Written Answers Nos. 26-32
26. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will establish a dedicated unit focused on ensuring native forestry is used as a climate change mitigation measure, given recent flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2206/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current 2014-2020 Forestry Programme is based on the following key needs:
- Increase, on a permanent basis, Ireland's forest cover to capture carbon, produce wood and contribute towards climate change mitigation;
- increase and sustain the production of forest-based biomass to meet renewable energy targets;
- support forest holders to actively manage their plantations; and
- optimise the environmental and social benefits of new and existing forests.
Protection of the environment and the delivery of eco-system services (including climate change mitigation and the control of floodwaters) can be seen in every aspect of the Forestry Programme. For example, one of the key aims of the Afforestation Scheme is increasing the carbon sequestration capacity of Ireland's forest estate, by planting trees on un-forested land. This scheme encourages farmers and other landowners to plant a variety of forest types, from more productive-focused forests to agro-forestry plots to native woodland. Scheme requirements and the assessment by my Department of proposals received, ensure that all new afforestation is well-positioned to deliver these vital benefits into the future. The planting target for 2016 is 6,660 hectares although resources are available if the demand exists amongst landowners to exceed this planting level.
Other specific measures available under the Programme are also highly relevant. For example, the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme is aimed at developing Ireland's native woodland resource. It provides funding for the appropriate restoration of existing native woodlands, and also, the conversion of conifer forests to native woodland. The scheme increases the carbon sequestration capacity of Ireland's forests through biomass accumulation, and can also be used to convert existing conifer forests into native woodland at strategic points along watercourses, thereby helping reduce the risk of flooding by providing areas for inundation during periods of high flow.
Officials within my Department review progress under the Forestry Programme on an ongoing basis, to ensure that the various schemes are operating effectively and are delivering the planned benefits, including environmental services relating to carbon capture and the protection of water.
27. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Food Harvest 2020, which aims to significantly increase dairy cow numbers, will result in the European Union imposing emissions fines; the measures he is taking to mitigate against this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2301/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish agricultural production is independently and internationally recognised by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, as one of the most climate and resource efficient systems in the world. The dairy production system has the joint lowest carbon footprint in the EU. Environmentally sustainable development of the agri-food sector remains a priority for my Department and an independent Environmental Analysis (including a Strategic Environmental Assessment and an Appropriate Assessment) was prepared in parallel with the development of the current ten year Food Wise 2025 strategy.
The focus of Food Wise 2025 is to build on Food Harvest 2020, with continued growth in the value of Irish agri-food including dairy production. While this is likely to mean some increase in dairy numbers, it is not expected that there will be a significant increase in overall cattle numbers.
The Environmental Analysis has identified any potential significant environmental impacts associated with implementation of Food Wise, and a large number of recommendations in this regard are contained in Food Wise itself as well as in the Environmental Analysis. Amongst these recommendations are:
- the establishment of a sustainability sub-committee to monitor any environmental impacts during the implementation phase. This committee, with membership from key Government Departments, the EPA, Teagasc, the Marine Institute and academia, will (inter alia) carefully monitor total livestock numbers and any implications for greenhouse gas emissions
- the commissioning of further work on the development of cost effective greenhouse gas mitigation measures.
The extent of the challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with our EU commitments, is clearly understood by Government, as reflected in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015.
I am satisfied that Ireland is on course to comply with the annual targets under the 2009 EU Effort Sharing Decision in the first half of the 2013-2020 compliance period. However, there will be a significant compliance challenge in the years 2017-2020, which will be addressed in the National Mitigation Plan, currently being prepared by all relevant sectors including my Department.
Ireland is engaged in intensive discussions, in a whole of Government approach, with the European Commission to highlight the importance of ensuring a coherent approach to the twin challenges of food security and increasing global demand for food with EU climate ambition. An important step forward in this regard was taken at the October 2014 European Council. The recent Paris agreement further recognises the fundamental priority of safeguarding food security.
28. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will increase milk production; his efforts to ensure banks afford credit flexibility to farmers while the dairy sector consolidates its expansion, given the market turbulence in adjusting to the abolition of dairy quotas and given significant borrowings by dairy farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2202/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraProduction decisions are made by producers, taking prevailing market conditions as well as their efficiency of production and price of inputs into account. The abolition of dairy quotas in April 2015 allows farmers the freedom to make these production decisions on a commercial basis.
The price of milk and dairy commodities is determined by a range of factors, including supply and demand at international level. Food commodity markets including dairy markets have been characterised by significant levels of volatility for a number of years and this trend has continued throughout 2015 and into early 2016.
Factors contributing to global price volatility in 2015 include the Russian ban and the softening of Chinese demand on one side, coupled with increased production among key global producers including the EU on the supply side. The longer term demographic and demand perspectives remain positive and Irish dairy farmers are well placed to take full advantage of rising global demand.
I maintained ongoing contact with the Irish banks and have indicated the need to show flexibility in their dealings with farmers experiencing temporary cash flow difficulties in 2015 and into 2016. At the dairy forum in late September, I again reiterated these calls to the three main banks in attendance.
The Irish dairy sector is cost competitive and Teagasc figures indicate that Irish farmers have relatively low levels of indebtedness compared to counterparts in competitor countries. The banks assured me that they are sensitive to the temporary pressures on dairy farmers and will be flexible in their dealings with them. Banks have stressed the need for early engagement from those who see early financial pressure.
I am also in regular contact with the banks, co-ops and others about the development of lending products for farmers that are better adapted to the volatile global markets in which we operate.
The Government has also been proactive of course. Initiatives include provisions allowing dairy and other farmers to use income averaging over five years when it comes to paying income tax bills. This offers respite to the sector from a cash flow perspective. Furthermore, I have also ensured that priority has been given to measures for the dairy sector in the Rural Development Plan. The agreement at the Council of Agriculture Ministers late last year to increase the rate of single Farm Payment advance to 70% has been of assistance from a cash plan perspective as have the EU targeted aid payments for the sector, matched at national level, which on completion will have injected approaching €25 million in liquidity into the sector.
Also of relevance in this respect was my decision to make a 3 year interest free instalment arrangement available to all those affected by superlevy. This option has been availed of by approximately 3,700 producers and will be of assistance to farmers facing cash flow difficulties arising from super levy in the final year of the milk quota regime.
29. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will take to ensure healthy competition prevails in the Irish beef industry. [2276/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State, through the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, has an existing and well established infrastructure for oversight of competition matters and for dealing with allegations of anti-competitive practices or abuse of a dominant position.
While the deputy has not referred to any particular case, I am aware of recent proposed developments involving two meat processors. I understand that acquisitions or mergers of organisations with turnover exceeding certain statutory thresholds are required to be notified to that body or the EU Commission, which conduct an assessment to determine whether there will be any “substantial lessening of competition”. Any acquisition by one business of another in the beef industry will be subject to the relevant statutory requirements under competition law.
30. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce paid parking in Howth, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2203/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, owns and directly manages six Fishery Harbour Centres located at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Ros an Mhíl, Killybegs and An Daingean.
Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is a working fishery harbour, however it is also a very important tourist and leisure destination with many restaurants and businesses operating on the Harbour.
The question of the introduction of paid car parking on Howth Harbour, as part of an overall review of traffic management arrangements, remains under consideration.
The Comptroller & Auditor General in his Special Report (No 82 of July 2014) and the related Report of the Public Accounts Committee of 24th June 2015 have asked the Department to review the position re pay parking in Howth, in conjunction with other Fishery Harbour Centres with a view to increasing income generation possibilities.
However, income generation is not the only factor to be considered in deciding whether pay parking should be introduced in Howth, there is a broad range of other factors to be taken into account before a final decision will be made on the matter. Most importantly, the safe operation of the Harbour is of paramount concern, in this context, traffic management and parking is recognised as an issue, particularly, though not exclusively, during the busy holiday periods.
Traffic and parking management within the Fishery Harbour Centre itself has been an issue for some time, particularly in the light of concerns raised about safety and emergency access by the Coastguard, the Lifeboat service, and An Garda Síochána. In this regard, upgrading works to the car park, including lining of parking spaces, have taken place as part of the harbour’s traffic management scheme. In 2015, over €80,000 was spent on traffic management in Howth Harbour, including a significant upgrading of lighting on the West Pier. In 2016, I have allocated €150,000 for the continuation of traffic management works in Howth Fishery Harbour Centre.
31. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will undertake a much-needed dredging programme in Howth fishery harbour in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2204/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraHowth Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department under Statute.
While first and foremost a working fishery harbour, Howth similar to the other five Fishery Harbour Centres, has its own unique features which is home to a broad range of diverse economic and social activities.
My Department is conscious of the importance of both fishing and non fishing activities in Howth and endeavours to facilitate and develop both. This involves day to day operational support by Harbour staff and management and development and repair of infrastructure subject to available financial resources.
I am happy to advise the Deputy that, notwithstanding the prevailing economic environment in which we operate, in excess of €5.9 million has been invested in maintenance, development and upgrading works at Howth FHC as part of my Department’s Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme from 2011 to 2015.
On the 11th of January I announced funding of €1.45 million for the maintenance and development of Howth Fishery Harbour Centre during 2016. Significant works in this years programme include the continued upgrading of the electrical system, provision of pontoons to west pier for ferry landings and traffic management works.
Of importance in the context of a possible future dredging project at Howth is the allocation of €100,000 for the preparation of a Dumping at Sea Licence which will be required before any dredging project could commence. This follows on from the €150,000 I approved as part of the 2015 Capital Programme for site investigation works at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre, the report of which is due shortly, and will include vital information on the nature of the material to be dredged in any future dredging project. This information is necessary for the preparation of the Dumping at Sea licence.
The groundwork is being undertaken to facilitate a dredging project at Howth, subject to funding being available.
As the Deputy is aware, all developments in the six Fishery Harbour Centres, including a possible future dredging project at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre will be considered under future Capital Programmes on the basis of available exchequer funding and competing priorities.
32. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the support available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2532/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned applied for back to education allowance (BTEA) on the basis of their planned participation in a postgraduate course which would lead to a Masters in Social Work. BTEA can only be approved in limited circumstances for jobseekers undertaking postgraduate study. Study for postgraduate qualifications for which BTEA cannot be approved include Masters in all disciplines, other than a Higher Diploma (H.Dip) in any discipline, a Professional Masters in Education (PME) or a Master degree based solely on life experience where the applicant holds no other third level qualification.
However, as the person concerned indicated on their BTEA application form that they were already a holder of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business, it was not possible to approve the BTEA application as they did not meet the eligibility criteria of the scheme.
In relation to other supports available, carer's allowance can be paid in respect of a person, such as her father, requiring full-time care and attention. In this person’s case there is already a carer’s allowance in payment in this household, however, two carers who are providing full-time care on a part-time basis in an established pattern can share the carers allowance income support payment and the annual respite care grant.
