Vol. 492 No. 7
163 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the specific commitments, if any, set out in An Action Programme for the Millennium which have been implemented in full; the commitments, if any, implemented in part; the commitments, if any, initiated; the commitments, if any, yet to be initiated and implemented by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15046/98]
The information requested is set out in the following tabular statement:
|
Action Programme Objectives |
Current Position |
|
|
1. |
Carry out fundamental reform of the Department of Agriculture and Food |
Comprehensive reform in preparation. |
|
2. |
Establish an independent agency to administer FEOGA etc. |
FEOGA Payments Unit to be established as part of re-organisation of Department. |
|
3. |
Restore the Control of Farmyard Pollution scheme. |
Total extra funds of £32.5m have been made available to cover existing liabilities. Funding options being examined for possible re-opening of scheme. |
|
4. |
Achieve extension of REPS to ten years. |
A revised package for REPS covering NHA/Commonage Areas has been approved by the Agriculture Structures Committee of the EU Commission. It will run for periods of five years, renewable for up to 15 years. During 1998, proposals will be submitted to the EU Commission for the extension of the basic scheme. |
|
5. |
Reform existing direct payments scheme to support farming families. |
The Agenda 2000 proposals at present under negotiation propose ceilings on direct payments. |
|
6. |
Put in place a new scheme to encourage on-farm investment targeted at small farmers. |
Funding options being examined for possible re-opening of control of farm pollution and dairy hygiene schemes. Re-opened schemes will be targeted at small farmers. |
|
7. |
Provide support for young farmers to include exemption from stamp duty when taking over family holdings. |
The Minister for Finance has primary responsibility for this measure. |
|
8. |
Set up a special advisory committee to advise on supporting women in agriculture and address specific training requirements of women in agriculture. |
DAF to consult with relevant organisations. Evaluation of commitments under Operational Programme for Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry (OPARDF) has also been undertaken. Teagasc has undertaken consultations with women's groups. Teagasc planning initiative “Teagasc 2000” will address training of women in agriculture. |
|
9. |
Actively encourage development of organic farm sector. |
Organic Supplementary Measure under REPS and OPARDF both include financial incentives and support. |
|
10. |
Ensure Ireland's interests reflected in CAP reform and World Trade negotiations. |
EU Commission's March proposals on CAP reform deemed unacceptable by Minister who has set out his concerns clearly at the Council of Ministers. Four consultative groups involving farmers, processors, academics and others have been established to ensure widest input of views on Ireland's negotiating positions. |
|
11. |
Establish Food Safety and Quality Authority (with Department of Health and Children). |
Already established on an interim basis under Health (Corporate Bodies) Act, 1961. Bill to establish FSAI permanently published on 7 May and at Report Stage in Oireachtas. |
|
12. |
Re-establish the Office of Food. |
Minister of State with special responsibility for food has been appointed. |
|
13. |
Bord Bia and Teagasc to be charged with identifying developmental needs within food industry. |
Teagasc and Bord Bia consult extensively in relation to industry priorities and marketing structures. ‘Teagasc 2000’ will shortly be published. Bord Bia is developing a specific beef marketing initiative to regain share of EU markets lost due to their renationalisation following BSE. Forbairt is leading an extensive study of the beef processing sector. Bord Bia and Teagasc have direct input into Food Industry Development Programme 2000-2006 Food Group. |
|
14. |
Initiate a National Human Resource Programme. |
Teagasc addressing training needs in conjunction with FÁS. Issue will also be included in forthcoming Teagasc planning strategy ‘Teagasc 2000’ and in Food Industry Development Programme 2000-2006. |
|
15. |
Plan to ensure stabilisation of rural population. |
White Paper on Rural Development is being progressed by Department |
|
16. |
Set up structures for enhancement of rural development. |
White Paper on Rural Development is being progressed by Department |
