Tuesday, 25 Jul 2023

Written Answers Nos. 938-952

Departmental Schemes

Questions (938)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

938. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to introduce a dairy reduction scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36545/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I established the Food Vision Dairy Group as well as the Food Vision Beef & Sheep Group last year to advance the actions for the beef and sheep, and dairy sectors identified in the Food Vision 2030 strategy, taking account of the requirement for the sectors to contribute to achieving the targets set for agriculture emissions in the Climate Act process. 

The first priority for both Groups was to chart a pathway to achieving the legally binding target of a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 2030, equivalent to a reduction of 5.75 MT of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Both the Dairy and Beef & Sheep Groups submitted their final reports towards the end of 2022, which have been published. The reports identified measures which could contribute to reducing emissions. The publication was timely as it then served to inform the Climate Action Plan 2023 which was launched in December 2022.

Since the Reports were published, I have stated that, owing to the serious concerns expressed by the farming organisations on the proposals for voluntary reduction schemes, which would have provided a payment to those who were in a position to reduce their herd or exit beef farming entirely, such schemes are now off the table for the beef sector.

A key recommendation of the Food Vision Dairy Group was to explore and take forward a voluntary reduction scheme for the dairy herd. My officials are currently working to explore this further and there will be significant engagement with stakeholders over the coming months on the parameters of the scheme.

Let me be very clear, no decision has been taken by Government to proceed with such a scheme, and no Exchequer funding provision is currently in place for such a scheme.  I have repeatedly stated that no farmer will be forced to reduce livestock numbers as part of the Climate Action plan process. 

Our livestock farmers and the dairy and beef sectors are already very sustainable but I want to support them to be even more sustainable. I want to build a strong and sustainable future for farmers and the subsequent generations of farmers. I will work collectively and collaboratively with farmers and their representatives in charting a pathway forward. 

Animal Welfare

Questions (939)

Paul Murphy

Question:

939. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that it is illegal to use a wild animal for entertainment purposes, in relation to the upcoming 'Puck Fair' in Killorglin, County Kerry, and that it is also against the law to prohibit animals from the five freedoms' of care; if he will instruct his Department to intervene and prohibit the use of any goat at this fair; and if not, the reason for allowing the organisers of this fair to break the law to capture and abuse a wild animal for entertainment (details supplied). [36606/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. The general principles enshrined in Section 11 and 12 of this Act apply to all animals, including goats.

My Department continues to enforce animal welfare legislation, along with An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, and authorised officers from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA).

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has advised my Department that, in Ireland, the goat is not listed as a protected species under the Wildlife Act 1976. Consequently, a goat is not categorised as a wild animal under the Circuses (Prohibition on Use of Wild Animals) Regulations 2017.  

My Department will continue to keep the matter of the Puck Fair under review.

Departmental Communications

Questions (940)

Brendan Smith

Question:

940. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department, and all agencies under the remit of his Department, have their telephone contact details on their websites and on other media platforms; if all stationery and headed notepaper used in correspondence with the public contain relevant phone contact details, taking into account that everybody is not in a position to correspond by e-mail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36689/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Detailed telephone and postal address contacts for the various offices of my Department are listed on the home page of the Department's website, www.gov.ie/agriculture.

The Department's Twitter and Facebook accounts contain a link directly back to the website. 

A reminder has issued to all staff of the Department to include contact details on all correspondence issuing from the Department.

I have arranged for this matter to be brought to the attention of all of the agencies under my remit.

Question No. 941 answered with Question No. 904.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (942, 943, 944)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

942. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a breakdown of proposed spending under Ireland’s EMFAF Programme to implement Article 17 in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36983/23]

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

943. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for a detailed breakdown of EU and national contributions allocated to the implementation of Article 17 in the current national EMFAF programme for 2021-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36984/23]

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

944. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for a copy of the advice he took regarding the allocated amount for Article 17 (details supplied); his views on whether this level of funding is in line with a Just Transition to fisheries management, which is climate and nature compatible, and can help to sustain communities relying on our waters into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36985/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 942, 943 and 944 together.

Article 17 of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2021/1139) solely makes provision and establishes the criteria for supporting young fishers in the first acquisition of a fishing vessel.

The EMFAF Seafood Development Programme and its budget allocations were developed based on significant advice and input through two public consultations and additional bilateral consultations with key industry and stakeholder groups. The experience of implementing the previous European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Seafood Development Programme was also considered. This included advice provided to my Department by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).

Article 31 of the EMFF regulation made provision for similar interventions as provided for by Article 17 of the EMFAF regulation in supporting young fishers with the acquisition of their first vessel. Under the EMFF programme, approximately €1.1 million in funding was provided under this provision. A further €400,000 was provided under Article 32 which concerned onboard investments for health and safety.

Based on the feedback during the programme development and the above track record under EMFF, the EMFAF Programme currently provides for an allocation of €2 million for the implementation of actions related to Article 17 and 19 combined. This includes a 50% contribution from the Irish Government and a 50% contribution from the EU with an additional EU contribution for technical assistance to implement the programme.

Spending under this programme will occur in accordance with implementation plans which will be developed by my Department and implementing bodies. Implementation plans for schemes, such as those supporting young fishers, will identify objectives, eligible expenditures and selection criteria. These are submitted to the Programme’s Monitoring Committee for approval. The Monitoring Committee, which consists of fishing representatives and other key stakeholders, will have an opportunity to input into these implementation plans and shape how schemes are delivered. An implementation plan has not yet been developed for a scheme which would allow for spending under Article 17.

Question No. 943 answered with Question No. 942.

Question No. 944 answered with Question No. 942.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (945)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

945. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to clarify the process around setting actions to receive funding for ‘contributing to climate neutrality’ under Ireland’s EMFAF National Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36986/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The EMFAF regulation (Regulation (EU) 2021/1139) identifies broad categories of interventions which reflect the extent to which such support makes a contribution to environmental and climate objectives. The purposes of these types of interventions, and associated climate and environmental coefficients identified in the regulation, is to provide information on the support from EMFAF for these objectives.

The Programme as a whole and actions within it were developed through a process involving both public and stakeholder consultations and with regard to relevant policy and regulations. As actions were developed as part of the overall EMFAF programme development, the most relevant type of intervention was identified in the regulation and applied to the indicative budget associated with these actions. The third type of intervention, specified in the regulation, was “Contributing to climate neutrality”. This was applicable to actions identified under two specific objectives including Specific Objective 1.2 (Increasing energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions through the replacement or modernisation of engines of fishing vessels) and Specific Objective 1.6 (Contributing to the protection and restoration of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems).

These along with the other types of interventions will allow for a high level assessment of the performance of the Programme on contributing to the improvement of the environment and climate goals.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (946)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

946. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason there is no inclusion of investment in transitioning to climate and nature-compatible fishing gear and methods, which is also central to reducing energy use by using less fuel-intensive methods under Ireland’s EMFAF National Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36987/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Seafood Development Programme identifies high level actions which will be undertaken under each of the relevant priorities and specific objectives set out in the EMFAF Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2021/1139). High level actions identified under Specific Objectives 1.1 and 1.6 include reduction in the use of fishing gear most harmful to biodiversity. Under Specific Objectives 1.1 and 1.2 the programme also contains actions to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the Irish fleet.

Based on these actions identified in the programme, implementation plans will be developed with approval of the Programme’s Monitoring Committee. This will allow for the development of projects and support schemes by implementing bodies such as Bord Iascaigh Mhara which will assist the fleet in the energy transition and contribute to improved sustainability. The implementation of the EMFAF programme is at an early stage, but when developed, these projects and schemes will likely follow on from valuable work completed under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) programme which, for example, included industry projects on gear selectivity and grant funding for on board investment under the Sustainable Fisheries Scheme.

However, it is recognised by EU Institutions and Member States that there is need for significant investment, in addition to that provided under the EMFAF, in order to achieve the energy transition. The European Commission issued a communication on the Energy Transition of the EU Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector as part of its Fisheries Package in February. One of the objectives of the Commission’s Communication is that by 2024, the Commission – in close co-operation with the Energy Transition Partnership – will develop a roadmap for the energy transition of the sector towards climate neutrality by 2050. While it is stated that EMFAF can support the energy transition in the sector, it is also recognised that other EU funds can also support the energy transition in the sector.

Fishing Industry

Questions (947)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

947. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy has not been used to ensure fisheries management is more ecologically and climatically sensitive, to ensure the future viability of the fishing sector in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36988/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Article 17 of the CFP stipulates that ‘When allocating the fishing opportunities available to them, ... Member States shall use transparent and objective criteria including those of an environmental, social and economic nature... Member States shall endeavour to provide incentives to fishing vessels deploying selective fishing gear or using fishing techniques with reduced environmental impact, such as reduced energy consumption or habitat damage’.  Ireland operates to this principle.

In Ireland, fishing quotas are a public resource and are managed to ensure that property rights are not granted to individual operators. This is seen as a critical policy to ensure that quotas are not concentrated into the hands of large fishing companies whose owners have the financial resources to buy up such rights.  It is worth noting that within the EU, a significant number of quota systems have been privatised for their main commercial stocks, and many quotas have been purchased by international companies with limited connections to their coastal communities. Any movement towards privatisation of fishing rights in Ireland would seriously risk fishing vessels losing a socio-economic link with Ireland’s coastal communities. This could have devastating consequences and I continually work closely with the fishing industry to ensure this does not happen. 

Consultation on the management of quotas within National Policy is carried out each month at the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC) meeting involving fishing industry representatives from the catching and processing sectors, the Department and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA).  The QMAC examines in detail the operation of each fishery, available quota and uptake patterns for the different metiers of fishing vessels. The QMAC may also take account of the weather/sea conditions in the preceding quota period and the impact this may have had on the industry during that period, particularly in respect of the smaller vessels. The recommendations of the QMAC are brought to my attention to inform my decision on the management arrangements within National Policy. 

Ireland has strongly supported the introduction of more selective and environmentally friendly fishing gear to reduce catches of juvenile fish and unwanted by-catches.  Fishing gear trials have been carried out in our main fisheries working in collaboration with our fishing sector.  A number of changes to fishing gear and practices which demonstrate improved selectivity have been adopted at EU level following recommendations from  the North West Waters Member States Group (Ireland is a key member of the Group). These measures support building more sustainable fishing practices in the waters around Ireland.  From time to time, the quota system is also used to incentivise the introduction of environmentally friendly fishing gear in particular fisheries or for particular types of vessels usually in advance of seeking to implement change at EU level.

Furthermore, over the past number of years, quota balancing of both pelagic and whitefish stocks has been introduced to align the principles of the landing obligation to Ireland’s quota management system. Quota balancing is a conservation measure meaning that when a catch limit allocated to a vessel is exceeded, a balancing adjustment will be made from future allocations of fishing opportunities and will operate independently of any other action being considered by the control authorities.

 

Fishing Industry

Questions (948)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

948. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will list each fishery harbour centre that was allocated capital funding since the formation of the current Government by county, in tabular form; the total amount allocated to each fishery harbour centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36995/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute. Since 2020, €138.7m of capital funding has been allocated in these harbours.

In 2020, funding of €32.6m was allocated to the six Fishery Harbour Centres as part of the 2020 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme prior to the formation of the current government.

In 2021, I announced funding of €33.4m for the six Fishery Harbour Centres as part of the 2021 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.  Details of the project allocation are available in tabular form online at: gov.ie - Minister McConalogue announces €38.3 million in funding for Capital projects at Ireland’s six Fishery Harbour Centres including an enhanced scheme for 79 Local Authority harbours (www.gov.ie)

In 2022, I allocated €35.399m in funding for capital investment into the FHCs and a small number of other locations under my Department's remit. Details of the project allocation are available in tabular form online at: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/3030f-minister-mcconalogue-to-invest-35-million-during-2022-in-Irelands-six-fishery-harbour-centres/ 

In February of this year I allocated €37.3m funding for capital investment into the FHCs and a small number of other locations under my Department's remit. Details of the project allocation are available in tabular form online at www.gov.ie/en/press-release/bbd0b-minister-mcconalogue-announces-investment-of-373million-in-capital-projects-in-irelands-six-fishery-harbour-centres/

The funding provided under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme is in addition to the funding of €55.3 million for the Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme 2022-23 I announced last December. That scheme provides funding to local authorities to revitalise Ireland’s public marine infrastructure

Fishing Industry

Questions (949)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

949. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of funds allocated to each local authority under the local authority marine infrastructure scheme since the formation of this Government, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36996/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In 2021, I allocated €38.279m in funding to the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.  This included almost €4.2m in funding for local authority delivered projects.

In January 2022 I announced the roll-out of the €35m Brexit Adjustment: Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme 2022-2023. The BALAMI Scheme was one of the recommendations of the Seafood Sector Taskforce which I established following Brexit. 

In April 2022 I announced initial funding of €31.7m under the Scheme for 110 projects. Following the second call for applications in December 2022, I increased this funding to €55.3m including approval for 54 additional projects and a higher rate of funding for all projects. Details of the funding allocated in  tabular form is available online at gov.ie - McConalogue announces increased Brexit Investment in Public Marine Infrastructure - total now €55.3 million (www.gov.ie).

Projects approved for funding under BALAMI will be delivered by the local authorities concerned. Final expenditure under the Scheme will not be available until later in 2023.

In addition I have also continued funding for capital investment in the Fishery Harbour Centres and a small number of other locations under my Department's remit.  €35.4m was allocated in 2022, and I have allocated €37.3m for 2023.

 

 

 

Agriculture Industry

Questions (950)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

950. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what work is being done to find and promote alternatives to diquat for desiccating potatoes to farmers in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37157/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department recognises the concerns of the potato industry relating to the effective desiccation of potato crops, particularly for late planted crops.

Several alternative products, containing the active substances carfentrazone-ethyl or pyraflufen-ethyl, are currently authorised in Ireland for use as potato crop desiccants. These products can provide a viable alternative to diquat in certain cases, when used as part of an integrated crop management approach.

Teagasc has carried out extensive work on desiccation strategies for potato crops in Ireland and continues to engage with growers on how best to manage crops. Teagasc stress the importance of implementing an integrated approach where feasible. This approach includes seed manipulation prior to planting, careful use of nitrogen fertiliser and mechanical topping of the crop prior to desiccation where possible.

My Department provides support for haulm toppers under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme. Growers continue to adopt and develop their experience in managing crops and my Department will continue to support these efforts.

Maternity Leave

Questions (951)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

951. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what arrangements are in place to provide maternity leave for public sector employees whose children have been born through surrogacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34869/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Policy on surrogacy rests with the Minister for Health, and policy on parentage is a matter for the Minister for Justice. In addition, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform has responsibility for setting terms and conditions around statutory and non-statutory leave for civil servants.

I would like to bring to the attention of the Deputy that, under the Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 (as amended), working parents are entitled to seven weeks of paid Parents' Leave for each relevant parent, to be taken in the first two years after the birth or adoptive placement of a child. 

The intention of this leave is to enable parents to spend time with their child in the earliest years. It is deliberately non-transferable between parents to ensure that both parents are encouraged and supported in taking time out from work to spend time with their child. This is further supported through the provision of Parents’ Benefit.

Commissioning surrogate parents may be entitled to Parents’ Leave, depending on their circumstances. The father of a child born through surrogacy can qualify for Parents’ Leave if he is the biological father of the child and declared to be the parent of the child. In these circumstances, the father's partner may qualify for Parents’ Leave if they are married to, or in a civil partnership with, the child’s biological father, or have cohabited with the child’s biological father for over 3 years.

Maternity Leave

Questions (952)

Matt Carthy

Question:

952. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will amend the relevant legislation in order that any woman who is undergoing cancer treatment during their maternity leave can defer their maternity leave until their necessary illness leave period has concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35846/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The Maternity Protection Act 1994 and the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 provide a pregnant employee with six months of paid maternity leave and an additional 16 weeks of unpaid leave, alongside other entitlements such as breastfeeding breaks which will be extended to two years following the birth of the child through the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.

The Acts include provisions for the postponement of maternity leave in the event of the hospitalisation of the child and for the termination of additional unpaid maternity leave in the event of illness of the mother.

All forms of family leave are kept under review to ensure that they are effective in supporting families and children. I have asked my officials to examine the issues raised by the Irish Cancer Society regarding the deferral of maternity leave where a mother falls ill during this period and this work is ongoing.