Written Answers Nos. 1-30
3. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on concerns raised around the suckler efficiency carbon programme and the recent changes to the beef index; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55424/23]
View answerI am aware that there are concerns among some farmers about the recent changes to the ICBF beef index, particularly farmers participating in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP).
While I am closely monitoring any impact of this change on SCEP farmers, I remain confident that the amended indices will improve beef farm profitability and sustainability which is the overarching intention.
The background to this concern among farmers is that the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) - the body approved in Ireland in accordance with relevant EU legislation to conduct testing, genetic evaluation and publication of breeding values for dairy and beef cattle - have recently updated beef breeding indexes.
This was the first major update since 2015, based mainly on changing economic drivers such as feed costs and beef prices. A modest adjustment also took place based on earlier slaughter of animals, tuberculosis resistance, carcass specifications and lower methane output.
I understand that prior to the updates, Continentals (Charolais, Limousin and Belgian Blue) were the most desirable Terminal cattle breeds and they continue to be the most desirable after the changes. With regard to the Replacement Index, the top three most desirable replacement breeds (Aberdeen Angus, Limousin and Simmental) remain as the top three after the changes.
ICBF has recently committed to convening an industry stakeholder forum to address issues and concerns raised by suckler farmers and pedigree breeders and I welcome this engagement.
Specifically in relation to the SCEP, this scheme aims to provide support to suckler farmers to improve the profitability and environmental sustainability of the national beef herd. I understand from ICBF that 84% of 4-5 Star animals prior to the changes will retain their 4-5 Star status after the changes.
Animals in SCEP herds whose Index falls will not be impacted by the changes unless the SCEP participant sells an animal that has gone down in rating. It is only when this animal moves out of this herd, its 3 Star rating will become applicable and it will no longer meet the 4 and 5 Star eligibility criteria. I understand that any other issues arising will be addressed in the coming months in the stakeholder forum and communications will be issued to SCEP participants by ICBF.
As I said at the outset, I am confident that the amended indexes will contribute to the overall profitability and sustainability of beef production at farm level but none the less, my Department will continue to monitor the impact of the amended indexes on SCEP participants.
6. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to report on his attendance at the food, agriculture, nature and land use thematic days of COP28; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55710/23]
View answerI attended COP 28 for the Agricultural and Land focused days of the 9th and 10th December, my purpose was to engage on important topics in relation to sustainable food systems and innovation in agriculture, and their relevance for climate action.
I welcome the link made by the UAE Presidency between climate policy and food as a key priority for this year’s COP. This is the first time this has been on the agenda. Food systems are a key component of climate action and can be a catalyst for achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.
In 2021, Ireland was one of the first countries to submit a national food system transformation pathway, Food Vision 2030, to the United Nations Food Systems Summit. Since then, I have been promoting food systems transformation in Ireland and in our bilateral and multilateral engagements internationally.
Ireland is a world leader in sustainable foods systems from farm to fork and I used the opportunity at COP28 to showcase our story as a model for other food producing countries. This builds on consistent engagement I’ve undertaken at other UN and FAO fora where sustainable food is discussed.
A significant achievement for COP28 and its Presidency has been the Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action. This Declaration was announced on Day 1 of the Summit by the COP Presidency who confirmed that 134 countries had signed the Declaration, a number which had risen to 152 by the time of my departure last Sunday. In his opening address to the Summit, An Taoiseach confirmed that Ireland has signed the Declaration. Signatories to the Declaration are committing to a much closer future integration between national policies for sustainable food production and climate policy and action.
This commitment is fully consistent with two key Irish government policies, Food Vision 2030 and the Climate Action Plan.
Over the two days, I engaged in a number of Agri-Climate Food Systems focused events and bilateral meetings. I was particularly pleased to co-host an event with the COP President hosts, United Arab Emirates, at which I delivered a keynote address at the ‘Sustainable Food Systems Approach to Innovation for Climate Action’ in conjunction with the United Arab Emirate’s undersecretary responsible for Food Diversity, Mohammed Mousa Alameeri.
My attendance at COP28 was an important opportunity to contribute to the global dialogue on sustainable food systems. As a food producing nation, it is critically important that Irish agriculture and food is represented on the world stage.
10. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to consider a ban on fishing for sprat, which is not intended for human consumption, in Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55810/23]
View answerSprat is a low value fishery that is often used to produce fish meal and sometimes for human consumption. I am advised that volumes destined for human consumption vary. Fish are a perishable food product on the one hand and harvested seasonally on the other. The destination of any fish product is highly dependent on the market situation at the time, which itself can be influenced by a variety of factors such as consumer trends, availability of other products and even geopolitical events.
This time five years ago, in December 2018, my predecessor announced a transition to a ban on vessels over 18 metres trawling in inshore waters, inside the six nautical mile zone. A significant part of the objective of this measure was to manage the fishing effort on sprat stocks which are primarily targeted within inshore waters. This measure however was the subject of extended legal proceedings following a Judicial Review taken by two applicant fishermen challenging the validity of the Policy Directive which underpinned the initiative. The outcome of these proceedings, received earlier this year, is that Policy Directive 1 of 2019 has been quashed by an Order of Certiorari made by the Court of Appeal.
Further to the final judgment of the Courts, and on the basis of legal advice received in respect of next steps, I have decided to proceed with a new public consultation in the matter of trawling in inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines.
I am conscious of the greater dependence of our inshore fleet, compared to larger vessels, on fishing resources within the six nautical mile zone. Other issues that need to be reflected on include the balancing the management of our fisheries with the needs of the marine ecosystem and particularly with the forthcoming introduction of legislation for Marine Protected Areas.
My Department has sought up-to-date scientific and economic advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, respectively, on trawling in the waters inside the six nautical miles. Once those reports are finalised and policy options are identified by my Department, I can proceed with a public consultation. I look forward to receiving policy options from my Department for consideration in due course.
12. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to fulfil the programme for Government commitment to increase the veterinary presence available on all live export consignments to third countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55708/23]
View answerIt is important to clarify at the outset that my Department only permits animals to be transported in compliance with the EU's animal welfare legislation, which is amongst the most progressive legal frameworks in the world. Furthermore, Ireland has national rules to protect the welfare of livestock being exported to third countries on ships, which lay down controls that are more stringent than EU rules, and which have been held up as an example by the European Commission to other Member States. We support the safe export of live animals as it helps offer an important market competition outlet for farmers.
My Department is currently in the process of putting structures and procedures in place to increase the frequency at which consignments to third countries are accompanied by an official veterinarian, with a particular expertise in the transport of animals by sea. To this end, initial training of official veterinarians, new to this area, took place in early June to increase the pool of expert veterinarians available to accompany these consignments, with more training planned over the coming months. The number of consignments to third countries is currently relatively low.
My Department has actively contributed to the development of the new EU rules on welfare on ships exporting livestock, which were introduced this year by the Commission. Amongst other improvements, these rules require that an official veterinarian travels on board the first voyage with livestock to a third country after a ship approval inspection.
My Department monitors compliance more generally through a system of official controls, including advance checks of paperwork and veterinary checks of the livestock vessel and of all animals before they travel. A Department official veterinarian boards the vessel before and after loading and is also present during the loading process to ensure that animal welfare standards are maintained.
14. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the impact that inserting the rights of nature into the Constitution would have on agriculture; whether he supports the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity’s proposal to hold a referendum on the rights of nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55790/23]
View answerAll Government departments, including my own Department, are examining the Recommendations of the Citizen’s Assembly on Biodiversity Loss to consider the next steps and most appropriate actions to address this important issue.
This particular recommendation requires collaborative assessment across Government to identify the impact of actioning it and how such a proposal could be incorporated into our Constitution.
The Irish Constitution is the fundamental law of the State and declares the fundamental rights of every Irish citizen. Any changes to the Constitution requires careful and thoughtful consideration across all of Government.
The forthcoming 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan contains a commitment for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to explore the ways in which the rights of nature could be formally recognised, including the potential for constitutional change.
I am committed to working with my colleagues in NPWS, and across Government, to delivering on this action.
17. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has conducted any research into the reasons the number of Teagasc graduates attaining trained farmer status has been declining in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55429/23]
View answerMy Department has not carried out research regarding participation levels on Teagasc education courses that lead to trained farmer status.
The current minimum qualification for ‘trained farmer status’ is a recognised Quality and Qualifications Ireland, Level 6 agricultural qualification or equivalent. Teagasc learners who complete the “Green Cert” can qualify for trained farmer status.
Teagasc reported an unprecedented demand for places on their Green Cert Programme since 2015 as more young farmers sought to attain trained farmer status to qualify for additional scheme payments and Revenue tax reliefs. In that period over 10,000 learners graduated from the Green Cert programme.
Participation levels peaked in the period from 2015-2018 arising from additional payments for trained farmers under the Young Farmers Scheme and National Reserve, which required applicants to have a Green Cert or equivalent. In recent years, enrolments have stabilised to more normal participation patterns with sufficient courses available to meet annual demand. Over 1,700 Green Certs were awarded in 2022, a 15% increase on the number of qualifications awarded in 2021.
My Department has worked closely with Teagasc to maximise participation on the Green Cert Programme. Teagasc was authorised to recruit 120 temporary teachers in tranches to substantially boost annual intake capacity. As recently as April this year, I secured approval from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform for an additional 20 temporary teachers to boost intake from September.
It is important to note that there are non-Teagasc options to attain trained farmer status with other education providers. Over the last ten years, there has been a significant increase in the number of Higher Education providers offering degree programmes in agriculture. Most of these courses meet trained farmer requirements. In recent years, some Education and Training Boards and private providers commenced programmes equivalent to the Teagasc Green Cert. Teagasc works closely with many of the Higher Education and private providers.
It must also be remembered that in addition to the Green Cert, Teagasc is substantially involved in both further education and higher education provision, and in the provision of specialised and customised training to the agri-service sector. In the region of 5,000 learners are participating in various Teagasc full-time, part-time and distance programmes in 2023.
I am a strong supporter of the value of Agriculture education and supporting generational renewal. Our agriculture sector continues to have a need for bright young people who are educated to the highest standard. I welcome the increased positivity from so many young people towards the Agri food and farming sectors, as evidenced in the numbers attending Teagasc courses.
19. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action he intends to take to address delays to ACRES payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55410/23]
View answerAs the deputy is aware, and in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) was launched last year as a flagship environmental scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 with a budget of €1.5bn over its duration.
It was fantastic and a credit to our farmers to see the exceptional demand for entry into the ACRES Scheme, demonstrating their interest in taking on actions to address climate, biodiversity, and environmental issues.
While it was initially planned to take in applicants in two Tranches, with 30,000 in Tranche 1, I made a decision, which was supported by Government to accept all valid applications submitted last year. here are now just under 46,000 farmers actively involved in the Scheme.
I do acknowledge the intensive and focused efforts of all involved in the implementation of the Scheme - of farmers, of advisors, of the ACRES Co-operation Project teams and of officials across Government - who have all been working together on the first year of this new scheme.
However, the decision to accept all applicants into Tranche 1 of ACRES has put significant pressure on the ability to pay all eligible participants in 2023.
I want to further acknowledge that farmers were expecting payment before the end of the year and that my officials have been working to expedite payments, but with the unprecedented numbers, it has not been possible to get all eligible applicants paid in ACRES by the year end.
I want to reconfirm that payments for ACRES General participants will commence on December 18th 2023. Due to the additional complexity associated with the Co-operation Project (CP) stream, payments for ACRES CP participants are being progressed and will begin to issue in February 2024. Everything is being done to pay all ACRES applicants who clear pre-payment checks as a matter of priority.
In response to requests for advance payments, it is important for budgetary and audit purposes, and for farmers themselves, that the correct payment is made at the outset. A once-off or interim payment is not an alternative, as it would undermine the integrity of the ACRES payment system, and any such expenditure would not meet the standards required to access EU funding in accordance with the new performance reporting obligations under the CAP Strategic Plan.
I would also point out that this Government has allocated some €9.8 billion over the next five years through the CSP to farming families and rural communities, to support the production of world class, safe and sustainable food, and to support farmers’ efforts to help us achieve our climate and environment ambitions. ACRES has funding of €1.5 billion over its five-year lifetime, to facilitate the participation of 50,000 farmers.
The structure of ACRES is at the forefront of agri-environmental schemes across Europe. I want to acknowledge the achievements that we have secured to date in scaling a results-based approach up to a national level, building on the success of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) initiative, which farmers have found to be extremely effective and rewarding.
20. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details on when farmers who are participating in the ACRES co-operative scheme can expect to receive their payments. [55634/23]
View answerAs the deputy is aware, and as just outlined in my previous reply, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) was launched last year as a flagship environmental scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027.
As we are all very much aware, and as discussed in this House earlier this year, there was exceptional demand for entry into the ACRES Scheme. These numbers demonstrate the interest of farmers to take on actions to address climate, biodiversity, and environmental issues.
While it was initially planned to take in applicants in two Tranches, with 30,000 in Tranche 1, as a Government we made a decision to accept all valid applications submitted last year, and there are now just under 46,000 farmers actively involved in the Scheme.
I do acknowledge the intensive and focused efforts of all involved in the implementation of the Scheme - of farmers, of advisors, of the ACRES Co-operation Project teams and of officials across Government - who have all been working together on the first year of this new scheme. However, this decision to accept all applicants into Tranche 1 of ACRES has put significant pressure on the ability to pay all eligible participants in 2023.
I fully appreciate that farmers were expecting payment before the end of the year, and I understand the frustration amongst farmers regarding uncertainty of payments. I can assure you all that my officials have been working very hard to expedite payments, and to pay as many ACRES participants as possible before the end of the year, but with the unprecedented numbers, it has not been possible to get all eligible applicants paid in ACRES by the year end.
I want to reconfirm that payments for ACRES general participants will commence on December 18th 2023. Due to the additional complexity associated with the Co-operation Project (CP) stream, payments for ACRES CP participants are being progressed and will begin to issue in February 2024.
Everything is being done to pay all ACRES applicants who clear pre-payment checks as a matter of priority.
The structure of ACRES is at the forefront of agri-environmental schemes across Europe, and even though it is only in its first year, we have achieved a significant amount in the development and delivery of what is an ambitious scheme. Scaling a results-based approach up to a national level, building on the success of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) initiative, which farmers have found to be extremely effective and rewarding, has been a key accomplishment across all the stakeholders, including farmers.
I would also point out that this Government has allocated some €9.8 billion over the next five years through the CAP Strategic Plan to farming families and rural communities, to support the production of world class, safe and sustainable food, and to support farmers’ efforts to help us achieve our climate and environment ambitions. ACRES has funding of €1.5 billion over its five-year lifetime, to facilitate the participation of 50,000 farmers.
21. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied that Irish farmers and the agrifood industry in general remain safeguarded into the future, notwithstanding competition, restrictions and-or requirements in regard to land rewetting, given the extent to which moisture abounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55724/23]
View answerI remain committed to the objective of Ireland being regarded internationally as a world leader in sustainable food systems, producing top quality, safe, nutritious, sustainable food.
With a growing global population, it is critically important that countries like Ireland that can produce quality agricultural products from beef, to cereals to dairy products sustainably continue to produce that food. That food production system must also strive to continually reduce emissions as Ireland is doing as it is an imperative that we retain our green credentials. This reputation has been hard won over many years, and I believe achieving our environmental goals is key to safeguarding our agri-food industry in the wake of increased competition.
Ireland's land is currently a net source of emissions. My priority is to ensure that we continue to make progress with respect to reducing emissions both from reducing the management intensity on our organic soils and through achieving our afforestation rates and promoting forest management initiatives.
The reduced management intensity of drained organic soils is an entirely new area of work with much uncertainty and complexity, which Ireland will need to pioneer an approach to. The uncertainty is caused by large data gaps regarding the location of organic soils, the nature of land management and intensity, the drainage location and status and the level of GHG emissions emitted from these soils in varying states of wetness and management.
I have targeted investment in projects to deal with this uncertainty, with the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory seeking to provide a more accurate picture of soil emissions and removals; the RePeat project to provide greater resolution peat soil maps; and two European Innovation Projects, FarmPeat and FarmCarbon, who are working with farmers at farm level to develop innovative solutions, with learnings already been brought across into the ACRES scheme.
Ireland cannot achieve climate neutrality without the land use sector supporting this objective over the decades ahead. Change is not easy and does not come overnight. Our recently launched country-wide network of Teagasc supported Signpost Farms will showcase how best practice management techniques can be adopted on a wide range of enterprises and soil types.
23. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the publication of a strategy to address ash dieback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55407/23]
View answerEarlier this year I tasked an independent group to review existing Department supports for Ash Dieback. The group had a remit to review the existing and previous supports available to landowners with ash plantations funded under the National Forestry Programme and to engage with relevant stakeholders to seek their views on the current supports for ash forest owners.
The group presented me with its report in September which contained thirteen recommendations covering a diverse range of issues. A detailed action plan is being prepared for submission to Cabinet for approval in the very near future, which will outline a comprehensive action plan by my Department to deal with the issue of ash dieback. Detailed deliberations are taking place to ensure an efficient, appropriate and proportionate response.
There is currently an attractive and enhanced reconstitution scheme for ash dieback open for applications under the new Forestry Programme 2023 - 2027. This scheme includes the following enhanced features:
• 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate, from €1,000 to €2,000;• Enhanced replanting grant rates under the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027;• Those applicants whose sites are still in premium will continue to receive the premium due for the remaining years;• In addition, for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium, a top up premium equal to the difference between the equivalent forestry type and the existing premium will be paid. This will be calculated for the remaining years left in premium and paid in a single sum.
When the Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 opened in July I stated that if a forest owner made an application they would not be disadvantaged if any changes are made as a result of the independent review process. I want to reiterate that message clearly and encourage ash plantation owners once again to engage with the enhanced reconstitution scheme as the quickest and most effective way to clear and reconstitute affected sites in compliance with the Forestry Act 2014.
24. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what measures his Department is taking to ensure the expedition of ACRES payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55793/23]
View answerAs the deputy is aware, and in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) was launched last year as a flagship environmental scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 with a budget of €1.5bn over its duration.
It was fantastic and a credit to our farmers to see the exceptional demand for entry into the ACRES Scheme, demonstrating their interest in taking on actions to address climate, biodiversity, and environmental issues.
While it was initially planned to take in applicants in two Tranches, with 30,000 in Tranche 1, in respect of the ambition of our farmers, I made a decision, which was supported by Government to accept all valid applications submitted last year. There are now just under 46,000 farmers actively involved in the Scheme.
I do acknowledge the intensive and focused efforts of all involved in the implementation of the Scheme - of farmers, of advisors, of the ACRES Co-operation Project teams and of officials across Government - who have all been working together on the first year of this new scheme.
However, the decision to accept all applicants into Tranche 1 of ACRES has put significant pressure on the ability to pay all eligible participants in 2023.
I want to further acknowledge that farmers were expecting payment before the end of the year and that my officials have been working to expedite payments, but with the unprecedented numbers, it has not been possible to get all eligible applicants paid in ACRES by the year end.
I want to reconfirm that payments for ACRES General participants will commence on December 18th 2023. Due to the additional complexity associated with the Co-operation Project (CP) stream, payments for ACRES CP participants are being progressed and will begin to issue in February 2024. Everything is being done to pay all ACRES applicants who clear pre-payment checks as a matter of priority.
In response to requests for advance payments, it is important for budgetary and audit purposes, and for farmers themselves, that the correct payment is made at the outset. A once-off or interim payment is not an alternative, as it would undermine the integrity of the ACRES payment system, and any such expenditure would not meet the standards required to access EU funding in accordance with the new performance reporting obligations under the CAP Strategic Plan.
I would also point out that this Government has allocated some €9.8 billion over the next five years through the CSP to farming families and rural communities, to support the production of world class, safe and sustainable food, and to support farmers’ efforts to help us achieve our climate and environment ambitions. ACRES has funding of €1.5 billion over its five-year lifetime, to facilitate the participation of 50,000 farmers.
The structure of ACRES is at the forefront of agri-environmental schemes across Europe. I want to acknowledge the achievements that we have secured to date in scaling a results-based approach up to a national level, building on the success of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) initiative, which farmers have found to be extremely effective and rewarding.
25. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to support and help deliver the establishment of more integrated constructed wetlands on farms nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55381/23]
View answerIntegrated Constructed Wetlands (ICW) are a recognised form of wastewater treatment that have been used to treat varying types of polluted water including those of industrial, domestic, and agricultural origin.
All ICWs require planning permission and a discharge licence and only farmyard soiled water, as defined in the Nitrates Regulations, shall be allowed into an ICW. Prior to the construction of an ICW, full storage capacity (as required under the Nitrates Regulations) shall be provided for all slurry and effluents produced, and required to be stored, on the farmyard.
In addition, to ensure the structure works as intended, there are minimum specifications for the construction of ICWs and ancillary works that must be adhered to which are outlined in ‘Minimum Specification for Integrated Constructed Wetlands and Ancillary Works (S133 – June 2011)’. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine specification (S.133) is supported by a Guidance Document published by the then Department of Environment entitled: Integrated Constructed Wetlands: Guidance Document for Farmyard Soiled Water and Domestic Wastewater Applications.
There are no immediate plans to support ICWs but I will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation in terms of the supports available to farmers to help protect water quality.
26. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will be allocating additional funding through the Animal Welfare Grant Programme to animal welfare charities given the unprecedented number of surrenders they are dealing with at present, in addition to the increased cost of running animal welfare and animal rescue organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55296/23]
View answerAnimal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government.
Since taking office I have provided more support for animal welfare charity organisations then ever before. On the 7th of December, I announced funding of almost €6 million to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide, through the Animal Welfare Grants Programme. This is the largest award of grant funding to animal welfare bodies ever made by my Department.
Awards are made on the basis of objective criteria which are reviewed on an annual basis. The awards align with the goals set out in my Department's animal welfare strategy, which I published in 2021.
This year, there is an additional focus on supporting charities involved in rehoming dogs. I recognise that 2023 has been a particularly challenging year in terms of dog welfare and for those working to rescue, protect and rehome dogs. The grants reflect this and will enable these organisations to continue to deliver on the rescue and rehoming of dogs throughout 2024.
In addition, again this year, the awards also supported the provision of education and knowledge sharing to the public on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Raising public awareness on responsible pet ownership and highlighting the many challenges and responsibilities that come with owning a pet will help reduce the number of animals being surrendered.
Finally, I’d like to acknowledge the important work carried out, often in very challenging circumstances, by animal welfare organisations and their dedicated volunteers and staff across Ireland. Animal welfare charities play a crucial role in helping animals in need, educating people, and raising public awareness about improving animal welfare. The grants provided will support Animal Welfare charities with their dedicated work throughout 2024.
27. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to report on the progress to establish an implementation group for a just transition in agriculture, as recommended by the NESC report on the just transition in agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55737/23]
View answerAs part of the Climate Action Plan 2021, the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) undertook research into how a just transition approach to agriculture and land use in Ireland can ensure that climate targets are met in a manner that is socially inclusive, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable. The project was supported by a multi-stakeholder working group, on which my Department was represented.
The NESC report “Just Transition in Agriculture and Land Use” was published in July of this year. It notes that the agriculture and land use sector can increasingly be a part of the solution to address urgent climate change and biodiversity loss.
The research found that there is significant activity already underway which can provide a foundation for further work to support an effective, fair and inclusive transition in the agriculture and land-use system.
The report outlines four areas of action:
1. Socially and Farmer-Inclusive Processes: It identifies socially inclusive dialogue and participation as central to ensuring a fair process of transition.
2. Enabling People to Benefit from Opportunities of Transition: It emphasises that a just transition in agriculture and land use must be opportunities-led.
3. Sharing and Mitigating the Costs of Transition: it also identifies that a key part of the just transition approach is to ensure a fair and sustainable distribution of the effort to bring about transition.
4. Co-ordinating Action: it states that the key to following through on these actions and interventions is to co-ordinate and govern the transition so that it can deliver real change in a balanced, inclusive and just manner.
The NESC report makes 20 recommendations across these four key areas.
Some of these recommendations are already replicated in Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s stakeholder strategy for the agri-food sector, and are integrated or are being integrated into my Department’s policy generally. This is overseen by the dedicated implementation group for Food Vision known as the High Level Implementation Committee which I chair myself.
Food Vision 2030 states that a Just Transition approach will be important, and that in moving to a climate resilient and low carbon sector, policy should seek to ensure that the change is fair for producers, workers and communities. Food Vision sets out a framework within which such choices and decisions can be made.
Regarding the specific recommendation that an "Implementation Group for Climate Transition in Agriculture" be established, this is being considered in the context of the other processes and structures currently in place.
Foremost among these is the initiative by Government, through the Department of Environment and Climate Change, to establish a Just Transition Commission. To establish this, they have first established a Just Transition Taskforce which will make detailed recommendations to the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications by early 2024, regarding the role and structure of the Just Transition Commission.
The Taskforce is engaging with stakeholders including those in the agriculture sector as well as representatives of business and employers’ organisations, trade unions, community and voluntary organisations, and environmental organisations in developing these recommendations. The Taskforce is being chaired by Kieran Mulvey, who previously acted as Just Transition Commissioner in the Midlands and three meetings have been held to date.
This is in addition to the commencement of Phase 2 of the Land Use Review and ongoing agriculture environmental policy work generally, including through Food Vision.
Before we move to create another process, it is important to ensure that there will be no duplication of effort as we progress this essential work. I am very mindful of the workload on our systems and those of our stakeholders in implementing the goals of our climate ambitions and am committed to working with my colleagues in Government as well as stakeholders to ensure that we are as efficient as possible in our work.
28. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views regarding the capital investment scheme support for renewable energy investments as part of the CAP Strategic Plan; if said support can be expected to continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55700/23]
View answerThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. There is an indicative budget of €370 million available for the period 2023-2027, and all investments must be linked to Climate, Environment or Animal Welfare.
The Solar Capital Investment scheme, which launched on 22 February 2023, is one of the schemes under TAMS 3. It encourages the purchase of solar investments, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuel energy by farmers. The Scheme has its own investment ceiling of €90,000 and will be grant aided at the enhanced rate of 60%.
TAMS is an On-Farm Investment Scheme which is co-funded by the EU. Under the current EU regulations and under the new CAP Strategic Plan, it is a strict requirement that the electricity generated annually from the installed solar PV system does not exceed the annual electricity demand of the farmyard including the dwelling house. However, there will be occasions, typically in summertime, where the electricity generated will surpass the electricity demand, and the surplus electricity is subsequently spilled over to the grid.
In these circumstances, this is permissible and furthermore, there is an obligation on the energy utility company to remunerate the farmer for this quantity of electricity. This spillover of generated electricity is catered for under the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), which is available to all renewable generators, including farmers. The price paid for the spillover electricity is set by the energy provider under the Clean Export Guarantee.
This outcome is in keeping with the objective of the TAMS scheme to enable farmers to consume solar, PV-generated electricity on-site to meet part of their farm electricity demand, including the dwelling house.
Currently grant aid for solar investments in TAMS are for the purposes of farm consumption. In cases where the applicant wishes to apply for non-TAMS support, such as from SEAI, for a larger area of panels, the TAMS 3 unit must be a separate independent system if this additional support is being sought. If no additional non-TAMS support is sought, then the additional panels can be part of the TAMS system.
The electricity consumption of the dwelling house can be included on the solar survey as part of the holding for sizing the Solar PV installation. The dwelling house must be occupied by the herd owner or family member and situated on the holding. Only one dwelling house can be included on the Solar survey.
I believe that the suite of TAMS schemes is the best mechanism for ensuring that funding is targeted at the most appropriate enterprises, including those that focus on the renewable energy sector. I will also ensure that investment items and ceilings for grant aid in this sector continue to be reviewed on a regular basis.
29. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the new EuroStar evaluation for suckler cows and stock bulls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55828/23]
View answer34. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to assist suckler farmers on the ratings issue for animals with the new SCEP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55441/23]
View answer49. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is concerned with the latest evaluation changes by an organisation (details supplied) which has greatly devalued some cattle breeds; if he will address this issue by requesting a rollback to the previous evaluation until full clarification is received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55819/23]
View answer62. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has contacted an organisation (details supplied) on the flaws being outlined by farmers with animal ratings since the new SCEP scheme came into play; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55442/23]
View answer447. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the rules were changed on the issuing of stars (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56126/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 34, 49, 62 and 447 together.
The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) - the body approved in Ireland in accordance with relevant EU legislation to conduct testing, genetic evaluation and publication of breeding values for dairy and beef cattle - have recently updated beef breeding indexes.
This was the first major update since 2015, based mainly on changing economic drivers such as feed costs and beef prices. A modest adjustment also took place based on earlier slaughter of animals, tuberculosis resistance, carcass specifications and lower methane output.
I understand that prior to the updates, Continentals (Charolais, Limousin and Belgian Blue) were the most desirable Terminal cattle breeds and they continue to be the most desirable after the changes. With regard to the Replacement Index, the top three most desirable replacement breeds (Aberdeen Angus, Limousin and Simmental) remain as the top three after the changes.
ICBF has recently committed to convening an industry stakeholder forum to address issues and concerns raised by suckler farmers and pedigree breeders and I welcome this engagement.
The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) aims to provide support to suckler farmers to improve the profitability and environmental sustainability of the national beef herd. I understand from ICBF that 84% of 4-5 Star animals prior to the changes will retain their 4-5 Star status after the changes.
Animals in SCEP herds whose Index falls will not be impacted by the changes unless the SCEP participant sells an animal that has gone down in rating. It is only when this animal moves out of this herd, its 3 Star rating will become applicable and it will no longer meet the 4 and 5 Star eligibility criteria.
I understand that any other issues arising will be addressed in the coming months in the stakeholder forum and communications will be issued to SCEP participants by ICBF.
I am confident that the amended indexes will contribute to the overall profitability and sustainability of beef production at farm level and my Department will continue to monitor the impact of the amended indexes on SCEP participants.
30. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of land afforested in 2020, 2021, 2022, and to date in 2023; the Government target for forestry licence output in 2023; the number of licences issued; the number of afforestation licences issued in 2023; the total hectarage of land licensed for new afforestation in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55510/23]
View answerThe Forestry Programme 2023 -2027 has been approved by Government, and both the afforestation and forest roads schemes are open to applications, existing applications are being migrated over to these scheme as the applicants opt in. My Department has begun to issue afforestation and roads licences under the new Programme, while felling licences continued and continue to issue as normal.
Given we are now in a position to issue all licences, the publication of a new Forestry Licensing Plan can be expected very shortly. In 2024 the Department will continue to build on recent improvements to its licensing system. The Department will continue to outstrip demand by issuing more licences than it receives. The Department is ready to issue sufficient afforestation licences to meet its annual planting target of 8,000ha, but this is contingent on receiving enough applications to achieve this goal.
To date in 2023, my Department has issued 3,050 forestry licences of all types. This represents 1,380 private felling licences,1,372 Coillte felling licences, 218 forest road licences and 80 new afforestation licences (726 Ha’s).
In addition to the above, my Department has processed 90 (800 Ha’s) applications already approved under Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020 that hadn’t commenced planting and have now opted in to the new Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027. Approvals under the new Reconstitution of Ash dieback scheme (RADs) have begun with 155 approvals amounting to over 690 Ha’s. Finally, 11 approvals have been processed to date under the Native Tree Area Scheme amounting to 11.41 Ha’s.
There were 2,434 hectares planted in 2020, 2,016 hectares planted in 2021, 2,273 hectares planted in 2022 and 1,649 planted to date in 2023.
In addition to the figures outlined above and in recognition of the need for forestry activity to continue, pending the launch of the new Programme, earlier this year, my Department introduced an Interim Afforestation Scheme and an Interim Forest Road Scheme. In 2023, a total of 288 applications were approved under the Interim Afforestation Scheme, representing 1,750 hectares. Under the interim roads scheme, 159 approvals have issued representing 70,222 metres.
