Written Answers Nos. 1-26
6. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the rationale for the difference in the minimum amount of hectares of tillage needed to apply for the TAMS 2 scheme in comparison to the general TAMS measures; the number of persons that had less than 15 hectares of tillage under the 2016 basic farm scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20875/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset I would like to clarify for the Deputy that the general TAMS requirement is that the applicant must be farming at least 5 hectares, that is, they must have at least 5 hectares on their BPS application. This can be grass land or tillage, not a minimum of 5 hectares of tillage as suggested by the Deputy. When the TAMS tillage measure was introduced, it required a minimum of 15 hectares of tillage because the measure is aimed specifically at tillage farmers.
During 2015, a suite of six measures were announced under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme known as TAMS II. These measures were launched under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 and are co-funded under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
The measures announced were the:
1. Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme
2. Dairy Equipment Scheme
3. Organic Capital Investment Scheme
4. Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme
5. Low Emission Slurry Spreading, and the
6. Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme.
A seventh measure, the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme was launched on 8 March 2017.
Among the stated objectives of this measure are - to facilitate the Tillage Sector to develop a targeted and precise approach focusing on environmental dividends, efficiency and growth and to improve competitiveness in the sector.
The Tillage Capital Investment Scheme requires that applicants must have a minimum area of 15 hectares of eligible crops declared under the Basic Payment Scheme or equivalent in the year of application or previous year. The eligible crops are defined in the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme.
In order to ensure the best allocation of resources the new Tillage Scheme is specifically targeted at farmers who have tillage as their main enterprise. The specific areas of capital investment available for Tillage farmers include Minimum Disturbance Tillage Equipment, Sprayers, Rain Water Harvesting, Grain Storage and Grain dryers.
The investments available under the remaining TAMS II suite of measures cater for those farmers who do not meet the 15 hectare eligibility criteria but have other enterprises such as dairy, beef or sheep on their farms as well as tillage.
The remaining TAMS II Schemes are the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme, The Pigs and Poultry Investment Scheme, Organic Capital Investment Scheme, Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme, Dairy Equipment Scheme and Low Emission Slurry Spreading Scheme.
Under the 2016 basic payments scheme, 12,891 applicants had less than 15 hectares of tillage. It is important to note that the definition of tillage includes wild bird cover, so many of these herds only have wild bird cover and no other tillage crops. The financial allocation for TAMS II in respect of the full RDP period will be in the region of €395m. The 2017 allocation for TAMS II is €50m.
14. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider introducing more agro-forestry options to encourage farmers to take up forestry and increase tree cover as part of the effort to tackle climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21111/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding of almost €1 million has been allocated to agro-forestry under the six year Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020. So far approval has issued for some 26 hectares and 0.6 hectares has been planted.
The scheme itself promotes mainly silvopastoral agro-forestry. Acceptable broadleaf species include oak, sycamore and cherry. Other species, including conifers, are considered on a site-by-site basis. Fruit and nut producing trees can comprise up to 15% of the total trees planted on a site to site basis. The cumulative agro-forestry target for 2015, 2016 and 2017 is 55 hectares.
The reason behind the very modest planting figures achieved to date is that there is no tradition or culture of agro-forestry across Ireland amongst the farming community. Nevertheless my Department considers agro-forestry to have significant potential and is a very important part of the planting mix within the afforestation scheme. Agro-forestry can lessen the impacts of climate change and erosion; this is achieved by slowing down surface run-off and increasing the rate of soakage into the soil. This also has the additional benefit of allowing waterlogged land to drain more quickly. Trees planted close to sensitive waterways can help filter surface run-off and reduce the amount of sediment that enters these streams and rivers, protecting vulnerable aquatic species. There are also bio-diversity benefits through the creation of new habitats and also in animal welfare where the trees provide shelter.
Furthermore, by allowing agriculture and forestry to take place on the same land at the same time farmers can become more familiar with forestry as a land use. This may lead these farmers to consider taking the next step of deciding to plant trees as part of a more conventional forest type.
In terms of the afforestation scheme as it is currently written, agro-forestry systems other than silvopastoral may be considered if the development complies with the definition of forest cover. In an effort to develop this further the midterm review of the Forestry Programme has called for submissions to consider which alternative agro-forestry systems can be included in an updated afforestation scheme. Support for the establishment of demonstration plots for research purposes may also be considered under the afforestation scheme in the context of my Department’s research programme. The challenge for Ireland is to find other agro-forestry systems that are suited to our climatic, environmental, forestry and agricultural requirements.
15. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the introduction of a crisis aid fund to tillage farmers that had crops destroyed due to severe weather in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21036/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI hosted a Tillage Stakeholders Forum on the 16 February, following on from the first one in October 2016, which on both occasions consisted of representatives from all sides of this Sector. Addressing the most recent Forum, I took the opportunity to highlight 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.
Therefore I was pleased to facilitate the “Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme”, which was developed by my Department in co-operation with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and 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. Although no official returns have been made to my Department as yet, preliminary information from the SBCI shows that some 8% of the loans to date have been drawn down by the tillage sector. The banks have confirmed that they have applications up to the amounts available under the Scheme.
There may be some residual availability but this will only emerge as applications are processed and loans drawn down. I am pleased at the very positive reaction by farmers to the Scheme, which has proved that significant demand exists for low cost flexible finance. I am currently meeting with the Chief Executives of the participating banks to discuss this and other issues relating to access to finance in the agri-food sector. I am asking the banks to respond positively to this demand by reducing interest rates and providing more flexible terms for cash flow loans in the future.
Also the Tillage Investment Scheme under TAMS II opened for online applications on the 8 March 2017. The specific areas of investment include Minimum Disturbance Tillage Equipment, Sprayers, Rain Water Harvesting, Grain Storage and Grain dryers. This Tillage Scheme is the latest of the Targeted Modernisation Schemes (TAMS II) to be launched under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. The Scheme is co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
All applications must be made on-line, either by the farmer or by an adviser authorised to act on his or her behalf. The closing date for applications under the first tranche of the new scheme will be Friday 30 June 2017.
As an additional support to cash flow on farms, including Tillage farms, up to €1.184 billion has been paid out under the Basic Payment Scheme to 123,961 farmers and payments are ongoing. Payments of €201.554 million have also been made to 94,184 applicants under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme.
I can also confirm to the Deputy that a wide ranging discussion took place among all the stakeholders who attended the recent session of the Tillage Forum, including on the issue of crop losses as a result of the poor harvest conditions of last autumn. My officials have since then had some additional meetings with stakeholders and I will consider further the outcome of those deliberations.
16. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions he has had with the European Commission on skimmed milk powder currently held in intervention; the plans envisaged in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21053/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, dairy markets experienced significant difficulties for a period spanning almost two years, due to a combination of increased global supply, the effects of the Russian ban on the import of EU agri-food products and reduced global demand, notably for dairy products in China.
The Commission, both prompted and supported by Ireland, among other Member States, responded to these difficulties through the deployment of support measures, including intervention provided for under the CAP.
Ireland has welcomed some of the measures adopted by the Commission over the last 18 months. These include the buying of skimmed milk powder (SMP) into intervention, where Ireland's industry has placed some 36,000 tonnes of product since September 2015. Since then, the volume thresholds for fixed-price intervention for SMP were raised on a number of occasions. Currently there are over 350,000 tonnes of SMP in intervention across the EU.
The increased volume thresholds for SMP of 350,000 tonnes and a commitment to avoid market disruption when releasing product have had a stabilising effect on the market in late 2016 and early 2017.
More recently the process of tendering for release of product back onto the market has commenced, with a single tendering round in December 2016 and 7 tendering rounds through 2017 thus far. On each occasion the Commission have adopted a cautious approach, with only 40 tonnes released in December. The tendering events since December have seen all offers rejected on the basis of what were deemed insufficient offers below the market price for the stock, with this approach supported unanimously by Member States, including Ireland.
It is critically important that the release of these stocks is managed in a way that does not de-stabilise the market and to date I am satisfied that the Commission has managed these stocks in a prudent and sensible manner.
17. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department have identified those areas in the food sector most likely to be affected by Brexit; the measures taken or likely to be taken to minimise the impact including sourcing of alternative markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21054/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe impact of Brexit on the agri-food sector is potentially very severe in the long-term, but also very significant in the short-term as the sector deals with the real and very immediate difficulties created by the significant fall in the value of Sterling against the Euro.
I have attempted to address these short-term challenges primarily through the measures announced in Budget 2017, including the €150 million low-interest loan fund, agri-taxation measures, increased funding for Bord Bia, and further funding under the Rural Development Programme and the Seafood Development Programme.
The more medium- to long-term impacts of Brexit include the potential disruption that will arise from:
- potential new trading arrangements and possible tariffs,
- potential changes to regulations and standards,
- potential border controls and certification, and
- the related areas of veterinary and health certification.
Our goal in this regard must be to maintain a trading relationship that is as close as possible to the current arrangements, with the minimum possible customs and administrative procedures and ongoing equivalence of standards. This must be accompanied by constraints on the UK’s ability to enter into trading arrangements with third countries that would have the effect of undermining the competitiveness of Irish and EU exports to the UK.
My Department undertook an initial limited study some months ago on the potential effect that a ‘fully tariffed’ trade between Ireland and the UK would have on certain agri food products. The initial results show that the estimated tariff rate equivalent (in the absence of an FTA) would be over 60% for beef and over 50% for dairy.
A more in depth examination of the effect is currently being undertaken within my Department, and it is anticipated that this exercise will still identify beef, dairy products and prepared consumer foods as being the products most likely to incur high tariff rates and duties.
Other agri products, which rely almost exclusively on the UK market, may also be severely impacted by currency volatility.
Irrespective of how the ultimate trading relationship between the EU and the UK is finally negotiated, I am of the view that it is prudent that Ireland reduces its dependence on the UK as a market for its agri-food exports, of which almost 40% went to the UK in 2016.
This requires a focused effort on identifying and developing new, economically viable markets. While our record to date has been very impressive, we have to raise the bar even further. For that reason I have recently outlined a seven-point plan aimed at increasing international market access for Irish food and drink exports. The plan will be implemented by my Department, with significant input from Bord Bia and Irish Embassies around the world, to help increase the footprint of our food and drink exports. Its components are as follows:
- The Establishment of a High-Level Market Access Committee;
- The allocation of additional market access resources in the Department;
- The commissioning of Bord Bia to undertake a market profiling exercise for potential third-country and EU markets for Irish exports;
- An intensified programme of trade missions to promote Irish food and drink on EU and third country markets;
- An immediate review of existing export markets where conditions of certification present barriers to trade or additional costs for exporters;
- Increased engagement with the European Commission on measures to encourage a common approach to resolving issues relating to market access for EU products internationally; and
- The development by the Department of a new dedicated portal website which will bring together in the one location the full range of open markets and products, and the relevant conditions certification in a user-friendly manner for exporters.
I am certain that these initiatives will be of direct assistance to Irish food and drink exporters this year. They are entirely consistent with the Food Wise 2025 strategy for the development of the Irish agri food sector, and are all the more relevant against the background of the decision of the UK to exit the European Union. We will, of course, keep these arrangements under review, in consultation with industry, to ensure that resources are deployed to best effect and that our efforts are focused on making real progress for business operators in priority markets.
18. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons that have not received 85% of their total 2016 payment under GLAS 1, GLAS 2 and AEOS; the reasons for this delay; if the commitment made by his Department to spend €250 million per year on GLAS will be delivered in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21035/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth GLAS and AEOS provide valuable support to farmers to deliver environmental benefits and public goods which will enhance Ireland's sustainability credentials into the future. They provide support to Irish farmers aimed at enhancing biodiversity, water quality and the mitigation of the future impacts of climate change while allowing Irish farmers to improve their agricultural practices.
The GLAS scheme is the latest agri-environment scheme available to farmers. It forms part of Ireland’s Rural Development Plan 2014-2020. To date in excess of 50,000 farmers have had applications approved into the Scheme under three different tranches over a fourteen month period. The approval of these farmers into the Scheme has been achieved a year ahead of the original target set when the Scheme was launched. I am satisfied that the full allocation to agri-environment schemes provided for in Ireland's RDP 2014-2020 will be used. The annual expenditure in respect GLAS 1, 2 and 3 applications will only be known when GLAS 3 payments for 2017 have been processed.
The first full year of payments to participants in the first two tranches of the scheme is 2016. To date over 91% of these participants have received their 2016 GLAS advance payment which represents 85% of the total 2016 payment due. There are some 3,000 applicants who have not yet received this payment as their applications have not passed all of the regulatory cross-checks of department databases and validation checks required to support these EU co-funded payments.
As the Deputy is aware, this is a complex scheme with over thirty different actions available which allows farmers a choice of environmental actions to suit their farms. However, with this flexibility of choice for farmers comes increased complexity in administrating the scheme. My Department has committed significant resources in developing systems including IT systems to support this level of complexity, with the system required to support multiple changes in land parcel details and multiple combinations of actions across holdings.
Outstanding 2016 cases under GLAS 1 and 2 are delayed due to a variety of issues including - the declaration of incompatible parcel usage on the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application for a selected GLAS action; changes in parcel boundaries in respect of parcels selected for GLAS actions; an applicant no longer claiming a parcel on their 2016 BPS; incomplete documentation such as an incorrect or incomplete Low-Emission Slurry Declaration Form or interim commonage management plan.
All cases which have passed all of the required checks have been paid and cases continue to be paid as they are cleared. In addition I want to reassure the Deputy that my Department is continuing to review outstanding applications on a case by case basis including contacting farmers directly by telephone, email or letter with a view to resolving all issues with outstanding cases as soon as possible.
In respect of the AEOS scheme there were 8,640 valid AEOS applications due a payment for the 2016 Scheme year. Of these, 7,436 have been paid, leaving 1,204 outstanding. 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 2016 is the final scheme-year of payment for the AEOS 2 Scheme, re-checks on payments made for all scheme years must be completed before final payment can be processed. This work is on-going and payments for valid checked files are and will continue to be released on a weekly basis.
I should point out that a number of payments under both schemes continue to be held up due to incomplete documentation and all participants are reminded to respond to any correspondence and submit any outstanding documentation as soon as possible to facilitate payment.
Payments under both Schemes will continue on an ongoing basis as issues are resolved and cases are cleared for payment.
19. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider an enhanced capital programme to support the upgrading of local authority harbours that have significant fishing and aquaculture activity and which require more than €150,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21139/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn regard to Marine Infrastructure, my legislative remit extends to the six Fishery Harbour Centres located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl. In addition I have responsibility for North Harbour at Cape Clear Island and for maintaining a small number of piers, lights and beacons around the coast in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested District Board Piers, Lights and Beacons Act.
Individual Local Authorities and their parent Department, the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, have ultimate responsibility for investment in the development, repair and maintenance of harbours under their ownership.
Under my Department’s annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, limited funding is provided to assist coastal Local Authorities in carrying out small scale projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways owned by them, subject to available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
Between 2011 and 2016, in excess of €22.5m has been granted to Local Authorities for work undertaken on 437 projects under the Local Authority element of my Department's capital programme. In addition, I have allocated €2.8m this year to assist 13 Coastal Local Authorities to undertake and complete 51 development and repair projects on harbours and slipways owned by them.
The Local Authority programme sets a maximum project cost at €150k of which my Department will contribute up to 75% on eligible expenditure. This cap is to ensure that there is a broad geographic spread of projects approved and that the economic benefits are distributed across as many local rural communities as possible.
On the 3rd February 2017, a request was issued to all coastal Local Authorities to submit prioritised lists of projects for consideration under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Programme 2017. This resulted in 174 projects being submitted by coastal Local Authorities at a total project cost of €11.9m which equated to a funding demand at 75% project cost of €8.9m. This level of oversubscription indicates that there is no shortage of small scale Local Authority projects for which this programme is tailored.
I am satisfied that the project limits placed with regard to my Department’s programme are appropriate, and reiterate that ultimate responsibility for developments on Local Authority owned harbours is a matter for the Councils themselves and their parent Department.
20. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which geopolitical decisions are currently evolving and are likely to impact on agriculture with particular reference to the viability of family farms in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21055/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no doubt that many geopolitical events are having an impact on the outlook for Irish, European and world agriculture, with, of course, knock-on implications for family farm viability. Examples include Brexit, the Russian ban on food imports from the European Union, and the future of international trade agreements, particularly in light of recent political developments in the United States of America and elsewhere.
Farming in Ireland is an essential part of the social, cultural and economic fabric. It is also part of a wider EU dispensation that values a Common Agriculture Policy built on family farming, food security, high standards of food safety and environmental sustainability. These are values that we hold dear, and so it is critically important, when we consider the impact of Brexit and other geopolitical events, that the positive contribution of farming to the rural and national economy, and to society in Ireland, and indeed elsewhere in the European Union, is to the forefront in our deliberations.
The ongoing viability of family farms is critical. Teagasc's National Farm Survey highlights that two-thirds of Irish family farms are economically viable or sustainable, albeit in many cases supported by an off-farm income. The remaining one third are considered vulnerable. It is therefore essential that on-farm practices and production methods are made as efficient and sustainable as possible, and that the trading opportunities for the agri-food sector are maximised if we are to maintain and improve farm incomes.
In terms of the key challenges, close to home, very few policy, business or financial decisions will be made over the coming months and years that will not be affected by Brexit in some way, either directly or indirectly.
However, this is especially true for those involved in the agri-food sector, in respect of which all of the analysis that has been carried out to date points to a negative outcome. Indeed, I think it is fair to say that Brexit presents probably the greatest challenge that the agri-food sector has faced since the foundation of the State. That is why I have put in place a number of measures under Budget 2017 to deal with the short-term impact of the fall in the value of sterling against the euro, including the €150 million low-cost loan scheme, agri-taxation measures, additional funding for Bord Bia, and further funding under the Rural Development Programme and the Seafood Development Programme. I and my Department have also been deepening our analysis of the longer-term implications of Brexit, consulting closely with stakeholders and engaging with our Member State counterparts and the European institutions. We will continue to work to ensure the best possible outcome for the agri-food sector from the Brexit negotiations.
More generally, trade for Ireland is very important given that it is a small open economy. The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is, therefore, 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.
I am of the view that it is prudent, if not imperative in the light of Brexit, that Ireland reduces its dependence on the UK as a market for its agri-food exports, of which almost 40% went to the UK in 2016. This requires a focused effort on identifying and developing new, economically viable markets. While our record to date has been very impressive, we have to raise the bar even further. For that reason I have recently outlined a seven-point plan aimed at increasing international market access for Irish food and drink exports. The plan will be implemented by my Department, with significant input from Bord Bia and Irish Embassies around the world, to help increase the footprint of our food and drink exports.
In relation to Free Trade Agreements, Ireland is generally supportive in the implementation of such Free Trade Agreements between the EU and other trading blocs as long as they reflect the interests of Ireland and other Member States. While negotiations with the US, Canada and Japan contain many potential benefits to the Irish Agri-food sector, other agreements such as Mercosur do not offer the same potential, and indeed represent significant threats to the Irish and European agriculture sectors. I and my Department will continue to adopt a pragmatic, balanced approach to such agreements, consistent with overall Government policy.
Against the background of Brexit, we need to double our efforts in securing access for Irish products and increasing penetration in international markets. We are, however, fortunate in that we have an excellent industry-led strategy for the growth of the sector in Food Wise 2025 which provides a clear road-map for its development.
21. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on reported exports of greyhounds to Pakistan; if a club (details supplied) has been actively involved in exporting greyhounds to Pakistan; if up to 200 greyhounds have been exported to Pakistan; the measures he will take on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20873/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been made aware of reports of exports of greyhounds to Pakistan. Information received to date from my Department's local offices indicates that no greyhounds were exported direct from Ireland to Pakistan during 2016 or to date in 2017.
Commercial movements of dogs within the EU are recorded on the European Commission’s TRACES system. Therefore my Department has access to the figures of exports of dogs from Ireland to other EU Member States. However, my Department does not have figures for the movements of dogs that are, for example, exported to the UK, the most significant destination for Irish dogs, and subsequently exported to a third country.
The legal position is that, once animal health and welfare certification requirements are met, dogs, including greyhounds, may be exported internationally. Exporters are required to comply with the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No 1 of 2005 on the protection of animals during transport. However, Bord na gCon advises all owners of greyhounds to only export to destinations that provide the expected levels of greyhound care and management as defined in the Code. I fully endorse this view.
22. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the review of qualifying areas for the areas of natural constraint scheme; if his Department has completed the mapping exercise; when the maps will be published; if he will ensure consultation is undertaken with persons on the review in advance of submitting maps to the EU and in advance of identification of areas for designation as areas of specific constraint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21034/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Rural Development Regulation each Member State must designate areas eligible for payments under the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme. The ANC scheme replaces the previous Disadvantaged Areas Scheme / Less Favoured Areas Scheme. The designation of eligible areas under these schemes to date has been based on a range of socio-economic factors. Under the new Rural Development Regulation, eligible areas must instead be designated using a set list of bio-physical criteria. In cases where a Member State does not introduce this new system for payment, the old scheme remains in place but payments must phase out on a digressive basis.
The biophysical criteria set out in the legislation to underpin the new system of designation 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 working on sourcing and analysing the data in relation to the new criteria. Department officials have also been in contact with the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and DG Agri in the EU Commission in relation to technical issues arising. This analysis will identify areas deemed to be facing natural constraints, which will in parallel be subjected to a refinement process. It is envisaged that stakeholders will be consulted as this process develops.
23. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Taoiseach has specifically mentioned the importance of the agrifood industry to the island of Ireland, the impact of any borders being introduced and the impact of even basic inspections on this industry when he was speaking with Prime Minister May with regard to Article 50 being triggered. [16722/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the House knows, the Taoiseach has initiated, and led, a very effective and efficient 'whole of Government' response to Brexit. Through his chairing of Brexit Cabinet Committee meetings, he is acutely aware of the potentially very negative impact that Brexit would have on the agri-food sector in Ireland and the highly integrated nature of the sector both north and south of the border. He is aware of the fact that a number of analyses were conducted on the potential impact of a UK exit from the EU on Ireland, including by ESRI, IBEC, Teagasc, Alan Matthews and the Department, and that all of these analyses show that the result would be unambiguously bad for the Irish agri-food sector. This comes as no surprise, given that the sector in 2016 exported some 40% of its total exports, valued at €4.8 billion, to the UK, while it imported 46% of total agri-sector imports, valued at €3.7 bn, from the UK.
Within these statistics there are significant levels of trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic. CSO figures for 2016 show that we exported €700 million worth of agri-food products to Northern Ireland, while we imported €500 million worth of products during the same period.
The Taoiseach is also aware of our key ‘asks’ from the EU/UK negotiations, in the agri-food sector, namely:
- Continued free access to the UK market, without tariffs and with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures.
- Minimisation of the risk from UK trade agreements with third countries.
- Maintenance of 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 his address after the meeting with Prime Minister May, the Taoiseach said that although the Irish and UK paths may be diverging within the context of the EU, their common interests remain and he was committed to working together on them.
He also said that they discussed the necessity of ensuring the continued free flow of trade on the island of Ireland and the need to avoid a hard border, and that any manifestation of a hard border would have very negative consequences.
He said that both governments were agreed that a close, and friction-free, economic and trading relationship between the UK and the EU, including Ireland, was in our best interests.
He went on to say that as the UK prepares for its formal notification under Article 50, Ireland wants to see those hard-won, deep trading ties between our two countries recognised and facilitated.
That will continue to be an absolute priority for this Government, not just in our discussions with the British Government but also with our EU partners as we prepare for the negotiation process on the EU side of the table.
It is for that reason that I have met with ten different EU Agriculture Ministers in recent weeks to raise awareness at European level of the particular implications of Brexit for the agri-food and fisheries sectors, and to ensure that they fully understand the impact Brexit is having on the sector and the importance, not just for Ireland but for all Member States, of ensuring that it is treated as a priority in the negotiations.
Personally I am fully committed to ensuring the best possible outcome for the sector. I have been heavily involved in consultations through my Department’s Stakeholder Consultative Committee and the All-Island Civic Dialogue process, as well as the extensive series of bilaterals with EU counterparts.
We are still at an early stage in the Brexit process. What is most important is that we are clear in our goals, and that we work coherently and effectively to that end. This has informed our approach to the challenges facing the agri-food sector, and will continue to do so as the negotiation process unfolds.
24. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied with the corporate governance practice followed by Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, in the lead up to the appointment of a person (details supplied) as chief executive of a company. [20880/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for HRI.
I understand HRI Racecourses Ltd. is a subsidiary company of Horse Racing Ireland. HRI has informed me that the role involved was subject to the usual open advertisement and competitive interview process.
25. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the perception reported in the media that Britain could gain hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fish quota after Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21138/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt this stage it is impossible to say with certainty what effect Brexit will have on the Irish fishing industry. We do not know yet what changes the UK may seek to the current arrangements.
In theory, the UK could indeed seek to gain larger quota shares at the expense of others. However, that could only happen if the UK were content to ignore the potential repercussions that would certainly arise from the EU side.
Any attempt by the UK to increase its current quota shares at the expense of Ireland and others must, and will be resisted strenuously.
Earlier this year, I hosted a dedicated Civic Dialogue on the potential impacts of Brexit for the seafood sector as whole. This was very well attended by stakeholders from across the industry and gave a clear insight into the real dangers that a 'hard' Brexit presents for our fishing communities.
I will remain in close contact with fisheries stakeholders as the issues develop and work with them to ensure that we are all fully prepared for what are likely to be extremely complex negotiations.
I am continuing to work closely with my European colleagues to ensure that fisheries remain a top priority in the negotiations to come. Protecting existing shares is a top priority for the fishing Member States.
In conclusion, I would like to assure the Deputy that I will be unequivocal in opposing any dilution of our existing EU quota shares, including protecting the benefit to Ireland of the Hague Preferences, and any limitations on our existing rights of access.
26. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to safeguard the fishing industry in view of the UK’s decision to leave the EU and the complexities involved in the restructuring of the Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21063/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFish stocks are a shared resource managed under the Common Fisheries Policy of the EU. Nearly all of Ireland’s main commercial stocks are shared to some degree with the UK. In addition, many of our traditional fishing grounds lie within UK waters. Any change to the existing situation could have severe consequences for our fleets.
Earlier this year, I hosted a dedicated Civic Dialogue on the potential impacts of Brexit for the seafood sector as whole. This was very well attended by stakeholders from across the industry and gave a clear insight into the real dangers that a 'hard' Brexit presents for our fishing communities.
I will remain in close contact with fisheries stakeholders as the issues develop and work with them to ensure that we are all fully prepared for what are likely to be extremely complex negotiations.
I am continuing to work closely with my European colleagues to ensure that fisheries remain a top priority in the negotiations to come. Protecting existing shares and access are top priorities for the fishing Member States.
I will be unequivocal in opposing any dilution of our existing EU quota shares, including protecting the benefit to Ireland of the Hague Preferences, and any limitations on our existing rights of access.
Brexit negotiations will not be a renegotiation of the CFP. The CFP remains in place and will be up for review from 2019 with any agreed changes due to be concluded by 2022.
