Written Answers Nos. 181-196
181. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor the costs of farm inputs, including fuel and fertilisers, with a view to identifying the best way to meet the challenges of issues arising from the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16968/22]
View answerThe current situation in relation to the cost and availability of farm inputs is a significant concern. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has led to significant hikes in energy, feed and fertiliser prices and significant concerns around supply chain disruption.
I met with the main farm organisations and Teagasc on 8th March to discuss the impact on Irish agriculture and supply chains.
At that meeting I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee to prepare 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. This Group continues to meet and I will continue to engage closely with the sector as we work together on these significant challenges.
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 raised concerns in relation to the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on agri-food supply chains, and especially on input costs at the extraordinary informal meeting of European Union Agriculture Ministers held on 2nd March. I underlined the need for market support and the need to maintain supply chains and to ensure an effective and functioning Single Market.
At the AgriFish Council of 21st March, I asked the EU Commission, as part of its work on monitoring markets, to keep a very close eye on supply chains across the EU and to be ready to consider any measures that may help to alleviate the difficulties caused. The EU Commission is considering bringing in a private storage aid scheme for the pigmeat sector, as well as allowing other exceptional measures at Member State level to respond to market disturbances.
I launched the 2022 Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign at Teagasc’s Ballyhaise College in January in response to the unprecedented fertiliser price levels. This credible roadmap, which I tasked Teagasc in developing, will help alleviate reduce their dependency on chemical fertiliser in the longer-term. Teagasc has also recently issued revised advice to farmers on the recommended application amounts of fertilisers for silage fields to reflect the increase in fertiliser price.
Given Ireland’s dependence on imported feed, I announced a package of targeted interventions for the tillage sector and a multi-species sward initiative worth over €12 million to support Irish farmers on 22nd March. The package supports the growing of additional tillage and protein crops and the establishment of multi-species swards lowering demand for chemical fertiliser.
My Department continues to closely monitor the evolving situation and is actively engaging with the EU Commission, across Government and with industry as this situation unfolds.
As the Deputy is aware, I am committed to supporting our farm families and their businesses through very challenging period.
182. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on, and response to, the sale of Ballymartle forest, Riverstick, County Cork. [17041/22]
View answerThe land referred to is owned by Coillte. As Coillte is a company established under the Forestry Act 1988 and as such is operationally independent from my Department, I have referred the matter to Coillte for direct follow-up with the Deputy.
183. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if tillage farmers can increase the acreage of corn and access the new tillage scheme by growing corn on land previously under maize, beat or other crops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16976/22]
View answerThe Targeted Intervention Package I announced on 22nd March is framed around three pillars which seek to support our vital Irish farming families arising both from events in Ukraine and wider global price volatility. The total package is projected to cost in the region of €12.2 million.
The package seeks to incentivise the planting of additional tillage crops for this coming planting season through the Tillage Incentive Scheme. It is proposed to encourage farmers to grow more tillage crops in 2022 versus 2021.
For crops to be eligible, the land must not have been in tillage production in 2021. Eligible crops include the cereal crops barley, wheat, oats etc., oilseed rape, maize, beet and potatoes. A payment of €400 per hectare is proposed. The proposed budget for the Scheme is €10 million and is aimed at encouraging an additional 25,000 hectares of tillage crops.
In order for farmers to be eligible there must be an increase in the area grown to the eligible crops in 2022 versus 2021 and secondly the land must not have been in tillage production in 2021 e.g. grassland or fallow land. Land that was previously in maize, beet or other crops is ineligible for the Scheme.
185. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of programme for Government commitments to complete a land use review ahead of the drafting of a land use strategy and a national soil strategy; if these will be consistent with achieving the objectives of the anticipated EU nature restoration law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16854/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government: Our Shared Future (2020) committed to a land use review to ensure that optimal land use options inform all relevant government decisions. This land use evidence review is also noted in Chapter 17.3.4 (pp 172 and 173) of the Climate Action Plan (Nov 2021).
The review balances environmental social and economic conditions and will involve a process of evaluation of the ecological characteristics of the land, consideration of emissions to air and water, carbon sequestration and climate adaption challenges.
The review is being overseen by a Steering Committee co-chaired by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) . The steering committee is made up of representatives from DAFM, DECC, EPA, DHLGH and independent nominees. The Land use review is being carried out in two distinct phases:
Phase 1 is an evidential review and is being led by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and is being guided by a cross-governmental technical steering group. Phase 1 aims to provide an evidence base to determine an appropriate land use indicator set for Ireland, as well as determining the environmental, ecological, and economic characteristics of land types across Ireland.
EPA is working with government departments and public sector colleagues to assess the available evidence in the following areas:
- The impact of current land use on the environment and society
- The indicators we can use to measure land use impacts on environment and society
- Environmental and societal trends that will impact on land use
- Ireland’s land use stakeholders
- Commitments and targets in existing policy that impact on land use decisions
- Land use practices that have proven beneficial to environment and society
In summary, Phase 1 of the national Land Use Evidence Review will gather data and evidence to report on the environmental, ecological, and socio-economic characteristics and considerations for land use and land-based activities across Ireland, including how they interact with each other: with a view to informing the Policy Development ambitions for Phase 2 of the Evidence Review. Phase 1 of the evidence review activity commenced in June 2021 and is scheduled to complete in Quarter 3, 2022.
Building on the evidence Base from Phase 1, Phase 2 will identify appropriate policies measures and actions in the context of the governments wider economic, social and climate objectives.
In its resolution of 9th June 2021 on the EU Biodiversity strategy for 2030, the European Parliament strongly welcomed the commitment to draw up a legislative proposal on the EU nature restoration plan, including on binding restoration targets of at least 30% of the EU`s land and seas, to be fully implemented by each Member State throughout their territory, within and outside protected areas, on the basis of biodiversity and ecosystem needs reflecting the country’s specific characteristics. At present, the second phase of the National Land Use review has not yet been finalised, but it will involve consideration of all the relevant National policies and European regulations and directives in its final design as part of the Government's wider economic, social and climate objectives.
186. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date of the beef task force; the timeline for the completion of commitments given to the task force; the steps he is taking to implement the measures proposed by this Deputy and unanimously adopted by Dáil Éireann on 26 September 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16264/22]
View answerThe Beef Taskforce was established on foot of the beef sector agreement of 15th September 2019.
A number of issues raised by the Deputy in the motion referred to are covered in the Agreement.
The Beef Taskforce's remit as set out in its terms of reference was to monitor the implementation of the actions arising from that agreement. The Beef Taskforce had 11 meetings in total between its initial one in December 2019 and the final one in July last year.
I published the final report of the Chair of the Beef Taskforce last November.
The report clearly sets out that the group satisfied its remit in monitoring and progressing the implementation of the actions agreed by stakeholders in the beef sector agreement of 15th September 2019.
The Taskforce has delivered on its commitments which consisted of a total of 38 actions in two strands, one for the implementation of immediate changes and the second which related to strategic structural reform.
Further details relating to the Taskforce including the aforementioned Chairman's report, minutes of each meeting and the market transparency studies that were commissioned are available on my Departments website at:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/1a060-beef-taskforce/.
As the Deputy will be aware, earlier this year, I announced the establishment of a Food Vision Dairy Group. I will also establish a group for the beef and sheep sectors, to advance the specific sectoral actions identified in Food Vision 2030.
Preparations are currently under way to establish this new Group and further details will be announced in due course.
Ensuring there is a long-term, sustainable and viable future for our suckler and beef farmers is a key priority. This new sectoral forum will take a strategic view of supporting the development of the sector and contribute to our over arching objective of our Food Vision 2030 strategy, that Ireland will become a world leader in sustainable food systems over the next decade.
187. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to address the rising costs for food producers. [17042/22]
View answerThe agri-food sector is facing one of the most significant challenges in recent years.
I am working with our EU partners to consider and implement appropriate responses to those challenges, including ensuring that food security is maintained for EU citizens, for the Ukrainian people and in the wider global context.
At EU level, I have emphasised the importance of being ready to respond in a comprehensive and flexible manner and to maintain functioning supply chains during what will be an uncertain and volatile period ahead. I have also highlighted concerns about the availability and price of animal feed and fertilisers. The comprehensive and transparent sharing of available information is also important.
On 23rd March, the EU Commission announced a range of supports to safeguard food security and reinforce the resilience of EU food systems. This included a support package of €500 million to support farmers most affected; this includes an allocation of €15.8 million for Ireland. Other measures include safety net measures to support specific markets and a temporary Crisis Framework (TCF) for state aid.
On 22nd March, I announced a targeted intervention package for the tillage sector and a multi-species sward initiative, worth over €12 million, to support Irish farmers. Payments to commercial pig farmers under the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme, with a budget of €7 million, began last week.
As well as these financial supports, I have put in place a Rapid Response Team, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department, to actively monitor the impacts on agri-food supply chains and to contribute to the whole of Government response to this crisis.
I have established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee to prepare an industry response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and to develop contingency plans.
My Department will continue to contribute to the whole-of-Government response to the challenges created by the crisis.
I am committed to helping our farm families and their businesses through this challenging period and I will continue to support them.
188. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which enough fodder for winter 2022 can be ensured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16964/22]
View answerI met with the main farm organisations and Teagasc on 8th March to discuss the impact of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine on Irish agriculture and supply chains.
At that meeting I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee and to prepare 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.
Following the first meeting of this Committee, Teagasc has issued advice to farmers on how to manage their farms during the current grass growing season with a view to securing sufficient fodder for next winter. The advice includes applying sufficient fertiliser on grassland and crops, on the basis of a fodder budget for winter 2022, ensuring that sufficient fodder is conserved.
I acknowledge that fertiliser has reached record price levels. However, in conjunction with good grassland management, sensible use of fertilisers represents the best way of securing fodder for next winter. In addition, the price of grain has risen in line with fertiliser prices so relying entirely on imported meal is not a reliable alternative to securing home grown fodder.
I announced a Targeted Intervention Package on 22nd March framed around three pillars to support Irish farming families arising both from events in Ukraine and wider global price volatility. The total package is projected to cost in the region of €12.2 million. The package seeks to incentivise the planting of additional tillage crops for this coming planting season through the Tillage Incentive Scheme and introduces supports to encourage farmers to grow protein crops in 2022.
Supporting domestic production of tillage and protein crops will reduce Ireland’s reliance on imported feed materials. Finally the package includes a Multi-Species Sward Scheme that includes support for red clover, to promote environmentally sustainable methods of farming, and thereby greatly reduce nitrogen fertiliser, while maintaining forage yields.
The financial supports outlined will assist farmers in offsetting the significant increases in farm inputs experienced by farmers presently and in assisting to ensure sufficient fodder for winter 2022.
I am committed to helping and assisting our farm families and their families through this challenging period.
189. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expected timeframe in which the €500 million European Crisis Reserve Fund will be made available to support farming families across the pig, beef, seed potato and horticultural sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16686/22]
View answerSince the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I attended an extraordinary EU Agriculture Ministers meeting on 2nd March and the Agri-Fish Council in Brussels on 21 March. The Ukrainian agriculture minister, Roman Leschenko, was invited to speak, via videoconference, at the Agri-Fish Council about the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the agricultural sector.
My Department has also been engaged at a number of other EU meetings in recent weeks to discuss food security issues, including a meeting of the European Food Security Crisis preparedness and Response Mechanism (EFSCM). Following discussions at these meetings the European Commission announced on Wednesday 23 March, via the communication “Safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems”, a range of actions to enhance global food security and to support farmers and consumers in the EU in light of rising food prices and input costs. The communication sets out actions in three areas:
- First, it presents immediate actions to safeguard food security in Ukraine and around the world.
- Second, it addresses the challenge of food stability in the EU's food system, with a range of measures to support our farmers and maintain affordability for our citizens.
- Finally, it confirms the EU agenda to make our food system sustainable and resilient in the years to come. It includes €500 million to support farmers most affected and agreement to deploy measures to support specific markets and allow for increased levels of advances of direct payments later this year. Other actions approved included a new self-standing Temporary Crisis Framework (TCF) for state aid and allowing Member States to derogate from certain greening obligations in 2022 to bring additional agricultural land into production. It 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. I will continue to engage with all our stakeholders and will continue to work across Government, and with our European partners, to respond to this crisis, using all of the tools at our disposal. I am committed to helping our farm families and their businesses through this period of considerable challenge.
190. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered revising the State's CAP strategic plan to remove the proposed age limit on enhanced TAMS for women farmers. [16972/22]
View answerThe new CAP places a particular focus on generational renewal and on promoting the participation of women in the social and economic development of rural areas, with special attention to farming. Gender equality is also a key objective of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and a priority for me, as Minister.
I am pleased, therefore, to be proposing the highest level of direct supports for women farmers in any CAP programme in Ireland. In addition to the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) proposal, these include women-only Knowledge Transfer (KT) Groups; and a call under the European Innovation Partnerships (EIP) initiative for proposals to examine women’s participation in agriculture.
On the new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), the Department has been actively engaging with stakeholders throughout the process of developing the new plan. The SWOT analysis and Needs assessment helped to shape the CSP draft interventions that were then followed by a five-week public consultation in September 2021 with over 1,000 responses received.
The proposed On-Farm Capital investment Scheme is subject to the formal approval of the European Commission. As outlined in the draft CSP, it provides for a general grant rate of 40% for eligible investments. It is also proposed in the CSP that eligible young farmers and eligible women farmers, who meet the eligibility criteria may qualify for grant aid at a rate of 60%.
Eligible women farmers are those:
- Aged between 18 years of age and 66 at any time during the calendar year in which she submits an application for support;
- Meet the conditions for being head and having control of the holding;
- Meets the requirements for the appropriate training and/or skills required at the time of applications.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria above will remain eligible to submit an application under the On-Farm Capital investment scheme at the standard rate of 40%.
Measures in the On-Farm Capital investment scheme aim to balance the need to address the issues of both generational renewal and gender balance in farming. Measures in the CSP are complemented by the new stakeholder strategy for the Irish agri-food sector, Food Vision 2030, which recognises the important contribution of women to the sector's long-term sustainability and includes a number of actions to promote and improve gender balance at all levels. It also proposes holding a national dialogue on women in agriculture.
191. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the banning or restriction of the use of glyphosate by public bodies. [9366/22]
View answerPesticide active substances, such as glyphosate, contained in plant protection products are approved centrally at EU level and plant protection products are subsequently authorised for specific uses, nationally using robust scientific evaluation and decision-making criteria.
Glyphosate is currently approved and the EU process to determine if the approval can be renewed is ongoing with a decision expected in the coming months following a detailed scientific review by the European Food Safety Authority, the European Chemicals Agency, and Member State technical experts.
At national level, further controls on the use of pesticides are implemented under the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive. These include requirements for training and certification of pesticide users, distributors and advisors, and inspection and certification of pesticide application equipment. It also includes the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which includes alternative approaches and techniques to chemical use where possible.
It is, therefore, a matter for public bodies to decide to use authorised plant protection products if they comply with the relevant provisions of the Sustainable Use Directive. This includes the requirement to avoid the use of pesticides in areas used by the general public unless:
(i) a risk assessment has shown that their use is necessary and
(ii) appropriate risk management measures have been put in place.
Regulatory changes impacting the use of pesticides are due to be considered as part of the ongoing implementation of the EU Farm to Fork Strategy, which aims to reduce the overall use and risk of chemical pesticides by 50% and the use of more hazardous pesticides by 50% by 2030. The European Commission is currently finalising a proposal for a new Sustainable Use Regulation to replace the Sustainable Use Directive. Careful consideration will be given to this proposal when it is presented by the Commission.
192. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the farm environmental study programme which was allocated funding in budget 2021 will be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17029/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Farm Environmental Study (FES) pilot programme was launched in December 2021 and is designed to generate a database of baseline habitat and biodiversity data at farm level.
This launch followed a competitive tender process which resulted in the contract for the roll of out of FES being awarded to the Agricultural Consultants Association (ACA).
It is anticipated that approximately 6,500 farm level habitat surveys will be carried out under the pilot FES. Each survey will provide the participating farmer with valuable information around the biodiversity on their farm and the ecosystem services they provide.
This information will also allow each participating farmer to plan specific management practices which will benefit the environment.
Officials in the Department are in regular contact with the ACA who are currently finalising operational details around training and the procedures for on-farm surveys.
I anticipate that the FES programme will be open to farmer applications in late April. This will allow farm surveys to be carried out during the summer months which will be the optimum survey period.
193. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 186 of 10 February 2022, the status of the commitment to ensure inshore waters continue to be protected for smaller fishing vessels and that pair trawling will be prohibited within the six-mile limit in line with the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16767/22]
View answerAs I advised the Deputy in February, in December 2018, the then Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine announced that vessels over 18 metres length overall will be excluded from trawling in inshore waters inside six nautical mile zone from 1st January 2020. A transition period of three years for vessels over 18 metres length overall targeting sprat was allowed to enable adjustment for these vessels, as the sprat fishery is concentrated inside the six nautical mile zone. Policy Directive 1 of 2019 was introduced in March 2019 to give effect to the changes.
A Judicial Review was taken by two applicant fishers challenging the validity of the Policy Directive. On 6th October 2020, the High Court judgment held that the Policy Directive was made in breach of fair procedures and is void and/or of no legal effect. As the Deputy is aware, I appealed the decision to the Court of Appeal and a full hearing took place on 22nd June 2021. Judgment on the case is reserved.
I also sought an extension on the stay on the order of the High Court, which was granted by the Court of Appeal on 19th March 2021, reinstating the Policy Directive, and which was extended by the Court of Appeal following the full hearing on 22nd June. On 23rd September 2021, the Court of Appeal refused the Minister’s application to continue the stay further. This refusal means that the decision of the High Court stands and the Policy Directive is no longer valid, meaning vessels over 18 metres in length overall have resumed trawling in the waters inside 6 nautical miles.
The Programme for Government commits to ensuring 'that inshore waters continue to be protected for smaller fishing vessels and recreational fishers and that pair trawling will be prohibited inside the six-mile limit.' I wish to assure the Deputy that I am fully supportive of this objective.
I am awaiting the decision of the Court of Appeal to inform next steps. As the matter is sub judice, I cannot comment further until the matter can be resolved before the Courts.
194. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the welfare crisis in the dairy suckler calf industry; his further views on the fact that calves are being offered free to good homes (details supplied); in view of this welfare crisis, his plans to deal with same; and if polices are in place in his Department in relation to allowing 1.6 million dairy cows be put back in calf again to further add to the crisis over the coming year. [17058/22]
View answerEvery calf born on an Irish farm is of value, and every farmer is responsible for the welfare of his or her calves.
EU legislation is in place to protect the welfare of calves (Council Directive 2008/119/EC). This legislation is implemented in Ireland by national legislation, namely S.I. 311 of 2010, European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations 2010.
My Department takes the welfare of all animals extremely seriously and significant resources are allocated to ensuring the welfare of dairy calves in particular. In 2020 for example, a total of 192 targeted dairy calf welfare inspections were carried out. In addition to pre-planned inspections, reports of specific welfare incidents or concerns are also investigated.
Whilst my Department is aware of reports of a small number of incidents such as the one to which the Deputy refers, this does not represent the norm.
Last year, I wrote to every dairy farmer encouraging them to develop his or her breeding policy, taking into account what will happen to each calf born on the farm – whether it goes on to become a dairy replacement animal or has a value in meat production. On-farm breeding policy determines the welfare, value and utility of calves born in dairy herds.
My Department engages regularly with key stakeholders on calf welfare and sustainability in the Calf Stakeholder Forum.
The Calf Stakeholder Forum aligns with the overarching policy objective to develop a more integrated strategy for the livestock sector with closer alignment of the dairy and beef sectors. This includes development of enhanced strategies for dairy and dairy beef rearing as complementary to suckler enterprises.
Members of the Forum together with my officials and Teagasc researchers and advisors, are working to encourage the further development of outlets for calves from the dairy herd, by improving the viability of dairy-calf-to-beef systems.
195. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the 21 Mackinnon report recommendations issued in 2019; and the number that have been implemented. [16998/22]
View answerImplementation of the Mackinnon report is well under way through Project Woodland, which was established a year ago to improve the licensing system and deal with the backlog, and to drive forward the planting of trees under a shared vision for forestry in Ireland. Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, tells me she that significant progress has been made.
All recommendations are actively in progress with two definitively completed. The introduction of fees for submitting applications, making submissions and lodging appeals was facilitated by the Forestry (Licence Application and Submission Fees) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 417/2020) and the Forestry Appeals Committee Regulations (S.I. No. 418/2020).
Furthermore, the recruitment of additional inspectors and environmental specialists was acted upon and the upturn in output in 2021, along with our ambitions for increasing licence output in 2022, rests on these additional resources.
I will take this opportunity to summarise progress on specific items.
Significantly, an end-to-end review of the licensing process has been completed and recommendations arising from that review have moved to the implementation stage. The draft regulatory review of the existing statutory framework for the licensing of forestry activities was presented to the Project Board recently and it is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.
A pre-application discussion pilot for afforestation applications is in place since January and we are currently seeking quotes for a training needs analysis focussed on the licensing system.
The forestry licensing plan for 2022 details a range of forestry priorities for 2022, the delivery of which will reduce the backlog. The consultation on the new Forestry Strategy is underway, with a public attitudes survey and a community engagement survey already completed while bilateral engagement with key stakeholders is well under way and an online public consultation opened on 16th March. A deliberative dialogue is planned for May.
I would like to acknowledge the commitment of the stakeholders who have actively engaged in the Project Woodland working groups, under the guidance of independent and extremely competent chairs, and with the support of the Project Board. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts and commitment of my Department who have facilitated an open and transparent assessment of the licensing process, and provided support and information to all the Working Groups and are implementing and will continue to implement the outcomes from the Mackinnon Report.
