Written Answers Nos. 429-442
432. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who have received the first payment under the sheep improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53315/23]
View answerThe Sheep Improvement Scheme is funded under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan. It provides support to sheep farmers for carrying out actions that improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector and builds on the progress made by the Sheep Welfare Scheme (SWS), which has now come to an end.
The first year of this 5-year scheme will run from the 1st February 2023 to the 31st of December 2023. With effect from Year 2 of the scheme, the scheme year will run from the 1st of January to the 31st of December annually.
The Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) complements some of the elements provided for in the Sheep Welfare Scheme, while also building on other actions beneficial to sheep health and welfare, including the targeted application of genomic technologies in the sheep sector. The scheme closed to applicants on 9th January 2023.
The number of farmers that have been paid the advance payment for the SIS nationally is 16,847. Payments will continue to issue as applicants meet the scheme requirements.
433. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total budgeted cost of the radio advertising campaign currently taking place in relation to farm safety; the total amount spent in each year to date; and the total amount which was paid to RTE in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53323/23]
View answerFarming is the most dangerous occupation in Ireland. Fatal incidents on farms account for just over two in five of all workplace fatal incidents. Additionally, data from the Teagasc National Farm Survey reveals that there are also approximately 4,500 non-fatal incidents each year on Irish farms.
There continues to be a need to raise awareness among farmers, workers, and the public on the importance of farm safety. My Department has partnered with the Health and Safety Authority to deliver a series of targeted campaigns focused on a range of high-risk areas.
The current radio campaign the Deputy referred to focuses on quad bike safety. This is the first year my Department has run a quad bike safety campaign. The expenditure on this campaign to date has been €130,415.67 (including VAT) on radio advertising, €44,029.14 (including VAT) on advertising with RTE.
434. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will halt live cattle exports to Israel; to provide details of how many shipments of cattle and the number of cattle that have been exported to Israel since 7 October 2023. [53354/23]
View answerLive exports are highly valued by the agri-business sector. My Department facilitates this commercial trade while ensuring that live animal exports are carried out in compliance with legislative welfare standards.
There are currently no trade restrictions on Israel in place.
There has been 1 shipment of 3,397 cattle to Israel since 7th October 2023.
435. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give due consideration to providing financial supports for inshore fishermen, in view of an unprecedented rise in operating costs as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine coupled with the crash in prices received for catches due to processors having to reduce the price they pay for products to fishermen to help maintain their own margins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53366/23]
View answerI am cognisant of the challenges impacting the inshore fisheries sector and the prevailing difficult market conditions as a result of wider market issues in Europe and beyond due to the rising cost of living and its impact on consumer spending habits. I am aware of the need for ongoing support and development of the inshore sector.
The Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Schemes in 2022 and 2023 aimed to support inshore fishers in dealing with the difficult trading conditions that have arisen due to Brexit. BIM provided dedicated online training modules to participants and grant aid to help put into practice the learning from these modules and assist fishers adapt their operations to reduce costs, improve product quality and reach new customers.
I also announced a wider package of supports and development strategies which include investing in the development of marine infrastructure and in all elements of the seafood supply chain. The €45 million Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme is seeing large investments made in Ireland’s seafood processing sector to allow such enterprises to expand, focus on higher value-added output and in exploring new market opportunities, which may present new channels for output for the inshore sector.In addition, following the closure of the schemes funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, work is now underway to develop new schemes for the sector, funded under Ireland’s European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Seafood Development Programme. The €258 million programme will provide a wide range of supports for fishers and the wider development of the seafood sector. Inshore representatives form part of the monitoring committee for this programme and will have the opportunity to input into the development of schemes to support the sector. We are working to have new schemes in place in early 2024.
With the assistance of my Department, the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association (NIFA) achieved recognition as an EU Producer Organisation and joined the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation (IIMRO) in representing the inshore sector. These organisations, through the implementation of Production and Marketing Plans, will help to develop opportunities for their members. Both of these organisations are eligible for funding under the EMFAF programme to assist in the achievement of their aims.
I can also advise the Deputy of my participation in an ongoing programme of trade missions and promotional activities to enhance the continuing efforts of Bord Bia and industry in marketing Ireland's high quality and sustainable seafood and agrifood produce in key priority markets such as China, South East Asia and West Africa and to a number of key European markets all of which are priority growth targets for Ireland’s seafood and agri-food export sectors.
436. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will publish, in tabular form, the number of registered inshore and offshore fishing vessels in the ranges under 10, 10 to 12, 12 to 15 and over 15 metres licensed to catch fish for commercial reasons in Ireland for the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53417/23]
View answerIn accordance with section 3 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003, the Register of Sea Fishing Boats is maintained by the Registrar General for Sea Fishing Boats and is publicly available online at: gov.ie - Sea Fisheries Administration (www.gov.ie) . In addition, the EU Commission publishes annual fleet reports including Ireland which are also available online. oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/fisheries/rules/fishing-fleet-capacities_en These reports typically identify the number of vessels in a variety of length classes similar to the information sought by the Deputy.
The fleet breakdown as per the Register of Sea Fishing Boats at the end of December 2022 is set out in the table below. I have asked the Registrar General for Sea Fishing Boats to compile figures for the past 10 years and to provide these directly to the Deputy.
|
Length Overall |
No of vessels |
|
10m |
1485 |
|
>10 12m |
221 |
|
>12 15m |
67 |
|
>15m |
212 |
437. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the nature of the business relationship between Fexco and Bord Iascaigh Mhara in administering funding schemes for the fisheries sector; if there are direct employees of BIM available to answer queries the applicants may have on these schemes and particularly the application and drawdown of funding process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53418/23]
View answerThe Sea Food Task Force, which I established in March 2021, made sixteen recommendations to leverage Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) funding to support Ireland's seafood sector and coastal communities in responding to the challenges faced by Brexit. To date I have announced sixteen BAR schemes, with some €305.5m funding made available to the sector.
While I have asked BIM to implement these schemes, the matter of staffing and resourcing such administrative tasks is a matter for BIM directly. Likewise any third party contractual relationships are a matter for BIM directly.
In that context I have asked BIM to respond directly to the Deputy on the questions raised.
438. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he and his Department officials have considered introducing a market disruption fund for shellfish fishermen from EMFAF funding streams due to significant market disturbance in the last while; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53419/23]
View answerI am very aware of the challenges the sector is facing at the moment.
As regards implementing a scheme to mitigate market disruption under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), this is not possible at the moment. The EMFAF Regulation sets out a range of priorities and objectives in relation to the measures that may be funded by the Commission under the Regulation. Article 26 (2) of the Regulation specifically addresses the matter of market disruption and provides for ‘compensation to operators of the fishery and aquaculture sector for their income foregone or additional costs’, however the Article goes on to state that this may only be eligible for funding under EMFAF if the Commission establishes, by means of an implementing decision, the occurrence of an exceptional event.
In 2022 the Commission did issue an implementing decision, EU Regulation 2022/500, which provided that aid paid between February 2022 and December 2022 would be eligible.
At present there is no Commission implementing decision in place that would allow aid to be paid under EMFAF in respect of market disruption.
My Department has provided a range of supports to the inshore fleet over the past few years, funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR), and will continue to provide supports to this fleet as further schemes are developed and implemented under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) over the coming years.
With the assistance of my Department, the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association (NIFA) achieved recognition as an EU Producer Organisation and joined the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation (IIMRO) in representing the inshore sector. These organisations, through the implementation of Production and Marketing Plans, will help to develop opportunities for their members. Both of these organisations are eligible for funding under the EMFAF programme to assist in the achievement of their aims.
It is vital that, in addition to funding supports, we also work to identify and develop new markets for these vessels. As such, I participate in an ongoing programme of trade missions and promotional activities to enhance the continuing efforts of Bord Bia and industry in marketing Ireland's high quality and sustainable seafood and agri-food produce in key priority markets such as China, South East Asia and West Africa and to a number of key European markets all of which are priority growth targets for Ireland’s seafood and agri-food export sectors.
439. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will publish the basis and rationale for any proposed cut to the total allowable catch for pollock; if there are any scientific studies behind that proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53420/23]
View answerThe advice on fish stocks published by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) forms the basis of the scientific advice used by the European Commission in proposing Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and informs the EU's negotiating position for consultations with Third Countries, such as the UK.
The ICES advice for Pollack in ICES Areas 6-7 (the waters around Ireland) for 2024 is for zero catch. A copy of this advice is available on the ICES website (www.ices.dk) from the following link: Pollack (Pollachius pollachius) in subareas 6–7 (Celtic Seas and the English Channel) (figshare.com) - ices-library.figshare.com/articles/report/Pollack_Pollachius_pollachius_in_subareas_6_7_Celtic_Seas_and_the_English_Channel_/21841011?backTo=/collections/ICES_Advice_2023/6398177
This zero catch advice is arising because the method used for providing the advice changed this year. The stock assessment was benchmarked in early 2023 and the new model dramatically revised the perception of the stock. A "benchmark" is an ICES process which reviews data, establishes an agreed methodology to assess the stock and defines the reference points for management.
The updated assessment, which provides advice on the basis of the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) approach, indicates that the stock biomass has been declining for an extended period and is currently below the biomass limit reference point.
The EU-UK negotiations on 2024 fishing opportunities for shared stocks - including the Pollack 6-7 stock - began on 24 October and are now concluding. The parties agreed on a limited, by-catch only TAC for Pollack to avoid a "choke" situation which would lead to the premature closure of whitefish fisheries where Pollack is caught as a by-catch.
Ireland is involved with the scientific research to improve the understanding of this stock.
Pollack is part of the general sampling programme conducted by the Marine Institute, including port sampling and routine surveys. Work is also ongoing to collect genetic samples of Pollack to tackle uncertainty in stock identity. In addition, a new inshore survey is targeting areas not regularly sampled on the regular survey programme. These habitats are more suitable for Pollack and the data collected may help to build up an enhanced perspective on stock status.
440. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will set out the Department’s position on the impasse between Coillte and its forestry partners relative to the terms of the agreement with each land owner and the implementation of a forest management plan; if he will appoint independent investigators to examine the complaints made against Coillte and the allegations of mismanagement, abuse of their position as the dominant partner and the lack of transparency on payments and costs; if he will request the Comptroller and Auditor General or an outside competent body to examine the accounts of Coillte and their corporate governance structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53440/23]
View answerCoillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988, and day-to-day operational matters, such as the Coillte Farm Partnership Scheme, are the responsibility of the company.
The company has provided my Department with a general update on farm partnerships. Coillte has a farm partnership portfolio of 644 farm partnerships, which accounts for over 12,000 hectares of highly productive forests. Coillte’s farm partnership forests are well-managed to create sustainable, valuable assets for both the farm partner and Coillte. The vast majority of these partnerships are working well, and a number of Coillte’s farm partnerships have been award-winning - including the RDS forestry awards - for the sustainable management of their forests.
Coillte has also advised my Department that it works with all its farm partners to resolve any issues they may have. However, in a small number of cases, farm partners have raised issues such as poor communication and transparency of information. Coillte has worked hard to improve engagement and address any concerns raised.
Notwithstanding this progress, there are a small number of farm partners who have signed a submission to arbitration, which is the dispute mechanism within the contract agreements. Coillte shares concerns around the prolonged nature, and indeed the cost, of the arbitration process. However, the progress of an arbitration rests with the legal representatives of both partners, and the parties are bound by the terms of the arbitration once a partner has initiated this process.
As part of Coillte’s continual improvements to the overall management of the farm partnership portfolio, they recently communicated to each farm partner further improvements around engagement and data sharing.
I am satisfied that any issues will be resolved in due course, through the appropriate channels, and that it should be left now to both partners in the agreements to resolve them together.
441. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the arrangements that will be made to ensure those who are waiting for probate to be completed, which can take some time due to delays in the Probate Office, will be able to join ACRES; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53510/23]
View answerThe Terms and Conditions for my Department’s agri-environment scheme, ACRES, clearly state that applications may only be submitted by advisors in respect of active herd numbers. When a herd owner is deceased, their herd number is categorised in the “Reps of” and is end-dated or inactive. This status remains until the transfer process is complete. The matter of obtaining Grant of Probate is a process that is outside the control of my Department.
442. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department operates an X account (formerly Twitter) or any other social media account, and if such accounts are verified through a subscription fee; the policy in place that guides when any of these accounts can ‘like’, endorse or support a posting on X or other social media platforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53648/23]
View answerSocial media is one of the channels my Department uses to provide information about our wide range of schemes, services and policies.
The Department operates YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and X (formally Twitter) accounts. The Department does not pay subscription fees in respect of these accounts.
