Written Answers Nos. 71 - 90
71. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being faced by horse trainers and stable staff in the horse racing industry due to changes to their agricultural status; the interaction his Department has had with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7156/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the deep concern that exists in the horseracing industry arising from the recent Labour Court ruling and its significant impact on the sector, particularly for smaller operators.
As part of the legislation governing employment in this area falls within the remit of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I can confirm that I have met with my colleague Minister Humphreys in relation to this issue.
In addition, my Department officials are also engaging with their counterparts in the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, who hold responsibility for Employment Rights. I have also raised the matter with Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Minister Doherty.
While I have no remit with regard to employment legislation, I will continue my endeavours to represent the interests of the sector and push for a successful resolution to this matter.
72. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts he is making to seek new markets for agrifood produce produced here in the context of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6912/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is of course 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. Indeed, this is all the more relevant after the UK’s decision to leave the EU, which presents significant new challenges for the agri-food sector in particular.
Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region. This is where our efforts will be focused for the foreseeable future, particularly given the need to diversify our markets and to reduce our reliance on traditional destinations such as the UK.
In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025 I led a very successful Trade Mission in February 2017 to the Gulf Region, visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This was followed by an extensive Trade Mission to the US and Mexico in June - markets that offer many potential opportunities for Irish exporters. The US is the largest food and beverage market in the world and has a population of 324 million people. Around 35 million Americans also claim Irish ancestry. Mexico has a population of 127 million, making it the eleventh-largest country in the world in population terms and the fifteenth-largest economy in the world, with projections that it will move into the top five by 2050.
During the trade mission in November 2017 to Japan and South Korea, I was accompanied by 40 representatives of the Irish food sector, as well as by experts from my Department, the Chief Executive of Bord Bia and senior representatives from Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc.
This was a very opportune time to bring a delegation of Ireland’s food leaders to this part of the world, given that the EU has concluded a Free Trade Agreement with South Korea as well as agreeing an Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan. These are markets of high potential for beef, pigmeat and sheepmeat exports, and so it is important that we raise the profile of Irish agri-food enterprises that already have access to these markets, and make progress in negotiating access for others.
My Department is currently making arrangements with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland for an upcoming trade mission at the end of February to the US and Canada. Again this will include participants from across the agri-food sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as high- level political discussions. This will already be my second trade mission of 2018 with the most recent to Turkey earlier this month, concentrating primarily on live exports.
These and the other missions that my Department are planning for 2018 will serve to enhance and improve our existing levels of market access in these destinations. They will also promote Ireland’s reputation as a producer of high quality, safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy products.
The destinations are also in keeping with the recent market prioritisation exercise that was undertaken by Bord Bia at my request. This exercise identified opportunities in new and more mature markets, and provides valuable market intelligence both for industry operators and policy makers.
My Department will continue to seek out and identify new markets and I am ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities as they arise.
73. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied the current €850 million per annum level of food and food industry related imports is sustainable; if his Department has explored the possibility of more sustainable alternatives to reduce dependence, for example, the potential for increased fruit and vegetable production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7146/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is small open economy which exports the vast bulk of its main agricultural commodities. Between the period 2009 to 2016 agri-food exports increased by 56% from €7.8 billion to €12.2 billion to over 180 destinations worldwide. While full year figures are not yet available from the Central Statistics Office, returns indicate that exports for January – November 2017 totalled €12.4 billion.
Total agri-food sector imports for 2016 came to €8.2 billion from over 180 destinations worldwide. While full year figures are not yet available from the Central Statistics Office, returns indicate total agri-food imports for January - November 2017 totalled €7.9 billion.
Food Wise 2025, the new ten year strategy for the agri-food sector published in 2015 identifies the opportunities and challenges facing the sector and provides an enabling strategy that will allow the sector to grow and prosper. Food Wise includes more than 400 specific recommendations, spread across the cross-cutting themes of sustainability, innovation, human capital, market development and competitiveness; as well as specific sectoral recommendations.
If these recommendations are implemented, the expert committee which drew up the Food Wise 2025 Strategy believes that the following growth projections are achievable by 2025: increasing the value of agri-food exports by 85% to €19 billion; increasing value added in the sector by 70% to in excess of €13 billion; and increasing the value of primary production by 65% to almost €10 billion. With regard to employment, Food Wise foresees the creation of 23,000 additional jobs in the agri-food sector all along the supply chain from primary production to high value added product development.
74. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason his Department introduced over-onerous conditions under the clean livestock policy for sheep in meat plants in the middle of winter; his plans to ensure that Teagasc can provide workable solutions in order that havoc can be avoided in factories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7139/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFood legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter. My Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders. The policy document was finalised in February 2017. This policy is a public health measure, intended to reduce the potential risk to consumers that may arise if meat is contaminated by dirty fleeces.
The cleanliness of a fleece is related to the farming practices from where the sheep originates as well as being influenced by the stakeholders along the supply chain. All stakeholders can influence the cleanliness of the sheep fleece.
Teagasc has produced "A Guide for Sheep Producers”, which sets out key advisory recommendations for sheep producers to assist them in the production of sheep with fleece that are suitable for slaughter for human consumption, a copy of this guide was issued to all registered flockowners along with the 2017 sheep census forms in early December 2017. My Department has also written to all sheep farmers and transporters directly. Full details regarding the policy are available on the Department's website-
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodsafetyconsumerissues/foodsafetycontrolsonmeat/cleanlivestockpolicy/
The production of sheep meat suitable for human consumption is the primary objective and responsibility of the food business operator in line with food legislation. Each food business operator must draw up procedures to demonstrate how they achieve this. This involves a fleece evaluation and actions, as necessary, to ensure cleanliness of the fleece prior to slaughter.
My Department monitors the cleanliness of the sheep presented for slaughter on a daily basis. It should be noted that the vast majority of sheep are deemed acceptable at the slaughter plant.
The need for an effective clean livestock policy is regarded as being very important not just in terms of basic food safety, but also as a reputational issue for Ireland’s meat industry and our export trade.
Our clean livestock policy is vital for the protection of the consumer and to protect our export markets
75. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received for the fodder aid transport subsidy scheme; the reason he chose a transport subsidy option instead of a meal voucher scheme; if he will reconsider the decision and introduce a meal voucher scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7147/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWeather conditions for much of last autumn were challenging for farmers in some parts of the West and North West in particular. Difficulties in harvesting fodder in some of these areas were compounded by the need to house livestock earlier than usual, resulting in additional pressure on fodder supplies over the course of the winter.
To immediately address this issue I prioritised the payment of farm supports to assist farmers with cash flow. The European Commission agreed to his request, informed in part by the poor weather conditions of last autumn, for an advance payment of the 2017 Basic Payment Measure and Agri-environment measures. These payments commenced after the earliest date possible which was 15th October 2017, and balancing payments issued in early December 2017. These payments together with those issued under the Areas of Natural Constraints Measure, injected over €1.4 billion into the Irish rural economy by the end of last year and are providing a very welcome boost for Irish farm families and will help to finance additional fodder purchase where necessary.
At this time I also requested Teagasc, through its farm advisory service, to identify farmers who would be most at risk of running out of fodder and provide them with support to carry out fodder budgeting on their farms and explore all viable options to ensure that they had sufficient feed for the coming winter.
In order to provide additional assistance to those livestock farmers severely affected by ongoing fodder shortages, mainly in parts of the West and North West, I introduced a targeted Fodder Transport Support measure, operated through the Co-operative structure, to partly offset the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where it is available and those where it is scarce. This measure applies only to fodder purchased in the period from 29 January 2018 until 20 April 2018.
While the areas identified by Teagasc as being the most affected are predominantly located in parts of the West and North-West, the measure is not county specific within the region. As with all measures, certain criteria apply. Farmers, in a locality within the region, identified by Teagasc as having a significant fodder shortage, having completed a fodder budgeting exercise with their FAS agricultural advisor, will be eligible to receive a financial contribution towards the costs of transport of fodder, sourced through the Co-operative system. Only the shortfall in fodder will be eligible to receive support under the measure.
Teagasc assessments of whether there are significant forage shortages in specific areas is ongoing. It is important to emphasise that this is a targeted and locally focused measure, centering on areas of fodder scarcity that normal local trading in fodder cannot service.
This measure will provide a financial contribution of €8 per standard bale of hay or straw for feeding and €12 per standard bale of silage or haylage towards the additional cost of transporting the fodder from the East and South of the country to the affected areas of the West and North West. Farmers will still pay the cost of the fodder in the normal way. To ensure that normal local trade in fodder is not disrupted, a minimum transport distance of 100 km will apply.
Financial assistance under the Fodder Transport Support Measure is payable in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 1408/2013 on de minimis aid in the agricultural production sector. No applications for support under this measure were received up to last Friday, 9 February. Processing and verification of applications for support will be carried out in a timely fashion.
Full details on the operation of the measure, including application forms and Department contact details are available on my Department’s website.
76. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the status quo in terms of fisheries, that is, access, percentage share of stocks and the trade aspects will fully apply during the transition arrangement in view of the guidelines published by the EU member states in the week of 29 January 2018 regarding the transition arrangements between the European Union and the United Kingdom; if fisheries and the wider trade are directly linked to phase two of the talks; if the linkage for the talks will be guaranteed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6758/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI very much welcome the EU position that the whole of the EU acquis will apply during any transition, which means that the status quo for fisheries and all other sectors will be preserved. This will ensure that we avoid any gaps or cliff edge effects between the UK leaving the EU and the entry into force of a future relationship agreement .
While I cannot guarantee what the final outcome of the upcoming negotiations will be, I can assure you of my close engagement with the Barnier Task Force, in collaboration with the Tánaiste, on both the possible transition phase and the future overall relationship between the EU27 and the United Kingdom.
My continued objective is to ensure that the implications for fisheries are fully taken account of in the establishment of the framework for a future EU-UK relationship. Ireland’s key priorities in this regard will be to maintain the current access to fishing grounds in the UK zone in the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and north of Donegal and the protection of Ireland’s existing quota shares.
I am glad to say that the Commission has concurred with our viewpoint that fisheries arrangements must be integral part of the overall future relationship agreement. They also accept the key point that fisheries is a zero sum game and that any gain for the UK would mean a loss for Ireland and the rest of the EU.
I have held positive, regular meetings with my European colleagues in recent months, especially those from the group of 8 member states whose fisheries are most impacted by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. I am also working closely with key stakeholders in the Irish fishing industry and am pleased at the level of unity on these key issues.
I am confident that we are all in agreement when it comes to our collective determination to ensure that our existing rights and entitlements are fully protected into the future.
In conclusion, I would like to assure the Deputy that, working together with the Barnier Task Force, I aim to ensure that fisheries are inextricably linked to overall future relationship negotiations.
77. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason pressure has not been brought to bear on the EU Agriculture Commissioner to financially support the land owners of hen harrier designated land (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7014/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I would like to say that neither I or my Department have a role in regards to the designation of land. That function is exercised by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
However, as part of our current Rural Development Plan, my Department seeks to address a wide range of environmental objectives, involving farmers in different ways and paying for additional actions undertaken and income foregone. This includes supporting farmers with lands which have been designated for conservation of the Hen Harrier, and this is an ambition fully supported by the EU.
GLAS is the main mechanism for addressing these challenges, and conservation of the Hen Harrier is a priority action under that Scheme. Farmers with Hen Harrier habitat qualified automatically for GLAS under Tier One, with some of the highest per hectare payments as well - €370 per hectare up to the standard ceiling of €5,000 per annum, with automatic qualification for GLAS Plus as well, should they manage sufficient habitat. GLAS Plus brings potential payment for managing Hen Harrier habitat up to €7,000 a year. I am delighted to say that there are currently 2,674 farmers in GLAS taking the Hen Harrier action and this represents nearly 70% of all farmers with Hen Harrier land. By any standards, this is a remarkable achievement and the scale of this level of co-ordinated intervention could have real impact on the survival of the bird.
However, in developing the current RDP, my Department also wanted to build in the possibility for testing different ways of approaching agri-environmental issues on the ground – and this included how we might try to help both the Hen Harrier and farmers in Hen Harrier areas. We wanted to experiment with a more agile ‘locally-led’ model which could be used to test new ways of doing things and, perhaps most importantly, new ways of engaging farmers and involving them much more directly in developing ideas and solutions.
This is the process out of which the new Hen Harrier Programme has grown. While funded and supported by the Department, it is not a Department scheme as such – it is a partnership involving many different players and is active in all six SPAs. As well as seeking to protect the future of the bird, it explicitly seeks to create a stronger socio-economic outlook for the agricultural communities in those areas and to promote positive relations with those communities, who have managed these sensitive landscapes for generations. The new Hen Harrier Programme has been designed by a locally-led Project Team working in close collaboration with the farmers on the ground in those areas. I am delighted to say that interest in the scheme is exceptionally high with over 1,200 applications already received. Worked examples show that a farmer with 15 hectares could earn up to €3,000-€4,000 a year, while a farmer with 40 hectares could actually get up to €6,000-€7,000 a year. This could be in addition to what is paid under GLAS, depending on the circumstances and actions taken.
I have allocated €25m to the new Locally-Led programme and taken in combination with payments under GLAS to Hen Harrier farmers, we anticipate that total payments to farmers in these areas will be close to €90m over the course of the current Rural Development Programme. These payments are fully co-funded by the EU and testify to the ongoing commitment of both the Irish Government and the EU to support farmers in Hen Harrier areas.
78. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of recent discussions at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers on CAP reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7112/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the most recent EU Council of Agriculture Ministers in January, Ministers were given the opportunity to debate the future of the CAP post 2020.
Discussions focussed on the key objectives to be set at EU level to ensure that the CAP continues to add value after 2020, and the level of subsidiarity necessary to provide increased flexibility for Member States while maintaining the common character of the CAP, and the role of National strategic plans in this regard.
In general Ministers recognised the CAP's contribution to the production of high quality food, its support for 44 million jobs across the EU, for the maintenance of landscapes and environmental improvement, and the development of rural communities across the EU, already provides significant added value. Ministers also recognised, however, that the CAP post 2020 should add further value by contributing towards the EU’s environmental challenges and climate change objectives. This can only be achieved by securing an adequate budget for the CAP post 2020 and by placing farmers at the centre of the future CAP policy.
On the question of subsidiarity, Ministers generally agreed that the high level objectives for a new CAP should be set at EU level, and that within those parameters Member States could determine the appropriate measures to be introduced which best suit their own national circumstances. While member states were broadly supportive of the Commission's proposals on subsidiarity, there was a broad consensus that member state discretion should not be set at a level that undermined the common policy.
Discussions on the CAP post 2020 will intensify further in the coming months, with the Bulgarian Presidency scheduling CAP related discussions at every Council of Agriculture Ministers meetings during its Presidency. The upcoming February Council of Agriculture Ministers will include an exchange of views on the Commission Communication on the future of CAP, focusing on direct support, environmental aspects and rural development.
I look forward to continuing to engage constructively on CAP post 2020 with Commissioner Hogan, his officials, the Bulgarian Presidency and my Ministerial colleagues from other Member States.
79. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which live exports performed in each of the years 2015 to 2017; the efforts his Department is making to promote further expansion of the live export trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6914/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am extremely conscious of the vital role that live exports play in stimulating price competition, providing an alternative market outlet for Irish beef farmers. The Deputy will be aware that, in February 2017, I reduced the veterinary inspection fee that is payable on the live exports of calves less than three months of age to €1.20 per animal from €4.80, in order to bring greater equity in the fees payable per consignment in respect of calves, weanlings and adult cattle.
In relation to the years specified by the deputy, in 2015, total cattle exports stood at just under 180,000 head, mainly to traditional markets such as The Netherlands, Northern Ireland Spain. 2016 saw a decline of 21% to just over 140,000 head. However, the live cattle export trade in 2017 was very positive. At year’s end, exports of live cattle had increased by over 43,000 head, or 30%, in comparison to 2016 to reach just under 190,000 head. Whilst exports to Turkey have dominated headlines and understandably so given it is now our 3rd biggest market for live exports, the surge in exports to the Netherlands, Spain and to a lesser extent Belgium last year were a major contributor to the performance in this area in 2017. 2017 saw the export of calves account for approximately 55% of live exports.
In relation to the live export trade in 2018, I have just returned from Turkey where I had very positive engagement with both the Minister for Agriculture and other significant figures in the Turkish beef industry. I am glad to report that from the end of May this year private buyers, in addition to the State body ESK will be permitted to buy cattle for fattening directly themselves from exporting countries. I am hopeful this will give a further boost to this trade as it allows our own live exporters to deal directly with Turkish buyers.
In addition I have agreed with my Turkish counterpart to establish an official Contact Group involving officials from both this Department and the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture. This will allow for better engagement between both Departments on technical issues as they arise and on better understanding of the systems in both countries.
One of the key elements in ensuring a viable return for primary producers include increasing the number of outlets for their produce and ensuring competition for their produce, both of which increase the price received by farmers for their produce. Live exports play a vital role in this and it is an area I, and my officials, have invested significant time and effort in progressing.
80. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the code of conduct relating to fox hunting; the sanctions if there are breaches; if legislation will be introduced in view of the incident in Macroom on 26 December 2017 when a hunt entered a housing estate raising issues around public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6792/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of, and concerned at, the reported incident in Macroom, Co Cork.
Detailed debate was held around the issue of hunting during the passage of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and the Dail voted overwhelmingly to allow the continuation on fox hunting in accordance with an appropriate Code of Conduct.
The prevalence of a local fox population can be a cause of serious concern to owners of livestock and in particular poultry. However, the Act makes it clear that hunting must occur in a lawful fashion, which avoids wilful or unnecessary cruelty such as hunting an animal that has been released in an injured or exhausted condition.
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 on Call Save 0761064408; phone 016072379; Email animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
81. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being faced by the horse racing industry in view of the recent reclassification of the sector and the onerous and impractical workplace requirements which have ensued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6671/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the deep concern that exists in the horseracing industry arising from the recent Labour Court ruling and its significant impact on the sector, particularly for smaller operators.
As part of the legislation governing employment in this area falls within the remit of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I can confirm that I have met with my colleague Minister Humphreys in relation to this issue.
In addition, my Department officials are also engaging with their counterparts in the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, who hold responsibility for Employment Rights. I have also raised the matter with Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Minister Doherty.
While I have no remit with regard to employment legislation, I will continue my endeavours to represent the interests of the sector and push for a successful resolution to this matter.
82. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to problems with issued knowledge transfer payments particularly for partnership farms; the steps he will take to rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7138/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Knowledge Transfer Programme is one of the key measures included under Ireland’s Rural Development Programme, 2014-2020. Over 19,000 farmer participants are currently registered to Knowledge Transfer (KT) Groups in six sectors. Farmers are required to attend a number of group KT meetings and/or KT Events and also complete an individual Farm Improvement Plan (FIP) following one to one discussion with their Group Facilitator.
The Programme launched in summer 2016, with the first year of the three year cycles running to end May 2017 – this was subsequently extended to end July 2017. In order for payments to be made to both facilitators and farmers, the FIP must be completed and key data points uploaded onto the KT online system and the requirement to attend the required number of meetings must also be met.
Farmer participants are due €750 for completion of commitments under the KT Programme each year. The associated KT Facilitator is paid €500 per participant where s/he meets all the requirements of the programme. In the case of a farmer participating in a KT Group in a second sector, the associated reimbursement is €375 with €250 paid to the KT Facilitator. Farmers are permitted to participate in a maximum of two KT Groups in different sectors.
Under EU Regulations, no payment can be made directly to farmers for training. Thus, the payment must be structured as a reimbursement for costs and must be paid to the farmer by the KT facilitator.
Under the Farmer’s Charter, my Department committed to commencing payments on the KT Programme in the three months following the end of year one. In line with this commitment, payments commenced in October 2017. To date, 13,740 farmer payments in the amount of circa €10.1 million have issued across all 6 KT Sectors. Payments of circa €6.7 million have issued to KT facilitators. Further pay runs are in place to pay cases as they become clear.
Officials in my Department are currently addressing a payment issue which has arisen in relation to KT payments for partnership farmers. The issue arises from the requirement to match data in their Farm Improvement Plan to the individual farmer participant in the Registered Farm Partnerships for payment purposes. This issue is being addressed as a matter of priority, with a view to issuing payment to affected farmers as soon as possible.
83. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the possible development of hemp cultivation as a significant agricultural activity should be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7007/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraHemp fibre and seed are viewed as versatile products, used to produce a wide range of commodities including food and beverage products, medicines and a range of industrial products.
Hemp grown for fibre production is frequently referred to as “industrial” hemp, in order to differentiate it from the plants used for drug production. Industrial hemp has been selectively bred for several decades in order to lower, to almost negligible amounts, the narcotic compound THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). In the European Union, the cultivation of hemp is restricted to varieties having a content of THC lower than 0.2 %. Varieties of non-psychoactive hemp are also grown for seed production. The seeds have mainly been used for bird feed, but increasingly are used to produce hemp oil and as a cooking ingredient.
The growing of hemp, of any category, requires a licence from the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
Hemp has been the subject of research by Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority. Findings have noted that yields can vary between seasons but that the crop is responsive to low level inputs.
However, it is important to point out that subject to the licensing requirements outlined above, potential growers or processors wishing to cultivate hemp commercially should be satisfied that such an activity is economically viable. Any assessment would usefully include an analysis of the costs of establishing hemp processing facilities on a sound, commercial footing without recourse to State funding.
84. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to curb the illegal sale and export of Irish dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6666/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe welfare of animals is regulated by the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. The Act applies to all animals, whether kept for commercial, domestic, sport, show or other purposes and contains robust measures against the ill-treatment of animals. The Act also provides for the application of fines and imprisonment on conviction of an offence.
Trade within the EU of dogs is governed by EU law. Dogs moved to another EU Member State from Ireland must be accompanied by an EU pet passport and a health certificate issued by a Department veterinarian, be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination. Before travel, dogs must undergo a clinical examination by an authorised veterinarian, who must verify that the animals show no obvious signs of disease and are fit to be transported.
The premises exporting dogs to the other EU Member States must be registered with my Department in advance of the export.
These procedures ensure that only healthy dogs, over the age of 15 weeks, are allowed to be exported.
Exporters must also comply with national and EU law on the protection of animals during transport, while the transport of animals by air is also governed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Information about any breaches of these regulations can be provided to my Department, which will treat any information received in the strictest of confidence.
There is on-going co-operation between my Department, An Garda Síochána and Customs on the enforcement of export requirements and checks carried out at ports.
85. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the reliability of labelling and traceability structures throughout the food industry with particular reference to imports from third countries; the average number of checks or tests carried out in the past year; the way in which this compares with previous years; the number of cases detected which indicate a failure to meet the required standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7153/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFood products placed on the marketplace are covered by a range of legislation designed to ensure that products supplied to consumers are of the highest safety standards. My Department plays a part in the enforcement of this legislation along with other Government departments and State Agencies such as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and the Health Service Executive. The FSAI is the body responsible for enforcement of regulations governing traceability, labelling and provision of food information to customers.
Primary responsibility under EU law for the safety and traceability of food placed on the market lies with food business operators. The role of National Competent Agencies is to verify compliance with this requirement. This is done via a combination of inspecting establishments and auditing the food safety management systems which operators have in place. These controls are applied at different stages in the food supply chain. Regulation (EC) No. 178 of 2002 sets out the general principles and requirements of EU food law and stipulates that food business operators must, at all stages of production, processing and distribution within their business, ensure food law requirements are satisfied. In regard to traceability, the regulations require that food business operators have what is referred to as the ‘one step forward, one step backward’ traceability system. There are additional requirements for certain fishery and aquaculture products under the Control Regulation (Regulation 1224/2009 and Implementing Regulation 404/2011) from first sale to subsequent stages of production, processing and distribution up to retail.
My Department has a permanent veterinary presence at all of its approved slaughter plants. Controls at plants only engaged in secondary processing are carried out at a frequency based on an annual risk assessment. An annual audit of imported products is carried out in each Department-approved plant, including checks on physical identity, labelling and documentary checks.
Extra veterinary checks are carried out on selected consignments of foods imported into DAFM-approved establishments from other EU Member States or from Third Countries outside the EU. These checks include, physical checks of product condition, checks of accompanying documentation and checks of labelling and health markings.
The import of products of animal origin from third countries is governed by a comprehensive and robust legislative framework laid down at EU level, controlled by Member States in the first instance, and audited by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Food Safety (formally the FVO), to ensure compliance with all of the relevant food safety standards. The legislation imposes health and supervisory requirements designed to ensure that imported products meet standards equivalent to those required for production and trade between Member States. Border Inspection Posts are operated by my Department. Import control procedures on products of animal and fish origin are highly prescriptive and strictly audited by the Directorate to ensure compliance. Inspection reports are published on the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety’s website.
I am satisfied that the controls and checks in place and enforced by my Department which included 183 annual meat labelling audits in 2017, ensure that Irish consumers are protected and correctly informed when they purchase and consume food products.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has service contracts in place with the official agencies performing official controls, to verify compliance with the extensive requirements of food labelling legislation, in these establishments. The FSAI reports in detail on the number of inspections and checks carried out, and non-compliance findings.
86. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions held with the other member states which, along with Ireland, are deeply concerned regarding the impact of the Mercosur proposals to permit increased access to the EU prime beef market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7142/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have continuously raised the very significant threat posed to the European and Irish beef sectors by an EU-Mercosur trade deal with my Member State colleagues and with Commissioners Hogan and Malmström. These efforts have been reinforced at official level through similar contacts with Member States and the Commission, particularly through the Special Committee on Agriculture and the Trade Policy Committee.
Working with Member States has been very effective, for example in ensuring that no beef tariff rate quota offer was made by the EU to Mercosur in 2016. Initially, a draft offer circulated by the Commission to Member States in April 2016 contained a significant tariff rate quota (TRQ) for beef. Ireland worked very closely with other Member States in both Agriculture and Trade committees of the EU, and at Council of Ministers level, seeking to have this TRQ removed and to have a comprehensive assessment of the cumulative impact of all FTAs on the agriculture sector carried out by the Commission before any substantial offer would be made. Following this intense lobbying, the Commission decided to exclude a TRQ for beef when it exchanged offers with Mercosur on 11 May 2016.
I also worked very closely with a number of other Member States, most notably France, in the production of a joint paper that was submitted to the European Commission on 26 September 2017 outlining our shared concerns.
I was therefore deeply disappointed that the Commission decided to submit a beef tariff rate quota offer during the October round of negotiations with the Mercosur bloc, as I believe that this could not be coming at a worse time for the EU beef sector. I have been very consistent in urging caution in the approach to these negotiations, and have expressed Ireland's very grave concerns about the offer of a beef tariff rate quota of 70,000. Our views have been expressed clearly and consistently in EU discussions at political and official level, and by the Taoiseach in recent engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and with Commission President Jean Claude Juncker.
Most recently, Ireland made the latest in a series of very strong interventions on this matter at the Trade Policy Committee in Brussels on 2 February, and my colleague, Minister of State Andrew Doyle, also made a very strong intervention at the January Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting in Brussels, and spoke to Commissioner Hogan on the matter. Ireland also consulted closely with French and other Member State colleagues in the margins of the WTO Ministerial meeting in Buenos Aires in December in an effort to ensure that no further concessions would be made in relation to beef.
I believe there is a need for continued vigilance in relation to the conduct of these trade negotiations, and I will continue to insist that they are handled appropriately, and in a manner that safeguards the interests of the Irish and European beef sector. I will continue to work with other member states to protect the interests of the Irish beef sector.
87. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of trees planted by those in the agriculture sector since 2011; the percentage of native species planted; the percentage of commercial non-native species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7145/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme is the main afforestation scheme available to land owners operated by my Department. The Scheme provides for a number of different grant and premium categories and within those categories, for the planting of a number of different species. The Forestry Programme 2014 to 2020 took into account the aims and objectives of the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy. Certain commitments were provided for, which include a target of 30% broadleaf planting on an annual and national basis. This is a specific condition of my Department’s State Aid approval for the programme. At the launch of the Afforestation Scheme a minimum of 10% broadleaf component was required. Furthermore, sites over 10 ha must have 15% open space and retained habitat.
Due to the different species and stocking densities required at planting, it is not possible to give with any accuracy the number of trees planted. The reducing rate in the afforestation of native species, is following the trend in the reduction of planting of broadleaf species, largely associated with Ash Dieback. My Department is currently completing a midterm review of the Forestry Programme under which there will be proposals for improved rates for the broadleaf sector.
The area planted and the percentage of those areas that were planted with native and non-native species from 2011 to 2016 is given in the following table.
|
Year |
Afforestation Area (ha) |
Native (%) |
Non-Native (%) |
|
2011 |
6,653 |
37% |
63% |
|
2012 |
6,652 |
32% |
68% |
|
2013 |
6,252 |
24% |
76% |
|
2014 |
6,156 |
22% |
78% |
|
2015 |
6,293 |
20% |
80% |
|
2016 |
6,500 |
19% |
81% |
My Department compiles various statistics annually, which include a breakdown of the farmer/non-farmer applications approved and planted under the Afforestation Scheme. These statistics are made available on my Department’s website. The following table shows the area planted by farmers and non-farmers from 2011 to 2016.
|
Year |
Farmer - (Ha) |
Non-Farmer (Ha) |
Total |
|
2011 |
6,269 |
384 |
6,653 |
|
2012 |
6,237 |
415 |
6,652 |
|
2013 |
6,009 |
243 |
6,252 |
|
2014 |
5,978 |
178 |
6,156 |
|
2015 |
5,389 |
904 |
6,293 |
|
2016 |
4,156 |
2344 |
6,500 |
88. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to combat the level of negligence and breaching of animal welfare standards within the industry of puppy farming that has been well documented by organisations and persons in view of his statement on 3 October 2017 in which he stated that puppy farming is a stain on the public relationship with animals; and if the industry has been referred to the Revenue Commissioners [6793/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 remains a matter for the Minister for the Department of Rural and Community Development and the individual Local Authorities in whose functional area the establishment is located. Each local authority is required to maintain a register of dog breeding establishments in its functional area, which must include details of applicants for inclusion on the register and the maximum number of breeding bitches that may be kept at the relevant establishment.
The information available to me is that in the great majority of cases, such establishments operate without giving rise to serious animal welfare concerns. Where serious deficiencies are found and the relevant local authority takes action it is also then the remit of the court system to deal with specific cases.
The then Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government agreed to begin a process of review of the current Dog Breeding Establishment Guidelines in late 2015. In 2016, the review was broadened to a more formal public consultation, both for quality assurance and to address the need for openness and inclusiveness. A wide-scale formal public consultative process commenced on 1 December 2016 and closed on 28 February 2017. It was then transferred in July 2017 to the Department of Rural and Community Development who I understand have the content under consideration pending publication.
89. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to combat breaches of welfare regulations and animal welfare standards in the puppy farming industry here; and if this industry is revenue compliant. [6854/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 remains a matter for the Minister for the Department of Rural and Community Development and the individual Local Authority in whose functional area the establishment is located. Each local authority is required to maintain a register of dog breeding establishments in its functional area, which must include details of applicants for inclusion on the register and the maximum number of breeding bitches that may be kept at the relevant establishment.
The information available to me is that in the great majority of cases, such establishments operate without giving rise to serious animal welfare concerns. Where serious deficiencies are found and the relevant local authority takes action it is also then the remit of the court system to deal with specific cases.
The then Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government agreed to begin a process of review of the current Dog Breeding Establishment Guidelines in late 2015. In 2016, the review was broadened to a more formal public consultation, both for quality assurance and to address the need for openness and inclusiveness. A wide-scale formal public consultative process commenced on 1 December 2016 and closed on 28 February 2017. It was then transferred in July 2017 to the Department of Department of Rural and Community Development who I understand have the content under consideration pending publication.
90. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to create a viable biogas industry here that would utilise farm and animal waste as the main source of raw material for its production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7018/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises that indigenous renewable energy plays a vital role in our domestic fuel mix and will become even more important in the context of reducing our reliance on imported fuels and in meeting our challenging renewable energy targets. My Department is committed to working closely with the Department for Communications, Climate Action and Environment which is the lead Department in this area.
In that context, my Department recognises that there is an opportunity to encourage the utilisation of agricultural waste as an alternative source of energy.
While it is possible to produce and utilise methane through AD of stored manure and academic and industry research suggests that there is the potential for a significant role in the heat and transport sectors for biogas produced by anaerobic digestion, analysis to date would suggest that costs are a significant factor.
Given renewed interest in this technology and an interest from industry in mobilising biomethane, my Department is collaborating closely with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment to consider the potential for anaerobic digestion to contribute to Ireland’s significant renewable energy and GHG targets, and promotes the development of Ireland’s bioeconomy.
My Department, in collaboration with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and the Environmental Protection Agency, has sought to encourage the use of animal by-products (ABPs) as “valuable by-products not waste”. The sustainable use of ABPs can result in wider environmental and economic benefits.
The agriculture and forest sector has a critical role to play in contributing to our national climate change ambitions, and bioenergy represents a key component of that contribution.
