Written Answers Nos. 592-605
592. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which ongoing efforts are made to identify the causes of intermittent outbreaks of bovine TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35536/23]
View answerBovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. I am acutely aware of the financial and emotional trauma associated with a TB breakdown.
It causes significant hardship for farmers and farming families, and I am fully committed to the objectives of the Bovine TB Eradication Strategy which aims to reduce and ultimately eradicate this disease in Ireland. This battle against TB continues in 2023.
There are three main sources of infection for cattle - the purchase of infected cattle, the presence of residual (undetected) infection within cattle herds and from wildlife (badgers predominately). The relative importance of these factors vary from herd to herd and all three need to be addressed to protect livestock and eradicate TB.
As of 9 July 2023, on a 12-month rolling basis, herd incidence has slightly increased to 4.62% compared to 4.22% at the same time last year. In the past 12 months 4,777 herds were restricted, compared to 4,441 in the previous 12-month period. An increase of 336 herds restricted (7.5%).
Larger herds, fragmented farms, and herds that buy in cattle are all more at risk of TB breakdown. In addition the expansion of the dairy herd since 2015 has had an impact on increasing TB levels also.
As the spread of this disease is multifactorial, it is being fought on many fronts. The TB programme in each county focuses on factors including wildlife, how disease is distributed in the area, contiguous programmes, gamma interferon testing, cleansing and disinfection, testing compliance and swift isolation and removal of reactors.
Each TB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. In the case of every outbreak involving two or more standard reactors, there is a veterinary visit to advise the herdowner on how to eliminate infection and measures necessary to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Emphasis is placed on the biosecurity measures a farmer can take to reduce risks on their farm, and when buying in animals.
Ireland's bovine TB Eradication Programme operates in line with best national and international scientific research and advice. A large body of peer-reviewed research has been conducted into the spread of TB in Ireland and the risks underlying its transmission. This research has found that the principal causes of TB introduction and spread include:
• movement of cattle with undetected infection.
• residual infection in cattle previously exposed to TB.
• spread across farm boundaries.
• indirect spread through other biosecurity breaches, and/or,
• spread from infected badgers to cattle.
This research has recently been reviewed in its entirety for the Bovine TB Stakeholder Forum by its Scientific Working Group, which comprises a panel of internationally recognised experts in TB research.
I am committed to reducing TB incidence rates across the country. We have made good strides since I launched the new TB Strategy in 2021 with all stakeholders working collectively and collegiately to reduce TB rates. We must keep this going with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd.
The details of the new TB Strategy along with the results of the review are available on www.bovinetb.ie.
593. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of persons currently employed directly or indirectly in the agri-food sector; the extent to which it is expected to ensure the future of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35537/23]
View answerFarming and the agri-food sector are hugely important to our economy and our society. According to the CSO's Labour Force Survey the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector employs over 101,000 people, representing 4% of total employment in the country, but a far greater proportion in rural and coastal areas. The produce of these farms, forestry and fishers directly generate a further 64,000 downstream jobs for a total of almost 165,000 people working in the agri-food sector, representing close to 7% of total employment.
Around 57% of farm holders or their spouse have an off-farm employment which is likely considered as their main employment, and therefore their work on the farm is not included in the CSO's Labour Force Survey. According to the CSO 2020 Agricultural Census, there were 278,580 family and regular non-family workers on Irish farms, indicating that many farm holders and their family members work part -time on the land in addition to their main employment. This number has actually increased from each of the two previous agriculture censuses, with 272,016 family and regular non-family workers in 2010 and 257,948 in 2000.
Food Vision 2030, our shared stakeholder-led strategy for the future of the agri-food sector, includes goals to “Improve the Social Sustainability of Primary Producers”, including the critically important issue of generational renewal, and to “Attract and Nurture Diverse and Inclusive Talent”. I will continue to work closely with the sector to help ensure that there is a vibrant workforce available to ensure the sustainable development of the agri-food in Ireland, despite the challenges posed by having close to full employment.
594. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which a specific plan for the pigmeat industry continues in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35538/23]
View answerThe continued development of the pigmeat sector is a priority for the Government, given the pivotal role the industry plays in the national economic context.
The sector supports approximately 8,000 jobs spanning production, slaughter, processing, feed manufacture and services. I was acutely aware of the challenges pig farmers faced last year and I responded accordingly to provide them with very significant support.
In June 2022, I announced the opening of applications for the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme 2 (PEPS2). A total fund of €13 million was made available for this voluntary scheme for pig farmers, to support the viability of this important sector.
The PEPS2 scheme was in addition to the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme which I announced in February 2022. This scheme was funded by the Exchequer and provided for a payment of up to €20,000 per farmer. These financial supports were part of a wider package of measures to support the pigmeat sector, including intensified efforts by Bord Bia to promote quality assured Irish pigmeat in the domestic and export markets, and intensified efforts by Teagasc through its dedicated, ongoing advisory supports.
My Department continues to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agri-food sector. In addition, my Department facilitates regular meetings of the Pig Roundtable which is the forum for discussing the strategic development of the sector. This Group is comprised of all the key stakeholders in the sector including representatives from the farming and processing sectors, Teagasc, Bord Bia, and Department officials. The Roundtable operates with the context of Food Vision 2030 which is the overall strategy for the Irish agri-food sector. The Roundtable's overarching objective is to serve as a vehicle for constructive discussion in driving forward the development of the sector as well as taking a high level approach to guiding the implementation of the actions for the sector set out in Food Vision 2030.
I will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the long term viability of the sector.
595. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor production costs in the poultry sector with particular reference to the need to ensure a stable cost base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35539/23]
View answerAs in other meat sectors, global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish poultry sector over the medium to longer term.
Poultrymeat, which is a food high in protein, has seen an increase in demand in recent years and the price has remained constant in 2023, averaging around €251.81 /100Kgs over the first five months of 2023, 10.5% higher than the average price achieved over the same period in 2022.
I am aware of the pressures being faced by many in the agri-food sector due to the increase in input costs, exacerbated by the impact of the illegal war in Ukraine. My Department continues to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agri-food sector. Poultry is normally reared under contract to processors, for a pre-agreed price, and, therefore, poultry producers are not typically subject to the same price fluctuations as other farmers. This is no way to diminish the cost challenges faced by the sector from growers to processors.
I am also very aware of the contribution of the poultry production sector to Irish agri-food as a whole, supporting significant levels of direct employment as well as their role in supporting rural economies and the wider national economy and I firmly believe that the poultry production sector in Ireland remains viable.
596. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that no further reduction in viable agricultural land is conceded to the forestry industry or other sectors thus reducing the food production capacity of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35540/23]
View answerIn Ireland the right to private property is enshrined in the constitution. Farmers and landowners are subject to the relevant regulatory framework and are entitled to use their land as they wish.
There are many demands on our land - to deliver on the environment, on biodiversity and indeed contributing to our energy security including the critical importance of food production in terms of food security and the very important role it plays in rural livelihoods and the rural economy.
The importance of forestry and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere will play an important role in reducing emissions from the land use sector which is currently a net source of carbon dioxide. Decisions on land use are complex and Ireland has a target to increase forest cover from 11.6% to 18%. The new Forestry Programme which is currently being examined by the European Commission as part of the State Aid process aims to provide €1.3 billion in grants and supports for a wide range of measures.
It is important to note that land use change to forestry is voluntary and it will be the land owner who will make the ultimate decision to plant trees. The land Use Review Phase 2 will now examine in more detail the policy decisions around how we use our land and I look forward to this next phase of the review.
597. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which rigorous controls exists in terms of animal welfare in the context of the handling and exporting of surplus calves from the dairy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35541/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the welfare of animals is of particular importance for the future of Irish agriculture. This is especially so for young dairy calves. My Department carries out a range of risk-based welfare inspections on farm, at marts and during the transport of live animals.
Marts must comply with EU and national animal welfare legislation to remain licenced. Compliance is monitored by my Department through official mart inspections. Mart personnel who handle stock must have a certificate of competence, following completion of a training course on animal welfare, and EU and national rules. Where breaches of the mart regulations are identified, the Department takes enforcement action which may include suspension or revocation of the mart’s licence to operate.
All animals must be transported in compliance with EU rules. Regional Veterinary Office inspectors check the proposed Journey Log, before permission is given for the journey, to ensure it is realistic and complies with animal welfare rules. All calves are then inspected by a Department vet prior to loading. Any animals deemed unfit for transport or too small, must be removed by the operators before loading starts. Vehicles are also inspected.
Since 2019 the Department has introduced additional requirements which go beyond those laid down in EU rules, as follows.
Increased minimum space allowances for calves, e.g., 11% extra space for calves of 55Kg, over that allowed in EU rules.
Veterinary Inspectors have been instructed not to accept journey logs when the temperature forecasted is 30°C en route at time of transport. Department HQ officials monitor forecasts in Europe in summer and winter months, and issue guidance to Regional Veterinary Offices and exporters up to three times weekly.
All use of sticks on calves is banned in Irish assembly centres.
The re-training period for drivers to retain their certificate of competence has been reduced from 10 years to 3 years, since driver behaviour has a major influence on animal welfare during transport.
598. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which measures to comply with carbon reduction targets are in consort with those applicable in other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35542/23]
View answerAs provided for in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act, the Government agreed sectoral emission ceilings for all sectors including agriculture which was set at 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The measures being deployed to enable the sector to comply with this target are specific to our national context in which pasture-based farm enterprises dominate compared to housed systems which are more common in other European countries.
This is an extremely challenging target for the sector. However, the Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC), which I launched in recent days, provides farmers, industry and policy makers with a range of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also providing significant co-benefits for the environment.
Key to achieving this target is the need to develop more efficient and sustainable farming practices that use less inputs and maximise the use of new technologies and new practices. In the Agriculture sector Ireland’s areas of interest which mirror the focus of the MACC are around three main pillars: Mitigation, Carbon Sequestration and Sustainable Energy.
In terms of mitigation, this means the reductions of absolute emissions through pasture-based methane reduced feed additives, multispecies swards and restoration of cultivated peaty soils. The focus over the next decade will be on a significant cut in chemical nitrogen use, by making better use of organic manures, and transitioning to clover and multispecies swards. The beef sector will need to transition to a system that reduces the average finishing age from the current 26.75-month average to 24 months. This will reduce absolute methane emissions on farm.
While existing measures and technologies will bring agriculture very close to the reduction target, new technologies or some diversification will be needed. However, the sector will be broadly able to maintain agricultural output in our beef and dairy sectors, as farmers make the changes, outlined above, on their individual farms.
From a Carbon sequestration perspective, this will focus on soil and forestry. The Climate Action Plan commits us to reducing the management intensity of up to 80,000ha of organic soil, better management of mineral grasslands, increasing cover crops and straw incorporation as carbon storing measures and increasing our afforestation rates to enhance our carbon sinks.
Finally, sustainable energy has a key role to play through supply of biomass and agriculture feedstock and deployment of renewables. The sector provides a positive and important contribution toward the decarbonisation of the energy system through, applying the energy efficiency principle first and reducing energy use at farm level, deploying renewable energy technology at farm level for self- consumption but also a contribution to renewable energy generation through export of electricity to the grid and providing forest biomass and agriculture feedstocks to the generation of renewable energy such as biomass for heat, agriculture feedstocks for production of biogas and biomethane from Anaerobic Digestion.
599. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children on disability service waiting lists for children's disability networks teams, by CHO/CDNT at the end of May and June 2018-2023, inclusive, in tabular form; the average length of wait; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35082/23]
View answer601. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline the number of children with a disability who availed of a service privately where the cost of the private service was paid for by the HSE in 2022 and to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35102/23]
View answer618. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children on waiting lists for an assessment of need at the end of May and June 2018-2023, inclusive, in tabular form; the number overdue for completion; and the average length of wait. [35084/23]
View answer619. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline the number of children with a disability and who had an assessment of need carried out privately where the cost of the private assessment was paid for by the HSE in 2022 to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35101/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 599, 601, 618 and 619 together.
As this refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
600. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of people on disability service waiting lists for each service type, excluding children's disability network teams, at the end of May and June 2018-2023, inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35083/23]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
602. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of people awaiting a speech and language appointment here; the number who have been waiting less than three months; the number that have been waiting 3- 6 months; the number that have been waiting 6-12 months; the number that have been waiting more than 12 months; broken down in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35201/23]
View answer603. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of people awaiting a speech and language appointment in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the number who have been waiting less than three months; the number that have been waiting 3- 6 months; the number that have been waiting 6-12 months; the number that have been waiting more than 12 months; broken down in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35202/23]
View answer604. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of people awaiting a speech and language appointment in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the number who have been waiting less than three months; the number that have been waiting 3-6 months; the number that have been waiting 6-12 months; the number that have been waiting more than 12 months; broken down in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35204/23]
View answer625. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of people awaiting a speech and language appointment here; the number who have been waiting less than three months; the number that have been waiting 3- 6 months; the number that have been waiting 6-12 months; the number that have been waiting more than 12 months; broken down in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35199/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 602, 603, 604 and 625 together.
As this refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
605. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline in tabular form the number of people here that are currently waiting an appointment for early intervention, broken down by therapy; the number that are waiting less than 6 months, those waiting 6-12 months and those that are waiting more than 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35208/23]
View answer627. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline in tabular form the number of people in counties Cavan and Monaghan that are currently waiting an appointment for early intervention, broken down by therapy; the number that are waiting less than 6 months, those waiting 6-12 months and those that are waiting more than 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35207/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 605 and 627 together.
As this refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
