Written Answers Nos. 971-994
971. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department uses community radio for advertising and public awareness campaigns; if not, the reason, given the vital role community radio often plays in the dissemination of information to local communities; if his Department will consider using community radio for public awareness campaigns in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14167/24]
View answerMy department provides public information about the department's wide range of schemes, services and policies. This includes public information campaigns with advertising across radio, print, digital media and out of home advertising (OOH).
My department’s public information advertising is placed on the most suitable media options to meet our campaign objectives, to reach our target audiences and to provide value for money.
My department does not currently advertise on community radio. However, I recognise that community radio does provide great benefit to the communities that they serve, particularly in the area of local reporting. Community radio is a medium that my department may consider for future public information campaigns.
972. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if conversion of conifer crops to native woodland is permitted under the Native Woodland Conservation scheme 2023-2027 recently launched by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14210/24]
View answer973. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if applications for Native Woodland Conservation lodged with his Department under the previous forestry programme for the NWC scheme and entail the conversion of conifer forests to native woodland in areas of high ecological and water quality values, as encouraged by his Department, will be eligible under the native woodland conservation scheme 2023 – 2027 launched by his Department recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14211/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 972 and 973 together.
The aim of the Native Woodland Conservation (NWC) Scheme is to support the appropriate restoration of existing native woodlands in order to promote the protection and expansion of Ireland’s native woodland resource and associated biodiversity. All projects under the NWC Scheme must promote the appropriate native woodland type (or types) identified for the site being applied for, based on soil type, existing woodland, ground vegetation, elevation, etc., as set out in the Native Woodland Framework document, which can be found in Appendix 2 of the Forestry Standards Manual.
Projects involving the reforestation of clearfelled conifer stands with native woodland will now come under the proposed Climate Resilience Reforestation Pilot Scheme, due to be launched in quarter 2 and which will be open to private applicants.
Applications involving reforestation with native woodland and received under the old Programme and that have requested to be included in the new Programme are subject to the terms and conditions of the new Forestry Programme 23 – 27. These applicants have been written to recently advising them of their options.
Details of the NWC scheme terms and conditions are published on my Departments website which can be found here gov - Forestry Grants and Schemes (www.gov.ie)
975. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how many afforestation applications have been received to the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 to date; the details of the different afforestation schemes for which submitted applications have been made; how many have been approved and how many rejected, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14257/24]
View answerThe new Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027 will help to support an increase in afforestation. It offers landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types which cover a broad range of planting options. It provides generous incentives to farmers in particular, to re-engage with forestry. These include increases in premia rates ranging from between 46% to 66%, along with a longer premia term of 20 years for farmers, compared to 15 years for non-farmers, across most Forest Types
In addition, the programme contains a new Native Tree Area Scheme, which builds on a recent amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 that removed the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare. This aims to increase and encourage interest in small-scale planting and offers premiums of up to €2,284 for 10 years.
Details of valid applications received and licences approved since the commencement of the Forestry Programme 23 - 27 can be found in the table below:
|
Scheme |
Received |
Approved |
Refused |
|
Afforestation |
667 (6225ha)* |
204 (1581ha) |
18 (110ha) |
|
Native Tree Area |
233 (250ha) |
148 (155ha) |
27 (31ha) |
*Of the applications received, 304 (2885ha) were applied for under the new Programme; the remaining 363 (3340ha) were originally applied for under the old Programme and opted into the new Programme.
The Forestry Licensing Dashboard is published weekly on my Department's website and provides up to date details on all schemes.
976. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will explain why the rules differ between two tree plant schemes that his Department is currently administering, the native tree area scheme and ACERS tree belts for ammonia capture from farmyards, where a farmer can plant up to 0.50 hectares for ammonia capture without requiring a registered forester, but choosing to plant the same land under the NTA requires a registered forester's involvement; and additionally, if the designated plot has peaty soil, the farmer is permitted to plant under the ammonia capture for farmyards initiative, but planting under the NTA scheme is not allowed in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14320/24]
View answerThe Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS) allows for the creation of native forests without an afforestation licence, subject to the terms and conditions of the scheme. The development of the scheme was undertaken following the completion of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA), subject to the findings of both assessments. These assessments were undertaken on the basis that the NTA Scheme applications would be made by a Registered Forester and that only mineral soils would be afforested.
While the NTAS forms part of Ireland’s Forestry Programme (2023-2027), the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is the flagship agri-environment climate measure within Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 and, as such, was assessed as part of the environmental process undertaken as part of the development of the CSP. Ireland’s CSP 2023-2027 underwent both a SEA and AA, which were carried out by a team of independent consultants.
To ensure the successful establishment of a forest being established under the NTAS and ACRES the involvement of professionals who are trained in the relevant scheme specifications and requirements is an integral part of both initiatives. In the case of ACRES, DAFM Approved ACRES advisors prepare and submit the application whereas for the NTAS this work is undertaken by foresters who are registered with my Department.
When it comes to peaty soils, the Tree Belt for Ammonia Capture from Farmyards measure in ACRES is confined to sites adjacent to livestock housing or a slurry storage facility. The same adjacency restriction does not apply to the NTAS, which means that a larger area of lands could be potentially planted under the NTAS. Furthermore, it should be noted that the maximum area that may be planted under the NTAS is 2 hectares compared to 0.5 hectares for the ‘Tree belts for ammonia capture from farmyards’ action in ACRES.
977. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason Greyhound Racing Ireland still has no strategic plan in place almost 15 months after the last one expired, almost a year after it was quoted in a national newspaper claiming that such a strategic plan was in the process of being finalised by consultants (details supplied), and five months after he said a draft strategic plan had been submitted to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14324/24]
View answer978. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason Greyhound Racing Ireland is only now in March 2024 seeking submissions from stakeholders to help it in the process of drafting its strategic plan, almost 15 months after the last strategic plan expired, almost a year after it was quoted in a national newspaper claiming that such a strategic plan was in the process of being finalised by consultants (details supplied), and five months after he said a draft strategic plan had been submitted to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14325/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 977 and 978 together.
Rásaíocht 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 preparation and adoption of a strategic plan is the responsibility of the RCÉ Board and this will be a statutory matter for the board to fully consider. Following the appointment of the new CEO at the end of 2023, my Department has been engaging with Rásaíocht Con Éireann as they finalise their strategic plan. RCÉ has informed my Department that the stakeholder consultation process has recently concluded and a finalised strategic plan is expected in the coming months.
979. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what indicators and targets as stipulated in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (details supplied) are being used to measure the performance of the Irish greyhound industry in the absence of a strategic plan for the past 14 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14326/24]
View answerRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a 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 preparation and adoption of a strategic plan is the responsibility of the RCÉ Board and this will be a statutory matter for the board to fully consider. RCÉ has informed my Department that the stakeholder consultation process has recently concluded and a finalised strategic plan is expected in the coming months.
My Department operates a number of procedures and processes to ensure that RCÉ complies with the Code of Practice for Governance of State bodies 2016 (the Code) associated circulars and relevant legislation, including full consideration of financial statements, maintenance of communication at all levels, written oversight documentation and Ministerial appointments to the Board.
980. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the monetary figure for the economic and financial contribution of the Irish greyhound industry to the Irish economy based on the figures contained in the industry-commissioned economics report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14327/24]
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.
981. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if force majeure will be granted and all penalties waived in respect of two GLAS contracts (details supplied) given the exceptional circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14396/24]
View answerMy Department has received a request for the circumstances of this case to be considered in the context of force majeure, and this request is currently being considered. A letter will issue directly to the herd owner in the coming days to advise whether the request has been granted.
982. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is giving consideration to providing flexibility around deadlines under ACRES, for measures such as such as submitting soil samples, establishing wild bird covers and fencing margins/riparian zones, given the challenging weather conditions causing difficulty for farmers in meeting current deadlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14498/24]
View answerConditions that may impact on the implementation of actions under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) are monitored and considered by my Department on an ongoing basis.
Amendments to deadlines for the implementation of certain actions have recently been made in recognition of the current weather and land conditions.
As adverse weather in recent months has created difficult ground conditions to allow the capturing of suitable soil samples for analysis, the deadline for the uploading of valid soil samples or soil sample exemption forms for ACRES Tranche 1 participants has been extended to 31 December 2024. This was advised to ACRES advisors by ACRES Circular No.10 of 2024 on 22nd March 2024.
An exemption has also been provided in relation to the shallow cultivation required as part of the “Environmental Management of Arable Fallow” action as adverse weather in recent months has created difficult ground conditions in many areas to allow any cultivation to take place. The exemption is as outlined in ACRES Circular No. 11 of 26th March 2024 which was also sent to ACRES Advisors.
Copies of both Circulars are available on my Department’s website.
While my Department continues to monitor ground and weather conditions, there are currently no further plans to amend the specifications for any other ACRES actions.
983. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider carrying out a scientific survey involving Irish inshore fishermen on pollack numbers in Irish inshore waters to give an alternative view to the stock assessment benchmark study by ICES; if he has given any consideration to re-examining the data used in the study that has led to the closure of the pollack fishery in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14535/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the 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).
The ICES advice for Pollack in ICES Areas 6-7 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)
For 2024, a by-catch only TAC has been set for Pollack in Areas 6-7 to avoid a "choke" situation which would lead to the premature closure of whitefish fisheries where Pollack is caught as a by-catch. Given the scientific advice for this stock, the need to balance socio-economic considerations with achieving good biological status for stocks, and taking into account the challenges of managing mixed fisheries, setting a by-catch only TAC is the most appropriate approach.
It is important to note that the scientific advice does not just apply to Irish waters. Pollack is also found in the waters around the UK and France and the ICES advice covers all of ICES areas 6 and 7. Therefore, a survey in Irish waters alone would be of little value.
Ireland is actively involved with the scientific research to improve the understanding of Pollack. The Marine Institute is taking a leading role in the next ICES benchmark process for this stock, which will be completed in the spring of 2025. An alternative assessment model, one which uses additional sources of data, will be evaluated as part of this process.
While the preliminary results indicate that this extra information does not change the perception of the stock, the new model will give a more precise estimate of the state of the stock and improve short-term forecasts that determine when the target fishery could re-open.
In addition, the Marine Institute is actively working with scientists from the UK and France on a number of fronts, including genetic analysis of Pollack stock structure and analysing historic data from commercial fisheries, recreational fisheries and scientific surveys.
Following the conclusion of the EU-UK negotiations on 2024 fishing opportunities for shared stocks, the EU and UK agreed to work together in the Specialised Committee on Fisheries to improve the long-term management of the Pollack stock, including working on improving the assessment of the stock.
984. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what actions he and his Department have and will take to support wild shellfish fishermen in loughs around Ireland to continue fishing given that new Brexit related regulations now have them in legal limbo due to having no physical site/processing facility for veterinarians to visit and issue health certificates for molluscs transiting the British Landbridge; what engagements he has had with other Irish seafood agencies to address this loophole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14536/24]
View answerThe UK Government introduced from 31 January 2024 new import control requirements for exports of EU agrifood and fishery products to GB and via GB landbridge including requirement for export health certification. The new UK requirements arise as a result of Brexit and UK decision to leave EU Single Market and Customs Union.
In respect of aquaculture animals (shellfish) exports via GB landbridge under the new UK requirements, these products require GB export health certification. My Department and relevant state agencies have engaged extensively with agrifood and fishery sector on these new requirements and are supporting provision export health certification for a wide range of exporters who meet all of the UK certification requirements.
The UK Government has not supplied a GB export health certification for wild aquatic animals (shellfish) therefore the Irish competent authorities cannot support the provision of certification.
In terms of access to EU markets for Irish shellfish it is important to note that transport of these products is still possible via the direct routes to Europe if GB landbridge route is not available.
My Department and relevant Government Agencies continue to monitor impacts of these new UK requirements and they continue to be discussed with industry stakeholders. These issues which arise as a result of changes introduced by UK Government are complex and challenging. The specific certification issues for wild aquatic animals (shellfish) have also been discussed with relevant Irish seafood agencies and I am continuing to examine these issues.
985. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the latest work of the Brown Crab Working Group that he established in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14537/24]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that preparations are ongoing in respect of the establishment of the Brown Crab Working Group. The Group’s work shall be facilitated by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Ireland's seafood development agency, and it will seek to identify measures that could be introduced to support the sustainability of brown crab stocks. I expect that recommendations will be made to me in due course on proposed management measures in respect of the Irish brown crab fishery.
I can assure the Deputy that I am cognisant of the status of brown crab stocks around our coastline and their recent decline. I am also advised that this issue is not confined to the Irish brown crab fishery, as other countries are also reporting decreased crab stock levels.
There are a number of management measures in place for brown crab. The landing size is a national measure where a minimum conservation reference of 140mm applies to brown crab taken by Irish sea-fishing boats in ICES Areas VI and VII, as set out in S.I. No. 26 of 2019 - Brown Crab (Conservation of Stocks) Regulations 2019. While not limited by quota arrangements, EU legislation (Regulation (EU) 2019/1241) restricts the volume of brown crab claws that can be landed for conservation reasons. Crab is also subject to fishing effort limits (days at sea) set at EU level (Council Regulation (EC) No. 1415/2004) for Member States, including Ireland, with sea-fishing boats that catch brown crab, spider crab, scallops and demersal fish stocks in waters around Ireland (ICES areas V, VI and VII).
986. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide the latest update on the total amount of monies drawn down and spent in the Irish fishing industry from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund; to advise how much money he expects to return to the EU unspent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14538/24]
View answerI established the Seafood Task Force to examine the impacts of the TCA on our fishing sector and coastal communities and to recommend mitigation measures.
On foot of the recommendations of the Task Force, I secured funding for a total of 16 schemes for the seafood sector which were allocated a budget of €307.96 million, funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. These schemes provided support for development and restructuring to ensure Ireland has a seafood sector that is as profitable and sustainable as it possibly can be and to identify new opportunities for jobs and economic activity in coastal communities.
The table below provides details of fisheries-related BAR support schemes administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), their budgets and amounts paid. Additional funding of €55.3 million was made available by my Department for the Brexit Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme, which supported investment in local authority maintained piers and harbours, and funding of €1 million was also made available to Bord Bia for Inshore Marketing schemes.
|
Budget Reference Description |
Budget |
Total Paid |
|
Brexit Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme 2021 |
€12,500,000.00 |
€10,013,300.00 |
|
Brexit Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme 2022 |
€24,000,000.00 |
€18,876,100.00 |
|
Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme |
€25,000,000.00 |
€13,441,782.69 |
|
Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme 2023 |
€3,500,000.00 |
€2,437,000.00 |
|
Brexit Off-Register Capacity Buy-Out Scheme |
€2,800,000.00 |
€2,580,057.25 |
|
Brexit Pelagic Fisheries Support Scheme |
€25,600,000.00 |
€24,940,105.00 |
|
Brexit Fish Processor Transition Scheme |
€7,000,000.00 |
€6,990,962.16 |
|
Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme |
€45,000,000.00 |
€30,431,881.68 |
|
Brexit Specific Scallop Fleet Support Scheme |
€560,000.00 |
€552,000.00 |
|
Brexit Voluntary Permanent Cessation Scheme |
€80,000,000.00 |
€59,312,818.00 |
|
Brexit Fisheries Co-operatives Transition Scheme 2022 and 2023 |
€2,000,000.00 |
€1,709,662.68 |
|
Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme 2022 |
€3,700,000.00 |
€2,664,600.00 |
|
Brexit Sustainable Aquaculture Growth Scheme |
€20,000,000.00 |
€4,309,979.72 |
|
Totals |
€251,660,000.00 |
€178,260,249.18 |
The Department of Public Expenditure, National Plan Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) has overall responsibility for oversight of BAR funding, and will be preparing and submitting Ireland's claim to the European Commission for the draw down of funding under BAR. My Department is providing the necessary support to DPENDR in relation to the preparation of Ireland’s BAR claim, which must be submitted in September 2024. Questions in relation to the process for drawing down BAR funding should be addressed to my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Plan Delivery and Reform.
987. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to advise how much of the 1,874 tonne quota of spurdog that he announced in December 2022 was caught, landed and processed; to confirm what markets were identified for selling this species into; to confirm what processing facilities are available for spurdog landings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14539/24]
View answerIreland's quota for Spurdog in 2023 was 1,871 tonnes, of which 420 tonnes was caught (approximately 22%).
The Spurdog stock was subject to high harvest rates for more than four decades, and fisheries were not managed during this time. The Spurdog fishery was re-opened in 2023, having been closed for over ten years to rebuild the stock.
In the past, the main market for Irish spurdog was the UK - almost all Irish landings of Spurdog were sent to the UK, where they were taken by primarily one processor. This market, and the associated processing capacity, has essentially lapsed.
BIM and Bord Bia have carried out an initial market investigation and, while this showed that there is now only a very limited market for this species, there are some opportunities on mainland Europe (Germany, France and Spain). The Irish processing sector has expressed an interest to BIM to explore what is needed in terms of processing techniques, capacity and product formats to service this market. BIM will work with processors in the coming months to explore this opportunity.
988. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2023 organics payment will issue to a farmer in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14565/24]
View answerAdvance payments to organic farmers commenced on the 7th of December 2023.
To date, approximately 96% of Organic Farming Scheme participants have received advance payments. DAFM is working to finalise payments for the remaining 4% of participants as quickly as possible.
It is anticipated that payment for this case will issue in the next two weeks.
989. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the ACRES tranche 3 will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14643/24]
View answerIt is not proposed that the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) will open for applications for a third intake into the Scheme.
A total of €1.5 billion has been allocated, as part of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027, for the Scheme over its duration, with this amount originally intended to facilitate the participation of 50,000 farmers.
There are currently just over 45,000 active participants in the Scheme following the acceptance of all valid applications submitted for Tranche 1, and taking account of withdrawals from the Scheme over the course of 2023.
More than 9,000 further applications for Tranche 2 of the Scheme are currently being processed by my Department.
In view of the level of interest by farmers to participate in ACRES, I engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to explore options to facilitate the participation of all those who had applied for Tranche 2. I was therefore pleased to announce last month that all valid applications for Tranche 2 will be accepted into the Scheme.
As the overall participation in the Scheme will then be in excess of the 50,000 as originally planned, a third intake, under a Tranche 3, is not proposed.
990. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for expanding deer management in the country; and if he plans to extend deer management areas to the Glenasmole Valley/Bohernabreena area in Dublin south west, where there is great interest in such a scheme. [14649/24]
View answerResponsibility for deer and other wildlife resides with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), within the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, I am however acutely aware of the importance of the sustainable management of our national deer population for agriculture, as well as our nature ecosystems.
In order to address this the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and I convened the Deer Management Strategy group last Autumn, under the Chairmanship of Mr Teddy Cashman. On foot of a recommendation of the strategy group a public consultation on the management of deer was launched late last year. This was the first major public consultation into the impact of deer and it received over 1,500 submissions from all over the country and all walks of life.
Some of the findings of the public consultation are that the main concerns regarding the impacts of deer to emerge from the consultation were biodiversity loss / damage (82%), damage to agricultural crops / grazing (81%), road safety issue (80%), preventing the establishment of new forests (71%) and a role in the epidemiology of TB in cattle (67%). Submissions also outlined that in order to tackle the problems raised by deer, 86% of the survey’s respondents said culling of deer is needed. Some 78% said supports for landowners to manage deer is required while 69% said a domestic venison industry should be expanded.
A report was published in December 2023 that presents recommendations and covers a wide range of issues from hunter training and forest design to land use management and the venison market. The 16 recommended actions are collated between short and medium term implementation targets.
The Deer Management Strategy Group continue to meet regularly to progress these recommendations towards implementation.
In relation to your specific query in relation to the Glenasmole Valley/Bohernabreena area in Dublin south west, I am sure that all areas with a deer population will be assessed and where appropriate included in any plans that the group develop and implement.
991. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision on a herd number application by a person in County Mayo (details supplied) will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14655/24]
View answerAn ER1 application form on behalf of Mr. Anthony White to become the registered herdowner of a herdnumber was received by the RVO, Castlebar on 2nd November, 2023. Mr. White is currently registered as Herdkeeper in respect of the herd number in question. The RVO is currently awaiting receipt of supporting documentation which it has requested from the applicant. Once this is received, the RVO will then be in a position to make a decision on the Herdowner role.
993. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are any plans to introduce a fodder scheme due to the bad weather at the moment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14676/24]
View answerIn March 2022 I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee. The remit of the Committee is to prepare an industry response, contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises through difficult periods.
In recognition of the ongoing and challenging weather conditions, I asked the Chairman to reconvene the Committee to establish the most up to date facts regarding the fodder and feed situation on farms and to provide advice to assist farmers through this challenging period.
The Committee, at it's meeting on the 29th March, concluded that notwithstanding the difficulties that some farmers are experiencing, there are sufficient fodder stocks in the country. While ground conditions are challenging, there is also a good supply of grass and Teagasc are advising farmers they should take any opportunities available, for instance using on-off grazing, to allow animals assess to grass.
I asked Teagasc to establish a system for co-ordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise existing fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surpluses to engage with those who need fodder.
The National Fodder and Food Security Committee met again on 9th April to get an update on the current situation across the country. At that meeting I announced the introduction of a Fodder Transport Support Measure to provide additional assistance to livestock farmers most severely affected by the prolonged exceptional weather conditions.
This measure resolves a key issue regarding the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where fodder is plentiful and those where it is scarce. A financial contribution is being provided to farmers to offset transport costs of Hay, Fodder Beet, Straw and silage for feeding, where this involves a distance of more than 75 km. I will continue to monitor the situation closely.
994. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how many applications have been received to the succession planning advice grant; the number of payments made under tranche 1 of the scheme; the total amount paid to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14692/24]
View answerSuccession Planning Advice Grant is a scheme specifically aimed at encouraging best practice in intergenerational land transfer in order to address, among other things, significant generational imbalances in farming.
The grant is to encourage and support farmers aged 60 years and above to seek succession planning advice by contributing up to 50% of vouched legal, accounting and advisory costs, subject to a maximum payment of €1,500.
81 applications were received in tranche 1 which had an opening date of 19th September 2023 and a closing date of 31st December 2023.
51 of these applications were deemed eligible and these have been processed and paid. The total amount paid under tranche 1 was €61,534. A second tranche opened 1st January 2024 and will remain open to 31 December 2024, with payments to issue in early 2025.
