Written Answers Nos. 81-101
81. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of a new report (details supplied); if so, the measures, if any, in the report under consideration by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25208/23]
View answerI am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy. The Report's recommendations cover a number of cross Government matters in relation to health and climate and also agriculture in the context of transition to a sustainable food system.
The report refers to Food Vision 2030 which, as the Deputy will be aware, reflects a sustainable food systems approach. A food systems approach involves considering the interconnectivity of the food system, especially with the environment and with health and nutrition.
I chair the High Level Implementation Committee which meets quarterly to evaluate progress against the four missions set out in Food Vision 2030, and its overall vision that Ireland will become a world leader in sustainable food systems by 2030. In addition, stakeholder groupings under Food Vision, including the Food Vision Dairy, Beef and Sheep, and Tillage Groups, are driving engagement and implementation in respect of sector-specific actions.
In regard to supports for farmers, our CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027 will deliver some €9.8bn to our farm families over the next five years including the expansion of the organic sector and support for young farmers and land use.
On access to finance, as well as liaising with the main banks on issues relating to the agri-food sector, a new €500 million ‘Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme’ (GSLS), which will facilitate strategic investment by farmers, fishers and food businesses will be launched shortly.
My Department also works collaboratively with all relevant Government Departments and state agencies involved in cross-cutting topics, including in relation to food waste; food labelling; and healthy eating and dietary guidelines.
I am committed to pursuing a sustainable food systems approach to Ireland’s agri-food system.
82. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he is taking fulfil the programme for Government commitment to "ensure that inshore waters continue to be protected for smaller fishing vessels and recreational fishers and that pair trawling will be prohibited inside the six-mile limit". [25025/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in December 2018, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine announced that vessels over 18 metres would be excluded from trawling in inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines from 1 January 2020. A transition period of three years for vessels over 18 metres targeting sprat was allowed to enable adjustment for these vessels, as the sprat fishery is concentrated inside the six nautical mile zone. A Policy Directive was issued by the Minister to the independent Licensing Authority to give effect to these measures.
I am committed to the sustainability of fishing in Irish waters and the exclusion of vessels over 18 metres from trawling in the waters inside 6 nautical miles is in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government.
As the Deputy will be further be aware, however, the decision to exclude vessels over 18 metres from trawling inside the six nautical miles has been the subject of extended legal proceedings further to a Judicial Review to the High Court taken by two applicant fishermen challenging the validity of the Policy. This challenge was upheld by the Judge who held in summary that the Court’s final order should be, among other matters, a declaration that Policy Directive 1 of 2019 was made in breach of fair procedures and is void and/or of no legal effect.
I appealed the decision of the High Court to the Court of Appeal. While the Court of Appeal issued an unapproved judgement on July 19th, 2022 which was substantially in the State’s favour, it required further submissions from both parties.
The Court of Appeal issued a final judgment on 10th March last, stating that the applicant fishers were successful on ‘the narrowest of grounds’ – a sequential omission to consult with the UK prior to the UK leaving the EU. While the Minister made the decision to implement the Policy Directive in March 2019, it was not due to commence until January 2020, and, after the Sea-Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2019 came into force later in April 2019. The Court found that the State should have then carried out a consultation with the UK via the Commission, under Article 20 of the Common Fisheries Policy, as Northern Ireland vessels were permitted to fish again in Irish waters inside six nautical miles.
A further hearing took place on 5th May last to finalise the matter where the Policy Directive has been quashed by an order of certiorari made by the Court of Appeal, meaning that Policy Directive 1 of 2019 is no longer in being. This order by the Court of Appeal was occasioned not by a breach of fair procedures or any prejudice to the applicants or other fishers, but by the sequential omission as outlined above.
I am consulting with legal advisors to consider the implications of the judgment and the order of certiorari and awaiting their final expert opinion to inform next steps on further progressing delivery of the Programme for Government commitment.
83. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline any changes in regulations or requirements with regard to the stacking of silage bales, in particular, with regard to how many rows high they are permitted to be stacked; the penalties that apply in respect of a failure to adhere with same; what leeway will be provided to farmers who have to stack bales three-rows high due to space constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25218/23]
View answerThe storage and stacking of silage bales are regulated under the Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters Regulations, otherwise known as the ‘GAP Regulations’. These Regulations provide legal effect in Ireland to the Nitrates Directive and to our Nitrates Action Programme (NAP).
The purpose of the GAP Regulations is to provide measures that ensure the protection of waters, including drinking water sources, against pollution caused by nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural sources.
This also includes measures for safeguarding against possible harmful impacts of effluent loss that could arise from the storing of baled silage on farms.
Introduced under the fifth NAP and given legal effect in the GAP Regulations (S.I. No.113 of 2022, as amended by S.I. No. 726 of 2022), from this year, in the absence of adequate facilities for the collection and storage of any effluent that may arise, all farmers are required to store silage bales no more than two bales high.
Space constraints should not be limiting as there is scope to stack bales up to two high, in the absence of effluent collection facilities, once stored greater than 20m from surface water or a drinking water abstraction point, as also required under the GAP Regulations.
If farmers receive a Conditionality or a Nitrates Derogation inspection, conducted by officials from my Department, and they are found to be non-compliant with the GAP Regulations with regard to stacking and storage of silage bales, the farmer can incur a sanction on their Direct Payments.
These sanctions are determined on the basis of the extent, severity and permanence of the non-compliance identified. As a general rule a 3% sanction will apply but this may be reduced to 1% or increased up to 10% and will be determined based on the non-compliance's impact regarding the objectives of the GAP Regulations. Tolerance may be considered where the risk to the objective is low. More serious breaches may be dealt with as intent. Cases of non-compliance will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
In addition, as the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is the lead authority responsible for the GAP Regulations, authorised personnel within the Local Authorities may also carry out inspections on farms. Where non-compliance is detected they can cross report the incident to my Department.
Everyone, including the Deputy, wants to protect and enhance our water quality. It is the bedrock of everything we do as an industry and it is critical to our biodiversity.
84. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is going to adopt the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity in terms of reform of Coillte and forestry policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25304/23]
View answerI welcome the recent recommendations from the Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity Loss following the publication of the final report on the work of the Assembly on 5 April 2023.
The report includes 159 recommendations. These include 73 high-level recommendations and 86 sectoral specific actions and priorities. These recommendations and related policy implications, including those that relate to Coillte and forestry are under consideration by my Department at this time.
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department has published a Shared National Vision for Trees, Woods and Forests in Ireland until 2050 which was informed by a series of extensive engagements and consultations. This Vision has informed a new draft Forest Strategy for Ireland, which has also been the subject of an extensive public consultation process.
The Forestry Programme 2023-2027, which replaces the previous Forestry Programme, was created in alignment with the new draft Forest Strategy and as such, is designed to provide lasting benefits for many key areas including climate change, biodiversity, wood production, employment alongside enhancing societal benefits. It has been designed to have an emphasis on close to nature forestry and will include a small-scale native woodland scheme and a greater emphasis on new planting comprising of native species.
As the Deputy may be aware Coillte was established under the 1988 Forestry Act to become custodian and manager of the national forest estate. The focus at that time was to put the estate in the charge of a company which would realise its potential and support wood – production.
Provision was made in the legislation for the Minister for Agriculture to issue directions to the company. Both the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Finance, now the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, are Shareholders of the company under the legislation.
The shareholders provide guidance to the company through the Shareholder’s Letters of Expectation. This provides the opportunity to require Coillte to deliver on Government policy objectives. The most recent letter issued on 2 June last year. It comprehensively and clearly asked Coillte to contribute to our climate change objectives, by re-entering afforestation in order that we can meet our ambitious targets. It also outlined Coillte’s critical role in helping to meet our biodiversity objectives.
Also highlighted in the shareholder letter is the need for the company to be viable. In order to participate in the State’s response to the climate and biodiversity emergency, the letter states that the Company should be profitable and in a position to pay dividends to the shareholders. They must manage the forest estate and its related enterprises in a manner which ensures that it is not a burden to the State but rather a contributor to the Government’s economic, social and environmental objectives.
Coillte now has a division, Coillte Nature, solely devoted to managing the delivery of nature and biodiversity initiatives within Coillte forests.
Today 90,000 hectares of the forest estate is managed primarily for biodiversity. These initiatives include planting native woodlands, restoring important biodiversity areas, regenerating urban forests for the benefit of people and nature, and rehabilitating ecosystem services on sensitive lands, such as peatlands.
We will, of course, engage with any follow-up framework for the implementation of the recommendations contained within the Report.
85. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way he is encouraging and supporting farmers to plant trees on their farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25233/23]
View answerThe new and ambitious €1.3bn Forestry Programme 2023-2027 will replace the previous Programme which expired at the end of 2022.
The Programme will benefit farmers, rural communities and the overall climate and environment for many years to come.
Subject to State Aid approval from the European Commission and the completion of the ongoing Strategic Environmental Assessment/Appropriate Assessment (SEA/AA) process, this will support the largest, most farmer-friendly investment in forestry in the history of the State. This funding includes proposed attractive grant and premiums that will support landowners to plant trees in a manner to providing lasting benefits for many key areas including climate change, biodiversity, wood production, employment alongside enhancing societal benefits.
This funding also provides unprecedented incentives to encourage the planting of trees that can provide a valuable addition to farm incomes whilst also helping towards meeting our planting, climate and biodiversity objectives. The Government’s preferred model of afforestation is for farmers to plant trees on their land, which is why the new Forestry Programme was designed in a manner that will pay farmers 33% more in annual premiums than non- farmers, and this is in addition to their single farm payment.
My Department also proposes to introduce a new Native Tree Area scheme under the Forestry Programme to incentivise small-scale tree planting. This is aimed at re-engaging farmers with afforestation. As the House may be aware, an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 has removed the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare and to remove any barriers for such small-scale planting.
Agroforestry was first introduced to Ireland’s forestry support schemes in 2015 and the measure mainly targeted silvopastoral systems which combine forestry and pasture, including grazing and the growing of fodder. It is proposed to expand this in the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 with pilot schemes for silvoarable and forest gardening systems and an increase in the number of premiums offered.
It is my intention to introduce a programme as soon as is allowable under State Aid rules, to incentivise farmers in particular to re-engage with forestry. I am confident that the attractive increases in grants and premiums will help enable this land-use change over other competing land uses for farmers.
86. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to ensure the future of the agri-food sector, while at the same time meeting emission targets, thereby ensuring maximum utilisation of the benefits of arable, productive land to ensure against likely food shortages in the future, which the formation of the European Community sought to avert; if he is satisfied that emissions from the agri-food sector are comparable with the rest of Europe, keeping in mind their national herds; if he will continue to ensure the use of science to curtail emissions in Ireland, in line with targets, thereby ensuring a fair balance between emission reduction, agri-food production and a comparability with other jurisdictions throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25202/23]
View answerThe agriculture sector is the largest contributor to Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. While challenging from an Irish perspective, and unusual in an international context, this fact reflects the economic, and historical, importance of agriculture, relative to other industries in the Irish economy. Reducing emissions in agriculture is not a uniquely Irish challenge – throughout Europe, reducing green house gas emissions in agriculture has proven difficult. What sets Ireland apart from its EU counterparts is the scale of our beef and dairy primary production industries relative to our population and land size, and the lack of heavy industry in Ireland’s economic make-up.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has several policies and strategies in place to ensure agriculture plays its role in meeting the national climate targets by 2030 and 2050, while continuing to sustainably produce food and feed. The Food Vision 2030 Strategy sets out a pathway for Ireland to become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems over the next decade. Food security, food safety and nutrition are key components of Sustainable Food Systems.
My position has been consistent- each sector, including agriculture, will need to play its part to achieve these targets.
In the Agriculture chapter of the Climate Action Plan 2023, I have proposed measures around three themes: inputs and additives, husbandry practices, and diversification. In practical terms, the types of actions that the sector is undertaking include reducing chemical nitrogen usage and changing fertiliser type, providing voluntary diversification options for farmers, while also improving the environmental dividend from our farmed land. Each of these measures will be supported by a range of actions, setting out a viable pathway towards reaching our targets.
There is no doubt that some farmers will take up diversification options that are provided as part of our climate transformation including to areas such as Organics, Forestry, Tillage and the provision of feedstock for Anaerobic Digestion as we increase the production of renewables. However, given the efficiency gains that continue to be made at farm level, I remain confident that there is no risk to food security, even if some farmers choose to diversify.
In terms of examples for improvement, we have seen the key role the Economic Breeding Index has played in dairy production over the last decade. I am keen to explore how we can, with the necessary commitment of all stakeholders, extend the work we have already done to improve the genetic profile of the herd in recent years.
Recently I announced a world-first scientific breakthrough in animal breeding that can enable the reduction of methane from the Irish cattle herd through animal genetics. This will be possible because of the publication of methane evaluations which will enable breeding programs to reduce daily methane emissions in beef cattle. The research to underpin this is a result of a €3 million project ‘GREENBREED’, funded by my department. The project has led to the publication of the world’s first national genomic evaluations for methane emissions in Irish beef cattle.
The implementation of a low methane emitting breeding programme has significant potential to harness the genetic variation for methane emissions that exists within the national herd, this, in turn, will bring about permanent and cumulative reductions in the methane output of future generations of livestock.
The results of the research also highlight the potential to breed more environmentally sustainable animals, while at the same time, not having a negative impact on food production.
My aim is to future proof Ireland’s Agri-Food sector for the benefit of our industry, the environment and our farm families who are the backbone of the sector and rural communities. Ireland's agri-food sector will continue to be underpinned by our world class livestock and tillage sectors, and it is critical that we work collectively to achieve our environmental targets while maintaining food production.
87. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of any measures planned for the protection of the sprat fishery which is concentrated inside the 6 nautical mile zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25053/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in December 2018, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine announced that vessels over 18 metres would be excluded from trawling in inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines from 1 January 2020. A transition period of three years for vessels over 18 metres targeting sprat was allowed to enable adjustment for these vessels, as the sprat fishery is concentrated inside the six nautical mile zone. A Policy Directive was issued by the Minister to the independent Licensing Authority to give effect to these measures.
I am committed to the sustainability of fishing in Irish waters and the exclusion of vessels over 18 metres from trawling in the waters inside 6 nautical miles is in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government.
As the Deputy will be further be aware, however, the decision to exclude vessels over 18 metres from trawling inside the six nautical miles has been the subject of extended legal proceedings further to a Judicial Review to the High Court taken by two applicant fishermen challenging the validity of the Policy. This challenge was upheld by the Judge who held in summary that the Court’s final order should be, among other matters, a declaration that Policy Directive 1 of 2019 was made in breach of fair procedures and is void and/or of no legal effect.
I appealed the decision of the High Court to the Court of Appeal. While the Court of Appeal issued an unapproved judgement on July 19th, 2022 which was substantially in the State’s favour, it required further submissions from both parties.
The Court of Appeal issued a final judgment on 10th March last, stating that the applicant fishers were successful on ‘the narrowest of grounds’ – a sequential omission to consult with the UK prior to the UK leaving the EU. While the Minister made the decision to implement the Policy Directive in March 2019, it was not due to commence until January 2020, and, after the Sea-Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2019 came into force later in April 2019. The Court found that the State should have then carried out a consultation with the UK via the Commission, under Article 20 of the Common Fisheries Policy, as Northern Ireland vessels were permitted to fish again in Irish waters inside six nautical miles.
A further hearing took place on 5th May last to finalise the matter where the Policy Directive has been quashed by an order of certiorari made by the Court of Appeal, meaning that Policy Directive 1 of 2019 is no longer in being. This order by the Court of Appeal was occasioned not by a breach of fair procedures or any prejudice to the applicants or other fishers, but by the sequential omission as outlined above.
I am consulting with legal advisors to consider the implications of the judgment and the order of certiorari and awaiting their final expert opinion to inform next steps on further progressing delivery of the Programme for Government commitment.
88. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will be allocating additional funding to support animal welfare in budget 2024; if he is concerned that animal welfare organisations are overburdened with welfare cases due to the lack of enforcement by authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24160/23]
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. This Act provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.
I am fully satisfied that enforcement measures under the Act remain effective. The Act has proven to be a robust pieces of legislation and since since the Act came into operation in March 2014, 138 individuals have been successfully prosecuted by my Department. Further prosecutions under the Act have been successfully taken by An Garda Siochána and local authorities.
My Department continues to enforce the law in this important area as does An Garda Siochana, the Customs service, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which have authorised officers under the Act.
My Department also takes a preventive approach to alleviate welfare concerns for both animals and their owners. In addition to continued enforcement of the law, in line with the 'One Health, One Welfare' ethos, my Department is committed to a policy of education and awareness-building in order to prevent animal welfare issues arising.
In December 2022, I announced the record allocation of over €5.8 million in funding to 99 animal welfare charities throughout the country, under the Animal Welfare Grants Programme. This figure exceeded the commitment in the Programme for Government to double the funding allocated within two years. This marks the largest award of grant funding to animal welfare bodies ever made by my Department.
Any decisions in relation to Budget 2024 will be taken in light of policy direction and resources available.
89. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the details of the stringent terms and conditions mentioned in clause 1.1 of the new interim afforestation scheme; if the €200,000 threshold mentioned in this clause refers to investment or premium pay out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25142/23]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that we await state aid approval for the ambitious new Forestry Programme. In the meantime to fill the lacuna created by the end of the last programme on 31st December 2022, an interim afforestation scheme and an interim forest roads scheme were launched, under the General De Minimis Regulation. This allowed those landowners with unused licences at the end of 2022 to opt to plant trees or build a forest road without waiting for the new Programme.
A detailed outline of the requirements of the General de Minimis regulation is provided in the scheme documents and frequently asked questions published on my Department’s website. Information sessions were held by my Department with stakeholders, industry representatives and Oireachtas members earlier this year.
De Minimis aid provided for State Aid given to an enterprise which cannot exceed €200,00 over any three fiscal years to any individual or company. The threshold of €200,000 includes all de minimis payments regardless of the granting Department or agency. These rules include cover both grants and premiums, as well as the blocking of payments that would exceed the threshold and recoupment of any payments made in excess of the threshold.
A declaration is required from the applicant to indicate that they are aware of these rules and that they undertake to submit details of all de minimis payments during the previous rolling three-year period. The declaration also indicates that the applicant understands that if the cumulative amount of all de minimis payments received during the three-year rolling period exceeds €200,000 the payment cannot be made.
90. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will re-examine the current allocation system of the national mackerel quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24654/23]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the management arrangements for the State’s fisheries, including the Mackerel fishery, have been set and developed over many years since the commencement of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the introduction of quotas. Pelagic stocks such as Mackerel are managed on an annual or seasonal basis with catch limits set based on allocation regimes developed over many years and related to historical catch records. Amendments to the mackerel policy in 2010 and 2017 were introduced following a full review and public consultation. The 2017 policy is currently subject to a legal challenge in the Courts.
In order to amend Mackerel Policy, I as Minister must be satisfied that there is satisfactory evidence of changed circumstances to justify a policy review. If I consider there is a case for review of any aspect of the policy, it would require due process, involving an assessment of all issues arising, including a full public consultation.
As you will appreciate, there has been, for the past 20 years or so, intensive competition within the industry for a higher share of the mackerel quota. The EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) provides for the transfer of 26% of Ireland’s mackerel quota to the UK by 2026. This will only increase demands for a higher share of Ireland’s Mackerel quota from all sectors within the fishing fleet.
Unfortunately, the situation is that if there is an increase in the Mackerel quota for any sector in the allocation made available, it must be taken from others who are already facing significant cuts under the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement.
There is currently no agreement within the fisheries sector for change from the current approach.
91. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional supports being provided for the sheep sector, given that the Brexit adjustment reserve was not used to provide much-needed supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25114/23]
View answerAlthough there has been a solid and sustained increase in average sheep prices since the end of February, I recognise that sheep farmers are experiencing more difficult market conditions in 2023 compared to recent years.
The Government, as the Deputy can appreciate, has no role in determining commodity prices in the sheep sector. However, it is heartening to see that markets are now returning consistently better prices for farmers than at the start of the year.
According to my Department’s weekly Meat Market Report, the latest national average price for Irish sheep (for the week ending 14.05.23) was €7.51/kg which was similar to the prevailing level for the corresponding period in 2022.
It should be noted that my Department already provides significant support to the sector under the new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), both through the Sheep Improvement Scheme and through the broad range of CSP schemes for which sheep farmers are eligible. These include the ACRES and Organic Farming schemes, which are particularly suited to sheep enterprises or mixed beef and sheep enterprises, and which are likely to provide higher direct payments to sheep farmers this year.
Additionally, I have supported livestock farmers in dealing with increased costs over the last year by introducing a fodder incentive scheme, a national liming programme and a package to encourage the sowing of multi-species swards and red clover.
While market returns have reduced for sheep farmers, mainly because of increased input costs, Teagasc forecasts suggest that family farm income for specialised sheep farms in 2023 will be €19,500, a reduction of 2% on 2022. This projection reflects the important role which direct payments play in supporting sheep farm incomes.
The Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) established by the EU Commission provides financial support to the most affected Member States to counter the adverse economic, social, territorial and, where appropriate, environmental consequences of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. Expenditure under the BAR must demonstrate a direct link to the negative impact of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, and failure to do so will see the European Commission deem expenditure ineligible.
The sheep meat price data published by my Department does not provide conclusive evidence that the sector has suffered any persistent adverse impact as a result of the UK's decision to withdraw from the EU - in fact, the overall price trend has been predominantly positive for primary producers during that period.
In light of the current challenges facing the sector, my officials are closely monitoring the sheep market situation and the Government will continue to make every effort to support the sector.
92. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the proposed EU nature restoration regulation has been considered at the Council of Agriculture Ministers; if so, the proposals he put forward; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25213/23]
View answerI thank the Deputy for raising this important topic and I assure him that this is something I have acutely aware of and I am following the situation extremely closely.
The co-decision process for the proposed EU Nature Restoration Law is being managed by the Environment Council. The views of the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers have also been sought, and this proposal was discussed at the Council on 21st November 2022 and on 20th March 2023.
I fully recognise the need to protect and restore biodiversity across both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Nevertheless, it is clear that it gives rise to many challenges from the perspectives of agriculture, forestry and the marine, not least in the context of the need to ensure food security, support rural and coastal communities and recognise the way in which agricultural production has evolved.
At the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers, I took the opportunity to raise a number of issues which I consider require detailed consideration, including:
Firstly, the need for clear definitions, particularly with regard to the meaning of rewetting. Member States need flexibility to account for specific national circumstances.
Secondly, the need for better data in order to provide more reliable estimates of areas - both land and marine - that are potentially impacted, as well as to facilitate consideration of the proposed timeframe for monitoring and reporting. Against this background, the setting of specific targets beyond 2030 needs to be carefully considered.
Thirdly, forestry targets must take into account the different composition of forests in Member States.
Fourthly, I highlighted my concerns regarding the possible impact of the proposed targets on Ireland’s fishing and aquaculture industries. I stressed that further engagement is needed to ensure that all targets set are appropriate and do not adversely impact the fisheries sector.
Finally, I stressed the need to mobilise all EU funding instruments, as well as private funding, in light of the scope and ambition of the proposal.
Discussions are continuing at the Environment Council.
93. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of hectares of new afforestation in each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and the projected total for 2023. [25192/23]
View answerThe Government has committed €1.3 billion to the new Forestry Programme, which is the biggest and largest funded Forestry Programme ever introduced by any Government here. It has been designed to contribute to our climate change and biodiversity objectives and is aimed in particular at re-engaging farmers in order that we can reach our ambitious afforestation target of 8,000 hectares per year. It has an emphasis on close to nature forestry, and also provides for small scale planting of up to one hectare by farmers without the need for a licence.
Planting levels in recent years include 2,434 hectares planted in 2020, 2016 hectares in 2021, 2,273 in 2023 with 441 hectares planted in 2023 to date.
In order to ensure that planting continued during the Spring planting season, and to fill the lacuna created by the end of the Forestry Programme on 31st December, 2022, I launched an interim afforestation scheme. To date we have granted approval for over 1,600 hectares under this scheme with work commenced on over 1,300 hectares.
I am confident that the unprecedented incentives and variety offered under the new Programme will result in a significant increase in afforestation in the coming years. We intend to increase premiums for planting trees by between 46% and 66% and to extend the premium period from 15 to 20 years for farmers.
We will be asking all across the forestry sector to support this new and exciting vision for forestry in Ireland.
94. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of hectares planted for 2023; the number of licences issued; the target for licences issued in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25297/23]
View answerAs Deputies may be aware the new and ambitious €1.3bn Forestry Programme 2023-2027 will replace the previous Programme which expired at the end of 2022.
The new Programme will benefit farmers, rural communities and the overall climate and environment.
Subject to State Aid approval from the European Commission and the completion of the ongoing Strategic Environmental Assessment/Appropriate Assessment (SEA/AA) process, this will support the largest, most farmer-friendly investment in forestry in the history of the State.
In recognition of the need for forestry activity to continue, and pending the launch of the new Programme, my Department engaged with the Commission last December to secure an interim solution which has led to the introduction of an Interim Afforestation Scheme, an Interim Forest Road Scheme and an interim Ash Dieback Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme via General De Minimis. This ensured that those with valid afforestation licences issued before the end of 2022 could avail of the current planting season under the higher grant and premium rates proposed under the new Programme. Likewise those with valid road licences and approvals under the Ash Dieback Scheme at the end of 2022 could avail of the higher grants and enhanced payment rates as proposed under the new Programme.
In terms of planting there are 797 approved afforestation licences with 5,819 hectares ready for planting and to date over 1,692 hectares have been approved for planting under the Interim De Minimis scheme. 441hectares has been planted and paid for to date in 2023. Furthermore 39,721 m have been approved under the interim Forest Road Scheme, while 74 hectares has been approved under the interim RUS scheme.
Looking at progress to date in 2023 my Department has issued 1,278 forestry licences overall. This can be broken down into 1,229 felling licences, 43 forest roads licences and six Afforestation licences, this reflects the fact that we cannot approve grant-aided road and afforestation licences until we receive State Aid approval from the EU Commision to the new Programme. While we await State Aid approval, the Department is continuing to process all applications that are in the system in the normal manner, progressing to the point just before certification and approval. The aim is to have processed as many grant aid applications as possible so that approvals will be ready to issue as soon as allowable
There is obvious merit in signalling to forest owners, landowners, and the forest sector our intentions as regards licensing which is why I intend to publish a new Forestry Licensing Plan once the new Forestry Programme has been approved at national and EU levels.
My Department has been engaging intensively with the Commission over the last few months and expect to hear from the Commission shortly. Both myself and Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, are absolutely committed to delivering a forestry programme for the benefit of farmers, landowners, the climate, rural communities and the overall economy.
95. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he is going to implement the commitment in the programme for Government to review and reform the Forestry Act 1988; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25303/23]
View answerI welcome the opportunity to discuss Coillte's mandate and how it relates to the implementation of Government policy both as a commercial semi-state organisation and of course on our land-use and environmental priorities.
It is essential that its mandate continue to be flexible, multi-purpose and responsive to the issues of the day as part of a long-term land-use strategy. In my role as Minister, I am one of two shareholding Ministers in Coillte along with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
As a company, Coillte's role has evolved over time to reflect the company's important role in addressing the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the forestry sector and our rural economy. It was established under the 1988 Forestry Act to become custodian and manager of the national forest estate. The focus at that time was to put the estate in the charge of a company which would realise its potential and primarily support wood production. These are still important functions but much has changed since then both in terms of public policy but also in terms of Coillte's own activities and remit.
The current Programme for Government includes commitments to embark on an ambitious programme of afforestation on state-owned lands and to ensure that Coillte’s remit supports the delivery of climate change commitments and the protection of biodiversity. These commitments were outlined to Coillte in the last Shareholder Letter of Expectation issued by both myself and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in June last year.
In it the company were specifically tasked with delivering actions which would help to achieve the goals outlined in the Climate Action Plan and the National Biodiversity Strategy.
I have published this letter since so that all interested stakeholders are aware of its contents and so that the mandate outlined is transparent to all.
We further asked that Coillte continue to provide safe and sustainable public access to the nation's forest and that they invest in the creation of further recreational areas in support of local communities and tourism.
The letter also highlighted the need for the company to be viable and to supply wood products to grow the bio-economy.
Coillte has responded to this in its new Strategic Vision. In this Vision, Coillte has indicated that their afforestation ambition is to enable the creation of 100,000 hectares of new forests by 2050 providing a carbon sink of 18 million tonnes of CO2. Coillte will also manage the existing forest estate to capture an additional 10 million tonnes of CO2 by 2050. It intended to increase the area of forest being managed primarily for nature from 20% to 50% in the long term, by enhancing and restoring biodiversity and planting new forests, half of which will be native woodlands.
Coillte now has a division, Coillte Nature, solely devoted to managing the delivery of nature and biodiversity initiatives within Coillte forests. These initiatives include planting native woodlands, restoring important biodiversity areas, regenerating urban forests for the benefit of people and nature, and rehabilitating ecosystem services on sensitive lands, such as peatlands. Today 90,000 hectares of the forest estate is managed primarily for biodiversity.
I reiterate that the current legislation governing the mandate of Coillte together with Government policy along with Coillte’s own Strategy Vision, ensures that climate action and the protection and enhancement of biodiversity are integral to its role and operation. Our collective focus now should be on the achievement of these targets and I will continue to work intensively with Coillte on its achievement.
96. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how he proposes to treat farmers who did not make an application for the ACRES scheme by the November 2022 deadline as they had been informed by Teagasc, a State agency under his Department, that there was insufficient capacity to deal with the number of applications and only because of the said lack of capacity of Teagasc; if farmers who make an application by August 2023 will be treated as though they had made the application in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24769/23]
View answerThe 1.5bn Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is the pioneering and flaghsip agri-environment climate measure in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027. It is a voluntary scheme whereby farmers, when approved into ACRES, will undertake certain actions on their land for at least five years.
Farmers have demonstrated their desire to enhance the environmental sustainability of their enterprises through their enthusiasm for ACRES.
Farmers have thereby shown that they are ready and willing to play their part and both I and the Government are happy to support their contribution to addressing the range of climate, environmental and biodiversity challenges currently being experienced.
The Government has committed €1.5 billion to ACRES over its duration with the aim of facilitating the participation of 50,000 farmers. This is a significant number so the intake into the scheme is being phased with two tranches. Tranche 1 of ACRES opened for applications on Monday 17th October 2022 and closed Wednesday 7th December 2022 and all interested farmers were eligible and encouraged to apply.
Phasing the intake into the Scheme helps to spread the workload on advisors. Intake into the Green Low Carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS), the predecessor to ACRES, was also on a tranche basis for the same reason.
Tranche 1 of the scheme had originally been projected to receive some 30,000 applicants but by its closing date had received over 46,000 applications.
I was delighted to have secured sufficient funding to be able to accept all valid applications submitted for Tranche 1 into the Scheme and these successful farmers have received their formal notifications.
Tranche 1 is now closed for applications and our focus is on its implementation. For those farmers who were not in a position to apply for the Scheme in Tranche 1, they will have an opportunity to apply for it in Tranche 2. It is proposed that Tranche 2 will open for applications later this year with contracts in that Tranche to commence from 1 January 2024.
Business relations between agricultural advisors and farmers are a private matter and this falls outside of my Department’s remit. I encourage all interested farmers to remain in contact with their advisors and to fully explore the opportunities when the application process opens for Tranche 2.
97. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received for the reconstitution and underplanting scheme related to ash dieback in 2022; the number of applications received to date in 2023; the number approved in each of these categories; the amount paid out under the RUS in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25209/23]
View answerDeputies may be aware that the first confirmed finding of Ash Dieback Disease (Hymenoscyphus fraxineaus) in Ireland was made on 12th October 2012 at a forestry plantation site which had been planted in 2009 with trees imported from continental Europe.
In March 2013, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine introduced a Reconstitution Scheme (Chalara Ash Dieback) to restore forests planted under the afforestation scheme which had suffered from, or which were associated with plants affected by disease.
Following a Review of the National Response to Ash Dieback Disease arising from scientific advice and evidence that eradication of ash dieback disease is no longer feasible the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (Ash Dieback) was launched in June 2020. The purpose of the RUS scheme was to clear all ash trees and replant with other species. Grants for site clearance and replanting to cover the costs associated with these operations were provided and premiums continued to be paid where the contracts were still in premium. The total number of applications received under RUS in 2022 was 489 applications representing an area of 1,696 hectares. Technical approvals were issued for 230 applications representing an area of 743 hectares. A total of €875,477 was paid in grant aid under the scheme in 2022. Those with outstanding applications will have the opportunity to opt into into the new Scheme proposed under the new Forestry Programme, subject to State Aid approval.
In March, an Interim Reconstitution Scheme for Ash Dieback via general de minimis was introduced which contains a doubling of site clearance rates, increased grant rates and an improved premium regime. This allowed those who have valid existing approvals where work has not commenced to opt into the Scheme which includes the following enhanced features:
• 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate from €1,000 to €2,000.
• Enhanced grant rates as per draft Forestry programme 2023-2027
• Those applicants whose sites are still in premium will continue to receive the premium due for the remaining years.
• In addition, for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium, a top up premium equal to the difference between the equivalent forestry type and the existing premium will be paid. This will be calculated for the remaining years left in premium and paid in a single sum.
To date 18 applications representing 74 hectares have been approved under this interim scheme.
A total of €9.2 million has been expended to date on schemes to deal with ash dieback by my Department with interventions made on 2338 hectares.
98. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the new forestry programme, including when it is expected that new applications will be accepted into the scheme. [25193/23]
View answerAs Deputies may be aware the new and ambitious €1.3bn Forestry Programme 2023-2027 will replace the previous Programme which expired at the end of 2022.
The new Programme will benefit farmers, rural communities and our overall climate and environment.
The new Programme is subject to State Aid approval under the Guidelines from the EU Commission. It is also subject to an ongoing Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment process, which is well advanced.
My Department has been engaging proactively and intensively with the Commission over the last few months in order to secure approval . Once it is received, we will be in a position to launch new forestry schemes, subject to finalization of the Strategic Environmental Assessment.
The position at the moment is that the Commission is reviewing our State Aid Notification and will decide whether the aid proposed under the new Programme is compatible with EU rules. I would expect to hear from the Commission very shortly and as the Commission reserves the right to seek additional information, it is not possible to give a definitive timeline at this stage as to when approval will be granted. However, I would like to assure the House that my Department will respond quickly to any communication from the Commission with a view to receiving approval as soon as is possible.
Not all schemes under the Programme require State Aid approval under the Guidelines and on 24th April, under the Agricultural Block Exemption Regulation, my Department opened two schemes for applications, the Forest Roads Scheme and the Innovative Forest Technology Scheme – Module 2 Investment Aid for the Development of the Forest Tree Nursery Sector.
In recognition of the need for forestry activity to continue, and pending the launch of the new Programme, my Department also engaged with the Commission last December to secure an interim solution which has led to the introduction of an Interim Afforestation Scheme, an Interim Forest Road Scheme and an interim Ash Dieback Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme via General De Minimis. This ensured that those with valid afforestation licences issued before the end of 2022 could avail of the current planting season under the higher grant and premium rates proposed under the new Programme. Likewise those with valid road licences and approvals under the Ash Dieback Scheme at the end of 2022 could avail of the higher grants and enhanced payment rates as proposed under the new Programme.
As you may be aware, there are 797 approved afforestation licences with 5,819 hectares ready for planting and to date over 1,692 hectares have been approved for planting under the Interim De Minimis scheme. In addition 39,721 m have been approved under the interim Forest Road Scheme, while 74 hectares has been approved under the interim RUS scheme.
Finally I wish to assure the Housee that the launch of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 is a matter of the utmost priority for me and all efforts are directed towards its early introduction.
99. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he and his Department accept and endorse the findings of the 2021 Power report, commissioned by Rásaíocht Con Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24628/23]
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.
In July 2021, Jim Power Economics produced a report on The Economic & Financial Significance of the Irish Greyhound Industry which was commissioned by RCÉ. This report follows earlier similar reports produced by Jim Power for RCÉ in 2010 and 2017.
According to the 2021 Power Report, the greyhound industry provides and supports considerable employment both directly and indirectly across the Irish economy.
It is estimated that in 2019, the industry supported over 4,000 full-time and part-time jobs in the economy. In addition, there are over 6,000 active greyhound owners. The total number of people deriving economic benefit from the sector is estimated at over 10,000.
The authors of the report are independent of RCE and are bound by there own professional standards. I see no reason to question the validity of the report.
100. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on reforms to ACRES to allow non-turbary and turbary areas to be scored independently of each other; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25296/23]
View answerThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is the main agri-environment climate measure under Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. This Government has committed €1.5 billion to the Scheme over its duration, which is the largest amount ever committed to an agri-environment scheme.
This financial commitment highlights the anticipated contribution of the Scheme to the delivery of long-term environmental improvement through the participation by a significant number of farmers. with each making a strong improvement on their farm.
Some 46,000 farmers have been accepted into this scheme to date, which shows the level of interest, the commitment and environmental ambition of our farmers in contributing to the long-term ambition of delivering on environmental and climate objectives.As the Deputy is aware, there are two approaches within the Scheme – ACRES General and ACRES Co-operation. Commonage falls within both approaches and is a mandatory action for all ACRES participants with commonage land.
While it is a results-based action in the ACRES Co-operation, it is only commonages greater than 10 hectares within the ACRES General area that will qualify for a results-based payment. The purpose of a results-based system is to reward good environmental practice and encourage increased ambition through subsequent increased scores and resulting increased payments.
Let me be very clear - the ACRES scheme does not prohibit any activity, including active turbary.While fully appreciating the rights of farmers to cut turf, my Department and the Co-operation Teams, who are assisting farmers in the ACRES Co-operation zones, are conscious that active turf-cutting could have a disproportionate impact on scores on commonage.
To ensure ACRES participants on commonage lands are rewarded for their environmental ambition, it is now proposing that non-turbary and turbary areas are scored independently of each other.
In doing so, any scoring related to active turbary will be confined to those sub-units of active turbary, thereby allowing the vast majority of commonage land to be assessed independently of turbary, where such rights exist. ACRES farmers will be paid in full for their combined score on non-turbary and turbary areas, subject to scheme ceilings. I am satisfied that this approach strikes a good balance between the environmental ambition of the scheme while respecting the traditions of our commonage activities.
101. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the new afforestation scheme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25143/23]
View answerAs Deputies may be aware the new and ambitious €1.3bn Forestry Programme 2023-2027 will replace the previous Programme which expired at the end of 2022.
The new Programme will be positive for farmers, rural communities and the climate.
The new Programme is subject to State Aid approval under the Guidelines from the EU Commission. It is also subject to an ongoing Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment process, which is well advanced.
The Department has been engaging proactively and intensively with the Commission over the last few months in order to secure approval . Once it is received, we will be in a position to launch new forestry schemes, subject to finalization of the Strategic Environmental Assessment.
The position at the moment is that the Commission is reviewing our State Aid Notification and will decide whether the aid proposed under the new Programme is compatible with EU rules.
I would expect to hear from the Commission shortly and as the Commission reserves the right to seek additional information, it is not possible to give a definitive timeline at this stage as to when approval will be granted.
However, I would like to assure the House that my Department will respond quickly to any communication from the Commission with a view to receiving approval as soon as is possible.
Not all schemes under the Programme require State Aid approval under the Guidelines and on 24th April, under the Agricultural Block Exemption Regulation, my Department opened two schemes for applications, the Forest Roads Scheme and the Innovative Forest Technology Scheme – Module 2 Investment Aid for the Development of the Forest Tree Nursery Sector.
In recognition of the need for forestry activity to continue, and pending the launch of the new Programme, the Department also engaged with the Commission last December to secure an interim solution which has led to the introduction of an Interim Afforestation Scheme, an Interim Forest Road Scheme and an interim Ash Dieback Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme via General De Minimis.
This ensured that those with valid afforestation licences issued before the end of 2022 could avail of the current planting season under the higher grant and premium rates proposed under the new Programme.
Likewise those with valid road licences and approvals under the Ash Dieback Scheme at the end of 2022 could avail of the higher grants and enhanced payment rates as proposed under the new Programme.
As you may be aware, there are 797 approved afforestation licences with 5,819 hectares ready for planting and to date over 1,692 hectares have been approved for planting under the Interim De Minimis scheme. In addition 39,721 m have been approved under the interim Forest Road Scheme, while 74 hectares has been approved under the interim RUS scheme.
Finally, I assure the House that the launch of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 is a matter of the utmost priority for me and everyone in the Department. All efforts are directed towards its early introduction.
