Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:14. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the EU West Balkans summit in Sofia, Bulgaria on 17 May 2018. [22242/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTaoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Ceisteanna (14, 19, 20, 21)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:19. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the EU summit meeting on the Western Balkans in Sophia. [22603/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Haughey
Ceist:20. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his visit to Bulgaria and the issues that were discussed. [22611/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Haughey
Ceist:21. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Taoiseach if the suggested USA tariffs were discussed at meetings that he attended in Bulgaria. [22612/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 19 to 21, inclusive, together.
I travelled to Sofia, Bulgaria, where I participated in an Informal EU Summit on the evening of 16 May, and the EU-Western Balkans Summit on 17 May.
The Informal Summit on 16 May was chaired by President Tusk and focused on innovation and the digital economy and possible future EU actions to promote investment in artificial intelligence and breakthrough innovation.
On transatlantic relations, there was strong support for insisting on a permanent exemption from US tariffs on steel and aluminium and a readiness to engage in subsequent talks with the US on improving reciprocal market access, liberalisation of government procurement and reform of the WTO.
The EU Western Balkans Summit on 17 May was attended by EU leaders and the leaders of the six regional partners - Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia Herzegovina and Kosovo. This was the first such Summit in 15 years. We reaffirmed the European perspective of the Western Balkans and agreed a set of measures for enhanced cooperation with the region.
Questions Nos. 15 to 18, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 19 to 21, inclusive, answered with Question No. 14.
Questions Nos. 22 to 24, inclusive, resubmitted.
Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Ceisteanna (25, 29, 30)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:25. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach when he last spoke to the British Prime Minister, Mrs. Theresa May. [22244/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMary Lou McDonald
Ceist:29. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his engagement with the British Prime Minister, Mrs Theresa May on 17 May 2018. [22695/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:30. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with the British Prime Minister in Sofia. [22705/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 29 and 30 together.
I met with Prime Minister May on the margins of the EU-Western Balkans summit in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 17 May.
We discussed current developments in relation to Brexit and the ongoing efforts to assist the parties in Northern Ireland to re-establish the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.
Prime Minister May told me that she expects to table a new proposal on the future customs relationship between the European Union and the UK shortly.
I have yet to see the exact detail of any such proposal. I indicated that any move on customs that keeps the UK close to the EU is to be welcomed.
I indicated that we're willing to examine the UK proposal, but we need to see it presented as a formal written proposal in the Brexit negotiations process.
I also emphasised to the Prime Minister that upholding the commitment to avoid a hard border requires progress on more than just customs.
The agreed report from December makes clear that continued alignment on both single market and customs rules is necessary. In many ways, the regulatory issues are even more important than customs here.
More generally, I made clear to the Prime Minister that Ireland would continue to insist on a legally operable backstop being in the Withdrawal Agreement. This would be in line with the commitments made by the UK in December and repeated by the Prime Minister in her letter to Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, in March.
We now need to see concrete progress on the delivery of these commitments by the time of the June European Council.
I have been consistent in my message to both Prime Minister May and my fellow EU Heads of State and Government at the European Council that reintroduction of a border on the island of Ireland is not acceptable under any circumstances.
Questions Nos. 26 to 28, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 29 and 30 answered with Question No. 25.
Questions Nos. 31 to 42, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 43 to 52, inclusive, answered orally.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (53)
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:53. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans in relation to forestry in the context of the new European climate and energy plan under preparation. [23800/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
When sustainably managed, forests have the additional and significant benefit of being a permanent store or reservoir of carbon over the long term and provide wood products that can substitute more energy intensive materials. The National Inventory Report 2017 to the UNFCCC shows that in 2015 Irish forests and wood products sequestered 4.3 Million Tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Under the now agreed Effort Sharing Regulation, forests and other land-uses must be accounted and, in Ireland’s case, up to 26.8 MT CO2 eq of greenhouse gas removals can be accounted against our national non-ETS targets during the 2020 to 2030 period. This figure is based on 15% of average agriculture emissions in 2008-2012 in recognition of the limited mitigation potential in agriculture. Afforestation is measured as the greenhouse gas change in forests less than 20 or 30 years of age. Thus the mitigation benefits of current afforestation in terms of national targets can last for a considerable time.
Wood harvested from forests is itself a long term, renewable carbon pool and can produce sustainable materials that can substitute more emissions-intensive non-renewable materials and fossil fuels. With regard to forest based biomass almost 1.6 million cubic metres of this material was used for energy purposes in 2016. Domestically produced biomass was the primary source of this material and abated 761,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. My Department’s strategy is to fully exploit the potential of forestry in relation to climate change mitigation. I have made sure to place at the core of this strategy ongoing support for a sustainable afforestation programme.
My Department's action plan for forestry is set out in the Forestry Programme 2014 -2020 which represents almost €500 million in development funding for the sector. During the period 2015 – 2017 over 18,000 hectares of new forests have been established. A midterm review of the programme was finalised earlier this year and new measures were put in place to drive further planting. Increased planting rates were introduced, with a particular focus on broadleaf species.
Andrew Doyle T.D. Minister of State in my Department with responsibility for forestry, has recently established a Forestry Implementation Group comprising stakeholders from the forestry sector, landowners and environmental NGOs to help drive implementation of the Afforestation Programme to 2020.
Finally, a publicly funded capital programme for afforestation beyond the lifetime of the current Forestry Programme 2014-2020 is provided for under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 thus demonstrating this Government's ongoing commitment to forestry as a key element of our climate change mitigation strategy.
Farm Household Incomes
Ceisteanna (54)
Peter Burke
Ceist:54. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which figures in relation to farm incomes over the past year compare to previous years; and the efforts he is making to grow farm incomes in the future. [23619/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In March this year the Central Statistics Office released its Preliminary Estimate of Output, Input and Income in Agriculture and this shows that aggregate farm income, or operating surplus, increased by 35% to €3,498 million in 2017. This followed an increase in aggregate farm income of 3.6% in 2016 and 2.3% in 2015.
Last week Teagasc released preliminary results of its National Farm Survey (NFS) for 2017, which showed that average family farm income was the highest on record at almost €31,400, a 32% increase on 2016. Average family farm income fell by 9% in 2016 and increased by 5% in 2015. It should be noted that there are significant differences in family farm income depending on the system of farming and the size of the farm. Average income on:
- Dairy farms increased by 65% to €86,100
- Cattle rearing farms increased by 1% to €12,700
- Cattle finishing farms decreased by 1% to €16,700
- Sheep farms increased by 8% to €16,900
- Tillage farms increased by 20% to €37,200.
Dairy farms are consistently the most profitable farms, when looked at per farm and per hectare. However it should also be noted that almost all dairy farms are classified as full-time farms in terms of the labour input required. Most cattle farms and the majority of sheep farms are classified as part-time in terms of labour input requirements. This preliminary release does not break farm income down between full and part-time farms but this will be available with the full NFS 2017 publication in the summer. The NFS for 2016 showed an average income of almost €46,600 for full-time farms and €11,100 for part-time farms on a labour input basis.
The Food Wise 2025 strategy includes actions to support farmers in improving the competitiveness and profitability of their enterprises. This includes actions aimed at helping farmers to improve productivity, manage the impact of price volatility and adopt new technologies. There are also actions to incentivise land mobility and farm restructuring. These actions and the various supports available from CAP direct payments, the Rural Development Programme and our agri-taxation system are aimed at making Irish farm enterprises more competitive and sustainable, and maximising their contribution to regional and local rural economies.
I expect specific legislative proposals on the shape of the CAP post 2020 to be published in early June. I will be working hard to ensure that these proposals are configured in a way that supports family farm incomes, the rural economy and the environment.
Fisheries Protection
Ceisteanna (55)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:55. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if scientific advice on replenishing and maintaining fish stocks above levels capable of supporting maximum sustainable yield was taken into consideration during the negotiations on allowable catch for commercial fish stocks in December 2017 in the interest of sustaining the future of the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23732/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The European Commission makes proposals each year for Total Allowable Catch (TAC) levels for each stock - they are based on formal advice received from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), the independent international body with responsibility for advising on the state of fish stocks. Our own Marine Institute is a very active contributor to the work of that body. The Commission also takes account of the views of the (STECF) Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries, on the economic, technical and social impacts of the scientific advice. It is these proposals that are considered by the Fisheries Council each December.
As part of our preparation for the December Council each year, I present a Sustainability Impact Assessment on the proposals to the Oireachtas. This assessment is informed by the advice of the Marine Institute, a socio economic assessment by BIM and the views of stakeholders following a public consultation. This work informs my position on the negotiations.
The advice from ICES is principally based on achieving the Maximum Sustainable Yield exploitation rate or FMSY as it is more commonly known. This is the largest average catch or yield that can continuously be taken from a stock under existing conditions without damaging the future returns from the stock. It is also one of the key objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy agreed in 2013 to bring and maintain our fish stocks to levels that can deliver FMSY by 2020 at the latest.
In 2009, only five stocks had Total Allowable Catches set at FMSY. The outcome of the 2017 December Fisheries Council brought 53 stocks to FMSY levels.
Ireland intends to continue to work with all stakeholders, Member States and the Commission to build upon this substantial and tangible progress to achieve the ambitious targets set out in the CFP.
Questions No. 56 answered orally.
Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Funding
Ceisteanna (57)
Tom Neville
Ceist:57. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which the €25 million extra allocated to the ANC in 2018 will be distributed. [23618/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am very aware of the importance of the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme, which issues annual payments in excess of €200 million to over 95,000 farmers.
The ANC Scheme has always been recognised as a very important support for rural society and farmers across the country who farm constrained lands. In light of the importance of the scheme, the Programme for a Partnership Government included a commitment to provide an additional €25m for the Scheme in 2018. I am pleased to confirm that this commitment was delivered in Budget 2018 and that, subject to the EU Commission’s approval of an amendment to Irelands Rural Development Programme, this new funding will be available for payment under the 2018 ANC Scheme.
A number of different options were available in deciding how this additional funding was to be divided. I was conscious of the need for money to be targeted at those farmers on lands with higher levels of constraint.
With this in mind and having considered the views of stakeholders, I decided to distribute the additional €25 million as follows:
- €13m will be allocated to the 'mountain type land' category
- €9m will be allocated to the 'more severely handicapped' category and
- €3m will be allocated to the 'less severely handicapped' category.
These allocations will have the effect of increasing the current payment per hectare rates across all land categories. Those farming on what is called “mountain type land” will see their payment increase from €109.71 to €135 on their first 10 hectares, and from €95.99 to €112 on remaining hectares up to a maximum of 34 hectares. Farmers with land categorised as “more severely handicapped lowland” will see an increase from €95.99 to €104 per hectare up to a maximum of 30 hectares. Finally, those with “less severely handicapped lowland” will see an increase from €82.27 to €88.25 per hectare up to a maximum of 30 hectares.
I am satisfied that these increased payment rates are consistent with the underlying logic of the Scheme, where the highest level of support is targeted at those who are faced with the highest level of constraint on their land. These changes must now be formally agreed with the EU Commission, by way of an amendment to our Rural Development Programme. My officials have initiated this process, with a view to introducing these new rates for payment in 2018.
Sheepmeat Sector
Ceisteanna (58)
Peter Burke
Ceist:58. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of financial support which has been received by sheep farmers in each of the past three years. [23620/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am very conscious of the important role that the sheep sector plays in relation to the continued growth and development of our agri-food sector. For example, some 57,000 tonnes of Irish sheep meat worth €274 million was exported last year, with diversification evident from our traditional primary markets of France and the UK.
With this in mind, I have ensured that my Department has put in place a range of supports for the sheep sector in recent years across a number of schemes. On CAP Pillar 1, sheep farmers continue to benefit from the direct income support available under the Basic Payment Scheme. In addition, Ireland’s Rural Development Programme (RDP), 2014-2020, also contains a number of support schemes which offer direct financial benefit to Irish sheep farmers. Sheep farmers continue to benefit from the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) Scheme and from GLAS in large numbers, as well as from capital investment support under TAMS. The RDP also includes specific provision for sheep farmers within the Knowledge Transfer Programme, which has helped to build on the existing knowledge base and skills set in the sector in a way which will help to ensure continued sustainable development in the sector.
In addition to these measures, in December 2016 I announced the new Sheep Welfare Scheme as an amendment to the RDP. Under this scheme, farmers are required to choose from a menu of actions which aim to improve the overall welfare of their flock. These actions must be completed over a 12 month period, and in return the farmer receives a payment of €10 per breeding ewe. This important new support was introduced for a period of four scheme years, and I am glad to say that over €18m has issued on time to sheep farmers in respect of Year 1 of the Scheme.
The total amount of financial support received by sheep farmers under the main schemes operated by my Department over the past three years is as follows:
2015: €519,565,397
2016: €601,649,660
2017: €617,512,369
I am committed to ensuring that my Department continues to work to underpin the development of the sheep sector.
Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations
Ceisteanna (59)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:59. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the potential impacts of some of the proposals regarding the budget of the Common Agricultural Policy post-2020 contained in the Multiannual Financial Framework; the reason for those views; the steps he is taking to mitigate concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23215/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) proposals for 2021-2027 were published by Budget Commissioner Gunther Oettinger on 2 May 2018. The proposal indicates a 5% cut in the CAP budget for the next MFF period of 2021 - 2027.
The proposal published by the European Commission is the initial MFF proposal. The final outcome will be determined by negotiations at EU level over the coming year. Achieving Ireland’s priorities in these negotiations will be a key issue for the Government. In that context, I have been meeting with EU counterparts since January, most recently with the German and French Ministers, with a view to building consensus amongst farm ministers around the need for a strong CAP budget. Additional meetings are scheduled to take place with my counterparts from, Romania, Denmark and Belgium shortly, and I will be meeting Ministers from like minded Member States in Madrid tomorrow to discuss the protection of the CAP budget post 2020.
In addition to these formal bilateral meetings, I regularly meet my EU Ministerial colleagues at the monthly Agri-Fish Council meetings, and will have a further opportunity to discuss the future of the CAP at the forthcoming informal Council meeting in Sofia on 5 June with a further Council scheduled for Luxembourg on 18 June. I also keep in regular contact with Commissioner Hogan and his officials and met with him recently in Dublin on 26 April.
My Department officials are also having regular and constructive engagement with their EU counterparts.
Irish and European farm families play a vital role in the protection and enhancement of the environment and the production of food to the highest standards in the world. These high standards, and the family farm model, are part of the fabric of European values and EU citizens support these policies. We need farmers to take active steps to mitigate climate change, protect water quality and biodiversity, and improve their competitiveness. A strong CAP is needed to support these objectives, which benefit all of us.
The next stage in the CAP post 2020 process will be the publication of the legislative proposals, which are due on 6th June 2018. A number of elements relevant to the CAP, including in relation to the capping and targeting of direct payments and the inclusion of risk management tools in National Plans, have already been signalled in the MFF proposals. I have already indicated that I am prepared to consider these elements, subject to an assessment of the more detailed proposals when they emerge.
In that context, I look forward to engaging constructively with the Presidency, my European counterparts and the European Commission, to ensure that the next CAP continues to provide necessary support to the Irish and European agriculture sector. I would like to reassure the deputy that I will continue to seek a robust CAP budget to provide necessary support for farming and rural communities.
Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations
Ceisteanna (60)
Robert Troy
Ceist:60. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions and negotiations he has held with his European counterparts to ensure no cut to the CAP budget in view of the recently announced proposal to cut the budget by 5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23217/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) proposals for 2021-2027 were published by Budget Commissioner Gunther Oettinger on 2 May 2018. The proposal indicates a 5% cut in the CAP budget for the next MFF period of 2021 - 2027.
It should be noted that the proposal published by the European Commission is the initial MFF proposal. The final outcome will be determined by negotiations at EU level over the coming year. Achieving Ireland’s priorities in these negotiations will be a key issue for the Government. In that context, I have been meeting with EU counterparts since January, most recently with the German and French Ministers, with a view to building consensus amongst farm ministers around the need for a strong CAP budget. Additional meetings are scheduled with counterparts from Romania, Denmark and Belgium shortly, and I will be meeting Ministers from like minded Member States in Madrid tomorrow to discuss the protection of the CAP budget post 2020.
In addition to these formal bilateral meetings, I regularly meet my EU Ministerial colleagues at the monthly Agri-Fish Council meetings, and will have a further opportunity to discuss the future of the CAP at the forthcoming informal Council meeting in Sofia on 5 June with a further Council scheduled for Luxembourg on 18 June. I also keep in regular contact with Commissioner Hogan and his officials and met with him recently in Dublin on 26 April.
My Department officials are also having regular and constructive engagement with their EU counterparts.
The next stage in the CAP post 2020 process will be the publication of the legislative proposals, which are due on 6th June 2018. In that context, I look forward to engaging constructively with the Presidency, my European counterparts and the European Commission, to ensure that the next CAP continues to provide necessary support to the Irish and European agriculture sector. I would like to reassure the deputy that I will continue to seek a strong CAP budget in the upcoming negotiations.
Beef Exports
Ceisteanna (61)
Tom Neville
Ceist:61. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts his Department made to develop beef access to China; and when he anticipates trade will commence. [23617/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The recent opening of the Chinese beef market is the result of years of cooperation and hard work on the part of my Department, the Irish Embassy in Beijing, Bord Bia, and the Irish beef industry. It is a hugely significant achievement for our industry, as well as an excellent endorsement of our world-class safety standards and product quality.
Three beef plants were approved by the Chinese certification authority in April. As part of my recent Trade Mission to China it was confirmed that a further three beef plants have met the required standards for approval. I expect that they will be formally approved and listed by CNCA in the near future. This was a great result and reflects the on-going work in this area.
My Department has spent many years working closely with the Chinese authorities in order to secure this agreement. This work has included inward and outward trade missions, inspection visits, and various bilateral contacts with officials in relevant Chinese Ministries. Throughout the course of this work, my officials have developed a deep understanding of Chinese requirements. This understanding has been essential in devising procedures to satisfy the conditions of China’s protocol.
A new Veterinary health certificate that will cover both beef and pigmeat comes into effect on 1st June. My officials continue to make progress on various technical issues and I expect the beef trade to commence during the summer. As I have previously stated, the role of the Government is to open up market access and to remove barriers to trade; the industry must then make its own decisions in relation to market priorities. But I hope that Irish beef exports will follow the same success that our dairy and pigmeat sectors have enjoyed in China to date.
Beef Data and Genomics Programme
Ceisteanna (62)
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:62. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to ensure that good animals are not being dismissed under the technicalities of the BDGP scheme; the steps he is taking to ensure that the skill of assessing an animal by eye is not being dismissed by the technicalities of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23643/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) forms an integral part of my Department's current Rural Development Programme (2014-2020). The BDGP is the current main support for the suckler sector and will provide farmers with some €300 million of funding over six years.
It was introduced by my Department with the clear and stated objective of using bovine genetics to address the progressive decline in key maternal traits within Ireland's suckler herd. The scheme aims to improve the profitability of the sector and reduce the carbon footprint of the herd. This is being achieved through the use of objective metrics which ensures consistency in evaluation of animals in terms of genetic merit. Currently there are 24,775 participants between BDGP I and II and a total of €42.8 million has been paid to participants for 2017 already.
The scheme's effectiveness is based on enhancing the genetic merits of the national suckler herd through clearly defined objective metrics for participants in the scheme. Key metrics such as the number of calves per cow per year, the calving interval, and age at first calving, docility, size and vitality, along with the prevalence of conditions such as scour and pneumonia are measured against agreed criteria. One of the most notable examples is the number of calves per cow per year, which has moved from 0.80 in 2014 to 0.87 for 2017; which across the entirety of the scheme herds represents an additional 40,000 calves for sale, with a weanling output value of some €30m to the participating beef farmers.
After years of decline in key maternal traits, genetic trend for replacement index has now turned around and is generating significant additional gains for participating beef farmers. Additionally, important validation work undertaken by Teagasc and the Irish Cattle and Breeding Federation (ICBF) on 46 participating commercial beef farms over the past 3 years has confirmed that 5 star cows are more fertile, lighter (thereby requiring less feed), produce more milk (a heavier weanling) and overall produce a heavier carcass for beef farmers. In effect the key metrics of the scheme have provided clear evidence that cattle in the BDGP schemes are producing more benefits from less resources. This is consistent with the key objectives of the scheme, which is to breed more profitable and climate efficient cattle.
On this basis, I believe the scheme is an excellent example of utilising empirical evidence to enhance the quality and sustainability of the national herd.
Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Review
Ceisteanna (63)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:63. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the ANC review with regard to redesignation using a set list of bio-physical criteria; if the new approach must be introduced from January 2019; if the mapping of all current ANC lands has been completed; the specific actions that have been completed to date by officials; the outstanding actions in this regard; the timeframe for remaining actions; when he expects to submit final ANC data to the EU Commission in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23738/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under EU regulation, Less Favoured/Disadvantaged Areas (with the exception of the islands) were to be replaced by newly designated Areas of Natural Constraints from 2018 with eligible areas being designated using a set list of bio-physical criteria such as soil drainage, texture and slope. However, as part of legislative amendments at EU level a proposal was made to extend the 2018 deadline to 2019 on an optional basis. This proposal has been approved at EU level, along with a number of other regulatory changes in what is referred to as the “omnibus proposal”.
My Department has commenced work on this project, and relevant technical experts are currently working on analysing the data in relation to the new criteria. Once this process is complete, the data will provide the basis for the identification of eligible areas in the ANC scheme from 2019 onwards.
In addition to the technical work on the biophysical criteria, the Regulation allows for a linked process of fine tuning to finalise the determination of what lands will be eligible under the new scheme. This fine tuning is based on objective criteria, with the purpose of excluding areas which are deemed to have met the thresholds for biophysical criteria but in which ‘significant natural constraints’ have been overcome by investment, economic activity, normal land productivity, production methods or farming systems. The process of sourcing and anlaysing data for this process is also underway.
In order to progress this work, my Department is in on-going communication with the EU Commission in relation to the accepted parameters and technical aspects of this project. Any change to the ANC scheme on foot of this process will require formal agreement with the EU Commission via an amendment of Ireland's Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020.
Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations
Ceisteanna (64)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:64. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking at EU level to build support for a fully funded CAP post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23735/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) proposals for 2021-2027 were published by Budget Commissioner Gunther Oettinger on 2 May 2018. The proposal, indicates a 5% cut in the CAP budget for the next MFF period of 2021 - 2027.
It should be noted that the proposal published by the European Commission is the initial MFF proposal. The final outcome will be determined by negotiations between Finance Ministers at EU level over the coming year. Any final agreement will require approval by the European Council and the European Parliament.
Achieving Ireland’s priorities in these negotiations will be a key issue for the Government. In that context, I have been meeting with EU counterparts since January, most recently with the German and French Ministers, with a view to building consensus amongst farm ministers around the need for a strong CAP budget. Additional meetings are scheduled to take place with my counterparts from Romania, Denmark and Belgium shortly.
In addition to these formal bilateral meetings, I regularly meet my EU Ministerial colleagues at the monthly Agri-Fish Council meetings, and will have a further opportunity to discuss the future of the CAP at the forthcoming informal Council meeting in Sofia on 5 June with a further Council scheduled for Luxembourg on 18 June. I also keep in regular contact with Commissioner Hogan and his officials and met with him recently in Dublin on 26 April.
My Department officials also have regular and constructive engagement with their EU counterparts on this matter.
The next stage in the CAP post 2020 process will be the publication of the legislative proposals, which are due on 6th June 2018. In that context, I look forward to engaging constructively with the Presidency, my European counterparts and the European Commission, to ensure that the next CAP continues to provide necessary support to the Irish and European agriculture sector.
I would like to reassure the deputy that I will continue to seek a strong CAP budget in the upcoming negotiations.