Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 8 Nov 2017

Vol. 961 No. 2

Other Questions (Resumed)

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

44. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of manure systems that are dry systems and liquid systems, respectively; the percentage of agricultural manure handled in anaerobic digesters, anaerobic lagoons and liquid or slurry systems, respectively; the nitrous oxide emissions from manure management in the past ten years for which there are figures available; the nitrous oxide emissions in the past ten years for which there are figures available; the methane emissions from enteric fermentation in the past ten years for which there are figures available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47095/17]

Deputy Mick Wallace

The Minister has repeatedly told me that the agriculture sector will move towards an approach to carbon neutrality which does not compromise capacity for sustainable food production. We are still waiting for a definition of carbon neutrality, yet emissions from the agriculture sector are rising year on year, in accordance with the policy set out in the Food Wise 2025 plan. This question relates to the measures in place to deal with the extra manure produced. It asks if the Minister is keeping track of the worsening situation in terms of the effect the Department's policy is having on the atmosphere and climate change globally.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed)

The Deputy's question is predicated on emissions rising year on year and that is simply not the case. Between 1990 and 2015 greenhouse gas emissions from the agriculture sector reduced by 5.5%. It is important that the facts are correct.

Approximately 80% of all stored cattle manure in Ireland is produced as slurry, the remaining portion being a solid fraction or farmyard manure. For the majority of the country, the approximate storage period is 16 to 18 weeks. Virtually all pig manure is produced as slurry, while all poultry manure is of a solid or semi-solid composition. The quantities of livestock manures from farm holdings currently processed by way of treatment facilities such as anaerobic digestion, AD, is insignificant. This is influenced by the predominance of grazing systems and it not being cost effective to mobilise for the scale of commercial AD plants.

Methane accounts for approximately 22% of Ireland's greenhouse gas, GHG, emissions, of which approximately 12% of methane emissions in agriculture result from the storage and management of animal manures.

Current research into reducing methane emissions is primarily focused on reducing emissions per unit product, that is to say, reducing emissions intensity. This research is primarily focused on improving productivity per animal and thus decoupling animal numbers from production. Most of this research is focused on developing economic breeding indices, extension of the grazing season, reducing beef finishing times and reducing total methane per animal as well as optimising beef and dairy animals. Many of these measures are currently in use or being commenced.

Currently the Environmental Protection Agency is funding a desk study to review our country-specific emissions factors and other parameters relevant to the estimation of methane emissions from livestock enteric fermentation and manure management. The purpose is to determine what changes are required to ensure improvements in farm efficiency that will mitigate methane captured in the livestock and manure methane sections of the inventory.

Carbon audits by our food agency, Bord Bia, are placing new emphasis on reduction in emissions intensity of beef and dairy produce. According to the Ireland's national inventory report published by the EPA in April 2017, methane is the second-most significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland. In 2015, emissions of methane decreased 10.4% on the 1990 level having increased progressively from 1990 to a peak in 1998.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

The national inventory report also stated that nitrous oxide emissions decreased by 16% from the 1990 level to 2015. Similar to methane, emissions of nitrous oxide increased during the 1990s to reach peak level in 1998, reflecting increased use of synthetic fertilisers and increased amounts of animal manures associated with increasing animal numbers during that period. Emissions of nitrous oxide subsequently show a clear downward trend following reductions in synthetic fertiliser use and organic nitrogen applications on land as a result of the effect of the CAP reform on animal numbers.

Deputy Mick Wallace

Our information contradicts the Minister's information. We have seen that methane produced per head of cattle shows that global livestock emissions in 2011 were 11% higher than estimates based on data from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Therefore, the figures the Department has been working with need to be revised. At the very least, more robust containment and processing measures for manure need to be put in place. We know that, on a weight basis, manure in dry systems produces significantly less methane than in liquid systems. We also know that manure handled in anaerobic digesters has a dramatically lower methane conversion factor than that of the outdoor open slurry pit.

The Minister often talks of the dairy and beef industries being clean here. In fact, they are the most climate-destructive forms of food production. We need to pursue best practice around areas such as the management of the increase in manure management and connected emissions sources.

I note that in 2014 there were six anaerobic digestion plants in the Republic of Ireland and 26 in Northern Ireland. Can the Minister tell me how many are in the Republic of Ireland today? There are now 42 in Northern Ireland and those responsible secured approval for a further 103. Is Northern Ireland moving ahead of us in this regard? Does the Minister have numbers for the Republic of Ireland in 2017?

Deputy Michael Creed

Deputy Wallace has guaranteed himself a headline, but I do not believe it is based on any kind of fact. It is extraordinary of him to say our dairy and beef is the most climate-destructive form of food production. We are having a dialogue of the deaf. In terms of the carbon footprint per kilo of output our dairy industry is the most efficient in the world and our beef is the fifth most efficient. Whether we are fifth, sixth or first, we all acknowledge that in the dairy and beef sectors we must do far more. The industry is up for it. However, we are seeking a fair crack of the whip in terms of the public debate.

Let us consider the efforts farmers are making. Deputy Wallace comes from a farming constituency. Farmers there are leading the way in terms of their embrace of new technologies and ideas, especially carbon footprint measuring on farms. We are extraordinarily efficient in this regard. The post-dairy quota era has proven that we have broken the link between increased output and increasing greenhouse gas production. Since 2015 we have increased our dairy production by 13.2% but our greenhouse gas emissions have only gone up by 1.6%. This is significant in that we are breaking the link between increased production and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

We need to continue that direction of travel. There is real goodwill and willingness on the part of the agricultural community to play its part. It is a progressive industry that has young people who are keen to have a career and do the right thing. However, they deserve a fair crack of the whip for their efforts.

Deputy Mick Wallace

I am very interested in agriculture. It is the best industry in the country. I want those involved to be more focused on the issues and challenges of climate change.

Deputy Michael Creed

Deputy Wallace is taking cheap pot shots.

Deputy Mick Wallace

I do not make cheap pot shots. I will not get any headlines for this - the Minister need not worry about that – and I am not even looking for them. The Minister did not answer my question on anaerobic digestion plants. Is it possible that there are more in the Six Counties than in the Twenty-six Counties? Why is that the case? Why are we not doing more in that area?

Since 2002, on a euro per inhabitant basis Ireland has had the highest level of spending on research and development in the agriculture sector compared to any other country in the EU 28.

I raised a question about research showing that adding 2% dried seaweed to the cow diet could make cattle healthier, more fertile and reduce methane emission by a considerable proportion. The Minister stated that the Department continues to invest and engage with research initiatives in this area. However, in September I put in a freedom of information request to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, the EPA and Bord Bia about research in this area. They had nothing in this area.

Are we not looking at seaweed? If not, why not? Is the research wrong? Am I wrong on the seaweed issue?

Deputy Michael Creed

We are funding a good deal of research in this area. Our research partners, including Teagasc, are liaising with third level institutes and private industry. We are looking at international developments.

Deputy Wallace referenced seafood. We have watched so many false dawns and apparent silver bullets. We do not believe there is a silver bullet but we are certainly tracking research. I have not seen anything to convince me that seaweed in the diet is going to change methane production by cattle overnight.

Deputy Wallace's argument seems to be predicated on the basis that we should close down the competitive sustainable advantage we have in a grass-based production system in our dairy and beef sectors.

Deputy Mick Wallace

That is not true. That is not what I said.

Deputy Michael Creed

If we were to do that, what would happen?

Deputy Mick Wallace

I did not say that.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

This is not a dialogue.

Deputy Michael Creed

Beef producers with carbon footprints many multiples of ours would steamboat here from South America and displace our produce. Deputy Wallace would stand idly by and applaud as our beef farmers go out of business.

Deputy Mick Wallace

The Minister is misrepresenting my position.

Deputy Michael Creed

Deputy Wallace said that our dairy and beef were the most destructive forms of food production.

(Interruptions).

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

You are using up the time of other Members.

Deputy Mick Wallace

I was referring to all dairy and beef production, not only ours.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Do not be argumentative.

GLAS Payments

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

45. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ensure there will be no delays in advancing 2017 GLAS payments in view of the fact that the issues being encountered are beyond the control of commonage farmers and relate to the online system for submitting commonage management plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47099/17]

Deputy Charlie McConalogue

Will the Minister ensure there are no delays to the advanced 2017 GLAS payments? Issues are being encountered that are beyond the control of commonage farmers relating to the online system for submitting commonage management plans. As the Minister is aware, we have almost 9,000 participants in the GLAS scheme who have commonage attached to their holdings. The advance payments of 85% are being paid at the moment or are due to be paid by the end of the year. However, it appears that unless the commonage management plans are sent in, many farmers will miss out. That is not acceptable and it cannot happen. I am seeking an update from the Minister on how we can ensure they get paid.

Deputy Michael Creed

My Department aims to pay as many farmers as possible their 2017 advance payment. The Department is dependent on all applicants providing the necessary material to qualify for payment.

All GLAS applications must pass regulatory controls and validations, as is the case with all European Union co-funded schemes. Each application must pass the necessary checks, including the commonage check, where applicable, before it can be approved for payment.

Commonage advisers have been assigned to prepare GLAS commonage management plans for the commonages involved. Information sessions for GLAS advisers on the GLAS commonage online system were held and a video demonstrating the system is available on my Department website. A further training session was requested and is taking place today. The online system opened on 19 September and the "submit" button to finalise commonage management plans has been available since 12 October.

Commonage management plans must be submitted before 2017 advance payments can issue and a target of 31 October was set for the submission of these plans. The commonage management plans online system remains open and plans submitted will continue to be processed for payment.

The main issue holding up the payment of outstanding 2016 claims, which will also hold up 2017 advance payments, is the fact that some participants have not yet submitted a nutrient management plan. This is a core requirement of participation in GLAS. As of 3 November, 5,275 nutrient management plans were outstanding. I urge all GLAS participants to attend to this urgently in order that outstanding balancing payments and future payments can issue as well as to ensure ongoing participation in the GLAS scheme.

Further payment runs will be made on a weekly basis as the required material is provided by applicants and cases are cleared. The aim now is to pay as many participants as possible their 2017 advance payment.

Deputy Charlie McConalogue

I would certainly encourage farmers to submit their nutrient management plans. They have been given notice and now have an opportunity to do so. While the Minister is keen to focus on that aspect of the requirements, he is not so keen to delve into the handling by his Department and himself of the commonage management plan process and the facility for submitting plans. As he pointed out, the button for making submissions did not go live until 12 October, yet the deadline for submitting plans was 31 October or less than three weeks later. The problem lies primarily with the Department. Its inability to get its information technology system up and running and available to farmers has led to the current difficulties.

On the Department's administration of the green, low-carbon, agri-environment scheme, GLAS, it is unfortunate that every time a hurdle appears, the Minister and his Department, rather than getting their preparation and strides right, run straight into it and take several attempts and considerable time to get over it. This was evident last year when many farmers were left waiting for ages and we are now seeing it again. Will a facility be provided to pay farmers the 85% advance payment while the commonage management plans are being submitted?

Deputy Michael Creed

Commonage advisers were appointed to most commonages in 2015, which left them with sufficient time to do preparatory work such as walking and assessing commonages. The uploading of the common management plan is far and away not the most onerous aspect of the process. On the contrary, it is the final action required in the process and there has been more than ample time to update all the plans since the system went live.

Like the nutrient management plan, the commonage management plan is an integral part of GLAS. As I stated, advisers were appointed in 2015. The Deputy correctly noted that there are approximately 9,000 farmers and 3,700 commonages involved. It is still feasible to have the commonage management plans submitted and the balancing and 85% advance payments made before the end of the year. The Department has the funding needed for this purpose. Compliance is a two-way street, however.

My Department has experienced well publicised issues with its information technology system since this time last year. We are ready to make the GLAS payments but applicants also have contractual obligations in respect of the commonage and nutrient management plans. Having been appointed in 2015, advisers have been well forewarned. The issue can be resolved. I urge planners to submit the plans as quickly as possible.

Deputy Charlie McConalogue

The Minister states that farmers and planners were well forewarned. However, the Department was also well forewarned. Perhaps the Minister will explain the reason the "submit" button did not go live until 12 October, less than three weeks before the deadline.

Deputy Michael Creed

There is no deadline. The plans are still being received.

Deputy Charlie McConalogue

Yes, but the problem is that farmers, many of whom had to wait months on end for their GLAS payment last year and need the 85% advance payment by the end of this year, will not receive the 85% payment until the commonage management plans have been submitted. Surely it is possible to make the 85% payment pending the submission of the commonage management plans. Why should farmers always suffer the pain when problems occur that are not of their making? I ask that the Department facilitate advance payments.

How many commonage management plans has the Department received? I have tabled parliamentary questions on this issue for the past two or three weeks and I have not yet received a clear response.

Deputy Michael Creed

My understanding, subject to verification, is that when a planner engages with the online system, he or she will leave a thumbprint or some form of marker on the system, even in cases where the plan has not been fully uploaded. The system has been engaged in respect of more than 2,000 of the 3,700 commonage management plans required. It is possible that we will receive the overwhelming majority of plans shortly and before we propose to make payments. As I stated, the planners were appointed in 2015, which has given them ample time to prepare plans. It is a matter now of uploading the commonage management and nutrient management plans. There has been a spike in submissions in recent days. I hope planners will be able to facilitate their clients by submitting the plans as quickly as possible.

Deputy Charlie McConalogue

Why could the plans not be uploaded before 12 October?

Deputy Michael Creed

To be fair, that was not an issue and the facility is now available. There is no evidence to suggest planners were knocking down the Department's doors to submit plans. It does not take long to upload a commonage management plan.

Horseracing Industry

Clare Daly

Ceist:

46. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the continuing absence of proper drug testing protocols in the horse racing industry; and the measures he plans to introduce to rectify these failures. [46929/17]

Deputy Clare Daly

I am beginning to wonder whether the Minister does not want to answer my question. Against the backdrop of the revelations of drugs being used in the greyhound industry, what are his thoughts on the continuing absence of proper drug testing protocols in the horse racing industry? Is he concerned about this deficit and what does he intend to do about it? The position is in sharp contrast to the way in which humans involved in sports are tested. As I stated, the question is highly pertinent given scandals in the greyhound industry.

Deputy Michael Creed

In this momentous week for the Irish racing industry, with Irish horses securing first, second and third places in the Melbourne Cup, I am sure the Deputy will join me in recognising this achievement, which is a significant acknowledgement of Irish global leadership in equine matters.

Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, is a commercial State body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001. It is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry. The racing regulatory body - the Irish Turf Club - is a private body charged under legislation with responsibility for the integrity and the reputation of Irish racing in Ireland and internationally.

Horse Racing Ireland has informed me that there are proper anti-doping protocols in place and all Irish horses are tested to the required international standards. HRI confirmed that all thoroughbred horses, once returned in training, are subject to random, unannounced testing by the Turf club at any time. Winners of every race run in Ireland are tested. All samples are tested to the standards required by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, IFHA. Samples are tested both at the authorised Irish laboratory and accredited international laboratories.

HRI's medium-term aspiration is to develop an Irish laboratory to the highest international standard possible, that is, an IFHA reference laboratory, of which there are currently only four or five in the world. This will require significant investment and HRI has committed to this expenditure in its strategic plan for the coming years.

The board of HRI, in conjunction with the Turf Club, established a 16-member industry-wide anti-doping task force, which includes representatives of all sections of the racing and breeding industries, including HRI, the Turf Club, the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association, Weatherbys Ireland and the Irish sales companies. In February 2016, HRI published a report by the Irish thoroughbred industry anti-doping task force, setting out recommendations to ensure the drug testing regime for Ireland's racing and breeding sectors operates to the highest international standards. The organisations represented on the task force are committed to ensuring the drug testing regime in the Irish racing and breeding sectors is one that can meet current and future challenges. The organisations the task force represents strongly support a robust anti-doping strategy in Irish racing and breeding.

The task force is being reconvened to finalise the steps being taken to extend testing to the breeding industry, an area which does not fall under the Turf Club's current direct jurisdiction. Considerable progress has been made on the key principles of a testing regime which will now be applied to the pre-racing segments of the industry, including the breeding sector and the sales. Elective testing already takes place at blood stock sales in Ireland and no positive tests for anabolic steroids or substances prohibited at all times have been recorded. More than 1,500 samples are taken each year.

Deputy Clare Daly

I remind the Minister that Ireland's so-called global leadership in equine matters will be severely challenged unless we address the use of drugs and employment rights - or lack thereof - in the horse racing industry.

Contrary to the Minister's assertion, many of the policies are heavy on spin and fairly slight on substance. Unlike human sporting activities where athletes can be selected for testing at any time or any place, drug testing protocols in horse racing are not random in many instances. If the horse is not at a licensed race course or the trainer's yard, in other words, back on the owner's premises, the regulatory authority here, the Turf Club, must give the owner five working days' notice, not including Saturday or Sunday, of its intention to test the horse. In other words, a race horse that could be full to the brim of performance enhancing drugs would have the whole week to be detoxed before an examination. I refer to regulation No. 7 of the rules of racing. That is a fact. It is there in the Department's own rules that they have to give the owner that notice.

Deputy Michael Creed

The Deputy appears to emphatically refuse to acknowledge that our testing regime is compliant with international best standards. In fact, what HRI and the Turf Club have been involved with is to step ahead of the minimum international requirement of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities, which we meet, and put in place a best-in-class system to deal with horses that are outside of training. That, in fairness, is the objective of the task force that was convened - it is representative of all of the stakeholders in the industry - which would build on the commitment that the industry has in terms of investment in new laboratory facilities to become an international reference laboratory in such matters. The direction of travel, in fact, is quite positive. There is, as the Deputy references, a cohort outside of training where there are jurisdictional issues in terms of access but one should bear in mind we meet the highest and required international standards, and what this task force is attempting to do is to take us ahead of the international standard and to give us a reach in respect of all horses.

Deputy Clare Daly

The Minister confirmed what I was saying was accurate. The five days' notice system applies and is outlined in regulation-----

Deputy Michael Creed

But the Deputy-----

Deputy Clare Daly

The Minister can come back in a moment.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The Minister can come back.

Deputy Clare Daly

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

I heard what the Minister said regarding the different categories but the point I make is a valid one. Not only that, if the owner does not make the horse available for testing and fails to furnish the information within five days, it is at the discretion of the stewards of the governing body to deem that a missed test. What is the penalty for a missed test? They may be referred to the referrals committee which may or may not impose sanctions. That is an incredibly loose criterion. Can the Minister tell me the number of cases and what is the penalty for a missed test? What are the referrals? What have been the consequences for those who failed to produce given the latitude that is given to them in a different time? In his first reply, the Minister stated that we are the best in the world and then he is saying that we are only the same as everybody else and it is not good enough.

Deputy Michael Creed

I stated our current testing regime is equivalent with that of the rest of the world and meets the standard required of us internationally. The object of the task force that was convened was to deal with the outstanding issues. It would be nice to have an acknowledgement that here was the industry taking a leadership role in stating that doing only what everybody else does may not be good enough in the future.

The Deputy's refusal to acknowledge as a progressive step the effort of the industry convening all the stakeholders and stating that they themselves need to do more shines a light on her attitude towards the industry generally. In an extraordinary week for the industry, Deputy Daly has still failed to acknowledge a first, second and third position for the Irish equine industry in the Melbourne Cup.

I would say that the direction of travel is correct here. The industry is attempting to do the right thing. They are investing in new laboratory facilities and we should be encouraging them. Certainly, my Department remains available and the door is open to assist the industry in achieving those objectives.

Horticulture Sector

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

47. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the financial supports or emergency funds that are available to the nursery sector to alleviate the financial loss and the threat to jobs in the sector due to the recent Storm Ophelia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46943/17]

Deputy Jackie Cahill

In the past month or six weeks, extraordinary weather events have done damage to the horticultural sector. What plans does the Minister have for financial aid or emergency support for the sector?

Deputy Michael Creed

I thank Deputy Cahill for his question.

I am aware of the damaging effects of Storm Ophelia on many sectors, including agriculture and horticulture. This is most regrettable as the horticulture sector is experiencing strong market demand after a number of challenging years. I am confident that as our economy continues to grow the nursery sector will likewise prosper.

In 2016, Ireland's horticulture sector contributed over €430 million to the value of output at farm-gate level. The horticulture sector is estimated to be directly responsible for over 6,600 jobs with many more employed indirectly, both upstream and downstream. Within the total horticulture farm-gate output value of €430 million, the hardy nursery stock sector and the protected amenity plant sector combined to contribute almost €51 million in 2016 to the value of output at farm-gate level. This value was up from an estimated €44 million in 2015.

While market prospects for amenity plant growers are certainly very positive I am conscious of the challenges, not least from the recent storms, currently facing the industry and my Department, along with the various State agencies, Bord Bia, Teagasc and Enterprise Ireland, are working closely to support the industry through a number of measures.

The scheme of investment aid for the development of the commercial horticulture sector is the main support offered by my Department to the amenity or nursery sector. This scheme facilitates capital investments in a broad range of specialised horticultural equipment and buildings by providing grant aid on approved costs at a rate of 40%. In the case of young applicants under 35 years of age the rate of grant aid increases to 50%.

This scheme is highly regarded by the industry and is an excellent vehicle for investment in all sectors of the horticulture industry. I sought an increase in the budget allocation for the scheme in 2017 and this increase has been maintained through the allocation of €5 million for the scheme in 2018. In light of the sectoral demand, I am working to advance the launch of the 2018 commercial horticulture scheme. A timely launch of the 2018 scheme is recognition of the most recent challenge to the sector but is also a clear signal of my continued support for, and commitment to, its ongoing development.

Under the scheme, €6.4 million in grant aid has been paid to applicants from the nursery stock and related amenity plant sectors over the period 2008-2016. This has supported investment of almost €16 million by the sector. In the current year a further €1.1 million in grant aid has been allocated under the scheme to 29 applicants from the nursery stock and related amenity plant sectors.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

This year, approvals under the scheme were issued to an overall total of 156 applicants across the horticulture industry. Many of the 2017 scheme applicants have already been inspected and paid. The processing of more recent claims is ongoing and every effort is being made to deliver payments as quickly as possible to assist growers that may be facing cash flow issues. For 2017 the commercial horticulture grants scheme was allocated a budget of €5 million and my staff advise me that they expect the full budget available for the scheme this year will be utilised.

Maintaining the increased allocation of €5 million in funding for the 2018 scheme of investment aid for commercial horticulture reflects this Government's commitment to ongoing support for Ireland's horticulture sector. The competitive nature of the commercial horticulture grants scheme combined with the scheme's flexibility and ability to react to evolving situations are two key strengths in supporting this highly dynamic sector.

Growers, including amenity plant nurseries that wish to apply for the scheme are encouraged to prepare and submit their applications as soon as possible.

In terms of other supports for the sector I would also like to add that the "SBCI loan scheme" launched in last year's budget was a great success and a number of horticultural businesses have benefitted from these low interest loans. As part of the recent budget, €25 million has been secured to facilitate the development of a new Brexit response loan scheme for farmers, fisherman and food businesses in 2018 and further details about that scheme will be announced in due course.

Deputy Jackie Cahill

With respect, the Minister outlined the importance of the sector and no one will question that. The question we asked was, with the extraordinary circumstances they found themselves in, what financial help or emergency funding is there?

We saw the mushroom sector virtually abandoned when Brexit hit and a number of growers went out of business. The nursery sector, in particular, is a significant employer. They have long-term contracts. I visited a major nursery in my constituency employing 20 and it had contracts. They had plants sown they will sell in three or four years' time. Unfortunately, many of those plants are now badly damaged. Not only have they the loss of those plants but, if they are to keep their customers going forward, they will have to source plants somewhere else to fulfil the contracts to which they are committed. There are significant financial pressures on this sector. I merely picked out the nursery sector as it is labour and capital intensive. If they do not get emergency financial assistance, there will be significant closures in this sector. While the Minister outlined the importance of the sector, he is not focusing on the immediate problems that they have.

Deputy Michael Creed

I do understand. It is like a whole host of other sectors. Deputy Cahill, with his background in the dairy sector, will be aware that dairy farmers suffered losses during Storm Ophelia, as did a host of other businesses.

I am saying there is a scheme of grant aid available from my Department and the 2018 scheme launch is imminent. I would ask Deputy Cahill - I appreciate the specific point which the Deputy raises regarding the enterprise in his constituency and I know of those in my own county and, indeed, in my constituency - to look at this scheme because post Storm Ophelia there is a range of investment, reinvestment and repair required. I am convinced that there is sufficient latitude to cover some of those issues which need to be addressed within that scheme.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

We are on the last question now. The next supplementary question is from Deputy Jackie Cahill, to be followed by Deputies Aindrias Moynihan and Kevin O'Keeffe, with the Minister to conclude thereafter.

Deputy Jackie Cahill

I accept what the Minister is saying in terms of grant aid being available going forward but they have a cashflow crisis at the moment. In order for them to survive and to be in a position to benefit from the scheme that the Minister is planning to introduce in 2018, they need immediate help. At a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine a number of weeks ago we discussed the situation of potato growers in Donegal following flash flooding there. Again, the number of growers involved is not huge but if they do not get some help now, they will not be around to avail of any grant aid in the future.

The Minister has great plans for the sector and it is a sector with huge potential. However, if we do not step in to help them with their immediate cashflow and income problems, they will not be able to avail of any schemes going forward. They are very significant employers in rural areas where employment opportunities are very scarce. While the plans for the future of the sector are fine, unless we put emergency funding in place, they will not be around to avail of any grant aid.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The next supplementary question is from Deputy Moynihan, who tabled a similar question, Question No. 61.

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan

As was outlined, the sector has taken a fairly heavy hit from the storm, with some companies facing losses of between €50,000 and €100,000. I understand that the Minister is talking about introducing a scheme and I would ask him to outline the details of same. I fear that it is a capital scheme whereas the biggest losses these companies have suffered is in terms of product losses and labour costs incurred in making repairs and so forth. Trees worth between €500 and €3,000 were lost but these will not be covered in any capital scheme. Support is needed in this area because if these businesses go to the wall, gardeners, landscapers and local authorities will end up importing trees from other parts of Europe. That will leave us exposed in the context of bio-security. Has the Department examined the bio-security implications of this against the background of Dutch elm disease, ash die back and so forth? This must be considered in the context of us losing our tree growing sector.

Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe

I thank Deputy Jackie Cahill for submitting this question. I acknowledge that the Minister of State, Deputy Andrew Doyle, is working on this issue but speed is of the essence here. As the Minister knows, this is the busiest time of the year for nurseries in terms of fulfilling orders. They are busy taking orders from customers while at the same time, they are trying to salvage their nurseries. The Minister spoke about grants being made available but what will qualify for such grants? One of the biggest outlays will be the provision of bamboo substitutes, which will have to be imported. It is fine to talk about capital grants but would items like bamboo qualify for grant aid? An immediate answer is needed on that because that is one of the major costs that will be incurred by the nurseries.

Deputy Michael Creed

I thank the Deputies for their supplementary questions on this matter. I acknowledge that there is a concentration of these enterprises in Cork and Tipperary and it is understandable that the Deputies here would be raising this matter. Storm Ophelia delivered losses to a whole range of producers, not just producers in the nursery sector. There has not been a scheme of compensation for any sector, whether one is talking about farmers who lost crops, dairy farmers who lost milk or the nursery sector.

There is a grant scheme and I would encourage the sector to engage with my Department's officials on this. It is a good scheme and one that has been availed of previously. It will not deal with crop loss, in terms of stock, but there is sufficient latitude within the scheme to cover some of the associated costs of the storm, in respect of ancillary supports, production facilities and so on which may be covered. I would advise each of those enterprises to explore, through contact with departmental officials, how they may be in a position to benefit from the scheme.

Written Answers are published on the Oireachtas website.