Written Answers Nos. 904-923
904. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff who are presently absent from work on full pay due to suspension or workplace disputes in his Department and in agencies and public bodies within his area of responsibility; the number who have been absent from work for up to three, three to six, six to twelve and over twelve months in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17592/22]
View answerThe Civil Service Disciplinary Code provides that pending the outcome of an investigation under the auspices of that Code, management may take whatever protective measures it deems necessary including placing a civil servant off duty with pay in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956, pending the conclusion of the disciplinary process.
The decision to place an officer off duty with pay is not taken lightly and occurs only after full consideration of its necessity pending a full investigation of the conduct that resulted in its being considered. However, it should be noted that such a measure is not a disciplinary action, nor is it an indication of wrongdoing.
In the Department, one officer is currently off duty with pay and has been so in excess of twelve months.
As absence from duty is an operational matter for the state bodies under the aegis of my Department, I have asked each to provide the data directly to the Deputy within 10 working days.
905. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the pig stability fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17610/22]
View answerThe 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 payments to pig farmers under this scheme began to issue on 25 March. 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, my 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.
We are currently examining the detailed requirements and conditionality attached to the exceptional aid allocation to Ireland of €15.8 million in EU funding, and considering how it might be used to support the Irish agricultural sector.
907. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the implementation of monitoring measures (details supplied) from the Forestry Programmes Natura Impact Statement; if he will provide a copy of the relevant monitoring reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17613/22]
View answer906. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the implementation of the mitigation measures outlined within the Forestry Programmes Natura Impact Statement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17612/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 907 and 906 together.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine's (DAFM) approach to protecting European sites has evolved significantly since the publication of the Natura Impact Statement (NIS) for the Forestry programme 2014 – 2020. The Appropriate Assessment procedures and subsequent mitigation measures in place today go beyond those envisaged in the NIS published at the end of 2014.
Policy documents such as ‘Environmental Requirements for Afforestation’ and ‘Standards for Felling and Reforestation’ published in 2016 and 2019 respectively underpin my Department’s approach to protecting European sites, giving a baseline of good practice helping to ensure that the conservation status of qualifying interests will not be adversely affected by the forestry operations being proposed. Publication of ‘Forests & Water Achieving Objectives under Ireland’s River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021’, and ‘AA Procedure Guidance Note & iFORIS SOP for DAFM Forestry Inspectors (2019) ’ are other important documents that help the Department protect European sites.
Geographic Information Systems (GISs) and associated technologies play a major role today in how my Department ensures that European Sites are protected when forestry operations are being carried out. This allows for all proposed projects to be assessed in terms of their proximity to European sites and their associated species and habitats. For example, Hydrological connectivity is assessed at individual site level and this assessment is aided by using the latest EPA GIS data which includes sub catchment data and rivers.
DAFM's mitigations in relation to the Hen harrier are based on a protocol agreed with the NPWS. Datasets identifying High Likelihood Nesting Areas are regularly updated by the NPWS and the Department is able to immediately update its QGIS systems to ensure that the appropriate measures are applied to the latest data on breeding Hen harriers in SPAs designated for Hen Harriers. Ecologists assessing files have access to this dedicated Ecological QGIS system. Other datasets available in the QGIS system include the Semi-natural grassland survey layer, non-designated hen harrier areas and curlew breeding buffer layer. OSI’s prime 2 water body dataset was also added to the Departments GIS system within the last 12 months.
The Department's data requirements for both statutory and non-statutory designated sites are subject to continuous review and improvement. This includes NPWS data which is updated regularly. Almost 90 amendments have been made to datasets used by my Department since the Forestry Programmes NIS was published in 2014.
The Department has also strengthened its staff resource in the field of ecology, with a strong emphasis on Appropriate Assessment since the NIS was published. Currently, there are 36 ecologists employed by the Department where only one ecologist was employed by the Department when the Forestry programme NIS was written. There are over 40 Forestry Inspectors. In 2018, the Forestry Inspectors and all Registered Foresters received Annex 1 habitat training, and further Habitat training is planned.
The SEA environmental report concluded that with the adoption of the listed mitigation measures it was anticipated that none of the effects identified as adverse in the detailed matrix assessment will be of greater than negligible significance and ensure that, even without adoption of enhancement measures, the overall effect of the Forestry Programme is strongly positive. In keeping with the SEA obligations, my Department undertakes monitoring in relation to the implementation of the Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020 in relation to all sites and not just those designated as European sites. This monitoring is carried out inter alia in order to be able to identify at an early stage any unforeseen adverse effects and to be able to undertake appropriate remedial action.
The monitoring programme is ongoing and includes the use of information collated in relation to projects approved under the programme. In this regard significant data is available on the Departments website including the Forestry Division Monthly reports detailing information about afforestation, roads, woodland Improvement and Reconstitution and Underplanting of woodlands schemes. Species composition is provided in the Forest Statistics Ireland annual publication also available on the Departments website. The Department’s forest licence viewer provides access to view the location of public and private forests as well as proposed forests and proposed roads.
The Department also monitor information provided by other sources, i.e. from other existing monitoring and reporting arrangements arising from EU legislation other than the SEA Directive and from national legislation or policies, and which can be indirectly used for purpose of monitoring for significant environmental effects arising from the implementation of the programme. Also, the reports required under Article 17 of the habitats Directive on ‘The status of EU protected habitats and species in Ireland’ and the implementation of the measures taken under the Habitats Directive are reported upon to the European Commission every six years. The latest report was published in 2019 and recognises “the improved consideration of the type and location of planting”.
The EPA is the national competent authority for the Water Framework Directive and associated implementing Regulations. The national Water Framework Directive monitoring programme for Ireland for the period 2019-2021, undertaken by the EPA is comprised of 3,169 surface and groundwater bodies. My Department is listed as a relevant public authority under the First Schedule of the S.I. and the Forestry Inspectorate, accordingly, actively engage with the EPA. The EPA waterbodies and High-Status Objective Waterbodies layers are provided to the Forestry Inspectorate by the EPA, and form part of the consideration of licence assessments. The most up to date layer on WFD status and pressures was provided to the DAFM Forestry Division as soon as it became available on 28th February this year, and is being added to the IFORIS system where it will be a central part of the licence assessment process. In addition, the Forestry Inspectorate participate on several working groups and committees established under the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland, including the National Technical Implementation Group, the Blue Dot Programme and all five Regional Operational Committees. The Department’s Forestry Division is a participant of the largescale Waters of Life Integrated Project.
908. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of private sector and Coillte felling licences, respectively that have been issued on a weekly basis to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17636/22]
View answer909. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of private sector forest and Coillte forest road licences, respectively that have been issued on a weekly basis to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17637/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 908 and 909 together.
The Department issued 2,877 felling licences last year which represented more than 8 million cubic metres of timber. This was the highest ever output licensed in volume terms in a single year.
This year, in the Forestry Licencing Plan, we have committed to increasing our output to 3,360 felling licences. These are broken down between 1,530 Coillte felling licences which will be the same as their 2021 figure and 1,830 private felling licences which will represent a 36% increase on 2021.
Regarding road licences the number issued in 2021 was 671 in respect of 264 kilometres which is double the target in the Climate Action Plan 2021. In the 2022 Plan, we have committed to 820 road licences to be issued. This is a 27% increase on the number of road licences issued in 2021.
Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, we intend to deliver on these commitments. All details are outlined in our Licensing Plan, found at www.gov.ie/en/publication/forestry-policy-and-strategy/#forestry-licensing-plan-2022
The table below shows licences issued to 25 March, 2022
|
- |
Licences Issued (25 Mar) |
|
Forest Roads |
182 |
|
Tree Felling |
866 |
|
Total |
1,048 |
The table below shows the weekly breakdown during 2022 of private felling and roads along with Coillte felling and roads.
|
Week ending |
Private Fell |
Coillte Fell |
Private Road |
Coillte Road |
|
07/01/2022 |
16 |
0 |
7 |
5 |
|
14/01/2022 |
51 |
28 |
7 |
11 |
|
21/01/2022 |
45 |
50 |
10 |
20 |
|
28/01/2022 |
26 |
51 |
11 |
4 |
|
04/02/2022 |
35 |
50 |
5 |
8 |
|
11/02/2022 |
35 |
51 |
1 |
8 |
|
18/02/2022 |
33 |
51 |
1 |
2 |
|
25/02/2022 |
29 |
50 |
5 |
3 |
|
04/03/2022 |
16 |
50 |
13 |
6 |
|
11/03/2022 |
29 |
50 |
12 |
1 |
|
18/03/2022 |
16 |
30 |
7 |
4 |
|
25/03/2022 |
25 |
50 |
16 |
15 |
|
Total |
356 |
511 |
95 |
87 |
Output on private felling licences is 85% on target for this stage of the year while output on roads is 95% on target.
910. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications for private felling licences that remain to be approved by his Department which were received in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17658/22]
View answer911. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications for Coillte felling licences that remain to be approved by his Department which were received in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17659/22]
View answer912. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of private sector tree felling licences that his Department need to process on a weekly basis from now until the end of December 2022 to ensure that all applications currently lodged with his Department are approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17660/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 910, 911 and 912 together.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has, through Project Woodland, established a definition of the backlog, which is any licence application on hand for over 120 days.
As the table below shows as of the 25th March 2022, there are 836 Coillte felling files with the Department more than 120 days, while there are 1,481 private felling applications with my Department for more than 120 days.
|
Total to 25 March 2022 |
<=120 days |
=121 days-6 mths |
7-12 months |
>=13 months |
|
|
Private Felling |
1,882 |
401 |
265 |
407 |
809 |
|
Coillte Felling |
836 |
0 |
314 |
0 |
522 |
Using this 120 days as the definition of the backlog, the backlog of applications has reduced by 29% since the end of August 2021, which is a significant reduction in the number of applications awaiting decision.
Below is an annual breakdown of felling licence applications between private and Coillte felling.
|
Private felling |
Coillte felling |
|
|
2017 |
1 |
0 |
|
2018 |
40 |
0 |
|
2019 |
288 |
2 |
|
2020 |
341 |
0 |
|
2021 |
905 |
834 |
|
To 25/03/2022 |
307 |
0 |
|
Total |
1,882 |
836 |
Our plans for licence issue in 2022 are contained in the Forestry Licensing Plan with a target of 5,250 licences issues, which is a year-on-year increase of 30%. This includes an increase of 36% in private felling licences to 1,830, while Coillte felling licences at 1,530 will maintain the levels they achieved in 2021. The Licensing Plan 2022 may be found here gov.ie - Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 (www.gov.ie). Under the Plan priority will be given to applications predating 2021 and we have committed to dealing with all felling licence applications predating 2021 by the end of the second quarter this year.
913. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that ancient raths also known as ringforts or fairy forts will not be considered as areas for nature under the new iteration of the Common Agricultural Policy despite their eminent suitability for nature preservation; the examination that was conducted into the potential impact of this decision on the survival of the remaining raths given the intensified destruction that has already wiped out half of the 60,000 raths in the past few decades; and if he has discussed, or will discuss the matter with the Minister of State with special responsibility for Heritage and Electoral Reform, the Minister of State with special responsibility for Land Use and Biodiversity or with the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media given the importance of raths to heritage, land use, biodiversity, tourism and culture with a view to reconsidering this decision. [17676/22]
View answerNational Monuments which include raths or ringforts are eligible under the current CAP and it is proposed that they will continue to remain eligible in the new CAP starting from 2023.
Within Cross Compliance, there are certain Landscape features which are designated under the current GAEC (Good Agricultural and Environment Condition) 7 – “Retention of Landscape Features & Designated Habitats and Controlling Invasive Species”. Since 2015, all archaeological sites and monuments have been included and therefore are protected and cannot be removed. These features are also eligible for payment under the various area based schemes operated by my Department.
This is specifically covered in the 2022 Basic Payment Scheme Terms and Conditions and also was covered in the Explanatory Handbook for Cross Compliance issued to all farmers.
Within Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) which was submitted to the European Commission on 31 December 2021, archaeological features, are included as eligible features for payment purposes and while the CSP is subject to European Commission approval, it is expected that these features will continue to be eligible.
Archaeological features are exceptionally important features in our landscape and I recognise their significance and hence they have been protected within the current CAP and will continue to be in the new CAP.
914. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ensure the survival of growers such as in the case of a company (details supplied) given the impact of increases in fuel costs. [17687/22]
View answerI am acutely aware of the difficulties being faced by many sectors across the agriculture industry due to the increase in input costs including rising energy costs.
The horticulture sector has been negatively affected by the increase in the cost of energy, in particular, the heated glasshouse sector producing highwire crops such as cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers. I made a recent visit to a few of the affected growers to hear first-hand the challenges being faced.
In fact, I met with the growers referenced by the Deputy in the past fortnight. They are brave, ambitious and committed businesspeople. We must ensure that we support farmers and growers like them to ensure that we have viable domestic horticulture sector.
I raised concerns in relation to the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on agri-food supply chains at the extraordinary informal meeting of European Union Agriculture Ministers held on 2nd March and at the AgriFish Council on 21st March. At these meetings I underlined the need to maintain and keep a very close eye on supply chains and to ensure an effective and functioning Single Market and to be ready to consider any measures that may help to alleviate the difficulties caused.
The Commission has already announced a number of support measures, including the introduction of private storage aid for the pigmeat sector, a new exceptional aid support package making available a fund of €500 million for affected sectors, increased payment advances in 2022 and a new temporary State Aid framework.
I'm taking a proactive approach to this situation in order to support our farm families and their businesses through this time of considerable challenge.
915. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the Leader Programme 2023 to 2027; the amount of investment that will be available to provide funding in rural environment and support change mitigation initiatives and the high-level ambitions of Leader 2023-2027 as outlined in the draft Common Agriculture Policy strategic plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17692/22]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development has delegated responsibility for the LEADER programme on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The LEADER programme will continue to be a key component of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) from 2023, and I am committed to ensuring that the programme continues to play a central role in delivering on the Government’s vision for rural Ireland as set out in Our Rural Future. Indeed, the widespread public consultation undertaken by the Department of Rural and Community Development in the preparation of Our Rural Future clearly highlighted the vital role that LEADER continues to play.
Indicative themes for support include economic development and job creation, rural infrastructure and social inclusion, sustainable development, and climate mitigation and adaptation. Officials from both Departments have engaged frequently, and with the European Commission, on the structure and design of the new LEADER programme.
An allocation of €180 million has been made to the LEADER Programme for the 2023-2027 period as part of the new CAP Strategic Plan. In conjunction with the funding of €70 million for the LEADER Transitional Programme over the 2021-2022 period, this allocation will result in total funding of €250 million being made available for LEADER over the seven years to 2027. This maintains the level of funding provided over the 2014-2020 programming period.
916. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has spoken with his counterpart in the United States of America in the past 12 months. [17705/22]
View answerIn the last 12 months, I held a bilateral meeting with United States Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack as well as engaging in other communications with Secretary Vilsack.
Our bilateral focussed on trade issues, a discussion on Brexit and the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol as well as other issues relating to Irish and US agriculture policies.
Later this month, I will lead a Bord Bia trade mission to the United States where I am scheduled to have a meeting with Secretary Vilsack.
917. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average length of time it took to process the Coillte felling licences issued by his Department since 1 January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17745/22]
View answer918. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average length of time it took to process the private felling licences issued by his Department since 1 January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17746/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 917 and 918 together.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine publishes extensive information on forestry licence and other forestry-related statistics on its website, including the weekly Forestry Dashboard available here gov.ie - Forest Statistics and Mapping (www.gov.ie).
The Forestry Licensing Plan for 2022 envisages a 36% increase in private tree felling licences at 1,830 while Coillte output will remain at the same level as 2021 at 1,530. It is worth noting that Coillte supply 75% of product to the sawmills.
The average length of time for Coillte felling licences to be issued during January, February and March 2022 is 11 months and for Private felling is 18 Months. The DAFM licensing plan commits to remove all (private) felling licences predating 2021 by end of the second quarter, as well as reducing the turnaround time for (private) license applications, this is being achieved through reassigning staff who have been working on Coillte felling files to processing private felling licence files, along with the recent recruitment of additional ecologist resources.
Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, my priority this year is to deliver on the ambition outlined in the Licencing Plan. This will have the effect of reducing the backlog and the time taken
919. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of Coillte felling licences issued out of the total number felling licences issued since 1 January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17747/22]
View answer928. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that his Department is consistently processing more Coillte felling licences than private sector felling licences each week since 1 January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17808/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 919 and 928 together.
Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, it is my aim to deliver a licensing system which meets the needs of all those who apply for forestry licences.
This is regardless of whether that application comes from a private individual who wishes to plant trees, a forest owner who wishes to fell their crop, or Coillte who wishes to supply sawmills with product from their estate. Each licence has a value particularly to the rural economy where the timber is harvested, transported and processed.
Since the commencement of 2022 up until the 25 March, 2022 my Department has issued a total number of 867 felling licences of those 59% were Coillte licences. We are 85% on target for private felling licences at this stage of the year, and we are fully committed to delivering the full 1,830 private licences by year end as outlined in the Licensing Plan.
The Department issued 2,877 felling licences last year which represented more than 8 million cubic metres of timber. This was the highest ever output licensed in volume terms in a single year.
Last year, Coillte received 53% of felling licences and the other 47% going to the private sector. Coillte currently supply around 75% of sawlog to sawmills
Our plans for licence issue in 2022 are contained in the Forestry Licensing Plan with a target of 5,250 licences issues, which is a year-on-year increase of 30%. This includes an increase of 36% in private felling licences to 1,830, while Coillte felling licences at 1,530 will maintain the levels they achieved in 2021. The Licensing Plan 2022 may be found here gov.ie - Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 (www.gov.ie).
920. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the most recent forecasts by an organisation (details supplied) made for the private sector for 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17748/22]
View answerCOFORD, an advisory body to my Department, provide a series of round wood production forecasts which are updated approximately every five years. The most recent forecast predicts that the annual potential roundwood supply, will increase from around 4.7 million in 2021 to 7.9 million cubic metres by 2035 on the Island of Ireland, which includes Northern Ireland.
The forecast is available on the COFORD website www.coford.ie and provides a range of information on the potential of the national forest estate to produce timber for the time series 2021 to 2040.
I have included below an extract of the relevant figures for Ireland for the years 2021, 2022 and 2023.
|
Year |
Private (Republic of Ireland) 000 m3 |
Coillte (Republic of Ireland) 000 m3 |
Total 000 m3 |
|
2021 |
1,476 |
2,757 |
4,224 |
|
2022 |
1,742 |
2,757 |
4,499 |
|
2023 |
2,385 |
2,757 |
5,142 |
921. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports that are being considered for fertiliser supply over the summer season considering the finite quantities that are available in the country at present and the present lack of international manufacture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17784/22]
View answerRussia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has led to hikes in input prices and 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 continue to engage closely with the sector as we work together on these significant challenges.
I raised concerns in relation to the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on agri-food supply chains at the extraordinary informal meeting of European Union Agriculture Ministers held on 2nd March and at the AgriFish Council on 21st March. At these meetings I underlined the need to maintain and keep a very close eye on supply chains and to ensure an effective and functioning Single Market and to be ready to consider any measures that may help to alleviate the difficulties caused.
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.
The Department continues to actively engage with the fertiliser industry and to monitor supply chains. I'm taking a proactive approach to this situation in order to support our farm families and their businesses through this time of considerable challenge.
922. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the changes that are being proposed to solar panel application grants for farm building roofs; if his attention has been drawn to the problems of securing feedback tariffs from the ESB to ensure a viable regeneration proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17786/22]
View answerWhile overall national energy policy formation is the direct responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), my Department continuously engages with DECC on all energy related matters from an agricultural perspective, as well as a wide range of industry and other stakeholder groupings.
Minister Eamon 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.
The Climate Action Plan 2021 recognises the important contribution of microgeneration to the decarbonisation of the energy system and commits to delivering a Microgeneration Policy Framework (see Action 105), led by my ministerial colleague Eamon Ryan. Specifically, this action will address the development and trialling of a streamlined grid connection pathway for installation sizes up to 50Kw. I do believe that farmers can positively contribute to this energy transition and I continue to engage with ministerial colleagues in the Department of Environment, Climate Action and Communication in this regard and on other energy-related matters.
To encourage on-farm renewable technology uptake and usage, grant aid is provided through TAMS in my Department 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. Grant aid for solar investments in TAMS is for farm consumption use only.
923. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers now signed to the new organics scheme; the amount of funding on average that is receivable by participating farmers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17787/22]
View answerAt present, there are 1,734 participants in the Organic Farming Scheme. The 2022 scheme is currently open to farmers until 8th April. At this point, it is not possible to determine the number of eligible applications that will be received.
However, I am confident that the funding provided this year will be sufficient to allow all eligible applications to be accepted into the Organic Farming Scheme, which will assist in achieving our target of 7.5% of land cover under organic production as outlined in the current Programme for Government.
For 2022, I have secured a budget allocation of €21 million for the Organic Farming Scheme, an increase of €5 million from the previous year. This budget will support the maintenance of the existing contracts and allow for an additional 50,000 hectares of land under conversion.
While it is possible to provide the estimated number of hectares that can be funded, the number of farmers expected to participate in the scheme and their average payment will obviously depend on their enterprise and the size of the farms.. At present, it is difficult to determine the type of enterprises encompassed by these applications as farmers will be continuing to declare their parcels on BPS until the BPS closing date of 15th May 2022.
