Holly Cairns
Question:460. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on increasing the ewe payment to €30 per animal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38868/21]
View answerAgriculture Schemes
Questions (460)
Written answers
I am very conscious of the important role that the sheep sector plays in the continued growth and development of our agri-food sector, and its valuable contribution to the rural economy.
The strong performance of the sector in 2020 has continued into 2021 and I am delighted that farmers are being rewarded from the market for their hard work. Reductions in production globally and increased demand are expected to support continued strong performance throughout 2021. The current average price is €6.17 per kg, which is 21% above the same period last year.
The Sheep Welfare Scheme was introduced in December 2016 as part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme, having been agreed with the European Commission. In the four years of the scheme to date, €66.9 million has been paid to 18,268 farmers. The Sheep Welfare scheme has been extended in 2021 as part of the transition arrangements prior to the next CAP.
There are currently no plans to increase the rate of payment under the Sheep Welfare Scheme.
I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to supporting the sustainable development of the sheep sector.
Forestry Sector
Questions (461)
Paul Kehoe
Question:461. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expected percentage of felling licence applicants screened in for appropriate assessment which will no longer require Natura impact statements following the issuing of circular 08/2021; the expected improvements in licensing output; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38883/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Department has recently reviewed the systems for the preparation of Appropriate Assessment Screening Determinations, Appropriate Assessment Reports and Appropriate Assessment Determinations. Improvements have been made to the system to optimise the time of the ecologists to concentrate on the ecology aspects of each application. These improvements are outlined in Circular 8 of 2021.
Circular 8 of 2021 advises registered foresters to submit NISs when sought by the Department. In most cases, the Appropriate Assessment will be done by the Department without an applicant's NIS but with site information, project information and a detailed harvest plan. In some cases, a greater level of ecology input will be required from the applicant and this will be decided on a case by case basis by the Department's ecologists.
Using the system improvements and additional staff resources, June was the highest month for the issuing of private felling licences in over five years and included 226 private felling licences or an average rate of over 50 private felling licences a week. In total, the Department was issuing an average of 95 licences over the last seven weeks which was a 50% increase on previous weeks this year.
This will not be possible in July and early August because of the introduction of a consultation period of 30 days for cases that are undergoing Appropriate Assessment but output will increase again in September. Continued high output will also depend on receiving good quality harvest plans from applicants and their agents and good quality NIS’s where sought along with Minister- of -State Pippa Hackett who has overall responsibility for the sector. I am committed to continuing to drive improvements in the sector.
Fishing Industry
Questions (462)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:462. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to introduce a temporary tie-up scheme for fishing boats as part of the response to the changes brought about by Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38888/21]
View answerWritten answers
In March 2021, I established a Seafood Sector Task Force to examine the negative impacts of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the UK on Ireland's fishing fleet and on related coastal communities and to recommend mitigation measures to me that could be taken to provide supports for development and restructuring in order to ensure a profitable and sustainable fishing fleet and to identify opportunities for jobs and economic activity in coastal communities dependent on fishing.
On 9th June, I received an Interim Report of the Task Force, with the Final report due later this year. The Interim Report recommends the implementation, on a voluntary basis, of a temporary fleet tie-up scheme for certain segments of the fishing fleet, to mitigate the loss of income in 2021 for these fleets arising from the TCA quota reductions. Eligible vessels would be able to cease fishing for one calendar month only over the period September to December 2021 and receive compensation based on average monthly income in the pre-Covid, pre-Brexit years 2018/19, minus variable costs they will not incur while tied-up (fuel and food). The Interim Report recommends that this scheme be funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. A State Aid approval from the European Commission is also required.
I welcome the recommendation of the Task Force on the proposed scheme and it is being considered as a matter of urgency.
Fishing Industry
Questions (463)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:463. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to introduce a decommissioning scheme for fishing boats in view of the significant loss of quota by the Irish fishing fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38889/21]
View answerWritten answers
In March 2021, I established a Seafood Sector Task Force to examine the negative impacts of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the UK on Ireland's fishing fleet and on related coastal communities and to recommend mitigation measures to me that could be taken to provide supports for development and restructuring in order to ensure a profitable and sustainable fishing fleet and to identify opportunities for jobs and economic activity in coastal communities dependent on fishing.
On 9th June I received an Interim Report of the Task Force which recommends the implementation, on a voluntary basis, of a temporary fleet tie-up scheme for certain segments of the fishing fleet, to mitigate the loss of income in 2021 for these fleets arising from the TCA quota reductions. The Interim Report recommends that this scheme be funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. A State Aid approval from the European Commission is also required.
The Final Report, due later this year, will include other Task Force proposals to support our fishing sector and our coastal communities that are dependent on fishing. Such proposals may include a recommendation to restructure our fishing fleet.
I await receipt of the Final Report and will give due consideration to any proposals made by the Task Force.
Horticulture Sector
Questions (464)
Brendan Smith
Question:464. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will introduce as a matter of urgency to ensure that there is an adequate supply of domestic peat for the mushroom and horticulture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38911/21]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to peat extraction, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has no involvement in its regulation. This is a planning process under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and an Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) license process, under the remit of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
Following the publication of the review of the use of Peat Moss in the Horticultural Industry report, I am aware that Minister of State Malcolm Noonan proposed the establishment of a working group to include representatives from relevant Government Departments and State Agencies, Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations and industry stakeholders under an independent chairperson to examine the issues identified during the review. In this respect, the working group are addressing the key issues raised in the report itself, including future use of peat by the horticulture sector. The independent working group sent an interim report to Minister Noonan at the end of May for his consideration. Minister Noonan and his officials are currently examining the report.
In addition to these developments, DAFM is actively looking at alternatives to peat and has funded two research projects to date. It has also recently sought further research be conducted here to explore alternatives to peat based growing media for horticultural production in this area in its latest Research Call for 2021. These must be available, affordable and sustainable and meet quality as well as environmental requirements.
DAFM also provides a support to the horticulture industry through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Horticulture Sector. Financial support is available to assist growers and businesses through grant aid for capital investments in specialised plant and equipment including renewable energy, as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production. A 50% budget increase to €9 million has been secured for 2021 reflecting the importance of the sector. This Scheme is 100% funded by the Irish Government.
In addition, the Department administers the EU Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables which allows growers jointly market their production in order to strengthen the position of producers in the marketplace.
Horticulture Sector
Questions (465)
Brendan Smith
Question:465. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that the concerns of the mushroom and horticulture sector in relation to the harvesting of horticultural peat are addressed in view of the importance of peat for that sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38912/21]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to peat extraction, the Department has no involvement in its regulation. This is a planning process under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and an Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) license process, under the remit of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
Following the publication of the review of the use of Peat Moss in the Horticultural Industry report, Minister Noonan proposed the establishment of a working group to include representatives from relevant Government Departments and State Agencies, Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations and industry stakeholders under an independent chairperson to examine the issues identified during the review. In this respect, the working group are addressing the key issues raised in the report itself, including future use of peat by the horticulture sector. The independent working group the working group sent an interim report to Minister Noonan at the end of May for his consideration. Minister Noonan and his officials are currently examining the report.
In addition to these developments, the Department is actively looking at alternatives to peat and has funded two research projects to date. It has also recently sought further research be conducted here to explore alternatives to peat based growing media for horticultural production in this area in its latest Research Call for 2021. These must be available, affordable and sustainable and meet quality as well as environmental requirements.
The Department also provides a support to the horticulture industry through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Horticulture Sector. Financial support is available to assist growers and businesses through grant aid for capital investments in specialised plant and equipment including renewable energy, as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production. A 50% budget increase to €9 million has been secured for 2021 reflecting the importance of the sector. This Scheme is 100% funded by the Irish Government.
In addition, the Department administers the EU Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables which allows growers jointly market their production in order to strengthen the position of producers in the marketplace.
Food Industry
Questions (466)
Bernard Durkan
Question:466. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which negotiations are taking place with or through the EU to address Brexit related issues in respect of Irish food exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38943/21]
View answerWritten answers
The EU – UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) came into effect on 1st January 2021. This created a new framework for the EU-UK trading relationship now that the UK is outside the Single Market and Customs Union.
Although some of the UK's import controls have been in place since 1st January, other requirements are coming into effect on a phased basis, with the next phase commencing on 1st October. The EU is engaging the UK bilaterally on these requirements. This is being augmented by regular engagement between the Department and the UK authorities across the range of additional requirements that Irish food exports will face from 1st October.
I would have preferred a more comprehensive arrangement in the TCA that included an SPS agreement that eased the process of moving agri-food goods between the EU and the UK. However, the UK was not prepared to commit to the extent of regulatory alignment with EU rules that would have been required in order to facilitate such an SPS agreement.
Discussions with the UK are also underway in accordance with the provisions of the TCA. The overarching body that will monitor the agreement and ensure its implementation is the Partnership Council. This will be supported by a number of committees and working groups, including the Trade Specialised Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.
Effective implementation of the TCA is a priority, and I welcomed the first meeting of the Partnership Council of the TCA in June of this year. Further meetings of the Committees under the TCA will be held over the coming months, including on Fisheries, which is expected to take place on 20th July. The SPS Committee is expected to be held later in the year, around September or October.
The EU and UK will be represented on these Committees, and Member States, including Ireland, will participate in meetings as part of the EU delegation. As part of this process, the Department is engaging closely with our EU partners to ensure that our key interests are protected and advanced.
Brexit Issues
Questions (467)
Bernard Durkan
Question:467. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to ensure that the Northern Ireland Protocol is not used as a means to selectively target Irish food exports to the UK or elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38944/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Ireland – Northern Ireland Protocol provides a legally operative solution that avoids a hard border on the island of Ireland, protects the all-island economy and the Good Friday Agreement, and safeguards the integrity of the EU Single Market.
To achieve this, Northern Ireland will continue to apply the European Union’s Customs Code and will remain aligned to all EU legislation listed in Annex 2 of the Protocol, including the SPS rules of the Single Market. As a result, there are no new SPS checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
However, goods originating in Northern Ireland are of UK origin from a customs perspective. This means that Irish agri-food products containing inputs from Northern Ireland may not be able to avail of preferential tariff rates provided for in EU Free Trade Agreements with third countries. This specific issue essentially does not arise for exports to countries where no FTA exists, or for Irish food exports to the EU or the UK.
The Commission has been clear that existing FTAs cannot be renegotiated to account for Brexit. Future FTAs could have different rules of origin so as to prevent this issue arising, where strong economic justification can be made.
It’s important to be clear that this is not a case of the Protocol being used to selectively target Irish food exports. This issue would have arisen regardless of whether the Protocol was agreed or not and is a consequence of the UK’s departure from the EU.
Brexit Issues
Questions (468)
Bernard Durkan
Question:468. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he and his Department are engaged in addressing Brexit related issues likely to impact on Irish food exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38945/21]
View answerWritten answers
The UK is now operating outside the EU Single Market and Customs Union, and we are trading with the UK (excluding Northern Ireland) as we do with other non-EU countries.
The UK Government sets its own import policy, and is introducing new controls on imports from the EU on a phased basis. From 1st October 2021, export health certificates will be required to accompany products of animal origin to Great Britain, and pre-notification to the UK authorities will be necessary. Seamless trade with Great Britain is no longer possible, and impacts such as delays, additional costs and, potentially, adjustments to supply chains, are unavoidable.
To mitigate these impacts, the Department is progressing a range of activities to support Irish businesses exporting to GB. The Department has invested significantly in developing our IT systems to process documentation post-Brexit, and to putting the necessary staffing resources in place to support this work. Export health certification will be provided through the Department’s existing IT systems - systems that have been specifically developed for Brexit - and through the EU Trade Control And Expert System (TRACES).
Ongoing consultation and communications are also taking place with the industry, including logistics companies, in order to enhance its readiness. Trials are ongoing across a range of commodities with industry partners, and additional trials are planned throughout the summer. Learnings are being shared through case studies, webinars and direct engagement.
The Department also continues to engage regularly with the UK’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, including at senior official level, to press for decisions on outstanding issues, including pre-notification periods and details to be pre-notified, certification queries, requirements for products transiting the landbridge, and Border Control Post infrastructure and procedures in British ports.
Food Safety
Questions (469)
Bernard Durkan
Question:469. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the rules governing food imports into the EU perform to the highest standards in husbandry, production and traceability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38946/21]
View answerWritten answers
The import of products of animal origin from third countries is governed by a comprehensive and robust legislative framework laid down at EU level, controlled by Member States in the first instance, and audited by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Food Safety to ensure compliance with all of the relevant food safety standards. The legislation imposes health and supervisory requirements designed to ensure that imported products meet standards equivalent to those required for production and trade between Member States.
Veterinary checks are carried out by staff from the Department on consignments of foods of animal origin imported from third countries at designated Border Control Posts. All such consignments are subject to checks which include a range of documentary, identity checks and physical checks. This includes that sampling of products are carried out according to European regulations. Import control procedures on products of animal and fish origin are highly prescriptive and are strictly audited by the Directorate to ensure compliance. Inspection finding reports are published on the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety’s website.
This comprehensive and robust legislative framework and the checks carried out by the relevant competent authorities across EU member states ensure that imports meet the requisite standards.
Food Industry
Questions (470, 471, 473)
Bernard Durkan
Question:470. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to ensure the sustainable development of the food industry here, notwithstanding Brexit-related issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38947/21]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:471. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to liaise with his Government colleagues in order to ensure the sustainable and viable development of the agri-food sector and the fundamental importance of same and the need to reduce carbon emissions; if he remains satisfied that both objectives can be achieved without damaging the other; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38948/21]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:473. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ensure the future of the agri-food sector here on a sustainable basis given the high level of sustainability already achieved by the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38950/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 470, 471 and 473 together.
The agri-food sector has benefited from an approach to strategic planning through the development of 10-year stakeholder-led strategies, updated every five years. Since their inception 20 years ago, up to the current Food Wise 2025 plan, these strategies have ensured that the sector has a coherent vision and strategy to underpin the sector’s continued development. The development of a new strategy for the agri-food sector is a key commitment of the Programme for Government, which called for an ambitious blueprint for the sector for the years ahead, adding value sustainably into the future, with a strategic focus on environmental protection.
The need to improve sustainability in all its forms, environmental, economic and social, has been at the core of the deliberations of the Stakeholder Committee established to develop the new Strategy. A draft of this Strategy was published in April as part of a public consultation and it sets a vision for Ireland to become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems over the period to 2030. This vision will see Ireland’s agri-food sector continuing to produce safe, nutritious, high-value food while protecting and enhancing our environment and contributing to vibrant rural and coastal communities and the national economy.
It is clear from the draft Strategy that careful consideration has been given to the issue of meeting environmental targets, while also supporting the ongoing development and viability of the agri-food sector. The draft Strategy has established four high level Missions and these in effect will guide the sector to achieving the triple objectives of economic, environmental and social sustainability:
- A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector.
- Viable and Resilient Primary Producers, with Enhanced Wellbeing
- Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad.
- And An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent.
It is also worth noting that the draft Strategy has set challenging environmental metrics for the sector to achieve, including the over-arching ambition to develop a climate neutral sector by 2050, with substantial verifiable progress by 2030. I note that a series of well-thought out actions are contained in the Strategy to help deliver on that ambition. These build on the Ag Climatise Climate & Air Roadmap for the Agriculture Sector that I launched in December last.
I am confident that the new Strategy will serve the sector well and that its vision can be achieved, notwithstanding the challenges that exist in terms of sustainability, dealing with the aftermath of Brexit and building back better after COVID-19. Working together we will become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems over the period to 2030.
Question No. 471 answered with Question No. 470.
Agriculture Industry
Questions (472, 474, 475, 477)
Bernard Durkan
Question:472. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total production in the dairy sector here in each of the past five years to date; the degree to which action has been taken to minimise greenhouse gases associated with the sector in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38949/21]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:474. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which beef production has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38951/21]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:475. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the poultry production sector here continues to maintain production and sustainability throughout the poultry sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38952/21]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:477. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which sustainable production levels continue to be maintained in the beef, dairy, poultry, pig meat and lamb sectors; the potential for growth in the future; the extent to which measures continue to be taken to limit the growth of greenhouse gases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38956/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 472, 474, 475 and 477 together.
I am very aware of the contribution of the meat and dairy sectors to Irish agri-food as a whole, supporting significant levels of direct employment as well as their role in supporting rural economies and the wider national economy. The Department and I continue to prioritise supporting the sustainable development of these sectors including through targeted supports aimed at supporting primary producers to increase the environmental and economic efficiency of their operations.
Despite a challenging macro environment which presented ongoing market disturbances through 2020, Ireland exported dairy products to 143 countries with a value exceeding €5.1 billion. CSO figures for 2020 indicate a -0.7% volume decline and a 0.4% value increase compared to the same period in 2019. Irish milk production reached 8.2 billion litres in 2020 which represented approximately 5% of total EU milk production. The average price paid to farmers in 2020 was 35.43c/l (yearly average including VAT and bonuses paid), up 4.5% from 2019.
The table below shows the number of litres produced, the value of dairy exports (in €billion) and the number of dairy cows over the last six years.
|
Year |
Number of litres (billion) |
Value of dairy exports (€bn) |
Number of dairy cows ,000 |
|
June CSO survey |
|||
|
2014 |
5.651 |
3.0 |
1,226.4 |
|
2015 |
6,395 |
3.9 |
1,295.8 |
|
2016 |
6,653 |
4.0 |
1,397.9 |
|
2017 |
7,262 |
4.7 |
1,432.7 |
|
2018 |
7,588 |
4.7 |
1,480.9 |
|
2019 |
7.986 |
5.0 |
1,504.8 |
|
2020 |
8.291 |
5.1 |
1,567.7 |
The use of technologies such as the economic breeding index, genomics in breeding decisions and milk recording, as well as efficiencies in pasture and manure management are all important tools currently used in the management of greenhouse gas emissions in dairy production.
Over the five years from 2016 - 2020, annual beef production averaged 1.73 million head with a coefficient of variation of 0.03 during that period indicating very stable production levels. Beef worth over €2.3 billion and just short of 518,000 tonnes was exported in 2020, this represented a decrease in both value and volume of 2% on the previous year. Slaughter reached almost 1.8 million head in 2020 which was a 2.6% increase on 2019 figures. The average price for R3 Steers in 2020 was 362.73c/kg (excl VAT), which represented a 1% increase on the previous year.
Sheepmeat export values increased by 11.5% on the previous year values to reach almost €354 million, while volumes rose by 3% to almost 64,000 tonnes. Slaughtering increased by 3% in 2020 to just under 2.9 million head. The national average price in 2020 was €519.92/100Kg, a 13% increase on the previous year.
Pigmeat exports increased by 0.21% in value terms on 2019, totalling just over €893 million. Over the past two years the value of pigmeat exports have grown by 7.9%. The average price for 2020 was 2.9% higher than 2019.
Irish poultry production hit record levels in 2020, with a total of 111m birds slaughtered, representing an increase of 33.8% (just over 28 million birds) in the past five-year period.
The OECD long term forecast to 2030 predicts an increase in the consumption of poultry meat over the forecast period, but a reduction in beef consumption and a stabilization of the consumption of other meats. While EU consumption is projected to continue this downward trajectory, international demand for beef is increasing. However, competition is high and EU beef prices are expected to follow world price developments. The EU long term outlook for dairy is positive and it is predicted that by 2030, the EU could command up to 35% of the global market share, particularly for value added products. However, remaining global risks include higher stocks, slow return of foodservice, and the impact of weaker economic growth on currency and buying power.
Global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish meat and dairy sectors over the medium to longer term. While the outlook for the sector remains broadly positive, the sector continues to face challenges including the ongoing uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring the continued operation of Irish food supply chains and the pursuit and development of new markets remains a key priority for my Department.
The need to respond to evolving consumer expectations on welfare and sustainability as well as global demand are key to the continued sustainable development of the sector. The transition to become carbon neutral by 2050 is going to require significant investment, innovation and R&D. For this reason, I am heartened to see that these are also at the core of the draft 2030 Strategy. It is also worth noting that support will be available in the new Common Agricultural Policy which has a significantly increased environmental ambition. This will involve a change in the way farmers receive support, with the emphasis shifting much more definitively to a focus on better environmental outcomes, delivered through the green architecture. This green architecture combines greater environmental and climate ambition with Pillar 1 payments with further environmental achievement through Pillar 2 schemes.
All of the evidence suggests that the long term fundamentals for dairy and meat are generally positive. The Department and I will continue to monitor the sectors closely and support their ongoing sustainable development.
Question No. 473 answered with Question No. 470.
Question No. 474 answered with Question No. 472.
Question No. 475 answered with Question No. 472.
Pigmeat Sector
Questions (476)
Bernard Durkan
Question:476. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which new regulations are being imposed on the pig production sector given that new regulations have only been introduced in the past number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38953/21]
View answerWritten answers
No changes to the regulations in relation to pig husbandry or welfare have been introduced in recent years; the current law dates back to 2008 (Council Directive 2008/120/EC). This Directive was transposed into Irish law and has remained unchanged since then (SIs 71 of 2009 and 311 of 2010).
The European Commission has drawn attention to the urgent need for compliance by the intensive pig industry with this Directive to improve significantly. This has been communicated clearly by way of a letter from Commissioner Kyriakides to my predecessor in May 2020, and in the findings and recommendations of a recent European Commission audit which took place in November 2020 (2020-6961 Animal welfare reporting - final report.pdf).
In light of this urgency, and taking into account significant evolution in the evidence base around animal welfare as well as market and consumer demands, national regulation concerning pig husbandry and welfare is under review by the Department.
A legislative proposal is likely to be tabled later this year, and this will be done in full consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
Question No. 477 answered with Question No. 472.
Agriculture Industry
Questions (478)
Bernard Durkan
Question:478. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which his Department continues to examine ways and means of carbon sequestration in line with requirements while maintaining the viability of the agri-food sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38957/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Department is aware of the significant contribution that on-farm carbon sequestration, particularly through our soils and hedgerows, can make in the continued viability and sustainability of the agri-food sector.
Recent initiatives supported through funding from the Department will provide much needed data on the emission profile of our farms and will inform policy decisions in this area to better support farmers in their efforts to sequester, store and protect carbon through better management decisions.
In particular, the establishment of the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory with supporting technology for the measurement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a range of different soil and farm types will place Ireland at the forefront of EU carbon sequestration research. This infrastructure will be located on a number of Teagasc Signpost farms which is a new initiative which aims to support our farmers by acting as a demonstration and research resource for best practice on our farms.
Teagasc has also recently commenced a research project called “Farm-Carbon – Farm Hedgerows and Non-forest Woodland Carbon”. This project will provide a deeper understanding of hedgerows and non-forest woodland as carbon stocks in agricultural landscapes and will allow researchers to identify approaches to maintain and enhance this contribution.
As you will appreciate, the knowledge gained from the aforementioned research and technological infrastructure establishment activities pursued through this Department will not only demonstrate the continued viability of our agri-food sector but it will also allow for the refinement of our reporting to the National Inventory further emphasising the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Food Industry
Questions (479)
Bernard Durkan
Question:479. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the strict rules in relation to food production and traceability continue to apply in jurisdictions from which Ireland imports or exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38958/21]
View answerWritten answers
The import of products of animal origin from third countries is governed by a comprehensive and robust legislative framework laid down at EU level, controlled by Member States in the first instance, and audited by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Food Safety to ensure compliance with all of the relevant food safety standards. Countries and indeed establishments within third countries that export to the EU must in the first instance be listed by the EU, as meeting the appropriate standards and controls. The legislation imposes health and supervisory requirements designed to ensure that imported products meet standards equivalent to those required for production and trade between Member States. Production in EU member states in carried out in accordance with EU law and subject to oversight audit by the EU Commission.
Veterinary checks are carried out by staff from the Department on consignments of foods of animal origin imported from third countries at designated Border Control Posts. All such consignments are subject to documentary, identity and physical checks as appropriate in line with legislative requirements. This may also include sampling of products, according to European regulations.
This comprehensive and robust legislative framework and the checks carried out by the relevant competent authorities across EU member states ensure that imports met the requisite standards.