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Thursday, 1 Oct 2020

Written Answers Nos. 391-409

Medical Aids and Appliances

Questions (391)

Denise Mitchell

Question:

391. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the free use of FreeStyle Libre diabetes technology to those above 21 years of age who are on the long-term illness scheme. [28041/20]

View answer

Written answers

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (392)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

392. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will activate all necessary means of attention and support for a person (details supplied); if the case will be immediately examined with a view to appropriate attention and treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28063/20]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Questions (393)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

393. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when applications for the fair deal scheme will be completed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28065/20]

View answer

Written answers

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Fishing Communities

Questions (394)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

394. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27822/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Fisheries Local Action Group Scheme is a community-led local development initiative for the socio-economic development of coastal communities and forms part of my Department's European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme 2014-20.  There are seven Fisheries Local Action Groups, each responsible for a specific coastal region, and each has published a Local Development Strategy for its region to guide its distribution of its respective share of the overall €12 million budget allocated within the EMFF Programme for the FLAG Scheme.

As a community-led local developmet initiative, each of the seven FLAGs is responsible for selecting projects for funding within its region and I have no function in those decisions.  In 2020, each of the seven FLAGs assessed applications against standard criteria and selected projects that it considered best contributed to the achievement of the respective FLAG's strategy.  In addition to the standard assessment criteria, having regard to the impacts in 2020 of Covid-19 on both coastal communities and FLAG applicants, I understand that projects were prioritied by the FLAG's against additional criteria, including in particular their capacity to complete the project in 2020.  Before letters of offer were issued to any applicant, they had to provide assurances that they could complete the project within the tight timescales proposed.  Neverthless, I understand that it is normal practice for each FLAG to sympathetically consider any requests by applicants for an extension and the applicant concerned should discuss this with the local BIM FLAG officer.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (395)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

395. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the restrictions in place due to Covid-19 in respect of the importation of domestic animals and pets through Dublin Airport for onward travel to the UK. [27724/20]

View answer

Written answers

There are no Covid-19-related restrictions in place regarding the importation of domestic animals and pets through Dublin Airport.

Forestry Sector

Questions (396)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

396. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the governing authority over the protection of the forest estate here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27758/20]

View answer

Written answers

The role of my Department is to oversee the development of forestry in a manner which is compatible with the economic, social and environmental sustainability objectives of the Government as a whole.

The Department is also designated as the National Plant Protection Organisation and is responsible for the implementation of the relevant Official Controls Regulation and the Plant Health Regulations. This works involve import controls, export certification and surveys of the national forest estate for a range of protected zone and other harmful organisms.

The Forestry Inspectorate implements the forestry aspects of my Department’s plant health policy, strategic and legislative responsibilities in close partnership with other Divisions of my Department including Horticulture and Plant Health Division and the Plant Health Laboratory.

This work includes

- The formulation and implementation of policy and legislation and the development of related trade and operational requirements to deliver legislative compliance

- horizon  scanning and risk assessment for the emergence of potential new threats to our forests 

- an  extensive programme of annual national forest health surveys for a range of harmful organisms.

- import controls for a range of controlled wood and wood products including Wood Packaging Material to prevent the potential import of a harmful organism.

My Department is also responsible for the national programme for the production of ISPM 15 compliant WPM to facilitate Irish exports.

Timber Supply

Questions (397)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

397. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to a ban on the importation of logs and timber from countries that have an infestation of the bark beetle in view of the fact that not to do so will jeopardise the timber here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27759/20]

View answer

Written answers

Forest pests and disease can be readily transported from one country to another and we need to be vigilant in respect of all these harmful organisms. These organisms may be associated with a variety of internationally traded plants, plant products including wood and wood packaging material such as crates and pallets which can be associated with goods of any kind.

In order to address this potential threat of introduction of a harmful organism in this manner and to protect the health of Ireland’s forest resource, there is comprehensive legislation in place which describes particular import requirements for a range of commodities from origins where the presence of harmful forest pests and disease is known to occur.

Specifically, the Plant Health Regulation EU 2016/2031 and Official Controls Regulation EU 2017/625 which came into effect from the 14th December 2019 describe import controls for a range of wood and wood products from Third Countries and from within the EU in order to prevent the entry & spread of non-indigenous quarantine harmful organisms. 

Under the legislation, Ireland has “Protected Zone” status within the EU for a range of forestry harmful organisms.  This status recognises in legal terms the freedom from their presence in Ireland, despite having conditions which are suitable for their establishment should they be introduced.

This legislation allows Ireland to implement more stringent import requirements on certain commodities than would be the case were these commodities moved between other EU Member States.  In the case of the importation of coniferous logs from continental Europe, Ireland has additional phytosanitary import requirements and controls as described which permit the movement of this commodity into Protected Zones. If the logs satisfy the import requirements they can  move, which is in line with the operation of the EU Single Market.

Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme

Questions (398)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

398. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not received an ANC payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27836/20]

View answer

Written answers

An application for the 2020 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme was made by the person named on 9 March 2020.  Subsequent to the submission of the application for the scheme, it was necessary to process a change in the status of the herd number under which the application for the scheme was submitted. 

My Department is currently processing this change and is awaiting receipt of required documentation which has been requested from the person named.  Once this process is complete, and all outstanding documentation has been received, payment under the ANC scheme will issue once all other relevant requirements of the scheme have been met.

Tuberculosis Eradication Programme

Questions (399)

Carol Nolan

Question:

399. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown of Departmental spending on the tuberculosis eradication initiatives in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020; the number of Departmental inspectors and staff assigned to tuberculosis testing and detection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27941/20]

View answer

Written answers

A full breakdown of the costs of the TB programme for 2017 to 2019 is presented in the table. The most up to date estimates of expected 2020 expenditure on the TB Programme are also presented.

The overall cost of the TB Programme has increased from €86.4 million in 2017 to an estimated €97.3 million in 2020 (+€10.9 million or 13%). In that time, the primary drivers of increased costs have been:

- Compensation +€6.2 million

- DAFM staff costs and admin +€1.6 million

- DAFM paid TB testing +€1.5 million

Compensation increases largely relate to higher incidence of disease. DAFM staff cost increases primarily reflect an additional 16 posts sanctioned in 2020 to assist the TB Eradication Programme at an estimated cost of €1 million per annum. Farmers pay their Private Veterinary Practitioner for the annual round test and DAFM pay for all other consequential testing which occurs. The number of consequential tests has increased since 2017 reflecting higher disease incidence. This cost has been met by DAFM.

The TB Programme is financed by farmers, the Exchequer and the EU. Farmer contributions to the Programme since 2017 have been broadly stable reflecting the mechanism through which they contribute to the Programme. Farmer contributions relate to the assumed annual cost to the farmer of TB testing and receipts from bovine disease levies. The contribution from the EU has fallen sharply by €4.4 million between 2017 and 2020 reflecting reduced funding ceilings and penalties related to deteriorating disease incidence. Based on Programme metrics to date for 2020, my Department is expecting a further 20% funding penalty (€1.1 million) to be imposed in respect of 2020. This will be subject to decision by the Commission in mid-2021.

The significant increase in Programme costs allied with reductions in EU funding has seen Exchequer funding of the TB Programme rise from €41.7 million in 2017 to a forecast €57 million in 2020 (+€15.3 million or 37%). This level of increase in investment is not sustainable.

I have convened a TB Stakeholder Forum for 1 October which I will attend. Attaining TB-free status remains critical from a farm family profitability and sustainability perspective and from a trade perspective at national and at international level. I am acutely conscious that every TB restriction represents a significant challenge to the farm family concerned.  I want to work with all stakeholders in ensuring fewer herdowners experience the challenges associated with a TB restriction and that we work purposefully towards eradication of this disease, thus eliminating this on-going cost on farmers and the State.

TB Programme Expenditure and Financing

Expenditure

2017

2018

2019

2020

 

 

 

 

 

Staff   & Admin Costs

 

 

 

 

DAFM Staff Costs & Admin

€26,924

€27,029

€27,502

€28,500

Supplies

€4,839

€4,376

€4,426

€5,278

 

 

 

 

 

Wildlife   Programme

 

 

 

 

Wildlife Programme

€3,465

€3,635

€4,040

€4,568

 

 

 

 

 

PVP   Testing

 

 

 

 

Farmer Paid PVP Testing

€27,908

€27,746

€27,400

€27,400

DAFM Paid PVP Testing

€7,028

€7,313

€8,541

€8,498

 

€34,936

€35,059

€35,941

€35,898

Compensation   Scheme

 

 

 

 

On Farm Market Valuation

€10,500

€14,255

€14,047

€16,388

Compensation - Other

€3,545

€3,832

€3,674

€3,706

Valuer Fees

€539

€548

€602

€740

Arbitration

€15

€11

€10

€10

 

€14,599

€18,646

€18,333

€20,845

Research

 

 

 

 

bTB Research

€1,666

€1,618

€1,136

€2,225

 

 

 

 

 

Total  

€86,429

€90,363

€91,378

€97,314

 

 

 

 

 

Financing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Farmers

€34,845

€35,101

€34,768

€34,882

EU

€9,851

€8,773

€7,425

€5,420

Exchequer

€41,733

€46,489

€49,185

€57,012

 

 

 

 

 

Total

€86,429

€90,363

€91,378

€97,314

Methodology notes:

- DAFM has assumed that farmers privately pay the same rate as the Department to Private Veterinary Practitioners for PVP testing. This helps derive the farmer paid testing estimate of €27.4 million which is assumed to be unchanged in 2020 from 2019

- In calculating DAFM staff costs, DAFM surveyed internal staff across policy, laboratories, Regional Veterinary Offices etc. in 2018 to determine the proportion of time allocated to the TB Programme. It is estimated that 620 staff within DAFM spend at least part of their time  implementing the TB Programme. 2020 calculations include the sanctioning of an additional 16 staff to assist the TB Programme

- While the EU has sanctioned a €5.42 million contribution for Ireland’s 2020 TB Programme, DAFM is anticipating this will be reduced by 20% (€1.1 million) reflecting deteriorating disease statistics. This would directly result in the Exchequer contribution exceeding €58 million in 2020 based on current estimates.

Agriculture Scheme Appeals

Questions (400)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

400. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers (details supplied) can appeal a decision on land eligibility to the independent agriculture appeals office; if they will be paid their BPS, greening, ANC and GLAS grants based on the findings of his Department while the appeal is ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27978/20]

View answer

Written answers

Following processing of the applications for 2019 and 2020 on behalf of the persons named, a number of overclaims were identified.  These overclaims were notified and accepted by the applicants' agricultural agent.

The largest parcel was then appealed and a Rapid Field Visit was arranged. This resulted in the eligible area being increased by 0.72 hectares.  The result of the Rapid Field Visit has also been appealed and the case has been sent for further review.

The ANC payment has issued to the persons named and any other area-based payments will issue using the current determined eligible area.  This determined eligible area will be reviewed following the outcome of the appeal, and any amendments to payment levels will be addressed at that stage.

Na hOileáin amach ón gCósta

Questions (401)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

401. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara an bhfuil i gceist aige ardú a chu ar an íocaiocht ANC do na hoileáin amach ón gcosta i mbliana de bharr an costas mór breise a thit ar fheilmeoirí na n-oileán i mbliana a raibh orthu beathú beithíoch a thabhairt isteach de bharr an triomach a bhí ar na hoileáin agus an fhadhb a bhí ag feilmeoirí ar na hoileáin beithigh a dhíol amach ó na hoileáin de bharr srianta Covid-19; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [27997/20]

View answer

Written answers

Tháinig Scéim na Limistéar faoi Shrianta Nádúrtha (ANC) in áit Scéim na Limistéar faoi Mhíbhuntáiste in 2015.  Nuair a tugadh isteach Scéim na Limistéar faoi Shrianta Nádúrtha ainmníodh tailte ar oileáin amach ón gcósta ina Limistéir faoi Shrianta Sonracha i gcomhréir le forálacha Airteagal 32 de Rialachán AE 1305/2013.  Tugadh isteach tacaíocht spriocdhírithe nua ag rátaí íocaíochta níos airde ar thalamh ar oileáin amach ón gcósta de bhrí an ainmnithe sin.

Is mar a leanas na rátaí atá iníoctha le tailte suite ar oileáin amach ón gcósta:

Ainmniú an Limistéir

Rátaí atá Iníoctha

Limistéar atá Iníoctha

Limistéir faoi Shrianta Sonracha (Feirmeoireacht Oileáin)

€250.00

Suas go dtí an chéad 20 heicteár agus an chéad 20 heicteár san áireamh i Limistéir faoi Shrianta Sonracha nó cuid de

€170.00

Níos mó ná 20 heicteár nó níos lú ná nó cothrom le 34 heicteár i Limistéir faoi Shrianta Sonracha

€70.00

Níos mó ná 34 heicteár nó níos lú ná nó   cothrom le 40 heicteár i Limistéir faoi Shrianta Sonracha

Tugadh isteach na híocaíochtaí seo mar aitheantas do na dúshláin a bhíonn ar fheirmeoirí atá ag déanamh a gcuid feirmeoireachta ar thalamh oileáin aghaidh a thabhairt orthu gach aon lá mar chuid dá gnáthghnó feirmeoireachta.  Tugtar na saincheisteanna sin le fios sna híocaíochtaí reatha d'oileáin amach ón gcósta, agus is €250 an heicteár an ráta is airde, ardú suntasach i gcomparáid leis an ráta €148 an heicteár atá iníoctha i gCatagóir 1 ar thalamh atá suite ar an mór-thír.

Ardaíodh an buiséad iomlán don Scéim ANC i mBuiséad 2018 agus i mBuiséad 2019 faoi €48 milliún ar fad, agus is ionann an t-iomlán reatha agus €250 milliún. Níl sé beartaithe faoi láthair na rátaí íocaíochta a leasú ar fud na gcatagóirí éagsúla talún laistigh den scéim.

Cuireadh tús le híocaíochtaí faoi Scéim ANC 2020 i lár mhí Mheán Fómhair, mar a bhí beartaithe.  Táim sásta a dheimhniú gur ardú suntasach a bhí sna híocaíochtaí a bronnadh ar 86,000 feirmeoir sa chéad tráinse i gcomórtas le híocaíochtaí a bronnadh ar 79,000 feirmeoir sa chéad tráinse in 2019.  Tá sraitheanna rialta íocaíochtaí i bhfeidhm chun íocaíochtaí a chur ar fáil i gcásanna de réir mar a cheadaítear iad d'íocaíochtaí, agus €187.2 milliún a bhí íoctha le hos cionn 87,000 feirmeoir amhail an 25 Meán Fómhair.

English Version

The Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme replaced the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme in 2015.  With the introduction of the ANC scheme, the lands situated on offshore islands were designated as Areas of Specific Constraints in accordance with the provisions of Article 32 of EU Regulation 1305/2013.  This designation thus introduced a new targeted support at higher payment rates for off shore island land.

 The rates payable to lands situated in offshore islands are as follows:

Area Designation

Payment Rates

Payable Area

Areas of Specific Constraints (Island Farming)

€250.00

Up to and including the first 20 hectares of Areas of   Specific Constraints or part thereof

€170.00

Greater than 20 hectares or less than or equal to 34    hectares of Areas of Specific Constraints

€ 70.00

Greater than 34 hectares or less than or equal to 40    hectares of Areas of Specific Constraints

The introduction of these payments to farmers who are farming island land was in recognition of the challenges that those farmers cope with on a daily basis as part of their normal farming business.  The current payment rates for off shore island reflect these issues, and the maximum rate of €250 per hectare is thus significantly higher than the maximum rate of €148 per hectare payable on Category 1 land situated on the mainland.

 The total budget for the ANC Scheme was increased in Budget 2018 and 2019 by a total of €48 million, bringing it to its current total of €250 million. It is not currently proposed to amend the payment rates across the various categories of land within the scheme.

 Payments under the 2020 ANC Scheme commenced on schedule in mid September.  I am happy to confirm that the first tranche of payments issued to 86,000 farmers which was a significant increase on the 79,000 farmers paid in the first tranche in 2019.  Regular pay runs are in place to pay cases as they become clear for payments, and as of 25 September a total of €187.2 million has issued to over 87,000 farmers.

Fisheries Protection

Questions (402, 403)

Johnny Mythen

Question:

402. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-registered Irish boats that were inspected by the SFPA within the past four years; and the number that received penalty points under the points system regulation SI 318 of 2020. [28004/20]

View answer

Johnny Mythen

Question:

403. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of Irish-registered boats that were inspected by the SFPA; and the number that received penalty points under the points system regulation SI 318 of 2020. [28005/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 402 and 403 together.

I should advise the Deputy that the monitoring and control of fishing vessels within Ireland’s Exclusive Fisheries Zone are law enforcement matters for the Irish control authorities. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, all operational issues of this nature are exclusively for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Naval Service. I am expressly precluded from getting involved in operational matters such as those referred to by the Deputy.

Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's requests to the SFPA for attention and direct reply.

Fisheries Protection

Questions (404)

Johnny Mythen

Question:

404. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of SFPA officers; the number of administration staff; and the annual costs of the SFPA for the past four years, in tabular form. [28006/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Income and Expenditure figures for the SFPA for the years 2016 to 2019 are provided below.

Please note that 2016 - 2018 figures are taken from SFPA Annual Reports.  As the 2019 annual report is in the process of being published, these figures were taken from the 2019 Financial statement which was signed off by C&AG.

 

2016

2017

2018

2019

INCOME

 

 

 

 

State funding

10,016,000

10,731,000

10,302,000

13,005,000

Sales proceeds from disposal

  of Fixed Assets remitted to the

  DAFM

0

0

0

-419,527

EU Project Income

75,000

1,806,626

1,151,870

1,254,144

Net deferred funding for pensions

1,433,000

1,884,000

10,734,000

4,714,000

Pension contributions refundable   to

the Department of Agriculture, Food

and the Marine and the Department of

Public Expenditure and Reform

-336,000

-368,000

-409,000

-454,000

Fee income

4,846

9,249

4,849

6,953

Profit on disposal of fixed assets

32,790

61,055

50,471

181,678

Bank interest

357

23

0

0

Total:

11,225,993

14,123,953

21,834,190

18,288,248

 

 

 

 

 

EXPENDITURE

 

 

 

 

Salaries and related expenses

6,792,552

7,319,008

7,384,930

8,507,442

Retirement benefit costs

1,756,000

1,962,000

10,760,000

4,885,000

Accommodation and establishment   expenses

328,772

412,137

387,364

392,959

Support services

576,687

637,462

886,561

882,117

General administration

1,461,210

2,109,654

2,464,867

3,295,164

Audit fee

21,000

19,000

19,000

26,200

Depreciation

848,498

751,628

1,074,122

1,015,402

Total:

11,784,719

13,210,889

22,976,844

19,004,284

Income and Expenditure Difference:

-558,726

913,064

-1,142,654

-716,036

Transfer from Capital Account

490,723

-1,147,388

602,147

548,240

Salary overpayments

730,000

151,000

0

0

Operating Profit/Loss for year

661,997

-83,324

-540,507

-167,796

As regarding staffing allocations, this relates to operational matters of the SFPA.  This part of the  question has therefore been passed to the SFPA for a direct written response. The SFPA is being advised to respond directly to the Deputy within 10 days.

Fishing Industry

Questions (405)

Johnny Mythen

Question:

405. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of the CFP allocated to training fishermen; the breakdown of the amount allocated to the SFPA, Board Iascaigh Mhara and FLAG from this fund. [28007/20]

View answer

Written answers

I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to my Department's European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme 2014-20, which is the financial mechanism for supporting implementation of the CFP.  The EMFF Programme is implemented through a suite of 18 support schemes addressing various aspects of the development needs for the fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing sectors, and of coastal communities, and in addition some schemes directly support CFP obligations on Ireland.

In 2018, a Seafood Training Scheme was launched under the EMFF Programme with the objective of developing skills and knowledge across the fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing sectors under five core themes, namely: skills, sustainability, innovation, competitiveness and health and safety at sea and on land.  The Scheme has an allocation of €1.5 million over the course of the Programme, which is expected to end in 2021, with a new Programme under development to ensure continuity of supports to the sector.  This allocation represents 2.6% of the overall funds of €57.3 million allocated specifically within the Programme for the development of the fishing sector or 0.6% of the total Programme budget. 

The Seafood Training Scheme is open to SMEs in the fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing sectors, organisations representing those sectors such as cooperatives and producer organisations, fishing vessel owners and crew, persons active in the aquaculture sector, persons wishing to enter the seafood sector and also Bord Iascaigh Mhara.  No other public bodies are eligible to apply. 

The Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) are an implementation mechanism under the EMFF Programme for community-led local development of coastal communities and FLAGs can not apply in their own right for funding under the Seafood Training Scheme.  The Seafood Training Scheme is implemented by Bord Iascaigh Mhara.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara is eligible to apply in its own right to my Department for funding under the Seafood Training Scheme for the costs of developing training courses for the sector.  BIM has no specific allocation within the Scheme for this purpose, but in 2020 was approved by my Department for grants of €91,400.

In relation to the Fisheries Local Action Groups, each of the seven FLAGs has published its own Local Development Strategy.  Each of those Strategies includes a financial plan detailing the planned distribution of that particular FLAG's budget.  The amounts that each FLAG plan to award through grants related to training varies for each FLAG.

A separate Technical Assistance Scheme operates under the EMFF Programme to fund the costs of my Department, BIM and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority in implementing the EMFF Programme.  This includes, among many other elements, the costs of training personnel within those agencies to implement the EMFF Programme and the wider CFP.

Meat Processing Plants

Questions (406)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

406. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a company (details supplied) offering advice or representing persons or bodies from the meat processing industry or their subsidiaries in a capacity on transfer pricing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28020/20]

View answer

Written answers

Consultancy engagements between the company referred to and other parties are a commercial matter for those parties and my attention has not been drawn to any such activity.

Teagasc Activities

Questions (407)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

407. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Teagasc has verified and qualified the science involved in the Bord Bia approved grass-fed standard; the tests Teagasc carried out on behalf of him to validate the standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28021/20]

View answer

Written answers

The development of the grass-fed standard for Irish beef involved active consultation between key stakeholders including Bord Bia, producer organisations and industry. Accreditation was provided by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB).

I understand that calculation of the proportion of the grass in the diet was based on Teagasc modelling for both dairy and beef systems and that was Teagasc's sole involvement in the standard.  The systems of beef production researched by Teagasc over many years have very high utilisation of grass and grass silage, and this has positioned Irish beef to put forward its grass-fed credentials.

Bord Bia

Questions (408)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

408. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the correspondence or consultation that has taken place between An Bord Bia and the retailers, a group (details supplied) and the farm organisations regarding the PGI application; if copies of same can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28022/20]

View answer

Written answers

Bord Bia operates independently of my Department under its own statutory functions. Any details of  correspondence or consultations between Bord Bia and individual groups regarding the PGI application are an operational matter for that State Body.  The Deputy is invited to contact Bord Bia directly at info@BordBia.ie for any further details on this matter. I can advise however of the following discussions organised by my Department on the development of the draft PGI application with a range of stakeholders, including the organisation named by the Deputy:

- in early 2019, my Department organised a conference on Geographical Indications, with participation by the European Commission, Department officials, Bord Bia, and a range of stakeholders.  The possibility of an application for a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) for Irish beef was discussed at this workshop.  

- The Irish Beef Sector Agreement negotiated in September 2019 includes a commitment that my Department and Bord Bia should actively engage with the EU Commission on the development of a PGI for Irish beef;

- A Beef TaskForce meeting in June 2020 included a discussion on the draft PGI application;

- In advance of a September 2020 Beef TaskForce meeting, bi-laterals to discuss the PGI application were held by my Department with Beef TaskForce members including the group named and Bord Bia, following which amendments to the PGI documents published on 14 August were circulated;

- A Beef TaskForce meeting discussed the application on 23 September 2020. 

Further consultation will take place with the stakeholders, including at the next Beef Task Force meeting in October.

Beef Industry

Questions (409)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

409. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the retailers have been invited to participate in the beef market task force regarding the PGI application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28023/20]

View answer

Written answers

Third parties, including retailers, are invited to attend meetings of the Beef Taskforce on specific relevant issues as determined by the Taskforce chair in consultation with the Taskforce members. To date, retailers have not been invitied to participate in a discussion on the draft PGI application for 'Irish Grass Fed Beef', but this will be kept under review as the draft application is progressed.

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