Written Answers Nos. 1201-1223
1201. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the State is taking carbon credits from forestry sown privately and in private ownership in view of the fact the grant application terms and conditions do not refer to the State being able to use credits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1140/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present, removals of greenhouse gases by forests in Ireland cannot contribute to our emissions reduction targets up to 2020. In addition, greenhouse gas removals from Irish forests are not included in the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Under the recently agreed Effort Sharing and LULUCF regulations, EU Member States must account emissions and removals of greenhouse gases from the land-use, land use change and forestry sector during the 2021 to 2030 period. Where this sector results in a net reduction of greenhouse gases, a limited amount of removals may be accounted against Ireland’s overall emissions reduction target. On the other hand, if this sector results in a net emission or production of greenhouse gases, this too must be accounted by the State.
These regulations specifically avoid creating an accounting obligation for private individuals or companies. The regulations set out targets and an accounting framework for EU Member States and do not create a private market for forest carbon credits or debits.
1203. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on new data showing that the number of farmers in the west of Ireland has decreased by 41% since 1997; his plans regarding this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1142/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraData on the number of farms is published in the CSO Census of Agriculture and the CSO Farm Structures Survey. The Census of Agriculture takes place every ten years, most recently in 2010, while the most recent Farm Structures Survey data is from 2013. This data suggest little change in the total number of farms since 2000, and a drop of just 2% in farm numbers in the West in that time.
1204. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to implement a scheme to help persons in danger of losing their farms who cannot access credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1143/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of my priorities is to support the provision of lower-cost, more flexible finance for farmers. The Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme was developed by my Department in co-operation with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to address the impact of the change in the sterling exchange rate arising from Brexit and lower commodity prices in some agriculture sectors during 2016. It made €150 million of flexible working capital funding available at low-cost interest rate of 2.95%. I launched the Scheme on 31 January 2017 and by the beginning of March, all of the participating banks had reported that their funds were committed.
I was pleased at the very positive reaction by farmers to the Scheme, which has proved that significant demand exists for low-cost flexible finance. I have met with the Chief Executives of the participating banks to discuss this and other access to finance issues relating to the agri-food sector. I have asked the banks to respond positively to the demand that has been demonstrated by reducing interest rates and providing more flexible terms for cash flow loans in the future. At a Departmental level, there is a close liaison with the banks on lending into the agriculture sector. I meet regularly with the CEOs of the main banks. Access to finance is discussed at both the Dairy and Beef Forums, with an exchange of views with the main banks now a part of the agenda at each meeting. Access to finance for the sector is also an issue identified by the Food Wise 2025 strategy and it is monitored at the High Level Implementation Committee.
The Government has committed to assisting all viable small and medium enterprises operating in Ireland to support growth and employment in the economy. Primary responsibility for banking policy lies with the Department of Finance, which liaises with the Central Bank and the Financial Services Ombudsman with regard to consumer protection in the area of personal banking, the purchase of financial products and financial issues generally. It should be noted that in the context of recent high profile loan sales, the Minister for Finance has stated that the sale of loans from one entity to another does not change the terms of the contract or the borrower's rights and obligations under the original contract. Where difficulties occur, active engagement by indebted borrowers with their lender is the key to achieving sustainable resolutions. The next step is engagement with MABS (the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, which the Government has recently strengthened) for an independent assessment of their situation and advice on available resolution options.
My Department, in cooperation with all the other relevant State bodies, will continue to explore additional funding mechanisms for farmers, the agri-food sector and for SMEs generally. I will launch a new Brexit Loan Scheme with the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation shortly, which will provide affordable, flexible financing to Irish businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit or who will be in the future. The Scheme will make up to €300 million of working capital finance available to SMEs and mid-cap businesses. Given their unique exposure to the UK market, funding from my Department ensures that at least 40% of the fund will be available to food businesses (providing €9 million out of the total €23 million in public funding). The successful Agriculture Cashflow Loan Scheme has provided a template for such Schemes, including this one for businesses. I have also announced that I have secured funding of €25 million for my Department to facilitate the development of potential Brexit response loan schemes during 2018 for farmers, fishermen and for longer-term capital financing for food businesses. I will announce more details as they become available.
1205. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of farm payments for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1193/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016. The Department is aware of an issue with one of the actions in this case, a solution to the issue has been developed. Payment is expected to issue shortly. GLAS payments are continuing to issue on a weekly basis.
The TAMS application is being progressed this week and is also expected to be finalised shortly.
1206. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a farm payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1212/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe entitlements of the person named were definitively established on 31 May 2016, based on 82.80 eligible hectares declared under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme.
The Department has since reduced the eligible hectares for the person named under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme and the person named was notified of this change.
Based on the revised eligible hectares for 2015 Basic Payment Scheme, the number of entitlements has been amended to 77.36 entitlements.
Payment in full under the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme will issue in the coming days.
1207. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase the amount of whitefish capacity that can be added to pelagic tonnage from 10% to 30%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1273/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1208. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for policy changes to ensure there is more capacity in tonnage and kilowatts available on the open market at affordable prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1274/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1207 and 1208 together.
Under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003, the functions of sea-fishing boat licensing were transferred from the Minister to the Licensing Authority for Sea-fishing Boats, which operates on an independent basis subject to criteria set out in that Act and Ministerial Policy Directives.
As Minister I have responsibility for policy in relation to sea-fishing boat licensing under Section 3(3) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003, as amended by Section 99 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. In this context, as a referred to above, Section 3 of the Act makes provision for Ministerial Policy Directives to issue to the independent Licensing Authority for Sea-fishing boats. I am, however, precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to individual cases, or a group of cases, with which the Licensing Authority is or may be concerned under Section 3(5) of the 2003 Act.
As the Deputy may be aware I recently carried out a review of the replacement capacity rules for fishing vessels. I received proposals from a Producer Organisation (PO) which, in summary, related to the possibility of reducing the requirement to provide 100% replacement capacity with the relevant track record to 80% (the balance being sourced from capacity without track record). I undertook a full public consultation process on these proposals between 9 September 2016 and 28 February 2017, during which 26 submissions were received.
Following this full consideration of the submissions made and this issues arising I issued Ministerial Policy Directive 1 of 2017 to the Registrar General of Fishing Boats under Section 3 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003, as amended by Section 99 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, to amend the requirements for the provision of replacement capacity for vessels in the Tiered (mackerel) and Ring-fenced (herring) portions of the Polyvalent segment to provide that up to a maximum of 10% of the required replacement capacity may be sourced from non-Tiered/non-Ring-fenced vessels in the same sub-segment at a ratio of 1.5:1. The application of a ratio will help to ensure that any increases in capacity are necessary, sustainable and managed in a manner consistent with the requirement that Ireland continues to meet its obligations with respect to its fleet capacity ceiling at EU level.
As this review was carried out following a full and open public consultation I do not see any basis for reopening this matter.
1209. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the penalty imposed under the Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme, GLAS, in cases in which a person has applied under the rare breeds category and in which they cannot prove membership of the relevant society for the relevant years; the number of persons who have been penalised under this rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1281/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe requirement to be a registered member of the relevant society for specified years prior to commencing a GLAS contract and the years during a GLAS contract is clearly outlined in the Specifications for each of the three GLAS schemes.
In the event that this documentation establishing membership cannot be provided, the applicant loses the action from their application. If the applicant does not have another priority action, the Terms and Conditions state that the applicant will be rejected from the scheme.
As the rare breed action is payable for the first time this year, the data requested in relation to applicants not providing satisfactory proof of membership is not available at this time.
1210. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme, GLAS, payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1295/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to by the Deputy was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of January 1st 2017.
Administrative checks involving a number of sections within the Department take place on all GLAS claims. All cases must clear validation checks before payment can issue. Department officials are working proactively to complete the checks to minimise delays in payments. Once this case clears validations the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments are being made on a weekly basis.
1211. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeframe for publishing primary and secondary legislation for a fishing penalty point system in view of the fact that the December 2017 deadline for the previous commitment to introduce legislation has now passed; his plans to bring the legislation for same before the Joint Oireachtas Committee of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for scrutiny beforehand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1310/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Supreme Court judgments were delivered on 12th December 2017 in relation to the 2014 SI implementing a points system for licence holders. My Department is currently examining the implications of the judgments on an urgent basis.
I expect this process to be completed shortly and thereafter I intend to sign a new Statutory instrument to revoke the European Union (Common Fisheries Policy) (Point System) Regulations 2016 (S.I. No. 125 of 2016), which establishes a point system, which will apply to the Licence Holder of a sea-fishing boat when a serious infringement of the Common Fisheries Policy is detected.
1212. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a farm payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1312/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person to whom the Deputy refers was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016. Both the 2016 advance payment and balancing payment have issued.
The 2017 advance payment has been delayed due to outstanding documentation required from the applicant in respect of the Rare Breeds action. The documentation has recently been received. This will enable the further processing of this case. Once all validation checks are cleared the payment will be made. GLAS payments are issuing on a weekly basis.
1213. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an incident that occurred on St. Stephen's Day at a location (details supplied) in which a pack of hunt dogs entered an estate and killed a fox in a person's garden; and the action he plans to take to prevent this happening again in view of the fact that children play in and around this area. [1326/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of and concerned at the reported incident in Macroom.
The Hunting Association of Ireland has a detailed Code of Conduct in place in respect of the hunting of foxes. I am disappointed that despite the existence of this Code, this event occurred. I have asked my officials to engage with the Hunting Association to determine whether, in light of this event, the Code needs updating.
My Department is fully committed to promoting good practices that respect the welfare of all animals. Evidence of breaches can be reported to the Animal Welfare Hotline operated by my Department.
1214. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the recent case of animal neglect at a location (details supplied); if his Department is investigating this matter; if so, the status of the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1342/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of and concerned at the reported incident referred to.
Officials of my Department were made aware of alleged mistreatment of equines at the site and collaborated with local stakeholders to address immediate welfare concerns and the investigation into the matter is on-going.
Under the Control of Horses Act 1996, Local Authorities and authorised officers under that Act may seize abandoned horses that are straying where animals are located on any site without the land owner’s permission. In this instance, the Gardaí assisted Tipperary County Council with the seizure of animals which were present on a number of neighbouring sites without the land owner’s approval. The horses concerned have subsequently been re-homed.
The Control of Horses Act 1996 was introduced to address the issues caused by stray and wandering horses. My Department provides financial assistance to Local Authorities for the implementation of the Act. Separately, my Department offers assistance to Local Authorities towards the development of new structures to provide shelter for the urban / traveller horse population with the aim of encouraging young people in the care and welfare of horses.
1215. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to address current regulations for fox hunting in the area of Macroom, County Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1344/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1216. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions being taken by his Department in respect of the fox hunting incident in Macroom, County Cork, on 26 December 2017 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1345/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1215 and 1216 together.
I am aware of and concerned at the reported incident in Macroom.
The Hunting Association of Ireland has a detailed Code of Conduct in place in respect of the hunting of foxes. I am disappointed that despite the existence of this Code, this event occurred. I have asked my officials to engage with the Hunting Association to determine whether, in light of this event, the Code needs updating.
My Department is fully committed to promoting good practices that respect the welfare of all animals. Evidence of breaches can be reported to the Animal Welfare Hotline operated by my Department.
1217. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the nature of the information technology problem is that is causing the delay in a Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme, GLAS, payment to a person (details supplied); when the issue will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1352/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to by the Deputy was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of January 1st 2017.
All GLAS claims must clear validation checks before payment can be made. Department officials are working proactively to complete the checks to minimise delays to payments. Once this case clears the validations the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments are issuing on a weekly basis.
1218. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme, GLAS, payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1354/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to by the Deputy was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015. Payments in respect of 2015 and 2016 have been made.
An issue presented with the commonage associated with this participant. Department officials identified the issue and the Advisor should now be able to submit the Commonage Management Plan (CMP). Once the case clears all validations the 2017 advance payment will issue. GLAS payments are currently issuing on a weekly basis.
1219. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of spaces for trucks that have been secured with ferry companies for live exports for spring 2018; the way in which these numbers compare with the previous three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1366/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very conscious of the vital role live exports play in stimulating live competition for domestic cattle and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers. I, along with my Department officials, have been strongly supportive of live trade from Ireland and my decision in February 2017 to reduce the veterinary inspection fee payable on live exports of calves under three months of age to €1.20 per animal from €4.80 gave an important boost to the overall trade including trade in young calves and brought greater equity in the fees payable per consignment in respect of calves, weanlings and adult cattle.
Shipping companies engaged in roll-on roll-off transport endeavour to assist all Irish export businesses including livestock exporters. The number of berths maintained by shipping companies is a commercial matter for the companies themselves. Officials of my Department have been working closely with the shipping companies in recent months to ensure that the greatest facilitation possible is afforded to livestock exporters in the important Spring period. One of the roll-on roll-off ferry companies is currently actively engaged in the process of securing an alternative vessel to replace its existing vessel which is scheduled for maintenance. I look forward to further update in coming days.
1220. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the fixed price regime for skimmed milk powder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1368/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Irish dairy market, following on from broader EU and International trends, is currently in a much improved position compared to the relatively recent past. Whilst the overall dairy sector is now in a much better place, particularly at the farm gate, there has been significant recourse to intervention for skimmed milk powder (SMP) across the EU since September 2015.
The Deputy will be aware that between mid 2014 and the end of 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 agri-food products and reduced global demand, notably for dairy products in China.
During that phase of volatility, the EU 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 37,000 tonnes of product into intervention between September 2015 and the end of 2016.
There are now approximately 376,000 tonnes of SMP in public intervention stocks, effectively overhanging the EU SMP market. My Department engaged with the Commission on recent proposals to limit further piling up of SMP in 2018 without due justification, including requesting that the Commission's proposal to reduce the fixed price ceiling to zero be specified as for 2018 only, to avoid setting a precedent for the longer term. I have previously stated that it is important that the Commission remain vigilant in monitoring the market situation, and has contingencies in place in the event of market volatility re-emerging.
In common with the vast majority of EU Member States where dairy production is of significance within the broader agri-food sector, Ireland recognises that the current situation in respect of existing stocks cannot be allowed to persist indefinitely. However, the issue of current stocks cannot be disentangled from the issue of managing SMP intervention in 2018 and beyond. The issues involved, with respect to both market management and sentiment in the sector, are complex and require ongoing careful management.
It is critically important that the release of these stocks is managed in a way that does not de-stabilise the market. I am satisfied to date that the Commission has managed these stocks in a prudent manner.
My Department has and will continue to engage with the Commission, with other Member States, and with national stakeholders on these important issues.
1221. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the projects undertaken to consolidate or amalgamate existing legislation, including the cost, the duration, the number of staff required and if this process was carried out by his Department or outsourced in each of the years 2007 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [1557/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s legislation regulates a diverse range of areas such as food safety (including animal health and welfare), agriculture (including payments) and seafood (including State fisheries). In the period in question, my Department made more than 700 separate pieces of legislation.
Our membership of the European Union means that there are substantial and ongoing changes in legislation at EU level and my Department updates its legislation regularly to reflect these changes. As a result, there has been little requirement to consolidate the Department’s legislative codes.
In addition, because of the constant updating of the Department’s legislation, the skills developed within the Department to draft legislation mean that there is no requirement to outsource this task.
There were no consolidation projects completed within the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the relevant time period.
1222. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the deterrents in place to prevent illegal dumping in Coillte forests and lakes in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1594/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBye–laws were introduced under Section 37 of the Forestry Act 1988, at the request of Coillte, to regulate illegal or unauthorised activities by members of the public on its property. Illegal dumping is one of the unauthorised activities encompassed by those Bye-Laws.
The matter was also raised with Coillte who advise that, due to the vast and isolated nature of the Coillte estate, illegal dumping is a significant issue for the company. Illegal dumping poses a serious risk to the natural environment, as it can pollute rivers, drinking water sources, damage biodiversity, and is a threat to the health and safety of both recreational users and the people who live nearby.
The company advise that it is committed to ensuring that visitors can enjoy visiting its forest parks and trails without the sight of illegally-dumped rubbish and has spent approximately €2 million since 2013 in clean-up operations alone. Coillte further advise that each of Coillte’s six Business Area Units has its own dedicated Estates team responsible for the management of important estate issues like dumping with those teams supported by a large number of caretakers spread across the country.
To specifically deter illegal dumping, Coillte advise that it installs signs, barriers and CCTV at illegal dumping hotspots and is also currently trialling a ‘confidential line’ which will be displayed on the company website and signage and that the information gathered will be filtered back to the relevant Coillte staff to look into. Coillte adds that it actively investigate all reports of dumping and where evidence is found of those responsible, it is passed on to local authority litter wardens who are responsible for issuing fines and pursuing prosecutions. Coillte advise that it has good working relations with all local authorities to manage and remove dumped material.
Coillte also advise that, to strengthen these measures, there is also the legal deterrent as Coillte may also apply bye-laws to specific sites. These bye-laws, which I mentioned, prohibit littering, dumping and other antisocial activities. I would remind the Deputy that any person who commits an offence under these bye-laws is liable to a fine and/or imprisonment and these bye-laws may be enforced by a member of the Garda Síochána.
1223. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding provided to local authorities for horse wardens, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1603/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Control of Horses Act 1996 details powers available to local authorities for the control and welfare of horses. Section 15 of the Act provides that the Minister for Agriculture, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, may make grants towards the expenses of a local authority incurred under the Act. In this regard my Department provided funding of €533,839 to local authorities in 2017 to assist with their work in control of stray and abandoned horses. The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government have clarified that currently, a horse warden grade is not included in its structure.
