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Wednesday, 19 Jan 2022

Written Answers Nos. 1945-1965

Departmental Programmes

Questions (1945)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

1945. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a breakdown of payments for an area (details supplied) under the beef sector efficiency programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62952/21]

View answer

Written answers

A total of 197 participants in the Beef Sector Efficiency Programme (BSEP) who have lands declared in the Cork North Central area received a total of €235,320.40 in payments under the BSEP's component schemes: Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme (BEEP-S) and Dairy Beef Calf Programme.

68 received payments totalling €153,070.40 exclusively under BEEP-S.

109 received payments totalling €40,860 exclusively under the Dairy Beef Calf  Programme.

20 received payment under both programmes receiving a total of €6,420 under the Dairy Beef Calf Programme and a total of €34,970 under BEEP-S.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (1946)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

1946. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there will be a stocking rate requirement in order to qualify for the single farm payment scheme 2023; if so, if the rate has been set; if equines will be included in calculations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62990/21]

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Written answers

As outlined in  Ireland's  Draft CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) for the 2023-2027 published on the Department’s website, it is proposed to implement a minimum stocking requirement

- as part of the active farmer check,

- in one of the agricultural practices in the eco-scheme, and

- as an eligibility requirement for the Areas facing Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme. 

Under the CSP Regulation, active farmers are defined as those “engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity”.  Ireland is proposing that the minimum level of agricultural activity will be based on the minimum stocking rate requirement, similar to ANC, for grassland farms.

Where the Department cannot verify the active status of a grassland farmer from its databases, a farmer will have to select from a range of options on the Basic Income Support Scheme (BISS) application from 2023 – for example, making hay/silage, topping, other grazing livestock, plans to purchase livestock in 2023, etc.   Tillage farmers  may be requested to provide evidence of the purchase of seed, fertiliser, plant protection products etc.

Under  the Eco-scheme as proposed by Ireland, one of the measures  will be “Extensive Livestock Production” . This measure is proposed to support and encourage extensive grazing practices. To qualify, the stocking rate over the previous year must fall between a minimum and a maximum value with further administrative and on-the-spot checks in the year of Eco-Scheme participation as required.

At this juncture, it is proposed that the minimum stocking rate would be 0.15 Livestock Units  per Hectare with the maximum stocking rate being 1.5 Livestock Units per Hectare.

For the  Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme, Ireland is proposing to continue the minimum stocking rate requirement. Participants are currently required to maintain an annual average minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare calculated over the 12 months of the calendar year and participants must also meet a minimum retention period of seven consecutive months. A reduced stocking level may apply where it is justified on environmental grounds.

It is proposed that the minimum stocking requirement check in the CSP will be similar to the current ANC check, with which many farmers are already familiar and  it is expected to continue to allow equine animals be used towards meeting the minimum stocking requirement. Further details in relation to the minimum level to be applied and the livestock coefficients applicable under the CSP, will be made available in due course as the development and approval of the CSP progresses.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (1947)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

1947. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the list of requirements to qualify for payment under the eco-schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62991/21]

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Written answers

Eco-Schemes were included in the  EU CAP Strategic Plan Regulation  for the first time as part of the next CAP (2023-2027).  Under the Regulation, they must be funded from within Pillar 1 of the CAP budget. In line with the CAP Strategic Plan Regulation, I have decided to allocate 25% of Ireland’s Direct Payments envelope to the Eco-Scheme annually, which equates to approximately €297 million per annum.

The Eco-Scheme is intended  to reward farmers who undertake actions that are beneficial to the climate, environment, water quality and biodiversity. This annual scheme will be voluntary for farmers and to qualify for payment, they will have to undertake specific agricultural practices on their farms.  The intention is that farmers can apply for the Eco-Scheme at the same time as their Basic Income Support Scheme application from 2023 onwards.

The Deputy will be aware that Ireland's draft CAP Strategic Plan was submitted to the European Commission on 31st December 2021. The  draft plan including the details of Ireland's proposed Eco-Scheme is now being considered by the EU Commission and is subject to Commission approval.

The list of eight agricultural practices proposed by Ireland is set out below, with a farmer having to undertake two agricultural practices to receive an Eco-Scheme payment, which will be a per hectare payment.

1 - Space for Nature

At least 7% of a farmer’s holding must be devoted to biodiversity, habitats or landscape features, building on the 4% requirement for all farmers set down  as part of Conditionality (under Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition  No. 8). Where a farmer commits 10% or more of his/her holding to “Space for Nature”, that will be counted as two actions, and will qualify the farmer for a full Eco-Scheme payment.

2 - Extensive Livestock Production

For a farmer to qualify, the stocking rate  on the farm for the previous year must fall between a minimum (0.15 Livestock Units per Hectare) and a maximum (1.5 Livestock Units per Hectare) value.  Further administrative and on-the-spot checks in the year of Eco-Scheme participation will also take place as required. 

3 - Limiting Chemical Nitrogen

To qualify, the farmer must not exceed a certain level of chemical nitrogen usage across the holding in the year of Eco-Scheme participation, based on the stocking rate, or in the case of arable farmers they must limit their chemical Nitrogen usage to 10% below the national average on arable crops i.e. 139.41 kg per Hectare.

4 – Planting of Native Trees/Hedgerows

To qualify, the farmer must plant at least three trees per eligible hectare in the year of Eco-Scheme participation. Where the farmer opts to plant a hedgerow, the commitment will be for one metre per eligible hectare. Where a farmer selects to plant twice the commitment, that is, six trees per eligible hectare or two metres of hedgerow per eligible hectare, this will count as two practices and qualify a farmer for the full Eco-Scheme payment.

5 – Use of GPS controlled fertiliser spreaders/sprayers

Under this practice, a farmer will be required to spread at least 60% of all chemical fertiliser, (compound or liquid) or plant protection products using a GPS controlled spreader or GPS controlled sprayer.

6 – Soil Sampling & Appropriate Liming

A farmer will be required to undertake soil sampling on all eligible hectares. This practice can be chosen once every three years in line with Teagasc guidance regarding the appropriate intervals between soil samples being taken and the farmer must apply lime if recommended.

7 – Planting of a Break Crop

The planting of a break crop will require that at least 20% of the arable area of the holding in the year of the commitment is planted with prescribed break crop(s) of either Oilseed Rape, Oats, Peas and Beans or a combination of one or more of these crops.

8 – Sowing a Multi-Species Sward

Under this practice, a farmer will be required to sow multi-species sward on at least 6% of the eligible hectares in the year the farmer selects this agricultural practice. 

All Eco-Scheme agricultural practices must go beyond the conditionality requirements laid down in the EU Regulations and must take account of national legislation. Therefore, for example, agricultural practice 3 (limiting chemical Nitrogen) will not be available to Organic Farmers as they are already prohibited from spreading chemical fertiliser.

  I have been clear in the need to have a straightforward, practical Eco-Scheme that will ensure  that my Department will be in a position to make payments on an annual basis to farmers, while also ensuring the Eco-Scheme delivers on its objectives in relation to climate, environment, water quality and biodiversity. In relation to the proposed Agricultural Practices, I must emphasise that while they have been included within Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan, they have yet to be approved by the European Commission. My Department will be liaising with the European Commission over the coming months as part of this approval process.

Animal Welfare

Questions (1948)

Paul Murphy

Question:

1948. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a report detailing the recreational shooting of sheep, goats and deer by trophy hunter tourists; if this breaches animal protection legislation; and if he will act to stop it and prosecute those responsible (details supplied). [62994/21]

View answer

Written answers

Officials from my Department are investigating these allegations. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate to provide further comment at this juncture.

Animal Welfare

Questions (1949)

Paul Murphy

Question:

1949. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of greyhounds injured, killed and destroyed at tracks in 2021; the names of the greyhounds; the nature of each injury and death and destruction; and the associated dates and track locations. [62996/21]

View answer

Written answers

Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. 

The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (1950, 1951)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

1950. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if women with at least a level 6 in agriculture or who have been head of a farm holding for at least three years could qualify for the TAMS 60% grant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63016/21]

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Jackie Cahill

Question:

1951. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if women who join a formal farm partnership with a minimum level 6 qualification and who meet the eligible age criteria can obtain the 60% TAMS grant within the partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63017/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1950 and 1951 together.

Subject to the approval of the European Commission, it is proposed under an On-Farm Capital Investment Scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) that a general grant rate of 40% will be available for eligible investments. It is also proposed in the CSP that eligible female farmers, who meet the eligibility criteria may qualify for grant aid at a rate of 60%.

The proposed eligible female farmers are those:

- Aged between 18 years of age and 66 at any time during the calendar year in which she submits an application for support.

- Meet the conditions for being head and having control of the holding;

- Meets the requirements for the appropriate training and/or skills required at application.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria above will remain eligible to submit an application under the On-Farm Capital investment scheme at the standard rate of 40%.

It is proposed that applications from registered farm partnerships will continue to be provided for under the Capital Investment Scheme with the full details to be finalised. The Capital Investment Scheme, as is the case with all proposals under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), is in the process of development and is subject to the formal approval of the European Commission.

Question No. 1951 answered with Question No. 1950.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (1952, 1953, 1954)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

1952. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of landowners found to have been ineligible for funding under an area-based scheme in each of the past ten years due to an incidence of illegal burning in the previous period by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63086/21]

View answer

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

1953. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of inspections, ground and satellite, undertaken by his Department to identify illegal burns by county; the number of illegal burns successfully identified as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63087/21]

View answer

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

1954. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of times land declared as eligible on a basic payment scheme application was identified as having been burned during the closed season; the number of successful appeals made against this; the criteria by which an appeal is judged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63088/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1952, 1953 and 1954 together.

Burning of land between 1st March and 31st August (which is the closed season) in any year is prohibited under section 40 of the Wildlife Act, 1976 as amended by the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000.  

It is specified in the Basic Payment Scheme Terms and Conditions that land burnt during the closed season in any given year, is not eligible for the purpose of payment under the Basic Payment Scheme. 

As required under EU Regulations, all applications under the Basic Payment Scheme are subject to robust administrative checks prior to payment. Only valid applications under the Basic Payment Scheme that fully comply with the requirements of the EU legislation are paid.

 As part of these required administrative checks, my Department assesses satellite imagery from a range of sources, including FIRMS1, EFFIS2 , along with a manual review by operators of Sentinel3 imagery, to identify lands burned during the closed period.  Any area within a land parcel that is identified as being subject to burning in this time period, is deemed ineligible and as a result the eligible area of the parcel is reduced.  The applicant is notified of this reduction and their right of review to this reduction.  Follow-up field visits are undertaken by inspecting officers from my Department where required.  In addition, my Department regularly issues advice and reminders directly to farmers on the negative consequences of burning land illegally including that it may give rise to an overclaim for the farmer.

Such an overclaim will result in a reduction in the eligible area. In addition, as required under the EU Regulations,  further administrative penalties are applied where the area over-claimed is greater than 3% of the area declared or more than 2 hectares.  Full details of how the administrative penalties are calculated can be found in the published Helpsheet and Terms and Conditions 

assets.gov.ie/123734/290d843d-906d-438a-854e-00eec09fee34.pdf  

The collection of statistics in relation to burnt land under the Basic Payment Scheme commenced in 2017 and are set out in table 1 below. It should be noted that these applicant's payments in respect of other area-based schemes (e.g. Areas facing Natural Constraints, GLAS, Organics) may also have been impacted by the reduction in the eligible area. It is important to note that in certain cases the land subject to burning has no impact on the applicant's payments.

  Table 1: 

County  

   *2017               

   *2018              

   *2019              

*2020               

   *2021          

Carlow

 

 

 

52

54

Cavan

 

 

 

7

2

Clare

 

 

1

3

 

Cork

3

2

3

34

48

Donegal

23

 

22

3

10

Dublin

13

 

12

 

 

Galway

39

 

12

25

29

Kerry

17

 

40

71

41

Kildare

 

1

 

2

 

Kilkenny

 

 

 

 

6

Laois

 

 

 

 

31

Leitrim

4

 

 

3

 

Limerick

 

 

15

 

 

Longford

 

 

2

1

 

Louth

 

 

 

21

 

Mayo

44

 

257

73

41

Meath

 

 

 

 

 

Monaghan

 

 

 

 

1

Offaly

 

 

1

 

 

Roscommon

 

 

 

17

 

Sligo

29

 

 

12

 

Tipperary

2

 

42

1

2

Waterford

 

 

 

 

21

Westmeath

 

 

 

 

 

Wexford

 

 

 

28

22

Wicklow

5

 

1

32

27

Total

179

3

408

385

335

- 2017 includes 62 applications where there was no impact on the BPS payment.

- 2018 includes 2 applications where there was no impact on the BPS payment.

- 2019 includes 293 applications where there was no impact on the BPS payment. 

- 2020 includes 209 applications where there was no impact on the BPS payment.

- 2021 includes 169 applications where there was no impact on the BPS payment. 

Of these 335 applications, 166 gave rise to a reduction/penalty on the applicant's 2021 BPS payment as set out in table 2 below. 

Table 2:  

 -

No of Applications

Appeals (as of 11/01/2022)

Partially successful appeals (as of 11/01/2022)

No Financial Impact/No  reduction 

169

25

0

Reduction only

47

11

0

Reduction and administrative penalty

119

89

76

Total

335

125

76

Please note that these figures will be subject to change due to ongoing reviews and appeals.

Each applicant has a right of appeal, and each appeal is examined on its own its based on the information provided  to the appeals officer by the applicant.  Of the 125 appeals received by my Department to date in respect of 2021 applications, 76 cases had the administrative penalty waived.

However, it should be noted that the burnt area is still considered ineligible and a reduction in payment may result. It should also be noted that where an applicant is dis-satisfied with the outcome of an appeal, they have further right of appeal with the independent Agricultural Appeals Office.

Footnotes. 

FIRMS: Fire Information for Resource  Management - earthdata.nasa.gov/earth-observation-data/near-real-time/firms

EFFIS: European Forest Fire Information System - effis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/

Sentinel: Imagery provided by Copernicus - www.copernicus.eu/en

Question No. 1953 answered with Question No. 1952.
Question No. 1954 answered with Question No. 1952.

Fishery Harbour Centres

Questions (1955)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

1955. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the controls of the harbour master on fishing activity by pots in the area of the fishery harbour centre under his control; the legislative basis for same; the details of those controls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63134/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has responsibility under the Fishery Harbours Centre Act, 1968 (as amended) for the six Fishery Harbour Centres located at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, An Daingean, Ros an Mhíl and Killybegs. 

Section 4(2)(a) of the Fishery Harbour Centres Act, 1968 provides a legal basis for the making of bye laws for the purposes of the management, control, operation and development of the Fishery Harbour Centres.  The Fishery Harbour Centres (Management, Control, Operation and Development) Bye-Laws 1979, made under this provision, empower the Harbour Master to ensure the good management and operation of all activities including the safe navigation of all vessels using the Fishery Harbour Centres.  All harbour users should follow the direction of the Harbour Master to ensure the safe functioning of the Harbour. 

Farm Inspections

Questions (1956)

Matt Carthy

Question:

1956. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers selected for satellite inspection in 2020; if he has considered processing these inspections in a timeframe that would facilitate payment to these farmers with whom no issue is found at the same time as those not selected for inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63142/21]

View answer

Written answers

At least 5% of BPS applicants are selected for land eligibility inspection annually. Some 6,666 applicants were selected for a satellite inspection in 2020.  All inspections are carried out as quickly as possible in order to allow prompt payment to farmers. 

Current EU Regulations provide that payments under the Basic Payment Scheme shall be made within the period from 1st December to 30th June of the following calendar year. The regulations further allow Member States, prior to 1st December, but not before 16th October, to pay advances for those Direct Payments.

In Ireland,  the practice for a number of years has been that advance payments commence automatically from 16th October each year and balancing payments commence from 1st December. Under the Regulations, advance payments can only be paid in cases where the administrative checks are completed. The Regulations also require that cases selected for inspection cannot be paid their advance payment until the inspection is carried out. 

One of the flexibilities introduced by the EU Commission in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,  permitted advance payments  to be paid inspection cases in 2020 on condition that administrative checks were complete even though the inspection was not completed.   My Department availed of that derogation in 2020. Unfortunately, that derogation was not continued into by the European Commission in respect of 2021 inspection cases. 

Farm Inspections

Questions (1957)

Matt Carthy

Question:

1957. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average and maximum delay in issuance of payment under the basic payment scheme for farmers selected for satellite inspection with whom no issue is found; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63143/21]

View answer

Written answers

EU Regulations provide that payments under the Basic Payment Scheme shall be made within the period from 1st December to 30th June of the following calendar year. The regulation further allows Member States, prior to 1st December but not before 16th October, to pay advances for those direct payments. Processing of advance payments commences on16th October each year in my Department and balancing payments commence from 1st December.  

In terms of 2021 BPS applicants selected for satellite inspection, just over 97% of those selected have been paid to date.  

Outstanding cases continue to be processed to allow payment on a daily basis.  

Animal Breeding

Questions (1958)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1958. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of prosecutions for offences involving illegal puppy farms since new stronger regulations were introduced in 2020 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63180/21]

View answer

Written answers

The requirement to register with my Department as a seller or supplier of pet animals under the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 does not apply to a person who is required to register with their local authority under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Dog breeding establishments are regulated under that Act and fall under the remit of the Minister for Rural and Community Development.

The Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 came into effect in February 2020. Extracts from the Register of Sellers have been published on www.gov.ie/registered-pet-sellers, including the pet sales registration number, the name of the seller or supplier and the county in which the premises connected to the sale or supply of pets is located. No prosecutions have been taken under these Regulations to date.

My Department is working to achieve full compliance with the regulations on advertising pet animals. My Department 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 new regulations.

Animal Breeding

Questions (1959)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1959. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of sellers and suppliers of pets and animals who have registered with his Department since the new regulations in the area were introduced in 2020; the details on further actions that are required to target the sale and distribution of animals through illicit puppy farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63181/21]

View answer

Written answers

Concern 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.

There were 1,247 pet sellers and suppliers registered on the Register of Sellers and Suppliers of Pet Animals and the Register of Premises at the end of 2021. 

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.

Every dog must be microchipped in accordance with the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015. Section 7 of the Act sets out distinct obligations for the supplier and for anyone buying or acquiring dogs. These obligations apply to all sales, including those conducted online .

The possession, movement, sale or supply of an “unchipped dog” is an offence, and may be prosecuted under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

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 .   

.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (1960)

Seán Fleming

Question:

1960. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a GLAS payment will be granted to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63228/21]

View answer

Written answers

The person named has received all GLAS payments due to them under the scheme.

The person named was approved to GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1st October 2015 and a contract end date of 31st December 2020. 

In line with the amendment to the RDP 2014-2020, participants in GLAS 1 and 2, with valid GLAS contracts as at 31st December 2020, were given the option to apply to extend their GLAS contract in its entirety for one additional year. The person named was offered a GLAS 2021 Extension on 14th December 2020, outlining the options to them and how to respond.

The person named was given a choice of two application methods, to apply online via AgFood.ie or responding to a text message from the Department. Reminders issued to them by way of both SMS text message and in writing.

No application was received from the person named to extend their contract and they are therefore no longer a participant in GLAS.

Animal Welfare

Questions (1961)

Bríd Smith

Question:

1961. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the tourism of paid trophy shooting of sheep, goats and deer in County Wicklow and possibly elsewhere; the steps he will take to outlaw this barbaric practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63236/21]

View answer

Written answers

In relation to the specific allegation outlined in the media relating to hunting in Wicklow, officials from my Department are investigating these allegations. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate to provide further comment at this juncture.

In relation to deer, these are a protected species in Ireland under the terms of the Wildlife Act, 1976 (as amended) and may only be hunted under licence. 

I can advise the deputy that my Department has always been clear and consistent, that  neglect or causing unnecessary suffering to an animal is unacceptable and I am committed to continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

Forestry Sector

Questions (1962)

Carol Nolan

Question:

1962. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason an issue (details supplied) has not been resolved; if a decision on the application can be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63243/21]

View answer

Written answers

An application for the Native Woodland Scheme was received in March 2020.  This is a complex site comprising a mosaic of wetland and woodland habitats. I expect a decision to issue shortly.

Animal Welfare

Questions (1963)

Emer Higgins

Question:

1963. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the criteria that determined the amount of funding that was given to each animal welfare organisation under the €3.7 million allocated to organisations on animal welfare awareness day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63270/21]

View answer

Written answers

In December 2021, I announced the record allocation of €3.7 million in grants to 98 animal welfare charities throughout the country. 

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, these awards mark the largest award of grant funding to animal welfare bodies ever made by my Department. This additional support will make a real difference to the welfare of animals nationwide.   

Applications for annual funding from animal welfare organisations are assessed carefully and awards are made on the basis of objective criteria. These include the level and type of assistance provided by the organisation in the delivery of care and welfare services to animals and the level of funding raised by organisations from other sources to support welfare activities. 

This year, to further enhance the impact of public funding for animal welfare bodies nationwide, my Department aligned our funding model with the animal welfare policies, objectives and priorities outlined in Together for Animal Welfare, Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025. Consequently, the assessment of funding placed emphasis on the ‘One Health, One Welfare’ approach to education and dissemination of knowledge to improve animal welfare delivered by the organisations.  

To be eligible for funding, applicant organisations must be registered charities and must supply detailed information on their governance arrangements and financial records.  

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (1964)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

1964. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of participants in the current round of TAMS 2014-2021 who were successful in acquiring funds for equine housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63287/21]

View answer

Written answers

There are a wide variety of items available under the suite of seven measures under TAMS. To date, total expenditure under the seven measures of the TAMS, including transitional expenditure, is in excess of €325m with commitments of an additional €145m made to scheme participants who have yet to draw down those grants.

Some 44,842 applications have been approved under the scheme. All outstanding approvals issued represent potential outstanding liabilities for the Department and we must have a budget in place to pay these claims.

TAMS is a demand-led scheme and it is open to applicants to select the investments they wish to make from the extensive list available. Equine housing is not one of the investments available under TAMS, however grant aid is available for horse stocks.  

The On-Farm Capital investment scheme, as is the case with all proposals under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), is in the process of development and is subject to the formal approval of the European Commission. The public consultation on the Environmental Assessment of the draft CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 closed on 8th December 2021, and I will be reviewing the proposal in advance of the submission of the proposal to the Commission by 1st January 2022.

Livestock Issues

Questions (1965)

Brian Leddin

Question:

1965. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of the voyages of dedicated livestock vessels departing from Ireland in 2020 and in 2021 that were accompanied by a vet, by departure date and destination and if the vet travelled to the destination port and observed the unloading of the livestock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63309/21]

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Written answers

The Department only permits animals to be transported in compliance with the legislation. Department officials and inspectors monitor compliance through a system of official controls, including advance checks of paperwork and veterinary checks of the livestock vessel, and of all animals before they travel, along with retrospective checks on GPS and temperature records. In general, animals travel well and arrive in good condition.

There were 10 voyages of dedicated livestock vessels from Ireland during 2020 and five during 2021; the date and port of departure, and the port of destination are outlined in the table below. Of those, a Department veterinary inspector accompanied one voyage within each of these years. 

On both occasions, based on the advice and updates provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding travel for Irish citizens, the official disembarked before the vessel docked at the port of destination, and therefore did not observe the unloading of livestock in the port of destination in Libya,  This advice is available on the DFA website.

The resurgence of COVID-19 in Ireland and throughout Europe during 2021 has made such accompaniment challenging. It is planned to resume such accompaniments once it is deemed safe from a public health perspective.

My Department is conscious of the need to ensure the welfare of the animals in transit and, as the regulator in this area, we are satisfied that the systems in place in respect of the intra-community movement and extra-community movement of these animals are in compliance with the relevant legislation. The Department continues to monitor and enforce compliance, to ensure the welfare of animals transported. 

Date

Port of Loading

Port of Destination

Veterinary accompaniment

30/12/2019

Waterford

Misurata, Libya

Yes

29/01/2020

Cork

Misurata, Libya

No

07/03/2020

Cork

Misurata, Libya

No

27/03/2020

Waterford

Tekirdage, Turkey

No

16/04/2020

Waterford

Algeria

No

01/05/2020

Waterford

Misurata, Libya

No

29/07/2020

Cork

Misurata, Libya

No

06/10/2020

Waterford

Misurata, Libya

No

12/10/2020

Waterford

Iskenderum, Turkey

No

30/10/2020

Cork

Iskenderum, Turkey

No

Date

Port of Loading

Port of Destination

Veterinary accompaniment

23/12/2020

Waterford

Misurata, Libya

Yes

13/03/2021

Waterford

Misurata, Libya

No

13/03/2021

Cork

Misurata, Libya

No

22/04/2021

Cork

Misurata, Libya

No

28/11/2021

Greenore

Misurata, Libya

No

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