Written Answers Nos. 721-740
721. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered extending by one month the deadline for the submission of dung samples for faecal egg count testing as a part of the BEEP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56989/21]
View answerThe objective of the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme – Suckler (BEEP - S) is to further increase economic and environmental efficiency in the suckler herd through better quality data on herd performance, supporting decision making on farm and support of best practice in welfare management. It is a clear example of my commitment to the suckler sector.
Applications were made via my Department's online application system at www.agfood.ie. In addition to the mandatory weighing requirement, participants had the choice of two additional animal welfare measures. The first of these involves the meal feeding of calves as part of the weaning process or carrying out a vaccination programme in conjunction with the participants veterinary practitioner. The second optional measure was to submit samples to a participating laboratory for faecal testing.
The 1st October deadline for 2021 was emphasised in the Terms and Conditions of the scheme and Press Releases when the scheme opened in March 2021. The date was also included in the approval letter that issued to all successful applicants for the scheme in 2021. My Department also issued an SMS text to all BEEP-S participants in July 2021 once again reminding them of the 1st October 2021 closing date.
722. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has given consideration to reducing the number of dung samples for faecal egg count testing as a part of the BEEP scheme in order to prevent unnecessary duplicate sampling and testing for farmers who have fewer than ten cattle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56990/21]
View answerThe objective of the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme - Suckler (BEEP-S) is to further increase economic and environmental efficiency in the suckler herd through better quality data on herd performance, supporting decision making on farm and support of best practice in welfare management. It is a clear example of my commitment to the suckler sector.
Applications were made via my Department's online application system at www.agfood.ie. In addition to the mandatory weighing requirement, participants had the choice of two additional animal welfare measures.
The first of these involves the meal feeding of calves as part of the weaning process or carrying out a vaccination programme in conjunction with the participants veterinary practitioner. The second optional measure was to submit samples to a participating laboratory for faecal testing.
In respect of the faecal testing measure Annex 4 of the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme state:
"Cows should be placed in a clean pen. Leave them undisturbed for a couple of hours or until such time that a number of faecal deposits have been observed. If you have ten eligible cows, all must be sampled; if you have 5 eligible cows, you still must submit 10 samples as the lab cannot otherwise verify that you have met the conditions of scheme.
Using gloves, collect faecal samples from at least 10 different fresh faecal deposits and place them in 10 separate containers (You must collect at least a heaped teaspoonful of faeces)."
Samples are not taken from individual animals, tag numbers are not requested and the number of samples is not linked to the size of the herd. This standard requirement to take ten samples across the pen is to ensure an effective and accurate sample is taken. This facilitates the use of standard sampling kits across all the herds in the scheme.
723. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of penalty interest that has been applied to farmers who did not avail of a deferral for the beef exceptional aid measure, BEAM, scheme; the number of such farmers, by county; the average penalty incurred, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56991/21]
View answerDetails of Interest recorded to date are attached as requested. Of the approximately 3,600 BEAM participants who faced a recoupment for failing to meet the commitments of the scheme under the original reduction period, 77 have had interest applied to them totaling €1,102.79 or an average of €14.32 per farmer.
|
County |
Number |
Amount |
Average |
|
Carlow |
4 |
€78.56 |
€19.64 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
€14.83 |
€14.83 |
|
Cork |
7 |
€103.02 |
€14.72 |
|
Donegal |
2 |
€46.02 |
€23.01 |
|
Dublin |
3 |
€42.51 |
€14.17 |
|
Galway |
3 |
€34.21 |
€11.40 |
|
Kerry |
1 |
€5.74 |
€5.74 |
|
Kildare |
3 |
€52.17 |
€17.39 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
€29.20 |
€14.60 |
|
Laois |
4 |
€44.28 |
€11.07 |
|
Limerick |
6 |
€82.05 |
€13.68 |
|
Longford |
1 |
€23.57 |
€23.57 |
|
Louth |
1 |
€23.20 |
€23.20 |
|
Mayo |
2 |
€38.54 |
€19.27 |
|
Meath |
1 |
€23.01 |
€23.01 |
|
Monaghan |
6 |
€93.51 |
€15.59 |
|
Offaly |
5 |
€84.93 |
€16.99 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
€16.11 |
€16.11 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
€23.01 |
€23.01 |
|
Tipperary |
15 |
€134.91 |
€8.99 |
|
Waterford |
1 |
€23.01 |
€23.01 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
€27.98 |
€13.99 |
|
Wexford |
3 |
€35.17 |
€11.72 |
|
Wicklow |
2 |
€23.25 |
€11.63 |
|
Total |
77 |
€1,102.79 |
€14.32 |
724. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of all official engagements and meetings that he has attended with specific regard to farm safety since assuming office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56999/21]
View answerThe CAP Strategic Plan is currently under development in the Department.
Health and safety elements will be incorporated as appropriate and my officials are developing measures to reflect this. Health and Safety will feature strongly in our training programmes for farmers and advisers as well as through the various measures from on farm investments to livestock handling.
Under the current Rural Development Programme (RDP), health and safety is incorporated into the on-farm investment scheme (TAMS) with support available for a wide range of safety measures and equipment. Health and safety is also a key element of all training and knowledge transfer schemes for farmers and advisers.
This year under the transitional arrangements, I have secured funding of €1m to consider innovative solutions to Health and Safety under the locally led Innovation Partnership model (EIP’s). I intend to take the learnings from these projects and see how they can inform our policy and supports for health and safety in any future measures.
I have had many meetings in relation to both TAMS and CAP funding and structure which would relate to Farm safety issues.
To highlight this government commitment to farm safety Minister of State Martin Heydon TD was given the responsibility for farm safety as part of his brief. Minister Heydon has played a real leadership role in this space since his appointment helping to significantly raise awareness of farm safety as well as putting place pioneering initiatives.
725. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of all official engagements and meetings attended by the Minister of State with responsibility for farm safety at his Department since assuming office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57000/21]
View answerTo highlight this Government's commitment to farm safety, Minister of State Martin Heydon TD was given the responsibility for farm safety as part of his brief. Minister Heydon has played a real leadership role in this space since his appointment helping to significantly raise awareness of farm safety as well as putting place pioneering initiatives.
Minister Heydon and I are committed to reducing the number of farm accidents and deaths. Farming is one of the greatest professions but accidents and deaths in the sector remain too high. We must all take a proactive and innovative approach to driving down these high rates.
During the period requested, Minister Heydon attended numerous meetings, events, launches and media interviews relating to his official duties as Minister of State for the Department. A list of his official engagements is provided below.
726. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the heading and subheadings in the Revised Estimates that deal with the allocation of funding for fisheries; the purpose of each allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57001/21]
View answerWithin the Revised Estimates, there are a total of seven sub-headings within Section D.
Subhead D1 - Administration - Pay and D2 - Administration - Non Pay relates to funding of the administrative functions of the Marine Divisions of my Department.
Subhead D3 - Fisheries - Covers costs primarily related to the operation of our Fisheries Harbour Centres. European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) support for Marine Spatial Planning and Marine Biodiversity projects for the Marine Institute, Seafood Promotion projects administered by Bord Bia are also key components. Other elements include Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board(ALAB) Member Fees and Expenses and costs related to the National Data Buoy Observation Network.
Subhead D4 - Marine Institute Grant - Annual Budget provided to the Marine Institute for general operational costs including Pay, Superannuation, Non Pay costs and Capital costs.
Subhead D5 - Bord Iascaigh Mhara Grant - Annual Budget provided to Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) for general operational costs , including Pay, Superannuation, Non Pay costs and funding under my Department's European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme (EMFF) for grant supports to our seafood sector.
Subhead D6 - Sea Fisheries Protection Authority Grant - Annual Budget provided to the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) for general operational costs , including Pay, Superannuation, Non Pay costs, and funding under my Department's European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme (EMFF) for investment in control and enforcement projects.
Subhead D7 - Haulbowline Remediation Project relates to the reimbursement to my Department’s agent, Cork County Council on a final retention payment on the East Tip construction contract and other associated costs as forecast for the remediation of Haulbowline Island.
Additional costs surrounding the annual budget provided to the Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board for general operational costs are sourced from subhead C11.
727. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the heading and subheadings in the Revised Estimates which regard the allocation of funding for land use and biodiversity; the purpose of each allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57002/21]
View answerThe information in the table below is relevant to the 2021 Revised Estimates. It outlines a range of multi functional schemes intended to support farm incomes but also to support efforts to improve the environment and biodiversity.
Budget 2022 provides a gross Vote of €1.858 billion for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The definitive allocations will be set out in the 2022 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which will be published later this year.
|
Heading and 2021 Allocation in REV 2021 |
Subheading |
Purpose of allocation |
|
B.3 Agri-environmental schemes €290.089m |
B3.3 GLAS |
GLAS farmers manage over 250,000 hectares of Low Input Permanent Pasture, Over 60,000 hectares of Traditional Hay Meadows and Protect the quality of over 14,000km of watercourses. They support of the management and grazing of over 228,000 hectares of commonage. |
|
B3.4 Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes |
Funds European Innovation Partnership projects that allow farmers, scientists and other experts to collaborate together to develop new practices that are environmentally friendly and economically sustainable. |
|
|
B3.5 Organic Farming Scheme |
The Organic Farming Scheme provides financial support to farmers to encourage production of organic foods. |
|
|
B3.7 Other Agri Envi Initiatives |
Soil Sampling programme will provide information to farmers on their soil fertility and also soil pathogen assessment. The programme will measure baseline soil carbon levels which will guide future actions to support carbon farming. It will also provide the basis for the next generation of soil-specific nutrient management advice and underpin targeted fertiliser and organic manure applications (right nutrient type, right application rate, right time & right place) across all farming systems in Ireland. |
|
|
B3.9 EURI |
1. Straw Incorporation Measure as a pilot measure in the transitional period of the RDP. The purpose of the measure is to encourage tillage farmers to increase soil organic carbon levels by chopping and incorporating straw from cereal crops. This will sequester carbon in tillage soils, thereby reducing GHG emissions. The incorporation of straw will also have positive impact on soil biology and soil workability. 2. The objective of The Farm Environmental Study (FES) Programme is to develop a national baseline database of farm scale habitat and biodiversity data along with additional environmental parameters. |
|
|
B.4 Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme €250m |
Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme |
The ANC is intended to ensure the continued conservation of the countryside in mountain areas and other less favoured areas through the provision of support to mainly low income farmers who farm in such areas and face significant handicaps deriving from inherent factors such as remoteness, difficult topography and poor soil conditions. |
|
B.10 Forestry & Bio-energy €103.243m |
Afforestation Scheme |
Afforestation scheme provides financial support to encourage the planting of trees on land not previously under forest. Increasing the country’s forested area helps to tackle climate change, increases biodiversity and provides sustainable jobs in the rural economy. |
|
B.13 Carbon Tax €23m (€20m for REAP and €3m for capital measures focusing on Peat soils) |
Results Based Environment Agri Pilot Programme (REAP). |
REAP is an agri-environment pilot project that pays farmers to maintain and improve the environmental conditions of their land. |
728. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine , further to Parliamentary Question No. 774 of 5 October, the counties that have more than eight controlled finishing units; the number of controlled finishing units in those counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57003/21]
View answerControlled Finishing Units as part of the bovine TB Eradication Programme are subject to enhanced biosecurity measures and can only sell direct to slaughter. The following is a list of counties with more than eight controlled finishing units:
|
County |
Current number of Controlled Finishing Units |
|
CORK NORTH |
12 |
|
KILDARE |
41 |
|
KILKENNY |
18 |
|
LAOIS |
25 |
|
LONGFORD |
9 |
|
LOUTH |
11 |
|
MEATH |
26 |
|
OFFALY |
14 |
|
TIPPERARY NORTH |
21 |
|
TIPPERARY SOUTH |
14 |
|
WESTMEATH |
15 |
729. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an appeal by a person (details supplied) will be heard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57006/21]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
I have been advised that the records of the Agriculture Appeals Office indicate that an appeal in relation to the Results-based, Agri-Environment Pilot Project (REAP) was received in relation to the person named in September 2021.
The Appeals Office requested the file and a statement on the grounds of appeal from my Department and all relevant documentation have been forwarded to the Appeals Office.
I am advised that the appeal has been assigned by the Director of Agriculture Appeals to an Appeals Officer for examination and determination and the case will be dealt with in due course.
730. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to review the Control of Horses Act 1996; if he further plans to introduce legislation amending the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57049/21]
View answerThe Control of Horses Act, 1996 is currently under review and plans for replacement legislation are well advanced. The Local Authorities are responsible for enforcing the Act, and officials from my Department are engaging with them for their input.
The aim is to introduce legislation that will streamline and clarify procedures in terms of the seizure and disposal of horses. A further element of the review is to consider the current requirement to have a horse license in light of the Identification of Equidae Regulations (S.I. no 62 of 2016).
731. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason there is a delay in having passports for foals issued; and the actions he plans to take to address same. [57069/21]
View answerThe rules regarding the identification of equines across the EU are governed by Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/429, as supplemented by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 963/2021 which came into effect on 7th July 2021.
Article 21 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963 provides that all equine animals must be identified with a passport no later than 12 months from the date of birth of the animal and, in any event, before the equine leaves the establishment of birth for a period exceeding 30 days, except in limited circumstances.
Equine passports are issued by Passport Issuing Organisations (PIOs) approved by my Department and with which my Department has on-going contact. I am not aware of any delays to the issuing of identification documents for foals at this time.
732. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive a single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57072/21]
View answerEU Regulations governing the administration of Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases remote sensing (e.g. satellite inspections), are completed before any payments issue. The 2021 application of the person named was selected for a remote sensing eligibility inspection.
The application of the person named is currently being processed. The inspection results, along with any queries identified will be communicated to him as soon as they are available. Any payments due to the applicant will issue as soon as this process is complete.
733. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a green low-carbon agri-environment scheme or GLAS payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57082/21]
View answerA key priority for my Department is the efficient issuing of scheme payments to farmers. I am very pleased that GLAS 2021 payments commenced a week ahead of our stated target of mid-November.
Administrative checks involving a number of sections within the Department take place on all GLAS claims. All cases must clear validation checks before payment can issue. GLAS payments are continuing to issue on a weekly basis as applications pass validation checks and are approved for payment.
In relation to a greening payment, a satellite inspection is in progress. When this is processed, payment in this case can issue.
734. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding consideration of the funding request put forward to his Department by an association (details supplied); the position regarding the consideration of legislation to place harness racing on an equal footing with the greyhound and sports horse industry as a beneficiary on a pro rata basis of the horse and greyhound fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57103/21]
View answerUnder Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001 (No.20 of 2001), the horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the Fund. Monies are paid out in the ratio of 80% to Horse Racing Ireland and 20% to Rásaíocht Con Éireann as specified in Section 12 (6) of the Act.
The funding underpins the development of the relevant sectors and these funds are provided exclusively for these State Bodies. I currently have no plans to amended the legislation.
The Department funded the Indecon Review of the Irish Harness Racing Sector and a Five-Year Strategic Plan for Irish Harness Racing Association (IHRA). In addition, from 2016 to date, grants totalling some €162,000 have been paid to the IHRA under my Department's Equine Infrastructure Scheme. The Equine Infrastructure Scheme is funding three projects in 2021 totaling €30, 000.
The Department also awarded a tender to carry out an education programme aimed at road racing sulky participants and owners of trotting horses with a view to raising awareness of the importance of good horse welfare.
This pilot programme ran successfully in 2017, at a cost of €27,000 and the programme continued with courses held in 2018 and 2019.
735. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a farm payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57124/21]
View answerIn order to qualify for payment under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), farmers must have an eligible hectare of land in respect of each entitlement held.
Where land has been burned between the period of 1st March and 31st August of any given year, it is not eligible for payment under the BPS. This is clearly stated in the terms and conditions of the scheme.
Where such land is claimed under a BPS application it is considered an overclaim and, as such, a penalty/reduction may apply. In each case where a penalty/reduction applies, the applicant has a right of review and appeal.
The Department will make contact with the above named applicant and explain the process. Once a request for review is received, it will be examined on its merits and any information supplied by the applicant will be taken into consideration.
736. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2021 GLAS payment will issue to a farmer (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57138/21]
View answerA key priority for me and my Department is the efficient issuing of scheme payments to farmers. I know how critical these payments are to our farmers and their businesses. I am very pleased that GLAS 2021 payments commenced a week ahead of our stated target of mid-November.
Processing of the 2021 Advance Payment for the person named are at an advanced stage. Administrative checks involving a number of sections within the Department take place on all GLAS claims. All cases must clear validation checks before payment can issue.
GLAS payments are continuing on a weekly basis as applications pass all validation checks and are approved for payment.
737. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the fact that since the introduction of S.I. No. 681/2019 - Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 no enforcement cases have been brought by his Department to date; if a commitment will be given to establish a traceability and verification system to back up the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57174/21]
View answerConcern for the safety and welfare of pet animals was one of the primary reasons behind the introduction by my Department of the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 681/2019).
These Regulations put into law certain requirements for sellers and suppliers of pet animals, including minimum ages for sale of certain mammals; record-keeping; registration with the Department; and the provision of certain information about the pet being advertised. The Regulations were welcomed by welfare organisations.
Extracts from the Register of Sellers and Suppliers of Pet Animals and the Register of Premises (name of seller or supplier, registration number and the county of the premises used in connection with the sale and supply of pets) are published on the Department's website at gov.ie - Rules on the Sale, Supply and Advertising of Pet Animals (www.gov.ie). The Department's website has additional guidance for potential pet owners thinking of acquiring a pet, further supporting potential purchasers in making informed decisions.
While no prosecutions have been taken under these Regulations to date, two registrations have been revoked. The Department continues to develop its controls in respect of this legislation and is advancing its plans and approach to effective enforcement, working to achieve full compliance with the regulations on advertising pet animals.
My Department also participates in the Irish Pet Advertising Advisory Group (IPAAG), a group of animal welfare organisations, veterinary professionals and advertising platforms that address issues in relation to advertising pet animals, and engages with advertising platforms both through that group and bilaterally on the regulations.
A traceability and verification system has been developed by a website advertising dogs in conjunction with a microchipping company. I would encourage all websites to use this system.
Any evidence of animal cruelty or neglect of an animal’s welfare should be brought to the attention of my Department by calling the animal welfare helpline on 076 1064408 (Call Save) or 01 6072379 or by emailing animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
738. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the support available to landowners who have suspected or confirmed Dutch elm disease. [57387/21]
View answerDutch elm disease is a fungal disease the impact of which is to cause the infected elm tree to wilt and die. It is spread by bark beetles which carry the fungus from tree to tree and can also be spread through root contact.
Wych elm (Ulmus glabra) is the only native elm species in Ireland and is susceptible to Dutch elm disease. English elm (Ulmus procera ) is also very susceptible. Once abundant species in the Irish landscape, it is uncommon to find mature living elm trees nowadays, following the impact of the introduction of a highly virulent species of Dutch elm disease thought to have occurred in the late 1960s.
As a result of the huge impact of Dutch elm Disease, few mature elm now remain in the woodland and wider landscape context and currently my Department does not provide support for landowners who have trees suspected or confirmed to be infected with Dutch elm disease. Teagasc is currently involved in some research work the objective of which is to establish a collection of Irish elm genotypes resistant to Dutch elm disease.
Landowners and members of the public are asked to contact Teagasc if they are aware of the location of mature and healthy elm trees in support of this project.
739. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the support available to landowners who have suspected or confirmed ash dieback disease on their land. [57388/21]
View answerSince the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, the focus of the Department's approach to the disease, and the support provided to ash plantation owners, has evolved as our understanding of the nature and scale of the disease has changed.
In March 2013, my Department introduced a Reconstitution Scheme (Chalara Ash Dieback) to restore plantations established under the afforestation scheme which had suffered from or which were associated with plants affected by the disease. Mandatory sanitation felling was a component of this approach in my Department’s attempt to eradicate the disease and support ash plantation owners.
A review of the national policy on ash dieback disease, which involved stakeholder consultation was initiated in 2018 as it was increasingly evident from experience and the latest scientific advice that eradication of Ash Dieback Disease was no longer feasible. The focus of the review was on the policy approach and associated support schemes to evaluate the continued relevance of the national response, and to ensure that the forest owner is provided with a broader range of silvicultural and management options. Following the completion of the review, the Department introduced the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) in July 2020.
The scheme opened for applications in June 2020 and to date there have been over 426 applications with 139 approved to date, which demonstrates a healthy interest in the Scheme.
The Department will continue to keep ash dieback under close review, but our focus is very much on implementation of the current Scheme and engaging with applicants.
740. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ensure that inshore fishers are eligible for the tie-up scheme. [57389/21]
View answerIn March 2021, in response to the negative outcome of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement for our fisheries sector and coastal communities dependent on fishing, I established a Seafood Sector Task Force comprised of representatives from our fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing sectors, coastal communities and various State bodies with a role in the socio-economic development of coastal communities.
The remit of the Task Force was to examine the implications arising from the TCA for our fisheries sector and coastal communities and to recommend mitigating measures that could be taken to provide supports for development and restructuring 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 the Interim Report of the Task which recommended the implementation 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.
Following State Aid approval from the European Commission, I launched a Brexit Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme in September 2021. As recommended by the Task Force, the scheme is open to whitefish vessels in the Polyvalent and Beam Trawl segments of the fishing fleet and provides aid to vessels opting to tie-up for a calendar month during the October to December period, thereby freeing up quota for vessels that remain fishing. Vessels excluded by the UK from the Rockall squid fishery are eligible for an additional month of tie-up. The scheme is proposed for funding under the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve.
The Scheme is designed to assist those vessels impacted by loss of quota arising from the TCA. Many inshore vessels do not fish quota species and so are not impacted by the TCA quota reductions. For the inshore vessels that are directly impacted by the TCA quota reductions the Scheme recognises that inshore fishing vessels under 10 metres in length are not required by law to record their catch in EU logbooks and accommodates this by instead allowing these vessels to demonstrate that they meet the EU rules concerning 120 days fishing activity through a combination of a self-declaration and the records of their landings recorded on the Sales Notes System maintained by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority.
