Written Answers Nos. 435-453
435. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive a GLAS payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17458/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe above named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of January 1 2016.
The Department deemed the participant not to have complied with the terms and conditions and accordingly rejected the application from the scheme. The participant subsequently appealed this decision. The appeal was partially successful.
The case has been listed for re-instatement and is being progressed by the Department. Once complete, GLAS payments will issue. GLAS payments are currently issuing on a weekly basis.
436. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment will issue to a farmer (details supplied) in County Galway under the 2017 GLAS scheme; the reason for the delay in issuing the payment; if his attention has been drawn to the financial burden being put on the person and others awaiting GLAS payments due to the fodder crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17572/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2017.
In line with the requirements set out in the GLAS 3 Terms and Conditions, GLAS 3 nutrient management plans (NMP) were required to be submitted by 31 March 2018. This requirement has not been met in this case and until it is submitted, the person named is considered ineligible for a payment. They should speak immediately to their advisor to have the NMP submitted.
Once the NMP is submitted to the online NMP system operated by Teagasc and the case clears the required validation checks the 2017 advance payment will issue. GLAS payments are issuing on a weekly basis.
437. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a farmer (details supplied) in County Galway under the 2017 GLAS scheme; the reason for the delay in issuing the payment in view of the fact that there is no issue with the person's GLAS plan; if his attention has been drawn to the financial burden on the person and others awaiting GLAS payments due to the fodder crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17573/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe above named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016 and has received all payments in respect of the 2016 scheme year.
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 in this case. Once this case clears validations the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments are being made on a weekly basis.
438. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person can avail of the benefit or process granted by the European Commission recently allowing a derogation on the three crop rule under greening obligations in view of the weather conditions in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17584/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tillage sector is an extremely important part of Irish agriculture. As with livestock farmers in Ireland the winter that has just passed and the current late and wet spring have put huge pressure on tillage farmers. At this late stage the number of crop options has diminished significantly as we have passed the optimal sowing date for crops such as spring wheat, beans and oats.
The introduction of Greening and specifically Crop Diversification places obligations on tillage farmers with between 10 and 30 ha to grow two crops, with the main crop not exceeding 75%. For farmers with more than 30 ha three crops must be sown. Again the main crop cannot exceed 75% and the two main crops cannot exceed 95%.
My Department has put forward a strong case to the EU Commission seeking a derogation in relation to the Crop Diversification obligations for the 2018 scheme year. We are confident that the case being made meets the relevant standards, as set out in the Regulations, for such an exemption.
Whilst formal approval from the EU Commission for the Irish derogation is now awaited, I believe that where alternative crop options are not available to allow farmers to be compliant with Crop Diversification rules, growers can make crop choices that best suit their current situation, even if this leaves them non-compliant with the Crop Diversification rules.
My Department is in the process of adding some new functionality to the online application system to allow this derogation to be availed of. For farmers and advisors who have already applied or who do so before the introduction of the new functionality, an amendment will have to be made to declare that the non-compliance in 2018 is due to the adverse weather conditions this spring.
This exemption will assist tillage farmers and allow them to make the best of a difficult spring period.
439. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the rules regarding the distance trees are planted from persons' houses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17601/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWithout having the details of a specific application or applications, I can only outline the standards required for Afforestation applications. My Department is conscious of the implications of planting near private residences, which is taken into account at the pre-approval stage of forestry applications. My Department’s publication Environmental Requirements for Afforestation (2016) provides guidance on establishing plantations in accordance with good forest practice, with reference to environmental considerations. A set-back distance from dwelling houses and associated buildings of 60m, or 30m with the written consent of the dwelling owner is a requirement of the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme.
The minimum setback distance of 30m is in line with established international norms for defensible space around structures, and as such the standard 60m forest setback should be more than adequate to protect homes and structures in Irish conditions. Therefore I do not intend to review these standards.
While the prescribed 60m set-back will suffice in most cases, the Department may require a greater set-back or indeed the exclusion of sections of a proposed site, if deemed necessary on landscape grounds.
440. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if inspections on farms in County Clare will be suspended for the duration of the fodder crisis as a contribution to ameliorating the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17619/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU regulations governing the Direct Payment Schemes and Rural Development measures require my Department to conduct inspections to ensure compliance with scheme eligibility criteria and Cross Compliance requirements. These inspections, including cross compliance, are mandatory and there are minimum numbers and types of inspections that must take place annually.
My Department's inspecting officers are fully aware of the difficulties being encountered by farmers due to the adverse weather conditions and the associated fodder issues. Each inspected case will have all factors, including the poor weather conditions, taken into account both during the inspection and when arriving at any decision on the outcome of an inspection.
Inspecting Officers endeavour to maintain a positive engagement with farmers and to be mindful of any situation where it is evident that a farmer may be under stress.
441. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 398 of 8 March 2018, when a person (details supplied) will receive a GLAS payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17621/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis person is fully up to date with their GLAS payments.
442. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 399 of 8 March 2018, when a person (details supplied) will receive an organics payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17622/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named is a participant in the Organic Farming Scheme. The checks and validations in respect of their 2017 advance payment have now been completed and their payment in respect of their 2017 claim will issue shortly.
443. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a marked increase in the number of cattle dying in County Clare, mainly of diseases related to being housed too long due to the fodder crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17628/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDefinitive National or regional figures for cattle deaths for the first quarter of 2018 are not yet available, and when available will need to be assessed in the context of the overall increase in the cattle population. A number of factors can lead to an increase in on farm livestock mortality. These factors can include disease issues, as well as stress factors that indirectly lead to decreased immunity and hence increased susceptibility to disease. When definitive figures for the first quarter of 2018 are available, my Department will be in a better position to draw some conclusions as regards the regional and national impact of the recent weather events and fodder shortages on livestock mortality figures.
444. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on ensuring that Ireland does not export greyhounds to countries in which the welfare standards are poor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17670/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe movement of all dogs between Member States is currently governed by European legislation. Under EU law, dogs moved to another EU country from Ireland must be accompanied by an EU pet passport, be microchipped, and have a valid rabies vaccination. Premises exporting dogs must be registered with my Department. 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. Dogs must also have a health certificate issued by a Department veterinarian. Exporters must comply with EU law on the protection of animals during transport.
The position is that once animal health and welfare certification requirements, and the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No 1 of 2005 on the protection of animals during transport, are met, dogs, including greyhounds, may be moved within the EU or exported to a non-EU country.
The main destination for Irish dogs and greyhounds moved abroad continues to be the UK.
Bord na gCon has informed me that while it has no control of events outside the jurisdiction of Ireland and has no statutory function regarding the regulation of greyhound exports, it does however continue to advise owners involved in the export of greyhounds to only export to destinations that provide the expected levels of greyhound care and management as defined within Bord na gCon's Code of Practice.
445. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive a payment under the knowledge transfer dairy programme in view of the fact that this person has been approved for payment but has not been provided with a timeframe for the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17700/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraKnowledge Transfer (KT) is one of a suite of measures included under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 and involves the formation of knowledge transfer groups across the beef, dairy, equine, sheep, tillage and poultry sectors.
Farmer participants attend group meetings and produce a Farm Improvement Plan in consultation with their KT Facilitator. For each year of the three year programme participants receive a reimbursement in the amount of €750 for a primary sector and €375 for a secondary sector where all requirements of the programme have been met.
The person named is a participant in the Knowledge Transfer Beef Programme. A change to the herdnumber since initial application to the programme necessitated investigation prior to approving payment. This investigation has now concluded and payment is expected to issue shortly.
446. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if root crops in addition to forage crops will be covered under the transportation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17715/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the problems experienced in parts of the West and North-West in the late autumn and winter I took a number of steps to address issues around the availability of fodder. I asked Teagasc from an early stage to work locally with affected farmers in areas with fodder difficulties and support them on fodder budgeting for the winter ahead. I prioritised the payment of farm supports to assist farmers with cash flow. In this regard my Department has paid out over €1.6bn to Irish farmers under Pillar I and Pillar II and will continue to make residual payments.
As a further early intervention, and to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the issue of fodder availability in affected areas, I convened a fodder group chaired by Teagasc, and comprising of all the main stakeholders including feed merchants and co-ops, banking, farm bodies etc.
I introduced a targeted ‘Fodder Transport Support measure’ on 29 January 2018 to provide additional assistance to those livestock farmers in parts of the West and North West severely affected by on-going fodder shortages. The main purpose of the measure was to support the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where it was plentiful and those where it was scarce. It is operated primarily through the Co-operative structure.
The continuation of cold wet weather throughout March resulted in a serious delay to the onset of spring. Grass growth remained negligible, ground stayed wet and livestock had to remain housed in many cases. This resulted in the fodder problem extending countrywide with a consequent tightening of fodder availability nationally.
In response I extended the fodder transport measure to all counties and also introduced a Fodder Import Support Measure, to ensure that there was adequate fodder available to feed the national herd. This measure was introduced on 5 April to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage (hay, silage, haylage etc.) from outside the island of Ireland. Northern Ireland is excluded. The measure is operated through Co-operatives and other importers approved by the Department . It covers fodder imported up to 30th April 2018. Support under the measure will substantially reduce the cost to farmers of imported fodder by approximately one third. This initial allocation will support the importation of up to 20,000 tons of fodder into the country and this will be kept under on-going review until the current crisis is over. Together these two measures address remaining issue around fodder availability.
Root crops are not eligible under the Fodder Import Support Measure or Fodder Transport Support Measure. Indications are that there are adequate quantities of eligible fodder being made available through importation and local trading to meet demand.
In other supports, planning continues with a view to commencement of balancing payments under certain Pillar II schemes including the Sheep Welfare Scheme followed by the GLAS scheme in the near future.
The GLAS Traditional Hay Meadow grazing date has been extended to 1 May 2018, and this makes available an additional 27,000 ha of grazing for livestock which would not otherwise be available.
Furthermore, I have recently met with the CEO's of the main banks to discuss any cash flow issues arising from the recent bad weather and access to finance for the sector generally. During these meetings I continued to stress that in the context of the current situation the banks should be flexible and put measures in place to support their customers.
My officials are monitoring the fodder situation on a daily basis and engaging with all stakeholders in addressing the remaining challenges around fodder supply this spring. Recent improvement in grass growth is rapidly improving the situation at farm level. The next step will be to prevent this situation arising again, through supporting farmers to effectively plan and manage their grass and fodder supplies for the coming winters.
447. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding his Department's recruitment practices in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17791/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for acknowledging the work carried out by the staff in my Department.
My Department appointed a newly recruited Veterinary Inspector to the Tralee office on 16 April 2018 and a Technical Agricultural Office is due to start work in this office on 5 June 2018. My Officials are working with our recruitment partners, the Public Appointments Service to fill 2 further Technical Agricultural Officer posts in the Kerry area. My Department is also exploring options to fill a Supervisory role in the Tralee Office.
My Department avails of the workforce planning process to identify the critical resource needs required to deliver our business goals. Workforce planning is a key tool in enabling my Department to forecast its current and future staffing needs.
The Workforce Plan aims to ensure a long-term, proactive and strategic plan by which my Department achieves the right level of talent in each location and Division at the right time. My Department operates in a rapidly changing environment and its structure must facilitate the flexibility to deploy resources as the need arises.
Staffing levels are constantly monitored and the amount of resources available for any business area or location, including Co. Kerry, is constantly being assessed. Critical needs, including those arising following staff retirements are considered by my Management Board and resources are allocated as required to meet the evolving business needs of my Department.
I am satisfied that adequate staffing levels have been maintained in the Kerry region to provide excellent service and quality results to the customers we serve.
448. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the organic farm grants will be reinstated; if so, the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17823/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA new Organic Sector Strategy Group was established in March this year by my Department. This new Group is tasked with developing a strategy for the development of the Organic Sector for the period up to 2025.
The Terms of Reference of the Organic Sector Strategy Group include an assessment of the case for a targeted reopening of the Organic Farming Scheme, looking to best economic and environmental outcomes.
Following receipt of this assessment, I will make a decision regarding the requirement and potential to reopen the Organic Farming Scheme.
449. 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. [17856/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe above named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016 and has received all payment in respect of 2016.
Administrative checks 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 in this case which are expected to be completed shortly. Once this case clears validations the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments are being made on a weekly basis.
450. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the form, date and amount of all invoices issued to his Department by a company (details supplied) in each of the years from 2007 to 2017, inclusive, in tabular form. [17898/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no record of any invoices or payments to the company Heneghan PR in the period 2007 to 2017.
451. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if GLAS flexibilities to low input permanent pasture will be extended in view of the fact that saturation on these land parcels is at unprecedented levels due to rain and snow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17947/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe grazing of a Low input permanent pasture action is a matter for each individual herd owner and no closed period grazing restrictions are imposed by GLAS.
As set out in the Scheme specifications, topping is not permitted between the 15th of March and the 1st of July annually and the maximum chemical nitrogen that can be applied is 40kg per hectare for which a payment of €314 per hectare is available.
452. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the exceptional circumstances related to weather during inspections in 2018 will be taken into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17948/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU regulations governing the Direct Payment Schemes and Rural Development measures require my Department to conduct inspections to ensure compliance with scheme eligibility criteria and Cross Compliance requirements. These inspections, including cross compliance, are mandatory and there are minimum numbers and types of inspections that must take place annually.
My Department's inspecting officers are fully aware of the difficulties being encountered by farmers due to the adverse weather conditions and the associated fodder issues. Each inspected case will have all factors, including the poor weather conditions, taken into account both during the inspection and when arriving at any decision on the outcome of an inspection.
453. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if payments have issued to participants in the knowledge transfer dairy programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17961/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraKnowledge Transfer (KT) is one of a suite of measures included under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 and involves the formation of knowledge transfer groups across the beef, dairy, equine, sheep, tillage and poultry sectors.
Farmer participants attend group meetings and produce a Farm Improvement Plan in consultation with their KT Facilitator. For each year of the three year programme participants receive a reimbursement in the amount of €750 for a primary sector and €375 for a secondary sector where all requirements of the programme have been met.
Approximately 19,100 farmers have actively participated in Year One of the Programme attending a range of Knowledge Transfer Group Meetings, Knowledge Transfer approved National Events and completing Farm Improvement Plans and Animal Health Measures.
To date, in excess of €1.9 million has been paid to over 2,500 of the approx 4,100 KT Dairy participants who had fully completed all requirements of year 1 of the KT Dairy Programme. Additional payments to KT Dairy participants are expected to issue shortly.
