Written Answers Nos. 494-508
494. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to ensure that the tillage sector is represented on the Teagasc authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21336/23]
View answerTeagasc has statutory responsibility for the provision of education, research and advisory services to the agricultural sector. Its programmes and activities are developed in conjunction with clients and partners and is overseen by the Teagasc Authority who are collectively responsible for leading and directing Teagasc activities.
The Authority comprises a Chairman and 10 ordinary members appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The composition of the Authority is set out in statute under the First Schedule of the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice), Act 1988. It provides for strong stakeholder representation with five positions reserved for nominations from organisations deemed to represent persons engaged in agriculture or the agricultural industry. The nominating organisations are the IFA, ICMSA, ICOS, Macra na Feirme and a Teagasc staff representative.
Five other persons, including the Chair, are appointed following a competitive selection process overseen by the Public Appointments service in respect of persons who have knowledge or experience in relation to agriculture, agricultural research, education etc. One position is reserved for a representative from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Teagasc has an active Tillage Stakeholder Consultative Group with 14 external members comprising representatives from tillage farmers, seed trade, end users and the drinks industry. This group spearheaded publication of the Crops 2030 report - a strategic plan to deliver environmental and economic sustainability for the Irish Crops Sector.
495. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will adjust the tillage incentive scheme to support current tillage farmers, including the requirement that the land must remain in tillage for at least five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21337/23]
View answerI introduced the Tillage Incentive Scheme (TIS) in 2022, in response to the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The Scheme is a support measure to incentivise an increase in domestic cereal production thereby reducing dependency on imports.
In 2022, just under €10.1 million was paid out to 3,622 farmers on an area of approximately 25,000 hectares under the Scheme. Since its introduction in 2022, the Scheme has proved to be successful and popular with farmers and it is acknowledged as having contributed to the estimated 6% increase in tillage area, or an additional 20,000 hectares in 2022.
I secured funding of €10 million for the continuation of the Scheme in Budget 2023. The Terms and Conditions for TIS 2023 are currently being finalised, however, it is not intended at this point to adjust the Scheme to include a requirement that land must remain in tillage for at least five years.
496. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the decision of the UK Government to commence legislation to prohibit the use of shock collars in England from 2024; his plans to prohibit the use of electronic shock collars, or sonic and spray collars for dogs in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21401/23]
View answerUnder the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, a person is prohibited from causing unnecessary pain or suffering or endangering the health and welfare of any animal. The Act also provides that a person having possession of an animal must ensure that the animal is kept in a manner that safeguards its health and welfare.
All legislation under the remit of my Department is kept under constant review, including legislation to ensure the health and welfare of canines. The Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare, which I established under an independent chair as part of my Department's wider animal welfare strategy, advises me on such matters and I will ask them to consider this issue.
497. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of vessels decommissioned under the recent post-Brexit decommissioning scheme; the size of each vessel in length; the rated power of each in kilowatts; the tonnage of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21409/23]
View answerThe Brexit Voluntary Permanent Cessation Scheme was open to licence holders of fishing vessels that are registered on the Irish sea-fishing boat register in the polyvalent or beam trawl segments, held a valid sea-fishing boat license issued by the Licensing Authority for Sea-Fishing boats at the date of application and vessels which were 10 years or more in age at the time of application.
Of those who were issued with letters of offer, 42 accepted and are due to proceed with decommissioning their vessels at a total cost of €64.15 million. The total capacity associated with these 42 vessels is 6,870 gross tonnes.
While the offers made under the scheme have been accepted by the vessel owners, these individuals still have to comply with the terms and conditions of the offer and complete the decommissioning process. As the majority of these vessel owners are yet to complete this process and receive all payments, it would not be appropriate at this point to offer any detail or individual vessel characteristics which may result in the identification of individual applicants.
498. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of peat produced in Ireland from 2016 to 2021; and the level of peat exported from Ireland from 2016 to 2023, in tabular form. [21415/23]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine has no responsibility for and does not monitor peat production in Ireland.
The quantity of peat exported from Ireland from 2016 to 2023 is outlined below in the table via figures from the CSO.
|
Year |
Tonnes of Peat Exported |
|
2016 |
1,012,634 |
|
2017 |
836,946 |
|
2018 |
765,785 |
|
2019 |
791,370 |
|
2020 |
919,371 |
|
2021 |
579,573 |
|
2022 |
392,853 |
|
2023 (Jan & Feb) |
58,737 |
These export figures, provided by the Central Statistics Office, refer to combined nomenclature (CN) code 27030000 - Peat, including peat litter, whether or not agglomerated. This description includes all types of peat and does not differentiate between peat used for horticulture or that used for heating. This description also includes briquettes. Peat agglomerates also includes peat substrates where peat is mixed with other materials such as fertilizer, perlite, sand, lime, wood fibre, bark. By way of example a peat reduced substrate mix of 30% Wood Fibre, 30% Bark & 40% Peat is still classed under the CN code 27030000.
499. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of peat imported into Ireland from 2016 to 2023, broken down by country, in tabular form. [21416/23]
View answerThe quantity of peat imported into Ireland from 2016 to 2023 broken down by country is outlined in the table below. The figures are provided by the CSO.
Imports
|
- |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 (Jan & Feb) |
|
Country |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
|
Belarus |
60 |
|||||||
|
Belgium |
0 |
4 |
||||||
|
Canada |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|||||
|
China |
2 |
2 |
2 |
50 |
0 |
|||
|
France |
8 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|||
|
Germany |
57 |
87 |
115 |
441 |
151 |
509 |
1,038 |
162 |
|
Britain |
2,219 |
11,440 |
3,768 |
5,078 |
4,501 |
991 |
223 |
23 |
|
Grenada |
1 |
|||||||
|
Italy |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|||||
|
Lithuania |
246 |
201 |
361 |
211 |
40 |
|||
|
Netherlands |
41 |
289 |
15 |
1,835 |
1,635 |
1,310 |
1,043 |
115 |
|
Northern Ireland |
17,605 |
13,588 |
2,869 |
1,960 |
3,944 |
43,077 |
30,187 |
3089 |
|
Ukraine |
55 |
|||||||
|
United States |
34 |
0 |
||||||
|
Unknown (Non-EU) |
120 |
0 |
||||||
|
Total |
19,924 |
25,415 |
6,892 |
9,646 |
10,437 |
46,363 |
32,707 |
3,429 |
These figures, provided by the Central Statistics Office, refer to imports under combined nomenclature (CN) code 27030000 - peat, including peat litter, whether or not agglomerated. This description includes all types of peat and does not differentiate between peat used for horticulture or that used for heating. This description also includes briquettes. Peat agglomerates also includes peat substrates where peat is mixed with other materials such as fertilizer, perlite, sand, lime, wood fibre, bark. By way of example a peat reduced substrate mix of 30% Wood Fibre, 30% Bark & 40% Peat is still classed under the CN code 27030000.
500. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports available for the rewilding and-or wilding of land; and the current level of uptake of these supports, in tabular form. [21417/23]
View answerWe all absolutely acknowledge the critical importance of protecting and enhancing biodiversity. Our terrestrial biodiversity measures are designed for the conservation of farmland biodiversity and for semi-natural habitats which rely on agriculture for appropriate management to restore or maintain good habitat condition.
My Department does not have specific supports for 'rewilding/wilding'. However, we have many measures within the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) and support many initiatives which facilitate the maintenance and enhancement of biodiversity in an agricultural context.
Ireland's CSP reflects a significant focus on the environment and biodiversity in particular. The incorporation of results-based payment measures into the new Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is a progressive step to incentivise more extensive management of many of our protected habitats. Other actions in ACRES support more extensive management of particular farmland habitats supporting the habitat and food requirements for our wild species that depend on farmland.
Existing European Innovation Partnerships (EIPs), such as The Hen Harrier and Pearl Mussel Projects are continuing to showcase the success of locally-led and targeted approaches to blending agricultural activities with biodiversity. EIP support will continue under the CSP, where it is envisaged that there will be specific calls for projects which will support the breeding wader habitats of the Shannon Callows amongst other priorities.
Outside of the CSP, my Department provides funding for, and are engaged in, several EU LIFE projects, where we work in collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE Integrated Project, Corncrake LIFE and LIFE on Machair projects for example all focus on priority habitats which rely on sensitive management by farmers.
501. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of cross-Border agriculture trade in each of the past five years; and the measures being considered to boost cross-Border agriculture trade both to and from the North of Ireland. [21418/23]
View answerThe table below sets out the total value of agri-food trade between Ireland and Northern Ireland for the five year period 2018-2022.
Value of Agri-food Trade – Ireland-Northern Ireland 2018-2022
|
Year |
Exports to Northern IrelandValue€million |
Imports from Northern IrelandValue€million |
|
2018 |
1,103 |
1,065 |
|
2019 |
1,118 |
998 |
|
2020 |
1,115 |
1,011 |
|
2021 |
1,656 |
1,424 |
|
2022 |
1,976 |
1,819 |
The overall value of trade - both in terms of imports from and exports to Northern Ireland - has increased significantly over this period. This increase in trade has taken place despite a period of uncertainty associated with the UK's decision to exit the European Union.
The positive trend in Ireland-Northern Ireland trade in agri-food goods underlines the importance of the positive outcome secured to the EU-UK Brexit negotiations. Specifically, the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and the Ireland-Northern Ireland Protocol of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement have ensured that Northern Ireland has retained access to the EU Single Market, which has been critical to the continued growth in trade between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Government will continue to insist that both the EU-UK TCA and the Northern Ireland Protocol via the Windsor Framework are implemented in full, which will help to ensure that trade in agri-food goods on the island of Ireland continues to develop positively.
Agri-food Exports to Northern Ireland 2018 to 2022 - €Million
|
Category |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Dairy Produce |
216 |
215 |
193 |
348 |
492 |
|
Animal Feed |
113 |
133 |
150 |
219 |
240 |
|
Beef |
198 |
176 |
170 |
198 |
224 |
|
Forestry & Wood products |
95 |
102 |
91 |
137 |
146 |
|
Live Animals |
80 |
91 |
114 |
132 |
139 |
|
Beverages |
94 |
96 |
80 |
102 |
128 |
|
Cereal & cereal preparation |
63 |
63 |
58 |
89 |
113 |
|
Pigmeat |
62 |
52 |
54 |
99 |
106 |
|
Poultry |
42 |
43 |
43 |
66 |
90 |
|
Miscellaneous Edible Products |
24 |
20 |
23 |
60 |
67 |
|
Fruit & Vegetables |
30 |
33 |
43 |
53 |
54 |
|
Other |
86 |
93 |
96 |
154 |
176 |
|
Grand Total |
1,103 |
1,118 |
1,115 |
1,656 |
1,976 |
Agrifood Imports from Northern Ireland 2018 to 2022 - €Million
|
Category |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Dairy Produce |
292 |
257 |
230 |
325 |
521 |
|
Animal Feed |
178 |
161 |
173 |
224 |
303 |
|
Beverages |
200 |
184 |
197 |
224 |
282 |
|
Cereal & cereal preparation |
61 |
67 |
67 |
123 |
118 |
|
Forestry & Wood products |
51 |
56 |
55 |
99 |
97 |
|
Oils, Fats & Oleaginous Fruits |
21 |
20 |
28 |
41 |
79 |
|
Beef |
43 |
35 |
36 |
67 |
75 |
|
Fruit & Vegetables |
23 |
40 |
35 |
55 |
56 |
|
Pigmeat |
21 |
19 |
23 |
47 |
55 |
|
Live Animals |
48 |
44 |
45 |
47 |
50 |
|
Other |
126 |
115 |
119 |
173 |
182 |
|
Grand Total |
1,065 |
998 |
1,011 |
1,424 |
1,819 |
502. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme will open to participants; his plans to extend the age limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21421/23]
View answerTAMS provides funding for capital investments on farms and will be in place for five years with a budget of €370 million and will include 10 Schemes.
The TAMS 3 Scheme opened on 22nd February with the opening of the Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS). To date, six of the 10 TAMS Schemes have opened for applications - Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS), Animal Welfare Nutrient Storage Scheme (AWNSS), Pigs and Poultry Investment Scheme (PPIS) and the Organics Capital Investment Schemes (OCIS), Dairy Equipment Scheme (DES) and the Low Emissions Slurry Spreading Scheme (LESS).
The remaining four schemes - Tillage Capital Investment Scheme (TCIS), Farm Safety Scheme (FSS), Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS) and Women Farmers Capital Investment Scheme (WFCIS) are being prepared and will open on a phased basis in the coming weeks. It is anticipated that the first Tranche for all schemes will close on 16th June 2023. The terms and conditions of each scheme will be published prior to the launch date.
Under the young farmer scheme, the definition of the Young Farmer is set out in the EU Regulations and is limited to applicants who are under 41 at the time of application. Farmers in this category with the necessary qualifications will be entitled to 60% grant rate.
The Women Farmers scheme will open to applicants between the ages of 18 to 66 at any time during the calendar year in which an application for support is submitted. Measures in the new TAMS 3 scheme aim to balance the need to address the issues of both generational renewal and gender balance in farming.
There is no upper age criteria in the other eight schemes under TAMS 3.
503. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quantity in kilogrammes and value in euro of sheep meat, either chilled or frozen, by animal category (details supplied) exported from this State, by the country that it was exported over the past five full calendar years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21454/23]
View answer504. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quantity in kilogrammes and value in euro of sheep meat, chilled or frozen, categorised as of Irish origin exported from the State, by the country that it was exported to over the past five calendar years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21455/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 503 and 504 together.
I attach in tabular form the value and volume of sheepmeat, chilled or frozen, exported from Ireland over the past five calendar years, showing the detail for the top twenty export destinations based on the CSO’s trade statistics. The Deputy has also asked for this data by animal type, but trade data is not available to the level of detail requested.
A summary of sheepmeat exports over this period is included in the table below.
|
- |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|||||
|
Exports |
Exports |
Exports |
Exports |
Exports |
||||||
|
Category |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
|
Sheepmeat |
303,746 |
52,849 |
302,814 |
53,714 |
341,926 |
56,657 |
371,304 |
50,127 |
433,087 |
56,680 |
|
Grand Total |
303,746 |
52,849 |
302,814 |
53,714 |
341,926 |
56,657 |
371,304 |
50,127 |
433,087 |
56,680 |
|
Sheepmeat Exports by Destination Country 2018-2022 |
Jan-Dec 2018 |
Jan-Dec 2019 |
Jan-Dec 2020 |
Jan-Dec 2021 |
Jan-Dec 2022 |
|||||
|
Exports |
Exports |
Exports |
Exports |
Exports |
||||||
|
Country |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
|
France |
98,995 |
17,926 |
95,868 |
17,340 |
112,998 |
18,537 |
122,726 |
16,749 |
142,236 |
19,014 |
|
Germany |
39,001 |
6,017 |
35,352 |
5,548 |
39,795 |
6,014 |
57,206 |
7,611 |
74,103 |
9,676 |
|
United Kingdom |
54,319 |
11,723 |
59,581 |
12,685 |
57,430 |
11,413 |
43,870 |
6,870 |
52,097 |
8,414 |
|
Sweden |
22,847 |
4,323 |
27,244 |
5,306 |
35,062 |
6,147 |
41,230 |
5,750 |
46,508 |
6,264 |
|
Switzerland |
18,287 |
1,256 |
15,268 |
1,275 |
23,462 |
2,017 |
24,991 |
1,853 |
31,611 |
2,131 |
|
Belgium |
27,186 |
3,758 |
25,124 |
3,452 |
28,524 |
3,597 |
32,594 |
3,399 |
26,577 |
2,781 |
|
Netherlands |
6,901 |
1,388 |
6,319 |
1,266 |
6,476 |
1,255 |
8,735 |
1,314 |
15,683 |
2,250 |
|
Italy |
11,134 |
1,957 |
11,742 |
2,195 |
10,323 |
2,122 |
11,104 |
1,888 |
15,075 |
2,051 |
|
Denmark |
10,983 |
1,330 |
11,375 |
1,437 |
11,098 |
1,321 |
13,695 |
1,308 |
11,881 |
1,197 |
|
Canada |
4,831 |
1,097 |
5,581 |
1,161 |
6,335 |
1,410 |
4,712 |
1,054 |
10,242 |
1,577 |
|
Luxembourg |
500 |
62 |
550 |
71 |
429 |
49 |
614 |
67 |
971 |
106 |
|
Singapore |
11 |
1 |
35 |
22 |
208 |
53 |
838 |
223 |
951 |
217 |
|
Portugal |
512 |
64 |
1,340 |
204 |
1,740 |
278 |
551 |
70 |
742 |
78 |
|
Poland |
765 |
118 |
1,330 |
155 |
762 |
89 |
697 |
68 |
579 |
64 |
|
Czech Republic |
309 |
27 |
384 |
34 |
340 |
40 |
178 |
19 |
541 |
50 |
|
Spain |
783 |
103 |
797 |
142 |
399 |
47 |
517 |
50 |
529 |
37 |
|
Romania |
28 |
2 |
8 |
1 |
358 |
30 |
368 |
46 |
486 |
43 |
|
Ghana |
190 |
182 |
109 |
110 |
196 |
200 |
239 |
216 |
345 |
193 |
|
Austria |
1,163 |
155 |
953 |
126 |
493 |
50 |
295 |
38 |
291 |
23 |
|
United Arab Emirates |
340 |
19 |
360 |
17 |
90 |
6 |
204 |
13 |
273 |
116 |
|
Grand Total |
303,746 |
52,849 |
302,814 |
53,714 |
341,926 |
56,657 |
371,304 |
50,127 |
433,087 |
56,680 |
505. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quantity in number of head and value in euro by animal category (details supplied) of live sheep exported from the State, by the country that it was exported to over the past five calendar years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21456/23]
View answerExports and imports of live sheep are recorded on the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES).
TRACES is the European Commission's online platform for sanitary and phytosanitary certification required for the importation of animals, animal products, food and feed of non-animal origin and plants into the European Union. It is also used for intra-EU trade and EU exports of animals and certain animal products.
My Department uses TRACES to record all sheep movements between Ireland and all other jurisdictions whether for slaughter, breeding or fattening purposes.
The system records the volume, but not the value, of imported and exported sheep and does not differentiate by ovine category - whether lamb/hogget, spring lamb, ewe or ram.
While live sheep exports occur throughout the year, the majority of animals are shipped in July/August because of the seasonality of production.
The tables hereunder provide information on the quantity of live sheep exported to destination markets annually for the years 2018 to 2022 inclusive. The data shows that France accounted for almost 70 percent of live sheep exports during that period.
Live Sheep Exports 2022
|
Country |
Quantity (Head) |
|
Belgium |
1,963 |
|
France |
7,917 |
|
Germany |
44 |
|
Italy |
149 |
|
Portugal |
16 |
|
Netherlands |
1,060 |
|
Spain |
11 |
|
Romania |
10 |
|
Switzerland |
37 |
|
United Kingdom |
19 |
|
Northern Ireland |
2,127 |
|
Total |
13,353 |
Live Sheep Exports 2021
|
Country |
Quantity (Head) |
|
Northern Ireland |
772 |
|
France |
13,199 |
|
Germany |
325 |
|
Belgium |
1,598 |
|
Switzerland |
17 |
|
Romania |
44 |
|
Spain |
30 |
|
Uzbekistan |
240 |
|
Portugal |
17 |
|
Italy |
1,447 |
|
Netherlands |
1,928 |
|
Total |
19,617 |
Live Sheep Exports 2020
|
Country |
Quantity (Head) |
|
United Kingdom |
295 |
|
Hungary |
720 |
|
France |
18,422 |
|
Bulgaria |
2,441 |
|
Germany |
38 |
|
Belgium |
21 |
|
Spain |
27 |
|
Portugal |
16 |
|
Italy |
2,878 |
|
Netherlands |
3,103 |
|
Austria |
1 |
|
Total |
27,962 |
Live Sheep Exports 2019
|
Country |
Quantity (Head) |
|
United Kingdom |
312 |
|
Italy |
858 |
|
Hungary |
313 |
|
France |
4,555 |
|
Belgium |
299 |
|
Germany |
23 |
|
Bulgaria |
284 |
|
Netherlands |
517 |
|
Total |
7,161 |
Live Sheep Exports 2018
|
Country |
Quantity (Head) |
|
Belgium |
1,510 |
|
Germany |
5 |
|
France |
16,739 |
|
United Kingdom |
158 |
|
Italy |
276 |
|
Netherlands |
2,077 |
|
Portugal |
4 |
|
Total |
20,769 |
506. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quantity in head and value in euro by animal category (details supplied) of live sheep imported into the State, by the country that it was imported from over the past five calendar years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21457/23]
View answerImports and exports of live sheep are recorded on the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES).
TRACES is the European Commission's online platform for sanitary and phytosanitary certification required for the importation of animals, animal products, food and feed of non-animal origin and plants into the European Union, intra-EU trade and EU exports of animals and certain animal products.
My Department uses the TRACES to record all sheep movements between Ireland and all other jurisdictions whether for slaughter, breeding or fattening purposes.
The system records the volume, but not the value, of imported and exported sheep and does not differentiate by ovine category - whether lamb/hogget, spring lamb, ewe or ram.
The tables hereunder provide information on the quantity of live sheep imported from source markets annually for the years 2018 to 2022. inclusive. The data shows that Northern Ireland accounted for 99 percent of live sheep imports during that period.
Live Sheep Imports 2022
|
Country |
Quantity (Head) |
|
Northern Ireland |
420,554 |
|
France |
1,410 |
|
Belgium |
77 |
|
Netherlands |
119 |
|
Total |
422,160 |
Live Sheep Imports 2021
|
Country |
Quantity (Head) |
|
Northern Ireland |
367,585 |
|
France |
50 |
|
Belgium |
167 |
|
Netherlands |
134 |
|
Total |
367,936 |
Live Sheep Imports 2020
|
Country |
Quantity (Head) |
|
Northern Ireland |
421,855 |
|
United Kingdom |
24,140 |
|
France |
39 |
|
Belgium |
25 |
|
Netherlands |
48 |
|
Total |
446,107 |
Live Sheep Imports 2019
|
Country |
Quantity (Head) |
|
Northern Ireland |
461,507 |
|
France |
5 |
|
Belgium |
10 |
|
Total |
461,522 |
Live Sheep Imports 2018
|
Country |
Quantity (Head) |
|
Northern Ireland |
521,693 |
|
Austria |
10 |
|
France |
3 |
|
Belgium |
78 |
|
Netherlands |
14 |
|
Total |
521.798 |
507. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm the process that is in place and followed in Ireland to verify the accuracy of information recorded by those exporting either live animals or animal products on TRACES - the European Commission's online platform for sanitary and phytosanitary certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21458/23]
View answer510. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm for intra-EU and EU trade to and from Ireland that is recorded on TRACES, if animal products such a meat from bovines, ovines or porcines that has not been processed beyond its raw state, either chilled or frozen, can be categorised as food on the system and thereby make it impossible to determine the species of animal it came from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21461/23]
View answer511. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm for intra-EU trade to and from Ireland whether TRACES is the only system that is used to record animal and animal products exports from and imports to Ireland, or if there is any other system or database used for the purpose of recording such trade-related information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21462/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 507, 510 and 511 together.
Official controls and certification provide the necessary assurance to our trading partners that Ireland is as a safe, secure, and sustainable source of agri-food products. In the case of intracommunity movements to and from Ireland and other Member States, the requirements of these trade-related movements and the accompanying official sanitary and phytosanitary certificates are set in EU law and the same rules apply across the EU, including for example the Animal Health Law in the case of live animals and animal products and the Plant Health Law in the case of plants and crops. The controls carried out by officials in my Department are based on the legislation in place, including verification of authenticity at all stages through the food production chain.
As the Deputy is aware, the EU is a single market for food products, and therefore official certification is not required for intracommunity movements of dairy ,dairy products, meat and meat products. It is required for animals and certain animal by-products.
My Department has detailed procedures, guidance and training in place for certifying officers and other officials carrying out regulatory controls along all stages of the food chain, from production and processing through to movement , including the frequency of risk-based controls, and specific conditions of individual certificates.
The IT systems that support official certification are TRACES, my own Department's Export Certification System and Dairy Produce Certification System. There are other systems used for recording a range of trade-related controls and information within my Department, including the Animal Identification and Movement system, and the Agriculture Field and Inspection Testing system.
508. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm for the calendar year 2022, the total number of TRACES declarations for exports from Ireland of Intra-EU and EU exports for both live animals and animal products; the number of individual verification checks that were completed on these TRACES declarations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21459/23]
View answer509. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm for the calendar year 2022 the total number of TRACES declarations for exports from Ireland to Intra-EU and EU exports of both live animals and animal products on which non-conformances were found; the predominant nature of the non-conformances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21460/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 508 and 509 together.
TRACES is used for recording intracommunity movements of certain animals and animal by-products.
Reasons for non- conformances include non -compliance with health legislation and non-compliance with welfare legislation. Further detail on the nature of individual non-compliance is not mandatory on TRACES for export certificates, and was not mandatory during the relevant period for intracommunity movements.
The table below provides information from TRACES relating to intracommunity movements from Ireland in 2022.
|
- |
Live animals |
|
Total number of certificates issued |
13,214 |
|
Total number of non-conformances identified during checks |
92 |
