Written Answers Nos. 42-50
42. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received, in total, under targeted agricultural modernisation scheme 2; the total number of approved applications; the number of applicants that have received payments to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21291/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast year a suite of six new measures were announced under TAMS II. These measures were launched under the new Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020 and are co-funded under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). Under the scheme support is provided for the following measures:
- Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme
- Dairy Equipment Scheme
- Organic Capital Investment Scheme
- Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme
- Low Emission Slurry Spreading
- Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme
The scheme was opened as early as possible to allow applications to be submitted as soon as the supporting computer system to facilitate applications was available.
A significant number of applications were received with over 2,900 applications received under the first tranche, over 2,200 under the second tranche and 2,000 under the third tranche. Applications received are as follows:
|
Measure |
Tranche 1 |
Tranche 2 |
Tranche 3 |
|
Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme |
513 |
620 |
497 |
|
Dairy Equipment Scheme |
1088 |
595 |
284 |
|
Pigs and Poultry Investment Scheme |
57 |
38 |
8 |
|
Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment |
194 |
263 |
70 |
|
Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage |
939 |
607 |
1035 |
|
Organic Capital Investments |
192 |
99 |
106 |
|
Total |
2,983 |
2,222 |
2,000 |
As urgent approvals were requested in some cases, over 1,100 part approvals in respect of dairy and low emission slurry spreading equipment issued earlier this year. Full approvals have issued in over 2,400 cases to date and approvals continue to issue on an ongoing basis. In respect of payments it is expected that the payment claim facility will be available in the coming weeks.
43. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he considered the implications for Irish agriculture of the ratification of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement; his views on the likely impact of these treaties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21264/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI believe that free trade agreements are very important to Ireland, given our status as a small, open economy. The negotiation of access to new markets historically has been a big driver of economic development, particularly in the agrifood sector. I believe that this will continue to be the case in the future, and will be crucial to the achievement of the objectives outlined in the Food Wise 2025 strategy.
Ireland’s approach to the negotiation of free trade agreements must therefore be informed by the need to make progress in areas where we have offensive interests, and to strongly defend those areas where threats may arise.
About one-third of all world trade occurs on the EU-US trade corridor, so it is one that is hugely important for Europe and for Ireland. The US is one of our leading trading partners, and in the agrifood sector we have a large and growing trade surplus with them (exports of €869m last year, compared to imports of €271m).
In relation to TTIP, Ireland has both offensive and defensive interests. We see worthwhile opportunities in the US for cheese, powdered milks and sports products, and further opportunities for branded packaged butter, if we can remove some regulatory barriers. Prepared consumer foods and fish could also benefit from trade liberalisation.
Beef is a unique sector in that we have both offensive and defensive interests. In the long term, any significant increase in beef imports to the EU could have adverse effects on the Irish industry. That was confirmed by a number of recent studies and is an issue we have raised strongly with the European Commission. We therefore have legitimate concerns about the size, composition and administration of any beef quota offered to the US.
We should also seek a significant EU quota for beef to the US as part of any TTIP agreement. Following the re-opening of the market, Irish beef exports now fall under a 65,000-tonne quota for ‘other countries’ on a first come, first served basis. This is mainly filled by Latin American countries. Now that we have gained access for manufacturing beef we stand to benefit greatly from a specific EU import quota in the US, and this can only be achieved through TTIP.
A similar, balanced approach informs our view of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with Canada, which was concluded in September 2014. While increased access to the EU market was granted for Canadian beef, greater access to the Canadian market for EU dairy products, notably cheese, was also a feature. However, I think it is also important to ensure that the cumulative impact of beef concessions under CETA and other trade agreements is closely monitored to ensure that the approach continues to be in the best interests of EU and Irish agriculture.
44. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will support the provision of personal protective equipment as part of farm safety measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21293/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFarm safety is a critical issue facing farming today. Statistics show that accidents on farms cause more workplace deaths than all other occupations combined. In the period 2004 to 2013, there were 176 fatal farm accidents which is a shocking statistic. To date this year there has been 8 fatal farm accidents on Irish farms. These 8 fatal farm accidents account for over forty percent of all fatal work accidents so far in 2016, while farming accounts for less than 6 percent of the workforce. While this is a welcome reduction, the rate of accidents on farms remains very high and it is important that the focus on farm safety is maintained.
Injuries and fatalities are caused in a number of ways but the two highest areas of accidents relate to tractors & machinery and livestock. So far this year tractors and machinery account for 75% of all fatal farm accidents.
The current TAMS grant-aid schemes are focused on capital investment items that have a prolonged life span and are of a high cost. Most personal protective equipment needs to be replaced on a fairly regular basis to ensure that it remains in a functional condition, and most of it costs less than €50 for any one item. For example traditional style boiler suits can be purchased for less than €20 and items such as goggles, ear defenders, face masks, hard hats, gloves and high-visibility waistcoats can all be purchased for less than €10 each.
Behavioural change is what is required to prevent many accidents. It is a case of being aware of the dangers and taking the time to do what is necessary to minimise the risk. While there are many risks in farming, farming does not have to be a dangerous occupation. There are plenty of ways to reduce the danger, without spending a lot of money. Farmers should be encouraged to take time to plan buildings and work. After all, as farmers, they are the ones who will benefit.
To conclude, it is important for everyone, to continually highlight the need for farmers to think Safety First in all tasks they perform, no matter the pressure. No individual action or organisation can solve this difficult problem that impacts so negatively on so many lives each year.
45. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the impact that a growing seal population has on inshore fish stocks such as salmon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21296/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth seals and salmon are protected species under the EU Habitats Directive. I must clarify for the Deputy that management of wild salmon is the responsibility of the Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources and is administered by Inland Fisheries Ireland while seals come under the responsibility of the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and management is administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). I understand that interaction between these two protected species is a complex issue being examined by the aforementioned agencies.
I am aware that the inshore fisheries sector is also concerned about the interaction between seals and commercial inshore stocks. In January this year the NPWS accepted an invitation to discuss the seal population with the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) and I understand that this discussion was viewed as constructive by both sides. At the most recent meeting of the NIFF on 22nd June, my first meeting with the Forum, the discussion was described as a necessary starting point of an issue that requires further engagement in the future.
I understand from the Marine Institute that a Seal Fisheries Focus Group was set up to bring together industry, science and NGOs. Membership of the Group has included scientists from the Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Coastal and Marine Research Centre of UCC together with representatives from the Irish Seal Sanctuary and from the Irish sea-fishing industry. I am advised that the Group meets on an ad hoc basis. In terms of research priorities on issues concerning sea-fisheries, the Irish Fisheries Science Research Partnership (IFSRP) was set up on an official basis to enhance collaboration and mutual understanding on fisheries science priorities, which are beneficial to the long-term future of the Irish fishing industry. The IFSRP includes industry representatives such as from the National Inshore Fisheries Forum and scientists from both Marine Institute and BIM and meets on a regular basis throughout the year to discuss scientific work programmes and priorities, including in relation to interactions between seals and sea-fisheries.
46. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans in the immediate future to update and revise a regulation (details supplied) and restructure the foal levy to better effect market price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21315/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry. The current Foal Levy scheme, which was introduced in 2000 on a statutory basis, applies to all thoroughbred foals registered in Ireland.
The proceeds of the levy are used by Horse Racing Ireland to help fund the Irish Equine Centre, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. These organisations provide key support structures to the Irish thoroughbred breeding industry.
There is currently a very high compliance level with the Foal Levy scheme and it has been revised from time to time to ensure fairness in its application.
Following the court case referred to, Horse Racing Ireland have informed me that they will examine the wording of S.I.735 of 2011, which is the governing legislation, to see if it can be improved and made clearer.
Against the background as outlined, I have no plans to change the current arrangements for the Foal Levy.
47. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on his Department's efforts in terms of the development of the seafood industry and the wider marine sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21324/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur seafood industry has been on a sustained growth path in recent years, with sales growing 53% since 2010 to €890 million in 2015. Current FAO estimates are that growth in world consumption of fish will require an extra 40 million tonnes of seafood by 2030. Ireland can capture a significant share of this global seafood opportunity with the right strategy and supporting investment. FoodWise 2025 recognised this opportunity for the growth of our seafood industry and set out a strategy to realise that growth potential by focussing on the key areas of sustainability, added value, processing scale, human capital, increasing raw material supply and developing our markets.
In January this year, my predecessor Minister Coveney launched Ireland’s new €240 million development programme for our seafood sector, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme. That Programme will be the primary tool to address the 6 key areas identified in Foodwise. I was delighted to announce in June the first tranche of €4.3 million in grants to 51 aquaculture and seafood processing enterprises under the EMFF Programme.
Under that Programme, I am making available €30 million to kick-start growth in our aquaculture sector, which has been stagnant for too long. In December, we published Ireland’s first National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development, targeting growth in output of 45,000 tonnes by 2023, aided through 24 specified initiatives. To complement those efforts, my Department is working to deliver up to 200 licence determinations this year and will initiate a review of aquaculture licensing procedures, as recommended in Foodwise.
All of these efforts focusing on aquaculture, together with efforts to attract landings of fish by foreign vessels, will help increase the supply of raw material to our growing processing industry to convert to added value consumer foods, food ingredients and functional foods. I will be making available €33 million Government funding through the EMFF Programme to support the further development of our processing sector through enhanced scaling and value adding. FoodWise recognises that we need to reduce the level of seafood product which is exported in commodity form from its present 70% level to below 50%. Adding value to seafood products will make a huge difference to the economic activity and levels of employment in our coastal communities.
These efforts are being supported through €2 million investment in 2016 by Bord Bia in promoting Irish seafood internationally and assisting our producers to find and grow markets. They are being supported by a commitment within the seafood sector to sustainability, with 32 Irish seafood companies fully verified as members of Origin Green, and a further 16 applications in the pipeline. Between them, these companies will account for in excess of 80% of total seafood export values.
In these many initiatives to implement the Foodwise strategy and in our financial commitment through the EMFF Programme, Government is clearly stepping up to the challenges and striving to grow our seafood industry.
48. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposed criteria for the review of the area of natural constraints to take place in 2017; and his timetable for the completion of the review. [21295/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraArticle 32 of EU Regulation 1305/2013 requires all member states to implement a new system for designating eligible areas under the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme from 2018 at the latest. At present, eligible land under the scheme is designated by reference to criteria such as stocking density, family farm income, population density and the percentage of the working population engaged in agriculture.
Under the new system of designation which must be introduced in 2018, eligible areas will have to be designated on the basis of biophysical criteria. The criteria set out in the legislation are:
- Low temperature
- Dryness
- Excess soil moisture
- Limited soil drainage
- Unfavourable texture and stoniness
- Shallow rooting depth
- Poor chemical properties
- Steep slope.
My Department has commenced work on this project, and relevant technical experts are currently sourcing and analysing the data in relation to the new criteria. They have also been in contact with the Commission outlining the work. Once this process is complete, the draft data will provide the basis for the identification of eligible areas for ANC. It is also envisaged that domestic stakeholders will be consulted as this process develops.
49. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the tendering process in his Department for the supply of electronic identification tags for bovine animals involves a technical specification for only one kind of anti-tamper device which is patented to one company; if the process is going ahead again in 2016 in these circumstances; the reason for postponement of the process on two occasions; the reason the State uses only one supplier, as opposed to multiple suppliers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21283/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Request for Tenders (RFT) seeking a single supplier for the provision of a service to supply a suite of bovine tags including conventional tags, tissue tags (that provide for tissue sampling for BVD detection and DNA analysis), electronic tags and electronic bolus was published in May.
The minimum specification for tags is set out in the RFT. All tags must comply with the requirements of EU regulations. The Department places a strong emphasis on tag suitability, security and tamper evidence to support a secure bovine identification and traceability system that plays a key role in underpinning beef and dairy exports in a competitive marketplace. The single supplier model has satisfied these requirements very well over past years. Whilst the RFT sets out detailed requirements for the tags, it does not set down a requirement involving a technical specification for only one kind of anti-tamper device which is patented to one company. The tender is open to all suppliers of suitable high quality tags to tender for.
The deadline for the receipt of tenders has been extended to enable my Department examine a number of issues raised by potential suppliers of tags.
50. Deputy Michael D'Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of his Department’s efforts in gaining market access for Irish beef in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21325/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland received a major reputational boost in 2015 as the first EU Member State to gain access to the US market for beef. Six plants are currently approved to export.
By the end of December 2015, Bord Bia estimated that approximately 1,800 tonnes of beef, with an estimated value of €14 million had been exported from Ireland to the US. This represents an exception ally strong start to this trade, considering that the first exports only went in March 2015 and some of the plants were only approved for export in September. That amount looks likely to be surpassed in 2016 as, by the end of June, almost 1,200 tonnes had been exported.
I was delighted to announce last week the decision of the US authorities to extend their approval for Irish beef to include manufacturing beef/beef intended for grinding. This follows intensive work between my Department and its US counterparts on a range of technical matters. This US decision clears the way for the necessary technical steps to be taken by individual beef plants who wish to export beef intended for grinding to the US.
It is a significant endorsement of Irish beef and my Department’s control systems. Ultimately the volume and value of trade will depend on relative commodity prices, global supply, currency exchange rates and other factors. US consumption of beef is estimated at 11 million tonnes, approximately 1 million of which is imported. The potential prize for Irish operators is therefore very significant, subject to the variables already outlined, particularly in circumstances where grass fed hormone free beef is gaining traction in the market place.
There has also been significant progress in facilitating trade in other international markets for Irish beef. My Department continues to push strongly for market access to other Third Countries and is currently in the process of trying to secure beef access to other third countries including China, Korea, Israel, Ukraine and Vietnam.
I can assure the deputy that I will continue to focus on opening as many third country markets as possible in order to provide exporters with commercial opportunities whenever and wherever they arise.
