Jim O'Callaghan
Question:111. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if action will be taken to increase the number of neurology nurses in Dublin hospitals. [16850/22]
View answerHospital Staff
Questions (111)
Written answers
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (112)
Denis Naughten
Question:112. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the chronic waiting lists within the health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11378/22]
View answerWritten answers
The 2022 Waiting List Action Plan, which was launched on 25 February, allocates €350 million to the HSE and NTPF to reduce active waiting lists for acute scheduled care by more than 132,000 (18 percent) this year, which will bring the number of people waiting to their lowest point in five years. Projections for 2022 show that over 1.5 million patients will be added to active waiting lists this year. Many people stayed away from the health service during the pandemic and, as these people come forward for treatment, it will place huge additional demand on health services.
Under the 2022 Waiting List Action Plan, the Department, HSE and NTPF will deliver urgent additional capacity to treat 1.7 million people as well as investing in longer term reforms to bring sustained reductions in waiting lists.
If this €350 million was not made available it is projected that, due to surging demand from the anticipated release of post-pandemic pent-up demand for healthcare and demographic factors, active waiting lists for acute scheduled care would significantly increase by up to 40 percent at the end of 2022, with over a million people remaining on these lists.
The 2022 Waiting List Action Plan will also progress intermediate waiting time targets this year, as set out in the National Service Plan (of 18 months for OPD; 12 months for IPDC; and 12 months for GI scopes).
The 2022 Plan also focuses on 15 high volume inpatient day case procedures, including cataracts and hip and knee replacements, so that every person waiting over 6 months for one of these procedures, and who is clinically ready, will receive an offer of treatment.
The 2022 Plan details 45 actions to reduce and reform waiting lists.
The 2022 Plan targets are largely on track, with fewer than expected additions to the waiting lists so far this year. However, the recent surge in both ED attendance and COVID cases (and associated staff shortages) in hospitals in March is resulting in the curtailment of elective activity, which will negatively impact achieving the waiting list reduction targets.
Health Strategies
Questions (113)
David Cullinane
Question:113. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to expand awareness of, access to and affordability of menopause supports and treatments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16798/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Government recognises that menopause is a key health issue for women in Ireland today. Work is underway to drive progress in this area which is being driven by the Women’s Health Taskforce. The Taskforce was convened in September 2019, to improve health outcomes and health experiences for women and girls.
The issue of menopause has also been emphasised through the nationwide “Radical Listening” exercise carried out by the Women’s Health Taskforce. This exercise enabled women across the country to share their views and experiences of the health sector and health services. This was a large-scale consultation process intended to maximise the participation of women across all life stages from 18 years upwards, including minority and disadvantaged women.
278 women participated in open interviews and workshops, where menopause was a recurring theme. Through this process, the taboo around discussing menopause, and a lack of trusted information, were consistently raised as key issues for women experiencing menopause. I published a report on the findings of the ‘Radical listening’ exercise last September.
Significant activity is currently underway to enhance the supports available to perimenopausal women. Last September I announced my commitment to establish dedicated specialist menopause clinics across Ireland. These clinics will form a core part of a new approach to menopause care for women in Ireland and will be supported by enhanced community and primary care supports as well as the publication of targeted and trusted sources of information for women experiencing menopause.
While the majority of women who seek support for their menopause can be effectively supported within primary care by their GP, approximately 25% of symptomatic women will require specialist medical expertise in menopause. Specifically, this cohort of women will fall within four broad categories:
- Treatment does not improve their menopausal symptoms;
- They have on-going troublesome side effects e.g. bleeding;
- They have contra-indications to HRT; and
- There is uncertainty about the most suitable treatment option for their menopausal symptoms e.g. complex medical history.
The intention is that these more complex cases can be dealt with in a number of specialist menopause clinics being developed around the country.
Last December I announced the opening of the first specialist menopause clinic in the National Maternity Hospital. The clinic is multidisciplinary, supported by GPs with a certified special interest in the area of menopause and by clinical nurse/midwife specialists. In addition to seeing women who meet the clinical criteria for referral to the service, the clinical team also provides advice and guidance to GPs in the community to support the effective management of menopausal symptoms for women closer to home within primary care.
Building on this development, Budget 2022 provided further commitment to a focused approach in menopause care with funding for three further specialist menopause clinics, to bring the number of clinics nationally to four. Once in place, specialist menopause clinics will be provided in Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Cork working to complement the menopause support available to women in their community.
Additional activity underway and planned in the area of menopause includes:
- GP training is a key aspect of women receiving the best care through menopause. The Irish College of GPs are active members of the Women's Health Taskforce and continue to be engaged on how women's health can be better considered within the primary care setting. Relevant activity includes the collaboration between ICGP and the British Menopause Society to develop training in menopause management, which is currently in place; an ICGP Women’s Health Webinar on menopause and endometriosis which was held in June 2021 and had 1567 attendees; and a GP Education course which was established in September 2021 in the area of Community Gynaecology which includes menopause as a topic. Funding has been provided through the Women's Health Fund to develop a 'quick reference guide' for GPs on the menopause, to support primary care provision in this area.
I have also outlined my support for a new ICGP post of Clinical Lead for Women’s Health in General Practice, the first such post in Ireland. This will enable the development of a comprehensive life-course approach to women’s health in General Practice.
- A number of health topics relating to women's health, including menopause, have recently been updated and are now live on the HSE A-Z webpage. This information is an important first step towards delivering enhanced information and education on menopause. A public information webinar on the menopause was held on November 29th, 2021.
- A civil service webinar on 'Menopause at work' was held on October 18th 2021, and further HR training to better understand the challenges and solutions for supporting women in their menopause journey within the civil service was held on November 30th 2021.
- The Healthy Workplace Framework is due to be published in the coming months. Following publication, an Implementation Group will be established with responsibility for developing an action plan. A representative from Women’s Health will be included on the Implementation Group to ensure the needs of women in the workplace are incorporated. This has particular reference to increased awareness of menopause within the workplace.
In addition to the activity outlined above, menopause will continue to be a priority for my department and this Government for 2022 through targeted funding for menopause projects via the Women’s Health Fund and implementation of the Women’s Health Action Plan 2022-2023.
Questions Nos. 114 to 119, inclusive, answered orally.
Pigmeat Sector
Questions (120)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:120. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the proposal by organisations (details supplied) to establish an enhanced pig stability fund to alleviate the financial pressure on pig farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16912/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is currently reviewing the proposal referred to in the Deputy's question, and is engaging with stakeholders in this context, and on the situation in the pig sector in general.
Our pig farmers have always been remarkably resilient but I am acutely aware of the unprecedented challenges that Irish pig farmers are facing at present. The continued development of the pigmeat sector is a priority for me given the pivotal role the industry plays in the national economic context. It is the third largest agri-food sector, and supports approximately 8,000 rural jobs.
Last month, I announced the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme (PEPS), with a fund of up to €7 million, for commercial pig farmers. This is an urgent, short-term response to assist producers that would be viable but for the extreme current circumstances, and allow space for a more medium-term adjustment to market signals.
This scheme is a once off, exchequer funded scheme open to commercial pig undertakings which had produced more than 200 pigs in the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 inclusive. This includes pigs sent to slaughter, exported or sold commercially from a breeding herd.
The scheme was notified to the European Commission under the agriculture de minimis rules, which provide for a maximum payment per undertaking of €20,000.
Applications for the PEPS closed on 20 March 2022. The first tranche of payments was made last week, with the remaining applications due for processing as soon as possible. All information on the scheme can be found on my Department's website.
This scheme is part of a wider package of measures to support the pigmeat sector, including intensified efforts by Bord Bia to promote quality assured Irish pigmeat in the domestic and export markets with dedicated media advertising campaigns underway nationally, as well as EU-funded pigmeat promotion programmes running in key export markets.
Teagasc has also intensified its dedicated, ongoing advisory supports being provided to pig farmers and is actively engaging with pig farmers to explore the options potentially available to them.
There is also support for access to finance through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), particularly the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme and the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme. Both of these SBCI finance products, which are part-financed by my Department, can be used for working capital and include features which will assist the current financial needs of pig farmers.
Furthermore, the Department continues to engage at EU level to ensure a joined-up EU approach to the challenges arising from Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, including through the European Food Security Crisis preparedness response Mechanism (EFSCM). Last week the Commission announced the adoption of exceptional support measures across the agriculture sector, along with a communication on Food Security. In addition, the Commission in view of the particularly difficult situation in the pig meat sector has opened a new private storage aid scheme to assist in stabilising the sector.
The Department is currently examining the detailed requirements and conditionality attached to the exceptional aid allocation to Ireland of €15.8 million in EU funding.
Questions Nos. 121 to 123, inclusive, answered orally.
Departmental Strategies
Questions (124)
Joe Carey
Question:124. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will fundamentally reform the ash dieback replanting scheme given the dramatic spread of the disease throughout the country; if he will consider as part of these reforms some pilot schemes to change the use of the land to other uses that are in line with our climate change targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16853/22]
View answerWritten answers
Ash dieback disease was first found in Ireland in late 2012 and is now widespread throughout the country. The year on year spread and impact of the disease on ash, one of our most important native broadleaves is expected to increase whether ash is found in a forest, hedgerow or roadside. The landscape, cultural, ecological and economic impact will be significant.
The exact origin of ash dieback disease in Ireland or when it was introduced are unknown. It is likely that the disease was introduced into Ireland on infected plants for use in either forest, farm or roadside planting.
The experience of ash dieback disease provides clear evidence of the increasing threat to our plant health status through a combination of trade and climate change.
The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine has taken a number of significant steps in response to this experience, including the publication of its Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy, the establishment of a new area of expertise in the Department in Pest Risk Analysis and in financial support to growers impacted to allow them to remove infected ash and replace it with other suitable species. I understand that a small percentage of the ash population thought to be 1%-2% may be disease tolerant. The Department has and continues to support a number of research initiatives in order to identify tolerant ash trees for use in ash breeding programmes for the future.
Since the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, the Department has provided support totalling over €7 million to owners of ash plantations impacted by ash dieback disease through the ash dieback reconstitution scheme (introduced in 2013) and more recently the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS – Ash dieback) introduced in July 2020.
Applications for that scheme are received regularly and decisions are issued as the assessment of the applications are complete. To date, my Department has received 574 applications covering 2,325ha
and has issued 178 decisions for 575ha.
The Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 was published earlier this year and deals with projected licensing output and approvals for support schemes and may be found at gov.ie - Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 (www.gov.ie), A key target of the plan is to refocus of the delivery on approvals from the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) (Ash Dieback). Many RUS applications are screened in for Appropriate Assessment and are referred to ecology. Of these, any that propose replacing the ash crop with conifer species currently require planning permission. The Department is engaging with the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), to explore the possibility of removing the planning permission requirement for such files, subject to compliance with existing EU laws and regulations.
The Department is continuing to work with its counterparts in the DHLGH, on progressing this issue.
The current scheme provides 100% grant aid to landowners to clear their ash crop, replant with an alternate species and manage their forest until successfully established. While farmers have an option to switch to a range of forest types including agroforestry there are currently no plans to introduce measures supporting the change of land use to non forestry uses
Questions Nos. 125 and 126 answered orally.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (127)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:127. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his consideration for further extensions to be allowed under TAMS LESS given the current difficulties in delivery of low-emission slurry spreading machinery to derogation farmers under this scheme; if a new TAMS LESS application option can be made available to derogation farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16975/22]
View answerWritten answers
An indicative budget of €395m was made available for TAMS II under the current RDP (2014-2020). The total allocation for the full suite of seven TAMS measures including the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Scheme (or LESS) for the transitional period to the end of 2022 is now €507 million plus €96 million under the European Recovery Instrument (EURI) for 2021 to 2023. To date, expenditure under TAMS has exceeded €337 million.
There are tremendous benefits for LESS equipment in achieving our environmental goals which is why these investments have particular flexibilities under TAMS. Uniquely among the suite of seven TAMS measures, the LESS measure is not subject to the overall TAMS investment ceiling of €80,000. A separate investment ceiling of €40,000 is available in respect of LESS. Uptake under this measure has been significantly greater than originally expected with over 8,800 applications approved to date. Payments of over €56.6m have issued in respect of LESS equipment to date.
In relation to the LESS approvals, the time period in which a payment claim must be submitted in respect of LESS equipment was extended from 6 months from the date of approval to 12 months. This change was made in order to address the issue of supply. In relation to further extensions, these are made available on a case-by-case basis.
TAMS extension requests can be submitted to the email address provided on the individual farmer's approval letter between the 11th and 12th month of the approval. Extensions before the 11th month of an approval expires may continue to be submitted on the online extension request system. All requests must include the required supporting documentation.
As regards derogation farmers, the 4th Nitrates Action Programme provided for compulsory usage of LESS equipment for all farmers operating above 170 kg N/ha. Earlier this month the 5th Nitrates Action Programme was signed into law by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
In order to meet our ammonia and Ag Climatise targets, the compulsory implementation of LESS is being extended to more farmers under the 5th Nitrates Action Programme. This is being done on a phased basis.
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.
Forestry Sector
Questions (128)
Seán Sherlock
Question:128. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department has taken to ensure afforestation is not only compatible within the next CAP but also encouraged through the environmental schemes in both pillar 1 and pillar 2. [16999/22]
View answerWritten answers
As set out in the Programme for Government, this Government is committed to a new national Forestry Programme for the period 2023-2027, which will be the main implementation vehicle of the new Forest Strategy. This new Forestry Programme will focus on the importance of climate smart forestry and new afforestation will be encouraged in pursuit of climate, water, biodiversity and commercial objectives.
Trees sequester carbon and have significant importance in the fight against climate change. The planting of trees has the potential to play a significant part in our environmental priorities and as a space for nature. In accordance with the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan, the Government will continue to promote afforestation to increase planting to a rate consistent with realising our 2030 climate ambition and to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality no later than 2050.
To achieve this, my Department fully recognises the need for afforestation to be complementary to CAP. Newly planted forestry will continue to qualify for the new Basic Income Support Payment, subject to the underlying rules for eligibility for the afforestation Single Payment Scheme (SPS). It will also be eligible for an Eco-scheme per hectare payment subject to compliance with that schemes Terms and Conditions. My Department has also proposed in the CAP Strategic Plan that was submitted to the European Commission on the 31 December 2021, that forestry, whether eligible for SPS or not would also be counted in the calculation of a farmer's Space for Nature percentage.
As outlined in the CAP Strategic Plan, tree planting actions have been included in both Pillar 1 and Pillar 2. The new Eco-Scheme (Pillar 1) includes a tree planting option as part of the menu of options that farmers can choose from. The Pillar II Agri-Environment Climate Measure (AECM) includes under the general option various tree planting actions to benefit specific objectives, such as water quality, biodiversity and climate.
Furthermore, the planting of trees or participation on agroforestry or native woodland establishment schemes will qualify the applicant for higher status in ranking and selection thereby giving the applicant a greater chance of being awarded an AECM contract. In addition, the AECM also provides for the preparation of a farm sustainability plan. In the preparation of this plan, farmers can discuss the appropriate actions for their farm with their Agricultural Advisor, including the identification of areas suitable for tree planting actions.
I would also like to point out that it is my objective to increase and encourage interest in small scale planting by removing the licensing requirement for areas not greater than one hectare, which may prove to be a barrier to such planting and be considered onerous and complex. Such an exemption would be available as part of a scheme which my Department intends to design and implement once the Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which provides for the required amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 is enacted.
Farm Costs
Questions (129)
Michael McNamara
Question:129. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider a future review of the €400 per hectare grant being offered to encourage farmers to plant additional barley, wheat and oats in view of the anticipated further increase in fuel, fertiliser and other production costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17026/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Government continues to monitor the ongoing serious situation caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and Ireland’s co-ordinated humanitarian, economic and diplomatic response to the crisis.
As Minister, I have raised the challenge facing our farm families both at national and European level consistently in recent months. I continue to take a proactive approach to the challenge facing our farm families and their businesses.
The crisis in Ukraine has had an impact on Irish agriculture and supply chains. The price of energy, animal feeds, fertiliser, fuel, silage plastics and other farm input prices have all increased.
Given the seriousness and urgency of the situation, I have put in place a Rapid Response Team in the Department chaired by the Secretary General to actively monitor the impacts on agri-food supply chains, to design appropriate mitigation measures and to contribute to the whole of Government response to this crisis.
I also quickly established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee to examine how best to advise the sector to manage the disruptions. This committee, under the chairmanship of Mike Magan, is doing excellent work and I will continue to support it.
I announced a €12 million package to support the growing of additional tillage and protein crops and to support the establishment of multi-species swards.
This three-pronged approach will contribute towards the expected deficit in tillage and protein crops. It will also assist farmers to deal with the challenges related to both the availability and price of animal feed and fertilisers.
The total package includes €10 million for a Tillage Incentive Scheme, €1.2 million to guarantee a payment of €300 per hectare for protein crops and an additional €1 million for a Multi-Species Scheme. My Department is now finalising the finer details of the package of measures.
These targeted measures will help Ireland build resilience against the expected impact of the situation in Ukraine. The Government will continue to assess the situation and will respond as appropriate.
I will continue to support our farm families and their businesses through this challenging time for the sector.
Ministerial Staff
Questions (130)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:130. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the salaries and pensions paid out to special advisers to Ministers and Ministers of State in his Department in 2020 and 2021, broken down by Minister, in tabular form. [11393/22]
View answerWritten answers
In common with many Government Departments, the Department has a number of Special Advisers appointed who play key roles in the provision of advice and support to myself and the Ministers of State. The agriculture and food sector plays a vital role in Ireland’s economy, making a significant contribution to employment in rural and coastal areas and the guidance provided by the Special Advisers is a critical element in ensuring the delivery of the strategic goals of my Department.
The key focus in all our considerations is to:
- promote and safeguard public, animal and plant health and animal welfare for the benefit of consumers and producers and wider society;
- provide income and market supports to underpin the rural economy and the environment; and
- provide the optimum policy framework for the sustainable development of the agri-food sector.
During 2020 and 2021, there have been a total of ten officers (but a maximum of five serving at any one time) assigned to Special Adviser roles within my Department. In line with section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997, the salaries of four of the Special Advisers are paid on the same scale as a Principal Officer in the Civil Service and one is paid on the Assistant Principal Officer scale.
The total amount paid in 2020 was €211,302.93 and in 2021 it was €404,812.84. I can also confirm to the Deputy that there were no pensions paid by my Department to Special Advisers during those years.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (131)
Matt Carthy
Question:131. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to support producers of hemp in the State. [16818/22]
View answerWritten answers
Hemp is currently included as an eligible crop under the Basic Payment Scheme implemented by my Department. Any producer who grows hemp in Ireland, who has a licence issued by the Minister for Health, is entitled to apply for payment on his/her entitlements under the Basic Payment Scheme.
My Department is currently finalising the report on the consultation, in line with a commitment given in the current Programme for Government, to “fully explore the potential for growing fibre crops such as hemp, considering whether these crops have a viable market ”. The report of the consultation is near completion and once I have considered the findings I will be able to make a determination regarding the future viability of growing hemp for fibre in Ireland and whether any additional supports are warranted.
The Deputy will be aware that Cannabis, which includes hemp is listed in Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 (S.I. No 173 of 2017), as amended, which means it is subject to the strictest level of control. It is an offence in Ireland to cultivate, import, export, produce, supply and possess cannabis except in accordance with a license issued by the Minister for Health. I do not propose any additional supports for the cultivation of hemp.
Common Fisheries Policy
Questions (132)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:132. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will argue the case for an economic link to fish quotas under the Common Fisheries Policy as opposed to the current proliferation of fish quota from a wide range of European Union member states into the control of a small number of corporations to the detriment of coastal communities across the European Union. [16791/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) provides that it is a matter for each Member State to decide how its fishing opportunities, which are not subject to a system of transferable fishing concessions, are allocated to the vessels in its fleet. In allocating fishing opportunities, the CFP requires Member States to apply transparent and objective criteria, such as the contribution to the local economy.
A system of transferable fishing concessions allows for a Member State's quota to be allocated to an individual fisher or group of fishers which is available to them to transfer, lease or sell to other vessel owners, this is commonly known as an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) system .
The last reform of the CFP set out the option for Member States to introduce ITQ system for their fleets. The European Commission had proposed that such a system be mandatory for all Member States. Ireland was successful in strongly opposing a mandatory ITQ system, on the basis that it would inevitably lead to a concentration of ownership in a small number of international fishing companies with little or no links to Ireland's fishing communities.
In Ireland, fish quotas are a public resource owned by the State and are made available to fishing vessels based on an overall policy framework which has been developed over the past 30 years. The result of this long-standing policy is that the Irish fishing fleet has retained a strong economic link with our coastal communities and has delivered economic activity including vital employment in these communities, where there are very limited alternative economic activities.
I am firmly of the view that system of quota management must remain within a Member State's competence and must not be determined at EU level. The Government is fully committed to maintaining our quotas in public ownership to the benefit of our fishing fleet and coastal communities.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (133)
David Stanton
Question:133. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications to date for solar investments under the TAMS schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16871/22]
View answerWritten answers
While the overall national energy policy formation is the direct responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) my Department engages with that Department on energy related matters from an agricultural perspective, as well as with a wide range of industry and other stakeholder groupings. Minister Eamonn Ryan, Minister for Environment, Climate Action and Communications launched the microgeneration support scheme in December 2021.
This support scheme provides a range of supports to assist homes and businesses, including farmers to develop renewable generation for self-consumption with the micro-generation enabling framework introduces payments to micro-generators for exported electricity for the first time. This scheme will support the deployment of an expected 380 MW of new micro (50 kW) to support the deployment of rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV. Landowners and farmers in particular will benefit from the move to renewables as set out under Food Vision 2030 - which clearly recognises that the agriculture sector has a key role to play in helping Ireland meet its renewable energy targets.
To encourage on-farm renewable technology uptake and usage, grant aid is provided through TAMS to assist farmers in maximising their contribution to the production of renewable energy through the installation of Solar PV technology along with battery storage on Irish farms. The solar PV systems grant-aided under TAMS include Solar PV Panels and Solar PV Rechargeable Batteries and Solar Panels for water heating under the Pig and Poultry Capital Investment Scheme.
Applications for approval to install solar panels under the TAMS schemes for the solar investments in particular have reached over 240 applications to date. Applications under the TAMS schemes for the solar investments are being received on an ongoing basis. A total of 126 approved applicants have now completed their approved works and have received payment for solar investments to date.
The grant aid under TAMS is available at the standard rate of 40%, with a higher grant rate of 60% available to qualified young farmers. It is proposed that support for renewable energy investments will continue under the new Capital Investment Scheme as part of the CAP Strategic Plan submitted to the EU Commission for approval last December.
I will continue to examine ways to support farmers in this area as it can be another important step to help farmers generate an income while continuing to play a leadership role in the space of renewables.
Fishing Industry
Questions (134)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:134. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports available for the Irish fishing fleet given the rising cost of fuel pressures on the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16685/22]
View answerWritten answers
I am acutely conscious of the impact on fishers of the significant increases in the price of marine diesel. I heard directly from representative groups at recent meetings about the impacts of the high fuel prices on the profitability of fishing. The Government is also very conscious of the impacts of high fuel costs on many other sectors of the economy.
On 23 March 2022, the European Commission published its ‘Temporary Crisis Framework for State Aid measures to support the economy following the aggression against Ukraine by Russia’. The purpose of the Temporary Crisis Framework is to specify the criteria for the assessment by the Commission of the compatibility with the internal market of State Aid measures that Member States may take to remedy the economic effects arising from the war and related market disruption. The Framework provides that the Commission will consider temporary limited amounts of aid to undertakings affected to be compatible with the internal market provided that certain conditions are met. A State Aid Notification is required for any measure proposed.
In relation to primary producers in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, the Framework provides a State Aid basis for Member States to propose in a State Aid Notification a support scheme for undertakings affected, granting aid no later than 31 December 2022 and to a maximum of €35,000 per undertaking. Of course, such a scheme has to demonstrate that the aid proposed is proportionate to the impacts on the undertakings concerned.
Separately, on 25 March 2022, the European Commission adopted a Commission Decision under article 26 of the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund Regulation (2021/1139), recognising in accordance with that article the Ukraine war as an 'exceptional events causing a significant disruption of markets'. That Commission Decision facilitates Member States in using, if they so choose, article 26 as a basis to make available compensation under their EMFAF Programmes to operators in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors for their income foregone or additional costs related to the exceptional event, or alternatively to provide aid to producer organisations for storage aid, a market support mechanism that aids the freezing and cold storage of fish in periods of market turbulence and its subsequent release to the market when matters improve. Related to implementation of the article 26 measures, the Commission is presently preparing a working paper on methodologies to calculate income foregone and additional costs.
The Commission has also stated that it is examining a possible legislative proposal for an amendment of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Regulation (508/2014) to facilitate Member States in using remaining funds in their EMFF Programmes for the 2014-20 period for this same purpose.
I await the detail of the Commission working paper and possible proposals for EMFF amendment and will review the situation further at that point, with full regard to the trends in market prices for marine diesel.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (135)
James O'Connor
Question:135. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the way a dairy farmer retirement scheme could pave the way for more young farmers getting involved in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16966/22]
View answerWritten answers
The challenge of generational renewal is widely recognised both at national and EU level. There are challenges both for younger farmers becoming established and older farmers having concerns about future income, taxation, the suitability of collaborators and the retirement process itself.
The new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) cites generational renewal as one of its nine key objectives, while it is also prominent in Food Vision 2030, the new stakeholder-led strategy for the agri-food sector. Food Vision proposes a number of actions, including maintaining the strong level of current support; the promotion of land mobility and succession planning; and increased education & promotion of the diversity of careers in the agri-food sector. This reflects the need for skilled and innovative young farmers to respond to societal demands for quality food and environmental public goods. Supporting younger and older farmers therefore remains a key policy objective.
Given this, as the Deputy may be aware, there are a range of measures in place at present – both in the existing CAP and at national level – that support younger farmers and facilitate generational renewal. Under the current CAP, this includes the Young Farmers Scheme under the current CAP, the National Reserve, the TAMS II Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme and support to establish Collaborative Farming arrangements. Further assistance is available from national supports including through taxation measures such as the Agricultural Relief from Capital Acquisitions Tax, Stamp Duty exemptions, Stock Relief and Long-Term Leasing Relief, as well as the availability of tax credits via the Succession Farm Partnerships. Such interventions, which are available to all sectors including dairy, provide vital supports to young farmers in setting up their enterprises and older farmers wishing to retire.
Ireland’s draft CAP Strategic Plan proposals reaffirm our commitment to generational renewal, with a number of proposals currently under review by the European Commission. This includes a new initiative to support advice for older farmers on succession and retirement options.
I recently established the Food Vision Dairy Group, which brings together key stakeholders to advance the actions for the dairy sector identified in the strategy, with the action “produce a detailed plan by Q2 2022 to manage the sustainable environmental footprint of the dairy sector” as a priority. I expect that an interim report from the Group will be submitted to me shortly.
I want to ensure that the dairy and wider agri-food sector remain strong and sustainable into the future, and will continue to engage with stakeholders to find the best approaches to support young farmers to ensure a bright future for the sector.
Agriculture Industry
Questions (136)
Colm Burke
Question:136. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagement that his Department has had on import substitution of particular agriculture produce impacted by the Russian war on Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16820/22]
View answerWritten answers
The current situation facing our sector as a result of the illegal invasion Ukraine is the number one priority for me and the Department.
I am meeting with the key agri-food and marine sector stakeholders on an ongoing basis to discuss the impact of the Ukraine crisis on Irish agri-food supply chains, particularly in terms of the viability of farmers and fishers as primary producers.
At farm level, the crisis is likely to have serious impacts on the price of animal feed and fertiliser, as well as fuel, which are all vital farm inputs.
The food industry largely relies on natural gas for its energy supply, so costs will escalate. These factors, and others, are likely to result in increases in price for consumer staples at wholesale and retail level.
The effect of these impacts is being felt most sharply in the intensive pig and poultry sectors, where feed costs represent a very significant portion of overall productions costs. Teagasc is providing bespoke advice to pig farmers.
The Department is in contact with the main banks on an ongoing basis in relation to the challenge facing pig farmers; the finance instruments funded by my Department through SBCI offer an important source of flexible low-cost finance.
I established an emergency aid scheme for pig farmers of €7 million which opened for applications on 7th March. This will provide commercial pig farmers a payment of up to €20,000 each. The first payments to pig farmers under this scheme began to issue last week.
I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee and tasked it with preparing an industry response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises. I am committed to supporting the work of the Committee in the weeks ahead.
Within my Department, I established a Rapid Response Team, chaired by the Secretary General, to actively monitor the impacts on agri-food supply chains and to contribute to the whole of Government response to this crisis.
I have been assured that there is a sufficient supply of animal feedstuffs and fertiliser in the country, although at elevated prices, for the next number of months. My Department is in regular contact with feed merchants and fertiliser importers to ensure any disruption to supply chains is kept to a minimum.
At EU level I continue to work with colleagues through the Agri-Fish Council to respond to the impacts of the crisis on the sector across Europe.
On 23rd March, the European Commission announced a communication on food security, and a package of measures to assist the sector including a €500 million package to support farmers most affected. This includes an allocation of €15.8 million for Ireland, which can be topped up by national funding. I will be examining ways to best mobilise this support as soon as possible, taking account of the detailed requirements and conditionality attached to this exceptional aid provision.
The EU package also includes plans to deploy market safety net measures to support specific markets, including private storage aid for pigmeat.
By working collectively and collaboratively, I am determined to ensure that the sector is insulated against the worst of what might come from supply chain disruptions.
I am taking a proactive approach to supporting our farm families and their businesses throughout this period. It is one of the biggest challenges our sector has faced in recent years and I am committed to supporting our farm families throughout this period.
Brexit Supports
Questions (137)
Seán Sherlock
Question:137. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve for the seafood processing capital investment scheme. [17000/22]
View answerWritten answers
In late December 2020, the EU Commission published plans for a Brexit Adjustment Reserve to mitigate the economic impacts of the withdrawal of the UK. In March 2021, I established a Task Force to examine the impacts of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the European Union and the United Kingdom on our fishing sector and coastal communities, and to make recommendations to me on initiatives that could be taken to provide supports for development and restructuring so as to ensure a profitable and sustainable fishing fleet and to identify opportunities for jobs and economic activity in coastal communities dependent on fishing.
I received the Report of the Seafood Task Force – Navigating Change on 11th October 2021 and it recommends a suite of 16 support schemes at a total cost of €423 million. A number of recommendations have already been implemented and on 25th March 2022 I was pleased to announce the implementation of two further recommendations, in the form of the Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme and the Brexit Inshore Marketing Scheme.
The remaining recommendations of the Task Force are being urgently examined across Government with regard to available funds, eligibility of the recommended measures for funding under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve and with regard to State Aid rules and the Public Spending Code. This complex process, that needs to be undertaken on a phased and prioritised basis as recommended by the Task Force, is very well advanced.
The report included a recommendation, for a capital investment scheme for seafood processing enterprises, which is currently going through this process. The scheme is aimed at mitigating the significant loss of raw material supply due to TCA quota cuts, and Brexit impacts on traditional imports of raw material from the UK, through increased, graduated grant aid rates.
I am very conscious of the tight timeframe for supports under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.
Forestry Sector
Questions (138)
Martin Browne
Question:138. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the weekly targets for forestry licensing, by type, in 2022. [16993/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued 4,050 forestry licences last year, which was an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020. This included 2,877 felling licences, at nearly 8.5 million cubic metres, which stabilised supply to the processing sector in 2021. This is the highest volume ever issued in a single year. Furthermore 671 forest road licences were issued, again the highest volume in any one year.
As the Deputy may be aware , we are building on this momentum this year, and have published ambitious targets in our detailed Forestry Licensing Plan for 2022. The Plan contains an overall target of 5,250 forestry licence. This represents a year-on-year increase of 30% on 2021. Within that, we have sub-targets for each category of licence and
- we intend to give a higher priority to afforestation licences, more than doubling output to 1,040 licences in 2022;
- we aim to achieve a year-on-year increase of 48% of private felling, roads and afforestation files,
- and specifically we will increase the number of forest road licences to 850, the number of private felling licences to 1,830 and we will retain Coillte felling licences at the same level as in 2021 at 1,530 licences.
As outlined in the Licensing Plan this means issuing on average around 100 licences a week. I am more than pleased to say that we have achieved that to date, with on average 100 licences issued per week up to 25th March. In fact we are 99% on target, as the estimated projected number to that date is 1,212 licences and we issued 1,203 licences.
In the interest of full transparency, details of all licences issued by category are available on the weekly dashboard. This is published on the Departmental website and is made available to all interested parties as well as being submitted to the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine each week.
It is inevitable, in the context of the annual target figures, there will be fluctuations in licence output and across categories from week to week. I am however encouraged by our output to date and I am assured by my Department that we will reach the projected targets across the various licence types.
I am fully committed to delivering a forestry sector that will benefit farmers, the environment and the economy and an effective and efficient licensing system is central to that. I believe the work underway under Project Woodland, along with our increased investment in resources and continual improvement, is helping us achieve better and responsive delivery, as is evidenced by our output to date this year.
Forestry Sector
Questions (139)
Matt Carthy
Question:139. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the weekly target for the issuance of forestry licences; the weekly average to date in 2022; and the average number issued in each of the past four weeks. [16819/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued 4,050 forestry licences last year, which was an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020. This included 2,877 felling licences, at nearly 8.5 million cubic metres, which stabilised supply to the processing sector in 2021. This is the highest volume ever issued in a single year. Furthermore 671 forest road licences were issued, again the highest volume in any one year.
As the Deputy may be aware , we are building on this momentum this year, and have published ambitious targets in our detailed Forestry Licensing Plan for 2022. The Plan contains an overall target of 5,250 forestry licences. This represents a year-on-year increase of 30% on 2021. Within that, we have sub-targets for each category of licence and
- we intend to give a higher priority to afforestation licences, more than doubling output to 1,040 licences in 2022;
- we aim to achieve a year-on-year increase of 48% of private felling, roads and afforestation files,
- and specifically we will increase the number of forest road licences to 850, the number of private felling licences to 1,830 and we will retain Coillte felling licences at the same level as in 2021 at 1,530 licences.
As outlined in the Licensing Plan this means issuing on average around 100 licences a week. I am more than pleased to say that we have achieved that to date, with on average 100 licences issued per week up to 25th March. In fact we are 99% on target, as the estimated projected number to that date is 1,212 licences and we issued 1,203 licences.
As regards the last four weeks, we issued 98 licences per average per week, and this was in period where one of those weeks was a three day working week due to public holidays.
In the interest of full transparency details of all licences issued by category are available on the weekly dashboard. This is published on the Departmental website and is made available to all interested parties as well as being submitted to the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine each week.
It is inevitable, in the context of the annual target figures, there will be fluctuations in licence output and across categories from week to week. I am however encouraged by our output to date and I am assured by my Department that we will reach the projected targets across the various licence types.
I am fully committed to delivering a forestry sector that will benefit farmers, the environment and the economy and an effective and efficient licensing system is central to that. I believe the work underway under Project Woodland, along with our increased investment in resources and continual improvement, is helping us achieve better and responsive delivery as is evidenced by our output to date this year.
Common Agricultural Policy
Questions (140)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:140. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the new measures in his proposed CAP strategic plan that will support young farmers and generational renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16869/22]
View answerWritten answers
The challenge of generational renewal is widely recognised both at national and EU level with the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) citing it as one of its nine key objectives.
Food Vision 2030, the new stakeholder-led strategy for the agri-food sector, also highlights the challenge of generational renewal and proposes a number of actions, including maintaining the strong level of current support, the promotion of land mobility & succession planning and increased education and promotion of the diversity of careers in the agri-food sector.
This reflects the need to ensure a vibrant agricultural sector equipped with skilled and innovative young farmers to respond to societal demands for quality food and environmental public goods. Generational renewal is critical to ensure a bright future for the agri-food sector. We must ensure we take every step to support our young farmers to ensure the best and the brightest enter the sector and can flourish.
As the Deputy may be aware, there are a range of measures both in the existing CAP and at national level that support younger farmers and facilitate generational renewal. Under the current CAP, the Young Farmers Scheme with payments of €120m benefitting over 8,000 farmers each year, and the National Reserve with €38 million allocated since 2015, provide financial support to young farmers during the crucial early years of setting up a farm enterprise.
Additionally, under the TAMS II Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme, young farmers can avail of a 60% grant rate as compared to the standard rate of 40% and over €150m has been paid to over 6,000 young farmers to date. Additional support to young farmers is provided under the Collaborative Farming Grant Scheme. These partnership structures are further supported through the availability of a tax credit at national level of €25,000 over five years to assist with the transfer of farms within “Succession Farm Partnerships”, promoting and supporting the earlier intergenerational transfer of family farms.
In addition, at national level, strong taxation measures assist land mobility and facilitate succession and are worth some €200 million per annum. Long-Term Leasing Income Tax Relief has been an important driver of land mobility by providing access to land and security of tenure for younger farmers and a route to retirement for older farmers. Almost 11,000 beneficiaries were supported under this measure in 2018 costing €27.2 million.
On access to finance, the Future Growth Loan Scheme was developed with assisting young farmers among its objectives and has been in great demand, with some 1,300 loans to the value of €150 million sanctioned to farmers.
In addition, Teagasc's education activities continue to focus on equipping young farmers with the necessary knowledge to build successful careers.
In terms of the new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), as the Deputy will be aware, my Department and I have been actively engaging with stakeholders throughout the process of developing the new plan. The draft CAP Strategic Plan is currently under consideration by the European Commission. Over the month of March, my Department has hosted a series of information meetings to inform farmers of the changes proposed in the CAP from 2023. More information including a recent webinar and an online calculator for changes to direct payments is available online on my Department's website.
Under the draft CSP proposals, Ireland will implement the Young Farmers’ Scheme in the new CAP programme, dedicating some 3% of the direct payments ceiling to help young farmers establish their farming businesses. This allocation of approximately €35m per year will see qualifying young farmers benefit on a per hectare basis which will be more advantageous to young farmers than the current system, which was linked to payment entitlements.
The proposed rate will significantly increase from approximately €70/ha in the current programme to over €170/ha, with a maximum payment area of 50 hectares and payment on all eligible hectares, even those without corresponding entitlements. In tandem with this, we will also implement the National Reserve in each year of the new CAP to fund at a minimum the mandatory categories of young farmers and new entrants to farming.
In addition, a higher grant rate for qualified young farmers is proposed under the capital investment measure proposed under the CSP. The CSP will also continue to provide support for collaborative farming and will propose innovative ways to advise older farmers on succession and retirement options, which will increase the availability of land for younger farmers.
I am committed to supporting initiatives to facilitate generational renewal and will continue to engage with stakeholders to find the best approaches to support young farmers to ensure a bright future for the sector.