Written Answers Nos. 2082-2097
2082. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will examine the charges levied for entrance to the Johnstown Castle Estate in County Wexford; his views on whether entry to this publicly owned park should be free of charge, similar to other public parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40285/22]
View answerJohnstown Castle Estate transferred to Teagasc - the Agriculture, Food and Development Authority under the “Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act” of 1988 following the dissolution of An Foras Talúntais. My Department has no role in relation to the operation of the Estate.
Accordingly, as the question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Teagasc, it has been referred to the body for direct reply.
2083. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that no TB reactors will be killed in the north Tipperary region for the next four weeks (detail supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40339/22]
View answerTB reactors in the North Tipperary region will continue to be slaughtered in the coming weeks.
Reactors from all parts of Ireland continue to be slaughtered in a timely manner when the live market valuation process is complete. Consignments of reactors continue to be sent to all slaughterhouses approved for reactor slaughter.
My Department continues to liaise with farmers, hauliers and slaughterhouses on a daily basis to ensure the prompt removal of reactors.
The letter submitted with this Parliamentary Question suggested that a particular slaughterhouse would not be receiving reactors for four weeks. I can clarify that this is not the case and reactors continue to be slaughtered there.
2084. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to support farmers and the farming community in relation to afforestation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40348/22]
View answerThe Department actively promotes a ‘Farm Forestry’ approach and I would encourage all farmers to include afforestation as part of their overall farming mix.
The current Forestry Programme which commenced in 2015 and has been extended to the end of 2022 provides significant supports for all landowners, including farmers, who wish to afforest. This includes grants and premiums for 12 different planting categories to promote a good species mix and covers 100% of the cost of establishing a forest.
Grants of up to €6,200 are available for the establishment (including fencing) and maintenance of plantations. An annual premium of up to €680 per hectare is available, depending on the species of trees planted. Participants in the afforestation scheme are also eligible to apply for the basic payment scheme subject to the underlying rules for eligibility.
As set out in the Programme for Government, this Government is committed to a new national Forestry Programme for the period 2023-2027. A national shared vision for the future of Ireland's trees and forests and a new Forestry Strategy are currently being developed. This new Forest Strategy will underpin the new Forestry Programme for the period 2023 - 2027.
Supports will be included in the next Forestry Programme to incentivise afforestation in pursuit of climate, water, biodiversity and commercial objectives. Consultation on the new Programme is underway and farming representatives have actively participated. It is my hope that will they continue to engage with my Department on this important matter.
As the Deputy may be aware, an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 has passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas through the vehicle of the Animal Health and Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022.
On 4th April 2022, the new legislation was signed into law by the president. This amendment was necessary to remove the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare. The exemption for the creation of up to one hectare of native woodland would be available through a scheme which my Department now intends to design and implement.
The development of the scheme will be undertaken following the completion of a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, subject to the findings of both assessments. It is hoped that such a scheme will contribute to the stated policy goal of incentivising small-scale tree planting and of re-engaging farmers with afforestation.
2085. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that the funding of 50% of transport costs was cut in relation to a programme (details supplied); when this funding will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40378/22]
View answerRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
2086. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will request Greyhound Racing Ireland to investigate the reason that an Irish greyhound (details supplied) appears to be currently racing in Punjab, India given that the animal is still listed on the organisation’s website as being still registered to a syndicate in County Wicklow. [40379/22]
View answerRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
2087. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the practice of giving out goldfish in plastic bags at fairgrounds; if legislation or by-laws exist that could outlaw this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40400/22]
View answerThe selling or supplying of pet animals is regulated by the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 681/2019).
These Regulations put into law certain requirements for sellers and suppliers of pet animals, including minimum ages for sale of certain mammals; record-keeping; registration with the Department; and the provision of certain information about the pet being advertised.
Under these regulations, anyone who sells or supplies 6 or more pet animals in a year must register with my Department. There is a voluntary Code of Practice for sellers and suppliers of pet animals (available on the DAFM website) which provides guidance to sellers and suppliers of pet animal as part of their care and management of those animals.
The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (No. 15 of 2013) obliges anyone who has an animal in his or her possession or control to safeguard the animal’s health and welfare.
Any evidence of animal cruelty or neglect of an animal’s welfare should be brought to the attention of my Department by calling the animal welfare helpline on 076 1064408 (Call Save) or 01 6072379 or by emailing animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
2088. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the facilities that his Department provides for persons with intellectual disabilities to process forms for grants and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40402/22]
View answerMy Department aims to ensure that the needs of all its customers, including people with disabilities, are met and that the rights of equal treatment are upheld in the delivery of services.
My Department's Statement of Strategy 2021-2024 sets out as one of our core values "A strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and the fair and equal treatment of all." These core values are embraced in respect of both our own employees and customer of the Department who avail of our wide range of services.
In accordance with Section 26(2) of the Disability Act 2005, two Access Officers are appointed who are responsible for providing or arranging for, assistance and guidance to persons with disabilities accessing services provided by the Department, when requested, and generally to act as a point of contact for people wishing to access such services. For instance, my Department commissioned a digital recording of all our schemes and services at the to assist a customer with reading difficulties and provided Irish Sign Language Interpretation services.
In addition to the Access Officers, Department officials are available in all regions to provide assistance to applicants who have questions or concerns on any scheme operated by the Department.
Our move to the gov.ie portal enabled the Department to redesign its website to comply with the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) and National Disability Authority (NDA) guidelines. This includes ensuring content is at a suitable reading comprehension level.
In compliance with EU Regulations, applications for farm payments can only be made online via the AgFood.ie portal. There are guides to assist farmers with these applications, and farmers may also use an advisor to complete their application. Additionally and with a view to assisting all farmers, but of particular benefit to those with disabilities, each year my Department runs a series of in-person clinics in various locations around the country in order to assist farmers apply for schemes where online access may be limited, or where the farmer needs assistance. In 2022, these clinics were held in 20 locations during April and May.
Another example of enhanced accessibility options is the TAMS II computer system, which is designed so that the applicant can have their farm advisor complete the application and claim process.
We have developed our on-line self-service options which means that our customers are not obliged to visit an office and can complete their submissions at a time and pace that suits them. We also maintain our phone helplines for customers that prefer to access our services in this manner. There is also an option for a customer to nominate a representative such as a family member to liaise on their behalf.
2089. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is concerned at the shortage of veterinarians and veterinary nurses in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40413/22]
View answerThe most recent figures from Veterinary Council of Ireland indicates that there is an all-time high number of 3,302 veterinarians and 1,198 veterinary nurses in Ireland. These figures signify an increase from VCI 2019 Statement of Strategy when there were 2,948 and 1,045 respectively.
In 2018, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) commissioned an evaluation of the availability of farmed animal veterinary services in Ireland which is available at gov.ie - An Evaluation of Farmed Animal Veterinary Services in Ireland Report (www.gov.ie)
Results of the 2018 evaluation and broader FVE studies shows that Ireland compares favourably to other European countries in terms of the number of veterinary practitioners per 1,000 inhabitants (e.g., 0.43 compared to 0.41 in the UK, 0.29 in the Netherlands and 0.29 in France).
Notwithstanding this overall finding, the study did signal that certain rural areas in Ireland face challenges, with relatively few veterinary practitioners operating in some peripheral areas. While the number of registered veterinary practitioners is at an all-time high, DAFM is also aware of reports of difficulties of recruiting veterinary assistants currently.
DAFM continues to keep the issue of the availability of farmed animal veterinary services under review.
2090. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the capital works projects that are currently ongoing in each of the fishery harbours centres under the remit of his Department; and when each of these projects will be completed in tabular form. [40569/22]
View answerMy Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute.
In February of this year, I announced a capital investment package of €35m for the six Fishery Harbour Centres as part of the 2022 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Details of the project allocation are available in tabular form online at: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/3030f-minister-mcconalogue-to-invest-35-million-during-2022-in-Irelands-six-fishery-harbour-centres/
All projects are subject to rigorous project management processes including design, tender action and implementation stages; and ongoing monitoring, evaluation and review in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s Capital Works Management Framework and the Public Spending Code.
A number of the larger projects detailed in the programme including Harbour Dredging in Howth Fishery Harbour Centre and the Deep Water Quay in Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre are multi-annual projects and will be completed in subsequent years. As many projects are subject to environmental and other assessments and statutory permitting prior to works commencing, it is not possible to advise with certainty either the commencement or completion dates.
Additionally, all contractual projects are subject to the applicable conditions of contract and as such it is necessary to follow due process in accordance with such conditions, including conditions relating to delay events, for example. I expect that the more minor works projects not requiring statutory consents will be substantially completed by year end.
2091. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 884 of 5 July 2022, if he will confirm that this response is contrary to the advice provided by the European Commission in a presentation on the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, at a seminar for Member States on 12 July 2021; if so, if he will ensure that the scheme is immediately opened for these non-SME sector fish processors, while the necessary approval is sought from the European Commission. [40643/22]
View answerAs highlighted in my previous response of 5th July last, the €45 million Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme is designed to counter the adverse consequences of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.
It seeks to support the processing sector to engage in transformational change, mitigating the effects of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and Brexit, while also building more environmentally friendly, sustainable and competitive enterprises which serve the EU and wider global markets, create higher levels of employment more locally, and make better and more sustainable use of Irish landed or imported raw material.
While it is correct to say that the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve Regulation (2021/1755) does not preclude supports to non-SME enterprises, any BAR funded scheme for the seafood sector requiring State Aid approval must be consistent with the European Commission’s Guidelines for the examination of State Aid to the Fisheries and Aquaculture sector.
The Commission Guidelines set out the principles that the Commission will apply when assessing whether aid to the fishery and aquaculture sector can be considered compatible with the internal market under Article 107(2) or Article 107(3) of the Treaty.
Paragraph 9 of the Guidelines state as follows: "State aid to the fishery and aquaculture sector is embedded within the broader framework of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Consequently, the use of State aid can only be justified if it is in line with the objectives of the CFP.
Therefore, the Commission applies and interprets these Guidelines in accordance with the rules of the CFP. Within the CFP the Union provides financial support to the fishery and aquaculture sector through the EMFF. The social and economic impact of public support is the same, irrespective of whether it is (even partly) financed by the Union or by a Member State alone. The Commission therefore considers that there should be consistency and coherence between its policy of State aid control and the support which is granted under the CFP".
Furthermore, paragraph 34 of the Guidelines state as follows: "An aid measure of the same kind as an operation that is eligible for funding under Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 (the EMFF Regulation) can only be considered compatible with the internal market if it complies with the relevant provisions of that Regulation for that kind of operation, in particular, with the provisions on the intensity of public aid".
Article 69 of the EMFF Regulation restricts grant supports for capital investment in seafood processing to SMEs. Supports to non-SME seafood processors for capital investment is permitted only through financial instruments.
Therefore, in accordance with the above provisions of the Commission Guidelines, aid to seafood processors for capital investment will only be considered by the Commission to be compatible with the internal market if the aid scheme follows the rules of article 69 of the EMFF.
2092. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding agriculture sectoral ceilings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40727/22]
View answerIreland has committed, through the promulgation of binding legislation, to cutting emissions by 51% by 2030, compared to emissions in 2018.
Within that context, the legislation provides for an overarching carbon budget to be approved by the Oireachtas, and subsequently for the establishment by Government of sectoral carbon budgets.
In the exercise of its functions under the Act, the Government is required to have regard to a variety of considerations, including the special economic and social role of agriculture, the distinct characteristics of biogenic methane, the need to deliver best value for money and the net benefits to society.
Against that general background, the Climate action Plan 2021 established a target for emissions reductions from agriculture of between 22% and 30%. This is lower than that for any other sector, for a variety of very good reasons, including the special status of Irish as recognised by the Programme for Government and the need to continue sustainably producing food of the highest quality.
The Government is currently considering the establishment of specific carbon budgets for each sector. In doing so, it will take account of all of the provisions in the Climate Act, including those specifically relating to agriculture, and of the concerns of stakeholders and citizens.
The actions required to meet the overarching target proposed by Government and approved by the Oireachtas, will be enormously challenging for every sector, including agriculture, but there is no alternative to taking action now to mitigate climate change.
I continue to support the agriculture sector in meeting this challenge and in the production of safe, high quality and sustainably produced food, so that it can continue to make a positive contribution to rural society and the economy.
2093. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to address the concerning low price of wool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40770/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, one of the commitments under the current Programme for Government was to conduct a review of the potential demand for wool-based products such as for insulation and fertilisers in domestic and international markets.
The independently compiled review published on 1st July 2022 contains a number of findings and recommendations including potential funding streams, market opportunities for wool and multiple areas for additional research and development.
One of the main recommendations is the establishment of an industry-led Wool Council which would develop and promote Irish wool domestically and internationally and bring together multiple stakeholders to foster collaboration, innovation and scaling activities in the wool sector.
In support of this recommendation, I have committed to provide funding to the wool industry of €30,000 towards the initial set-up costs of setting up the Wool Council.
It is envisaged that this stakeholder Council will further examine the potential uses for wool identified in the Wool feasibility study report and provide clear pathways towards maximising the potential of this natural resource into the future.
2094. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions that he is taking to address illegal gorse fires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40779/22]
View answerThe burning of vegetation is controlled by the Wildlife Acts. It is an offence under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act, 1976 (amended by Section 46 of the Wildlife Act, 2000) to burn, from 1st March to 31st August in any year, any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated. Individuals who are found to burn vegetation within that prohibited period are liable to prosecution by An Garda Síochána or by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). My Department has no role in regard to prosecutions.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine however, conducts a number of activities annually to monitor and reduce wildfire incidence and outcomes. My Department has issued reminders to all landowners in relation to illegal burning of agricultural lands, and any land found to have been burned illegally can be deemed ineligible across a number of area-based schemes.
It should be noted that there is an inherent natural risk of fire in our uplands and on bogs in spring, due to the condition of vegetation in these areas. Upland grasses, heather and gorse are highly flammable in spring when the weather is dry. In the right conditions, any ignition, for any reason, can give rise to wildfires.
The farming community has a central role to play in the control of fire in our landscapes through the management of land, and the reduction and maintenance of fire prone vegetation (such purple moor grass, heather, and gorse/whin) as potential fuels in high fire risk areas. Fuels reduction is one of the central pillars of fire management and the work of farmers is critical to this.
To this end, my Department supports a number of locally-led schemes under the EIP-AGRI measure that in turn support the implementation of fire management activities on the ground including vegetation management activities.
Projects of this type are now in place in many of the main fire risk locations in Ireland, including the Blackstairs Mountains, Wicklow Mountains, Comeraghs, McGillicuddy Reeks, Inishowen Peninsula, Connemara, and within the Hen Harrier Project.
My Department also monitors fire activity and risk throughout the main risk period between March and September, using a variety of means at our disposal, including satellite detection and ground inspections.
My Department has also undertaken a number of awareness measures aimed at reducing the level of illegal ignitions and in ensuring that affected sectors are fully prepared for fire outbreaks
where these occur.
This includes the provision of Fire Danger Rating Notices to relevant sectors and Departments to ensure that the correct level of preparedness is maintained throughout the fire season.
My Department activated its Fire Danger Rating System back in March of this year for the fire season ahead and to date eight such Fire Danger Notices have been issued, ahead of high fire risk weather phases. Fire warnings can be accessed at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/642e6-forestry/ and www.teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/forest-fire-risk/
The Department asks all countryside users to be vigilant, to report any suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána, and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999 service.
2095. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, as a shareholder in Coillte, he considers that the company is acting in a manner consistent with the Government’s own Consultation Principles and Guidance 2016 in making 974 felling licence applications in a single day on 13 July 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40785/22]
View answer2108. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is able to cope with processing the 974 felling licences submitted by Coillte in a single day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40863/22]
View answer2109. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the preparation or notification that his Department had in advance from Coillte of the submission of the 974 felling licence applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40864/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2095, 2108 and 2109 together.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department received 974 tree felling licence applications from Coillte in July 2022.
All new applications received from Coillte and private forestry operators are advertised on agriculture.gov.ie and all new applications and supporting documents are available to view on the Forestry Licence Viewer (FLV).
Any member of the public can make a submission on an application during a 30-day consultation period through the FLV which provides easy and direct on-line access to information
The management of the forest estate is a matter for, and the responsibility of, Coillte as a commercial State Body. Coillte supplies 75% of sawlog to sawmills and for their own operational reasons, Coillte submits its felling applications in batches, normally once or twice per year, with the intention of utilising the licences for its harvesting programme in a particular year.
Public participation in decision-making in forestry of importance to my Department. In line with this, the 974 felling licence applications have been made available for public scrutiny to ensure that there is full public participation in decision-making around the proposed felling.
Under Part 6 of the Forestry Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 191 of 2017) where an application is received for a licence for felling, afforestation, forest road works, or aerial fertilisation, before making a decision on the matter, my Department is required to publish a notice of the application; and inform the public that any person may make a submission or observation in writing concerning the application within 30 days from the date of publication of that notice.
If a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) is submitted with the initial application only one public consultation period is required. However, a second 30-day consultation period will commence, as per S.I 293 of 2021, if an NIS is received or an Appropriate Assessment Report is produced after receipt of the initial application.
On publication of a felling licence decision, this decision is also advertised and uploaded to the Forestry Licence Viewer, to allow any member of the public the opportunity to submit an appeal to the Forestry Appeals Committee within 14 days of decision.
Some 1,073 felling licences have issued to Coillte so far this year and we have committed to issue 1,530 Coillte licences by year end, as outlined in the Forestry Licensing Plan 2022. I am hopeful that we will meet this commitment.
2096. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the person or body that an animal owner makes representations to regarding the charges for upkeep of an animal seized under section 38A of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013; and the format in which such representations should be made. [40804/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) 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 (ISPCA) and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA).
Those wishing to make representations regarding animals seized and detained under the act should contact the relevant local office of the organisation that carried out the seizure. For example, in the case of animals seized under the act by my Department, this would be the Regional Veterinary Office for the area.
2097. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the transfer of local authority veterinary services over to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40805/22]
View answerWhile discussions are ongoing, no decision has been taken as what aspects, if any, of the local authority veterinary services may transfer to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and if so, when this might occur.
