Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 21 Feb 2008

Vol. 648 No. 1

Priority Questions.

Millennium Projects.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

1 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number, in respect of the millennium trees project, of trees that were eventually planted of the 1.2 million planned; the number of sites that were used to plant these trees; if she will list these sites and the number of trees planted at each site; the number of each species planted at each location; the number of trees now surviving at each location; the projected lifespan for each of these species; the projected number of trees surviving at the end of each five-year cycle after the year 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7195/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Mary Wallace)

The people's millennium forests project was a flagship millennium project sponsored by the National Millennium Committee and Allied Irish Bank and managed by Coillte in association with Woodlands of Ireland. This was the largest ever project directed at the expansion and enhancement of Ireland's native woodlands and resulted in the establishment and conservation of 1,500 acres of native woodlands.

There were 16 sites involved in this project, 14 of which are in the Republic of Ireland and two in Northern Ireland. A total of 1.17 million trees were planted at 12 of the locations in the Republic of Ireland, details of which have been summarised in tabular form and circulated to the Deputy and which also will be included in the Official Report. The remaining two sites, namely, the yew wood at Muckross in Killarney, County Kerry and Rossacroo, County Kerry, had conservation work carried out. An additional 200,000 trees were planted at two locations in Northern Ireland by the forest service of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland, bringing the total number of trees planted to 1.37 million, which is almost 200,000 in excess of the original plan.

While I will not read out the contents of the tabular statement, which is very detailed, it lists the 12 sites, which are located in ten counties. Ten species were included, namely, alder, ash, birch, cherry, hazel, oak, other broadleaf, rowan, Scots pine and yew and the tabular statement sets out the number of trees that were planted in each of the aforementioned locations.

An independent audit of each site has been carried out by Woodlands of Ireland in the past year and I understand this audit confirmed that excellent, healthy native woodlands have been established at each of the locations. However, the purpose of the audit was to confirm that each planted site is progressing well rather than to count individual trees.

The forests planted as part of this project will be managed as native forests in perpetuity for the benefit of the people in accordance with the original project objectives. The forests will be managed on a continuous cover basis, meaning that the forests will never be clear-felled and that any trees that die or are thinned will be replaced by young trees regenerating naturally from the trees planted in 2000-1. The species planted have biological lifespans of 100 to 250 years.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

Species	Alder	Ash	Birch	Cherry	Hazel	Oak	Other Broadleaf	Rowan	Scots Pine	Yew	Total
	‘000 trees planted
Location
Ballygannon, County Wicklow			15			52			7		74
Tourmakeady, County Mayo	3	19	13			34			18		87
Derrygorry, County Monaghan	34	3	2			55			23		116
Cullentra, County Sligo	13		21	2		21		2	4		63
Portlick, County Westmeath		1	10			9					20
Rosturra, County Galway	16	20	41		15	93		1	3		188
Shelton, County Wicklow	43	51	17		12	19	10				152
Camolin, County Wexford						34					34
Galtee, County Tipperary	11		26			23					60
Derrygill, County Galway	0	5	22			55		4			86
Woodlands, County Kilkenny	70	61	15	3		79		7	13		249
Lacca, County Laois	3	20	2			14			3	1	44
	193	181	183	5	28	487	10	15	71	1	1,173

Deputy P. J. Sheehan

I thank the Minister of State for her elaborate description of the progress made on the millennium plantations. Does she have information regarding the rate of survival, which was to be evaluated every five years? Eight years have passed since the trees were planted. Does the Minister of State have figures in respect of the number of trees that have survived? Does she foresee that what has been planted will come to maturity? How long will it take for the forests to come to maturity?

Deputy Mary Wallace

To clarify again, the total area involved is close to 570 hectares or 1,420 acres of woodland. A total of 1.2 million trees were planted in the name of 1.2 million households nationwide, each of which received a certificate identifying the location of its tree. It is difficult even to count the trees in the Phoenix Park and consequently the Department has not sent out staff to count the trees in question. The committee's role is to check that the woodlands will be there for the people in future. Any trees that die or are thinned will be replaced by younger trees. However the key point to be established, which I understand the audit to have confirmed, is the presence of excellent healthy native woodlands at each of the locations.

As for the Deputy's final question on the trees' lifespan, the lifespan for the species planted is between 100 and 250 years. Obviously it depends on whether a tree is an oak, rowan, yew or whatever. In such woodlands, natural regeneration takes place. The acorns will fall and grow into more trees continually. The point is that these fabulous woodlands will be there for generations to come and most importantly, there will never be any clear-felling in these woodlands.

Deputy P. J. Sheehan

No one who knows anything about woodlands would believe there will be 1.4 million trees in 100 years' time. The focus was on creating holistic ecosystems. I cannot foresee such a high percentage rate of trees surviving at the end of 100 years. It will be the same for me as I will have passed on to greener pastures by then.

Deputy Trevor Sargent

Never.

Deputy P. J. Sheehan

However, the public should be made aware of the lifespan of that planting. I do not believe there will be a high survival rate in percentage terms in 100 years' time.

Deputy Mary Wallace

I hope that in 100 years' time, those who are alive will be able to go to the woodlands in question. The plan was that future generations would be able to so do. The Deputy raised concerns as to whether the woodlands were there and whether monitoring was in place. I reassure the Deputy that a project monitoring board is in place, which meets in May or June each year. It met in May 2007 and commissioned a review of the sites, which took place in October and November 2007. At its next meeting in May 2008, it will consider that review in detail. I reassure the Deputy that Coillte is managing the woodlands and that there will be an annual meeting of the monitoring board in the future to ensure all is well.

Grant Payments.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

2 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps she is taking to release the current deadlock relating to payments under the rural environment protection, REP, scheme; the number of farmers involved; the state of negotiations with the Commission; and if the Government supports the Commission proposals relating to the restructuring of the REP scheme which has operated on a contractual basis for over 14 years. [7398/08]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

In early January, in the course of discussions on payment arrangements for REPS 4, the European Commission unexpectedly raised questions about the long-established practice of paying farmers in REPS 2 and REPS 3 in full at the start of each contract year. I met Commissioner Fischer Boel in Dublin to discuss this matter when she attended the annual general meeting of the Irish Farmers Association in January and I had further discussions with her in Brussels last Monday. I am glad to state that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue with the established practice until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts. I am very grateful to Commissioner Fischer Boel for her personal intervention to resolve an extremely difficult situation.

I immediately directed my officials to take steps to release approximately €37 million in REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments, which had been on hold since early January, and payments for valid outstanding claims are now beginning to issue.

Payments to farmers in REPS 4 are governed by a new Commission regulation, which reflects the Commission's objective of integrating and harmonising the operation of the various farm payment schemes including the single payment scheme, REPS and the disadvantaged areas scheme. Inevitably, for farmers with contracts in REPS 4 starting from 1 January this year, the new rules will result in some changes from the previous payment pattern. My officials are in detailed technical discussions with the Commission services and both sides are committed to introducing any new arrangements in a way that will alleviate the impact of these changes on farmers. I expect the matter to be clarified shortly.

Deputy Seán Sherlock

In some respects the issue has moved on since the question was tabled. However, I thank the Minister for her response. As soon as this issue came to light, both the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and her Department took a highly proactive approach in respect of REPS 2 and REPS 3.

Is there a definite timeframe in which a decision will be made on the outcome regarding payments under the REPS 4 scheme? I understand negotiations are ongoing at present and I take cognisance of the sensitivities associated therein. However, I would appreciate the provision by the Minister of an approximate timeframe to Members.

Deputy Mary Coughlan

I agree with the Deputy that the sooner this matter is dealt with, the better. I hope and have expressed the view that this will happen shortly. As for a timeframe, I expect it to occur within the next fortnight. As the Deputy correctly observed, my officials are in negotiations with the Commission on the matter at present.

Deputy Seán Sherlock

I thank the Minister for her response. As a general point, this is a vital scheme and the income derived from it by farmers is essential to them. If the Minister has any scope to have the Irish model adopted throughout the European Union, it will be very positive for agriculture in Ireland and the Union. She might take this on board.

Deputy Mary Coughlan

As the Deputy knows, Ireland is unique in that it is the only member state that pays 100% of the REPS payment up-front. Other member states are very happy with the new regulation stipulating that there be two separate payments, one of 75% and another of 25%. We are putting forward our specific views and concerns on the basis of our 14 years of experience with the scheme.

World Trade Negotiations.

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

3 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her specific concerns relating to the World Trade Organisation, WTO, talks; the action she will pursue to ensure that the Irish agricultural market is not hindered by the outcome of the trade negotiations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7295/08]

Deputy Mary Coughlan

I remain committed to an ambitious outcome to the current round of WTO negotiations. As an open economy dependent on trade, Ireland has much to gain from a successful conclusion to the negotiations. However, I have insisted, and will continue to insist, that any final agreement must be balanced. It must be balanced across all of the negotiating pillars, namely, market access for industrial goods, services, trade rules, trade facilitation and agriculture. It must be balanced between what the European Union is being asked to concede in the negotiations and what it is gaining in return. In the agriculture negotiations, it must be balanced across the three main negotiating pillars — domestic supports, export competition and market access.

The European Union has undertaken Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, reform in preparation for the negotiations and it has made a generous offer to reduce trade-distorting subsidies and to provide substantial special and differential treatment for developing countries. It is now time for the other negotiating partners to make equivalent contributions if an ambitious and equitable final agreement is to be reached. In that regard, I am very concerned that the recent negotiating paper from the chairman of the WTO Committee on Agriculture lacks balance. I have difficulty with the proposed commitments and timing in the document. I am determined that European and Irish agriculture must not be sacrificed in the effort to strike a WTO deal.

Any WTO deal must not undermine the CAP reforms already undertaken in good faith by the European Union in preparation for the current WTO round. My overriding objective in the agriculture negotiations is to ensure that the terms of the agreement can be accommodated within the framework of the reformed CAP. This represents the limit of the European Commission's negotiating mandate in these negotiations and must be respected.

There is no doubt that the overall process is at a critical juncture and the Government is fully aware of this. As I stated, we have concerns about the direction of the talks and no stone is being left unturned to address them.

My Department's officials and I have consistently and continuously outlined the Irish position in the clearest possible terms at official and political level. We have had numerous bilateral meetings with the Commission. We have developed and maintained valuable contacts with like-minded member states on this issue. I recently travelled to France specifically in respect of the WTO talks for a bilateral meeting with the French Agriculture Minister, Mr. Michel Barnier. Prior to the meeting of the Council of Agriculture Ministers this week, I attended a meeting of the "group of 14" WTO member countries plus member states at which there was a full discussion of the WTO negotiations.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

This group has grown to 20 member states. The Secretary General and senior officials of my Department visited Poland some weeks ago, also in respect of the WTO talks, again with the intention of maintaining strong support for a deal that does not damage EU agriculture. I have continued to express my view forcefully at meetings of the Council of Agriculture Ministers, most recently at this week's meeting on 18 February. I emphasised the absolute necessity that the Commission remain within the terms of the negotiating mandate. I will continue to work closely with like-minded Ministers in other member states to seek support for my position.

Deputy Andrew Doyle

The position we were to adopt on CAP reform seems to have been adopted by Mr. Peter Mandelson as an opening position rather than a final one. If the Irish argument is not convincing, why are Argentina and United States considering limiting Chinese cereal imports to protect their own domestic markets?

When the Doha round first opened, we were told we had plenty of fuel and food. Circumstances have changed and I cannot understand why Mr. Mandelson is being allowed a free hand to negotiate. I do not know where his mandate comes form. He is a trade negotiator for the European Union. Who shows him the limits?

I appreciate that the Minister is negotiating with the French, who have traditionally been our greatest ally in this regard. Under a different regime, France may have a different outlook on the matter but the reality is that if we do not address it, Europe will be at the end of the world food chain, just as it is at the end of the Siberian gas line. If we cut our expenditure on agriculture protection, which amounts to €40 billion, what will happen when food gets scarce? I do not know which testament of the Bible refers to seven fat kine and seven lean ones — I will have to check with my mother — but perhaps it was prophesy.

Deputy Mary Coughlan

I do not want to give a biblical answer but I share the concerns of all Members of the House. The House has had an opportunity to express these concerns at committees.

I have used all the political clout I have been given in speaking to representatives from other member states. What was known as the "group of 14" has now expanded and has become the "group of 20" and this demonstrates the difficulties the majority of member states have with the deal. At the meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, GAERC, my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, expressed grave concern about the deal, as did his counterparts from like-minded states. The Taoiseach has been in touch with the President of the European Commission, Mr. José Manuel Barroso, to express his concerns and he has also had discussions with a number of his colleagues. He will do so again when he travels again next week.

There will be grave consequences if the deal presently on the table is accepted. It is my intention, and that of representatives of other member states, to outline our serious concerns about the lack of balance in the proposals.

Deputy Andrew Doyle

Will the Minister exercise whatever powers she can in expressing these concerns? Irresponsible as it may be, we may have to discuss Commissioner Peter Mandelson's mandate in the reform treaty debate. Who is allowing him a free hand? He is operating according to his own agenda as far as I can see. Bearing in mind that President George Bush wants to leave a positive legacy, I do not know what the legacy of Commissioner Mandelson will be or who is giving him his imprimatur. He must be called to account because of the grave consequences of the proposed deal.

Deputy Mary Coughlan

We will be dealing with everything we can and my colleague, Deputy McGuinness, the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and a number of my representatives are meeting Commissioner Mandelson this afternoon to outline our concerns. Deputy Andrew Doyle can rest assured that, in working with those in the industry, including farming organisations and political organisations, I will exert as much pressure as possible.

The Deputy is correct that I have grave concerns about the Commissioner for Trade's mandate. It is the Commissioner who negotiates on our behalf but, the Council must be listened to. It expressed grave concerns this week. I refer not only to the Agriculture Council but also to the GAERC.

Grant Payments.

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

4 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for her Department’s delay in processing REPS payments; the consultations she has had with the European Union on the matter; the arrangements that will be put in place to ensure that farmers do not face a cash-flow crisis as a result of the freeze on payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7296/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Trevor Sargent)

The reply to this question is somewhat similar to that for Question No. 2.

In the course of discussions about the payment arrangements for REPS 4, the European Commission unexpectedly raised questions in early January about the long-established practice in Ireland of paying farmers in REPS 2 and REPS 3 in full at the start of each contract year. Thereafter, it was necessary to put these payments on hold, so as not to expose the Irish taxpayer to the risk of heavy fines.

Department officials immediately embarked on discussions with their counterparts in the Commission and the Minister, Deputy Coughlan, raised the matter with Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel in Dublin when she attended the annual general meeting of the Irish Farmers Association in late January. The Minister also had further discussions with the Commissioner in Brussels on Monday last, at which the Commissioner indicated she had no objection to Ireland continuing to receive REPS payment claims and make payments, as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

The Minister immediately directed the Department officials to take steps to release some €37 million in REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments, which had been on hold since early January. Payments for valid outstanding claims are now beginning to be issued. Payments to farmers who started contracts in REPS 4 in 2007 are also being issued since last week.

Deputy Andrew Doyle

This matter was discussed at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. After decoupling and CAP reform, environmental measures were regarded as a means of making payments to farmers. It has been accepted that the REP scheme in Ireland is a model of how the scheme should operate. Early payment is one of its selling points. I take issue with the Minister calling the payment an "up-front" payment. It is early because it has been approved in advance. We made the same mistake at the committee meeting. If the EU is considering rolling out this model on a European scale, we should examine the Irish model to establish the aspects of it that are working. One such aspect is the early payment given to participants to carry out the necessary works and measures to comply with the rules.

For farmers whose REPS 2 term finished in October 2006, the process was supposed to start by January 2007; they could not take up REPS 3 and REPS 4 was not rolled out until much later. Therefore, those farmers have incurred a year's loss of income. Will the Minister of State comment on that?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I will call the Deputy again.

Deputy Trevor Sargent

I thank Deputy Doyle for his thoughts on the scheme. They are useful in formulating the case to be made, but we are in ongoing discussions with the Commission. As he mentioned, they are the people we are focusing on helping. The Commission has put it to us that it needs to reconcile the area issue, particularly the REPS payment area that is taken into account and the integrated administration and control system overall. To date we have said there was no problem previously in this regard. The auditors have always been satisfied that what we have done represents total compliance with the spirit of the scheme. These discussions are ongoing. There are sensitivities about the issue, given that we are putting the case that we have, as the Deputy said, operated in the spirit of the scheme and have never been found to be at fault in how we operated it. Now is the time to put forward the points the Deputy made, namely, that this model is a good way of implementing the REP scheme and it encourages the maximum take up among farmers.

Deputy Andrew Doyle

In terms of the time lag between farmers completing REPS 2 who could not take up REPS 4, I accept negotiations are ongoing on REPS 4. However, some farmers are being actively encouraged to move from REPS 3 in particular into REPS 4 and, to my knowledge, they have not been made aware of the implications of the payment schedule. I would welcome clarification on that. I reiterate we have a model that works. Our system should be considered a role model of how to roll out this scheme. I hope that when I go home today I will have received a cheque in the post.

Deputy Mary Coughlan

Is the Deputy double-jobbing?

Deputy John Browne

The Deputy must declare that.

Deputy Seán Sherlock

He will have to get a financial statement.

Deputy Trevor Sargent

I thought TDs were paid quite well.

Deputy P. J. Sheehan

Deputy Doyle has a tax clearance certificate.

Deputy Trevor Sargent

I will not get into that debate.

Deputy Andrew Doyle

It has already been declared.

Deputy Trevor Sargent

It was as much of a shock to us as to anybody else to learn that a problem was envisaged in the way we were proposing to make payments under REPS 4. We had to take quick action to ensure we did not alienate the people with whom we are now seeking agreement. We have always been on the right side of the law in this regard and we want to remain there. We wanted to ensure that farmers did not suffer any loss——

Deputy Andrew Doyle

They lost sleep.

Deputy Trevor Sargent

——whether it be sleep or anything else under the scheme in the final analysis. That is the reason we had to had to act quickly. Hopefully the matter can be successfully concluded but the negotiations are still ongoing.

Aquaculture Licences.

Tom Sheahan

Ceist:

5 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a new aquaculture licensing regime has been in operation since 1 January 2008, implementing recommendation 6.2 of the seafood industry strategy; the number of licences that have been processed since that date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7297/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy John Browne)

The Cawley report recommended that a review of the existing procedures and processes used to administer and implement the current licensing and regulatory regime for the aquaculture sector should take place with a view to strengthening current systems and procedures and delivering an improved service to customers. My Department has prepared a detailed strategic plan to give effect to this recommendation. This strategic plan has been accepted in principle and its implementation is currently under discussion within my Department.

The division dealing with aquaculture licensing also deals with foreshore licensing and a range of other coastal zone management issues. In regard to aquaculture licensing, it deals with assignment, renewal and amendment of existing licences as well as the issuing of new licences.

Since 1 January 2008 one new licence has been finalised and issued to the applicant. A further 19 applications have been processed to an advanced stage and determinations in respect of these applications are expected in the coming weeks. It is important that I place the number of new licences issued in context. The licensing procedure is lengthy and complex, involving a range of intermediate measures before a recommendation and decision can be made in any one case.

I should also point out that the process has become considerably more complex since the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 was enacted due to increased activity and demands in the coastal zone and the knock-on need to take an ever greater account of the potential impacts on safety and navigation; the ecological impacts on wild fisheries, natural habitats, flora and fauna; the suitability of the waters; the other beneficial uses of the place or waters; the likely effects on the economy of the area; and the statutory status under European legal frameworks of the area under application. The strategic plan prepared by my Department has set out a number of measures to address these issues and I am confident that the plan will result in a more sustainable licensing regime for aquaculture into the future.

Deputy Tom Sheahan

When does the Minister of State envisage the backlog will be cleared? When we spoke about this matter on 6 November last, I received a reply, which is a copy of the reply he has just read. He said he was totally committed to the elimination of this backlog as a matter of urgency. In terms of the number of applications that have been processed since 1 January, many more than that number have been submitted since then. On 6 November a list of 254 applications had been processed. At the rate applications are being processed, it will take a long time to process all the applications submitted. Important opportunities in the fishing sector are not being taken up because of the antiquated licensing system in place. I hope it can be modernised and that the applications can be processed much quicker.

Deputy John Browne

I do not accept that the licensing system is antiquated. Many of the licences issued ten years ago are coming up for renewal. We are now working under many new different circumstances. For example, we now have to deal with the EPA, the Marine Institute, water directives, bird directives, new planning regulations and far greater public consultation. That has slowed down the procedure.

The Minister, Deputy Coughlan and I are strongly committed to aquaculture. The first phase of the Cawley report was launched yesterday. It strongly recommends the development of aquaculture. We will give that priority during 2008. To answer the Deputy's question, it is my determination to ensure the backlog is eliminated by end of this year.

Deputy Tom Sheahan

I am glad to hear of the Department's interest in the aquaculture sector as it presents important opportunities in terms of jobs and value-added benefit.

Deputy John Browne

I welcome the Deputy's support. He has been supportive of the sector since he was elected to this House. We recognise the value of aquaculture along the coastline to the coastal communities and in terms of developing further jobs. He can rest assured that we will give it every priority during the coming year.