Ciaran Cannon
Question:943. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a GLAS payment will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7622/22]
View answerAgriculture Schemes
Questions (943)
Written answers
The person named was approved into the GLAS 2 scheme with a contract commencement date of 1st January 2016. Payments subsequently issued for scheme years 2016 – 2018.
An issue arose in relation to an increase in the eligible areas for some commonage claims which delayed processing of further payments.
All payments previously made to the applicant are now being reviewed to ensure that future payments are correct. My Department is currently working to progress this GLAS contract so that outstanding payments can be processed as soon as possible.
Legislative Measures
Questions (944)
Alan Kelly
Question:944. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when section 9 of the Greyhound Racing Act 2019 will come into force. [7638/22]
View answerWritten 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.
A commencement order that includes Section 9 of the Greyhound Racing Act 2019 is currently being drafted and is anticipated to come into force in the coming weeks.
Forestry Sector
Questions (945)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:945. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the forestry industry had an input into the decision making on licensing targets for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7670/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued 4,050 forestry licences last year, which is an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020, and this was the starting point for developing a more ambitious plan for 2022.
This plan for 5,250 licences in 2022 represents an overall increase in licensing of 30%. It provides for a 100% increase in output for afforestation licences. In addition the overall number of licences in respect of private felling, roads and afforestation will be increased year on year by 48%, while Coillte felling licences will maintain the level they achieved in 2021. The Department will also refocus on the delivery of most approvals from several schemes including Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) (Ash Dieback), the Reconstitution of Woodland Scheme (Frost), the Native Woodland Scheme and a proposed small-scale planting scheme for up to one hectare of native species.
The development of the Licensing Plan was informed by engagement with stakeholder members, particularly in the Forestry Policy Group. This Group has a broad membership with 26 members, with very strong representation from the forestry industry. The Group meets every two months and members are also involved more regularly in Working Groups under Project Woodland. It will, I believe, meet the needs of the sector in terms of felling and roads and will go towards improving confidence in terms of the licensing of afforestation and in delivering on support schemes.
The Department will issue a quarterly update indicating progress to provide ongoing clarity on the licensing plan and to allow monitoring on the delivery of the various key performance indicators (KPIs).
Forestry Sector
Questions (946)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:946. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of road licences issued to Coillte in his Department's dashboard ending 4 February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7671/22]
View answerWritten answers
As I advised in Dáil Question number 810 of 8th February, forest road applications are received and decided daily. Applications received from Coillte are treated the same as applications from private individuals. I also advised the Deputy that for weekending 28th January, 11 road licences were issued to private applicants and four were issued to Coillte.
In the month of January, 76 forest road licences issued, 36 to private applicants and 40 to Coillte. In weekending 4th February, five private and eight Coillte road licences were issued.
Forestry Sector
Questions (947)
Carol Nolan
Question:947. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 382 of 4 November 2021, the reason a decision has not been issued despite the expectation he expressed at that time that the matter would be addressed in the next two to three months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7743/22]
View answerWritten answers
Further to Dáil question number 382 of 4th November, 2021, where I advised that expected a decision to issue in the next two to three months, which included the mandatory public consultation period of 30 days. I can confirm that this particular felling licence decision has issued to the applicant.
Foreshore Issues
Questions (948)
Thomas Pringle
Question:948. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he can legislate for any activity on the seabed that belongs to a body (details supplied) particularly in Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough; if the body can regulate activity that is within Irish territorial waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7755/22]
View answerWritten answers
The responsibility for the foreshore in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine extends only to Aquaculture and Fisheries related activities, including activities in the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres. All other activities which do not relate to Aquaculture or Fisheries activities are the responsibility of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The management of aquaculture and associated foreshore licencing function in Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough gives rise to legal and jurisdictional complexities. Applications for Aquaculture licenses are considered by my Department under the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act, and applicable EU Legislation. However, in the case of Lough Foyle, Section 2 of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act disapplies the Act to the Moville Area, as it is defined in the Foyle Fisheries Act, 1952.
The Good Friday Agreement provided for the establishment of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC). This body is one of the six North South Implementation Bodies created under the Agreement. The Loughs Agency, as part of the FCLIC, has been given responsibility for fisheries related matters in respect of both Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough and the legislation envisages that the Agency will enter into management agreement with the relevant authorities in both jurisdictions with a view to assuming responsibly for aquaculture licensing within the loughs.
My Department organises and participates in an inter-departmental working group which is pursuing a way forward in terms of the future management of aquaculture and associated foreshore activities on Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough, in parallel with a workable resolution of the complex jurisdictional issues involved.
Discussions in respect of the management agreement are ongoing. Negotiations regarding the jurisdiction of the Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough along with any other jurisdictional issues are, in the first instance, a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs. In view of the multi-dimensional and cross jurisdictional nature of the issue involved it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.
Forestry Sector
Questions (949, 950, 951)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:949. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the 5,250 licences his Department will issue in 2022 will fulfil the needs of the forestry sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7784/22]
View answerMichael Fitzmaurice
Question:950. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the metrics used by his Department to formulate the projected targets for forestry licensing for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7785/22]
View answerMichael Fitzmaurice
Question:951. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the 1,040 afforestation licences projected for 2022 will deliver the 8,000 hectares of afforestation required to meet climate action targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7786/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 949 to 951, inclusive, together.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued 4,050 forestry licences last year, which is an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020, and this was the starting point for developing a more ambitious plan for 2022. This plan for 5,250 licences in 2022 represents an overall increase in licensing of 30%. It provides for a 100% increase in output for afforestation licences. In addition the overall number of licences in respect of private felling, roads and afforestation will be increased year on year by 48%, while Coillte felling licences will maintain the level they achieved in 2021.
In terms of felling, in 2021 2,877 tree felling licences were issued for approx. 8.5 million cubic metres. On foot of this I understand that the sawmills had a good year in 2021. As regards the coming year, Coillte had their contract event on 17th November, with sawmills receiving 50% of their supply of Coillte generated logs for 2022. In addition to this, sawmills are taking in a steady supply of logs from private felling sites. Critically, the volume of felling licences issued has stabilised the market in this regard. Our plans to maintain the number of felling licences issued to Coillte and to increase the number of private felling licences in 2022 will, I believe, meet the needs of the sector and will exceed the projections of the COFORD All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast.
As regards afforestation I would like to assure the Deputy that achieving the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan of 8,000 hectares is a priority for me and my Department. I am more than aware of the need to engage farmers and landowners with forestry to achieve this.
Improving licencing output has a role to play in building confidence amongst farmer and landowners, and in increasing the demand for licences for afforestation and that is why we have a target of 1,040 afforestation licences for 2022. We are fully committed to increasing the efficiency of the licensing system and work underway under Project Woodland in terms of the review of the regulatory framework and of our business processes is aimed at helping us to achieve better and more responsive delivery.
We do, however, need to address the broader issue of increasing the level of interest in planting. In 2021, for example, there were 502 afforestation licences issued. Those licences would have facilitated planting of over 4,200 ha but only 2000 hectares were planted in 2021. This low conversion rate to planting is of concern and needs to change. We are this week writing to applicants with unused licences to remind them that their licence is still valid and to encourage them to consider using them before their approval lapses. It is important that positive messages around planting are communicated and this is the responsibility of all in the sector, especially those in direct contact with farmers and landowners.
The introduction of an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 to facilitate small scale tree planting without the need for a licence may appeal to certain landowners and will widen the options available for planting.
In addition to the above, through Project Woodland, the Department is currently preparing for comprehensive engagement and public consultation that will take place over the next three months on a shared national vision for the role of trees and forests and on the development of a new forest strategy. Significant progress has already been made. A national public attitudes survey on afforestation has been undertaken. Irish Rural Link have been engaging with communities across Ireland. Bilateral engagements are ongoing with key stakeholders. In the coming months there will also be an online public consultation facility available where stakeholders and the public can provide detailed written submissions regarding the new Vision and Forest Strategy.
The new Forest Strategy will set out a clear plan of action that will align with our climate action commitments. The next Forestry Programme for the period 2023-2027 is currently being prepared and this will be the main implementation vehicle for the strategy. The role of trees and forests will play a vital role in meeting our climate action commitments and the Forestry Programme will provide funding to encourage an increased uptake of a wide range of afforestation measures to meet this.
Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, we are committed to delivering a forestry sector that will benefit farmers, the environment and the economy.
Question No. 950 answered with Question No. 949.
Question No. 951 answered with Question No. 949.
Greyhound Industry
Questions (952)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:952. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the €500,000 debt at a racetrack (details supplied) was cleared by Greyhound Racing Ireland; and the terms and conditions for clearing this debt. [7892/22]
View answerWritten 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.
Greyhound Industry
Questions (953)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:953. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider banning the surgical artificial insemination of greyhounds and other canines due to the growing body of veterinarian medical evidence regarding animal welfare issues from surgical artificial insemination of canines and in view that Britain has outlawed the practise. [7893/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has not received any welfare complaints in relation to the procedure outlined by the Deputy. There are no related policy proposals being considered currently.
The artificial insemination of greyhounds is regulated under the Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds Act, 2005. There are no plans to amend these regulations at present.
Under the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, the definition of the practice of veterinary medicine includes diagnosing disease, injury, pain, deformity, defect or state of health of an animal, identifying and carrying out treatment, whether surgical or medical in nature, of any such matters and performing a surgical procedure on an animal.
It is an offense (with a few limited exceptions) for anyone other than a registered veterinary practitioner to undertake such activities. Furthermore, the practice of veterinary medicine must only be undertaken from a premises for which a certificate of suitability has been issued by the Veterinary Council of Ireland
The Veterinary Council of Ireland is the statutory body that regulates the practice of veterinary medicine in the State - it maintains a register of veterinary practitioners, veterinary nurses and veterinary premises for which a certificate of suitability has been issued.
Animal Sales
Questions (954)
Matt Carthy
Question:954. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of sheep imported to the State by year and origin in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022; if tariffs applied to such imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7916/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine uses the TRACES system to record sheep movements in terms of both imports and exports for the purposes of slaughter, breeding and fattening.
Traditionally, most live sheep imported into Ireland have come from the UK, including Northern Ireland. In 2021, a total of 367,936 sheep were imported.
The below table provides both the country of origin and the quantity of sheep imported each month in 2021.
Sheep Imports 2021
|
Month |
Northern Ireland |
France |
Belgium |
Holland |
Total |
|
January |
35,034 |
|
|
|
|
|
February |
26,160 |
|
|
|
|
|
March |
22,469 |
|
|
|
|
|
April |
19,053 |
|
|
|
|
|
May |
20,394 |
|
|
|
|
|
June |
18,919 |
|
|
41 |
|
|
July |
37,816 |
|
99 |
|
|
|
August |
38,842 |
11 |
|
|
|
|
September |
40,947 |
15 |
|
83 |
|
|
October |
30,462 |
|
68 |
|
|
|
November |
42,995 |
|
|
|
|
|
December |
34,494 |
24 |
|
10 |
|
|
Total |
367,585 |
50 |
167 |
134 |
367,936 |
The below table provides the quantity of sheep imported each year from 2018 to date.
Sheep Imports 2018 - 2022 YTD
|
YEAR |
Total |
|
2018 |
521,798 |
|
2019 |
461,522 |
|
2020 |
426,984 |
|
2021 |
367,936 |
|
2022 (YTD to Feb 9th) |
9,491 |
Currently, no tariffs apply between the EU and UK.
Fur Farming
Questions (955)
Matt Carthy
Question:955. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagements he has had with mink farmers since the Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021 passed Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann; the progress, agreements and undertakings given to mink farmers regarding staff redundancy and reskilling since then; if agreements or undertakings regarding compensation for farmers or the demolition cost of farms as to if an environmental assessment of the area will be completed prior to demolition; if his Department will agree with stakeholders to discuss a related report completed by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7917/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021 that is currently going through the legislative process, will provide for the statutory prohibition of fur farming.
The legislation provides that these businesses are paid for income losses, non-income losses and costs incurred as a direct result of the ban.
The regulations being prepared at the moment will specify and set out the framework for the income and non-income compensation and provide the basis of valuation. They will also provide detail on compensation for costs involved in disposing of breeding mink, demolition and clean-up costs, payments to redundant workers, and professional fees for professionals used in the process.
Regarding environmental surveys it is envisaged that the costs for carrying out such will be covered in the compensation package.
I am still considering the statutory redundancy provisions and will revert to the farmers when this decision is made.
The Grant Thornton Report is only one document informing a process that is ongoing to prepare these regulations. A copy of the draft regulations containing this detail will be made available to the farmers and their representatives in the near future.
The committee stage in the Dail was on 15th December 2021. Since then my officials have been communicating with the farmers and their representatives by EMail and I have attended a meeting with the farmers virtually on 26th January.
It is my intention to ensure that the ban on Mink Farming is progressed in a fair and equitable manner with consideration being given to the concerns of all parties involved. I know this is a considerable change for the farmers and I want to ensure they are treated fairly.
Coastal Protection
Questions (956)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:956. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the dates on which his Department was informed in the past 20 years of military exercises being carried out in Ireland's exclusive economic zone by foreign navies above and below the sea; the size of such exercises; the duration of each; the country or countries that were involved; if Ireland responded to a request in this regard; if the Irish fishing fleet was given advance warning by his Department of such manoeuvres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7932/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I do not have responsibility for the monitoring of military exercises by foreign navies in Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone, neither is there requirement for such exercises to be notified to my Department. The Minister for Defence is responsible for matters relating to the Naval Service. Responsibility for marine safety comes within the remit of the Minister for Transport.
Forestry Sector
Questions (957)
Verona Murphy
Question:957. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to immediately address the alarming decline of afforestation applications which at present are not sufficient to achieve afforestation climate action commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7978/22]
View answerWritten answers
I assure the Deputy that achieving the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan is a priority for me, Minister of State Pippa Hackett who has overall responsibility for the sector and the Department.
I am more than aware of the need to engage farmers and landowners with forestry, so that the multifunctional benefits of planting can contribute not just to climate change and biodiversity but also to the economic and recreational needs of society.
Improving licencing output has a role to play in building confidence amongst farmer and landowners, and in increasing the demand for licences for afforestation. That is why I am attaching importance to improving output on these licences in 2022. We Intend to issue 1,040 afforestation licences which is double our output in 2021. We are fully committed to increasing the efficiency of the licensing system and work underway under Project Woodland in terms of the review of the regulatory framework and of our business processes is aimed at helping us to achieve better and more responsive delivery.
We do however need to address the broader issue of increasing the level of interest in planting. In 2021, for example, there were 502 afforestation licences issued. Those licences would have facilitated planting of over 4,200 ha but only 2000 hectares were planted in 2021. This low conversion rate to planting is of concern and needs to change. We are this week writing to applicants with unused licences to remind them that their licence is still valid and to encourage them to consider using them before their approval lapses. It is important that positive messages around planting are communicated and this is the responsibility of all in the sector, especially those in direct contact with farmers and landowners.
The introduction of an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 to facilitate small scale tree planting without the need for a licence may appeal to certain landowners and will widen the options available for planting.
In addition to the above, through Project Woodland my Department is currently preparing for comprehensive engagement and public consultation that will take place over the next 3 months on a shared national vision for the role of trees and forests and on the development of a new forest strategy. Significant progress has already been made. A national public attitudes survey on afforestation has been undertaken. Irish Rural Link have been engaging with communities across Ireland. Bilateral engagements are ongoing with key stakeholders. In the coming months there will also be an online public consultation facility available where stakeholders and the public can provide detailed written submissions regarding the new Vision and Forest Strategy.
The new Forest Strategy will set out a clear plan of action that will align with our climate action commitments. The next Forestry Programme for the period 2023-2027 is currently being prepared and this will be the main implementation vehicle for the strategy. The role of trees and forests will play a vital role in meeting our climate action commitments and the Forestry Programme will provide funding to encourage an increased uptake of a wide range of afforestation measures to meet this.
Fishing Industry
Questions (958)
Holly Cairns
Question:958. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to ensure a more equitable distribution of the mackerel quota regarding the inshore fishing fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8025/22]
View answerWritten answers
An allocation of 400 tonnes for a fishery for smaller vessels (under 15 metre vessels) fishing for Mackerel by means of hooks and line, which is prosecuted by the inshore fleet, was set down in Policy in 2010. The then Minister amended the Mackerel policy in July 2017 after intensive review and public consultation, however this particular amendment did not involve the hook and line fishery.
In order to amend Mackerel Policy, I must be satisfied that there is satisfactory evidence of changed circumstances to justify a policy review. If I consider there is a case for review of any aspect of policy, it will require due process, involving an assessment of all issues arising, including a full public consultation.
There has been, for the past 20 years or so, intensive competition within the industry for a higher share of the mackerel quota. The EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) provides for the transfer of 26% of Ireland’s mackerel quota to the UK by 2026. This will only increase demands for a higher share of Ireland’s Mackerel quota from all sectors within the fishing fleet. The Deputy should be aware that the 400 tonne limit for the hook and line fishery has not been reduced and has remained the same as in previous years.
Unfortunately, the situation is that if there is an increase in the Mackerel quota for any sector in the allocation made available, such as for the hook and line fishery, it must be taken from others who are already facing significant cuts under the TCA.
Fishing Industry
Questions (959)
Holly Cairns
Question:959. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps the Quota Management Advisory Committee is taking to avoid early closure of fisheries in 2022. [8026/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC) is a formal consultative committee, involving fishing industry representatives from the catching and processing sectors. The Committee makes recommendations to me on monthly/bi-monthly/quarterly regimes for particular stocks and, as far as possible, I follow their recommendations for regimes for particular stocks, subject to the proper management and rational exploitation of our fisheries. Additional meetings are organised as required to discuss specific issues in particular fisheries that may arise.
Whitefish (Demersal) Quotas are generally managed on a monthly basis with catch limits being set for each month.
The QMAC operate by examining in detail the operation of each fishery, uptake patterns and available quota for the different metiers of fishing vessels. There are detailed discussions on allocations, often taking account of the divergent situation of the fleet and of the market. The QMAC may also take account of the weather/sea conditions in the preceding quota period and the impact this may have had on the industry during that period. It also has the possibility of recommending to me additional catch limits to incentivise the introduction of environmentally friendly fishing gear in particular fisheries or for particular types of vessels.
A key objective of whitefish quota management is the avoidance of very early closure of fisheries through rapid exhaustion of quota. This is particularly important because our whitefish fisheries are mixed and an early closure would impact on other fisheries where there would be a potential by-catch of such stocks and would undermine the effective implementation of the landing obligation which prohibits discarding of fish at sea. Monthly Fishery Management Notices, signed by me, support the management of Ireland’s fisheries and are published on the Department’s website: gov.ie - Fisheries Management Notices 2022 (www.gov.ie). Pelagic stocks are managed on a monthly, seasonal or yearly basis in accordance with Ministerial Management Policy for each individual stock.
My Department carryout quota swaps with other EU Member States with the objective to fully maximise, wherever possible, fishing opportunities for Ireland’s fishing sector and ensuring the avoidance of early closure of fisheries. Each swap proposal is considered on a case-by-case basis by my Department taking into account the views and recommendation of the QMAC and taking into account ratios and market prices to ensure all agreed swaps are equitable.
Quotas are swapped on a temporary basis but continuously repeated yearly exchange is also possible. Ireland has long established relationships with a number of EU member states where certain swaps are carried out on a yearly basis, provided Ireland has sufficient quota available for the stock for the area.