Written Answers Nos. 31 - 46
31. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department's work regarding Brexit; the areas being focused on; the meetings that have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4874/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, together with its agencies and stakeholders, has been considering all of the potential impacts of Brexit, looking at where the areas of greatest risk arise and where we will need to focus on when the negotiations begin.
It is clear that there are short- and longer-term implications for the agri-food sector. In the short-term, the impact of the fall in the value of sterling against the euro is one that is already being felt, while in the longer-term we will have to deal with the significant challenges that will potentially arise from changes to trade and tariff arrangements, the introduction of border controls, certification requirements, and from the loss of the UK contribution to the EU budget. There are also very significant and complex implications for the fisheries sector.
From an agri-food perspective, and given the importance of the UK market for the sector, our demand will be for continued free access to the UK market, without tariffs and with minimal customs and administrative procedures, and to keep the UK market viable for Irish producers by minimising the risk from UK trade agreements with third countries.
In fisheries, we want to maintain current access to fishing grounds in the UK zone in the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and north of Donegal and protect Ireland’s quota share for joint fish stocks.
In the meantime, my Department continues to progress its analysis of the likely implications of Brexit, and to further its engagement with stakeholders, UK and Northern Ireland counterparts, Member State colleagues and European institutions.
The steps taken to date include:
- a dedicated Brexit unit has been established to co-ordinate all activities;
- a Brexit Response Committee comprising all relevant Department divisions is now active;
- A Stakeholder Consultative Committee has been established;
- Brexit has been added as a standing item to the agenda of the Food Wise 2025 High Level Implementation Committee,
- Close consultation with Bord Bia, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Enterprise Ireland is ongoing - significant additional resources were allocated to Bord Bia and BIM in Budget 2017 in order to provide Brexit-related supports to affected companies;
- Other Budget 2017 supports for the sector included a new €150 million low-cost loan scheme, agri-taxation measures, and increased funding under the Rural Development Programme and Seafood Development Programme;
- The Department is feeding into the overall Government response being co-ordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach;
- I hosted an All Island Civic Dialogue on 15 December, to which interested stakeholders from both sides of the border were invited. It focused on dairy, cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry. Two further events are planned for 1 February (Fisheries) and 8 February (other agri-food sectors);
- DAFM officials are engaging closely with their NI counterparts through the NSMC and bilateral meetings, including on specific areas of co-operation;
- Political engagement with NI and UK counterparts has also increased, including through my own recent meetings with NI Minister Michelle McIlveen and UK SoS Andrea Leadsom (most recently in Berlin on 22 January 2017).
- At EU level, I am in regular contact with counterparts on the margins of AgriFish Council meetings, and arrangements are currently being made for formal bilateral meetings with key Member States, including France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and forthcoming EU Presidencies Estonia, Bulgaria and Austria in the coming weeks;
- My Department's network of agriculture attaches is also engaged as appropriate in agri-food-related Brexit follow-up through the Embassies in London, Paris and Geneva, and Ireland's Permanent Representation in Brussels;
- I have also spoken regularly to Commissioner Hogan (most recently on 26 January 2017), and officials have taken part in meetings with the Commission and the Barnier Task Force (most recently on 24 January 2017).
- On the market front, I have met with the CEOs of major UK retailers and I have provided an additional €1.6 million for Bord Bia in 2016, and €2 million in 2017, to assist it in its efforts to promote Irish food. My Department is also active on third country markets with a view to developing new business opportunities for Irish food companies. In that context, I will be leading a Trade Mission to Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates at the end of this month.
All of the Department’s ongoing activities will continue to be informed by the need to secure the best possible outcome for the Irish agri-food sector. And of course, Ireland will be part of the EU 27 team, and looks forward to working with fellow Member States in delivering the best possible result for Ireland and for the EU.
32. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the criteria being used in an Irish context to determine which areas will be designated as areas of natural constraint and the proposed implementation of the 10% allowance. [4853/17]
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. This analysis will identify areas deemed to be facing natural constraints, which will in parallel be subjected to a refinement process.
In addition, Member States can make certain areas eligible for payment by designating them as areas of specific Constraint. This designation can be put in place where it is necessary
- for land management to be continued in order to conserve or improve the environment,
- to maintain the countryside,
- to preserve the tourist potential of the area, or
- to protect the coastline.
Areas up to a maximum of 10% of the total area of the member state can be designated as areas of specific constraint. This designation was previously used to include offshore islands in the current ANC scheme, and options for its further use in conjunction with the wider redesignation project are currently being examined by my Department.
33. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will introduce crisis aid funding to tillage farmers who had their crop destroyed due to severe weather in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4903/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is very aware I hosted a Tillage Stakeholders Forum last October which consisted of representatives from all sides of this Sector. Following a very productive meeting I subsequently initiated a number of responses to address key issues raised by stakeholders.
As I set out at the Forum, one of my priorities has been to address the impact of the change in the sterling exchange rate and lower commodity prices in some sectors, which have caused cash flow difficulties for farmers. So I was pleased to announce the launch of the “Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme” on Tuesday.
The Scheme was developed in co-operation with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), which has confirmed that AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank will distribute the loans, making €150 million available to farmers throughout Ireland at low-cost interest rates of 2.95%. It will provide tillage farmers with a low cost, flexible source of working capital and will allow them to pay down more expensive forms of short-term debt, ensuring the ongoing financial sustainability of viable farming enterprises.
As an additional support to cash flow on farms, including Tillage farms, I also confirmed that advance payments would be made in 2016 in respect of the Basic Payment and Greening Payment schemes.
Advance payments commenced on the 17 October last, the earliest possible date by which payments can begin under the governing EU Regulations, with the addition of balancing payments from the 1 December.
To date €1,174 billion has been paid out to 123,199 farmers and payments are ongoing. Payments of €198,722 million have also been made to 93,000 applicants under the Areas of Natural Constraints scheme.
In my concluding remarks to the stakeholder forum of last October, I reiterated my view that in the changing international economic landscape we need to take a fresh look at our tillage industry to ensure that it is best positioned to withstand future challenges and to avail of new opportunities which may present themselves.
The Forum is therefore an opportunity to explore and build such opportunities, as well as addressing the challenges. As I stated in the Dáil just over a week ago, I plan to convene a further meeting of the stakeholder’s forum and which I can confirm to the House will occur on the 16th of February next. This Forum will provide an opportunity for all to work together to evaluate further measures for the long-term sustainability of the tillage sector.
34. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the €2 million allocation to Bord Bia for 2017; his further views on whether this amount will allow the board to properly prepare for the ongoing and growing impact of Brexit on the food industry with the potential job losses associated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2791/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe impact of Brexit on the food industry has initially been in terms of currency volatility and uncertainty, presenting challenges to maintaining hard won markets and a need to intensify the process in recent years of diversifying into new and emerging markets which offer good potential for growth. In line with their market intelligence and promotion mission, Bord Bia has responded quickly, engaging with companies and developing a four pillar strategy to provide food and drink companies with market information, advice and practical supports. The four pillars are Managing Volatility, Obtaining Consumer and Market Insight, Deepening Customer Engagement and Extending Market Reach. The additional €2 million being provided in 2017, which builds on increased funding in recent years, will enable Bord Bia to undertake a number of activities in 2017, including:
- an export marketing strategy programme to help individual companies to maintain and grow their position in the UK and/or diversify their market reach
- research to identify priority market opportunities
- participation in three new trade fairs in Asia
- increased presence at key shows such as Gulf Food, where space will be doubled, and Anuga in Germany.
The activities planned build on the supplementary market and business support programmes, which were developed by Bord Bia following the UK referendum and for which additional funding of €1.6 million was made available to Bord Bia in 2016.
Bord Bia is also planning to almost double its drawdown of EU promotion funds to €1.9 million, mainly for activities focused on China.
Skills are an important element in delivering market related research and services. In 2016 sanction was given to Bord Bia to recruit 20 additional staff. The recruitment programme is well advanced, with just four positions to be filled in 2017. These additional staff resources have supported a number of initiatives including:
- the opening of offices in Warsaw and Singapore
- the establishment of The Thinking House , a consumer insight and innovation centre which provided services to over 100 client companies in 2016
- the addition of a trade marketing specialist in Shanghai
- an additional trade marketing specialist in the UK and
- participation in an increased number of international trade fairs during 2017.
At present, a review of staff resources is underway as part of an overall workforce planning exercise by my Department and its agencies. Bord Bia is assessing priorities and needs and preparing an updated workforce plan for 2017 and the years ahead. This will include identifying strategies and further measures to support market diversification for food and drink producers and companies.
These Bord Bia initiatives in 2017 will complement an ambitious programme of trade missions, led by my Department, in which Bord Bia, development agencies, and food and drink companies will join forces in a very targeted way. Our plans for 2017 are ambitious and focused on the industry and the particular challenges facing the sector in 2017. The situation will continue to be monitored on an ongoing basis and discussed with the sector, including through my Department’s Consultative Committee of Stakeholders on Brexit and the All Island Civic Dialogue.
35. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to establish new markets and extend existing markets for the food industry throughout the European Union and in view of the need to redouble efforts outside the European Union having regard to the imminence of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4909/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe pursuit and development of new markets, while also increasing our share of existing EU markets, is an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. Indeed, this is all the more relevant after the UK’s decision to leave the EU, which presents significant new challenges for the agri-food sector in particular. In accordance with this development, Brexit has now been added as a standing item to the agenda of the Food Wise High Level Implementation Committee.
In terms of the European dimension to our response, additional funding that I have provided to Bord Bia - including through Budget 2017 - has been used to support market diversification efforts by companies through its Market Intensification Programme, which was launched in late October 2016, and to support promotional campaigns for Irish beef in Germany and the Netherlands.
In addition, Bord Bia has been providing information to companies on how to establish a presence in other EU countries, and using its network of offices to build long-term relationships in those markets, including through participation in trade fairs. It has also recently opened a new office in Warsaw to expand its support in Eastern Europe, and in Singapore to service eight emerging markets in South East Asia).
Looking beyond Europe, Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region. Again, Bord Bia has been intensifying its work in these markets, and has opened a new office in Singapore to service eight emerging markets in South East Asia.
In keeping with these priorities, I led a Trade Mission to China and Singapore in September 2016 and at the same time Minister Doyle led a Trade Mission to Vietnam and South Korea in September 2016. In November I also led a trade mission to Morocco, which was extended at senior official level to include Algeria. Earlier in 2016, senior officials accompanied a Bord Bia trade mission to Iran, and travelled on to Turkey and met with officials to discuss the opening of trade in live animals, which was subsequently secured.
I will lead a further Trade Mission to the Gulf Region at the end of February. This will cover the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. My Department is currently working with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland to finalise the arrangements for this mission, which will include participants from across the agri-food sector, and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as political discussions with my counterparts in the host countries.
The mission will serve to enhance and improve our existing levels of market access in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It will also promote Ireland’s reputation as a producer of high quality, safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy products in the Gulf region.
I am also considering a range of other destinations for the remainder of 2017, although no decision has yet been made in terms of content or timing. Again, markets in Asia, Africa and America are likely to feature prominently in these considerations, and I am of course ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities that may arise.
36. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered the possibility of a vaccination programme for commercial poultry against avian influenza; and if so, his plans in that regard. [4854/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhilst vaccination is one of the tools that can be used to control avian influenza, it is not the tool of first choice, and is not currently being considered.
Both emergency vaccination and preventive vaccination are allowed for under the Council Directive 2005/94/EC on Community measures for the control of avian influenza. In both cases a plan would have to be submitted to the European Commission for approval. In the case of emergency vaccination a risk assessment would also have to be carried out.
Any decision to use vaccine would be based on the extent of outbreaks in poultry in Ireland or in a neighbouring country, the type of poultry operations affected, the effectiveness and availability of vaccine, and the potential impact on trade.
The current position is:
- There have been no outbreaks of HPAI H5N8 in poultry in Ireland or Northern Ireland, and there have been no links to Ireland from the outbreaks in Great Britain to date.
- The effectiveness of current vaccines is limited, as they do not prevent birds from becoming infected or from transmitting the virus (although they do reduce sickness and death, and reduce the amount of virus shed into the environment).
- There is currently no EU or national vaccine or antigen bank. There is one vaccine with a marketing authorisation in Europe, however the vaccine is currently unavailable.
- The use of vaccine would have a significant impact on resources for the monitoring and control of vaccinated flocks. It is also likely to impact on trade with Third Countries.
37. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the programme for Government commitment to permit young farmers who are under 40 years of age but who have been farming for more than five years, to access measures under CAP for young farmers, including being able to apply for the national reserve and for top-up entitlements; the reason for their exclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4906/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Regulations governing the National Reserve provides that the two mandatory categories of ‘young farmer’ and ‘new entrant to farming’ must receive priority access to the Reserve. A young farmer is defined as a farmer aged no more than 40 years of age in the year when they first submit an application under the Basic Payment Scheme and who commenced their farming activity no more than five years prior to submitting that application. A new entrant to farming is defined as a farmer who commenced their agricultural activity during the previous two years and did not have any agricultural activity in their own name and at their own risk in the five years preceding the start of the present agricultural activity.
The Regulations governing the operation of the National Reserve also include an optional provision whereby Member States may use the National Reserve to allocate new entitlements or give a top-up on the value of existing entitlements for persons who suffer from a ‘Specific Disadvantage’. Support for such categories can only be considered once the two mandatory categories of young farmer and new entrant have been catered for. Decisions regarding the eligibility of farmers under the ‘specific disadvantage’ category of the National Reserve require the approval of the EU Commission. Ireland successfully negotiated the inclusion of a group of farmers commonly known as ‘old young farmers’ as a specific disadvantage group under the 2015 National Reserve.
A group commonly known as the ‘Forgotten Farmer’ group comprises farmers aged under 40, who established their holdings prior to 2008, and who hold no or low value entitlements and also consider themselves to be a category of specific disadvantage. Preliminary analysis carried out by my Department shows there are some 3,900 farmers in this category. An estimation of the cost of increasing the value of existing entitlements to the National Average for these 3,900 farmers stands at over €12 million. The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to further pursue the category of ‘forgotten farmers’ at a EU level.
In the context of negotiations with the EU Commission in relation to the ‘Old Young Farmer’ specific disadvantage category Ireland notified the Commission that there were other categories of farmers who may also require consideration as suffering from a ‘specific disadvantage’. The Commission notified Ireland that any application for a specific disadvantage category of the National Reserve may only be made to the EU Commission in the context of the operation of the National Reserve for that year.
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. There was no National Reserve in 2016 as all available funding had been utilised under the 2015 scheme. Therefore there was no opportunity to consider any specific disadvantage groups under a 2016 National Reserve Scheme.
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 option of applying a linear cut to all farmers' entitlements to fund 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.
In addition, the Young Farmer Scheme is the only other measure which specifically caters for Young Farmers under Pillar 1 of the CAP. Under EU Regulations the Young Farmers Scheme is available only to young farmers who are setting up an agricultural holding for the first time or have set up such a holding during the five years preceding the first submission of the Basic Payment Scheme application. There is no ‘specific disadvantage’ category under the Young Farmers Scheme. Therefore this scheme is not available to young farmers who commenced their farming activity prior to 1 January 2010.
It is a requirement of the Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme of TAMS II that the farmer must have been set-up in farming within a period of five years from the date of application for support. However, young farmers who do not meet this requirement are being given priority under the other TAMS II Schemes available.
38. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of sheep imported from Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively for 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4841/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe intra EU movement of animals is recorded on the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES), which is the EU-wide online management tool for all sanitary requirements on intra-EU trade and importation of animals, semen and embryo, food, feed and plants. Movements are recorded at the level of Member State only on TRACES.
Figures from TRACES show that over the course of 2016, a total of 432,316 sheep were imported from the UK. This compares to a total of 169 from all other territories from which Ireland imported sheep last year, namely Belgium, France, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands.
As of 30 January this year, a total of 40,920 sheep have been imported to the Republic from the United Kingdom. This represents a drop of approximately 14% when compared to January of 2016.
While I have stated already that TRACES does not allow for the breakdown of movements within Member State level, figures from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland show that a total of 394,439 sheep were exported into Ireland direct for slaughter in 2016 and 50,204 sheep were exported to farms in Ireland in 2016. There are no comparable figures available in relation to 2017 yet.
There are no similar figures available for imports from Scotland, however it is clear that the vast majority of the total imports of sheep from the UK originate from Northern Ireland.
I am very much conscious of the range of factors which impact on the livelihood of sheep farmers. The Programme for a Partnership Government made a commitment to the introduction of a scheme for sheep farmers under the Rural Development Programme with a budget of some €25 million to be made available in Budget 2017. This Sheep Welfare Scheme, which was launched successfully by my Department last December, was followed up with a series of strongly attended public meetings held by officials from my Department on the scheme in the last number of weeks. I am glad to report that applications are currently being received by my Department in high numbers on a daily basis.
The scheme provides a support of €10 per ewe to farmers for undertaking actions which make positive contributions to the welfare of flocks. Regarding the design of the scheme, I was conscious that the differing challenges faced by sheep farmers in lowland and hill areas would need to be taken into account and I believe we have successfully struck this balance. The end product reflects the extensive consultations which were carried out by my Department with a range of sectoral stakeholders, particularly farm organisations last year, in addition to intensive discussions with the European Commission.
The scheme represents a clear acknowledgement of the contribution which the sheepmeat sector makes to the Irish Agri-Food sector, which in 2016 saw an increase in exports of sheepmeat of 3% in volume and 4% in value terms to approximately €240 million. In addition, the sector supports some 35,000 farm families directly, as well as providing several thousand jobs indirectly in rural areas. This new Sheep Welfare Scheme, in addition to the existing supports available to sheep farmers under the BPS, GLAS, TAMS and ANC schemes, will make a vital contribution to ensuring the continuing viability, prosperity and sustainability of the sheep sector in Ireland.
39. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the input his Department is making to the public consultation about to commence on the CAP post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4844/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Commission's public consultation process on the future of the CAP post-2020 is being launched by Commissioner Hogan today, 2nd February. The consultation process will take place over a 12-week period, and takes the form of a questionnaire covering a number of potential policy priorities such as sustainability, simplification, risk management tools, financing and generational renewal. It is a vehicle for stakeholders and interested parties to contribute to the process of reflection on the future of the CAP. My Department will be engaging with the Commission and with other Member States through this initial phase and throughout the negotiation process.
Commissioner Hogan has indicated his intention to follow up the consultation with a stakeholder conference in July, and to present a communication on the future CAP in November of this year.
The future of the CAP is an issue of enormous importance for the agriculture sector in Ireland and across Europe. The CAP has evolved considerably and very effectively in recent years, in response to changing market, consumer and environmental demands. It also plays a central role in delivering the smart, sustainable and inclusive growth sought under the Europe 2020 strategy.
It is important that the CAP continues to evolve in a way that supports the achievement of European priorities, particularly in the context of securing a strong CAP budget for the post-2020 period. This can only be achieved by reinforcing the relevance and effectiveness of the policy in helping to achieve broader societal goals.
My Department is conducting a detailed policy analysis on the future shape of the CAP, taking into account what we see as the key challenges ahead. These include:
- the need to support the sustainable growth of food production, in order to meet the requirements of a growing global population while at the same time facilitating adaptation to climate change and mitigation against further change;
- the need to implement modern and innovative measures to help mitigate the impact of increased global market volatility, including that caused by geopolitical issues, on farmers' incomes;
- the need to more effectively promote and support generational renewal.
On sustainability, I think we need to consider ways in which we can support sustainable intensification of food production in a more coherent and focused way than is currently the case. This would involve a more holistic approach, for example by being clear about our objective - production of more food in an economically and socially sustainable way - and then identifying measures which allow us to achieve this objective. Our Beef Data and Genomics Programme is a good example of how we can simultaneously enhance both sustainability and production efficiency, and I think can serve as a model for future approaches. Similarly, our support for knowledge transfer initiatives, which help to encourage on-farm innovation in the drive towards more sustainable forms of production, is something that can be built upon by the future CAP.
In terms of helping farmers to build greater resilience in the face of market volatility, I think we need to consider the use of more modern, and more innovative, measures. There have been some interesting developments in recent times in the areas of fixed price contracts, futures markets and hedging arrangements, and I think we need to further explore these, and other, measures that encourage farmers to make provision for volatile incomes.
We are of course at a very early stage in considering the shape of the future CAP. I will participate actively in the debate, which will begin to intensify over the coming months at Council level. I very much welcome the Commission's public consultation, which will make an important contribution to the process.
40. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to reduce packaging on meat and dairy products on sale in supermarkets and local grocers here as has occurred in other European countries. [4877/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has responsibility for policy in relation to packaging of products as this comes under the broad heading of waste policy. My Department’s role on labelling of products is focussed on ensuring that such labelling conforms to a number of regulatory requirements such as mandatory country of origin labelling (COOL) where it applies to food products on sale in retail outlets here.
On waste policy I am informed that all packaging is managed under the EU Packaging Directive and implemented in Ireland under the European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014. The Directive “aims to harmonise national measures concerning the management of packaging and packaging waste in order, on the one hand, to prevent any impact thereof on the environment of all Member States as well as of third countries or to reduce such impact, thus providing a high level of environmental protection, and, on the other hand, to ensure the functioning of the internal market and to avoid obstacles to trade and distortion and restriction of competition within the Community”.
Extended Producer Responsibility is a concept where manufacturers and importers of products should bear a significant degree of responsibility for the environmental impacts of their products throughout the products lifecycle. Producer Responsibility Initiatives (PRIs) allow producers to devise schemes that have the capacity to fulfil the basic objects of waste management legislation. Repak is the Producer Responsibility Organisation for Packaging in Ireland and their members pay fees based on the amount of packaging they place on the market. It is therefore of financial benefit for members of Repak to minimise the amount of packaging they place on the market in Ireland.
Repak also employ an expert team of Packaging Technologists to assist companies in optimising their packaging systems and to prevent packaging waste, in line with their Producer Responsibility obligations. Repak Technologists work directly with companies to identify areas where packaging waste can be prevented or minimised. On-site surveys are carried out and 'Packaging Optimisation Reports' are compiled that guide member companies through the opportunities they have to improve their packaging systems and to reduce their packaging waste. This saves material and money for the companies involved, and in turn helps to reduce the overall amount of packaging placed on the Irish market.
41. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department has assessed the market potential for food and food products globally with a view to identifying those most likely to compensate for any losses likely to accrue from restricted access to the UK market post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4910/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrior to the UK’s decision to leave the EU, my Department placed the pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports as a central and ongoing component of Food Wise 2025, the strategy for the development of the agri-food sector over the next decade. The decision of the UK to leave the EU has brought this into sharper focus, and indeed, Brexit is now a standing item on the agenda of the Food Wise High Level Implementation Committee.
Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region. The value of exports to emerging markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central/South America stood at almost €2.2 billion in 2015. The value of trade to these markets increased by 82% in the period 2010 to 2015. Exports to these markets now accounts for 21% of total food and drink exports compared to 16% in 2010. This growth in share of exports occurred during a period when total food and drink exports jumped by more than 45%.
Growth to emerging markets has been led by Asia, with trade growing by more than 250% to €955 million over the period 2010 to 2015. This has been led by China, which recorded a fourfold increase. Exports to other Asian markets more than doubled over the period, to €300 million. Trade to Africa grew by more than 50% over the period, to €535 million. Exports to the Middle East jumped by a third, to €380 million. Trade to Central/South America was 60% higher, at €91 million in 2015.
In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025, Minister Doyle and I led Trade Missions to Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore and China in early September 2016. I also led a trade mission to Morocco in early November. During the year senior officials also led missions to Iran, Turkey and Algeria. This was done in co-operation with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland. There were also participants from the agri-food sector on these missions.
I will lead a Trade Mission to the Gulf Region at the end of February. This will cover the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. My Department is currently working with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland to finalise the arrangements for this mission, which will include participants from across the agri-food sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as political discussions with my counterparts in the host countries.
The mission will serve to enhance and improve our existing levels of market access in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It will also promote Ireland’s reputation as a producer of high quality, safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy products in the Gulf region. I am also considering a range of other destinations for the remainder of 2017, although no decision has yet been made in terms of content or timing. Again, markets in Asia, Africa and America are likely to feature prominently in these considerations, and I am of course ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities that may arise.
42. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the legal basis of the common travel area between Ireland and the United Kingdom and its relationship with EU law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5106/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Common Travel Area has been in existence since Irish independence and has its origin in the close historic relationship between Ireland and the UK. While not addressed in a discrete piece of legislation, or one formal agreement, both jurisdictions have made administrative and legal provisions over many years as necessary to give effect to its operation. Of particular note, insofar as Irish legislation is concerned, are the long-standing provisions in Irish law whereby UK nationals are not treated as 'aliens' or 'non-nationals' for the purposes of immigration law (most recently provided for in the Immigration Act 1999 and the Aliens (Amendment (No.2) Order 1999), as well as the provisions governing the exercise of entry controls whereby an Irish immigration officer can refuse permission to enter the State to a non-national if the immigration officer is satisfied that the person intends to travel (whether immediately or not) to Great Britain or Northern Ireland and would not qualify for admission there if he or she arrived there from a place other than the State (section 4 (3) (h) of the Immigration Act 2004). Also of note are the provisions both jurisdictions made following Ireland's exit from the Commonwealth in 1948 which facilitated the continued enjoyment of reciprocal rights and privileges for citizens of both jurisdictions.
As the Deputy will be aware, Protocol 20 to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union recognises that "the UK and Ireland may continue to make arrangements between themselves relating to the movement of persons between their territories (the Common Travel Area)". Operation of the Common Travel Area takes full account of EU law and, while it is Ireland's intention to maintain and enhance cooperation with the UK in relation to general immigration and border enforcement following its exit from the UK, Ireland of course remains a committed member of the European Union and will continue to uphold the right of free movement for all EU citizens after the UK's departure.
43. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there has been a review of the cost involved in applying for Garda vetting in cases of persons proving voluntary services and persons making multiple applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4959/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that An Garda Síochána does not charge a fee for the processing of Garda Vetting applications by the National Vetting Bureau. The question of fees, if any, that may be charged by a given organisation for the administrative services it provides to applicants is a matter for the individual organisation concerned.
44. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has ordered an investigation into the serious issue of gaps in the affidavits provided by her Department to the courts regarding the Magdalen redress scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4964/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis question appears to relate to two separate ongoing actions relating to the operation of Ex Gratia Magdalene Restorative Justice Scheme administered by my Department. The first involves Judicial Review cases currently before the High Court taken by two applicants who were refused compensation as neither had been resident in one of the 12 specified institutions provided for under the Scheme. That case is ongoing. The second involves a formal review being undertaken by the Office of the Ombudsman into the administration of the Scheme by the Department of Justice and Equality and the issue underlying this review is, again, the inclusion of an institution not covered under the Scheme. The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment on either of these ‘live’ issues as to do so would serve to prejudice the respective ongoing consideration processes.
I will take this opportunity to give some background to the operation of the Ex Gratia Magdalene Restorative Justice Scheme. To date, over €25 million has been paid out to 669 women under the Scheme. The Scheme remains open to new applications but it is important to note that decisions have been made on all of the 819 applications made to date. The difference between that figure and the 669 payments made is accounted for by refusals and for other reasons including probate cases, applicants still considering provisional offers, and the application of the Assisted Decision Making Act, 2015 in relation to those women who lack the necessary capacity.
The redress scheme was set up following the publication of the report in February, 2013 of an Inter-Departmental Committee set up to establish the facts of the State's involvement with the Magdalen Laundries. It was chaired by then Senator Martin McAleese and it is commonly referred to as the McAleese report. The material in the Report relates to 10 different institutions which were run by 4 different Orders of nuns over a period of 70 years.
Although there was no finding in the McAleese Report which indicated that the State had any liability in the matter, following the report’s publication the Taoiseach issued a State apology to the women. Mr. Justice Quirke was asked by the Government to make recommendations on an appropriate redress scheme for those who were in the 10 Magdalen laundries that were the subject of the McAleese Report. The Government also included in the scheme the laundry that was attached to Stanhope Street Training School and later also decided to include a 12th institution, the Training School in Summerhill.
The Scheme provides for lump sum payments varying from €11,500 to €100,000 depending on the length of stay in the institution concerned. Further, each woman is entitled to a top-up payment to bring her weekly income from the Irish State up to the equivalent of the Irish Contributory Pension in recognition of the fact that they were not paid for the work they did while in the laundries.
Moreover, the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Act 2015 provided for certain services to be made available by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to the women. The services, which are free of charge, include GP services, prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances, dental, ophthalmic and aural services, home support, home nursing, counselling services, chiropody, podiatry and physiotherapy. The HSE has administrative arrangements in place for health and social services for women living outside Ireland.
45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will give consideration to the implementation of measures to deal with issues that have arisen in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5002/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs regards the abolition of ground rents, the position is that this matter was examined in detail by the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution in their Report entitled 'Private Property'. The Committee took the view that a ground landlord's ground rent is a form of property right which is constitutionally protected and that abolition of such rents would be unconstitutional in the absence of adequate monetary compensation. The Committee also noted that where leases were approaching expiry, any legislation providing for the abolition of ground rents would have to provide for the payment of enhanced compensation by the ground tenant.
In light of the foregoing, I have no immediate plans to implement further measures in this area but operation of the existing statutory framework is, however, kept under review by my Department. Moreover, as the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any individual case.
46. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application for citizenship by a person (details supplied); the timeframe for the application to be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5026/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is ongoing and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most cases are now generally processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established specifically for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
