Written Answers Nos. 1-20
7. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports available to operators of country markets to encourage and assist with ensuring the survival of the Irish country market. [31012/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has recently invited all rural Local Authorities to submit applications for funding under the CEDRA Rural Innovation and Development Fund for innovative agri-food tourism projects, which advance rural and coastal economic development. Proposals for these agri-food tourism projects may also include support for local food and artisan markets.
My Department proposes to allocate a range of funding between €50,000 and €100,000 (excluding VAT) for each successful application. The Department's financial contribution will not exceed 70% of the total eligible costs of the proposal. Capital expenditure will not be eligible. Submissions from Local Authorities must be received by my Department by Monday 7th November in order to be considered.
Applications will be considered on a competitive basis against the other proposals received, the award criteria, the overall objectives of the CEDRA Fund to energise the rural economy and, where possible, to align proposals with the environmental sustainability goals of my Department's strategy - Food Wise 2025.
The evaluation process will take account of the following criteria:
- Collaboration: the number of Local Authorities participating in each application.
- The focus of proposal with regard to facilitating the establishment, continuation and enhancement of agri-food tourism.
- Costings of the proposal, value for money and timetable.
- Evidence that the proposal has the support of the local community and stakeholders, and has the capacity to stimulate rural community regeneration and further generate community interaction.
In addition, other supports for local markets are provided for by Bord Bia through the provision of information, assistance and publicity via their website to local food, country and farmers markets that include:
- A list of Farmers and Country Markets
- A Guide to Food Markets in Ireland
Furthermore, recognising the need to assist small Irish food and drink start-up producers and traders in developing their market produce and brands, the support of skills and best practice for market organisers is also provided by Bord Bia. One such scheme is the voluntary Good Practice Standard for Farmers Markets that promotes good market governance and food safety and labelling compliance; whilst at the same time encouraging regular farmers markets to be held in local communities that stock a substantial proportion ideally 50% of locally derived or seasonal produce.
A new and important initiative to support Farmer and Country markets, which is starting in November, is the regional workshops designed by Bord Bia to help stall holders sell better at farmers' markets. The workshops aim to give practical solutions to challenges that all market sellers may encounter and covering key areas of the market business and an opportunity for existing and prospective producers to network and share their experiences.
8. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the provision of loans to farmers at an interest rate of 2.95% represents good value for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32191/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince taking up office, one of my priorities has been to address the impact on farmers of the sustained period of lower commodity prices. I am conscious that this has caused cash flow difficulties for farmers in several sectors and I am committed to using all efforts to address this issue. The €150 million fund for "Agri Cash Flow Support" announced on budget day is one part of a three pillar strategy being put in place to respond to income volatility. The other pillars concern additional tax measures and farm payments. My objective is to ensure that we continue to have a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.
In my discussions with stakeholders, one of the main difficulties identified was the absence of low-cost flexible finance. This fund will support highly flexible loans for up to six years, for amounts up to €150,000, at an interest rate of 2.95%. It will be available to livestock, tillage and horticulture farmers. The proposed interest rate will represent a significant saving to farmers when compared with other forms of finance currently available.
Further details of the loan fund will be provided shortly. The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) will make an open call for lending institutions to participate and I have encouraged the main banks to make this facility available to their customers. Normal lending assessment criteria will apply although the loans will be 'unsecured' in nature, thereby facilitating a more straightforward application process.
This loan fund represents a ground-breaking and innovative approach to delivering support to farmers and it is designed to maximise the leverage achieved on the funding available. The provision of €11.1million in EU funding and €14 million in National funding by my Department enables the SBCI to leverage the total fund of €150 million.
I would encourage farmers to consider their cash flow and borrowings situation now, and if appropriate to their circumstances, to be prepared to apply for these loans when they become available.
14. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to address the growing problem in the beef industry whereby it is reported there are more than 140,000 extra beef animals between 12 and 24 months old; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32198/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the downward pressure on beef prices at present. Looking at the market outlook for the remainder of the year it is estimated that the total number of cattle available for slaughter at export plants for the year 2016 is expected to be between 60,000 and 80,000 greater than 2015. Figures for the year so far to the week ending 23rd October 2016 show that approximately 61,000 extra cattle have been slaughtered so far this year compared to the same period in 2015 an increase of 4.9% year to date.
The true impact any increase in the number of cattle in the national herd will have on the beef market will be determined by different factors such as slaughter dates which can vary depending on the system of production on different farms. In addition some of the increased number of cattle will be also be retained as part of the national breeding herd. I am also very much aware of the increase in the national beef herd including beef from the dairy herd.
One of the key elements in coping with an increased supply in Irish beef is ensuring that there is a market for such beef. There is a strong demand for meat globally including beef and figures from the European Commission's most recent Short Term Outlook for meat markets show a projected growth of per capita beef consumption of 2.1% for 2016. Whilst we exported approx 98% of our beef exports in 2015 to the UK and EU I am very conscious of the importance of growing international markets as a valuable outlet for any increased Irish beef production. Indeed this is a crucial component of the Food Wise 2025 strategy. Very significant progress has been made in this context in recent years and my Department is currently in the process of attempting to secure beef access to a range of Third Countries including China, South Korea, Ukraine, Thailand and Vietnam. This is a vital means of providing Ireland's meat processors and primary producers with as many commercial opportunities as possible for Irish beef in addition to our existing European markets.
I am also very conscious of the vital role that live exports play in providing an alternative market outlet for Irish farmers especially in an environment where the number of calf births has increased in the last number of years. The recent opening of the Turkish market for live cattle exports has seen 1,700 heavy bulls make the trip and I note that another load of 3,000 weanlings set sail last week. My Department is also currently actively examining the possibilities of bilateral health certificates for the export of cattle to Kazakhstan, Montenegro and for breeding cattle to Morocco. I remain actively committed to ensuring that Irish beef producers have the option of exporting to as many markets as possible.
One of my priorities now, particularly in the context of Brexit is to further increase the market opportunity for Irish food and drink internationally. We are after all an exporting nation with 90% of our food produce leaving the island. It is for this reason I led a major trade mission to four Asian Countries in September and why I will be leading another one to Algeria and Morocco next month. It is only through further increasing our footprint internationally that we will help to mitigate the effects of Brexit and develop our agri-food sector to realise its full potential.
I am very conscious of the ensuring that there are sufficient market opportunities to create a sustainable demand for Irish beef and my Department and state agencies such as Bord Bia will continue to work to ensure that any increase in production from the Irish beef herd can deliver a viable return to the Irish Beef sector and the primary producer.
15. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether afforestation, particularly the use of native species, is being utilised to its full potential in relation to efforts to maintain and improve water quality and for the purposes of flood mitigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32335/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAfforestation of both native and non-native species can contribute towards the protection and enhancement of water quality and can also help in reducing the risk of flooding in lower lying areas of the catchment.
In relation to water quality, new, well sited forests help reduce sediment mobilisation and runoff into nearby watercourses thereby protecting the quality of the water for fisheries and other aquatic life. These forests also help reduce nutrient runoff and contribute towards stabilising the banks of rivers and streams. Forests also play an important role in reducing the risk of flooding through canopy interception, the use of water by the trees themselves, and the higher infiltration rates and greater storage capacity within forest soils. While these different mechanisms vary depending on the type of forest and the season, they underline the importance of forest land use as part of any wider solution to floodwater control.
My Department operates a Forestry Programme that provides funding for the creation and management of a wide range of forest and woodland types, in order to realise the variety of environmental, economic and social benefits and services forest development brings. Various measures under the programme can be used strategically as part of a wider response to water management within a catchment. These include the following:
- The Afforestation Scheme, which can be used to deliver appropriately sited, and well-designed and managed forests and woodlands ranging from more productive-focused forests to agro-forestry plantations to more biodiversity-focused native woodlands. Grant aid under the scheme is designed to cover the cost of establishment, and annual premiums are payable for up to 15 years. The Afforestation Scheme can deliver a range of forest and woodland types in both upland and lowland areas, delivering floodwater management as one of many 'eco-system services'.
- The Native Woodland Conservation Scheme, which can be used to convert conifer forests alongside watercourses, into native woodland. This scheme provides grant aid (along with a 7-year premium, for private woodland owners) to undertake the appropriate restoration of existing woodlands, and also, the conversion of conifer forest into native woodland. Converting existing conifer forests into native woodland at strategic points along watercourses, accompanied by drain-blocking and other site restoration measures, can help reduce the risk of flooding and sedimentation of nearby watercourse by providing areas for inundation during periods of high flow. This type of development is a key action in the protection of the freshwater pearl mussel where the improvement of water quality is of critical importance.
New forests established under the afforestation scheme located within uplands and elsewhere are subject to a variety of silvicultural and environmental checks and standards, including cultivation and drainage standards, to ensure that any new afforestation does not pose an undue risk to the environment and does not exacerbate floodwaters. In addition, native woodlands must be included alongside aquatic buffer zones in water sensitive sites such as aquatic Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and sensitive fisheries areas when establishing new forests. This will provide a filtration buffer zone slowing down runoff from upland areas and helping to prevent sediment reaching rivers and streams.
Targets for afforestation over the period 2015 – 2020 are set out in the forestry programme. While the planting of native woodlands is less than the level expected, afforestation overall in 2015 was higher than the target set. In relation to 2016, early figures indicate that the Department is on target to reach its targets for 2016.
16. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to expand national forestry coverage as a measure to battle climate change; the role of Coillte Teoranta in these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21592/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Forest inventory of 2012 estimated forest cover at 731,650 ha or 10.5% of the total land surface of the country. In terms of total forest cover the target is 18% by 2050. The inventory is repeated every 5 years and the 2017 inventory is currently underway.
The current Forestry Programme, covering the period 2015-2020, ensures continued state support for the two key objectives of increasing forest cover and wood mobilisation. Almost €500 million of investment over the six year programme period will facilitate an increase in forest cover by almost 44,000 hectares over the period of the Programme. The level of afforestation grant and premiums, allied to the tax treatment of income from forests provide good incentives for land-owners to plant a proportion of their holding. Forests established in the period since 1990 are forecast to remove up to 4.5m tonnes per annum of carbon dioxide over the period 2021–2030.
Climate change mitigation also occurs when forest-based biomass replaces fossil fuels for heating or power generation. This helps to reduce the dependence on imported fossil fuels. The new Forestry for Fibre scheme allows landowners to plant fast growing species for fuel supply into local heating markets and for CHP and other energy uses. Support for thinning and forest road building will also help mobilise forest-based biomass for heat and power uses.
Coillte will also work with my Department in implementing a viable afforestation model which will contribute towards meeting this objective. Furthermore Coillte will continue its programme of reforestation following harvest, thereby contributing to carbon sequestration over the longer term.
17. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding the raids conducted by gardaí and Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, staff on fishing vessels, as reported in the media on 5 October 2016, if the Marine Survey Office shares intelligence with the Garda Síochána and the WRC regarding the optimum manner in which to target their raids in order to best uncover suspect abuses of non-EU undocumented migrant fishing crew; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32202/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have a role in the enforcement of employment or immigration law and therefore did not participate in the recent multi-agency inspections led by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) with the assistance of An Garda Síochána.
The report of the Government's inter-Departmental Task Force on Non-EEA Workers in the Irish Fishing Industry recommended the establishment of a sector-specific Atypical Worker Permission system in order to provide a structured and transparent framework for the employment of non-EEA workers within defined segments of the Irish commercial sea-fishing fleet.
This system is an extension of the existing Atypical Worker Permission schemes administered by the Department of Justice and Equality (Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service - INIS).
My Department's role in the Department of Justice and Equality Scheme is limited solely to hosting the Central Depository, the purpose of which is to register the eligible contracts and supporting documentation required under the Scheme and to ensure that the ceiling of 500 contracts is not exceeded in any 12 month period.
As recommended by the Task Force, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been put in place by the relevant State enforcement bodies to provide a rigorous and effective inspection system. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has the lead role in this group. My Department is a party to the MOU only insofar as the Central Depository is concerned.
18. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received in total under TAMS II tranches 1, 2 and 3; the total number of approved applications to date; the total number of applicants who have received payments to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32322/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast year a suite of six measures were announced under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme known as 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).
The measures announced were the:
1. Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme
2. Dairy Equipment Scheme
3. Organic Capital Investment Scheme
4. Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme
5. Low Emission Slurry Spreading, and the
6. Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme.
The Scheme was opened in three month tranches. The total number of applications received under Tranches 1, 2 and 3 of TAMS II was 2,952 under Tranche 1, 2212 under Tranche 2 and 1,999 under Tranche 3. A total number of applications under the first three Tranches of the Scheme of 7,163. This represents a significant level of interest in investing in the sector.
Approvals have now issued in respect of a total of 4,285 applications across the six measures under the TAMS II Scheme. The online payment claim system has been open for the submission of payment claims in relation to approved works completed in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme since July 2016.
To date, 274 fully completed claims for payment have been received, of which 38 have been approved for payment. However, a significant number of payment claims submitted have minor issues that need to be resolved before payment can issue. Officials from my Department have been in direct contact with the applicants in these cases to progress claims towards early payment. The number of payment claims is expected to increase significantly over the coming weeks. Approved applicants have been reminded that the payment claims system is open, including by text.
I would encourage all applicants who have completed approved works in accordance with the Scheme Terms and Conditions to submit their payment claims as soon as possible so that they can be processed for payment.
20. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will put in place to ensure fishing gear belonging to crab and lobster fishermen is not towed away by foreign factory trawlers off the west coast, as happened in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32190/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 (the Common Fisheries Policy basic regulation), changes to fisheries policy involving access or restriction to fishing opportunities or fishing areas come within the sole competency of the EU. Only the EU Commission may propose changes and any such proposal must be adopted under the co-decision process by the EU Parliament and EU Council. Member States, in consultation with the Commission, Member States affected and stakeholders are permitted to introduce non-discriminatory measures for the conservation and management of fish stocks within the 12 mile zone subject to compliance with policy and procedures set down in CFP Regulation. However, access to the 12 mile zone is set down in the CFP Regulation and may not be changed by an individual Member State.
All foreign fishing vessels, on the north-west coast, other than Northern Ireland vessels in respect of the 6 mile fishing zone, are precluded from Ireland's 12 mile fishing zone, other than for transit purposes and all foreign pelagic fishing vessels, including pelagic factory vessels, are also precluded from Ireland's 12 mile fishing zone on the west coast. In addition, Irish fishing vessels equal to or greater than 36.58 m (120 ft) in length, are precluded from Ireland's 12 mile zone.
The monitoring and control of fishing vessels within Ireland's Exclusive Fisheries Zone are matters for the Irish control authorities. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, all operational issues of this nature concerning sea fisheries control are, as a matter of law, exclusively for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Naval Service. As Minister I am precluded from getting involved in operational matters including in relation to law enforcement.
The SFPA and the Naval Service through the Fisheries Monitoring Centre have monitored the movements of these vessels when in our Exclusive Fisheries Zone, using the Vessel Monitoring System Automatic Identification System and declared catches through Electronic Reporting System. The SFPA is reliant on the seagoing fishery patrol activity of the Naval Service to verify compliance of vessels not landing into Ireland.
