Written Answers Nos. 1183-1202
1183. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what consultations took place with suckler farmers when formulating the changes to the beef index; and what information has been provided to suckler farmers following the changes to the beef index. [56493/23]
View answer1184. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has conducted a risk assessment on the impact of the changes to the beef index on suckler farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56494/23]
View answer1185. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will engage with suckler farmers on concerns they have in relation to the survival of pedigree breeding following changes to the beef index. [56495/23]
View answer1187. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to review matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56500/23]
View answer1192. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has requested that an organisation (details supplied) suspend the proposed new cattle indexes pending a proper consultation and engagement with affected farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56518/23]
View answer1221. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce a compensation package for farmers whose animals have been devalued as a consequence of the change in star ratings as introduced by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56954/23]
View answer1222. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will suspend the introduction of the changes introduced by an organisation (details supplied) to star ratings to allow for a full evaluation of the losses that some farmers will endure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56955/23]
View answer1227. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if in relation to the SCEP scheme the reason the terms and conditions with regard to animal star ratings of the contract have changed after commencement of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57108/23]
View answer1241. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that the recent changes to the STAR rating/evaluations for the suckler carbon efficiency programme will adversely affect farmers of traditional Irish cattle breeds (hereford and angus); the reason ratings/evaluations were revised after the commencement of the scheme, leaving many farmers, who entered these contracts in good faith, in an increasingly untenable position (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1028/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1183, 1184, 1185, 1187, 1192, 1221, 1222, 1227 and 1241 together.
My Department does not conduct bovine genetic evaluations.
The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) is 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.
Whilst I acknowledge the concerns raised in relation to the recent updates to the beef Euro-Star indexes, I understand from ICBF that this was the first major update since 2015, based predominantly 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. I am confident that pedigree breeders will continue to play a vital role in livestock breeding through genetic improvement.
ICBF have communicated extensively on changes to the beef indexes, including with breed societies, since the changes were announced. 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.
Breeding animals in SCEP herds whose Index falls below 4 or 5 star rating will not be impacted by the changes. It is only when this animal moves out of this herd that its lower star rating will become applicable and it will no longer meet the 4 and 5 Star eligibility criteria. I understand that any other issues will be addressed in the coming months in the stakeholder forum and communications will be issued to SCEP participants by ICBF. Indeed, ICBF has already written to all SCEP participants and will be doing further direct communication to ensure farmers have a full understanding of what the changes are and how the changes will benefit the national suckler herd. I will continue to monitor any impact on SCEP farmers closely.
I am confident that the amended indexes will contribute to the overall profitability and sustainability of beef production at farm level.
1186. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work his Department is conducting in relation to the welfare of unwanted bull calves which will be born next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56496/23]
View answerIn Ireland we have detailed legislation in place to protect calf welfare based on both EU and national rules. The legislation covers calf welfare at every point including when they are on farms, during transport and when they are at other premises such as marts. Officials from my Department carry out a range of inspections to check compliance with this legislation each year. For example targeted, risk based inspections of dairy and other farms involved in rearing calves are carried out each year as well as inspections at marts and around transport. In addition to these pre-planned inspections, any reports of specific welfare incidents or concerns to my Department are also promptly investigated. Where animal welfare issues are identified, appropriate follow-up action can and will be taken.
In 2019 the Calf Stakeholder Forum was established specifically to support the welfare and optimise the value of male dairy calves. Its membership includes a wide representation from industry groups, research and advisory bodies and the Department. The Forum continues to meet regularly to collaborate on actions which can help to improve the welfare of male dairy calves. The forum aligns with the overarching policy objective to develop a more integrated and sustainable strategy for the livestock sector with closer alignment of the dairy and beef sectors. This includes development of enhanced strategies for dairy and dairy beef rearing. My Department works closely with these stakeholders in the promotion of initiatives on dairy beef integration, for example;
• Teagasc is currently running a five year Dairy Beef 500 campaign focused on maximising the potential of beef production from the dairy herd.
• ICBF continues to work on a number of initiatives including a national genotyping programme and promoting the use of CBV (Commercial Beef Value) scoring for calves at sale.
• Increased use of sexed semen which will reduce the overall number of male dairy calves being born.
There are also other initiatives in place to improve calf welfare – for example this month sees the continuation of CalfCare events organised by Animal Health Ireland (AHI) in co-operation with Teagasc, and industry partners. The theme of Calfcare 2024 is "Breeding, Feeding and Health for Successful Calf Rearing". I believe these events help to keep farmers informed of best practice husbandry and management to ensure optimal calf health and welfare and a high level of performance for calves in their care.
It is my firm view that every calf born on an Irish farm is of value, and also that every farmer is responsible for the welfare of his or her calves. On-farm breeding policy determines the value and utility of calves born in dairy herds and therefore has an impact on welfare.
I am confident that through the work of my Department officials, the Calf Stakeholder Forum, and the other relevant agencies, and through the commitment of the dairy industry as a whole, we will continue to ensure the welfare of all calves born on Irish farms, this year and into the future. I will be launching an action plan shortly to encourage dairy calf and beef systems.
My Department takes the welfare of all animals extremely seriously. The welfare of young and more vulnerable animals such as male dairy calves is of particular importance however and for that reason significant resources from my Department are allocated to calf welfare actions on an ongoing basis.
1188. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the annual accounts for Horse Racing Ireland and for the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board will be presented. [56503/23]
View answerHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board (IHRB) is the regulatory body for horse racing in Ireland. The role of the body as the regulator of horse racing is provided for in legislation however the body itself remains a private entity.
Relevant legislation and the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies 2016 require the annual financial statements of HRI and the IHRB to be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) and submitted to my Department for consideration. The accounts are subsequently noted by Government and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The 2022 audited financial statements for HRI were received by my Department on 21 December 2023 and are currently under consideration.
The audit of the IHRB’s 2022 financial statements by the C&AG is ongoing.
1189. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an investigation is taking place into the export of an Irish greyhound (details supplied) to Hebei Province, China; if Greyhound Racing Ireland is investigating the events surrounding this dog's export to China, including a licensed individual who allegedly tried to register the dog in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56507/23]
View answerRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
1190. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a fishery (details supplied) has been closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56508/23]
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)
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.
Following the conclusion of the EU-UK negotiations on 2024 fishing opportunities for shared stocks - including the Pollack 6-7 stock, 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.
1193. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of ACRES recipients in each county; the number within each county who received their payments in November and December 2023; the number in each county whose payments were delayed until 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56519/23]
View answerAgri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) payments commenced on December 15th, with payment issuing in the initial payment run to two-thirds of all ACRES General participants. This first ACRES pay run included all ACRES General participants that have cleared payment validations. Co-operation advance payments will begin to issue in February 2024.
Pay runs will continue in the coming weeks for the remaining ACRES General participants. Cases are still being run through validation programs on an ongoing basis and will be paid as they pass the validation process.
|
County |
Total Number of ACRES Applicants per County |
ACRES Co-operation Applicants |
ACRES General Applicants |
Number of ACRES General Applicants paid |
|
Carlow |
471 |
125 |
346 |
240 |
|
Cavan |
1646 |
349 |
1297 |
982 |
|
Clare |
2948 |
1457 |
1491 |
964 |
|
Cork |
3652 |
1416 |
2236 |
992 |
|
Donegal |
4856 |
2871 |
1985 |
1186 |
|
Dublin |
71 |
32 |
39 |
30 |
|
Galway |
5455 |
2513 |
2942 |
1893 |
|
Kerry |
3457 |
2544 |
913 |
327 |
|
Kildare |
271 |
21 |
250 |
175 |
|
Kilkenny |
613 |
1 |
612 |
398 |
|
Laois |
443 |
110 |
333 |
219 |
|
Leitrim |
2099 |
1426 |
673 |
537 |
|
Limerick |
1358 |
576 |
782 |
530 |
|
Longford |
1234 |
8 |
1226 |
871 |
|
Louth |
250 |
100 |
150 |
114 |
|
Mayo |
5683 |
2807 |
2876 |
1939 |
|
Meath |
461 |
4 |
457 |
320 |
|
Monaghan |
694 |
126 |
568 |
441 |
|
Offaly |
694 |
49 |
645 |
466 |
|
Roscommon |
2582 |
279 |
2303 |
1662 |
|
Sligo |
1708 |
799 |
909 |
646 |
|
Tipperary |
1603 |
396 |
1207 |
608 |
|
Waterford |
488 |
144 |
344 |
179 |
|
Westmeath |
906 |
6 |
900 |
644 |
|
Wexford |
1006 |
59 |
947 |
537 |
|
Wicklow |
580 |
199 |
381 |
245 |
|
Total |
45229 |
18417 |
26812 |
17145 |
1194. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider issuing an interim payment to farmers who have qualified for ACRES in light of the delays with the overall payments to help alleviate the financial burden on farmers at this time of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56524/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, and in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a flagship environmental scheme, namely the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), was launched in 2022 There has been exceptional demand for entry into the Scheme, which demonstrates 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 the decision was made to accept all valid applications submitted, and there are now just under 46,000 farmers actively involved in the Scheme. The decision to accept all 46,000 applicants into Tranche 1 has put significant pressure on the ability to pay all participants in 2023.
My officials have been working to expedite payments, but with the unprecedented numbers, it was not possible to get all participants paid by the end of 2023. Due to the additional complexity associated with the Co-operation Project (CP) stream, payments will begin to issue in February 2024 for cases that pass all pre-payment validation checks.
Regarding the issuing of an interim payment to farmers, such a payment is not a realistic proposition, as it would not meet the standards required to access EU funding in accordance with the new performance reporting obligations under Ireland's 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan.
I want to reassure the Deputy that everything is being done to pay, as soon as possible in 2024, all ACRES participants who clear pre-payment checks.
1195. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when applications for a scheme (details supplied) will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56527/23]
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.
Overall, the scheme has proved very popular. Tranche 1 of TAMS 3 closed on 30 June 2023, with 8,241 applications received across ten separate investment measures (almost four times the average number received per tranche under TAMS 2). Applications received across all of the measures in Tranche 1 are currently being processed. Once the initial processing is completed, all applications are subject to a ranking and selection process, which is a regulatory requirement for all TAMS 3 applications.
A total of 551 applications were received under Tranche 1 of the Lower Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) Scheme. Approvals have issued to 268 applicants to date, and approvals are continuing to issue to the remaining eligible Tranche 1 applicants on a daily basis.
I recently announced that, as with Tranche 1, all eligible applications received in Tranche 2 will be approved. Also, similar to Tranche 1, those who have applied for mobile investments may proceed with that investment at their own risk pending formal approval in due course. Processing of Tranche 2 applications will commence once the tranche closes on 19 January 2024.
1196. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56528/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Liming Programme was introduced by my Department in 2023 to incentivise the use of lime, a natural soil conditioner which corrects soil acidity, makes nutrients more available for plant uptake, and improves overall soil health.
In late October 2023 some quarries expressed concerns that they would not be able to process payments and provide invoices for all farmers seeking to forward buy ground limestone before the Liming Programme's original claim deadline of the 31st of October. In response, I granted a one-week extension to the deadline for the submission of claims. Claims for payment were accepted up until midnight on the 07 November 2023.
The Programme was supported as a once-off measure in 2023 that is funded by the National Exchequer in response to the war in Ukraine. There is no funding provision available for 2024. Therefore claims for payment including Invoices/Receipts with proof of payment had to be submitted by the 07 November. The majority of payments under the Programme issued in December with only some final payments remaining to issue at this stage.
The claims I.T. system closed in November and to be fair to all farmers it is not possible to process late claims.
1197. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the footage posted by an organisation (details supplied) in relation to a livestock vessel which left Greenore Port for Israel on 7 December 2023, with around 3,500 young bulls on board; if he agrees that it is immoral, considering the suffering these animals experience on the journey; if he agrees that it is immoral that Ireland is sending these animals to a state inflicting genocide; if he will stop approving these shipments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56590/23]
View answerNo export of bovine animals by livestock vessel from Greenore to Israel took place on the 7 December 2023. I am however aware of footage posted online by an organisation, which is reported as relating to a consignment of animals which left Ireland on 16 November 2023, on their arrival in Israel.
The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine has been in contact with the Israeli competent authority in relation to the footage, for its attention and follow up as appropriate.
The Department facilitates lawful commercial trade while ensuring that live animal exports are carried out in compliance with legislative welfare requirements.
There are currently no restrictions on trade with Israel in place.
1198. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that no shipment of livestock transported by ship will leave when winds of force six or above are predicted, as recently happened in Foynes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56594/23]
View answerDepartment of Agriculture, Food and the Marine officials ensure that animals are fit for transport and comply with the terms of their health certification, as well as ensuring that journeys are only allowed in conditions whereby animals can be transported in compliance with the EU's animal welfare legislation and with Ireland’s national legislation.
The acceptable weather conditions for a livestock vessel to carry cattle in, on a journey from Ireland, are laid down in the applicable national legislation, S.I. Number 356 of 2016, the Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations (as amended). They are as follows:
The Master of the vessel must have in his or her possession immediately prior to the time of sailing,
(a) the current 96 hour weather forecast from the Irish Meteorological Service covering both wind and sea conditions for those sea areas in which the vessel is intended to travel during the first 96 hours of the voyage, and
(b) sufficient other information on the recent and prevailing wind and sea conditions for the route of the intended voyage as would enable him or her to assess the sea conditions on the route.
The Master of the vessel must ensure that the vessel does not depart from the State if the forecast predicts unfavourable sea and wind conditions, for any sea area in which the vessel is intended to travel during the first 96 hours of the intended voyage during a period in which the vessel would be in that sea area.
The forecast must not predict wind of Beaufort Force 8 or greater, for the sea areas in which the vessel is intended to travel during the period in which the vessel will be in that sea area. For vessels of less than 90 metres in length or having a roll period of less than 15 seconds, the corresponding figure is Beaufort Force 6 or greater.
In the event that unexpected weather conditions arise en route, the Master of the vessel may amend the course of the vessel as he or she sees fit, in order to maximise the welfare, health and safety of the crew as well as the animals on board.
The Department has and will continue to ensure that these rules are enforced.
1199. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their ACRES payment.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56596/23]
View answerAs the deputy is aware, and in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a flagship environmental scheme, namely the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), was launched in 2022. There was exceptional demand for entry into the Scheme, which demonstrates the interest of farmers to take on actions to address climate, biodiversity and environmental issues.
It was initially planned to take in applicants in two Tranches, with 30,000 in Tranche 1. A decision was made to accept all valid applications submitted in Tranche 1, and there are now just under 46,000 farmers actively involved in the Scheme. The decision to accept all 46,000 applicants into Tranche 1 has put significant pressure on the ability to pay all participants in 2023.
My Department has been working to expedite payments, but with the unprecedented numbers, it has not been possible to get all participants paid in ACRES by the end of 2023. Due to the additional complexity associated with the Co-operation Project (CP) stream, payments for ACRES CP participants will begin to issue in February 2024. The person named is a participant in ACRES CP.
1200. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ensure continued support for farmers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56622/23]
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 2022-2027, and all investments must be linked to Climate, Environment or Animal Welfare.
There is currently a range of Agtech equipment already included in the TAMS 3 schemes. This includes items such as GPS machinery control, yield monitoring, health and fertility monitoring systems, grass growth monitoring systems, robotic slurry scrapers and automatic calf feeders. The inclusion of further investment categories is dependent on the availability of funding for the TAMS 3 schemes.
The required validation protocols for new technologies will vary by product and intended usage. Teagasc, the State Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is a recognised and trusted body which undertakes research in the agricultural sector. Companies looking to have their products validated for the Irish market should contact Teagasc to discuss the options for such work to be undertaken.
The issue of reclaiming VAT in respect of on-farm investments is the responsibility of the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners.
1201. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total CAP 2023-2027 allocation for agriculture in Ireland; the breakdown of how much CAP funding has been spent in 2023 and projected for 2024, by focus, in tabular form [56706/23]
View answerPlease see document 56706/23 attached.
1202. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that are being taken by his Department to address the current difficulties and costs for knackeries trying to get outlets to dispose of animal remains. [56762/23]
View answerThe Category 1 rendering plants were reopened to animal collectors from Friday the 15th December, and as a result a full animal collection service has been restored to farmers.
From a review of initial data, it appears that the backlogs in fallen animal collections from farms were fully cleared within days of resumption of collection and rendering services.
My Department maintains regular contact with the stakeholders concerned.
