Written Answers Nos. 174-193
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he can take to alleviate the massive rise in fuels costs affecting the agri-food sector which in turn will later in the year contribute to food cost inflation; if he will ensure that diesel costs in particular to the farming sector are brought back into line with previous moderate levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26833/22]
View answerIn the context of the Ukrainian crisis, significant implications are being seen across all sectors, including the agri-food sector. At farm level, the crisis is already impacting very significantly on the price of fertiliser, animal feed and fuel.
While primary responsibility for the taxation of fuel is with the Minister for Finance, I continue to work closely with him to ensure that the tax code reflects the Government’s priorities for the agri-food sector and the economy generally.
Ireland’s taxation of fuel is governed by European Union law as set out in Directive 2003/96/EC, commonly known as the Energy Tax Directive (ETD). The ETD prescribes minimum tax rates for fuel with which all Member States must comply. ETD provisions on mineral oils are transposed into national law in Finance Act 1999 (as amended). Finance Act 1999 provides for the application of excise duty, in the form of Mineral Oil Tax (MOT), to specified mineral oils, such as petrol, diesel and Marked Gas Oil (MGO) that are used as motor or heating fuels. Gas oil that qualifies for a reduced rate of MOT is marked green and is usually referred to as MGO, green diesel or agricultural diesel.
MOT is comprised of a non-carbon component and a carbon component. The carbon component is commonly referred to as carbon tax and the non-carbon component is often referred to as “excise”, “fuel excise” or “fuel duty”. The current rate of MOT on MGO is €111.14 per 1000 litres. This compares very favourably to the current rate applied to auto diesel which is €405.38 per 1000 litres.
In March this year, the Minister for Finance reduced the rate on MGO by 2 cents per litre inclusive of VAT from 10 March. The Minister for Finance has also provided for an additional 3 cent (VAT inclusive) reduction in MOT for MGO with effect from 1 May until Budget night in October. This brings the total reduction to 5 cent, reducing the non-carbon component, or excise, to nil.
It should be noted that those who incur expenses in relation to farm diesel in the course of farming or the trade of agricultural contracting may claim an income tax or corporation tax deduction for these expenses, including any carbon tax charged in respect of the diesel.
I would also note that Section 664A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides further relief on expenditure incurred by farmers in respect of an increase in the carbon tax on farm diesel. It is an additional tax measure for farmers introduced in Budget 2012 which compensates increases in the carbon tax from the 2012 base rate of €15 per tonne of CO2 emission.
This measure means that a farmer may take an income tax or corporation tax deduction for farm diesel (including any carbon tax charged in respect of the diesel) and then a further deduction for farm diesel which is equal to the difference between the carbon tax charged and the carbon tax that would have been charged had it been calculated at the rate of €41.30 per 1,000 litres of farm diesel (the 2012 baseline).
My colleagues across Government and I continue monitor the situation closely.
175. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans if appropriate support will be provided to Irish pig farmers who are struggling to maintain their operations as costs rise exponentially; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26715/22]
View answerThe continued development of the pigmeat sector is a priority for the Government, given the pivotal role the industry plays in the national economic context. The sector supports approximately 8,000 jobs spanning production, slaughter, processing, feed manufacture and services. I am acutely aware of the challenges pig farmers are facing at present.
In March, I announced the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme (PEPS), with a fund of up to €7 million, for commercial pig farmers. Farmers were able to receive a payment of up to €20,000 per farmer. Over 80% of applications have since been processed for payment. The remaining applications are currently being processed.
On 13th April, I announced the Government's approval for exceptional aid supports of €15.8 million for the pig and horticulture sector, which will be funded from Ireland's envelope of EU exceptional adjustment aid under Commission delegated regulation 2022/467. The approval was for €13 million for the pig sector and €2.8 million for the horticulture sector.
Member States are required to notify the Commission of the measures to be taken before 30th June, and to pay the supports by 30th September 2022. My officials are developing the scheme at present in order to deliver a rapid as possible payment to farm families.
In addition to the two support measures I have just detailed, I have had ongoing discussions with the main banks to discuss the current challenges in the pigmeat sector and the importance of their ongoing support through the current downturn in the business cycle. The key message to farmers experiencing cashflow difficulties is to engage with the banks as soon as possible to discuss options and that the banks remain committed to supporting their customers in the period ahead.
Separately, I met with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to discuss the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme and the COVID- 19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, both of which are co-financed by my Department. These finance schemes can be used for working capital finance and include features which address the current financial needs of pig farmers.
The financial schemes detailed above are 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 available to them.
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.
176. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that agricultural shows which are not a member of an association (details supplied) are treated equally in terms of access to grants and funding. [26522/22]
View answerThe Department engages annually with relevant representative organisations in supporting the annual farm shows calendar.
This is in recognition of the potential for such events in the agricultural calendar to contribute positively to both Ireland’s reputation as a destination of choice for such events, as well as broader economic ad social benefits, including benefits to the rural economy and society.
The Department engages via the relevant representative organisation, namely the Irish Shows Association (ISA), in terms of providing relevant funding. This funding is typically utilised to cover insurance costs in respect of the nationwide show's calendar that the ISA organises. Engagement via a single representative organisation is in keeping with the principle of maximising value for money for the funding provided across a wide stakeholder group.
177. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had engagements with the Minister for Finance in relation to the ongoing issue with agricultural relief and the limit on the percentage of the land area of a farm that can be taken up with solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26948/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, taxation is primarily the responsibility of the Minister for Finance. However, both our Departments work closely to ensure it is consistent with Government priorities for the agri-food sector.
Agricultural property, such as farmland, benefits from tax relief under Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT). The purpose of this relief is to facilitate succession and the intergenerational transfer of viable farm enterprises. The Report on the Tax Treatment of Solar Panels on Farmland, published in September 2017, examined the treatment of solar panels on farmland. It outlined recommendations including a number of possible options for the consideration of the Minister for Finance.
Measures contained in Budget 2018 and Finance Act 2017 gave effect to the Minister of Finance’s chosen option with CAT agricultural relief and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) retirement relief changed to allow the leasing of agricultural land for solar infrastructure to be classified as qualifying agricultural activity, subject to the panels covering no more than 50% of the holding.
The Report noted that while solar developments on farms will inevitably reduce agricultural production the 50% condition “will at least discourage passive farming which is possible in an unfettered approach and where there is no requirement to have agricultural activity”. It further noted that changing the law could potentially “fuel further speculation in the solar energy market as there may be pressure to engage with the farmers with larger holdings with the most viable solar project locations”.
My Department continues to work with the Department of Finance and stakeholders to ensure that tax strategy aligns with Government strategy and the needs of the agri-food sector and wider society.
178. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to prevent the closure of the line caught mackerel fishery in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26969/22]
View answerThe management arrangements, within national policy, for the mackerel hook and line fishery have been on the agenda and discussed with industry representatives at recent meetings of the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC). It is important to note that the remit of the QMAC is to examine and make recommendations within Ministerial policy. I asked the QMAC to examine measures to strengthen the management arrangements for the 2022 Mackerel hook and line fishery, within the policy, for my consideration.
A working group involving industry representatives recommended by the QMAC and the Department was put in place and made recommendations for the management of 2022 Fishery which were supported by the QMAC and which I have approved. The arrangements involve:
- The available quota for the mackerel hook and line fishery for 2022 is 400 tonnes, as per the policy.
- The 2022 Mackerel Hook & Line fishery was opened by Fisheries Management Notice for all eligible vessels under 15 metres in length overall on 1st May 2022.
- Vessels equal to or greater than 10 metres in length overall are required to book-in to receive an authorisation for the fishery. Vessels under 10 metres in length overall are not required to book-in to the fishery.
- As a condition of their authorisation, vessels equal to or greater than 10 metres are required to hail quantities over 50kg to the Irish Fisheries Monitoring Centre. This requirement is included in the authorisation document.
- A catch limit of 3 tonnes for under 15 metre fishing boats fishing mackerel by means of hooks and lines is set out in a Fisheries Management Notice for May and the same quantity for June.
- The fishery is to be closed by Fisheries Management Notice for any month when the Department has been advised by the SFPA that the allocated quota has been taken.
- Remaining quota to be allocated for subsequent months having regard for the recommendations of QMAC.
The fishery is now open and the implementation of these arrangements will I hope assist in extending the length of this fishery this year.
179. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to legislate for an office of transparency and fairness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26946/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government includes a commitment for a new office of National Food Ombudsman to enforce the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive and to have a role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland.
In April 2021, I signed the Statutory Instrument transposing the UTP Directive directly into Irish law before the 1st May 2021 deadline for transposition. At that time, I also established the UTP Enforcement Authority in my Department on an interim basis pending the finalisation of the primary legislation for the new Office.
I assure you that this Enforcement Authority has been assigned all of the necessary legal powers including to investigate complaints from suppliers of agricultural and food and to initiate legal proceedings for breaches of unfair trading practices defined in the UTP Directive.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that on 22nd March last, the Government approved the priority drafting of the General Scheme of the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill 2022. This primary legislation is required to establish a new independent statutory body, which will be known as the “Office for Fairness and Transparency in the Agri-Food Supply Chain”.
The Bill is currently with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for detailed drafting and has been submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine for pre-legislative scrutiny.
To coincide with enactment or commencement of the Bill, the current UTP Regulations that I signed in 2021 will be repealed. I will use the enabling provisions in this Bill to make new Regulations providing for the transfer of responsibility for UTP enforcement functions from my Department to the remit of the new Office.
I am confident that the new Office will help strengthen the position of our farmers, fishers, and other suppliers of agricultural and food products in negotiating a fairer price for their produce, and I hope to submit the draft Bill to both Houses of the Oireachtas for debate in the near future.
180. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to encourage more farmers to produce organic beef. [26973/22]
View answerThe target in the current Programme for Government is to align the utilisable agricultural area under organic production in Ireland with the EU average of 7.5%, The organic sector in Ireland is experiencing considerable growth at present with the area of land under organic production now at approximately 110,000 hectares.
We are encouraging farmers from all sectors including the beef sector to convert to organic farming. In this regard Teagasc are organising three farm walks which will take place in June that focus specifically on the Beef sector. These events outline best practice and allow both organic and conventional farmers to see first hand the practicalities of organic beef production. The events are publicised on both Teagasc and my Department's website.
I am committed to continuing the implementation of the National Organic Strategy 2019-2025 which sets out ambitious growth targets for the beef sector by aligning it closely with the market opportunities.
My Department, in conjunction with Bord Bia, is also undertaking a trade mission to Germany in July 2022 to coincide with Biofach, the largest organic trade fair in Europe. This will enable organic client companies to build new business and generate new leads and ensure that all efforts are undertaken to expand the export market for Irish Organic produce.
A budget of €21 million was allocated to the Organic Farming Scheme in 2022, an increase of €5 million from the previous year. I have introduced changes to the scheme by reducing the required stocking rate and also by increasing the area paid at the higher rate from 60 hectares to 70 hectares, measures which I believe will encourage new entrants to organic farming.
For the years 2023 – 2027, I have proposed an allocation of €256m under the new CAP to continue the development and growth of the organic sector.
We have also provided funding to the Agricultural Consultants Association to increase Advisory support in the sector and Teagasc are also in the process of recruiting further personnel to their Organic Farming Advisory Service. This will ensure farmers have access to professional advice to aid in the important decision making process.
The Organic Strategy forum has met twice in 2022 and the theme of the most recent meeting on 19 May 2022 was “Driving participation in Organic Farming”. Our aim is to increase the overall participation in Organic farming and ensure that all sectors are supported equally.
181. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to broaden access to the new silage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26845/22]
View answer193. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures, supports and incentives that he will introduce for the farming livestock sector to ensure that sufficient fodder is harvested to prevent a fodder crisis in winter 2022 and in spring 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26413/22]
View answer199. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the long-term measures that will be included in the proposed €56 million fodder production scheme to reduce the likelihood of future fodder crises occurring. [26630/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 181, 193 and 199 together.
The Deputy may be aware that shortly after the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, I met with the main farm organisations and Teagasc on 8th March 2022 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 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 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 so as ensure that sufficient fodder is conserved. In addition, Teagasc commenced a nationwide advertisement campaign giving advice to farmers along with extensive engagement with farmer clients.
On the 22nd March 2022, I also announced a Targeted Intervention Package 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 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 is a key mechanism to reduce Ireland’s reliance on imported feed materials.
The package also includes a Multi-Species Sward Initiative and a Red Clover Silage Measure, to promote environmentally sustainable methods of farming, and thereby reduce nitrogen fertiliser usage, while maintaining forage yields.
The Deputy will be aware that on 3rd May 2022, I brought a Memorandum for Information to Government on a proposed Fodder Support Scheme, with the objective of supporting farm families to conserve silage and hay this year to ensure that nationally we have adequate stocks of fodder over next winter. Any such scheme would have to be targeted towards those farmers who are at greatest risk of not having sufficient fodder for winter 2022.
In that context, based on recent Teagasc survey data, this is more of a challenge in relation to the beef and sheep sectors than it is for the dairy sector. In addition, in light of current milk prices, the economic viability of dairy farming in general, is stronger than beef or sheep farming.
Such a scheme will require approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department is continuing to engage with that Department on the funding aspects of the scheme. I expect to announce further details on the proposed scheme shortly.
The financial supports previously announced, and those currently under discussion, will assist farmers in providing sufficient fodder for winter 2022. I remain committed to standing by our farm families during this time of crisis.
182. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current status of Ireland’s efforts to return 12,000 tonnes of mackerel from Denmark; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26716/22]
View answerIn September 2021, as part of the proposal on 2022 fishing opportunities for the Baltic Sea, the European Commission proposed an in-year amendment of the Total Allowable Catch for mackerel in the Norwegian waters of Area 2a and 4a in the North Sea. Denmark is the sole holder of this quota.
As the EU did not have access to fish mackerel in Norwegian waters in 2021, the purpose of the amendment was to change the condition applying to the quota to allow it to be fished only in UK and EU waters of Areas of 2a, 3 and 4.
Ireland’s position is that, based on our analysis, this TAC only ever existed as part of a bilateral agreement with Norway where there was a transfer of quota from the EU Western Waters component to Norway and a reciprocal transfer from Norway to the EU of fishing opportunities in the Norwegian waters of 2a and 4a. As there is no longer an agreement with Norway on mackerel, then no transfers took place and, therefore, this TAC cannot exist.
I raised this matter at the October Fisheries Council and again at the December Fisheries Council.
Given the complexity of the issues and the need for an in-depth historical analysis and review, it was agreed at the December Council to leave that TAC as "to be established". Furthermore, it was agreed that the Commission would prepare a report which would propose “a methodology applicable to the allocation and distribution of the fishing opportunities in question that would uphold the principle of relative stability.” To this end, the Commission established a Working Group with the Commission and Council Legal Services. The issue will come back to Council once this report is prepared.
I have been fully engaged with Commissioner Sinkevicius on this issue. My officials have also been engaging with Commission officials to provide relevant data and analysis to assist them in compiling their report. Fisheries stakeholders have also provided valuable assistance in this regard.
I would hope that the Commission will be in a position to report back to Council on this matter shortly.
183. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the potential impact of current proposed legislation from the UK government on Irish agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26837/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, on 17th May, the UK Government announced its intention to table legislation which would have the effect of unilaterally disapplying elements of the Northern Ireland Protocol agreed with the EU as part of the overall outcome of the Brexit negotiations.
This announcement did not provide any detail about the content of the UK’s proposed legislation. It is therefore not possible at this time to make an informed assessment of any potential impact of this legislation on the Irish agriculture sector.
This announcement signalling UK Government intentions is, however, an unwelcome development, and introduces further uncertainty for businesses.
I, and the Government, continue to urge the UK to engage with the EU to find agreed solutions to the issues associated with the implementation of the Protocol. It is only through dialogue that the UK government and the EU can find appropriate solutions which work for the people and businesses of Northern Ireland.
The EU, as it has been throughout this process, remains ready and willing to work with the UK on finding pragmatic and flexible solutions, and Ireland fully supports EU efforts in this regard.
It also worth noting that Ireland continues to have the full solidarity and support of all EU Member States, which underlines the fact that the EU remains united in its commitment to Northern Ireland.
I assure the Deputy that I and my Department will continue to closely monitor developments over the coming period, in particular in respect of the detail of any UK legislative proposals, and will ensure that any potential impacts for the Irish agri-food sector are identified quickly and addressed appropriately.
184. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the development of the new Forestry Strategy; the timeline for the publication of the strategy; the status of the development of the finalised Shared National Vision for Trees and Forests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26802/22]
View answerThe development of Ireland's next forest strategy and shared national vision for trees and forests is currently underway.
Project Woodland established by my Department has made significant progress in the last 12 months preparing the ground for a wide range of public and stakeholder engagements that have now taken place. These engagements include bilateral stakeholder meetings, a forest public attitudes survey and also a community engagement survey by Irish Rural Link. An online public consultation on the vision for forestry was launched on 16th March and closed on the 27th April 2022 with over 3,000 responses received. These responses are currently being examined and will provide important feedback on a range of areas which will help shape the next forest strategy.
A Deliberative Dialogue of 100 people, representative of the general demographics of the population, took place on 10th and 14th May 2022 and was independently chaired by the broadcaster Helen Carroll. This event provided a platform for a diverse group of people to learn about forests and to discuss the future of Irish forests. The Department will now examine all the different consultations that have taken place to date and provide a summary of the main findings which will be publicly available. It is expected that this work will be completed before the end of June.
The purpose of the wide range of public and stakeholder consultation is to provide the basis for drafting a shared national forest strategy. A working group within Project Woodland is now currently drafting the next forest strategy which will draw on the feedback received from the many consultation exercises carried out. The Forest Strategy will focus on a number of key strategic themes such as climate, wood, nature, people, economy and rural development. The new Forest Strategy will also underpin a new Forestry Programme for the period 2023 - 2027.
The New Forest Strategy will be subjected to a Strategic Environmental Analysis (SEA) and an Appropriate Assessment and includes public consultation on the draft plan and Environmental Report. The SEA process is currently under way.
In relation to the timeframe for the publication of Ireland's Forest Strategy and shared vision for forests, my Department expects to publish towards the end of 2022 once the Strategic Environmental Assessment is completed.
185. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he intends to take to support young farmers under pillar one payments in the next Common Agricultural Policy and the National Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26956/22]
View answerSupporting young farmers is a key priority of mine.
I am committed to ensuring that farming remains strong and sustainable into the future. Supports for young farmers has been a central issue within the current CAP and will be further strengthened in future years. Generational renewal was prioritised during the formulation of the new CAP, and the published regulations and Ireland's draft CAP strategic plan reflect that.
Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan was submitted to the EU Commission at the end of December 2021 and contains details of our proposed support measures for young farmers under Pillar I of the next CAP from 2023 to 2027.
Under Pillar I of the next CAP Ireland has proposed utilising the option to implement the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers. This scheme will see an additional payment per hectare made to eligible young farmers, subject to a maximum of 50 hectares, and is payable for a maximum period of five years.
Ireland also plans to operate a National Reserve under the new CAP from 2023 to 2027. The National Reserve will cater for the two priority categories of ‘young farmer’ and ‘new farmer’.
Successful applicants under the National Reserve will be eligible for an allocation of payment entitlements at the national average entitlement value on eligible land for which they hold no entitlements and/or a top up of low value entitlements to the national average entitlement value.
186. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to assist farmers install renewable energy generation capacities on farms. [26971/22]
View answerWhile overall national energy policy formation is the direct responsibility of my colleague Minister Eamon Ryan in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), my officials and I work closely with DECC on energy related matters from an agricultural perspective, as well with a wide range of industry and other stakeholder groupings.
The importance of increasing renewable energy generation across all sectors of the economy has been highlighted through the inclusion of ambitious targets for this area in the recently released Climate Action Plan 2021 - Securing Our Future.
I see the role of Irish farmers in renewable energy systems as three-fold through:
- Establishing energy efficiencies on-farm,
- Through deployment of renewable energy at farm level; and
- As a supplier of biomass/ bio-energy feedstocks.
To help encourage on-farm renewable technology uptake and usage, my department provides grant aid through the targeted agriculture modernisation scheme (TAMS II) to assist farmers in maximising their contribution to the production of renewable energy. Support is available for the installation of Solar PV technology along with battery storage on Irish farms.
Applications under the TAMS options for the solar investments are being received on an ongoing basis. To date, some 224 applications for solar panels have been approved under TAMS and a total of 140 applications have received payment for solar investments. 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. As CAP negotiations are ongoing, TAMS tranches will continue to remain open in 2022 to ensure that scheme participants have certainty on their scheme participation in 2022 during the transitional phase.
On-farm renewable energy generation activities of our farmers contribute in a positive way to the decarbonisation of the energy system providing a diversification opportunity for farmers who remain committed to playing their part in achieving our national climate change emission reduction goals.
187. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the latest figures for the licensed slaughter of young dairy calves which show that 30,000 animals were killed in 2021; and his plans to stop this practice and to reduce these figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26874/22]
View answerEvery calf born on an Irish farm has a value, and the importance of calf welfare is reflected in discussions with stakeholders at the Calf Stakeholder Forum. This recognises that calf welfare is a crucial part of sustainable dairy industry and important for the reputation of the Irish dairy sector
The Forum’s objective is to cooperate to support a socially sustainable national dairy industry and promote greater dairy/beef integration. Everyone around the table has been working together to develop and implement measures to positively advance these objectives.
Just under 26,000 calves were processed for human consumption in 2021. These calves are processed in compliance with the law and the welfare of the calves at the time of processing is ensured.
With the assistance of my Department, the Forum is advocating for the dairy industry to undertake and promote actions to reduce and indeed look to eliminate the unnecessary routine early processing of calves.
It is vital that we continue to explore alternative outlets for our calves, and good progress is being made, for example though dairy-beef integration.
I also welcome the establishment of the new sexed semen laboratory in Teagasc Moorepark. We are encouraged by the increased use of sexed semen which is more feasible now than before.
With the development of the ICBF’s Dairy Beef Index, genetic trends for beef traits have improved greatly for beef sires, reassuring farmers that these beef-dairy calves have better beef potential.
The Integrated Dairy Beef Programme with ICOS marts also continues to deliver valuable insights on how to build a more sustainable and integrated beef-from-dairy model. Genotyping and genetics are key aspects of this programme.
I am confident that through the work of the Calf Stakeholder Forum, the dairy industry as a whole is committed to ensuring the highest standards of calf welfare on Irish farms.
188. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way and the locations in which his Department intends to meet the target contained in the draft CAP Strategic Plan for water table management of at least 40,000 hectares of drained, agricultural, managed, carbon-rich soils under the Agri-Environment Climate Measure. [26623/22]
View answerAs part of my Department's commitment to offering farmers new opportunities to participate in key environmental actions within the new Cap Strategic Plan, it is anticipated that the target for the reduced management of organic soils under agricultural management will be met through two primary pathways.
Firstly, my Department has identified eight key Cooperation Project Zones, where farmers can come together to develop bespoke Non-Productive Investments and Landscape actions that will assess water table management in appropriate drained carbon-rich soils under agricultural management. Drain blocking would be an example of one of these Non-Productive Investments.
Secondly, and in recognition of the important role that specific results-based actions can play in achieving key environmental targets, included within the AECM general entry scheme is a Low Input Peat Grassland (LIPG) option, which will reward farmers for raising the water levels in grassland fields on peat soils that are adjacent to or located near to Raised bogs.
The grassland on peat scorecard has been developed to incentivise farmers with land in these transitional zones to help restore important ecosystems and the beneficial environmental services they provide. The scorecard is a series of questions which are answered by the surveyor for each field being scored. The result is a rating for the field on a scale of 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent) with the overall score achieved determining the rate of payment issued to the group or individual farmer.
In addition, the Department has invested significantly in a range of research and demonstration activities in recent years including funding for initiatives such as the establishment of the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory (NASCO), the Pilot Soil Sampling Programme and the Farm Environmental Scheme along with the RePeat mapping study of organic soils and investment in European Innovation Partnership (EIP) research projects such as Farm PEAT & FarmCarbon, which are investigating how to encourage farmers to take actions to reduce emissions from carbon rich soils.
189. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the installation of a slatted shed on a farm for greater efficiency will be considered in the beef exceptional aid measure scheme in cases in which a repayment of the funding has been requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24739/22]
View answer192. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a repayment request by his Department in relation to the beef exceptional aid measure scheme will be reconsidered given that a slatted shed was installed on the farm for greater efficiency and with the approval of Teagasc; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24738/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 192 together.
The Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) provided temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland, subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132. BEAM was funded by a combination of €50 million EU aid and over €27 million Exchequer support. It was provided to support Irish beef farmers who saw beef prices fall as a result of disturbance to the market.
One of the conditions of the scheme, under which the €50 million was granted by the EU, was that there had to be an element of re-structuring built into the scheme.
Accordingly, in applying for BEAM, participants agreed to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on their holding by 5% for the period 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021 compared with the period 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2019.
Reviewing or amending this requirement at this stage is not an option as the scheme ended at the end of December 2021 when the deferred reduction period ended. The money was paid in advance to the participants who committed themselves to the explicit condition that they would make the 5% reduction as set out in the BEAM Terms and Conditions.
Any change would be a breach of the EU regulation under which the €50 million was granted to Ireland. It would also be grossly unfair to the almost 22,000 participants who met their commitments under the scheme. In addition, it would be unfair on the approximately 21,000 beef finishers who were eligible for a payment under the scheme, but chose not to participate in the scheme, having reviewed the commitments required, which included the 5% reduction. Their average payment would have been over €1,300 each.
Therefore, there can be no changes to the scheme as it is now closed.
190. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that have been taken to enforce laws regarding animal welfare; the number of prosecutions relating to the abuse of animals to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25941/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government places a strong emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
This Act provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare and replaced a number of enactments dating back over a century. The Act was passed, after a lengthy and constructive debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas and came into operation on 6th March 2014.
The Department continues to enforce the law in this important area along with An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, and authorised officers from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Neglect of, or causing unnecessary suffering to, animals is not acceptable and our courts regularly adjudicate on the issue of unnecessary suffering in cases brought before them.
To date in 2022, nine individuals have been successfully prosecuted under the Act at the suit of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Pursuing prosecution is only one of several routes for dealing with animal welfare issues. Authorised officers have the power to intervene before welfare situations become even more serious instead of waiting for problems to occur.
They often offer guidance, advice and direction during inspections. The Act also includes additional enforcement procedures such as Animal Health and Welfare Notices. These notices may be issued both as an instruction on the steps which must be taken to alleviate any animal welfare issues and to deal with potential disease risks and situations in which animal welfare is compromised and provide the opportunity to rectify welfare concerns before they deteriorate further and can avoid the need to resort to prosecution.
In addition to continued and vigorous enforcement of the law, the Department is committed to a policy of education and awareness-building in order to prevent animal welfare issues arising. Significant animal welfare related measures have been advanced recently within the scope of our national Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, Working Together for Animal Welfare.
191. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that his Department has in place to mitigate the potential impact of new European Union-UK trade tariffs on the Irish agricultural sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26844/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), which sets out the detailed provisions governing the new trading relationship between the UK and the EU after Brexit, maintained tariff-free access for all goods traded between the UK and the EU.
This was a positive outcome of the TCA negotiations, in particular in respect of trade in agricultural goods, as the imposition of tariffs on these goods would have added considerable costs for Irish exporters to the UK.
The recent announcement by the UK Government of its intention to table legislation which could have the effect of unilaterally disapplying elements of the Northern Ireland Protocol was a very unwelcome development. Any such unilateral action by the UK Government would be a breach of an international treaty that it signed up to.
There are clearly other options open to the UK, and the Irish Government continues to urge it to engage with the EU in order to find agreed solutions. It is only through dialogue that the UK government and the EU can find solutions that work for the people and businesses of Northern Ireland.
It also worth noting that Ireland continues to have the full solidarity and support of all EU countries, which underlines the EU unity in its commitment to Northern Ireland.
The European Union is preparing options to respond if the UK government goes ahead with plans to unilaterally override Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit arrangements, and we will assess these options as they emerge.
I assure the Deputy that if any measures proposed would lead to negative consequences for the Irish agri-food sector, the Government will be ready to support the sector in addressing these impacts.
