Written Answers Nos. 426-435
426. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to encourage the fishing industry, with particular reference to ensuring that the Irish industry can compete with all others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27141/22]
View answerThe EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) will, unfortunately, have an impact on our fishing industry. However, this impact would have been far greater had the Barnier Task Force agreed to UK demands, or had we been in a no-deal scenario which would have seen all EU vessels barred from UK waters and subsequent displacement into Ireland's fishing zone.
I established the Seafood Sector Task Force in March 2021 to examine the impacts of the TCA on our fishing sector and coastal communities and to make recommendations to me on a mitigation strategy. I received the Report of the Seafood Task Force in October and it recommends some 16 support schemes at a cost of €423 million. Seven of these schemes have already been implemented or are current with others being progressed having regard to State Aid approval, eligibility under the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve and the Public Spending Code.
In addition to the measures recommended by the Task Force, my Department’s €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Programme 2014-20 has been operating since 2016, supporting the sustainable development of our seafood sector. The Programme has been providing a wide range of financial supports to fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing enterprises and to enterprises, groups and individuals in coastal communities. These include supports for capital investment, innovation, professional advisory services and marketing. Through these measures, the Programme has been fostering the economic development of the seafood industry and coastal communities, building value and growing exports in these enterprises. The EMFF Programme is now coming to an end and a new Seafood Development Programme 2021-27 is being prepared by my Department, with the aim of its adoption by the European Commission by end 2022.
I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to addressing the challenges facing our seafood sector following the TCA. I am pursuing all opportunities at EU level to help address the unequal burden sharing whereby Ireland carries an excessive burden of the EU quota transfers to the UK including in the CFP review which is currently in progress.
The Programme for Government sets down an ambitious programme of actions that promote a sustainable seafood industry and I am committed to working to continue to build on the progress that has been made to secure a sustainable future for our fishing industry and the coastal communities which depend upon it.
427. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor bovine tuberculosis, with particular reference to individual areas that have suffered in this regard in recent times; if he and his Department have identified any particular issues with might cause sporadic outbreaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27142/22]
View answerBovine tuberculosis causes significant hardship for farmers and farming families, and I am fully committed to the objectives of the Bovine TB Stakeholder Forum, which aims to reduce and ultimately eradicate this disease in Ireland.
While the incidence of bTB is low relative to historical levels, the number of new restrictions and reactor numbers gradually increased between 2016 and the end of 2020. There were encouraging signs in 2021, as bTB levels were lower than in 2020, with fewer reactors and a lower herd incidence. Herd incidence at end of 2021 was 4.34% compared to 4.38% at end of 2020.
The reasons for increase in disease over the last number of years are multifactorial and often relate to a combination of national and local factors.
The expansion of the dairy herd since 2015 has played a role in this, since dairy herds, larger herds, fragmented farms, and herds which introduce more cattle are all more at risk of TB breakdown. Wildlife can also be a factor.
The causes of TB outbreaks are multi-factorial, varying from county to county, and even within counties, requiring a range of actions to address the problem.
My Department's policy Divisions are supported by the 16 Regional Veterinary Offices throughout the country, each of which prioritises bTB management. Within each county, the bTB programme focuses on testing compliance and frequency, isolation of reactors, control and vaccination of wildlife, contiguous programmes, forward and backward tracing of risk animals, gamma interferon testing and cleansing and disinfection.
Each TB outbreak is investigated by a Department Veterinary Inspector (VI) to seek to determine the source of infection. In every outbreak involving two or more standard reactors, a VI visits the farm to advise the herdowner on how to eliminate infection and to enable the farmer to take the measures needed to help reduce the risk of recurrence.
In an area that show a significant increase in bTB levels, the Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) implements a High Impact bTB Control Plan and works with farmers and other stakeholders to reduce levels of bTB in those areas. These control plans involve increased levels of testing and other control measures being implemented in the area. Intensified co-operation and collaboration with local farmers and other stakeholders in these areas helps to reduce the level of disease as seen recently for example in the Cavan, Monaghan and Clare areas (see the herd incidence table below).
In January 2021, I launched a new Bovine TB Eradication Strategy 2021-2030. One of the strategy's key strategic actions is the further development of High Impact bTB Control plans in consultation with the Implementation Working Group of the TB Stakeholder Forum.
Ireland's bovine TB Eradication Programme operates in line with best national and international scientific research and advice. A large body of peer-reviewed research has been conducted into the spread of bTB in Ireland and the risks underlying its transmission. This research has found that the principle causes of bTB spread include:
- the movement of cattle with undetected infection;
- residual infection in cattle previously exposed to bTB, but not identified at that point as being infected;
- spread across farm boundaries;
- indirect spread through biosecurity breaches, and
- spread from infected badgers to cattle.
This research has recently been reviewed in its entirety for the Bovine TB Stakeholder Forum by its Scientific Working Group which comprises a panel of internationally recognised experts in bTB research. The results of that review are available on www.bovinetb.ie.
Herd Incidence Table for Cavan, Monaghan and Clare (High Impact bTB Control Plans) .
|
County |
Herd Incidence 22nd May 2022 |
Herd Incidence 23rd May 2021 |
|
Cavan |
4.59% |
5.58% |
|
Clare |
2.93% |
3.84% |
|
Monaghan |
5.62% |
6.81% |
|
National Overall |
4.33% |
4.31% |
428. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent, if any, to which he and his Department have studied the health of the national deer herd with a view to correlation with outbreaks of bovine tuberculosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27143/22]
View answerWhile wildlife are an important element in the complex epidemiology of bovine TB transmission and badgers are the primary wildlife focus in the bovine TB eradication programme.
Research carried out on TB in deer in Ireland had found that in certain areas where there are high densities of deer, cattle and badgers living alongside each other, the same strains of TB can circulate between them.
Where significant outbreaks of TB occur in cattle, and deer are suspected of playing a role - typically in areas with high densities of deer - a sample of deer carcases is examined for evidence of the disease.
Studies carried out by my Department suggest there is no correlation between the presence of bTB in cattle and the presence of deer and similar studies have reached the same conclusion in Scotland, where despite having an estimated population of over 800,000 wild deer, the country has been officially bTB free since September 2009.
In 2020, 130 deer samples were submitted to my Department's Regional Veterinary Laboratories, three of which tested positive for TB.
In 2021,125 deer samples were submitted, of which 12 were positive for TB. Of these 15 positive animals, 10 were from County Wicklow and one each from Counties Cork, Tipperary, Galway, Wexford and Kilkenny.
In relation to wider issues of wild deer management and control, it should be noted that a recent peer-reviewed report highlights that good deer management can help reduce the spread of potentially infected wild deer by carrying out informed data led culls annually to reduce wild deer numbers and maintain them at sustainable levels.
I have asked my officials to work with their colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to establish a stakeholder discussion body to follow up on the work of the Irish Deer Management Forum. This new stakeholder group will be established in the coming months.
In addition, my Department is funding research on deer ecology in Ireland. This project, which is being carried out by scientists in UCD, will help to provide an evidence base for those considering wild deer management issues.
430. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department continues to monitor and safeguard the interest of the agri-food sector given the sharp increase in price of inputs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27145/22]
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. Following a record year for Family Farm Income in 2021, Teagasc has forecast that a decline in 2022 is now highly likely, as output price increases will fail to offset the rise in production costs. Significantly higher production costs will be a feature across all sectors in 2022, with higher fertiliser, feed and fuel prices leading to an increase in agriculture input costs.
The current market outlook for output prices is uncertain, with significant upward pressure apparent, but this is unlikely to cover the additional input costs for many farmers.
Within my Department, I have established a Rapid Response Team to actively monitor the impacts on agri-food supply chains and to contribute to the whole of Government response to this crisis.
I also established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee headed by Teagasc and tasked it 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.
There are sufficient supplies of fertiliser and animal feed at present although price remains a concern. The Government have introduced a temporary reduction in excise duty on fuels, assistance on the price of electricity & gas, and a targeted and temporary grant scheme for hauliers, all of which will be of some assistance to farmers and the agri-food sector.
I have announced a number of measures worth €35 million over the past three months to assist the agriculture sector including:
- €20 million in two packages for the pig sector,
- €12 million for the tillage sector
- €3 million for the horticulture sector
These targeted measures will help Irish farmers at a time of escalating costs and build resilience against the expected impact of the situation in Ukraine.
Earlier this month, I brought a Memo for Information to Government on measures aimed to assist cattle and sheep farmers to produce fodder (silage and/or hay) during 2022 to prevent a Fodder crisis during the coming winter. My Department is continuing to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the detail of the scheme.
Following discussions at EU level, the European Commission announced in 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.
I continue to engage with all our stakeholders and 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 taking a very proactive approach to the crisis in Ukraine. We must protect our farm families and their businesses through this period of significant upheaval.
431. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he or his officials have engaged with an organisation (details supplied) concerning hare coursing. [27188/22]
View answerNeither I nor officials from my Department have had engagement with the body referred to in relation to hare coursing.
Coursing is regulated under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958. Subject to the general control and direction of Rásaíocht Con Éireann, hare coursing is managed and regulated by the Irish Coursing Club (ICC). The organisation consists of 89 affiliated clubs from Ireland and Northern Ireland, all of whom are governed by the ICC’s rules and regulations.
The granting of licenses for the netting and tagging of hares is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage – National Parks and Wildlife Service.
It is critically important that those involved in coursing operate in accordance with the regulatory framework and that the welfare of both hares and greyhounds is always at the forefront.
432. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department is providing funding for an organisation (details supplied) on an annual basis; her views on the importance of the work carried by the organisation; her plans that to expand the support for the organisation by her Department or through the Dormant Accounts Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26997/22]
View answerMy Department has provided a range of supports which both Men's and Women’s Sheds have availed of, depending on the works being completed.
For example, In 2018 the Community Enhancement Programme provided capital funding for community groups which included €0.5m that was ring-fenced for Men's Sheds and again in 2019, €0.5m was ring-fenced under the programme for both Men's & Women's Sheds. Typical uses included the purchase of equipment and small repairs or renovations.
In 2020, the Community Enhancement Programme received total funding of €7.2m, including €5m under the Government's July stimulus package for repairs and upgrades to community centres and community buildings. Under this programme, 124 men’s sheds projects benefited and received funding to the value of €207,836.
In 2021, the Community Enhancement Programme provided funding of €4.5m for small capital grants to community groups to enhance their facilities and towards the re-opening of facilities. Men's sheds along with other community groups could apply to this funding programme. To date, 68 men’s sheds have received funding to the value of €126,804 from the 2021 Community Enhancement Programme.
The 2021 CEP is now closed and it is hoped to run another CEP later in 2022, however, details of this programme are not yet confirmed. I would advise the local groups to check www.gov.ie/drcd on a regular basis for updates and to also make contact with their Local Community Development Committees for further details on the programme.
In November 2021, the €9m Community Activities Fund, under the Community Enhancement Programme was launched to support community groups impacted by COVID-19. This fund provided funding to support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running/operating costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities. Men’s Sheds were free to apply for this funding via their LCDCs. The Community Activities Fund is now closed to applicants. Details of successful projects from each LCDC will be available on the Department’s website at www.gov.ie/drcd.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) has provided supports to over 200 Men’s Sheds since 2018, with small grants totaling over €98,000 awarded to 116 Men’s Sheds. This support is still is available from SICAP.
My Department also funded the Irish Men’s Sheds Association under the COVID-19 Stability Funding in 2020. They distributed €70,424 equally among their member sheds to support the organisation to continue to deliver services despite the challenges brought by COVID-19. The association did not apply for funding in 2021.
Funding for Men’s Sheds may also be available through the €70 million LEADER Transitional Programme. This programme, which will cover the period 2021-2022, came into effect on the 1 April 2021 for new project applications.
The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations. The current scheme runs from 1st July 2019 to 30th June 2022. The Irish Men’s Sheds Association was allocated €270,000 over the three year period of the scheme.
433. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it is intended to have the administration of Leader 2023-2027 for all of the offshore islands treated as one lot, similar to the Leader programme before last (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27098/22]
View answerThe LEADER Programme is one of the key interventions of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development launched last year.
An indicative budget of €180 million has been announced for the LEADER programme for the period 2023-2027. When taken together with the €70 million already provided for 2021 and 2022 under the Transitional LEADER Programme, a total of €250 million will be made available for the 2021 - 2027 period, thus maintaining the level of funding provided for the 2014-2020 programming period. The maintenance of the €250m funding allocation will underpin the continued contribution of the LEADER approach in delivering on the Government’s vision for Rural Ireland.
Preparations for the design and delivery of the next LEADER programme from 2023-2027 are well underway and there is ongoing engagement between my officials and stakeholders in this regard.
Decisions relating to the areas to be covered by the Local Action Groups will be considered as part of the ongoing programme design phase.
The ongoing engagement and consultation with stakeholders, combined with the funding allocation of €250 million indicated, will ensure that the LEADER programme from 2023 will continue to support and further develop our rural communities and businesses including our island communities.
434. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development cén dul chun cinn atá déanta leis an réamhscrúdú maidir le forbairt Céibh an Chaladh Mhóir in Inis Meáin; an bhfuil i gceist ag an Roinn cruinniú a eagrú le Coiste Chéibh an Chaladh Mhóir in Inis Meáin go luath leis an gcás a phlé; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27160/22]
View answerTá forbairt an Chaladh Mhóir ar Inis Meáin san áireamh sa Phlean Forbartha Náisiúnta. Mar is eol don Teachta is faoi chúram Chomhairle Contae na Gaillimhe atá Céim 3 d’fhorbairt na céibhe sin.
Mar chuid lárnach den obair ullmhúcháin, tá Coláiste Náisiúnta Mara na hÉireann (NMCI) ag forbairt macasamhail digiteach den ché agus an timpeallacht mhuirí sa chuan. Tá sonraíocht teicniúil na mbád a bhaineann úsáid as an gcé bailithe ag an gComhairle Contae ar son an NMCI, chun go mbeidh an t-ionsamhlú atá á fhorbairt chomh cruinn agus beacht agus is féidir. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh sé seo curtha i gcrích ag an NMCI, tástáil déanta air ag na bádóirí, agus aiseolas tugtha, faoi dheireadh mhí Lúnasa.
Anuas air seo, tá suirbhéireacht bataiméadrach le déanamh sa chuan. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh an obair sin críochnaithe sna seachtainí atá romhainn, ach tá sé sin ag braith go mór ar aimsir agus cúinsí mara.
Beidh an Chomhairle Contae in ann cás gnó a dhréachtú bunaithe ar an eolas a bhéas mar thoradh ar an obair sin ar fad. Is ag an bpointe sin a bheas an Roinn ábalta measúnú a dhéanamh ar na céad céimeanna eile sa togra.
Bhí cruinniú ag oifigigh na Roinne le Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe agus coiste áitiúil ar an 18ú Feabhra chun an dul chun cinn atá déanta go dtí seo a phlé, chomh maith leis na céad céimeanna eile sa phlean forbartha. Tá sé i gceist cruinnithe eile a eagrú de réir mar bhogann an togra ar aghaidh tríd na céimeanna.
435. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports that are available to rural communities for the purchase, maintenance and upgrade of defibrillators. [27177/22]
View answerMy Department does not operate a dedicated fund for the purchase, maintenance, repair or service of defibrillators and there are currently no plans to introduce a specific current fund dedicated to this purpose.
However, some of my Department's programmes can fund the purchase of equipment such as defibrillators, including the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). This programme provides small grants to community groups to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas. The 2021 CEP is now closed and it is hoped to run another CEP later in 2022, however, details of this programme are not yet confirmed. I would advise the local groups to check www.gov.ie/drcd on a regular basis for updates and to also make contact with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) for further details on the programme.
In November 2021, the €9m Community Activities Fund was launched and allowed groups apply for funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment within their community. This scheme is part of the CEP and is also administered by the LCDCs. The Community Activities Fund is now closed to applicants. Details of successful projects from each LCDC will be available on the Department’s website at www.gov.ie/drcd.
The LEADER Programme is also a source of funding for rural areas and the purchase of community defibrillators may be eligible for LEADER funding. Groups should contact their Local Action Group to determine eligibility.
