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Wednesday, 24 Mar 2021

Written Answers Nos. 2028-2052

Environmental Policy

Questions (2028)

Martin Browne

Question:

2028. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated amount of emissions such as carbon that is sequestered back into farming grassland; the way in which those figures are determined; his views on whether these figures show the actual level of sequestration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15617/21]

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Written answers

The ability of grasslands to absorb CO2 is influenced by a number of site-specific factors such as elevation, soil type, management practices, climate and climatic variability. European studies have shown that temperate grasslands have annual sequestration rates of approximately 1 tonne C per hectare. It is, however, important to note that currently, due to large areas of drained carbon rich soils under agricultural management, grasslands act as a net source or emmitter of GHG emissions in Ireland.

In the past, the lack of long-term observational data and field experiments (under Irish conditions) to quantify the effects of the key drivers of management and climate variability has been recognised as a barrier to maximising the potential GHG savings available through grassland sequestration. To address this information deficit, my Department has recently announced significant investment for the establishment of a National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory. This investment will facilitate the purchase of up to ten carbon flux towers which will be used to accurately monitor GHG emissions and sequestration on a range of agricultural systems and soil types.

The potential benefits of this project are many but of particular relevance to Irish agriculture will be our increased ability to better quantify and model soil carbon emissions and sinks from agricultural land and to include this data in the National Inventory Reporting framework.

Forestry Sector

Questions (2029, 2040, 2041)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

2029. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all fees have been paid by objectors since the new legislation was introduced for the appeals of forestry decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15644/21]

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Jackie Cahill

Question:

2040. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons that have lodged appeals against applications for forestry licences since the €200 appeals charge was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15819/21]

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Jackie Cahill

Question:

2041. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of appeals that have been lodged against applications for forestry licences since the €200 appeals charge was introduced by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15820/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2029, 2040 and 2041 together.

The Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2020 was enacted on 5th October.  I commenced the Act on 7th October, and, at the same time, I signed the Forestry (Licence Application and Submission Fees) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 417/2020) and the Forestry Appeals Committee Regulations (S.I. No. 418/2020).  These regulations provide for a more effective and efficient appeals process and, among other things, for a fee of €200 on all appeals to the independent Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC).

As regards the number of appeals received since the new legislation, it is worth noting that the FAC is operationally independent of my Department in the performance of its functions, including the acceptance of appeals and the appropriate fee.  I am informed that 79 appeals have been received since the new legislation on 7th October, to date.

Full details of the appeal type and county breakdown are included in the table below.  These appeals have been raised by a total of 44 individual or group appellants.  The Department publishes on its website full details of all appeals received.  The FAC publishes details of appeal decisions on their website. An appeal is only considered valid when the appeal is accompanied by the fee.

County

Afforestation

Tree Felling

Forest Roads

Cavan

1

1

0

Clare

0

1

0

Cork

1

3

0

Donegal

1

4

0

Galway

4

7

0

Kerry

1

5

2

Kilkenny

0

1

0

Laois

0

9

0

Leitrim

15

1

0

Limerick

0

4

0

Mayo

4

0

0

Meath

1

0

0

Monaghan

0

0

1

Offaly

1

1

0

Roscommon

0

1

0

Sligo

4

0

0

Tipperary

3

1

0

Wicklow

1

0

0

Totals

37

39

3

In addition, I am informed that since the Forestry Act 2020 was commenced, the FAC received 19 appeals, which they declared invalid as the fee was not paid.  These appeals were for the counties set out in the table below.

County

Afforestation

Tree Felling

Forest Roads

Leitrim

5

0

0

Mayo

0

14

0

Totals

5

14

0

Felling Licences

Questions (2030)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

2030. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the options a plantation owner has for the crop in cases in which an appeal is upheld against a felling licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15645/21]

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Written answers

Under the Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2020, the FAC may, having considered an appeal, affirm the original decision, vary that decision, allow the appeal and set aside the decision or set aside the decision and remit it to my Department.

If the appeal against  a decision to issue a felling licence is upheld and therefore the decision set aside, the licence is effectively cancelled and the licensee may not use their licence.  In these cases, it is open to the applicant to re-submit an application for a felling licence for that area. In doing so, they should examine the reasons given for the cancellation by the FAC and take these into account in any new application.

Forestry Sector

Questions (2031)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

2031. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeline for progression through the system for the 1,500 forestry licences received by his Department that do not require an environmental impact study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15646/21]

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Written answers

The Deputy will  be aware that under the Appropriate Assessment procedures in place for assessing forestry licence applications, some are 'screened in' for referral to the Ecology Unit and others are 'screened out' which means they may be decided upon by the Forestry Inspector without ecological input.

In 2020, for all afforestation applications decided in that year that were not referred to my Department’s Ecology Unit, the average time from application to decision was 4.9 months.

The timeline for progression of applications through the system are now being examined under Project Woodland, which was recently launched by my colleague, Minister of State Senator Pippa Hackett who has overall responsibility for the forestry sector. This project is tasked with the implementation of the Mackinnon report on improvements to our licensing processes and procedures. This includes the setting of targets which will now be dealt with by the Working Groups set up under the project.

The project revolves around four Working Groups, which will focus on the licence backlog, the future of forestry, devising a fit-for-purpose organisational structure and, streamlining the licensing process.  It is being overseen by a Project Board, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department, and reports to Minister of State Hackett.

Animal Welfare

Questions (2032)

Paul Murphy

Question:

2032. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) in relation to the welfare of dairy calves born in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15667/21]

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Written answers

Every calf born on an Irish farm is of value, and every farmer is responsible for the welfare of his or her calves. EU legislation is in place to protect the welfare of calves (Council Directive 2008/119/EC). This legislation is implemented in Ireland by national legislation, namely S.I. 311 of 2010, European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations 2010.

Both I and my Department takes the welfare of all animals very seriously and significant resources are allocated to ensuring the welfare of dairy calves in particular. In 2020, for example, a total of 192 targeted dairy calf welfare inspections were carried out. In addition to pre-planned inspections, reports of specific welfare incidents or concerns are also investigated.

The Department is aware of reports of a very small and isolated number of incidents where dead calves have been reported as being found disposed of incorrectly. There is no excuse for such irresponsible dumping of any dead animal and the Department liaises with other agencies in investigating such incidents.

Last month, I wrote to every dairy farmer encouraging them to develop his or her  breeding policy, taking into account what will happen to each calf born on the farm – whether it goes on to become a dairy replacement animal or has a value in beef or veal production. On-farm breeding policy determines the welfare, value and utility of calves born in dairy herds.

Agriculture Scheme Eligibility

Questions (2033)

David Stanton

Question:

2033. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the situation with respect to farmers entering land lease agreements of at least five years in 2021 and associated entitlements under the rules and practice; if such farmers can be guaranteed that notwithstanding the expected operation of the forthcoming Common Agricultural Policy in 2023 that the conditions in respect of such entitlements will not be changed for the duration of the leasing agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15698/21]

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Written answers

The new CAP regulations are still at negotiation stage and, therefore, it is not possible to give a definitive answer regarding the potential conditions regarding five-year land and payment entitlement lease agreements.

There cannot be any guarantee that the conditions in respect of payment entitlements will not change. The proposed new CAP Regulation may affect various aspects of payment entitlements such as the value of payment entitlements which could change due to allocations of funding within the ceiling. It would be prudent for both parties to lease agreements to take this into consideration prior to proceeding with such agreements.

The discussions on new CAP regulations are ongoing at trilogue stage and the position regarding the entitlements in the next programming period cannot be confirmed until such time as the regulatory provisions are agreed and in place. My Department has consulted with relevant stakeholders and will continue to do so.  I will also continue to negotiate on the proposals for the new CAP at EU level to obtain the best possible outcomes for Irish farmers.

Regulatory Impact Assessments

Questions (2034, 2035, 2036)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

2034. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1025 of 17 February 2021, the timeline for the completion of the regulatory impact assessment of the EU Regulation on Veterinary Medicinal Products EU 2019/6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15712/21]

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Catherine Connolly

Question:

2035. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the analysis carried out or commissioned by his Department into the question of Ireland qualifying for the derogation in Article 105(4) of the EU Regulation on Veterinary Medicinal Products EU 2019/6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15713/21]

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Catherine Connolly

Question:

2036. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has raised concerns at a national or EU level regarding the potential impact of the coming into force of the EU Regulation on Veterinary Medicinal Products EU 2019/6 in January 2022 on the livelihoods of responsible persons that will no longer be permitted to prescribe antiparasitic medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15714/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2034 to 2036, inclusive, together.

My Department has committed to conducting a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) on the EU Regulation, which is underway.  The RIA will focus on areas where Ireland has national discretion with regards transposing the Regulation and specifically where intended policy decisions may impact stakeholders. The RIA cannot be finalised until the relevant policy options have been examined which will be informed by stakeholder consultations and discussions at the Antiparasitic Stakeholder Group.

The Department’s interpretation of Article 105(4) is that Ireland is not in a position to avail of this derogation to allow people other than registered veterinary practitioners to issue veterinary prescriptions. This view has been informed through consideration by policy officials, consultation with the EU Commission and legal advisors.

However, given the range of views on Article 105(4), the Department has sought further legal advice from the Attorney General’s Office.  It is the intention of the Department to make a statement on the matter to all stakeholders when that advice is received.

All stakeholders, including Licensed Merchants, who are currently permitted to sell veterinary medicines under national legislation, such as cattle dosing medicines, will continue to be able to sell such medicines following the new veterinary medicines Regulation coming into effect in January 2022. However, from that date, antiparasitic veterinary medicines will require a veterinary prescription before they can be sold.

The Responsible Person in a Licensed Merchants can sell antiparasitic veterinary medicines but they do not prescribe them.  In Ireland, the legal definition of a veterinary prescription outlines that it can only be issued by a registered veterinary practitioner. A veterinary prescription is also defined in the incoming Veterinary Medicines Regulation as a document issued by a veterinarian for a veterinary medicine.

Several stakeholders, including Licensed Merchants, have raised concerns about the potential impact of this change in regulation. To address this, my Department has established an Antiparasitic Resistance Stakeholder Group which is chaired by the Chief Veterinary Officer. This group has an extensive work programme and its considerations are being guided by two principal objectives

- Protecting the efficacy of antiparasitics which are critical to the Irish pasture-based production model.

- Establishing a regulatory system that is pragmatic, retains a substantive role for existing stakeholders and delivers value for money for farmers

Forestry Sector

Questions (2037)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

2037. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on a forestry application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15743/21]

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Written answers

An application for an afforestation licence and the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme was received in October 2019 for the person named and has been referred to my Department’s Ecology Unit.  The application site is near eight designated sites including the Killarney National Park SPA.  Therefore, the impact of any afforestation operations on the sites and the surrounding area, must be carefully considered before deciding on the licence application.

If the applicant wishes, they may provide a Natura Impact Statement (NIS).  The NIS must be prepared by a suitably qualified person.  An NIS can considerably reduce the time taken to assess the application, as once received, the NIS will be examined by an ecologist within two to three months and a decision will issue once the assessment of the application is complete. 

Felling Licences

Questions (2038)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

2038. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim will receive a decision on their felling licence application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15756/21]

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Written answers

An application for a tree felling licence, in conjunction with an application for the Native Woodland Scheme (NWS) was submitted for the person named in June 2020.  The NWS application is not yet approved as the assessment of the tree felling licence is awaited.

The tree felling licence application has been referred to my Department’s Ecology Unit, as the site is partly within Drumhierny Wood pNHA (001412) and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) raised some concerns in their submission, in relation to the proposed operations.  This Wood is an example of oak woodland on a base-rich soil which is a rare occurrence in Ireland as such areas are usually cleared for agriculture.  I understand it is probably one of the best areas of mature oakwood in the county. Uncommon bird species have been recorded in the woodlands.  Tree clearance is of concern as any such operations may threaten the quality of the site.

The application is now  being assessed by an ecologist to take account of NPWS concerns and the Department will be in contact with the applicant shortly as to the outcome of that assessment.

Common Fisheries Policy

Questions (2039)

Michael Collins

Question:

2039. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a way of seeking additional unused non-national EU quota (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15758/21]

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Written answers

The share allocation of stocks between Member States was established as a principle of the first Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) in 1983 and was based on the average catch of each Member State over a period of reference years (track record).  The only exception to this relates to the Hague Preferences, on the basis of a special recognition agreement of the underdeveloped nature of the Irish fleet and the heavy control responsibility on us when Ireland joined the EU. The Hague Preferences give Ireland an increased share of traditional stocks (cod, whiting, haddock, sole and plaice) when Total Allowable Catch (TAC) levels reduce below a specified level.

Any change to the existing system of quota allocations would require a majority of Member States to agree under the qualified majority voting system. This would require other Member States to give up existing quota shares. Any change to relative stability would involve a loss for some other Member States and therefore poses particular challenges in a qualified majority voting context.

The CFP is reviewed every 10 years and the next review is scheduled to be completed by 31 December 2022 when the European Commission will report to the European Parliament and the Council on the functioning of the CFP.  The review is expected to be detailed and comprehensive.  At EU level, it is expected that all stakeholders will have an opportunity to engage actively in the review work including the fishing industry, eNGOs and Member States.

I will consider how Ireland will prepare for and participate actively and effectively in the upcoming review of the CFP, including the interaction with stakeholders, to prepare Ireland's case and identify priorities.  I have previously stated that I am committed to doing all possible through the review of the CFP to secure additional quota where possible for Irish fishers.  The Programme for Government sets down an ambitious programme of actions that promote a sustainable seafood industry and we are committed to working to continue to build on the progress that has been made to secure a sustainable future for our fishing industry and the coastal communities which depend upon it.

If an EU Member State wishes to seek additional quota for a certain species, a quota swap can be agreed with another EU Member State. For example, Ireland may seek an exchange of quota with another Member State to cover a shortfall in quota (or effort) for a fish stock in an area for the year. Conversely, Ireland may receive a request from another Member State for a quota swap.  Each swap proposal is considered on a case-by-case basis by my Department taking into account the views and recommendation of  the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC), taking into account ratios and market prices to ensure all agreed swaps are equitable.

Quotas are swapped on a temporary basis but continuously repeated yearly exchange is also possible. Ireland has long established relationships with a number of EU member states where certain swaps are carried out on a yearly basis, provided Ireland has sufficient quota available for the stock for the area.

As the Deputy is aware, it is long-standing Government policy that fishing quotas are a national asset and the responsibility for the administration of quota rests with the Minister alone. In Ireland, quota is managed to ensure that property rights are not granted to individual operators. Ireland remains one of the very few EU Member States with a system of public ownership.

While Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs) which permits the transfer/sale of quotas may work for some Member States, it would not work for Ireland where we have a network of small rural coastal communities dependant on our fishing fleet, large and small, demersal and pelagic. The Irish fishing fleet is for the most part made up of family owned vessels with strong links to their home ports. These families have a long tradition in fishing with generations succeeding each other into the industry.

I have no doubt that if ITQs were put in place, our quotas both whitefish and pelagic would be purchased by large European fishing conglomerates, with no socio or economic links to our ports, and landed elsewhere, with the resultant loss of jobs and economic activity around our coast. For Ireland, this scenario would wipe out our fishing industry and we would not get the benefit from the rich fisheries resources in the waters around our coasts.  The introduction of an ITQ system in other Member States has led to the concentration of quotas in the hands of large international companies. Such a move in Ireland would be contrary to the State’s best interests.

The issue of mandatory ITQs formed a part of the EU Commission proposal for the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy in 2011.  This proposal was rejected following a strong case made by Ireland that management of quotas should be a matter of national competence.

Questions Nos. 2040 and 2041 answered with Question No. 2029.

Legislative Measures

Questions (2042)

Holly Cairns

Question:

2042. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on amending the Forestry Acts to provide protection and regulation for trees in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15896/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Forestry Act 2014 details the requirements and obligations in relation to tree felling licences.  A felling licence provides authority under the Act to the applicant to uproot or otherwise remove trees. There are certain situations, outside of a forest, where trees can be felled without the need to submit a tree felling licence. As per  Section 19(1)(a) of the Forestry Act, 2014, one such situation is a tree or trees in an urban area.

The protection of trees in urban areas are a matter for the relevant local authority.  Under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2011, local authorities have a mandatory responsibility to include objectives in the Development Plan relating to the preserving of amenities. This empowers the planning authority to make provision for tree preservation by establishing a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).  No tree covered by a TPO may be felled, topped, lopped or otherwise destroyed without the consent of the local authority.

I have currently no plans to amend the Forestry Act, 2014.

Afforestation Programme

Questions (2043)

Holly Cairns

Question:

2043. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the afforestation rates by county in each of the years 2015 to 2020, inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15897/21]

View answer

Written answers

Forestry will play an important role in meeting our environmental objectives under the Climate Action Plan and, in terms of biodiversity, as outlined in the Programme for Government.  It is for this reason that my Department will be focusing on afforestation applications in the coming weeks.  I am mindful of the seasonality factor associated with afforestation and, therefore, while other forestry licence types will continue to issue, afforestation will be the priority.

Forestry licences continue to be received and issued daily. In addition, there is another 4,500ha already approved and available to plant.  It is up to landowners to decide to plant, once they have received approval to do so, but I would encourage anyone that has approval to arrange financial approval, which is a straightforward process completed by their registered forester and to commence planting.

Minister of State in the Department Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the forestry sector, recently announced Project Woodland on foot of receiving the Jo O'Hara report and work is now under way to immediately to implement this. I am hopeful that changes to processes both within the Department and the independent Forestry Appeals Committee, will bear fruit, particularly to give confidence to applicants and potential applicants, that they can receive a timely decision on their afforestation application.  This should encourage more landowners to consider tree planting.

The Department publishes forestry statistics on its website, which include licences issued; hectares planted and whether they were broadleaf or conifers.

The data sought by the Deputy is included in the attached spreadsheet.

Afforestation

Agrifood Sector

Questions (2044)

Holly Cairns

Question:

2044. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the draft 2030 agrifood strategy will be published; the way in which the public will be consulted in the development of the final strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15898/21]

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Written answers

It is anticipated that the draft Agri-Food Strategy to 2030 will be published in April alongside the associated environmental assessment, including an Environmental Report and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). This will be as part of a public consultation on the environmental assessment.  Written submissions on the Environmental Report and the NIS, as well as the draft Strategy, will be facilitated. In addition, it is planned to hold a webinar as part of this public consultation.

However, this time frame is dependent on the 2030 Stakeholder Committee finalising their deliberations shortly.

Separately, and as part of Ireland's preparations for the United Nations Food Systems Summit in September, a series of food system dialogues will be held. As this process is simultaneous, it will allow for some discussion and engagement on the draft 2030 Strategy. I will announce further details on these dialogues in the near future.

Agrifood Sector

Questions (2045)

Holly Cairns

Question:

2045. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of his engagement with the environmental pillar since its withdrawal from the 2030 agrifood strategy committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15899/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Environmental Pillar nominee to the Agri-Food 2030 Stakeholder Committee announced their withdrawal from the process at a Committee meeting on 25th February. Following that announcement, I, along with my colleagues Minister of State Hackett and Minister of State Heydon, expressed regret at the decision and hoped the Pillar would reconsider and engage in the strategy formation process, which is still ongoing.

At the request of the Environmental Pillar, my Ministerial colleagues and I, along with the Chair of the 2030 Committee and Department officials, met with a range of representatives on 11th March. We listened to their views and again invited the Environmental Pillar to re-engage with the process.  

Forestry Sector

Questions (2046)

David Stanton

Question:

2046. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the further action he is taking to address issues in the forestry and timber industry given the continued difficulty with forestry licensing output; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15946/21]

View answer

Written answers

I am aware of the issues facing the forestry sector and timber industry and considerable efforts have been made to address  them.  Additional resources have been recruited and training, information and guidance has been provided to both Departmental staff and registered foresters and as result we have seen gains in terms of output.

Nonetheless, we are not where we want to be, which is why the introduction of Project Woodland, recently launched by Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who is responsible for the forestry industry, is so important. This new structure aims to ensure that the current backlog is addressed. The Project will involve a review and refresh of our processes and procedures and will include outside stakeholder participation to bring an independent perspective. It will be a task-driven process, with clear deliverable and milestones.

I am confident that the structural changes to processes within my Department will bear fruit and will ultimately give confidence to all applicants that they can receive a timely decision on their forestry licence application.

Forestry Sector

Questions (2047, 2048)

David Stanton

Question:

2047. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has spoken to the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications regarding the possible impact that a backlog in the issuing of forestry licences may have on Ireland's climate targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15947/21]

View answer

David Stanton

Question:

2048. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has spoken to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding the possible impact that a backlog in the issuing of forestry licences may have on the construction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15948/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2047 and 2048 together.

I am aware of  the important role forestry plays in meeting our environmental objectives under the Climate Action Plan as well as its  contribution to the wider economy.  These objectives for forestry are included in the Programme for Government and we collectively as a government have responsibility to deliver on the entire  programme, and we work together as cabinet colleagues towards achieving that aim.

In terms of the Climate Action Plan 2019, the target for afforestation is 8,000 ha per annum and the target of forest road works at 125 km per annum. The Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment are currently in consultation with other Departments to prepare an update to the Climate Action Plan for 2021 and beyond. My officials are actively involved in this process and the revised plan will take account of our climate change commitments to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and beyond. As with the current Plan, there will be a framework in place for the responsible Departments to report regularly on progress made on agreed actions towards delivering on identified targets.

The delays in issuing licences has impacted the sawmills the forestry sector.  My officials are in regular contact with timber industry stakeholders and have made all efforts to ensure that timber requirements are met.  That is why felling licences were given priority over others in the latter months of 2020, with some three million cubic metres issued since last August. Coillte, which supplies 75% of all material to Irish sawmills, is 99% licensed for its 2021 licensing requirement. 70% of this material is available for use and my Department continues to work with Coillte to resolve any issues to make the last of this material available.

A target of issuing 4,500 licences in 2021 has been set, which is a 74% increase on 2020. A new structure under Project Woodland, which was recently launched by Minister of State Pippa Hackett, is being introduced to ensure that the current backlog is addressed and that a new impetus is brought to woodland creation in Ireland. Minister Hackett, who has overall responsibility for forestry, has indicated that this Project will involve a review and refresh of our processes and procedures and will include outside stakeholder participation to bring an independent perspective. It will be a task-driven process, with clear deliverable and milestones.

Along with Minister Hackett, I am committed to supporting the forestry sector in reaching its potential to contribute to Ireland's economic, environmental and societal goals. I believe that the steps we have taken and intend to take under Project Woodland will bring the results we need to achieve this.

Afforestation Programme

Questions (2049, 2050)

Verona Murphy

Question:

2049. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the afforestation level his Department will achieve in 2021, given the total achieved to date in 2021 and the seasonality factor which will see no afforestation from June to November 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15949/21]

View answer

Verona Murphy

Question:

2050. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will intervene in the ongoing forestry crisis and address his Department’s failed licensing system which will see Ireland with record low afforestation, timber shortages and further job losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15950/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2049 and 2050 together.

Forestry will play an important role in meeting our environmental objectives under the Climate Action Plan and in terms of biodiversity, as outlined in the Programme for Government.  It also has a crucial role to play in terms of supplying product to sawmills and supporting jobs in the rural economy.

It has been a matter of balancing these objectives  in dealing with licences, particularly given the issues we have faced in clearing the current backlog.  That is why felling licences were given priority over others in the latter months of 2020, with some three million cubic metres issued since last August. Coillte has virtually all of its 2021 licensing requirement issued, albeit not all of it immediately available, and my officials continue to work with Coillte to resolve any issues to make this material available.

The Department is also focusing on afforestation applications. I am mindful of the seasonality associated with afforestation and therefore, while other forestry licence types will continue to issue, afforestation will be the priority.

In terms of afforestation, the Department continues to receive and issue forestry licences daily.  To 19th March, the area covered by issued afforestation licences so far this year is 1,035 ha.  There are currently applications within my Department’s system covering 9,600 ha which are at various stages of processing, from the initial application steps to ready for decision.  In addition to this, there is another 4,500 ha already approved and available to plant immediately.  It is up to landowners to decide to plant, once they have received approval to do so, but I would encourage anyone that has approval to arrange financial approval which is a straightforward process completed by their registered forester and to commence planting.

A target of issuing 4,500 licences in 2021 has been set, which is a 74% increase on 2020.  A new structure under Project Woodland, which was recently launched by Minister of State Pippa Hackett, is being introduced to ensure that the current backlog is addressed and that a new impetus is brought to woodland creation in Ireland.  Minister Hackett, who has overall responsibility for forestry, has indicated that this Project will involve a review and refresh of our processes and procedures and will include outside stakeholder participation to bring an independent perspective. It will be a task-driven process, with clear deliverable and milestones.

I am confident that the changes presented under this structure to processes within my Department will bear fruit, particularly to give confidence to applicants and potential applicants that they can receive a timely decision on their forestry licence application.

Equine Industry

Questions (2051)

Michael Creed

Question:

2051. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the levels of non-compliance with equine microchipping and traceability; if he is satisfied with the level of compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15966/21]

View answer

Written answers

The legislation governing the identification of equines across the EU is Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/262 (CR 262/2015), as transposed into national legislation via S.I. 62 of 2016.

This Regulation provides that an equine must be identified with a passport no later than 12 months from the date of birth of the animal. The identification of an equine is determined by the unique equine life number (UELN) recorded on the identification document. Equine passports are issued in Ireland by a number of Passport Issuing Organisations (PIOs) approved by my Department.

All equines identified with a passport from 1st July 2009 must also be implanted with a microchip, the number of which must be recorded on the associated passport document, on the database of the issuing PIO and on my Department's central equine database. The Department has validations built in to its systems to ensure that legislative requirements in this regard are adhered to and that all equines issued with a passport from that date have been implanted with a microchip.

All equines issued with a passport prior to 1st July 2009 are deemed to be identified properly in accordance with this legislation and accordingly are not required to be implanted with a microchip.

The Department does not have specific data in relation to the levels of compliance with the requirement for an equine to be identified with a passport no later than 12 months from its date of birth. However, information available from approved PIOs indicates that compliance with this requirement is high.

Furthermore, my Department endeavours on a consistent basis to maximise the levels of compliance.  In that context, equine identification legislation is enforced on an ongoing basis by authorised officers across my Department's Regional Office network in conjunction with authorised officers in the Local Authorities, An Garda Síochána, the Revenue Commissioners and other relevant organisations. In line with the Programme for Government, equine welfare, based on a robust traceability system, is a priority for my Department, building on existing inspectorate supports across the country.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (2052)

David Cullinane

Question:

2052. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total Covid-19-related spend in 2020 by his Department, agency and budget line item; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16270/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department’s COVID-19 related expenditure in 2020 comprised spending on new schemes providing stimulus support measures and increased administration spending on COVID-related costs.

Under the COVID-19 Stimulus Beef Finisher Scheme, €46.6 million was paid to beef farmers.  The Department also allocated €2.7 million to the SBCI Working Capital Scheme.  Under the Seafood programme, €1.3 million was spent on the COVID-19 Stimulus measure under Subhead D.3.8.

In addition, there was COVD-related spending in a number of administration areas, including on items such as PPE materials and IT costs related to remote working arrangements.

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