Written Answers Nos. 184-196
184. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work that has been carried out by his Department with stakeholders to date in 2021 to develop new opportunities for Irish agri-food producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60623/21]
View answerThe promotion of Ireland's high-quality, safe, nutritious and sustainably produced food, and the development of export opportunities for Irish food producers, are core objectives of my Department and its agencies, in particular Bord Bia.
In support of the achievement of these objectives, the Government has provided Bord Bia with significant additional funding over a number of recent budgets, including in 2021. This funding is targeted at realising the opportunities to grow Irish exports of agri-food products, as well as supporting companies that are establishing and expanding their presence in international markets. It is particularly focused on markets that have been identified by Bord Bia as providing the greatest potential for export growth across the full range of product categories.
My Department's Ministerial Trade Mission programme is also informed by this market prioritisation work, and these Missions have become a key component of our strategy to develop new opportunities for Irish agri-food producers. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, in 2021 Minister Heydon and I have led a significant programme of virtual Trade Missions and key customer engagements. These have covered Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, China, Singapore and West Africa, as well as our traditional markets in the EU (Germany, Netherlands), UK and US.
My Department also continues to work on the market access opportunities provided by recent EU Free Trade Agreements with third countries, and to press at Government-to-Government level for the removal of technical market access barriers for specific product categories across a range of third country markets.
185. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to further develop markets and secure new opportunities for Irish agri-food producers over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60624/21]
View answerThe Irish agri-food sector has a strong international reputation as a supplier of quality, safe, nutritious and sustainably produced food and drink, but it cannot afford to rest on its laurels in a very competitive and dynamic marketplace.
Food Vision 2030, the stakeholder-led strategy for sustainable development of the sector in the decade ahead, aims to position Ireland as a world leader in sustainable food systems. Food Vision 2030 sets four key missions for the sector, one of which is "Food which is safe, nutritious and appealing, trusted and valued at home and abroad". This mission identifies specific actions to support the diversification and development of export markets, which will be crucial in ensuring that Irish food exports secure premium markets and market segments, delivering a return for everyone along the supply chain, and particularly farmers and fishers as the primary producers.
These include an intensified programme of Ministerial trade missions to priority markets, both virtual and in-person; an updated market prioritisation exercise; and building on existing market access efforts for key product categories to priority international markets.
My Department, in cooperation with Bord Bia and other state agencies, as well as sectoral stakeholders, will progress work to implement these actions, and will continue to allocate significant resources to the pursuit and development of new markets for the benefit of Irish food producers.
186. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of forestry licence applications returned to applicants in 2021 for further information; the year the applications were submitted; the reason such applications were not returned for further information in a more timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60642/21]
View answerWhile my Department issues further information requests as and when required on individual applications and keeps a record of each request on the individual file, information on the number issued is not readily available from the IFORIS system.
Statistics are available for a specific triage exercise recently carried out on both forest roads and private tree felling licence applications awaiting assessment by an ecologist. As regards roads, 88 further information requests issued to which we received a good response.
A batch of further information requests on felling applications issued at the end of June on 420 applications. Approximately half of these requests remained unanswered. Reminders issued week ending 5th November for 234 of the initial 420 and we would encourage all applicants and their foresters to respond immediately.
187. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the indicative allocation within in his proposed CAP Strategic Plan he plans to use as a mechanism to address the issues faced by the so-called forgotten farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60643/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government ‘Our Shared Future’ contains a commitment to seek to resolve the issue of support for the category of farmers known as Forgotten Farmers.
I have asked officials in my Department to examine options to address the issue of forgotten farmers both through the next CAP and also through other measures to support this group. I am committed to helping this cohort of farmers and I will bring forward proposals in the time ahead.
The outline of any schemes supported under the next CAP and details of the Terms and Conditions for eligibility under such schemes, or for other supports available, will be set out once all the relevant EU Regulations are agreed and finalised.
188. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding provided by his Department to provide financial credit to farmers; the title of the financial product; the purpose of the financial product; if such funding was recycled by issuing institutions or returned to his Department in each of the years 2016 to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60644/21]
View answerAccess to finance is a crucial business need and, as well as liaising with the main banks on issues relating to the agri-food sector, my Department works closely across Government to provide important supports for businesses, including farmers, fishers and food businesses.
Most recently, this has been to ensure that they have access to finance during the pandemic and also to help deal with the challenges brought about by Brexit. These supports have been delivered with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI).
The Schemes available to farmers to date are set out in the table below:
|
Scheme |
Purpose |
Funding2017€m |
unding2018€m |
Funding2019€m |
Funding 2020€m |
Funding 2021 to date€m |
TOTAL €m |
|
Agri Cashflow Support Loan Scheme (ACSLS) |
Working Capital |
25.0 |
-4.6* |
20.4 |
|||
|
Future Growth Loan Scheme (FGLS) |
Long term investment |
25.0 |
0 |
27.6 |
3.4 |
56.0 |
|
|
Brexit Impact Loan Scheme (BILS) |
Working capital, investment and re-financing |
0 |
|||||
|
COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme |
Working capital and investment finance |
0 |
|||||
|
Total |
25.0 |
25.0 |
0 |
23.0 |
3.4 |
76.4 |
* In 2020, €4.6 million became available from the ACSLS and was used as part-funding for the FGLS. Future outflows from the ACSLS are expected as the Scheme winds down.
A payment of €5.5 million is due to be paid in 2021 for the BILS. A further €15m in funds recycled from the now closed “Brexit Loan Scheme” (which was not available to farmers) is expected to be allocated to the BILS in 2022.
The COVID 19 Credit Guarantee Scheme (CCGS) was established by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with input from my Department. There was no upfront payment but my Department is liable for any defaults arising from the primary production sector.
189. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has given consideration to including measures related to hedgerows as an element of the proposed non-productive areas and landscapes eco scheme; the proposed measures; the proposed measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60707/21]
View answerEco-Schemes are being proposed for the first time as part of the next CAP and they must be funded from within Pillar 1 of the CAP budget. The aim of Ireland’s Eco-Scheme will be to reward farmers for undertaking actions beneficial to the climate, environment, water quality and biodiversity. I have decided to allocate 25% of Ireland’s Direct Payments envelope to Eco-Schemes annually, which equates to approximately €297 million per annum.
Eco-Schemes are mandatory for Member States but voluntary for farmers. Ireland's Eco-Scheme will be delivered in accordance with Article 31 of the CAP Strategic Plan Regulation and will be costed in accordance with Article 31 (7) (b) and based on cost incurred and income foregone. Farmers will apply annually for Eco-Schemes from 2023 on at the same time as they submit their BISS application.
There are currently eight agricultural practices within Ireland's Eco-Scheme. A farmer must undertake two agricultural practices to receive their Eco-Scheme payments. The current eight practices are: -
Space for Nature
Extensive Livestock Production,
Limiting Chemical Nitrogen Usage,
Planting of Native Trees and hedges
Use of a GPS-controlled fertiliser spreader and or GPS controlled sprayer,
Soil Sampling and Appropriate Liming on all eligible hectares,
Enhanced Crop Diversification, and
Sowing of a Multi Species Sward.
In terms of measures relating to hedgerows, existed hedgerows will count towards a farmers "space for nature" in Agricultural Practice 1 whether that is 4% for conditionality or 7% or 10% for Eco-Schemes. Where a farmer delivers 10% Space for Nature features on their farm, that will be counted as two actions for Eco-Schemes. This agricultural practice will ensure a value is attached to all qualifying features including hedgerows that make up GAEC 8 or "Space for Nature".
Hedgerows are also an integral element of Agricultural Practice 4 Planting of Native Trees and or Hedges. Farmers can opt to plant three native trees per eligible hectare or one metre of hedgerow per eligible hectare. Where a farmer selects to plant twice the commitment, i.e. six trees per eligible hectare or two metres of hedgerow per eligible hectare, that will count as two actions for Eco-Schemes.
My Department is currently in the process of finalising the design of the Eco-Scheme for inclusion in Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan which must be submitted to the European Commission by 31 December 2021. I have been very clear that Eco-Scheme actions must be straightforward and practical for farmers.
In addition, the actions must be administratively straightforward for farmers and for my Department to ensure that Eco-Scheme payments can issue promptly.
My Department must also be able to audit and control all agricultural practices so that effective reassurance can be provided that this EU funded scheme is being properly run. Crucially the actions must deliver positive environmental benefit.
190. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has given consideration to including measures related to hedgerows as an element of AECM; the proposed measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60708/21]
View answerThe current proposals for the various new interventions to be made available in the next CAP period are outlined in ‘Ireland’s draft CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027’.
The draft Plan and associated Environmental Report and Natura Impact Statement have been published on my Department’s website and members of the public and stakeholders have been invited to make a written submission or observation on them by 8th December 2021.
Under the draft plan, the proposed agri-environment climate measure (AECM) includes significant measures related to hedgerows, namely, the planting of new hedgerows and the rejuvenation of existing hedgerows either through coppicing or laying.
The details of the proposed AECM are still being developed and the contents in the draft Plan may still be subject to change as, for example, the submissions in response to the consultation process will require consideration. It is also subject to formal approval by the EU Commission.
191. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he has implemented to ensure that the transposition of EU Regulation 2019/6 regarding veterinary medicines does not disadvantage farmers or impact negatively on rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60758/21]
View answerThe Regulations on Veterinary Medicinal Products enter into force on 28th January 2022. Following engagement with all those involved, I have decided to defer the implementation of the element requiring anti-parasitic medicines to be supplied on foot of a veterinary prescription, until 1st June 2022. This will enable all stakeholders make the necessary business and/or infrastructural adjustments to ensure compliance with the Regulations, and ensure farmers are not disadvantaged.
I have set out a clear roadmap for implementing key elements within the new Regulations; these include:
1. The new requirements regarding the prescribing of antimicrobials, including antibiotics and medicated feed, will come into effect on January 28th 2022.
2. The mandatory requirement to use the new National Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS) is deferred until 1st June 2022. Veterinary practitioners can continue to issue paper-based prescriptions in the current format until then.
3. The NVPS will be available for voluntary use by vets from the end of January onwards, helping ensure that prescribers and dispensers are familiar with the system when its use becomes compulsory.
4. Prescriptions for anti-parasitic medicines issued by vets after 1st June will be valid for a maximum period of 12-months. Anti-parasitic medicines can then be purchased by the farmer via the NVPS from his preferred supplier at any time throughout the period that the prescription is valid.
I am also in the process of finalising a proposal to introduce a large-scale Targeted Advisory Service on Animal Health (TASAH) programme specifically focused on parasite control on farms in 2022. This measure will allow farmers engage a specifically trained vet to provide advice on parasite control measures in their herd, at no cost to the farmer.
I recognise that the new Veterinary Medicines Regulation means significant change for farmers, vets, pharmacists and licensed merchants – all of whom have, and will, play key roles in upkeeping the health of our livestock. An overarching objective of the Regulations is to address the issue of development of resistance to anti-microbial medicines and also anti-parasitic medicines for the long term benefit of farmers and society generally.
I have consulted widely and listened to a range of voices on this topic, and I believe the steps I have outlined will ensure that we address the challenge of anti-microbial and anti-parasitic resistance and support the health and welfare of our livestock, thus improving productivity. Farmers will continue to have access to a range of sales points, thus helping competition and licensed merchants will continue to be a trusted source of animal health products.
192. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funding has been approved for Minard Pier, Lispole, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60824/21]
View answerMinard Pier 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, is the primary provider of funding for local authorities.
In view of the particular importance of such facilities to the marine economy, my Department has provided funding to assist 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. Funding has always been 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. Kerry County Council securing over €200,000 to support three projects.
No application for funding in relation to Minard Pier was received under this year’s programme. Should any application be submitted by Kerry County Council in relation to Minard Pier under any future programme, it will be given due consideration taking into account the terms and conditions of the particular scheme, the priority attached by the Council and available funding.
Recently, I received the Report of the Seafood Sector Task Force which makes recommendations to address 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 has specifically recommended an initiative of significant investment in publicly owned marine infrastructure to assist in diversification of economic opportunities to offset the effects of the TCA, particularly in communities dependent on fishing activity. Officials in my Department are actively engaged in examining what kind of mechanisms could be developed to leverage the Brexit Adjustment Reserve funding that Ireland has received for this purpose.
193. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the European Union Committee on the Protection of Animals during Transport proposed regulations on live exports and the impact these proposals could have on Irish animal exports. [60830/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the European Parliament’s ANIT Committee has concluded its work and has voted on its report and recommendations. The recommendations of the ANIT Committee, if they were to be implemented in full, would be particularly challenging. This report will next be presented to a plenary session of the European Parliament in January, seeking endorsement by the Parliament.
The European Commission is currently reviewing European animal welfare legislation including the rules for the transport of animals. This review by the Commission will result in legislative proposals, which are expected in 2023.
It can be expected that the report of the ANIT Committee will feed into this review. The Commission has repeatedly said however that legislative proposals will be made on the basis of the best available scientific evidence, and it is vital that this will be the case.
My Department will continue to engage with this process to communicate the challenges that these recommendations will place on Irish farmers.
Teagasc is currently engaged in research in relation to the welfare of animals being transported and the outcome of this scientific research will help to inform the debate in this area.
It is essential however that stakeholders in the Irish agriculture sector take note of these findings.
It is important that stakeholders further advance their collaborative efforts to ensure the welfare of all animals transported, mitigate the risk of any sector being overly dependent on live exports. Ourdairy sector, has built a reputation on producing a top-quality calf, and we take tremendous steps in transporting them safely. Huge credit must go to our farmers and exporters in this regard.
The export of animals is strictly regulated by my Department in accordance with existing EU law and the Irish system of controls is publicly acknowledged to have incorporated meaningful measures that ensure high standards of animal welfare on farm, and at every stage during transport.
194. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if grants are available to resident's associations seeking to have a defibrillator installed in their community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60583/21]
View answerMy Department does not operate a dedicated fund for the purchase, maintenance, repair or service of defibrillators and there are currently no plans to introduce a specific current fund dedicated to this purpose.
However, some of my Department's programmes fund the purchase of capital equipment such as through the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). This programme provides small grants to community groups to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas. The 2021 CEP was launched in May last with funding of €4.5m, and is now closed to applications. It is intended that the 2022 CEP will open again next year.
The CEP is administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area, on behalf of my Department. The fund covers the purchase of equipment (such as defibrillators).
Last month I also launched the Community Activities Fund which will allow groups apply for funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment within their community. This scheme is part of the CEP and is also administered by the LCDCs.
The LEADER Programme is also capital in nature and the purchase of community defibrillators may be eligible for LEADER funding. Groups should contact their Local Action Group to determine eligibility.
195. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding allocated to the LEADER programme; the amount that was provided through Pillar 2 of the Common Agricultural Policy; the amount provided from Exchequer funds in each of the years 2007 to 2021 inclusive; the anticipated corresponding figures for 2022 to 2027 inclusive in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60645/21]
View answerLEADER is a rural development programme co-funded by the EU that operates a locally-led, bottom-up approach to meeting the needs of local communities and businesses.
From 2007 to 2020, LEADER was included in the suite of measures that constituted Ireland’s Rural Development Programme (RDP). The Rural Development Programmes agreed by each Member State with the EU Commission were designed to correspond to specified Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) programming periods. The CAP programming periods in turn correspond to the EU's budgetary cycle. The Rural Development Programme will now be replaced by each Member State’s CAP Strategic Plan.
Funding under the LEADER programme is provided on a programming period basis rather than an annual basis which provides greater flexibility for managing the budget.
The LEADER allocation for the 2007 to 2013 CAP programming period was almost €400 million. This was subsequently revised in 2013, due to a downturn in the national economy, to €377m on foot of the agreement by the EU Commission of a formal amendment to the 2007-2013 RDP.
The 2014-2020 LEADER programme had a total funding allocation of €250 million.
The next CAP programming period was due to run from 2021 to 2027. However, due to delays in agreeing the required regulations at EU level, a transitional period was agreed for the years 2021 and 2022. €70m has been assigned to LEADER in this transitional period. An indicative allocation of €180m has recently being announced for the LEADER programme for the years 2023 to 2027. This means LEADER funding for the 7 year period from 2021-2027 will be maintained at the same level as 2014-2020 Programme of €250m.
The Deputy will also be aware that my Department has introduced a wide range of new funding streams for rural communities in recent years such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and more. All of these programmes support rural communities across the country and very much complement the LEADER Programme.
Table 1 below details the funding allocation for each of the programming periods and a breakdown of the respective EU Commission and National Exchequer contributions.
Table 1 – Breakdown of LEADER Funding Allocations 2007 to 2027
|
Programming period |
Total Funding Allocation |
EU Commission Funding |
National Exchequer Funding |
|
2007-2013 (Original allocation) |
€400m |
€276m |
€124m |
|
2007-2013 (Revised allocation) |
€377m |
€276m |
€101m |
|
2014-2020 |
€250m |
€157m |
€93m |
|
2021-2022 Transitional programme |
€70m |
€51.4m |
€18.6m |
|
2023-2027 |
€180m |
€77.9m |
€102.1m |
196. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of a project (details supplied); when the work commenced; when the work will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60833/21]
View answerThe CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different Measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period.
The project referred to by the Deputy was approved under CLÁR 2019 for €20,000.
A claim for payment in respect of this project was been received by my Department earlier this year and was subject to a pre-payment inspection. Issues were identified with the delivery of the project as part of that inspection and a preliminary letter of findings issued to the local authority.
A response was received from the local authority in respect of this preliminary letter of findings but a number of outstanding issues still remain. The local authority has been afforded additional time to address these outstanding issues.
It is expected that a final letter of findings will issue in the coming weeks.
