Written Answers Nos. 960-976
960. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on all vessels on the polyvalent register being allocated equal quota of mackerel based on the national allocation via monthly and weekly vessel authorisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8027/22]
View answerThere are a number of opportunities for Irish fishing vessels to target Mackerel which are open to polyvalent vessels only and these are set down in the Mackerel Management Policy which was adopted after a full review and public consultation.
There are 4 categories of polyvalent vessels permitted to land mackerel. In accordance with policy 13% of the national annual quota (6,739 tonnes in 2022) is available for this segment.
Mackerel Policy provides that 76.50% of the 13% (5,155 tonnes in 2022) is made available to 15 Tier 1 vessels, and 21% of the 13% (1,415 tonnes in 2022) is made available to 12 Tier 2 vessels. Tier 1 and Tier 2 vessels receive a catch limit for the period 01 January to 30 November each year.
The remaining 2.50% of the 13% quota available for polyvalent vessels (168 tonnes in 2022) is made available to under 18 metres vessels fishing for mackerel by means other than hook and line. Catch limits are set by monthly Fisheries Management Notice. The catch limit for the month of February is 2 tonnes.
An allocation of 400 tonnes for a fishery for smaller vessels (under 15 metre vessels) fishing for Mackerel by means of hooks and line 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 amendment did not involve the hook and line fishery. The 400 tonnes is taken off the top of the annual national quota and does not come out of the 13% polyvalent quota.
961. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 796 of 15 September 2021, the manner in which the carbon footprint measurement in the sustainable beef and lamb assurance scheme sustainability audit is conducted; the cost associated cost with taking part in the scheme; if he has considered exempting weanling farmers that will not receive an increased price for the their cattle from the need to participate; if he has considered a non-sustainable beef and lamb assurance scheme facility which would measure the carbon footprint for such weanling farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8038/22]
View answerThe management and operation of the sustainable beef and lamb assurance scheme, of which there are approximately 53,000 members. is an operational matter for Bord Bia.
The primary objective of the carbon footprint measurement is to enable the quantification of all of the environmentally sustainable activity carried out by Irish farmers.
The SBLAS sustainability audit, including the Carbon Footprint measurement, is developed on an internationally verified quality assurance model. There is no direct cost to the farmer for participation in the SBLAS as the audits are funded by my Department.
As the Deputy will be aware, the carbon footprint measurement is both an eligibility requirement and an integral element of the proposed Suckler Carbon Efficiency Scheme under the new CAP. In designing the scheme, in consultation with farming stakeholders, the Department gave detailed consideration to all aspects of the scheme design including potential mechanisms for delivery of the carbon foot-printing requirement. I am satisfied that the chosen scheme design is the most appropriate.
It is clear to me from speaking to beef farmers during the CAP consultative process, that they are heavily invested in working towards a more sustainable sector, for their families and wider communities, which is one of the core objectives of the next CAP.
Should the Deputy have any specific queries in relation to the operation of the Bord Bia Sustainable Assurance Schemes, he is invited to contact them directly at info@bordbia.ie.
962. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of full-time equivalent staff within the unfair trading practices unit in his Department by grade; the number of cases it has handled; the non-salary and remuneration expenditure incurred; the purpose and amount thereof; the salary and remuneration expenditure that has arisen; the expenditure that has arisen specifically regarding the marketing or educating of producer on their rights arising from the unfair trading practices; the number of cases that have been raised and status or determination thereof by month since its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8043/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, one of the key principles of the Directive on Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) in business-to-business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain is to protect farmers, farmers’ organisations and other weaker suppliers of agricultural and food products against stronger buyers and to, therefore, improve their position in the supply chain.
I signed Statutory Instrument No. 198 of 2021 which transposed the UTP Directive into Irish law on 28th April 2021 and established the UTP Regulations. These Regulations are an important tool in strengthening the position of primary producers.
The Regulations provided for the establishment of an Enforcement Authority to deal with complaints of unfair trading practices and, as an interim measure, the Authority was established in the Department pending the finalisation of primary legislation to establish a new Office of National Food Ombudsman or equivalent. The Authority is staffed on a full-time basis by a Principal Officer, an Assistant Principal Officer and a Higher Executive Officer.
To date, the figure for salary-related expenditure for the three staff is approximately €115,000. Non-salary expenditure for the authority to-date is €28,839 which relates to the provision of consultancy services in the initial stages of the establishment of the Authority by Christine Tacon, ex-Groceries Code Adjudicator in the UK, attendance at a food services trade fair and the provision of resource materials which are available online and are used by the Authority during its engagements with stakeholders.
Currently, only supply agreements established since 28th April 2021 are required to be in compliance with the provisions of the Regulations. However, from 28th April 2022, all supply agreements, including those that were in place before 28th April 2021, must be in compliance with the Regulations. A targeted communications plan is being developed to ensure that suppliers are aware of their rights and buyers are aware of their obligations.
No complaints have yet been received and the Authority has not initiated any investigations at this stage. I can assure the Deputy that the Enforcement Authority has been proactively engaging with relevant stakeholders and in a variety of initiatives to promote awareness on suppliers rights and buyers obligations under the UTP Regulations, including meetings with the largest buyers of agricultural and food products in the State.
I strongly encourage any supplier to contact the Authority if they feel they have been subjected to any of the unfair trading practices covered in the Regulations. They can be absolutely assured that all contact with the Authority will be handled in strict confidence.
963. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the forestry statistics indicating the level of afforestation and the amount of broadleaf afforestation by local electoral area further to an engagement in Dáil Éireann during the Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021 Report Stage debate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8044/22]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine collates a wide range of forestry statistics including the area of forests established each year nationally. In the course of engagements in Dáil Éireann during the Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021 report stage, I was asked to provide information on the amount of broadleaf forestry by local electoral area. This information will be provided to the Deputy and a report, as requested, by local electoral area will be prepared. I expect this report to be available in March 2022.
964. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 788 of 15 September 2021, the progress that has been made with regard to developing a successor to the traditional farm building scheme outside or inside of the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8045/22]
View answerThe objective of the GLAS Traditional Farm Building Scheme is to ensure that small traditional farm buildings and other structures, which are of significant cultural and heritage value, are restored and conserved for renewed practical agricultural use as part of the normal working life of the farm. This scheme makes a significant contribution to our rural heritage, enhancing our traditional skills base and in supporting farmers in the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity.
My Department has issued a request for tender for independent external consultants to undertake an evaluation of the Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme. Part of the evaluation work in this tender will be to make recommendations on the future development of the scheme. The tender closed for submissions on 14 February 2022.
Following the completion of the evaluation a decision on the future of the Scheme will be made.
965. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way that it is ensured that aquaculture licences are subject to fair due process throughout the statutory and public consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8046/22]
View answerMy Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable national and EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisors as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.
Decisions in respect of aquaculture licence applications are only taken following full consideration of all views submitted as part of the statutory and public consultation process. The licence application process is designed to strike a balance between the rights and obligations of all parties including the applicant(s), statutory consultees, relevant NGOs and the general public. I am satisfied that the current licensing system meets all of these requirements.
966. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views as to the relationship the new Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, MARA, should have with regard to aquaculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8047/22]
View answerThe Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Bill recently signed into law provides for the establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), a new state agency under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government which will be responsible for consenting and enforcement functions under the Act.
Following significant consideration of the matter, it was concluded by Government decision in 2019, that development and activities for which the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is the appropriate Minister will continue to be regulated under the Foreshore Act and are thus excluded from the scope of the new consenting regime outlined in the recent Maritime Area Planning Bill. This continues to enable an applicant to apply for both an aquaculture licence and relevant foreshore licence from one Government source.
My Department will continue to engage with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as the MARA is established to ensure provision is made for early, effective and ongoing engagement on any developments which may affect the marine areas utilised by the seafood sector.
967. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to introduce production restrictions on milk or dairy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8048/22]
View answerI am fully committed to supporting the economic, social and sustainable development of the dairy sector both now and into the future.
The sector has been a shining light of our industry for many years and it will continue to be a cornerstone of our Agriculture sector for years to come.
The sector is a major contributor to the Irish economy, supporting over 60,000 jobs across dairy farming, milk processing, distribution, marketing and research, with exports expected to exceed €5 billion euro in 2021 for the third consecutive year.
Prices have held up extraordinarily well post Brexit and during the pandemic, and the sector is performing strongly. This success has been built on a strong reputation for environmental efficiency.
Under the Climate Action Plan 2021, challenging targets have been set for the Irish agriculture and land use sectors. The plan sets out an indicative 22% to 30% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030, based on 2018 levels. To achieve sectoral targets and stabilise dairy emissions, a key priority for the Irish dairy sector, agreed under the auspices of the stakeholder-led Food Vision 2030 strategy, is “to produce a detailed plan by Q2 2022 to manage the sustainable environmental footprint of the dairy sector”.
To achieve this action, I have established the Food Vision Dairy Group. The Group has been tasked with providing an initial report by the end of March setting out how emissions associated with the dairy sector can be stabilised and then reduced; with a final plan to be submitted by the end of May 2022. These will provide a road map for the development of the dairy sector of the future.
The ultimate reward for reducing emissions from the dairy sector is, not just meeting our regulatory requirements, but most importantly defending and building the reputation of Irish dairy as a world leader in international markets in its commitment to Sustainable Food Systems, bringing social, environmental, and economic benefits. This will provide the basis for a future competitive advantage for the sector on a global scale.
The continued development of market opportunities at home and abroad is also a key goal under the Food Vision 2030 strategy. In 2021, Irish dairy produce reached 147 markets, demonstrating the diversified nature of our Irish dairy exports. with destinations outside of the EU and UK exceeding 50% of all exports for the first time. There is am incredibly bright future for the dairy sector, it a sector that will continue to flourish and will be an excellent career opportunity for many farm families.
968. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to ring-fence a portion of TAMS funding for slurry storage on tillage farms; if there will be additional machinery categories for tillage farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8049/22]
View answerTAMS II is a demand-led voluntary scheme and to date, total expenditure under the seven measures of the TAMS, including transitional expenditure, has reached in excess of €337m with commitments of an additional €126m made to scheme participants who have yet to draw down those grants. Some 47,499 applications have been approved under the scheme.
Funding for slurry storage is currently available to all eligible farmers under the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme, the Young Farmer's Capital Investment Scheme and the Organic Capital Investment Scheme under TAMS II. Grant-aid for tillage farm machinery such harvesting, spreading and pesticide equipment is currently available under the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme. Details of all available investments and eligibility criteria can be found on the Department's website.
There are no plans to add any additional categories of grant-aid for tillage farmers to TAMS at this time but I am open to hearing proposals on the matter.
Ireland's draft CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027 which lists the range of interventions currently being proposed, was submitted to the EU Commission on 31st December 2021. It is proposed that applications from Tillage applicants 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.
969. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of horse fairs and sales inspected by departmental officials in 2021. [8135/22]
View answerDuring the course of 2021, Department officials attended at the following locations where horse fairs and sales were taking place - Cavan, Clifden and Drumshanbo. In addition Department staff provided export related inspection and certification of horses at a horse sale venue in Kill.
970. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of the prosecutions and or fines issued arising from inspections by his Department of horse fairs and sales in 2021. [8136/22]
View answerDuring the course of 2021, no prosecutions were initiated or fines levied in respect of inspections at horse fairs or horse sales event.
971. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of officials designated to the inspection of premises in which animals are kept. [8137/22]
View answerUnder the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013, the Department has primary policy responsibility for the welfare of all animals, including equines and canines.
Since the introduction of the Act, 1,037 Department officials have been designated as authorised officers under the Act and can carry out inspections of premises in which animal are kept under the provisions of the Act.
An Garda Síochána are also authorized officer under the Act as are authorised officers of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Rasaíoct Con Eireann, the Irish Horse Racing Board and customs officials. Local Authorities also have the powers to appoint authorized officers under the Act.
In addition, my Department carries out numerous inspections including EU regulatory inspections, cross compliance and as per the terms and conditions of farm schemes. Should the Deputy require specific information in relation to inspection types please revert with details.
972. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of inspections that were carried out on premises in which animals are kept in 2021. [8138/22]
View answerUnder the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013, the Department has primary policy responsibility for the welfare of all animals.
In 2021, there were on 1,165 on farm animal welfare inspections undertaken by Department veterinary officials.
In addition, my Department carries out numerous inspections including EU regulatory inspections, cross compliance inspections and inspections under the terms and conditions of farm schemes. Should the Deputy require specific information in relation to inspection types, these can be assimilated if requested.
973. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if vital dredging works can be funded from the recently announced €35 million piers and harbours funds at local authority managed harbours around the State including Ceann Heilbhic and Passage East in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8160/22]
View answerThe responsibility for the development, and maintenance of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each Local Authority in the first instance. I am also mindful that the primary governance role for Local Authorities rests with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. In recent years, my Department had made modest amounts of funding available to Local Authorities for certain coastal capital projects. Between the years 2012 to 2021, Waterford County Council received funding of €3.5m from my Department in this regard.
This year, however, there is a new opportunity. On 25th January, I launched a new €35m scheme exclusively for the rejuvenation of Local Authority owned public piers and harbours throughout coastal communities. The scheme flows from a recommendation from the Seafood Taskforce which I set up last year to examine how to address the impacts arising on the seafood sector from the EU/UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).
It is an unprecedented opportunity for us to invest in our publicly-owned piers and harbours to deliver safe, accessible, lasting infrastructure and thereby support economic diversification, complementing other measures such as Community Led Local Development via the Fisheries Local Action Groups around our coastline.
The Scheme is targeting shovel-ready projects to give immediate construction stimulus to the coastal communities affected by the TCA and is aiming to attract projects of up to €1m budget during 2022 and 2023. Funding under the Scheme is confined to capital works only. The Scheme also offers the possibility of funding larger projects where there is particular exposure to Brexit due to proximity to UK waters and loss of fishing opportunities.
I would encourage Waterford County Council and other coastal local authorities to get their project applications together and work closely with my Department to ensure that eligible projects receive funding.
974. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will take to ensure that there is robust enforcement of equine and animal welfare specifically the enforcement of offences related to microchipping requirements (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8205/22]
View answerMy Department has primary policy responsibility for the welfare of all animals, including equines underpinned by the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 which provides a framework for applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.
The Act puts clear obligations on owners to look after animals under their care. My Department continues to enforce the law in this important area, as do An Garda Síochána and authorised officers of the ISPCA and DSPCA. The Programme for Government commits to the continued enforcement of the Act.
In relation to microchipping, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/262, which came into effect on 1 January 2016, lays down the rules governing the identification of equidae. This legislation was transposed into national legislation in Ireland by the European Union (Identification of Equidae) Regulations (S.I. No 62 of 2016). This sets down the rules regarding the identification of equines for owners/keepers of equines who are responsible for their identification.
Enforcement of equine identification legislation is primarily undertaken by authorised officers throughout the Department's Regional Office network and at slaughter plants. These officers work closely with their veterinary colleagues in the Local Authorities and liaise with members of An Garda Síochána and Revenue Commissioners Officials as required. Authorised officers from the Department also carry out checks at sales venues including marts and fairs, as well as export points including ports and airports.
The undertaking of this first equine census in November 2021 was one of a series of measures I propose to initiate to support the welfare of equidae and is one of my Department’s listed priorities. It is also in keeping with my commitment to review and enhance the equine identification and traceability system with a view to better supporting equine welfare, as set out in Ireland’s Welfare Strategy 2021 – 2025, published by my Department following consultation with stakeholders.
My Department also takes a preventive approach to equine welfare challenges by developing facilities for urban horse populations and by supporting initiatives educating young people in the care and welfare of horses. This work is carried out in close collaboration with the Local Authorities across the country.
I am also committed to providing additional funding in support of animal welfare in the coming years. Last December, I awarded record funding of over €3.7 million to 98 animal welfare organisations countrywide, many of which are engaged in equine welfare activities.
975. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 808 of 8 February 2022, if the correspondence will be resent given that the applicant has not received correspondence since September 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8218/22]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department.
I have been informed that the Agriculture Appeals Office have resent the correspondence dated 28th October 2021 to both the person named and your office on 10th February 2022 via registered post.
As stated previously once the documentation requested has been provided to the Agriculture Appeals Office, the appeal will be progressed as promptly as possible.
976. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a new entrant farmer who has been approved for TAMS for a milking parlour can extend the expiry date on the drawdown given that they have not yet secured a contract with any dairy supplier; if they can draw down without such a contract being put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8247/22]
View answerThe granting of extensions under TAMS is provided for in the terms and conditions of the scheme which is published on the Department's website.
Applicants with a 12-month approval have the option of applying for a six months extension. The extension will only be granted for structures and fixed investments where work has commenced. The application for an extension must be lodged together with documentary evidence to the online system between the start of the eighth month and before the end of the 11th month following the original date of approval to join the scheme.It is also open to individual applicants to contact the office who issued their TAMS approval letter directly in relation to a request for an extension between the 11th and 12th month from approval date in exceptional circumstances.
All extension requests must include the required supporting documentation. Payments cannot issue until the approved works have been completed and a payment claim is submitted by or on behalf of the approved applicant to the online system. It is open to any farmer who has an expired approval to submit a new application under the scheme.
