assists in the promotion of safe farming practices.
It has not been the role of the Department, or bodies under the aegis of this Department, to provide funding for the 5 nation farm safety week that is run by the IFA in Ireland. My Department has supported the farm safety week each year through media engagement. The farm safety week is an on-line farm safety awareness week.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is an active member of the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee and is in regular contact with the Health and Safety Authority. This committee consist of members from a wide range of bodies within agriculture and looks at how to promote and develop farm safety. DAFM, in conjunction with the HSA, is focused on changing farmer behaviour in relation to Health and Safety on farms. The Deputy will also be aware that my Department has incorporated mandatory farm safety training as a condition of TAM II grant scheme payments.
665. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of funding provided by his Department directly or via bodies under his aegis for Farm Safety Week for each of the years 2015 to 2019; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19185/20]
View answerThe Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has primary responsibility for Health and Safety on Farms, while the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is fully supportive of their work and assists in the promotion of safe farming practices.
It has not been the role of the Department, or bodies under the aegis of this Department, to provide funding for the 5 nation farm safety week that is run by the IFA in Ireland. My Department has supported the farm safety week each year through media engagement. The farm safety week is an on-line farm safety awareness week.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is an active member of the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee and is in regular contact with the Health and Safety Authority. This committee consist of members from a wide range of bodies within agriculture and looks at how to promote and develop farm safety. DAFM, in conjunction with the HSA, is focused on changing farmer behaviour in relation to Health and Safety on farms. The Deputy will also be aware that my Department has incorporated mandatory farm safety training as a condition of TAM II grant scheme payments.
666. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if briefings, correspondence, reports or materials on the appropriateness of effectiveness of use of the Ramsar convention with regard to the draft Commission regulation amending Annex 27 to EC Regulation No 1907/2006 will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19186/20]
View answerThe lead Department responsible for the implementation of the Ramsar convention is the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I advise the Deputy to resubmit the question to that Department for answer.
667. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consultation carried out with An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice and Equality, the Defence Forces, and the Department of Defence with regard to the draft EU Commission regulation amending Annex 27 to EC Regulation No 1907/2006; if all materials, correspondence, briefings and reports relating to such consultation will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19187/20]
View answerThe lead Department responsible for the implementation and enforcement of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) is the Department of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht. I advise the Deputy to resubmit the question to that Department for answer.
668. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the arrangements that have been put in place with regard to mapping wetlands here as defined under the Ramsar convention; if briefings, reports, correspondence, findings, or estimates will be provided; if maps will be provided in shapefile format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19188/20]
View answerThe Department responsible for wetlands is the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I advise the Deputy to resubmit the question to that Department for answer.
669. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the persons or body that will fulfil the duty of enforcement officers per the draft EU Commission regulation amending Annex 27 to EC Regulation No 1907/2006; if materials, reports, correspondence, or briefings on the matter will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19189/20]
View answerThe lead Department responsible for the implementation and enforcement of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) is the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. I advise the Deputy to resubmit the question to that Department for answer.
670. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way he plans to vote on the draft EU Commission regulation amending Annex 27 to EC Regulation No 1907/2006 in September 2020; if materials, reports, correspondence or briefings with regard to considerations on the way in which he will vote will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19190/20]
View answerThe lead Department responsible for the implementation and enforcement of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) is the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. I advise the Deputy to resubmit the question to that Department for answer.
671. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if materials, reports, correspondence or briefings with regard to a new proposed peatland rewetting scheme will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19191/20]
View answerMy Department is currently developing an open call which will be seeking proposals for the development and implementation of an EIP Locally-Led Pilot Scheme targeting climate action on peat soils. This will build on our successful range of locally-led schemes already in operation. The scheme will have the objective of reducing emissions from peat lands under agricultural management and also to protect and enhance carbon storage. The new project will also have to include ways of maximising biodiversity and water quality co-benefits.
The call for proposals is still under preparation and an invitation for applications for funding in the third competitive call for proposals will be announced in the coming weeks.
672. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the person or body the new land parcel information system Agland is being developed by and in conjunction with; if materials, reports, correspondence or briefings on the system will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19192/20]
View answerThe new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) requires strong evidence-based data on which to design new schemes and for setting and meeting targets. The Integrated Administration & Control System (IACS) requires that scheme applications under the new CAP are monitored using Copernicus sentinel satellite data. This would require the development of a significant land use and area monitoring system by the Department as the EU accredited paying agency for Ireland. It is proposed to integrate these required new systems with the Department’s new Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS). The three components will make up a new corporate AgLand system.
The Department is progressing well with the development and roll-out of the new LPIS. This system will replace the current 25 year old system. Additional specialist ICT resources were required to augment our internal IMT team primarily in the design, development and support of this major ICT system. The services of external contracted resources were procured by availing of open EU procurement processes and a contract was subsequently awarded to Version 1.
The LPIS is the Department’s land database which underpins payments to farmers under area-based schemes such as the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), the Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme (ANC), afforestation schemes and the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS).
The overall objective is to ensure the most efficient delivery of €1.6 billion of EU-funded scheme payments to applicants, in line with regulatory requirements. The new LPIS will give farmers a more accurate representation of land parcel boundaries and will be based on the most up-to-date technologies and Ordnance Survey Ireland mapping standards.
The new LPIS was first introduced in Louth in 2019 and was rolled out to an additional five counties (Meath, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, and Longford) in 2020 with more counties scheduled for roll-out in 2021. The Department will continue the roll out of the new LPIS on a phased basis over the next two years, with all counties expected to be live in the new system by 2022.
The roll out has been underpinned by a comprehensive communication campaign to help farmers understand the changeover to the new system. This included regular correspondence and a comprehensive statement of land with details of the parcels held by the farmer and the resultant changes to these parcels arising from the move to the new LPIS. In addition, regional public information sessions were hosted by the Department in 2019 to inform farmers, agents and farm bodies of the transition to the new system. However, in line with HSE advice, the information sessions scheduled for March 2020 were cancelled. Further information on the LPIS as well as details relating to frequently asked questions can be found online at: www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/lpisrebuildproject/
There is also an information line to assist farmers with their queries while current Covid-19 restrictions remain in place. The number is 076 1064468.
