Written Answers Nos. 61-83
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Written Answers Nos. 61-83
61. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will carry out a comprehensive analysis of the impact of factory owned feedlots on the beef sector including their effect on prices and the environment as a result of record kills in such facilities in 2021. [50713/21]
View answerIt is important to clarify that there is no legal definition of a feedlot herd. The Deputy may be referring to Controlled Finishing Units. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) defines certain herds as Controlled Finishing Units (CFUs) in the context of the Bovine TB Eradication Programme.
This definition is unique to that programme and does not necessarily mirror the use of the term "feedlot" by the public and/or other institutions. CFUs are subject to enhanced biosecurity measures as part of the TB Programme and can only sell direct to slaughter.
The Department is the designated authority for price reporting to the EU (under EU 2017/1185) and currently reports on prices in the following areas: beef, sheep meat, pig meat, poultry, eggs, butter, skimmed milk and cheese.
In this context, DAFM receives price data from factories with slaughter levels over a specific threshold. Based on this data DAFM reports the average price for different categories per week to the EU which in turn publishes Members States data as part of the Market Observatory. Price reporting carried out by my Department does not currently include separate assessment in respect of Controlled Finishing Units.
I have acknowledged the importance of transparency in the market for primary producers and my Department is progressing several initiatives to increase transparency.
Central to my commitment to transparency is the establishment of a new Office of the National Food Ombudsman or equivalent. As the Deputy will be aware, the Department and Bord Bia already publish a wide range of price and comparative market data on a weekly basis.
I am committed to progressing this office as a matter of urgency to bring much-needed transparency to the sector.
62. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of engagement with farmers around the sector’s ability to sequester carbon and the challenges they face with climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51707/21]
View answerI am very much aware of the important role that on-farm carbon removals and carbon pool protection will play in meeting the sectors challenging climate change targets going forward.
It is important that the increased removal and storage of atmospheric carbon brought about through the on-farm activities of our farmers is not only recognised in the National Inventory Reporting accounting system but also that farmers receive the recognition for their efforts in this area.
Towards this end, I have engaged extensively with farmers and industry to develop a pathway to increase land-based carbon sequestration while also ensuring emission reductions and sustainable growth across the agricultural sector.
The success of this engagement can be seen in the Ag-Climatise Roadmap which sets out a clear pathway for the sector to meet its environmental objectives while also committing to a climate neutral sector by 2050. This document was informed by a number of public and industry consultations which provides ownership of the aims and objectives of the roadmap to all players within the agricultural sector.
In recent months, despite the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented, I have continued to engage with farmers through a number of online and traditional communication platforms to ensure that farmers views are adequately incorporated into both the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan and also the Food Vision 2030 Strategy.
Recent developments such as my announcement of the opening of the Pilot Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme and the provision of significant funding for the establishment of the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory (NASCO) with supporting technology for the measurement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a range of different soil and farm types will inform policy decisions to allow my Department to develop climate change policies which actively promote farmer engagement.
It is also important to note the establishment of a network of Signpost Farms across the country, led by Teagasc, will also actively seek farmer engagement to disseminate research and advisory management advice to provide farmers with the tools they will need to meet the climate challenges they will face in the future.
63. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the areas of Natura 2000 lands claimed in each county in 2019 and 2020, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51678/21]
View answerNatura is made up of Special Protection Areas (SPAs), established under the EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC), and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), established under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). Responsibility for Natura lies with the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) in Ireland.
Natura agricultural lands form a significant part of the overall eligible agricultural area within Ireland's Land Parcel Identification System and are an important resource, not only in terms of agricultural production but also in terms of biodiversity.
While much of the Natura area is agricultural lands, a significant proportion is made up of non-agricultural areas such as marine habitats, foreshore etc.
Each year, My Department, accepts online applications from farmers for payments under a wide range of area-based schemes, for example Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), Greening, Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) etc. These claims are recorded within the Land Parcel Identification System. It is from these agricultural areas declared by farmers that the Department has drawn the information with regard to Natura status.
The table provided gives a county level breakdown of the Natura 2000 lands that were claimed for payment in 2019 and 2020.
The figures clearly show that most of the Natura areas exist within western counties but that all parts of the country have these important agricultural habitats. Kerry, Mayo, Galway and Donegal each have in excess of 50,000 hectares. Counties Kildare, Monaghan, Longford and Meath have smaller areas, with less than 1,500 hectares for each county declared in 2019 and 2020.
|
County |
2019 Natura Area1 |
2020 Natura Area1 |
|
CARLOW |
3,656.86 |
3,584.26 |
|
CAVAN |
8,389.41 |
8,272.96 |
|
CLARE |
34,190.89 |
34,506.93 |
|
CORK |
32,782.79 |
32,969.99 |
|
DONEGAL |
55,515.15 |
57,540.67 |
|
DUBLIN |
1,898.53 |
1,929.31 |
|
GALWAY |
78,607.24 |
79,749.33 |
|
KERRY |
103,283.74 |
103,884.99 |
|
KILDARE |
645.29 |
624.54 |
|
KILKENNY |
4,446.91 |
4,473.70 |
|
LAOIS |
5,598.63 |
5,666.99 |
|
LEITRIM |
14,385.78 |
14,547.32 |
|
LIMERICK |
15,041.82 |
15,190.04 |
|
LONGFORD |
1,367.04 |
1,348.59 |
|
LOUTH |
2,894.98 |
2,934.65 |
|
MAYO |
87,785.67 |
88,287.20 |
|
MEATH |
1,459.76 |
1,411.03 |
|
MONAGHAN |
879.87 |
878.90 |
|
OFFALY |
4,436.90 |
4,426.85 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
6,050.77 |
6,132.89 |
|
SLIGO |
19,760.51 |
19,922.95 |
|
TIPPERARY |
19,757.97 |
19,773.76 |
|
WATERFORD |
10,114.03 |
10,184.26 |
|
WESTMEATH |
2,978.25 |
2,934.03 |
|
WEXFORD |
5,311.39 |
5,269.14 |
|
WICKLOW |
20,979.76 |
21,133.65 |
|
542,219.93 |
547,578.93 |
64. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the measures for the forestry sector in Budget 2022; and the measures that will be taken to make the sector more attractive to new entrants. [50770/21]
View answerI am pleased to report that this year’s Budget delivered strong support for Forestry with the allocation of over €100m for 2022. Having secured such strong funding I look forward to using the funding for the planting of trees which is at the centre of our climate strategy.
The current Forestry Programme 2014-2020 (extended to end 2022) provides significant supports for afforestation and includes 12 different planting categories to promote a good species mix and covers 100% of the cost of establishing a forest. The scheme also pays an annual premium to the landowner of up to €680 per hectare payable each year for 15 years.
Measures included in the programme are voluntary and comprise the main Afforestation Scheme (incorporating Native Woodland Establishment, Agro-Forestry and Forestry for Fibre), as well as a variety of support schemes to help forest owners with the management of their forests, including timber mobilisation.
This approach has resulted in over 28,000 hectares of forestry having been planted on private lands during the Programme so far.
The money will also help to progress the programme of reform and delivery of a new forest strategy which is happening under Project Woodland.
As the Deputy may be aware, Project Woodland was launched in February this year and one of its key objectives is the creation of a shared national vision for forestry and the development of a new Forest Strategy for the future of forests in Ireland.
This includes an extensive and inclusive public consultation, which has been approved by the Project Board and will be undertaken as a matter of priority. I would like to invite everybody with an interest in forestry in Ireland to actively contribute to this consultation process.
The measures that will be taken to make the sector more attractive to new entrants will be discussed as part of this consultation process and the development of the new Forest Strategy, which will be the enabler of the next National Forestry Programme, which is due to commence in 2023.
65. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the 5% nitrogen reduction criteria for the beef exceptional aid measure scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51490/21]
View answerThe Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) provided temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland, subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132. BEAM was funded by a combination of €50 million EU aid and over €27 million Exchequer support. It was provided to support Irish beef farmers who saw beef prices fall as a result of disturbance to the market.
One of the conditions of the scheme, under which the €50 million was granted by the EU, was that there had to be an element of re-structuring built into the scheme.
Accordingly, in applying for BEAM, participants agreed to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on their holding by 5% for the period 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021 as compared with the period 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2019.
Reviewing the requirement at this stage is not an option. The money was paid to the participants who committed themselves to the explicit condition that they would make the 5% reduction.
Any change would be a breach of the EU regulation under which the €50 million was granted to Ireland. It would also be grossly unfair to the almost 19,000 participants who have already met their commitments under the scheme and to those farmers who were eligible but opted not to join the scheme.
Approximately 21,000 beef finishers were eligible for a payment under the scheme but chose not to participate in the scheme, having reviewed the commitments required, which included the 5% reduction. Their average payment would have been over €1,300 each.
Following engagement with the EU Commission, I secured flexibility around the deadline for meeting the 5% reduction. I introduced an option in March 2021 to allow participants choose an alternative reduction period of 1st January 2021 - 31st December 2021. This was to give participants every chance of meeting their requirements under the scheme.. The option to select this facility remained open until 21st June 2021 with more than 16,000 applying.
When the original reduction period ended on 30th June 2021, it was identified that approximately 5,300 of those approximately 16,000 BEAM participants who had opted to defer had in fact met all their BEAM commitments including the 5% bovine nitrates reduction. The Department therefore removed them from the later reduction period.
This leaves approximately 10,700 BEAM participants in the later reduction period. These participants will continue to receive a monthly letter from my Department (as all participants have done since February 2021) outlining the amount of nitrates they have already used (accumulated), the amount of nitrates they have left if they are to meet their 5% reduction and a projection based on the livestock numbers on their holding of their final nitrates position at the end of the reduction period.
66. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the Beef Taskforce; if he has received the report from the Beef Taskforce; when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51714/21]
View answerThe Beef Taskforce was established on foot of the beef sector agreement of 15th September 2019. The Beef Taskforce's remit as set out in its terms of reference was to monitor the implementation of the actions arising from that agreement. The Taskforce was to meet at least quarterly from October 2019 for a period of one year after which the Taskforce’s progress was to be reviewed. However, progress was delayed in 2020 due to COVID-19.
As the Deputy may be aware, I requested the independent Chair of the Beef Taskforce, to provide a report to me on the progress to date of the Taskforce, which he has done. I will complete my analysis of the final report, after which I will make the necessary decision on future strategic engagement with the Sector.
The beef sector agreement contained 38 specific actions. Of these 38 actions, 30 were finite actions which had timelines attached for completion. The remaining eight are ongoing actions, which by their nature, are long term and will continue outside of the context of the Beef Taskforce. All documents from the Beef Taskforce meetings, including minutes and updated progress reports, are published on the Gov.ie website.
It should be noted that the Taskforce was set up in response to the issues that prevailed in the sector in the late summer of 2019 and had very specific actions to address. It is conceivable that it may not be the most suitable vehicle for addressing those that exist in 2021 and beyond. I will make a decision on this shortly.
Effective strategic engagement across the beef sector is crucial to its development in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable way, that works for all actors in the supply chain.
The Deputy can be assured that my Department and I will continue to support constructive strategic engagement within the sector, as well as measures aimed at strengthening the supply chain, including support for Producer Organisations, and interventions aimed at supporting productive and environmental efficiency for beef farmers in the future. I am also progressing work to deliver the primary legislation required to established the office of the National Food Ombudsman.
I believe this office will play a key role in bringing much-needed transparency to the sector.
67. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the prospects of the provision of a landing facility at Cromane, County Kerry following his recent visit; his views on the next steps in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51649/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, I recently visited Cromane and met with the Cromane Community Group to discuss the potential future development in Cromane Harbour and I advised that there are funding mechanisms within my Department that could support the project in the future. That said, Cromane Harbour is owned by Kerry County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development rests with that Local Authority in the first instance and its parent Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage thereafter.
My Department provides funding to assist the coastal Local Authorities, including Kerry County Council, in carrying out small scale projects for the development and repair of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways under the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, subject to available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities. Between the years 2010-2020, Kerry County Council has received funding of €1.9m under this programme. In May I was pleased to announce a 35% increase in the funding being made available to Local Authorities from the 2021 Programme, with Kerry County Council securing funding of over €200,000 to support three projects.
Recently, I received the final report of the Seafood Sector Task Force that I established in March this year. The Taskforce examined the impacts on the fishing sector and coastal communities of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom. The Taskforce is recommending an initiative for the development of publicly owned marine infrastructure and I have asked my Department to urgently examine the report.
Should any application be submitted by Kerry County Council in relation to Cromane under any future programme, it will be given due consideration, taking into account the terms and conditions of the scheme, the priority attached by the Council and available Exchequer funding.
68. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made to date in progressing the CAP programme 2023-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50868/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the preparation of Ireland’s draft CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 has been under way for some time. Development of the plan involves a number of stages, including SWOT analysis, needs assessment, intervention design, financial allocations, target setting (including monitoring) and governance systems. The draft CSP will also be subject to an ex-ante evaluation, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, all of which are currently under way.
I have, with my officials, engaged extensively with all stakeholders on the future of the CAP and on the development of the Strategic Plan. The Department has most recently completed a five-week public consultation on the proposed draft interventions, with over 1,000 responses received. Indicative funding allocations for these interventions have also been announced, and I and my officials will continue the consultation with farmers and other stakeholders on these and other elements of the Plan in the coming weeks, including through my ongoing series of mart meetings across the country and through the national Stakeholder Consultative Committee.
The Department will also be conducting a statutory and public consultation on the draft Environmental Report, including the Appropriate Assessment, on the draft CSP in November. I will seek the approval of Government in December before the submission of the plan to the European Commission by the end of the year.
69. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he has taken to improve the welfare of animals over the past year; the plans he has to build on these improvements over the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51438/21]
View answerReflecting Programme for Government commitments, I have prioritised animal welfare and ambitious measures are underway.
I announced record funding of €3.2M to animal welfare organisations for 2021 and am fully committed to the Programme for Government undertaking to double the funding available in alignment with priorities.
In February, I launched Ireland’s first Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025 and I established a dedicated Animal Welfare Division within my Department to drive its delivery.
Acknowledging inter-dependencies between human, animal and environmental health (One Health, One Welfare) the strategy takes an evidence-led approach to policy making, targets, monitoring and evaluation. An action plan with measurable indicators is under development and a High-Level Monitoring Group will meet in 2022.
The draft Prohibition on Fur Farming 2021 legislation scheme was approved by Government and debate followed by enactment is anticipated before the end of 2021.
In the context of reviewing the Control of Horses Act, a national equine census is planned for November. With other government departments and local authorities, my Department funds urban horse projects providing welfare education in disadvantaged areas. My officials are working to scale up this work.
UCD School of Veterinary Medicine appointed a chair of Animal Welfare & Veterinary Ethics with my Department’s support, and I have asked Teagasc to mainstream animal welfare across their education and research activities.
I re-launched the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council, while a new Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare will convene soon and will consider issues including exotic animals.
Work is underway to reduce the prevalence of tail docking in pigs and to support development of high welfare pig/poultry production systems.
A system to improve greyhound traceability is being developed.
My officials continue to monitor and prioritise high welfare standards for all live exports.
The Department is actively contributing to the current review of European animal welfare legislation, and Ireland continues to promote high standards of animal welfare internationally through the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
70. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the full extent of any proposed afforestation throughout the country in the course of the next 12 months; if farmers can access appropriate funding to undertake climate change planting; if adequate provision is being made to encourage the plantation of appropriate species to maximise carbon sequestration and minimise the impact on agricultural production for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51650/21]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) provides funding under the Afforestation Scheme to incentivise the creation of new forests. Since the mid 1980s over 300,000 hectares of new forests have been created with financial supports from the EU and the state.
Forestry is very well supported under the Forestry Programme 2014-20 which has now been extended to end 2022, with generous 100% establishment grants, in addition to 15-year premiums for current afforestation scheme contracts and a tax-free asset on maturity.
We will be encouraging farmers, state bodies, communities and businesses to plant trees for both timber and to mitigate against the impacts of climate change. All tree species sequester carbon which is only one of the many ecosystem services that trees provide. Forests planted on agricultural land helps reduce over all emissions from the land use sector.
The current annual planting target is 8,000 hectares and this has not been achieved. The level of planting to end of September 2021 is 1,755ha and it is clear that significant increases in afforestation will be required over the next decade.
We are examining opportunities to further incentivise afforestation measures in the context of the next forestry programme and the next CAP and my Department will be engaging with all relevant stakeholders over the next 12 months.
71. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will support the development of a hemp sector in Ireland on the basis of allowing farmers in that sector to utilise the entire crop produce. [50715/21]
View answerThe regulations governing the licencing and cultivation of Hemp are the responsibility of the
Department of Health and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) which operates under the auspices of the Department of Health.
Cannabis (which includes Hemp) is listed in schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017, as amended, which means it is subject to the strictest level of control. The various Misuse of Drugs regulations do not come under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
However, as the Deputy may be aware my officials are currently conducting a consultation with the various stakeholders based on the Programme for Government commitment to “fully explore the potential for growing fibre crops such as hemp, considering whether these crops have a viable market” . The consultation is being conducted on the basis of the economic viability of fibre crops such as hemp, that is, the study will only examine the commercial viability of growing hemp for fibre. It is not the purpose of this consultation to deal with legislative issues that come under the Misuse of Drugs legislation or indeed hemp derived food products which do not primarily come under the remit of this Department.
72. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average BPS payment per county in 2019 and 2020, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51680/21]
View answerThe data requested by the deputy is set out in tabular form below.
|
COUNTY |
AVERAGE BPS PAYMENT 2019 |
AVERAGE BPS PAYMENT 2020 |
|
CARLOW |
€ 13,578.45 |
€ 13,310.85 |
|
CAVAN |
€ 7,316.77 |
€ 7,178.38 |
|
CLARE |
€ 7,896.67 |
€ 7,784.67 |
|
CORK |
€ 11,831.16 |
€ 11,641.02 |
|
DONEGAL |
€ 7,211.13 |
€ 7,153.51 |
|
DUBLIN |
€ 14,322.38 |
€ 14,212.82 |
|
GALWAY |
€ 7,279.30 |
€ 7,175.92 |
|
KERRY |
€ 9,026.98 |
€ 8,897.55 |
|
KILDARE |
€ 14,080.71 |
€ 13,848.24 |
|
KILKENNY |
€ 14,339.19 |
€ 14,172.58 |
|
LAOIS |
€ 12,426.39 |
€ 12,172.12 |
|
LEITRIM |
€ 6,298.45 |
€ 6,176.50 |
|
LIMERICK |
€ 9,853.07 |
€ 9,674.92 |
|
LONGFORD |
€ 7,980.48 |
€ 7,779.29 |
|
LOUTH |
€ 11,981.69 |
€ 11,767.98 |
|
MAYO |
€ 6,578.46 |
€ 6,490.96 |
|
MEATH |
€ 13,149.85 |
€ 12,919.67 |
|
MONAGHAN |
€ 6,824.01 |
€ 6,741.27 |
|
OFFALY |
€ 11,262.28 |
€ 11,039.08 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
€ 7,215.41 |
€ 7,068.58 |
|
SLIGO |
€ 6,590.14 |
€ 6,523.65 |
|
TIPPERARY |
€ 13,196.06 |
€ 13,012.71 |
|
WATERFORD |
€ 15,097.07 |
€ 14,876.83 |
|
WESTMEATH |
€ 10,578.36 |
€ 10,452.33 |
|
WEXFORD |
€ 13,592.56 |
€ 13,338.03 |
|
WICKLOW |
€ 13,246.24 |
€ 13,075.57 |
73. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position in relation to research into the potential for wool to be used as insulation material; his views on whether the prospect deserves greater focus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51648/21]
View answerWool production is an important component of agri-industry. There are approximately 46,332 sheep flock-keepers registered on my Department’s database and Department officials oversee and inspect 50 approved and registered wool stores where the wool is held while awaiting sale.
Wool is a sustainable, organic, renewable natural material which can be used in a wide range of products such as textiles, fertilisers, insulation and packaging.
One of the actions under the Programme for Government is to undertake a review of the potential demand in domestic and international markets for wool based products such as insulation and fertilisers. Following the allocation of €100,000 in Budget 2021 for this review, I initiated a public consultation process in early March 2021 to determine the terms of reference for such a review which included
- the identification of market opportunities domestically and internationally for wool based products;
- carrying out economic feasibility and cost benefit analysis on proposed market opportunities;
- determining mechanisms that could be used to support industry initiatives; and
- identification of potential research projects applicable to supporting the identified market opportunities.
As part of the public consultation process I also invited stakeholders to submit their proposals on the the potential market opportunities for wool products on the domestic and international markets and over 40 submissions were received..
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that through the competitive public procurement procedure, the Request for Tenders (RFT) seeking service providers to carry out this major study was published on the e-tenders website on 8th July 2021. The closing date for submissions was 9th August 2021. Five tenders were received. The successful service provider, who will be announced shortly, will be contracted to carry out a feasibility study in accordance with the Terms of Reference detailed above and will be also required to examine and evaluate the proposals received during the public consultation and report on their findings.
The time frame for the completion of the review including the consultation with the stakeholder group which I am establishing and publication of the final report is end of January 2022.
The recommendations from this review will help focus the development of a robust policy roadmap for the Irish wool industry.
74. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that Project Woodland is delivering on its mandate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51630/21]
View answerI am pleased to report that substantial work has been undertaken by all Working Groups and the Project Board of Project Woodland, with regular meetings held resulting in a high level of output in both terms of quality and quantity. The Project Board, published its first Interim Report in July and is due to shortly produce its second interim report for October in the next week.
The Board have advanced some immediate priorities and agreed to advance two Working Group recommendations immediately: an external regulatory review and the conducting of a public consultation process on the new Forest Strategy.
My Department has selected a preferred bidder with legal and environmental expertise to carry out an in-depth review of the forestry licensing system. It will review the existing statutory framework for the licensing of forestry activities in relation to environmental and public participation obligations in order that practical advice can be provided to the Department on how to work more efficiently within the existing legal framework.
A significant aspect of Project Woodland’s work is to develop a new national vision for Irish forestry. Already the collaborative efforts of sector stakeholders, NGOs, environmental representatives and state actors is showing significant progress on this and a public consultation exercise has begun, with a study on Community Engagement on Forestry and Woodlands underway, a tender issued for the Strategic Environmental Analysis/Appropriate Assessment process and quotes sought for external consultants to conduct an omnibus survey of public attitudes to trees, woods and woodland. A tender will issue in the coming weeks for a public survey on the vision for forestry to 2050. Furthermore later this year and into 2022 bi-lateral stakeholder meetings will be held, deliberative dialogue will be undertaken in the form of a national event, a Youth Forum will be convened and a National Stakeholder event will be scheduled.
In addition, an independent Systems Analyst is conducting an end-to-end process review with a view to licensing process improvement and an interim report on this work will be submitted to the Project Board in the near future.
There has been significant work carried out on all other aspects of Project Woodland too and updates on these be will contained in the second interim report of the Project Board which will issue shortly. These include:
- A pilot project for pre-application discussions.
- Payment of an Environmental Planning Grant.
- A new Customer Charter for forestry.
- A Communication Plan that assists my Department in conveying the multi-functional benefits of forestry.
- A review of the organisational structure of forestry within my Department.
- Commission of a Training Needs analysis.
- Definition of the backlog and associated dashboards.
- Actions relating to reduction of the backlog.
In conclusion, I would like to recognise the momentum and progress made under Project Woodland and I acknowledge the hard work and commitment shown by all involved, in particular the representatives from the Forestry Policy Group.
Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, I am committed to the success of this Project and by continuing to work together I believe we can deliver on its ambitions for the benefit of the forestry sector and society at large.
75. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions being taken to deal with the long delays in granting felling licences; and if his attention has been drawn to the effects the delays are having farmers, forest owners, forestry contractors, sawmills and wood processors and to the rural economy as a whole. [51489/21]
View answerI fully recognise the impact the current forestry licencing delays are having on the sector. Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for he sector, I am in regular and intensive consultation with all stakeholders, and 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.
The delays that have arisen were caused by changes to the licencing system as a result of Court decisions which means that a significant number of cases now need ecological input to comply with environmental requirements. To find solutions towards resolving these issues, as well as focusing on woodland creation, Project Woodland was initiated early in 2021.
We are making progress under Project Woodland and are about to select a preferred bidder with legal and environmental expertise to carry out an in-depth review of the forestry licensing system. It will review the existing statutory framework for the licencing of forestry activities in relation to environmental and public participation obligations in order that practical advice can be provided to the Department on how to work more efficiently within the existing legal framework. In addition, a business systems analysis currently being undertaken by an independent systems analyst will interact with and run parallel with the regulatory review, so that best possible system improvements are delivered.
Alongside Project Woodland, we continue to look at our processes. Changes were made to the way in which ecological reports were prepared, freeing up ecologists to spend more time to deal with the ecological assessment of the application. My officials also examined all tree felling licences referred to ecology. This resulted in approximately 50% of applications being returned to applicants or their Registered Forester, seeking further information, often a well-developed harvest plan. We have begun to receive responses to these requests and would urge all applicants and registered foresters to reply to our communication so that these cases may progress.
In June this year, the Department issued 415 forestry licences. This output was interrupted in July and August by the introduction of a new requirement for public participation under SI 293/2021, signed on 25th June by the Minister for Housing Local Government and Heritage and which applies to all similar planning issues. However we have now returned and indeed exceeded expected levels with 585 licences issued in September, 511 of which were felling licences. Up to 15th October, my Department has issued 2,057 tree felling licences to cover a volume of just over six million cubic metres. Furthermore, Coillte's felling programme is fully licensed and they are working with the Department to ensure availability for this supply to market. We expect that their 2022 programme will be fully complete by year-end.
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.
76. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if TAMS grant aid will be increased for the purchase of low emission slurry spreading machinery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51706/21]
View answerI am pleased that TAMS has proved to be a very successful scheme to date in terms of uptake. Total expenditure under the suite of seven measures available under TAMS, including transitional expenditure, has now exceeded €313m with commitments of an additional €145m made to approved scheme participants who have yet to draw down payment for these commitments.
Some 44,780 applications have been approved under the TAMS scheme to date, with the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment Scheme (LESS) proving to be exceptionally popular. To date, 4,274 applicants have been paid over €48m. Over 9,000 approvals have issued to applicants with LESS investments representing a total commitment of over €105m under the scheme. I would like to encourage any farmer with a payment claim outstanding for LESS or any of the other TAMS measures to submit them on the online system as soon as possible to allow for the early issue of payment.
All outstanding approvals issued represent potential outstanding liabilities for the Department and we must have a budget in place to pay these claims. As a result, it is not possible to consider increasing the grant aid for LESS equipment at this time.
Final decisions have not yet been made in relation to the interventions to be included in the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP)(2023-2027). To allow for the submission of the draft CSP by 1st January 2022, the Department facilitated a public consultation on the draft CSP and written submissions were invited from interested parties by the closing date of 3rd September 2021. These submissions are currently being evaluated and ongoing stakeholder and further public consultation are continuing to take place.
77. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of new hectares entered into afforestation to date in 2021; the projected number for the full year; and the projected number for 2022. [50714/21]
View answerThe Department provides funding under the Afforestation Scheme to incentivise the creation of new forests. Since the mid 1980s over 300,000 hectares of new forests have been created with financial supports from the EU and the state.
Forestry is supported under the Forestry Programme 2014-20 which has now been extended to end 2022, with generous 100% establishment grants, in addition to 15-year premiums for current afforestation scheme contracts and a tax-free asset on maturity. We will be encouraging farmers, state bodies, communities and businesses to plant trees for both timber and to mitigate against the impacts of climate change.
All tree species sequester carbon which is only one of the many ecosystem services that trees provide. Forests planted on agricultural land help reduce overall emissions from the land use sector.
The level of planting to end of September 2021 is 1,755 hectares. Afforestation licences have a validity period of three years, from date of issue.
At present, there are approved licences issued, for sites ready and available to plant covering 5,700 hectares.
I encourage anyone with a valid afforestation licence to contact their forester and arrange planting. Once planted, they may apply for the first of 15 annual premiums.
It is clear that significant increases in afforestation will be required over the next decade. I am aware that delays in issuing licences may be a contributory factor in terms of interest in planting. We are addressing the backlog through the Project Woodland initiative and September was the highest month for licence issue since April 2019.
Afforestation licences for almost 3,400 hectares have issued this year and we now have a dedicated team of 10 ecologists working on afforestation files ahead of the planting season.
It is important that the Department receives good quality applications from applicants and that they respond to any requests for further information.
Approximately 550 afforestation files have been referred to ecology for processing by an ecologist. Officials have examined all these files and found that just over 10% of these files have supporting ecology habitat information.
It was highlighted to forestry companies earlier in the summer they should examine their afforestation applications that are referred to the Ecology Unit, and to provide additional ecology information and engage an ecologist as required.
While some companies have supplied this information, most applications referred to Ecology do not have this information and in many cases the Department will not be able to process the file without ecology information.
Regarding projections for 2022, considering the voluntary nature of the Scheme, it is not possible to determine the area that will be planted. We are examining opportunities to further incentivise afforestation measures in the context of the next forestry programme and the next CAP and the Department will be engaging with all relevant stakeholders over the next 12 months.
78. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consideration he has given to the additional costs to farmers on changes planned for January 2022 in that prescription will be required for worming products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51708/21]
View answerThere are savings to be made by farmers in having healthier herds that require fewer antiparasitics. This is good for the pocket, good for the environment and good for animal health.
The treatment of animals with antiparasitics is often a management tool and not an emergency treatment and, as such, can be planned for with a farmers veterinary practitioner. Veterinary practitioners and farmers may combine a visit to discuss antiparasitic needs with other routinely scheduled visits.
Farmers have close working relationships with their veterinary practitioners. Farmers will not require a veterinary practitioner to be out on their farm every time animals need to be dosed.
My Department is actively working with stakeholders to sustain a competitive market for the supply of these products. The ambition is to ensure Irish farmers are empowered to purchase medicines from their supplier of choice. Initiatives such as the development of a National Veterinary Prescribing System (NVPS) will help deliver on this ambition.
The NVPS will result in a prescription being made available to a farmer by choice of email or text. Farmers can then engage with Licensed Merchants, veterinary pharmacists or their veterinary practitioner in getting their prescription dispensed.
I also intend to allow for generic/alternative veterinary medicines be dispensed based on the active substances on the prescription, further reducing costs for farmers and suppliers of veterinary medicines alike.
