Written Answers Nos. 487-506
487. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review correspondence (details supplied); if a reply will issue; the steps he will take to address the issue; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3102/21]
View answerI fully recognise the impact the current forestry licensing delays are having on the sector. I am in regular and intensive consultation with all stakeholders to resolve these issues and I also issue a weekly dashboard to update on my Department's licensing dashboard. I have received the correspondence to which the question refers and a direct response will issue from my office to the person concerned.
It is my immediate priority to resolve the issues which have led to this backlog and to issue licences in the volume needed for this important sector to continue to contribute to our rural economy, including our important hardware sector which services both the local and export market. I know too that licensing is key to meeting our environmental objectives under the Climate Action Plan and in terms of biodiversity, as outlined in the Programme for Government.
You will be aware of the delays caused by changes to the licensing system which means that a significant number of cases now need ecological input in order to comply with environmental requirements. We are tackling these delays by means of a systematic project plan. We have invested heavily in resources including the recruitment of additional ecologists, forestry inspectorate and administrative staff, with extra resources to be added in 2021. This has already resulted in an increase in the number of licences issued, and the last quarter of 2020 saw the highest number of licences issued last year.
The total number of licences which issued in 2020 was 2,593, of which, 1,719 were tree felling licences. The total volume of felling licences issued for 2020 was just over 5 million cubic metres, of which almost 2m cubic metres representing 40% of annual output issued in the latter months of the year. This positive trend is continuing this month, with 177 licences issued in the first two weeks of January, which includes timber volume of nearly 450,000 m3. The aim is to sustain and build substantially on that output and ensure the consistent high level of output that the sector needs.
We have also implemented changes to the functioning of the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) and acted quickly to propose and implement the Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act. I have significantly resourced the FAC and four appeals committees are now set up and hearing appeals. The FAC is now hearing an average of 60 licences per month representing an increase of 150 percent. The FAC in consultation with the Agriculture Appeals Office is currently reviewing ways in which greater efficiency can be achieved across the four divisions of the FAC. I would like to note that the FAC has appeals on 189 tree felling licences on hand and have issued decisions for appeals on 95 felling licences since 1st October, 2020.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my commitment to supporting the forest sector and to building on the recent progress, so that a continual improvement in delivery is achieved.
488. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the meetings he had with representatives of the fishing industry between 1 September 2020 and 15 January 2021 regarding Brexit and its impact on the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3175/21]
View answerFisheries was an extremely important priority for Ireland and the EU as a whole in the Task Force negotiations with the UK. The EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement will, unfortunately, have an impact on our fishing industry. However, this impact would have been far greater had the Barnier Task Force agreed to UK demands or had we been in a no-deal scenario which would have seen all EU vessels barred from UK waters and subsequent displacement into Ireland's fishing zone.
Since my appointment in September 2020, I have convened three Consultative Committee meetings of all Departmental stakeholders on 16 September, 21 October and 21 December 2020 to allow for a full exchange of information as the negotiations proceeded and to provide updates on the practical implications of the ending of the transition period. Fishing industry representatives were invited to attend these meetings, along with other agri-food stakeholders, and had the opportunity to make interventions.
I also held specific meetings with representatives of the Irish fishing industry on 16 September, 12 October (with an Taoiseach and Minister Coveney) and 9 December 2020 (with Minister Coveney), to brief industry on the state of play with regard to the negotiations and to hear the concerns of industry representatives and discuss the challenges facing the Irish fishing industry after the UK left the EU and the Common Fisheries Policy.
Following the reaching of an Agreement on EU-UK Trade and Cooperation, on 28th December, I (together with an Taoiseach and Minister Coveney) met again with representatives of the Irish fishing industry, where I reassured them that I fully understood their concerns regarding a cut in a number of quota shares. I also assured representatives that we will work together with the sector to develop the necessary supports and approach to address these impacts.
I very much welcome the opportunity to meet with the fishing industry representatives at any time, and look forward to ongoing close cooperation with the fishing sector.
489. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to introducing legislation in the current Dáil term to ban the importation of non-native bee species in order to protect the native stock of Irish honey bees apis mellifera mellifera; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3204/21]
View answer490. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the importation of non-native bee species here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3205/21]
View answer491. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the controls in place to monitor and control the importation of non-native bee species here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3206/21]
View answer492. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is any analysis of the environmental impact on Ireland’s native stock of honeybees apis mellifera mellifera caused by the importation of non-native bee species here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3207/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 489 to 492, inclusive, together.
I fully acknowledge the important contribution bees make to agriculture and biodiversity as both pollinators and honey producers. In this regard, my Department provides a range of supports and initiatives to encourage and assist beekeepers and the national beekeeping associations. These supports include funding to carry out applied research through the National Apiculture Programme, grants to national beekeeping associations and grant aid to fund capital investments for beekeepers. My Department has funded a number of studies under the Genetic Research Grant Aid Scheme looking at various aspects of this honeybee species and specifically apis mellifera mellifera. My Department also supports the work of the Native Irish Honey Bee Society.
In relation to the importation of honeybees into Ireland, this is allowed under regulations governing intra-Community trade with other EU Member States. The specific health requirements for trading in bees are laid out in Council Directive 92/65/EEC. All imports of bees must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the country of export. This is to ensure that imported bees are healthy and do not harbour pathogens or parasites that may be harmful to our native bee stocks.
The importation of bees is, therefore, subject to EU regulation on intra-community trade.
493. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an application for recognition as a producer group will be granted to an association (details supplied); the details of outstanding issues that need to be resolved in order to process the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3215/21]
View answerMy Department is the competent authority under the EU Common Market Organisation Regulation (1379/2013) for recognition of fisheries and aquaculture producer groups as EU Producer Organisations. In 2020, my Department published new national Recognition Criteria under the CMO to be satisfied by applicants for recognition. In line with the commitments in our Programme for Government to facilitate formation of Producer Organisations in the inshore fisheries sector, the new Recognition Criteria were introduced to make it easier for inshore fisheries producer groups to achieve recognition as a PO. Producer Organisation status has many advantages, including better negotiating strength in the market for producers, financial supports under my Department’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme and certain protections under EU competition law.
In 2020, my Department received an application from the group named. The CMO Regulation provides for a timeframe of three months within which to determine an application for recognition, subject to receipt of all necessary information. On 15 July 2020, my Department wrote to the group named requesting additional information to assist in consideration of their application. They responded on some of the issues concerned, but a response is awaited on some others. These relate to organisational and procedural matters. Pending receipt of that information, consideration of the application is paused. My officials have discussed the status of the application with the group on a number of occasions and remain available to provide any additional guidance needed.
In line with the Programme for Government commitments, I also introduced new financial supports in 2020 under my Department’s EMFF Programme, making available to producer groups seeking recognition grants for IT equipment, office furniture, legal, accountancy and other relevant professional advice, website development costs and costs of room hire etc.
494. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to designate additional ports to land fishing vessels from Northern Ireland, given recent difficulties in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3216/21]
View answerFollowing consultation with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, I have decided to designate five additional Irish ports, for both Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) legislation and North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) purposes, to accept UK registered-Northern Ireland vessel landings.
The five new ports designated are Ros a Mhíl, Howth, Greencastle, Rathmullen and Burtonport for UK registered Northern Ireland vessels and join Killybegs and Castletownbere which continue to be designated for landings from vessels of any third country origin. Under the new designations, Ros a Mhíl and Howth will be able to accommodate landings of demersal stocks from vessels under 26 metres and will operate Monday to Friday from 10am to 10pm. Greencastle, Rathmullen and Burtonport will be designated for non-quota species landings from vessels under 18 metres and will operate from 2pm to 8pm from Monday to Friday.
From 1st January 2021, the United Kingdom is a third country and subject to IUU legislation and NEAFC requirements. This means that any UK registered vessel, including any Northern Ireland registered vessel, must comply with third country landing requirements when landing in the EU, including Irish ports. This is a direct result of Brexit and included in the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. Up until the conclusion of EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement on Christmas Eve, it remained unclear whether Northern Ireland vessels that had access to Irish waters would continue to have such access.
The designation of extra Irish ports for landings by Northern Ireland vessels is an important decision, which will allow fishers in small vessels to continue their livelihoods following Brexit. It is important now more than ever, to support our fishers and fishing communities and to do all we can do help them continue their livelihoods. I am working to make sure the necessary notifications and requirements are in place to have these ports operational from 1st February 2021.
Any UK-Northern Ireland registered boats landing into any of the seven Irish ports will have to comply with additional documentary and procedural requirements as a result of Brexit. Designation of ports is within the State’s authority, but all requirements and protocols are subject to EU and international law and must be strictly adhered to to gain entry to ports.
495. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on his meeting with the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW regarding Lough Funshinagh, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3258/21]
View answerI met yesterday with Minister Patrick O'Donovan, Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, and including a number of his officials. We are very aware of the significant impact on the communities that flooding is having, including in relation to Lough Funshinagh. I will continue to engage with the Minister in relation to this situation.
496. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if concerns raised by a person (details attached) in respect of non-native honeybees will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3290/21]
View answerI fully acknowledge the important contribution bees make to agriculture and biodiversity as both pollinators and honey producers. In this regard, my Department provides a range of supports and initiatives to encourage and assist beekeepers and the national beekeeping associations. These supports include funding to carry out applied research through the National Apiculture Programme, grants to national beekeeping associations and grant aid to fund capital investments for beekeepers. My Department has funded a number of studies under the Genetic Research Grant Aid Scheme looking at various aspects of this honeybee species and specifically apis mellifera mellifera. My Department also supports the work of the Native Irish Honey Bee Society.
In relation to the importation of honeybees into Ireland, this is allowed under regulations governing intra-Community trade with other EU Member States. The specific health requirements for trading in bees are laid out in Council Directive 92/65/EEC. All imports of bees must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the country of export. This is to ensure that imported bees are healthy and do not harbour pathogens or parasites that may be harmful to our native bee stocks.
The importation of bees is therefore subject to EU regulation on intra-community trade.
Finally, my Department carries out an annual food safety and authenticity inspection programme on honey at apiaries, packers and retailers. The inspections include hygiene and marketing standards checks. Sampling of honey at these sites and at border inspection posts takes place for residue testing and to verify if honey fulfils the compositional requirements as required by honey marketing standards.
Officials from my Department will provide an early response to the concerns raised by the person named
497. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, in a specific case (details supplied), a felling licence was obligatory; if so, if a felling licence was sought; and if it was granted. [3322/21]
View answerMy Department has received a report on the felled trees as outlined by the Deputy. The matter is currently being investigated by a Forestry District Inspector and their report is awaited.
498. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of forestry felling licence applications that were on hand on 1 October 2020; the number on hand at present; the total amount in terms of volume of timber and hectares licensed for felling since 1 October; the amount of this appealed to the Forestry Appeals Committee; the further steps he plans to take to expedite the processing of licence applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3410/21]
View answer500. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of forestry road licences that were on hand on 1 October 2020; the number on hand at present; the number of roads licensed since 1 October; the number of these appealed to the Forestry Appeals Committee; the further steps he plans to take to expedite the processing of licence applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3412/21]
View answer502. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of tree planting licence applications that were on hand on 1 October 2020; the number on hand at present; the number in hectares licensed for planting since 1 October 2020; the amount of this appealed to the Forestry Appeals Committee; the further steps he plans to take to expedite the processing of licence applications [3414/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 498, 500 and 502 together.
I fully recognise the impact the current forestry licensing delays are having on the sector. It is my immediate priority to resolve the issues which have led to this backlog and to issue licences in the volume needed for this important sector to continue to contribute to our rural economy and to help achieve our environmental goals.
You will be aware of the delays caused by changes to the licensing system, which means that a significant number of cases now need ecological input in order to comply with environmental requirements. We are tackling these delays by means of a systematic project plan. We have invested heavily in resources including the recruitment of additional ecologists, forestry inspectorate and administrative staff, with extra resources to be added in 2021. This has already resulted in an increase in the number of licences issued, and the last quarter of 2020 saw the highest number of licences issued last year.
The total number of licences which issued in 2020 was 2,593. Over 4,300ha of new afforestation and 129km of forest roads were licensed. The total volume of felling licences issued for 2020 was just over 5 million cubic metres, of which almost 2m cubic metres representing 40% of annual output issued in the last quarter of the year. This positive trend is continuing this month, with 177 licences issued in the first two weeks of January, which includes timber volume of nearly 450,000 m3. The aim is to sustain and build substantially on that output and ensure the consistent high level of output that the sector needs.
Furthermore, we have also implemented changes to the functioning of the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) and acted quickly to propose and implement the Forestry Act 2020. I have significantly resourced the FAC and four appeals committees are now set up and hearing appeals. The FAC is now hearing an average of 60 licences per month representing an increase of 150 percent. The FAC in consultation with the Agriculture Appeals Office is currently reviewing ways in which greater efficiency can be achieved across the four divisions of the FAC.
On 1st October we had 4,832 applications on hand for processing. We have issued 1,045 new licences since then and currently have 4,453 licences on hand for processing when new applications received since are included. A breakdown of these figures is below.
Felling: There were 3,230 tree felling applications on hand at 1st October. 2020; 2,760 felling licences are on hand at present; 774 have been licensed since 1st October at a volume of 2.424m cubic metres. Since 1st October 29 felling licence decisions have been appealed for 474ha/124,803m3.
Forest Roads: There were 642 forest road applications on hand at 1st October, 2020; 684 road licences are on hand at present; 99 have been licensed since 1st October at 37.48kms. Since 1st October 10 licences were appealed at 5.2km.
Afforestation: There were 960 afforestation licence applications on hand on 1st October, 2020; 1,009 afforestation licences are on hand at present, 172 have been licensed since 1st October at 1,638.75 hectares. Since 1st October 23 licences were appealed totalling 306ha.
On the question of appeals received since 1st October, 62 licences have been appealed since that date.
In conclusion I would like to reiterate my commitment to supporting the forest sector and to building on the recent progress so that a continual improvement in delivery is achieved.
499. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of felling licence applications that were on hand by the Forestry Appeals Committee on 1 October 2020; the number on hand at present; the total in terms of volume of timber and hectares approved in that period; the number remitted back to his Department; the number refused; if further steps are being contemplated to expedite decisions in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3411/21]
View answer501. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of forestry road applications that were on hand by the Forestry Appeals Committee on 1 October 2020; the number on hand at present; the number of roads licence applications approved by the committee in that period; the number remitted back to his Department; the number refused; the further steps being taken to expedite decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3413/21]
View answer503. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of tree planting licence applications that were on hand by the Forestry Appeals Committee on 1 October 2020; the number on hand at present; the total volume in hectares approved by the committee in that time; the amount remitted back to his Department; the amount refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3415/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 499, 501 and 503 together.
The Agriculture Appeals Office which was established in 2002 in accordance with the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001, was assigned responsibility for implementing a new statutory appeals service for appeals against Department decisions on forestry licences in 2018. The Agriculture Appeals Office and the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) operate independently of my Department.
Since the Forestry Appeals Committee was established, the number of appeals has increased significantly year on year. In 2020 there were appeals against decisions on 582 licences submitted to the FAC compared to 311 appealed in 2019 and 150 in 2018.
Up to November 2020, there was one Committee hearing forestry appeals. With the introduction of new legislation in October 2020 which provides for sub-divisions of the FAC, an additional three divisions were set up and there are now four Committees hearing appeals each week. The FAC consists of internal and external members. All Agriculture Appeals Officers are members of the FAC. Additional resources were provided to the Agriculture Appeals Office in the 3rd quarter of 2020 to deal with the backlog of appeals and additional external members were appointed to serve as Deputy Chairpersons and ordinary members.
Prior to the introduction of the new legislation in October 2020, the FAC was hearing an average of 24 licences per month. Since the sub-divisions of the FAC were established, the FAC is now hearing on average 60 appeals per month. The FAC in consultation with the Agriculture Appeals Office is currently reviewing ways in which greater efficiency can be achieved across the four divisions of the FAC.
The following tables provide a breakdown of decisions since 1st October 2020;
Felling
The number of felling licence applications on hand in the Forestry Appeals Committee on 1st October 2020 was 315: 31 appeals were withdrawn and, since 1st October, the Committee reached a decision on 95 licence as follows;
|
Decision Status |
Number of Licences |
Hectares |
|
Affirm |
46 |
452.20 |
|
Set aside & remit |
48 |
479.83 |
|
Vary |
1 |
0.99 |
The current number of felling licences appealed to the FAC and awaiting a decision is 189.
Afforestation
The number of afforestation licence applications on hand in the Forestry Appeals Committee on 1st October was 116. Eight of the licence appeals have been withdrawn and, since 1st October, the Committee reached a decision on 18 licence appeals as follows;
|
Decision Status |
Number of Licences |
Hectares |
|
Affirm |
8 |
57.98 |
|
Set aside & remit |
10 |
42.51 |
The current number of afforestation licences appealed to the FAC and awaiting a decision is 90
Forest Road
The number of forestry road licence applications on hand in the Forestry Appeals Committee on 1st October was 82. Two of these licence appeals have been withdrawn and, since 1st October, the Committee reached a decision on 6 licence appeals as follows;
|
Decision Status |
Number of Licences |
Metres |
|
Affirm |
3 |
1,119 |
|
Set aside & remit |
2 |
525 |
|
Vary |
1 |
400 |
The current number of forestry road licence appealed to the FAC and awaiting a decision is 74
504. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated total annual timber requirement in cubic metres of the timber industry in Ireland at present; the estimated volume of timber on hand for licensing at present with either his Department or the Forestry Appeals Committee; if he is satisfied with the ability of the Department and the committee to license the required volume of timber needed to satisfy industry demands for timber; the steps he plans to take to ensure this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3416/21]
View answer505. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the national target for planting of forestry in 2021; the estimated number of hectares of land on hand for planting licences either with his Department or the Forestry Appeals Committee; if he is satisfied with the capacity of the Department and the committee to licence the required hectarage of planting needed to reach these planting targets; the steps he plans to take to ensure this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3417/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 504 and 505 together.
The COFORD Wood Mobilisation Working Group with input from my Department, has prepared the Roundwood Production Forecast 2016 – 2035, which estimates the volumes that are available for harvesting in the national forest estate for each year. In 2020, the volume estimated was 3.9m cubic metres and 4.1m cubic metres is estimated for 2021. The actual amount harvested in 2018, which is the last year for which data is available was 3.6m cubic metres. My Department issued tree felling licences for a total volume of 5.023m cubic metres in 2020. There are currently 2,760 tree felling licence applications on hand, covering approx. 15,000 ha, and a further 189 awaiting a decision by the FAC (3,400 ha approx), which will provide a steady supply of timber.
The target for new afforestation in 2021 is 8,000 ha, as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2019. In 2020, my Department issued afforestation licences for 4,342ha of afforestation and 2,433ha of new afforestation was planted. Afforestation licences have a three-year validity and my Department estimates a total of 4,900ha is available for planting with a valid afforestation licence and not subject to appeal. I would encourage licence holders to plant afforestation and to benefit from the grants and generous annual premiums that are available. At present, my Department has 1,009 afforestation applications on hand for 4,500ha approx. and there are a further 90 awaiting a decision by the FAC (1,100ha approx.).
The positive increase in licensing in Q4 of 2020 has continued with 177 licences issued in the first two weeks of January which includes timber volume of nearly 450,000 m3. The aim is to sustain and build substantially on that output and ensure the consistent high level of output that the sector needs. Since 1st October, we have now issued 1,045 new licences and we aim to grow this output further.
Resolving these licensing issues is a top priority of mine and no effort is being spared in my Department to fix them. I remain confident that the steps taken in 2020, and the additional resources available into 2021, will yield the results required to support the forestry industry for the years ahead.
506. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the arrangements made to ensure that horses exported to the Continent by road using the land bridge through the UK can have feeding and rest periods on their journeys at pre-notified premises; the additional paperwork that has to be complied with as a result of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3418/21]
View answerSince 1st January 2021, following the end of the transition period and the departure of the UK from the EU, both the UK and Irish authorities have put in place a revised system for transport via the UK landbridge.
Health assurance/certification requirements for the movement of horses from Ireland to other EU member states continue as heretofore.
Irish transporters must continue to remain fully compliant with Council Regulation (EC) 1 of 2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations.
For long journeys which require journey log approval, from Ireland to, or through GB, transporters are now required to apply for approval in advance for two journey logs:
- one approved by my Department, as heretofore and
- one approved by the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA);
Both journey logs should describe all stages of the journey including rest and feeding periods. Applications for journey log approval must be submitted at least two working days before the journey begins, and completed logs must be returned to the competent authority that issued them within 30 days of the end of the journey.
In addition, both the UK and Irish authorities will require evidence that the transporter, vehicle and driver hold the correct authorisations / approvals / certificates in both the EU and the UK.
My Department continues to work with our UK counterparts to ensure the availability of premises in continued compliance with Council Regulation 1 of 2005.
