Alan Kelly
Question:982. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount the Horse and Greyhound Fund has received since its inception, by year and amount allocated, in tabular form. [28343/23]
View answerDepartmental Funding
Questions (982)
Written answers
The horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001.
The Fund is distributed in accordance with Section 12(6) of the Act, with 80% going to Horse Racing Ireland and 20% to Rásaíocht Con Éireann.
In the period 2001 to 2023, a total of some €1.64 billion has been allocated from the Fund to the horse and greyhound racing industries in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
The Fund allocation from 2001 to 2023 is as set out below.
|
Year |
Amount €(Million) |
|
2001 |
59,522,782 |
|
2002 |
68,038,451 |
|
2003 |
64,186,000 |
|
2004 |
66,914,000 |
|
2005 |
68,350,000 |
|
2006 |
70,059,000 |
|
2007 |
73,111,000 |
|
2008 |
76,285,800 |
|
2009 |
68,127,600 |
|
2010 |
59,264,000 |
|
2011 |
57,290,000 |
|
2012 |
56,290,000 |
|
2013 |
55,020,000 |
|
2014 |
54,220,000 |
|
2015 |
68,000,000 |
|
2016 |
74,000,000 |
|
2017 |
80,000,000 |
|
2018 |
80,000,000 |
|
2019 |
84,000,000 |
|
2020 |
84,000,000 |
|
2021 |
96,000,000 |
|
2022 |
88,000,000 |
|
2023 |
91,000,000 |
Forestry Sector
Questions (983)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:983. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are any plans to introduce a scheme for private homeowners living in the countryside in addition to the €9 million in support to landowners with ash dieback infected plantations by removing and replanting their sites with alternative species to avoid an endemic spread of the disease to rural gardens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28378/23]
View answerWritten answers
Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is a familiar tree in the Irish landscape, in forests roadsides, hedgerows and in private gardens. Ash dieback disease is now widespread throughout the country and its impact on ash trees in forests, on roadside and hedgerow ash in private gardens and in other locations is evident.
The care and management of trees in rural gardens including those adjacent to roads is the responsibility of the landowner on whose land the trees are growing. It is advisable that landowners make themselves aware of the full legal extent of their land ownership and of any obligations arising from this.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine does not offer funding for the removal of roadside trees or for private homeowners living in the countryside with ash trees in their rural gardens. The Department has published guidance on the subject of roadside trees (“A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees”) and this can be accessed at the Department website.
In relation to any planned felling of trees, landowners should contact the Felling Section of the Department to determine whether, under the Forestry Act 2014, a felling licence is required.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (984)
Claire Kerrane
Question:984. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will advise when the fodder support scheme will open for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28404/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, I announced in June 2022 the launch of the €56 million Fodder Support Scheme. The aim of the scheme was to incentivise farmers, in particular drystock farmers, to grow more fodder (silage and/or hay) to ensure Ireland did not have any animal welfare issues over the 2022 winter and 2023 spring.
Building on the success of the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme, in November 2022, I launched the 2023 Fodder Support Scheme.
Both schemes were a recognition of the impact of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the impact that had in terms of access to imported animal feed and on the price of agricultural inputs, especially chemical fertiliser.
Any decision on expenditure for 2024 is matter for the 2024 budgetary process.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (985)
Claire Kerrane
Question:985. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to expanding the fodder support scheme to applicants who did not participate in the scheme in 2022 or 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28405/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, I announced in June 2022 the launch of the €56 million Fodder Support Scheme. The aim of the scheme was to incentivise farmers, in particular drystock farmers, to grow more fodder (silage and/or hay) to ensure Ireland did not have any animal welfare issues over the 2022 winter and 2023 spring.
Building on the success of the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme, in November 2022, I launched the 2023 Fodder Support Scheme.
Both schemes were a recognition of the impact of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the impact that had in terms of access to imported animal feed and on the price of agricultural inputs, especially chemical fertiliser.
I will continue to monitor the situation around the price of agricultural inputs and availability and supply of fodder throughout 2023, but at this point I have no plans to re-open the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme and/or the 2023 Fodder Support Scheme to new applicants.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (986)
Claire Kerrane
Question:986. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants to the fodder support scheme in 2022 and 2023; the number that were accepted and rejected in each year; if he will provide this information, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28406/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, I announced in June 2022 the launch of the €56 million Fodder Support Scheme. The aim of the scheme was to incentivise farmers, in particular drystock farmers, to grow more fodder (silage and/or hay) to ensure Ireland did not have any animal welfare issues over the 2022 winter and 2023 spring.
Building on the success of the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme, in November 2022, I launched the 2023 Fodder Support Scheme. Only successful applicants for the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme were eligible to apply for the 2023 Scheme, which closed at midnight on the 5th of December 2022.
Both schemes were a recognition of the impact of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the impact that had in terms of access to imported animal feed and on the price of agricultural inputs, especially chemical fertiliser.
The table below details the applicant figures in both the 2022 and 2023 Fodder Support Scheme as of 8th June 2023.
|
Year |
Number of applicants |
Number accepted |
Number not accepted* |
|
2022 |
71,904 |
71,182 |
722 |
|
2023 |
67,451 |
67,451 |
0 |
*This includes cases currently subject to an appeals process, under review and awaiting outstanding information.
Forestry Sector
Questions (987)
Claire Kerrane
Question:987. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants to the reconstitution scheme for ash dieback from 2013 to date and the reconstitution and underplanting scheme (ash dieback) from 2020 to date; if he will advise the number of applications and funding allocated per year per scheme, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28407/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will 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, my Department 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 table below shows the amount expended on completed works under each of the Ash Dieback reconstitution schemes from 2013. The number of applications for approval under each scheme is indicated for each year. The Deputy should note that expenditure is for completed works and the totals given are for a combination of site clearance, first planting grant or second grant.
|
Ash Dieback & RUS Schemes Applicant/Funding Detail 2013- 30 Apr 2023 |
||||
|
Ash Dieback |
RUS |
|||
|
Year |
€ |
Applicants |
€ |
Applicants |
|
2013 |
€692,854.70 |
195 |
€ 0.00 |
0 |
|
2014 |
€1,274,155.22 |
15 |
€ 0.00 |
0 |
|
2015 |
€ 687,600.83 |
98 |
€ 0.00 |
0 |
|
2016 |
€ 446,279.39 |
79 |
€ 0.00 |
0 |
|
2017 |
€ 811,056.77 |
117 |
€ 0.00 |
0 |
|
2018 |
€ 1,822,199.14 |
206 |
€ 0.00 |
0 |
|
2019 |
€ 1,310,630.23 |
101 |
€ 0.00 |
0 |
|
2020 |
€ 434,191.69 |
63 |
€ 0.00 |
0 |
|
2021 |
€ 233,587.80 |
61 |
€ 80,430.00 |
27 |
|
2022 |
€ 407,926.11 |
85 |
€ 875,476.50 |
118 |
|
2023 to date |
€ 13,606.50 |
2 |
€368,804.50 |
51 |
Departmental Meetings
Questions (988)
Alan Kelly
Question:988. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the dates to date in 2023 where he has met each CEO and or chairperson of each State agency under the remit of his Department, in tabular form. [28442/23]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being prepared and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy shortly.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51:
I advise the Deputy that I, along with my Ministerial colleagues Minister of State Pippa Hackett and Minister of State Martin Heydon meet regularly with the CEO/Chairperson and officials from the State agencies under the remit of my Department. The list below is of meetings I have had with the various CEO, Chairperson or senior officials of State agencies in the timeframe.
|
State Agency |
Date(s) |
|
Aquaculture License Appeal Board |
|
|
Bord Bia |
08/02/23 10/05/23 13/05/23-19/05/23 25/05/23 |
|
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) |
|
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) |
16/01/23 24/02/23 |
|
Coillte Cuideachta Ghníomhaíochta Ainmnithe |
19/01/23 |
|
Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) |
29/04/23 |
|
The Irish National Stud Co. Ltd |
|
|
Marine Institute |
10/01/23 04/05/23 |
|
National Milk Agency |
|
|
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
28/04/23 24/02/23 |
|
Teagasc |
09/05/23 23/05/23 24/05/23 |
|
Veterinary Council Ireland |
09/02/2023 |
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (989)
Claire Kerrane
Question:989. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update regarding reports of 'severe' penalties should ACRES scoring deadlines not be met; if he will advise what measures are being taken to ease the pressure being placed on farmers and farm advisors to have land scored by the current August deadline given the app for advisors to do so has been delayed during what is already a very busy period for applications to the scheme; if consideration has been given to extending the scoring deadline into September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28456/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware the Agri-Climate Environment Scheme (ACRES) is Ireland’s flagship agri-environment scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027. It will pay farmers €1.5 billion over its lifetime. This is the largest sum ever committed to an agri-environment scheme. A key feature of ACRES is the introduction of a results-based system agri-environmental scheme that rewards farmers for committed environmental effort by linking payments to the quality of environmental outcomes delivered.
Over 46,000 farmers applied to join the Scheme and I was pleased to approve entry to the Scheme to all those that qualified. Every participant has received their approval letters and approval summaries, along with the Farmland Plant Identification Key.
These lands with result-based actions (be that in ACRES general or ACRES Co-operation) will be scored over the summer months, by approved ACRES advisors, who have completed the mandatory in-field scorecard training. This was the commitment from the advisors and the farmer when submitting the application. Without these scores my Department cannot make payments in the Autumn. To facilitate in-field scoring and submission of scorecards in respect of relevant parcels, my Department has developed the AgriSnap app which is live and available for use and scores are now starting to be submitted.
All relevant parcels must be scored and submitted by 31st August 2023. This deadline is to allow us to make payments to farmers by November and my aim is that as many farmers as possible can be paid then.
Common Agricultural Policy
Questions (990)
Claire Kerrane
Question:990. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a breakdown of his Department's spending of EU CAP funding in 2022, after meeting all direct farm payments for that year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28463/23]
View answerWritten answers
The following is the breakdown of EU CAP funding in the calendar year 2022 under Pillar 1 European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and Pillar 2 European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). Please note the Pillar 2 amounts quoted are the public funding amounts.
2022 Pillar 1 EAGF Spending
|
Scheme |
Amount € |
|
Direct Payments |
1,179,636,215.55 |
|
Market Supports / Other |
16,307,205.18 |
|
Total |
1,195,943,420.73 |
2022 Pillar 2 EAFRD Spending
|
Measure |
Amount € |
|
Measure 1 |
4,261,786.90 |
|
Measure 2 |
2,039,773.80 |
|
Measure 4 |
70,385,220.19 |
|
Measure 7 |
1,068,394.39 |
|
Measures 10,30,40,50 and 60 |
222,454,643.20 |
|
Measures 11,31,41,51 and 61 |
12,123,997.97 |
|
Measure 12 |
-10,600.40 |
|
Measures 13,33,42,53 and 63 |
246,471,396.62 |
|
Measures 14,34,44,54 and 64 |
17,568,946.50 |
|
Measure 16 |
11,031,143.43 |
|
Measure 20 |
25,950,756.64 |
|
Total |
613,345,459.24 |
Animal Welfare
Questions (991)
Mick Barry
Question:991. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department will take to ensure the welfare of all animals currently being looked after by an organisation (details supplied) which has called a national emergency appeal due to the fact that all its centres have reached maximum capacity; and if his Department is considering taking further measures to ensure that the current situation is not repeated as a result of excess breeding. [28501/23]
View answerWritten answers
Animal welfare is a key priority for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and considerable resources and funding are provided to support animal welfare charities and organisations involved in rescuing and rehoming animals through the Annual Welfare Grant Programme.
In December 2022, my Department awarded record funding of €5.8 million to 99 animal welfare charities throughout the country. This included a substantial contribution to the organisation in question. Of the €5.8m awarded to animal welfare charities in 2022, €4.7m was provided to charities working with dogs and this money contributes to supporting re-homing schemes run by some of the recipient charities.
In January, I convened a working group on the control of dogs along with Minister Humphreys, and the report of this group has been approved by cabinet and published. Its recommendations include a campaign on responsible dog ownership, which will be driven by my Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The 2023 application process for grants from my Department for animal welfare charities will open in the coming weeks, demonstrating my Department's ongoing commitment to supporting the valuable work of these organisations in the future.
Question No. 992 answered with Question No. 954.
Calafoirt agus Céanna
Questions (993)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:993. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a cheadófar airgead do Chomhairlí Áitiúla le h-aghaidh oibreacha mara ar chéibheanna beaga i mbliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [28555/23]
View answerWritten answers
I mí Eanáir 2022, sheol mé an Scéim Coigeartaithe Brexit um Bonneagar Mara na nÚdarás Áitiúil 2022-2023 d'athnuachan na gcéanna agus na gcuanta atá faoi úinéireacht na n-údarás áitiúil amháin. Cuireadh an scéim sin ar bun tar éis mholadh Thascfhórsa na hEarnála Bia Mara maidir le dul i ngleic leis na tionchair atá ag teacht chun cinn san earnáil bia mara mar thoradh ar an gComhaontú Trádála agus Comhair idir an AE agus an RA. Is togra uathúil í an scéim seo a dearadh chun tacú le cruthú agus cosaint post trí chistí Chúlchiste Coigeartaithe Brexit (CCB) a dháileadh chun bonneagar cósta agus mara atá faoi úinéireacht phoiblí a fheabhsú, a uasghrádú, a nuachóiriú agus a fhorbairt d'fhonn éagsúlú deiseanna geilleagracha a éascú.
Go dtí seo, tá leithdháileadh dar luach suas le €55.3m fógartha agam, lena n-áirítear cead le haghaidh 164 tionscadal breise arna maoiniú ag suas le 95% de luach an tionscadail. Is féidir sonraí an mhaoinithe atá leithdháilte a aimsiú ar líne ag www.gov.ie/en/press-release/01fd7-mcconalogue-announces-increased-brexit-investment-in-public-marine-infrastructure-total-now-553m/. I measc na dtionscadal tá céanna beaga agus tionscadail mhuirmhúir agus dreidireachta. Tá an scéim cláraithe go hiomlán anois.
Chuir na húdaráis áitiúla iarratais ar mhaoiniú chun oibreacha caipitil a chríochnú faoin Scéim isteach chuig mo Roinn. Ní féidir iarratais a dhéanamh a thuilleadh agus bronnadh an maoiniú ar fad faoin Scéim. Ceadaíodh gach tionscadal incháilithe le haghaidh maoinithe. Táim cinnte go n-aontóidh an Teachta go bhfuil sé ríthábhachtach go ndéanann na húdaráis áitiúla beart de réir a mbriathair sna tionscadail seo a thacóidh leis an earnáil bia mara agus le geilleagar áitiúil na bpobal cósta.
Tá gach údarás áitiúil sa chéad ásc freagrach as forbairt agus cothabháil na gcéanna, na gcuanta agus na sleamhnán atá faoi úinéireacht na n-údarás áitiúil. Tá a fhios agam freisin go bhfuil príomhról rialachais na n-údarás áitiúil ag an Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta.
Animal Slaughtering
Questions (994)
Michael Lowry
Question:994. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on his efforts to protect Ireland's ritual (religious) slaughter practices in order that the meat industry can continue to supply meat to the Jewish and Islamic religious faiths in Ireland and throughout Europe (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28558/23]
View answerWritten answers
EU legislation on the protection of animals at the time of killing (Regulation EC No. 1099/2009) allows non-stun slaughter in the EU under derogation if done for religious reasons. It also permits Member States to implement stricter national rules on non-stun slaughter, which several have done in the interests of protecting animal welfare.
As normal, operational matters relating to the welfare of animals at slaughter are subject to ongoing review by my Department. My officials consult with a number of stakeholder groups in this context.
Agriculture Supports
Questions (995)
Michael Lowry
Question:995. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the Government's efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, ensure food security, and support rural farmers in Ireland; the initiatives and policies being implemented to improve environmental stewardship, promote sustainable farming practises, and assist farmers in adopting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural methods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28559/23]
View answerWritten answers
Farming and the agri-food sector as a whole is a hugely important aspect of our economy but also our society. It is a sector that drives economic growth in every rural parish in every county.
Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s shared strategy for the agri-food sector, has the potential to transform our agriculture, food, forestry and marine sectors, with environmental, economic and social sustainability at its core. Food Vision aims for Ireland to be “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”. Food Vision’s goals are grouped around four high-level missions for the sector:1. A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector2. Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being3. Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad4. An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology & Talent.
The Government recognises the vital role that agri-food plays in Ireland. This is evident in the strong support provided to farmers, fishers and the sector generally, and in the level of importance that the Government places on achieving our economic, environmental and social sustainability goals. Our CAP Strategic Plan will support farmers to transition to more sustainable practices while also support farm incomes, with a budget €9.8bn. Significant funding has been provided including €1.5bn for the new Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), a five-fold increase in funding for organic farming to €256m to triple the area under organics to 7.5% of utilisable agricultural area, and €260m to improve the carbon efficiency of the suckler herd through genetic improvement (the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme - SCEP).
The Climate Action Plan 2023 sets outs how Ireland can accelerate the actions that are required to respond to the climate crisis, putting climate solutions at the centre of Ireland’s social and economic development. The significant actions for agriculture in this plan provide a viable pathway to achieve a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for agriculture by 2030. These actions are in line with achieving a 51% reduction in Ireland’s overall GHG emissions by 2030, and net-zero emissions no later than 2050.
The Plan commits the agriculture sector to strong climate action. In agriculture, the focus is on reducing nitrogen and methane emissions, while increasing carbon capture and storage and contributing in a positive way to the decarbonisation of the energy system. Technological innovation, adoption and research are crucial in achieving the emissions reductions in the agriculture and land-use sectors. Diversification opportunities like anaerobic digestion, forestry and tillage will also provide opportunities for farmers who wish to consider alternative income sources to livestock farming.
With a rapidly evolving marketplace seeking confirmation of our sustainability credentials, farmers have engaged proactively in recent years in improving the carbon footprint of their produce, as measured through the Origin Green programme. Irish farmers are committed to ensuring that they farm in a sustainable way. This commitment will contribute to a vibrant rural economy for generations to come. Irish farmers are innovative, resilient and already committed to working together to find solutions in the face of this enormous challenge. The ambition is now being stepped up to ensure that there is a bright and sustainable future for our farm families for this and subsequent generations.
Fisheries Protection
Questions (996)
Holly Cairns
Question:996. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking in response to the significant decline in the salmon population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28584/23]
View answerWritten answers
I understand the Deputy is referring to the salmon population in rivers. Inland Fisheries Ireland is the environmental agency responsible for protecting, managing and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and the question should be referred to the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communication for reply.
Public Sector Staff
Questions (997)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:997. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the security protections in place for remote workers within civil and public service organisations to safeguard against personal information of members of the public in audio, text and electronic form being inadvertently exposed to unauthorised third parties within the remote setting; if he can provide a copy of the remote working best practice guidelines for civil and public service workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28642/23]
View answerWritten answers
For operational and security reasons, the Department has been advised by the National Cyber Security Centre not to disclose details which could, in any way, identify potential vulnerabilities in Departmental Cybersecurity arrangements. The Working From Home Security Advisory document which was issued by the National Cyber Security Centre can be found at WFH-Advisory.pdf (ncsc.gov.ie)