Written Answers Nos. 70-81
70. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he plans to deal with the cases of illegal doping of dogs, particularly greyhounds; and his plans to apply transparency on doping in the greyhound industry, for example, publishing the details of OOC tests and supporting unannounced visits. [41647/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na gCon has informed me that it has carried out an extensive review of procedures for regulatory control with many new standard operating procedures either finalised or close to finalisation. New secondary legislation is now in place with the result that any adverse analytical finding from a greyhound tested for prohibited substances after 1 October 2015 will be published and the greyhound immediately banned from racing until a further test is undertaken which yields negative results. In addition, the findings of all new cases initiated after 1 October 2015 and coming before the Control Committee and the Control Appeals Committee which, adjudicate on any possible breaches of regulation, will be published as will the reasons for their decision.
A Scientific Committee on Doping and Medication Control has been established. Its task will be to advise Bord na gCon on an ongoing basis on scientific matters relating to doping and medication control in greyhounds. In particular, it will review the current list of substances which are prohibited or controlled and, where applicable, their associated thresholds or limits, and it will advise Bord na gCon on any changes considered necessary from a scientific point of view.
Also an intelligence lead testing regime has been developed targeting its resources at the areas of greatest risk. Targeted testing has included testing in competition, at trials and also at greyhound sales. Bord na gCon has confirmed that it has also adopted an inter-agency cooperation strategy in its anti-doping and medication control policy, insofar as legislation permits, to ensure intelligence-led mechanisms with other enforcement agencies are in place to police this area of risk for the industry whilst making the best use of the limited resources available.
I intend to introduce a new Greyhound Industry Bill in the autumn which addresses the Governance of Bord na gCon, strengthens regulatory controls in the Industry, modernises sanctions and improves integrity with a view to building a reputation for exceptional regulation in the sector.
The draft General Scheme of the Bill has already progressed through the pre-legislative scrutiny phase and a memorandum will go to Government in the coming weeks requesting approval to publish the updated General Scheme and to submit it to the OPC for drafting.
71. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when farmers in receipt of Sheep Welfare Scheme payments will receive their next due payments. [41625/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware of the importance of the sheep sector, and of the challenges which many farmers in that sector face. In view of this, in December 2016, I launched the Sheep Welfare Scheme. This new scheme was introduced by way of a formal amendment to our Rural Development Programme, 2014-2020, and aims to contribute to the continued development in animal health and welfare in the sheep sector.
All applicants in the scheme are required to choose two actions from a range of possible actions, with different actions available for lowland and hill flocks. For undertaking these actions, farmers will receive a payment of €10 per eligible ewe under the Scheme.
We are currently in the middle of Year 1 of the Scheme, and payments have thus not yet issued. I am, however, conscious of the importance to farmers of payments under schemes such as this, so I can confirm that advance payments under the Scheme will commence in late Autumn this year. I am also happy to confirm that the European Commission has agreed to my request that advance payments under such Rural Development Schemes can be set at 85% this year, rather than the standard 75% as set out in the relevant EU regulation. The balancing payment of 15% will then issue in 2018.
73. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he can address the animal welfare issues apparent in the live transportation of animals, especially the export to countries that lack animal protection laws. [41646/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraExports are a very important component of Ireland’s livestock industry and provide essential competition in the beef market place.
In view of this fact, and due to the nature of the shipping routes from this island, my Department implements very high standards in respect of the welfare of animals we export. The EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 on animal transport provides that stricter rules may be applied by member states than those set down at EU level. DAFM has availed of this provision and, therefore the current Irish legislation, made possible by powers conferred to me under section 36 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, sets higher standards relating to the approval of ships for livestock transport than those which apply generally in the EU. Indeed, our legislation is recognised by the European Commission as being among the most effective and stringent in force as regards transport by sea.
Only ships approved by My Department, with the involvement of Marine Surveyors in the process, can load cattle for export from Ireland. Livestock being exported are monitored by my Department’s veterinary inspectors during the prescribed isolation period, with the loading of cattle also supervised by officials of my Department. All animals are inspected and must be certified as regards health status and fitness for travel and cattle on board a livestock ship departing from Ireland are typically bedded and penned in conditions very similar to cattle in any feedlot or cattle shed. In addition, due regard must be taken to weather conditions in respect of long distance transport and these measures contribute to maintaining Ireland’s reputation as an exporter of livestock of high health status, which is vital to my Department’s efforts to source additional markets abroad.
Conscious of the importance of animals arriving at their destination in good condition, a Department veterinary inspector accompanies cattle shipments on occasion to monitor travelling conditions. The most recent of these assessments occurred last month, when an official of my Department accompanied livestock exported from this jurisdiction to Turkey and Lebanon which confirmed that the cattle were well treated en route and the Turkish and Lebanese authorities were very satisfied with the condition of the animals they received.
With a view to improving slaughter and transport standards in third countries, my Department, along with our EU partners, works closely with the World Organisation for Animal Health, OIE. The OIE is the intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health and welfare worldwide. Ireland has once again proved its ongoing commitment to animal welfare by recently approving additional OIE multiannual financial assistance to support its activities to enhance animal welfare worldwide.
The preservation of Ireland’s animal health status and the international reputation of veterinary certification services and the existence and application of a regulatory framework ensures that high standards and welfare considerations are taken into account during transport and are components essential to safeguarding the live export trade.
The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to promote and maintain an environment in which live exports can continue in both an economic and sustainable manner, with strong emphasis on the welfare of all animals being exported.
74. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has sought or received information from an organisation (details supplied) on its work with the Workplace Relations Commission with regard to ensuring compliance with all relevant employment legislation in the horse racing industry. [41494/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland is a commercial state body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
This is a matter ultimately for the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
Horse Racing Ireland has informed me that they have had two meetings to date at Chief Executive Officer level with the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission, which is under the aegis of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, and a further three working meetings at HR Director level.
Horse Racing Ireland and the Workplace Relations Commission have agreed to undertake a joint initiative of education and information on employment law for employers in the sector. I understand that, working with Teagasc, similar exercises have been carried out for other sectors within Agriculture. Work on this project has commenced and has already involved the employer groups within the industry, with a view to being completed by Quarter 1, 2018.
Horse Racing Ireland has also been apprised by the Workplace Relations Commission of the current status of its programme of inspections within the sector.
75. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the detail of the European Commission's plans on 360,000 tonnes of SMP for intervention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41678/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish dairy market, following on from broader EU and International trends, is currently in a much improved position compared to the relatively recent past. Raw milk prices remain in the region of 35/36c/l, which is around 2-3% ahead of the EU average and over 50% ahead of where they were this time last year. Peak production months have passed in Ireland and by end September more than 80% of the average dairy farmer’s annual production has been completed. This combination of good prices and stronger supply means that 2017 can be expected to be a very good year for Irish dairy farmers in terms of market returns for their raw milk. Butter prices are at all time highs and you cannot look at the SMP situation in isolation from the overall market picture, which is generally very positive compared to recent past.
Whilst dairy markets are currently broadly stable, the Deputy will be aware that between mid-2014 and end-2016 dairy markets experienced significant difficulties. This was due to a combination of factors including increased global supply, the effects of the Russian ban on the import of EU agrifood products and reduced global demand, notably for dairy products in China.
During that phase of volatility, the European 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 welcomed the measures adopted by the Commission during this period. Key among these measures was the buying of skimmed milk powder, SMP, into intervention. Ireland's industry placed some 36,000 tonnes of product into intervention between September 2015 and the end of 2016. During this period, the European Commission, supported by Ireland and other Member States, raised the volume thresholds for fixed-price intervention for SMP 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.
The process of tendering for release of product back onto the market commenced in December 2016. There was a single tendering round in December 2016 and multiple tendering rounds throughout 2017 thus far. On each occasion the Commission has adopted a cautious approach. The tendering events since December, by and large, have seen the vast majority of tenders rejected on the basis of what were deemed insufficient offers, often significantly below the market price for the stock. This approach has been 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 destabilise the market. I am satisfied to date that the Commission has managed these stocks in a prudent and sensible manner.
76. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the pieces of legislation that enforce the protection of soils, in terms of the introduction of dangerous substances on or in the soil, erosion, organic matter decline, compaction, salinisation and landslides; the programmes of measures for risk areas or national remediation strategies that ensure that contaminated sites receive remediation; if his Department or another Department maps risk areas for erosion, organic matter decline, compaction, salinisation and landslides and prepares an inventory of contaminated sites; his Department's working definition of the meaning, principles and priorities of soil protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41288/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSoil is considered to mean the top forming layer of the earth’s crust situated between the bedrock and the surface. It is formed by mineral particles, organic matter, water, air and living organisms. Soil protection aspects can be found in a wide variety of policy instruments, with different community policies contributing varying degrees of both direct and indirect measures for the protection of soils; for example in areas such as water, waste, chemicals, industrial pollution prevention, nature protection and pesticides, and agriculture.
In relation to the prioritisation of soil pressures, many of the aforementioned agricultural pressures are already covered under existing instruments (i.e. organic matter decline, erosion, and compaction are covered in some manner under CAP provisions). Soil protection measures are incorporated within the Good agricultural and Environmental Standards under Pillar I of CAP as well as measures under agri-environment schemes for example catch crops, minimum tillage, riparian zone margins, mitigating erosion, compaction and organic matter decline in the agricultural landscape. Salinisation and landslides are generally not regarded as high risk in Ireland although there may be localised issues. In any case, CAP remains the most important and efficient mechanism to mitigate any soil pressures within the agricultural sector.
Teagasc and the EPA have developed an Irish Soil Information System - a national association soil map for Ireland at a scale of 1:250,000, together with an associated digital soil information system, providing both spatial and quantitative information on soil types and properties across the country. Both the map and the information system are available online.
CORINE is a pan-European land use and land cover, LULC, mapping programme undertaken by the European Environment Agency and is the main source of national-scale LULC information, and this includes an erosion risk map assessment for Ireland.
Ireland does not have a significant problem with contaminated land or brownfield sites and as such does not have a national contaminated land programme, or a register of the number of contaminated sites. Brownfield or contaminated land sites are dealt with through a range of legislation including the Water Pollution Act, Environmental Protection Agency Act (which deals with Integrated Pollution Control and Industrial Emissions Licensing), Waste Management Act, Environmental Liabilities Regulations and also through planning legislation. The EPA is responsible for overseeing the remediation of polluted soil and groundwater at facilities licensed by the EPA.
77. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to engage in the identification of alternative markets for Irish food and food products within the EU and elsewhere with a view to amelioration of the impact of Brexit; the extent to which he has identified the companies exporting to the UK which have suffered as a result of currency and other issues relating to Brexit; the extent to which he can identify supportive action without breaching state aid rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41669/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe identification of alternative markets for Irish food and food products within the EU and elsewhere has been a key priority for me and my Department and we have renewed our efforts in this regard against the background of Brexit.
It is critical at this time to work toward diversifying market outlets for our agri products, while at the same time retaining access to the critically important UK market. I have supported Bord Bia’s marketing strategy by initially allocating €3.6 million for market work in 2016 and 2017 and more recently by allocating a further €6.7 million to support a market prioritisation exercise and a range of strategic marketing and promotion activities.
In order to retain the hard won markets within the UK, I have met with the CEOs of the major UK retailers to impress upon Ireland's continued commitment to the meeting the requirements of UK retailers and consumers. Next month, I will lead a further Trade Mission to South East Asia, this time to Japan and the Republic of Korea, where I hope to deepen trade ties and develop new market opportunities.
The strategy for the identification of new markets links the market access efforts of my Department with both the market insights and supports available from Bord Bia and the measures to improve competitiveness at company level operated by Enterprise Ireland. An active programme of trade missions combines these efforts and those of Ireland’s embassy in a "team Ireland" approach to trade development.
Last March Bord Bia established a "Brexit Barometer" for the purpose of assessing the preparedness for Brexit of food businesses who have significant trading relationships in the UK. In all, 135 companies completed a Brexit Barometer assessment and each participating company has received an assessment identifying the levels of risk across a range of topics and documentation setting out actions for mitigating some of the risks identified.
The main findings from the exercise were that, that while a lot of companies had an ambition to grow into the UK market, they did not have a marketing strategy and did not have a marketing resource. Bord Bia is helping the companies to address these deficiencies and it is also assisting them with the difficulties caused by the drop in the value of sterling, by ensuring that they have some sort of cushion built in to their marketing strategy.
There is no doubt that Brexit is posing enormous challenges for the agri food sector by virtue of its reliance on the UK market and the most immediate challenge has been the impact caused by the significant drop in the value of sterling against the euro.
All of these activities have taken place within the framework of existing State Aid rules. I am keeping matters under review to see what further measures might be required, and of course I fully understand and appreciate the impact this is having on the agrifood sector and accordingly, I am fully engaged with the Commission and with Member State counterparts to ensure that they are fully apprised of draw attention to the very real risks associated with Brexit and the resulting currency fluctuations.
I wish to assure the House that I and the Government remain very focused on supporting the agrifood industry through the challenges ahead. I will continue to consult with the industry as the negotiations develop and press Ireland's case for continued free access to the UK market, without tariffs and with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures.
78. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the programme for Government commitment to increase ANC funding by €25 million in 2018; and if increased payments will reflect the constraint of land type. [41681/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Areas of Natural Constraint, ANC, Scheme is a very important source of financial support for farmers across the country, paying over €200 million each year to over 95,000 farmers. The Programme for a Partnership Government provides for a commitment of a €25 million increase in funding for the Scheme in 2018. This now falls for consideration in the context of discussions for Budget 2018.
There are a number of options in relation to how any additional funding could be allocated under the ANC. These options range from allocating the funds as a flat increase across the current payable rates, to various forms of targeting higher payment rates for particular categories of farmers. Any changes would require formal agreement with the European Commission via a formal amendment of the Rural Development Programme, 2014-2020.
The 2017 ANC payments commenced on 19 September and to date, over €171 million has been paid to almost 80,000 farmers. Payments are continuing on a rolling basis as more farmers satisfy eligibility and stocking rate requirements.
I am pleased to note that 2017 payments are ahead of where they were this time last year.
79. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the latest Mercosur talks at EU level; and the steps he is taking to protect Irish beef farmers by ensuring that beef does not form part of a final Mercosur deal. [41683/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am concerned at recent reports that the Commission intends making an opening offer in respect of the Mercosur Freet Trade Agreement that includes a Tariff Rate Quota for beef.
I and my Department have been very active in highlighting the potentially very damaging impact of a Mercosur deal on the European beef sector.
At political level, I have raised the issue with Member State colleagues and with Commissioners Hogan and Malmström, and within the Council of Agriculture Ministers as recently as yesterday.
These efforts have been reinforced at official level through similar contacts with Member States and the Commission, including through the Special Committee on Agriculture and the Trade Policy Committee, where Ireland recently led a coalition of like minded member states in opposition to the making of an offer on beef at this time.
I also continue to monitor the situation closely in co-operation with my Government colleagues, particularly the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and the Taoiseach.
While the Commission responded to the strong lobbying by Ireland and others by excluding a beef Tariff Rate Quota, TRQ, from the offers exchanged with Mercosur on 11 May 2016, there is a need for continued vigilance in relation to the conduct of these trade negotiations. We are also insisting that the timing and content of any offer is handled appropriately, and in a manner that safeguards the interests of the Irish and European beef sector in particular.
Any further consideration of the matter must also take into account the findings of the Commission’s recent cumulative impact assessment, and the potentially very damaging impact of Brexit on an already delicately balanced EU beef market .
I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to engage closely with other Member States and the Commission to ensure that the interests of the EU beef sector are protected in any trade deal with Mercosur countries.
80. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider introducing mandatory drug testing for all competing greyhounds (details supplied); if he will introduce heavier penalties for those found doping, particularly in view of the fact that in 2017, six greyhounds were found to have cocaine in their systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41289/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na gCon is a commercial state body established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and improve and develop the greyhound industry
I understand from Bord na gCon that in the years 2014, 2015, and 2016 it procured 5860, 5074, and 5383 samples respectively for the purposes of the detection of prohibited substance testing. Bord na gCon has informed me that such figures compare very favourably with in- competition sampling rates in other racing jurisdictions. From the samples procured typically less than 1% return adverse analytical findings for prohibited substances and the majority of these findings may be attributed to therapeutic administration of medications or dietary related feed contaminants.
The enhancement of Bord na gCon’s scope in its remit of sample collection was significantly addressed in 2016 when amending secondary legislation was introduced to the Greyhound Industry Racing Regulations. Bord na gCon officials are now authorised to sample greyhounds out of competition at owners and trainers premises, whether such greyhounds are in training or not. Bord na gCon has frequently exercised this new testing regime as part of its integrity management and doping control regime.
The return of an adverse analytical finding for a prohibited substance necessitates the regulatory referral of the matter to the Independent Control Committee for investigation and determination. The matter of sanctions issued by the Independent Committee is entirely under their remit but it is significant that amending legislation was introduced by Bord na gCon in 2015 to provide for the mandatory publication of Control Committee decisions made relating to any person deemed to have contravened the regulations. These publications are required by regulation to contain the findings of the Control Committee, and its reasons for such findings.
The cases of Benzoylecgonine (a metabolite of Cocaine) referred to by Deputy Wallace have been referred to the Control Committee for appropriate investigation and determination and any further comment on the matter is not appropriate at this juncture.
81. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his Department's role in delivering his commitments on Global Footprint 2025. [41634/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile in Canada recently, I announced a plan to double Ireland’s global footprint by 2025.
It is clear that there is a new self-confidence in Ireland, as an island at the centre of the world, and that national self-confidence requires that we always be ambitious, visible and active in promoting the interests of our nation on the international stage.
I expect that this initiative will involve new and augmented diplomatic missions, as well as an increased presence of our investment, tourism, cultural and food agencies overseas.
I have asked relevant Ministers, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, to contribute to development of a plan to achieve this. This will include consideration of the resource implications, including identifying where efficiencies can be achieved through innovative approaches and potential savings elsewhere.
Expanding our global presence will help to drive efforts to diversify and grow trade, including in the context of Brexit; enhance our ability to attract investment to Ireland; as well as help us to strengthen links with our diaspora; and to advance our values, interests, reputation and impact internationally.
