Thursday, 23 Feb 2017

Written Answers Nos. 362-388

Agriculture Scheme Payments

Ceisteanna (362)

Tom Neville

Ceist:

362. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9167/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In Phase 1 of this scheme, applicants were required to reduce milk production in the period October 2016 to December 2016, compared to the same period in 2015. Applicants had until February 3rd to apply via their cooperative/purchaser for payment. These applications were required to be sent on to my Department by February 9th.

My Department is currently processing the applications and payment will be made to qualifying participants following administrative checks per EU requirements. As set out under the terms of the scheme which were fixed at EU level, payments will be made within 90 days of the final date of the reduction period for phase 1 i.e. 90 days from 31st December 2016 which is the 31st March 2017.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Ceisteanna (363)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

363. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not received an AEOS 2 payment; when this will be received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9173/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named commenced their AEOS 3 contract on 1 May 2013. Payments have issued in respect of the 2013-2015 Scheme years.

Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based schemes, a comprehensive check, including cross checks with the Land Parcel Identification System must take place. Issues arose during these checks relating to the classification of crops. These issues have now been resolved and it is expected that payments due will issue shortly.

GLAS Payments

Ceisteanna (364)

Tom Neville

Ceist:

364. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a GLAS payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9198/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received full entitlements in respect of the 2015 scheme year.

During the 2016 prepayment checking process an issue presented on the computerised crosschecks. This issue is now resolved and the application will be further processed for the 2016 payment.

Organic Farming Scheme Payments

Ceisteanna (365)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

365. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an organic payment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9205/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I can confirm that any issues outstanding in respect of the Organic Farming Scheme payment for the person named have been addressed.  It is expected that payment will issue shortly.

Agriculture Scheme Eligibility

Ceisteanna (366)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

366. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a level 3 extended diploma in agriculture (details supplied) qualifies a person for the young farmers exemption. [9212/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The current minimum agricultural education requirement to qualify for access to Department of Agriculture schemes and Revenue tax exemptions is ‘Level 6’ on the National Framework of Qualifications. Qualifications that meet the minimum standard are listed in Revenue Leaflet SD2B. I am advised that a level 3 qualification obtained in Northern Ireland is equivalent to a level 5 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. As such, it does not fulfil the qualification requirements pertaining to scheme payments and/or tax exemptions.

Agriculture Scheme Eligibility

Ceisteanna (367)

John Brassil

Ceist:

367. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the low cost loan scheme can be extended to include contractors involved in the provision of cutting of silage harvesting services and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9292/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I was pleased to announce the launch of the “Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme” on 31st January. 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. The Scheme, which was developed in co-operation with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), makes €150 million available to farmers throughout Ireland at interest rates of 2.95%. Distributed through AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank, the Scheme provides 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.

My Department is contributing €25 million in total. This includes €11.1 million from the EU’s ‘exceptional adjustment aid for milk and other livestock farmers’ and €14 million in national funding. SBCI uses the €25 million to leverage the fund, i.e. the other €125 million is being provided by the ‘finance providers’ (i.e. the banks). SBCI are not providing funding, but along with European Investment Fund’s COSME (the EU programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs) is providing the guarantee required to underpin the loan’s flexibility and lower the cost of the loans.

The loans are available to all those involved in primary agricultural production, i.e. livestock farmers, tillage farmers, horticulture producers (including mushroom growers) and others (including poultry producers). To satisfy the requirements of the EU aid package, applicants also need to satisfy at least one of the following eligibility criteria:

- Application of environmental and climate friendly production methods

- Implementation of quality schemes or projects aiming at promoting quality and value added

- Implementation of cooperation projects

- Training in financial instruments and risk management tools.

Contracting services of any kind are not included.

Departmental Records

Ceisteanna (368)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

368. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost per year for the past three years for the retrieval and return of hard copy files stored at off site locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9300/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The cost per year for the past three years for the retrieval and return of hard copy files stored at off site locations for my Department, is as follows:

Year	2014	2015	2016
Total (€)	11,420	11,652	12,120

Departmental Bodies Reports

Ceisteanna (369)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

369. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he will not sanction the participation of an organisation (details supplied) in monitoring committees associated with his Department's work, including that of the RDP, in view of the fact that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has recommended such a step; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9346/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association asked to join the Monitoring Committee for Ireland’s Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020 and were advised, on 12th October 2016, that my Department, in its role as Managing Authority, is satisfied with the composition of the Committee and has no plans to invite a second round of invitations to join the Committee.

The Monitoring Committee was set up in the first place in accordance with Article 47 of (EU) Regulation 1303/2015, which requires that it be in place within three months of the Commission decision to adopt the new RDP.  The Monitoring Committee was therefore formed in July, 2015 following a comprehensive selection process. The aim of that process was to ensure that the relevant public authorities, economic and social partners and civil society were involved in the implementation and monitoring of the Irish RDP through active participation in the Committee.

The Department is satisfied that the Committee so formed met these objectives and that it continues to fulfil its mandate to monitor the implementation of the Rural Development Programme. Membership of the Committee will be kept under review to ensure that it continues to be fit for purpose.

The Association has also sought membership of the Direct Payments Advisory Committee and that request is under consideration at present. 

Farmers Charter Review

Ceisteanna (370)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

370. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will include representatives of an organisation (details supplied) on the monitoring committee for farmers' charter of rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9347/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

A Farmers’ Charter Review Group was set up in 2014 with a view to agreeing a new Farmers’ Charter of Rights. The Farmers’ Charter Review Group was chaired by an Assistant Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and comprised of senior Department officials and representatives of farming organisations. Following on from positive engagement by all parties, negotiations between my Department and farming organisations on a new Farmers’ Charter of Rights concluded on Thursday 11th June 2015 with consensus achieved on the Charter.

Subsequently a Farmers' Charter of Rights Monitoring Committee was established to monitor agreed targets and standards. This Monitoring Committee comprises representatives of farming organisations, staff of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and an independent chair. While my Department is satisfied that the committee is meeting its objective with the current composition of the Committee, the question of extending the representation on the Committee is currently under consideration.

Agrifood Sector

Ceisteanna (371)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

371. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a recent publication (details supplied) in relation to the need to implement a range of measures to ensure that the agrifood sector remains competitive and innovative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9348/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I welcome the publication of the report referred to by the Deputy, which is a useful contribution to the range of analysis carried out by my Department and by other bodies on the implications of Brexit for Ireland's agri-food and fisheries sectors, and will be considered in that context.

I note the points made in the report in relation to the extensive regional impact of the food and drink sector, its contribution to the economy and to employment, the value added by large companies and also small and medium sized companies and the importance of the UK as the largest trading partner for Irish food and drink.

I note also the concerns expressed as a result of the weakening of sterling and the new environment and range of challenges presented by Brexit. These concerns are consistent with those that I and my Department have been highlighting as priorities from an Irish perspective.

The Deputy will be aware of the range of measures that I have already implemented in the context of Budget 2017 to help deal with exchange rate difficulties, including additional funding for Bord Bia and BIM, agri-taxation measures, increased funding under the Rural Development Programme and Seafood Development Programme, and the new €150m low-cost loan scheme. My colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has provided additional support for Enterprise Ireland. My Department is funding lean competitiveness measures and, in consultation with industry, continues to develop funding for food research. On the longer-term implications of Brexit, my Department continues to deepen its analysis, to consult with the sector and to engage with other EU Member States and the European Commission, with a view to ensuring that agri-food concerns are adequately reflected in the negotiations.

Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Eligibility

Ceisteanna (372)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

372. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an appeal (details supplied) will be decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9357/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An application under 2015 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme was received from the person named on 21 April 2015.

Under the 2015 ANC Scheme, eligible applicants were required to meet a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units for a retention period of seven consecutive months and to maintain an annual average of 0.15 livestock units calculated over the twelve months of the scheme year.

Payment under the ANC scheme did not issue in this case as the holding concerned did not satisfy the scheme’s minimum stocking density requirements. The holding did not meet the breeding enterprise requirement for equines which is defined as having bred a foal from a mare registered on the holding in 2014, in either 2013 or 2014, which was registered in a stud book approved by the Department with a pedigree recorded (Sire and Dam).

An official from my Department has been in direct contact with both Teagasc and the applicant regarding this matter.

European Investment Bank Loans

Ceisteanna (373)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

373. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide EIB cheap loan finance for the purchase and the planting of land in forestry in view of the importance of forestry to the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9396/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

It is a matter for the European Investment Bank(EIB) as to whom it provides loan finance and for what purpose.

While my Department does not provide finance for the purchase of land for forestry, the Government recognises the importance of the forestry sector in Ireland by providing 100% establishment grants to land owners to encourage them to plant, as well as premium payments for 15 years.

Departmental Records

Ceisteanna (374)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

374. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost per year for the past three years for the storage of data and-or files on cloud storage or third party servers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9398/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department has not used cloud or third party storage for the storage of data or files during the last three years. Software licence negotiations have resulted in my Department acquiring the option of using cloud services - see table below - as it was more economically viable to include cloud offerings as part of an overall software bundle. My Department is currently evaluating the appropriate use of cloud services as a means of storing data - working in conjunction with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, and central strategic policies or initiatives that emerge from that office.

Year	Cloud storage subscription option (as part of an overall most economical bundle)
2014	0.00
2015	50,508.72
2016	102,272.00

Regulatory Impact Assessment Submissions

Ceisteanna (375)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

375. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all regulatory impact assessments for his legislative proposals are published on his Department websites; the web address for each such site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9414/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Regulatory impact assessments for Bills are normally published on my Department's website www.agriculture.gov.ie (http://www.agriculture.gov.ie).

Agriculture Schemes

Ceisteanna (376)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

376. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of participating persons who make CAP Pillar1 and RDP scheme Pillar 2 applications online or via paper based on latest figures in tabular form; the percentage breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9444/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The most recent figures in relation to online and paper applicants for Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 schemes administered by my Department are set out in the following table.

-	-	Online Applications	-	Paper Applications	-
Scheme	Number of Participants	% of Participants	Number of Participants	% of Participants	Total Number of Participants
Basic Payment Scheme	101,005	76.68%	30,723	23.32%	131,728
Area of Natural Constraints	77,699	78%	21,775	22%	99,474
Protein Aid Scheme	1,090	98.73%	14	1.27%	1,104
Young Farmers Scheme	6,363	68.79%	2,887	31.21%	9,250
Beef Data and Genomics Programme (B.D.G.P.)	4,445	18%	20,149	82%	24,594
Knowledge Transfer Programme	20,252	100%	N/A	N/A	20,252
TAMS II	10,672	100%	N/A	N/A	10,672
GLAS	51,000	100%	N/A	N/A	51,000
Sheep Welfare Scheme(*Preliminary Figure)	N/A	N/A	21,500	100%	21,500
Organic Farming Scheme	1,264	73%	476	27%	1,740
Collaborate Farming Scheme	544	92%	45	8%	589

Fishing Industry Data

Ceisteanna (377)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

377. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of Irish fishing waters out of total EU fishing waters on a percentage basis; the total amount of UK fishing waters out of total EU fishing waters on a percentage basis; the percentage of total EU fishing waters Ireland would comprise if the UK were to leave the EU and the CFP at a future date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9445/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

It is important to note that borders and maritime delineations are in the first instance a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. However, I can provide you with our working figures for the purposes of preparing our analyses of the potential implications of Brexit for the Irish fishing industry.

Our figures show that the total EU Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (200 miles) is 7,044,000 square kilometres. The Irish EEZ is 438,000 square kilometres, this amounts to 6.22% of the EU EEZ. The UK EEZ is 747,000 square kilometres, which is 10.6% of the EU EEZ. Once the UK leaves the EU, the total EU EEZ will be reduced to 6,297,000 square kilometres. The Irish share will then be 6.96% of the total EU EEZ.

GLAS Payments

Ceisteanna (378)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

378. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average annual payment persons will be able to draw down, based on current participation rates in the green low carbon agri-environment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9446/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Based on the current participation levels in GLAS 1 and 2, the average annual contract value, excluding GLAS+ is €4,200. The average annual contract value will increase when GLAS+ payments are processed and the processing of GLAS 3 contracts to payment may also impact on the average payment. It is only when the 2017 payment processing is complete that the actual average annual contract value for over 50,000 participants will be available.

GLAS Data

Ceisteanna (379)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

379. 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 that have received 85% of their total 2016 payment, by county, in tabular form; the number of persons who have passed all payment approval checks and are awaiting their 2016 payment; the total number of GLAS recipients that have yet to receive payment, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9447/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The information requested by the Deputy set out in tabular form below reflects the position at close of business on 22 February 2017. While the report shows a zero return under the column PPV Pass, further validations were run over night resulting in 974 additional cases passing the prepayment validations and will now be sent for payment. A county breakdown of these additional cases is not yet available.

County	GLAS 1	GLAS 1	GLAS 1	GLAS 1	GLAS 2	GLAS 2	GLAS 2	GLAS 2
-	Number of Active Applicants	Number sent for payment	Number PPV Pass	Number Unpaid	Number of Active Applicants	Number sent for payment	Number PPV Pass	Number Unpaid
Carlow	283	224	0	59	131	111	0	20
Cavan	916	802	0	114	448	384	0	64
Clare	1,631	1,435	0	196	703	614	0	89
Cork	2,225	1,812	0	413	1,069	849	0	220
Donegal	1,978	1,649	0	329	1,024	802	0	222
Dublin	65	50	0	15	17	14	0	3
Galway	3,144	2,510	0	634	1,351	1,023	0	328
Kerry	1,794	1,510	0	284	894	714	0	180
Kildare	256	206	0	50	86	62	0	24
Kilkenny	445	367	0	78	216	178	0	38
Laois	375	309	0	66	207	170	0	37
Leitrim	1,035	892	0	143	429	365	0	64
Limerick	1,065	898	0	167	313	273	0	40
Longford	519	456	0	63	360	316	0	44
Louth	150	120	0	30	82	71	0	11
Mayo	2,610	2,119	0	491	1,365	1,010	0	355
Meath	442	361	0	81	211	171	0	40
Monaghan	585	504	0	81	152	130	0	22
Offaly	485	418	0	67	292	244	0	48
Roscommon	1,551	1,330	0	221	566	494	0	72
Sligo	958	840	0	118	372	319	0	53
Tipperary	1,162	957	0	205	533	421	0	112
Waterford	367	283	0	84	136	99	0	37
Westmeath	657	566	0	91	279	237	0	42
Wexford	792	623	0	169	272	225	0	47
Wicklow	335	270	0	65	160	108	0	52
Total	25,825	21,511	0	4,314	11,668	9,404	0	2,264

Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations

Ceisteanna (380)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

380. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific Council of EU Agriculture Ministers meetings at which he made the case that CAP funding levels must be maintained post Brexit; the date of every such meeting at which this was raised, in tabular from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9448/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Discussions on the future of the CAP post-2020 are just commencing within Council. The size and distribution of the future CAP budget will be determined as part of the process for agreeing the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the post-2020 period, discussions on which are not expected to commence until early 2018.   

Given the significant contribution the UK makes to the EU budget, its departure from the EU will have implications for future spending decisions in what is already a very tight budgetary framework.  The CAP accounts for some 37% of the EU budget, and there has been ongoing pressure from some Member States to reduce this proportion and to divert EU spending to other policy areas such as migration and security. 

It is vitally important that a strong CAP budget is maintained for the future of farming in Ireland and Europe.  This is something that I will be actively pursuing at Council level as discussions on CAP funding levels commence over the coming months.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Data

Ceisteanna (381)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

381. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of persons who applied for AEOS who have received their total 2016 payment by county in tabular form; the number of persons 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. [9449/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Under 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. All cleared cases are being paid on a weekly basis.

County	Totals	Paid	Awaiting Payment
Carlow	49	39	10
Cavan	244	197	47
Clare	556	458	98
Cork	428	310	118
Donegal	1360	1091	269
Dublin	9	9	0
Galway	1245	986	259
Kerry	568	453	115
Kildare	39	29	10
Kilkenny	109	60	49
Laois	80	46	34
Leitrim	430	321	109
Limerick	224	143	81
Longford	89	58	31
Louth	41	28	13
Mayo	1399	978	421
Meath	83	53	30
Monaghan	151	90	61
Offaly	110	77	33
Roscommon	478	353	125
Sligo	335	234	101
Tipperary	245	147	98
Waterford	82	59	23
Westmeath	122	77	45
Wexford	84	47	37
Wicklow	80	56	24
Totals	8,640	6,399	2,241

Laboratory Facilities

Ceisteanna (382)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

382. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, following the recently completed review of the veterinary laboratory services, he will ensure that all such facilities remain open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9450/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department tasked a working group, led by Prof. Alan Reilly, and comprising senior officials, with undertaking a review of its laboratory services, including both its Central Laboratory complex in Backweston, Co. Kildare and its network of Regional Laboratories in Athlone, Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick and Sligo. The ultimate objective of this review is to assist the Department in developing a long-term strategy for its laboratories that builds on existing capability and expertise in animal health, food safety and plant sciences, and ensures that it achieves both operational and scientific excellence.

The Working Group has presented a report to the Department, which makes recommendations on:

- Oversight and co-ordination of the laboratories activities

- Re-organisation of Divisions and support functions within the Central Laboratory complex

- Options for the future development of the Regional Laboratories - with a view to improving disease investigative and surveillance capability but with the over-riding imperative of maintaining and enhancing services to farmers and

- Human resources management within the laboratories - with a focus on grading structures, career development opportunities and workforce planning.

Consultation on this report has commenced with the Department’s laboratory-based staff and their representative organisations. Laboratory management has also met with a number of farming representatives and further consultation will shortly take place with other stakeholders. A decision on implementation of the Working Group's recommendations will await the outcome of this consultative process. In addition, as regards the Regional Laboratories, any decision will also be informed by a cost-benefit analysis of the various options that have been proposed.

GLAS Data

Ceisteanna (383)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

383. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of persons who have enrolled to date in GLAS 3; if he will provide a breakdown between tier 1, 2 and 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9451/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Almost 14,000 GLAS 3 applications were submitted to my Department on the GLAS online application system.  All GLAS 3 applications received have gone through the pre approval validation checking process and a total of 12,576 applications have been approved for participation in GLAS 3; 6,367 in Tier 1, 5,575 in Tier 2 and 634 in Tier 3.

A further 1,400 applications require further investigation and this work is on-going.

Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland Funding

Ceisteanna (384, 385, 386)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

384. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount drawn to date under the SBCI agri-loan fund by county in tabular form; the total number of participants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9452/17]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

385. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the length of time the SBCI agri-loan fund will remain open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9453/17]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

386. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average loan size drawn down to date under the SBCI agri-loan fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9454/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 384 to 386, inclusive, together.

I was pleased to announce the launch of the “Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme” on 31st January. 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. The Scheme, which was developed in co-operation with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), makes €150 million available to farmers throughout Ireland at interest rates of 2.95%. Distributed through AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank, the Scheme provides 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.

The Scheme will operate until the 30th of September 2017, a deadline attached to the EU funding, or until the scheme has been fully subscribed. The €150 million will be dispersed on a “first come, first served” basis and there is no provision for additional funds to be allocated.

The participating banks will report to the SBCI on a regular basis although no returns have been made as yet. Strong interest has been reported and it is anticipated that official figures will be available shortly.

Crop Losses

Ceisteanna (387)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

387. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the date for the next national tillage forum with stakeholders with a view to the introduction of a crisis aid fund for tillage farmers that had their crop destroyed or badly damaged by severe weather in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9455/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Deputy is aware from my previous replies to him of the position with regard to this issue and he will know that I hosted a further Tillage Stakeholders Forum last Thursday 16 February which consisted of representatives from all sides of this Sector.

I took the opportunity to highlight at the Forum that 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. I was pleased to announce the launch of the “Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme” recently. The Scheme, which was developed in co-operation with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), makes €150 million available to farmers throughout Ireland at interest rates of 2.95%.

Distributed through AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank, it provides 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. The loans are for amounts up to €150,000 for up to six years and are flexible with interest only facilities of up to three years.

As an additional support to cash flow on farms, including Tillage farms, I also informed the stakeholders at the Forum that to date €1.177 billion has been paid out to 123,454 farmers and payments are ongoing. Payments of €199.6 million have also been made to 93,341 applicants under the Areas of Natural Constraints scheme.

I can confirm to the Deputy that a wide ranging discussion took place among all the stakeholders who attended the Forum, including on the issue of compensation for crop losses as a result of the poor harvest conditions of last autumn. As I stated at the Forum, I will look at this issue further and revert in due course.

Derogation Applications Data

Ceisteanna (388)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

388. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons who availed of the nitrates derogation in 2016; the number expected to do so in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9456/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

6821 intensively stocked farmers availed of the derogation in 2016. It is expected that similar numbers will apply in 2017. Applying for the derogation involves submitting an on-line application form and complying with strict land and nutrient management conditions.