Written Answers Nos. 1194-1213
1194. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1142 of 2 May 2017, if he will provide an update (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35751/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the matter involves a third party's land and his utilisation of a felling licence, my Department would require the individual himself or his representative to contact the Department to discuss his obligations under the felling licence.
As previously advised, all forestry plantations are subject to the requirements of the Forestry Act 2014. Applications for licences to fell and to plant forestry must be made through the Forest Service of my Department, and any obligations and/or conditions attached to a granted licence must be carried out to its satisfaction.
1195. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the grant schemes that exist for persons wishing to develop biomass projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35813/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's afforestation scheme includes a planting category called "Forestry for Fibre" which provides financial assistance to landowners who want to plant trees for use as domestic fuel or as an energy source generating heat and/or electricity. In addition to grants to cover the cost of establishment, 10 annual premiums of €180/ha are also available. Trees planted under Forestry for Fibre can be harvested in 10 – 15 years, generating yields of between 150 – 300 cubic metres per hectare. This rotation is significantly less than conventional forestry where conifer forests mature between 35 and 40 years.
As well as reducing domestic heating costs Forestry for Fibre has an important role in Ireland’s transition to a low carbon and climate resilient future; by sustainably growing trees for heat and electricity generation fossil fuels are replaced with a renewable source of energy. Forestry for Fibre also presents opportunities for farmers to diversify their income stream by supplying firewood to local markets.
Forestry for Fibre is currently being reviewed as part of the Department’s midterm review of the Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020.
1196. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of requests by local authorities for funding for the upgrade or maintenance of ports or harbours; the amount requested by each; the amount allocated to each in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35815/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislative remit of my Department extends only 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 responsibility for investment in the ongoing development, repair and maintenance of ports and harbours under their ownership.
Under my Department’s annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, limited funding has been 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. The Local Authority programme sets a maximum project cost at €150,000, 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 coastal Local Authorities as possible.
I have approved funding of €3.8m for the 2017 Local Authority Harbour Development and Marine Leisure Programme.
On 3 February 2017, a request was issued to all coastal Local Authorities to submit prioritised lists of projects for consideration under the 2017 Programme. This resulted in 168 funding submissions from 15 coastal Local Authorities. A detailed breakdown of these submissions is included in Table 1.
A total of €3,828,500 has been approved for the completion of 67 eligible projects under the 2017 Programme.
Table 1
|
LOCAL AUTHORITY |
NUMBER OF FUNDING SUBMISSIONS |
TOTAL COST OF SUBMITTED PROJECTS |
NUMBER OF APPROVED PROJECTS |
FINAL AMOUNT OF APPROVED FUNDING (75% OF TOTAL PROJECT COST) |
|
Clare County Council |
6 |
€547,000 |
3 |
€162,750 |
|
Cork County Council |
23 |
€1,590,000 |
9 |
€404,750 |
|
Cork City Council |
2 |
€300,000 |
0 |
€0 |
|
Donegal County Council |
18 |
€1,225,000 |
8 |
€393,750 |
|
Dun Laoighaire Rathdown County Council |
2 |
€160,000 |
0 |
€0 |
|
Fingal County Council |
17 |
€99,500 |
6 |
€54,750 |
|
Galway County Council |
5 |
€650,000 |
5 |
€487,500 |
|
Kerry County Council |
4 |
€350,000 |
4 |
€262,500 |
|
Limerick County Council |
3 |
€355,000 |
2 |
€153,750 |
|
Louth County Council |
1 |
€25,000 |
1 |
€18,750 |
|
Mayo County Council |
19 |
€1,810,000 |
10 |
€622,500 |
|
Sligo County Council |
5 |
€339,000 |
2 |
€138,000 |
|
Waterford County Council |
24 |
€2,077,500 |
5 |
€371,250 |
|
Wexford County Council |
32 |
€1,620,000 |
9 |
€426,000 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
7 |
€768,000 |
3 |
€332,250 |
|
Totals |
168 |
€11,916,000 |
67 |
€3,828,500 |
1197. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied) in relation to GLAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35895/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named 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.
The 85% payment for 2016 has been processed and payment has issued to the person named.
All GLAS 1 participants are required to submit a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) before the 2016 15% payment can be made. When the NMP on behalf of the person named is submitted the balancing payment checks can be completed.
1198. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 346 of 12 July 2017, the details of the process of assessment undertaken which led to the observation submitted by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara under the aegis of the Department in its role as a named external consultee, advising the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government regarding a foreshore lease planning application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35897/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my response to Parliamentary Question No. 346 of 12 July 2017, I advised that this was an operational matter for Bord Iascaigh Mhara and that I had requested Bord Iascaigh Mhara to respond directly to the Deputy on the specific information requested.
I am advised by Bord Iascaigh Mhara that it replied directly to the Deputy in relation to this parliamentary question on 13 July 2017. As this is an operational matter for Bord Iascaigh Mhara, it would not be appropriate to make any comment in relation to such matters.
1199. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that new regulations introduced in January 2017 mean that cattle presented at a mart but not sold are not eligible for export for 30 days and that this is having a detrimental effect on the cattle trade and on exporters' ability to fulfil their contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35915/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder EU legislation, cattle for export within the EU must complete a 30 day residency period on a holding prior to export. The animal must have been resident on this holding within 29 days of moving to an assembly centre for export.
Subsequent to moving from this 30 day holding, an animal may move one time through a mart, followed by one time through a dealer’s holding, in that order. No further moves are permitted – this therefore removes the possibility of multiple moves of cattle before moving to an assembly centre which was possible under the previous arrangements but which was not in compliance with EU regulations.
The pre-export check carried out by my Department was modified on 3rd April to ensure that cattle presented for export comply with the legislation. The Department’s AIM computer system carries out verification checks on compliance with the residency requirement. Cattle presented for export that do not meet the eligibility requirements are rejected by the system. The evidence shows that the new arrangements are operating with minimal disruption.
Earlier this year, I reduced the veterinary inspection fees payable on live exports of younger bovines in order to remove the disproportionate impact of these fees on exports of calves relative to older animals.
At a meeting I called with live exporters in April I stressed that my Department considers the live export sector to be of great importance, particularly given Brexit and the expansion of the dairy herd. The ongoing search for new third country markets is a priority for my Department. I welcome the fact that exports of live cattle to date in 2017 have increased by more than 40% compared to the same period last year.
1200. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the publication of a report (details supplied) into harness racing here in view of the fact that this report was due to be published in April 2017; the steps he is taking to promote and develop harness racing here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35937/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2016 the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine commissioned a report to review the Irish harness racing sector. An independent report was undertaken by Indecon International Consultants and this report is currently being examined by officials within my Department.
The Irish Harness Racing Association (IHRA) was a beneficiary, for the first time in 2016, of an Equine Infrastructure grant scheme operated by my Department. The IHRA has received grants totalling €21,704 under this scheme, with a view to supporting this sector in a targeted way.
In addition, the IHRA has been approved in 2017 for grants totalling €40,077 under the Equine Technical Support Scheme.
My Department has also offered assistance of the order of €25,000 to the IHRA "Road Racing Education Programme". This programme is aimed at bringing about an improvement in horse welfare and, in particular, to encourage a move away from road racing.
1201. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost of dredging Howth harbour, County Dublin in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35957/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department owns, operates and manages six designated Fishery Harbours Centres under Statute, one of which is Howth Fishery Harbour Centre.
A number of investigative and preparatory works and initiatives have been undertaken in respect of a potential dredging project in Howth Fishery Harbour Centre.
Most recently, in June 2016, a firm of consulting engineers were engaged to prepare a detailed report on options, including the scope, disposal considerations and permitting requirements for dredging project at Howth.
An initial draft of this report was received by my Department in February 2017 and the final draft report was received on 14 March last. This report is currently being reviewed by my Department's Marine Engineering Division.
A variety of factors will impact on the cost of a potential dredging project including the disposal options, overall scale of the project, and market factors. At this point no overall estimation of cost has been established.
As is the case for all developments in the six Fishery Harbour Centres, any future decision with regard to progressing this project further, will only be considered on the basis of available exchequer funding and competing national priorities.
1202. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost to increase the number of inspections of transport vehicles of exporters of live animals to at least 2,000 inspections per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35958/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials of my Department perform mandatory, random and risk-based inspections on all vehicles involved in live animal transport, with the frequency of inspections varying with the number of animals exported in a given year. The current rate of inspections are sufficient and send out a clear message to those transporting animals on the importance attached to protecting the welfare of animals during transport.
1203. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase funding or introduce schemes relating to farm safety, in view of the increase in farm deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35979/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the Health and Safety Authority has primary responsibility for farm safety, I am particularly supportive of promoting farm safety and improving the safety record on farms. The rate of accidents on farms remains far too high and safety is a critical issue facing farming today. Statistics show that accidents on farms cause more workplace deaths than all other occupations combined. To date this year there have been 14 fatal farm accidents on Irish farms. These 14 fatal farm accidents account for over 48 percent of all fatal work accidents so far in 2017, while farming accounts for less than 6 percent of the workforce.
Farm safety is an integral part of the TAMS II farm safety schemes run by my Department. As part of these schemes there is a wide range of safety related investments that farmers may undertake. Further it is a requirement that all farmers applying for grant-aid under the TAMS II schemes have completed a minimum of a half-day course on farm safety before they can draw down funding.
In addition to the TAMS II schemes, there is a mandatory Health and Safety element included in all Knowledge Transfer Groups under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme. These groups will directly engage in the region of 20,000 farmers with farm safety.
Safety must become an integral part of farming culture. While there are many risks in farming, farming does not have to be a dangerous occupation. Behavioural change is what is required to prevent many accidents. It is a case of being aware of the dangers and taking the time to do what is necessary to minimise the risk.
1204. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average full year payment to farmers under GLAS 1, GLAS 2 and GLAS 3, respectively; the amount paid out under this scheme to date in 2017 from its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35995/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased 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 fully 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. To date over €156 million has been paid out under the scheme.
1205. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of land in each county that is now used for forestry, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36031/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the 2012 National Forest Inventory, forest cover stands at 731,650 hectares.
The following table presents total forest cover broken down by county:
|
Forest Cover ‘000 ha |
County Area '000 ha |
% of County under forest |
% of national forest cover |
|
|
Carlow |
8.4 |
89.63 |
9.4% |
1.1% |
|
Cavan |
16.83 |
193.54 |
8.7% |
2.3% |
|
Clare |
52.29 |
319.77 |
16.4% |
7.1% |
|
Cork |
83.62 |
746.57 |
11.2% |
11.6% |
|
Donegal |
56.34 |
485.62 |
11.6% |
7.7% |
|
Dublin |
5.23 |
92.57 |
5.7% |
0.7% |
|
Galway |
59.41 |
612.43 |
9.7% |
8.1% |
|
Kerry |
53.17 |
475 |
11.2% |
7.3% |
|
Kildare |
10.4 |
169.54 |
6.1% |
1.4% |
|
Kilkenny |
19.02 |
206.34 |
9.2% |
2.6% |
|
Laois |
25.26 |
172 |
14.7% |
3.5% |
|
Leitrim |
26.5 |
159.01 |
16.7% |
3.6% |
|
Limerick |
26.34 |
268.56 |
9.8% |
3.6% |
|
Longford |
8.36 |
109.13 |
7.7% |
1.1% |
|
Louth |
2.43 |
82.56 |
2.9% |
0.3% |
|
Mayo |
51.73 |
559.76 |
9.2% |
7.1% |
|
Meath |
12.5 |
234.21 |
5.3% |
1.7% |
|
Monaghan |
5.6 |
129.54 |
4.3% |
0.8% |
|
Offaly |
24.51 |
200.1 |
12.2% |
3.4% |
|
Roscommon |
25.88 |
254.8 |
10.2% |
3.5% |
|
Sligo |
20.58 |
183.67 |
11.2% |
2.8% |
|
Tipperary |
47.85 |
425.46 |
11.2% |
6.5% |
|
Waterford |
26.55 |
183.81 |
14.4% |
3.6% |
|
Westmeath |
13.17 |
183.95 |
7.2% |
1.8% |
|
Wexford |
13.83 |
235.89 |
5.9% |
1.9% |
|
Wicklow |
35.86 |
202.66 |
17.7% |
4.9% |
The 2017 National forest Inventory is currently underway with results due for publication in early 2018.
1206. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the sale of a village (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36032/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the management of their forest estate and land transactions, are the responsibility of the company.
The matter was, however, raised with Coillte who advise that a sales contract for the sale of Killykeen Holiday Complex in County Cavan was completely finalised when the final contract was agreed and signed with CABÜ in May 2017. Coillte also advise that, as stated in their press announcement of 10 May 2017, CABÜ hope to open this holiday destination for visitors by April 2018 with a view to developing the site further over a period of three years.
1207. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of each body or organisation that is scheduled to receive in excess of €1 million from his Department's Vote of expenditure or the group of Votes of expenditure connected with his Department in 2017 for the provision of services by the body or the organisation concerned; the amount involved in each case; if there is a signed service level agreement in place in respect of the services to be carried out by these bodies or organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36150/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeven of the twelve State Bodies under the aegis of my Department have received or will receive in excess of €1 million in funding from my Department in 2017. It should be noted that the State Bodies in question receive funding from my Department to enable delivery of their statutory functions.
My Department is currently finalising an Oversight and Performance Agreement, based on the Department of Public Expenditure Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, which will be implemented across the twelve Bodies.
My Department provides in excess of €1 million in Exchequer funding to two other organisations, Enterprise Ireland (EI) and Horse Sport Ireland (HSI). The position in relation to EI is that my Department’s funding is included in a Service Level Agreement (SLA) between EI and its parent Department, Enterprise and Innovation (DEI). My Department also has an SLA with HSI.
Details of the State Bodies and organisations, the amount of funding and the oversight arrangements are set out in the attached table.
|
State Body/Organisation |
Amount € (million) |
Oversight and Performance Agreement (OPA)/Service Level Agreement (SLA) |
|
1. Bord Bia |
40.5 |
OPA |
|
2. Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
44.1 |
OPA |
|
3. Bord na gCon |
16.0 |
OPA |
|
4. Horse Racing Ireland |
64.0 |
OPA |
|
5. Marine Institute |
31.6 |
OPA |
|
6. Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
12.8 |
OPA |
|
7. Teagasc |
128.0 |
OPA |
|
8. Enterprise Ireland |
4.0 |
Covered by DEI SLA |
|
9. Horse Sport Ireland |
2.0 |
SLA |
1208. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that the farm inspection regime is fair; if he has satisfied himself that the penalties being given are in line with protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36275/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the context of delivering the Direct Payment Schemes and Rural Development measures the Department is required to carry out on-the-spot inspections on a number of farms covering such issues as eligibility under the Scheme and compliance with Cross Compliance requirements, as set down in EU legislation, and the standards for Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC), in the areas of the environment, climate change and good agricultural condition of land, public, animal and plant health, and animal welfare. These inspections are mandatory and there are certain minimum numbers and types of inspections that must take place annually.
Inspecting Officers are, by definition, at all times governed by the law and by the standards relating to their employment as public servants. Officers undergo regular training on the procedures for inspections and carry out inspections in accordance with the EU Regulations and Procedure and Guidance documents issued to all officers. All inspections are subject to continuous oversight by supervisors and random verification inspections to ensure a consistent approach throughout the country.
In addition to compliance with the EU and national legislation requirements on inspections, the Farmers Charter of Rights, agreed between my Department and the farming organisations, sets out commitments in relation to inspections. Compliance by Department officials with these commitments is reviewed regularly by the independently chaired Farmers Charter Monitoring Committee. Furthermore inspections are subject to repeated audits by the European Commission, the European Court of Auditors, the Certifying Body and the Comptroller and Auditor General’s Office, to ensure full compliance with the requirements.
On the matter of penalties, EU legislation prescribes the level of reductions and/or penalties to be applied where non-compliance with scheme eligibility criteria, including land eligibility, and cross compliance requirements are determined, and are not a matter at the discretion of my Department.
There is a comprehensive review/appeal system in place for applicants if they consider that the inspection has not been conducted in accordance with legislative requirements or if they consider that the inspection findings are incorrect. This review/appeal system incorporates an initial review by an officer more senior than the original inspecting officer, with the option to appeal the outcome of any such review to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office. In the event that an applicant is not satisfied with the outcome of this review he/she has the right to pursue the matter further with the Office of the Ombudsman.
1209. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which his Department is addressing the bureaucracy and red tape that persons are facing when it comes to the knowledge transfer programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36276/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe aim of the Knowledge Transfer Programme is to address identified knowledge gaps in six agriculture sectors contributing to increased efficiency, effectiveness and competitiveness which benefit not just the individual farmers involved but also the agriculture sector as a whole.
The three year scheme provides farmers with an opportunity for group learning through meetings facilitated by an agricultural consultant, complemented by tailored advice on a one to one basis to form an individualised Farm Improvement Plan. The annual payment to facilitators under the programme of €500 per participant includes a provision for administration work related to running the group as well as for meeting costs and time spent preparing individualised Farm Improvement Plans. The farmer is reimbursed €750 annually for time spent away from his enterprise while attending meetings and collaborating with the facilitator on the Farm Improvement Plan.
1210. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether there is sufficient competition in the beef sector to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36277/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the importance of competition in the beef sector. There is a well established infrastructure, at EU level and at national level, through the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, for the oversight of competition issues and for dealing with allegations of anti-competitive practices or the abuse of a dominant market position.
The price of Irish beef is determined by a variety of factors, including global demand and supply, currency rates, the extent of competition from other countries, weather conditions. At present the price of Irish cattle for slaughter stands at 4.2% above the comparable price this time last year and at 105% of the EU 15 average.
Access to new markets is vital to the continued vitality of the sector as a whole. I led a major trade mission to four Asian Countries in September of last year and one to Algeria and Morocco in November. I also led a trade mission to the Middle East last February. By increasing our footprint internationally we can help to mitigate the effects of Brexit and develop our agri-food sector to realise its full potential. Additionally, this June I led a major trade mission to the United States and to Mexico. In the US I announced a series of major initiatives for Irish beef and the mission also gave Irish producers the opportunity to learn more about expanding the scope for beef exports to that market. In Mexico, I commenced the process of attaining access to that large market for Irish meat exporters through a series of bilateral meetings.
I am also very conscious of the vital role that live exports play in providing an alternative market outlet for Irish farmers. These have increased by 44,000 head, or 46% in 2017 compared to 2016, both to traditional EU and third country markets and this is helping to provide market balance for cattle prices in Ireland.
1211. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of GLAS 2016 persons that have been paid their balancing payments in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath; the number outstanding in each county, in tabular form; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36278/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of participants who have received their 15% balancing payment and who have been cleared for payment is set out in the table.
All GLAS participants must submit a nutrient management plan before their balancing payment can be released and to date 1,696 in the named counties have complied with this requirement and some 997 are still awaited.
Balancing payments continue to be made on an on-going basis as files are cleared.
|
County |
No. of applicants paid to date |
No. of applicants cleared for payment |
|
Cavan |
807 |
44 |
|
Meath |
289 |
10 |
|
Monaghan |
418 |
10 |
|
Total |
1514 |
64 |
1212. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the ANC review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36279/17]
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. From 2018 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.
1213. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review a report (details supplied); if his Department is considering this to help with farm safety; if an alternative safer power take-off, PTO, system can be examined in the interest of safety; his plans to fund same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36292/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the Health and Safety Authority has primary responsibility for farm safety, I am particularly supportive of improving the safety record on farms. The rate of accidents on farms remains far too high and it is important that a focus on safety must become an integral part of farming culture. While there are many risks in farming, farming does not have to be a dangerous occupation. Behavioural change is what is required to prevent many accidents. It is a case of being aware of the dangers and taking the time to do what is necessary to minimise the risk.
The use of the hydraulic drive system is a possible alternative for machines that have a low power requirement to drive them. These systems remove the need for PTO drives which revolve at high revolutions per minute. However, such systems are not suitable for machines that have a high power requirement such as balers, forage harvesters etc.
My Department continuously reviews the potential for machinery improvements that provide more safe working environments.
