Written Answers Nos. 287 - 301
287. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which prospects and prices to the producer in the beef, dairy, lamb, pig meat and poultry sectors remain positive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5157/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a number of challenges facing all sectors of Irish agriculture in 2017. The immediate impact of Brexit was seen in increased volatility in currency exchange rates which impact on our biggest market for the export of our food and drink and wider political developments throughout the world may impact on Irish agriculture during the year also. However 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 one to Algeria and Morocco at the beginning of November. I will also be leading a trade mission to the Middle East at the end of February. 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.
My Department and state agencies such as Bord Bia will continue to work to ensure that as many markets as possible are opened for Irish produce to provide sufficient outlets for exports of Irish beef, lamb, pig and dairy exports. I allocated additional funding to Bord Bia in Budget 2017 for the specific purpose of dealing with the impact of Brexit which help to support Irish food and drink exports in 2017. This, in addition to the opening of a new office by Bord Bia in Singapore this year, will ensure that exports of Irish beef are promoted effectively to provide viable export markets for any increases in Irish beef production.
Beef
I am very aware that following a positive start to 2016, beef farmers faced a number of challenges as the year progressed. However it should be noted that after an initial difficult period post the Brexit referendum that prices for R3 steers have been increasing since the first week in November and now stand at €3.71c/kg, up 18 cents or 5% from €3.53c/kg.
Turning to the prospects for 2017 it is clear from analysis undertaken by a number of bodies including Teagasc, Bord Bia and my Department that there will be a number of challenges specific to the beef sector in 2017.
One of the key elements in coping with these challenges is ensuring that there is a market for Irish 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 approximately 97% of our beef exports in 2016 to EU (including the UK), 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 builds on the opening of some major markets in the last two years including the US, Canada and Japan. This is a vital means of providing Ireland’s beef sector 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. The opening of the Turkish market for live cattle exports has seen over 19,500 exported in 2016, a number I am hopeful will grow in 2017. I also note that exports of live cattle to Libya have recommenced which is a positive and welcome development. 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.
I will also be launching in 2017 a scheme for the funding of facilitators for Producer Organisations in the beef sector. This is a vital step in ensuring the primary beef producers who wish to come together to form a Producer Organisation can engage collectively with processors on the negotiation of the sale of finished cattle for slaughter.
Dairy
More recent price trends in the dairy sector have given tentative signs of green shoots in the global, EU and Irish dairy market. This has also filtered through to farmgate prices throughout the EU and Ireland.
Maintenance of this forward momentum as we approach Ireland’s flush period is important for Irish farmers, who as low-cost producers of the highest quality production, can be confident of benefitting early from any continued upswing in the market.
More recently the process of tendering for release of SMP intervention product back onto the market has commenced, with three tendering rounds, one in December and two in January. On both occasions the Commission have adopted a cautious approach, with only 40 tonnes released thus far. I welcome this approach with a view to continued market stabilisation.
The recently released Bord Bia Export performance review indicates that a rise of 5% in Irish milk output and a recovery in international demand as the year progressed combined to leave the value of Irish dairy and ingredient exports for 2016 around 2% higher that 2015 at €3.38 billion. This is a strong performance given the extremely difficult background context that prevailed.
In general the outlook for the dairy sector must remain cautiously optimistic, with the resolve to engage in measures to mitigate volatility should it re-emerge.
Sheep
On the sheep sector, I am also aware profitability at farm level remains a challenge for all sheep farmers. My Department already has in place a number of schemes, including the BPS, GLAS, ANC and TAMS which make vital contributions to ensuring the continuing viability of sheep farming. The sheep sector is a valuable part of Ireland's agri-food industry and contributed €240 million in exports in 2016 according to Bord Bia.
The Programme for Government committed to the introduction of a scheme for sheep farmers under the Rural Development Programme with a budget of some €25 million provided in Budget 2017. This new Animal Welfare scheme for sheep, in addition to the existing supports available to sheep farmers, will make a vital contribution to ensuring the continuing viability and sustainability of the sheep sector in Ireland.
In designing the scheme, I am aware of the different challenges facing sheep farmers in which different areas of sheep farming are carried out in Ireland. I believe that this scheme will provide a lasting benefit to sheep farming and demonstrates and acknowledges the contribution sheep farming makes to the Agri-food sector in this country.
Pigs and Poultry
The outlook for the pig sector is currently optimistic. Irish pigmeat exports in 2016 increased by 2% in volume while average pig prices were almost 2% higher. This left the value of Irish pigmeat exports up by 4% in 2016 at an estimated €615 million. Net production also increased last year, helped by a significant demand for exports, particularly in China, with volumes up an estimated 44% at 65,000 tonnes reflecting strengthening demand for product in this market. Increased export volumes to International markets, particularly Asia, offset lower shipments to the UK, which showed some decline due to unfavourable exchange rate movement post Brexit.
China is the second largest market for Irish pigmeat exports after the UK, accounting for almost 30% of total exports. Ireland already enjoys pigmeat access to some important international outlets including Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Australia, South Africa and the United States and we are continually seeking to gain access to additional outlets for the pigmeat sector.
Any growth in Irish production in 2017 is expected to be modest. Assuming all other factors are unchanged, export availability in 2017 is forecast to be maintained at 2016 levels. However, much will depend on Chinese domestic production, competition from global exporters and exchange rate fluctuations. A prolonged period of uncertainty around Brexit will continue to determine the competitiveness of Irish pigmeat product in the UK, in particular for secondary processing companies. Domestically, consumption on the home market has benefitted from some improvement in the economy as consumers are purchasing pork more frequently. Bord Bia continues to support the sector and will roll out promotional activity via a new advertising campaign later this year.
Poultry
On the back of increasing demand for poultry protein, the outlook for the sector is relatively positive for this year. Indeed poultry production hit record levels during 2016, up 14% on 2015, driven by consumer demand mostly attributable to chicken. Irish imports declined by over 7% last year, largely due to reduced fresh and frozen imports from the UK and other EU markets, however exports decreased driven by lower volumes of processed poultry. While no significant change is expected in Irish poultry production in the short term, growth in production may be impacted by outbreaks of avian influenza, as it spreads throughout Europe. In this very competitive sector where Ireland is over 100% self-sufficient it is important to have the edge and Bord Bia’s Quality Assurance Scheme provides this on the shelves. Bord Bia estimates that over 90% of poultry meat produced and 95% of eggs consumed on the island of Ireland is quality assured and the inherent added value this gives to the product does not escape the consumer.
I am confident that notwithstanding the current challenges for the above sectors the prospects for these sectors remain positive and I am determined to take any necessary measures to ensure this remains the case.
288. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which deer farming and the production of venison remains a viable enterprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5158/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeer farming in Ireland is an alternative farming enterprise which is extremely reliant on the supply and demand dynamics that affect all agricultural production systems within Ireland. In 1996 there were approximately 500 deer farms in Ireland with 20,000 deer, but numbers have declined significantly since that time. There are now only a small number of farmers in Ireland supplying deer for meat production to cater to the niche market available.
Its viability is dependant on producers and companies ensuring that there are customers available for their product, an objective which Bord Bia assists in by identifying potential market outlets.
My Department has approved one factory for the slaughter of deer in Ireland. There may also be outlets for processing of venison in local authority approved plants but this would be a matter for the local authority concerned.
289. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which his Department monitors the costs of farm inputs such as fertilisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5159/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo fertilisers are now manufactured in Ireland, resulting in indigenous fertiliser companies being price-takers, dependent on global supply and demand and subject to Euro exchange rates against the US dollar and other currencies. Fertilisers (as with crude oil and gas) are mainly traded in US dollars and are thereby subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. A weak euro means increased costs for fuel and fertiliser imports and this has impacted on price trends in recent years.
However, I note that fertiliser prices have more recently experienced a strong price reduction, primarily due to a drop in fertiliser cost inputs and raw materials and this is to be welcomed.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) monitors the price of fertilisers on a monthly basis. My Department receives data on the type and quantity of fertilisers and lime sold on a Quarterly basis from Industry.
Currently, Europe is only 80% self-sufficient in fertiliser production and must import 20% of its requirements. As such, European and Irish fertiliser prices are strongly linked to global prices and heavily influenced by supply and demand.
I understand that the issue of price of fertilisers is an important issue for farmers and the advice from Teagasc is for farmers to keep in contact with merchants as prices often spike at periods of high demand when European order books are full. Purchasing fertilisers at off-peak periods will help minimise prices.
290. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which the national bovine herd, including the dairy sector, has fluctuated over the past five years and the prospects for its future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5160/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputies question I would like to draw his attention to the following table which provides details of the national bovine herd in terms of the beef herd and the dairy herd over the last five years. Please note that the figure for cows include any female that has calved at least once in her lifetime and will be made up of animals from females less than 24 months old and females greater than 24 months old. Furthermore animals are classed as beef or dairy on the basis of breed of sire.
With regards to the future prospects of the national herd, it is clear from analysis undertaken by a number of bodies including Teagasc, Bord Bia and my Department that there will be a number of challenges specific to the beef sector in 2017.
One of the key elements in coping with these challenges is ensuring that there is a market for Irish 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 approximately 97% of our beef exports in 2016 to EU (including the UK), 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 builds on the opening of some major markets in the last two years including the US, Canada and Japan. This is a vital means of providing Ireland’s beef sector 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. The opening of the Turkish market for live cattle exports has seen over 19,500 exported in 2016, a number I am hopeful will grow in 2017. I also note that exports of live cattle to Libya have recommenced which is a positive and welcome development. 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.
I will also be launching in 2017 a scheme for the funding of facilitators for Producer Organisations in the beef sector. This is a vital step in ensuring the primary beef producers who wish to come together to form a Producer Organisation can engage collectively with processors on the negotiation of the sale of finished cattle for slaughter.
The recently released Bord Bia Export performance review indicates that a rise of 5% in Irish milk output and a recovery in international demand as the year progressed combined to leave the value of Irish dairy and ingredient exports for 2016 around 2% higher than 2015 at €3.38 billion. This is a strong performance given the extremely difficult background context that prevailed.
In general the outlook for the dairy sector must remain cautiously optimistic, with the resolve to engage in measures to mitigate volatility should it re-emerge.
|
- |
National Herd |
|
2012 |
6,197,231 |
|
2013 |
6,219,188 |
|
2014 |
6,140,024 |
|
2015 |
6,332,010 |
|
2016* |
6,501,650 |
* Please note that 2016 figures are subject to change over coming months
Beef
|
Cows |
Males < 24 months |
Males > 24 months |
Females < 24 months |
Females > 24 months |
|
1,535,906 |
1,198,332 |
151,152 |
1,221,147 |
1,259,571 |
|
1,469,111 |
1,180,788 |
173,849 |
1,194,862 |
1,234,342 |
|
1,364,146 |
1,167,118 |
171,731 |
1,166,096 |
1,205,362 |
|
1,196,397 |
1,254,274 |
141,464 |
1,242,949 |
1,168,448 |
|
1,015,065 |
1,289,441 |
131,372 |
1,292,317 |
1,156,840 |
Dairy
|
Cows |
Males < 24 months |
Males > 24 months |
Females < 24 months |
Females > 24 months |
|
1,727,421 |
518,525 |
28,813 |
669,564 |
1,150,127 |
|
1,774,446 |
512,682 |
49,038 |
683,346 |
1,190,281 |
|
1,777,305 |
453,202 |
47,498 |
684,179 |
1,244,838 |
|
1,568,191 |
462,236 |
37,474 |
691,067 |
1,334,098 |
|
1,309,670 |
509,662 |
30,529 |
711,495 |
1,379,994 |
291. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which adequate slaughtering facilities remain readily available to meet the needs of beef, lamb and pig producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5161/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe slaughter of livestock in this country for human consumption is carried out at facilities which are approved by either the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine or by the relevant local authorities.
There are currently 49 meat plants approved and supervised by my Department to slaughter animals for human consumption. These plants are required to meet prescribed structural and operational standards set under EU and national food safety regulations. They are supervised by the Department’s Veterinary Public Health Inspection Service, which has a permanent presence in slaughter plants and uses the services of approximately 600 Temporary Veterinary Inspectors (TVIs), on a contract basis, for meat inspection. The numbers of animals slaughtered from the main species in Department-supervised plants in 2016 were 1.63m cattle, 2.67m sheep, 3.25m pigs, 92.9m poultry. Smaller abattoirs are supervised by local authorities.
The establishment of a slaughtering plant is a commercial decision made by individuals or companies. I am confident however that the processing industry has the capacity to meet the throughput requirements for the various sectors outlined by the Deputy now and for the foreseeable future.
292. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a GLAS payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5162/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015.
During the 2015 prepayment checks an issue was identified in relation to the Chough (whole parcel) action. Department officials have examined this issue and have resolved it. The application will now be re-run through the validation checks with a view to making payment at the earliest opportunity.
293. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of persons in receipt of GLAS 1 and GLAS 2 who have received 85% of their total 2016 payment, by county, in tabular form; the number of farmers who have passed all payment approval checks and are awaiting their 2016 payment; the total number of GLAS recipients who have yet to receive payment, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5175/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out the number of GLAS 1 and GLAS 2 farmers that have, to date, received 85% payment in respect of the 2016 scheme year and the number of farmers for both schemes that have yet to receive payment in respect of 2016.
|
- |
GLAS 1 |
GLAS 1 |
GLAS 1 |
GLAS 2 |
GLAS 2 |
GLAS 2 |
|
County Name |
Number of Cases Applied |
Number of Cases Paid |
Number of Unpaid Cases |
Number of Cases Applied |
Number of Cases Paid |
Number of Unpaid Cases |
|
Carlow |
283 |
202 |
81 |
131 |
106 |
25 |
|
Cavan |
916 |
736 |
180 |
448 |
362 |
86 |
|
Clare |
1,631 |
1,364 |
267 |
703 |
572 |
131 |
|
Cork |
2,225 |
1,670 |
555 |
1,069 |
788 |
281 |
|
Donegal |
1,978 |
1,525 |
453 |
1,024 |
734 |
290 |
|
Dublin |
65 |
49 |
16 |
17 |
14 |
3 |
|
Galway |
3,144 |
2,316 |
828 |
1,350 |
943 |
407 |
|
Kerry |
1,794 |
1,367 |
427 |
894 |
643 |
251 |
|
Kildare |
256 |
194 |
62 |
86 |
61 |
25 |
|
Kilkenny |
445 |
320 |
125 |
216 |
169 |
47 |
|
Laois |
375 |
286 |
89 |
207 |
159 |
48 |
|
Leitrim |
1,035 |
834 |
201 |
429 |
348 |
81 |
|
Limerick |
1,065 |
809 |
256 |
313 |
260 |
53 |
|
Longford |
519 |
421 |
98 |
360 |
298 |
62 |
|
Louth |
150 |
82 |
68 |
82 |
38 |
44 |
|
Mayo |
2,610 |
1,980 |
630 |
1,365 |
935 |
430 |
|
Meath |
442 |
327 |
115 |
211 |
154 |
57 |
|
Monaghan |
585 |
460 |
125 |
152 |
120 |
32 |
|
Offaly |
485 |
405 |
80 |
292 |
231 |
61 |
|
Roscommon |
1,551 |
1,265 |
286 |
566 |
464 |
102 |
|
Sligo |
958 |
800 |
158 |
372 |
295 |
77 |
|
Tipperary |
1,162 |
871 |
291 |
533 |
366 |
167 |
|
Waterford |
367 |
244 |
123 |
136 |
85 |
51 |
|
Westmeath |
657 |
529 |
128 |
279 |
220 |
59 |
|
Wexford |
792 |
562 |
230 |
272 |
206 |
66 |
|
Wicklow |
335 |
244 |
91 |
160 |
92 |
68 |
|
25,825 |
19,862 |
5,963 |
11,667 |
8,663 |
3,004 |
The most recent payments issued on the 30 January 2017 and my Department is reviewing all cases which have not yet passed all pre-payment validation checks and as these are resolved the cases are processed on the next payment. My Department will be making regular payment runs on a weekly basis.
294. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of persons in receipt of AEOS who have received their total 2016 payment, by county, in tabular form; the number of farmers who have passed all payment approval checks and are awaiting their 2016 payment; the total number of AEOS recipients who have yet to receive payment, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5176/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System must take place. As all AEOS 2 participants will be receiving their final payments under the scheme, re-checks on payments made for all scheme years must be completed before final payment can be processed. Officials are working through these files and payment will be made in all cases as soon as possible Payments are being made to applicants who have passed the administrative checks on an ongoing basis.
|
County |
Applicants |
Numbers Paid |
Awaiting Payment |
|
Carlow |
49 |
39 |
10 |
|
Cavan |
244 |
191 |
53 |
|
Clare |
556 |
453 |
103 |
|
Cork |
428 |
285 |
143 |
|
Donegal |
1360 |
1,029 |
331 |
|
Dublin |
9 |
8 |
1 |
|
Galway |
1245 |
856 |
389 |
|
Kerry |
568 |
405 |
163 |
|
Kildare |
39 |
25 |
14 |
|
Kilkenny |
109 |
60 |
49 |
|
Laois |
80 |
45 |
35 |
|
Leitrim |
430 |
313 |
117 |
|
Limerick |
224 |
138 |
86 |
|
Longford |
89 |
56 |
33 |
|
Louth |
41 |
26 |
15 |
|
Mayo |
1399 |
915 |
484 |
|
Meath |
83 |
52 |
31 |
|
Monaghan |
151 |
88 |
63 |
|
Offaly |
110 |
73 |
37 |
|
Roscommon |
478 |
350 |
128 |
|
Sligo |
335 |
232 |
103 |
|
Tipperary |
245 |
143 |
102 |
|
Waterford |
82 |
56 |
26 |
|
Westmeath |
122 |
77 |
45 |
|
Wexford |
84 |
45 |
39 |
|
Wicklow |
80 |
55 |
25 |
|
Totals |
8640 |
6,015 |
2,625 |
295. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of full-time and part-time staff hired since 1 January 2017 in his Department and in each State agency under his auspices; the number of these staff hires which were recruited specifically to work on Brexit-related issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5177/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has hired 22 full time staff since 1 January 2017. As Brexit preparation, analysis and negotiation is of significant importance to the Agri Food Sector my Department has assigned 3 experienced staff members from existing resources to a dedicated Brexit Unit and the consequential vacancies created were back filled with newly hired staff. My Department will continuously assess resources required in this unit as the Brexit Process Progresses.
Staff hires within each State agency under my Departments auspices is a matter for the State Bodies themselves once they remain within their budget as set in their Delegated Sanction.
296. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of staff requested by his Department and in each State body under his auspices, in the 2012 to 2016 period on an annual basis, in tabular form; the number of staff subsequently hired in each year in this period on a Department wide basis and in each State agency under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5178/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs business needs arise in my Department appropriate resources are sourced primarily from our recruitment partners, the Public Appointments Service. My Department also carries out a small level of recruitment under licence from the Commission of Public Service Appointments for skill sets specific to my Department.
Staff recruitment within each State Body under my Department's auspices is a matter for the State Bodies themselves once they remain within their budget as set in their Delegated Sanction.
|
Year |
Number of Staff hired |
|
2012 |
17 |
|
2013 |
32 |
|
2014 |
32 |
|
2015 |
73 |
|
2016 |
143 |
297. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of 2016 BPS applicants per county; the total amount of expenditure in payments per county in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5179/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease see in the table the total number of 2016 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS applicants per county and the total amount of expenditure in BPS payments per county in 2016.
|
County |
Number of Eligible BPS Applications |
Amount Paid - BPS - € |
|
CORK |
12848 |
156,008,558.00 |
|
DONEGAL |
8265 |
53,398,116.10 |
|
GALWAY |
11847 |
81,118,482.40 |
|
KERRY |
7613 |
62,067,559.00 |
|
KILKENNY |
3388 |
49,828,348.00 |
|
LONGFORD |
2340 |
18,626,739.70 |
|
LOUTH |
1510 |
18,587,208.50 |
|
MAYO |
11353 |
66,276,352.60 |
|
MEATH |
3757 |
51,007,293.50 |
|
MONAGHAN |
3987 |
28,039,360.70 |
|
OFFALY |
3019 |
34,273,558.50 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
5620 |
39,507,282.90 |
|
TIPPERARY |
6851 |
92,532,685.70 |
|
WATERFORD |
2388 |
36,364,600.10 |
|
WESTMEATH |
2945 |
31,678,706.10 |
|
WEXFORD |
4039 |
56,570,999.00 |
|
WICKLOW |
2135 |
27,703,916.60 |
|
DUBLIN |
627 |
8,744,051.19 |
|
LEITRIM |
3400 |
19,164,357.20 |
|
CAVAN |
4737 |
34,202,997.40 |
|
SLIGO |
3909 |
23,747,269.50 |
|
LIMERICK |
5007 |
48,946,660.00 |
|
CLARE |
5974 |
45,937,092.10 |
|
LAOIS |
2919 |
37,403,434.10 |
|
CARLOW |
1608 |
22,859,234.70 |
|
KILDARE |
2063 |
29,528,344.40 |
|
Total |
124149 |
1,174,123,208.34 |
298. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of participants in the areas of natural constraint scheme per county; the total number of hectares currently eligible under the scheme in each county; the total percentage of eligible land covered by the scheme out of the total amount of farm land per county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5180/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated and will be forwarded at an early date.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
299. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the recent acquisition of a cheese processing plant in Cheshire by a body (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5181/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis matter is entirely a commercial decision for the company concerned. As Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I have no involvement in the commercial decisions taken by companies in the agri-food sector.
300. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether, as Brexit draws closer, further commercial investments by Irish agrifood businesses will prioritise basing future operational expansions and job creation on mainland Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5182/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision of the UK to leave the EU creates potentially enormous challenges for all actors in the agri-food sector. We have seen the immediate impacts that have arisen from the fall in the value of sterling against the euro, and there will be further challenges that will arise as the implications in relation to trade and tariffs, regulations and standards, and border controls and certification become clearer. Agri-food businesses will plan in accordance with their individual circumstances, and will make decisions in accordance with their best commercial interest, taking into account market priorities, availability of raw materials, competitiveness issues, access to EU markets, availability of skilled labour, taxation, the regulatory environment and a range of other commercial factors.
My Department will continue to assist the sector through this period of uncertainty. We will also engage fully in the negotiations with a view to securing an outcome that will allow the sector to continue to trade freely with the UK in both directions in the future, without tariffs and with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures.
301. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will make an allocation for 2016 and 2017 for young farmers under the national reserve scheme; when he will announce the conditions for such a scheme for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5183/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Reserve measure of the Basic Payment Scheme was introduced under the reform of the Direct Payments Scheme which was designed to provide financial support to young farmers and new entrants to farming during the crucial years immediately following the setting up of the farming enterprise. In 2015 the National Reserve fund was based on a 3% cut to the Basic Payment Scheme financial ceiling and provided some €24 million in funding which was the maximum financing rate available under the relevant EU Regulations. Some 6,300 farmers received an allocation of entitlements under the 2015 National Reserve.
Due to the success of the 2015 National Reserve, all available funding was utilised and there was no remaining funding for a National Reserve in 2016.
In order to provide for a National Reserve in 2017 funding is required to replenish the Reserve. EU Regulations governing the scheme provide that funding for the replenishment of the National Reserve may be obtained by means of surrender of entitlements that remain unused by farmers for two consecutive years and by claw-back derived following the sale of entitlements without land. It is envisaged that funding derived from these two sources in 2017 will be very limited. The Regulations also provide for the application of a linear cut to the value of all farmers’ entitlements to replenish the National Reserve.
Consultation between Department officials and the Direct Payments Advisory Committee comprising members of the main farming organisations, agricultural education and farm advisory bodies takes place annually as part of the decision making process for the National Reserve. Decisions relating to the availability of a 2017 National Reserve can only be made following determination of available funding and the consultation process involving the Direct Payments Advisory Committee. This advisory group is due to meet shortly in relation to the 2017 National Reserve.
