Written Answers Nos. 23-33
23. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to use the horse and greyhound fund to support the equestrian and sports horse sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31072/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund was established under section 12(1) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 for the purpose of giving support to the horse and greyhound racing industries.
Under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001 (No.20 of 2001), the horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund (the Fund).
In the period 2001 to 2017 a total of €1.12 billion has been paid from the Fund. In accordance with the provisions of the Act monies are paid out of the fund in the ratio of 80% to Horse Racing Ireland and 20% to Bord na gCon as specified in Section 12 (6) of the Act. State funding provided through the Fund is pivotal to the survival of the horse and greyhound racing industries.
Separately, in 2017 a block grant of €2m was paid to Horse Sport Ireland by my Department while a total of €850,000 was paid to equine organisations under the Equine Support Schemes. The 2018 block grant has increased to €2.5m with €850,000 again allocated for equine organisations. In addition the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport provided a grant of €1.57m in 2017 to HSI and has allocated €1.65m for this purpose in 2018.
I have no plans at present to use the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund to support the equestrian and sport horse sector.
24. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason changes have been made to the operation of livestock bed and breakfast practice; the reason the option to apply for a certificate of compliance for movement to another holding for feeding purposes has been discontinued; and if all applications are now treated as movement of an animal to another holding. [31068/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department removed the feedlot option for herds operating as 'bed and breakfast' or contract rearing operations and now categorises such movements as “farm to farm”
This facility to record feedlot movements on the AIM system was introduced originally to assist in the establishment of stocking density for premia payments. The facility to record this movement type is no longer required. Thus with effect from 1 June 2018, the option to apply for a Certificate of Compliance for movement of animals to another holding for feeding purposes was removed. All applications received on or after that date for movement to a feedlot are treated as an application for the movement of an animal(s) to another holding.
My Department deemed it appropriate to review the application process for a Certificate of Compliance in the light of its endeavours on a consistent basis to ensure the highest standards in bovine traceability through the Animal Identification and Movement database (AIM). The AIM database underpins confidence in food supply, disease control, provides requisite assurances to consumers as to the origin/traceability of cattle and plays a key role in enhancing Ireland’s ability to trade internationally.
25. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the need for further fodder support schemes in 2018 will be kept under review in view of the continuing demand for fodder in the recent hot weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31480/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn terms of supports, I introduced two measures to support the availability of fodder to affected farmers In response to fodder shortages earlier this spring and last winter caused by prolonged wet and cold weather. I expect payments to farmers under the Fodder Transport Support measure to commence this week.
To avoid a similar situation arising again and to learn from the lessons of last winter I formed a representative group chaired by Teagasc including stakeholders such as Co-ops, banks, farm bodies, amongst others, to coordinate advisory messages to farmers this summer around replenishing stocks that have been used up and also to manage grazing and fodder through this extended period of extraordinarily dry weather. This group will continue to meet, particularly during this difficult period, until I am fully satisfied that the issue of securing adequate fodder supplies for next winter has been fully addressed.
As a further initiative, I launched a national fodder census on the 26th June to be compiled by Teagasc through its client network as well as clients of the other fodder group stakeholders, with another census planned for the 1st September. The aim of the census is to monitor and measure the levels of fodder in the country and will inform further actions that may be necessary this autumn.
Detailed agronomic advice is being regularly coordinated and communicated to farmers by the bodies represented on the Fodder Group, including through our own social media account.
In addition Teagasc has established a dedicated helpline to provide advice to farmers affected by the ongoing drought. This is being supplemented by a series of local meetings/clinics where farmers can obtain direct support from Teagasc advisors on the spot. The helpline will operate daily from 9 am to 9 pm - 087 7971377.
This helpline service and local clinics are open to all farmers, including non-Teagasc clients.
Co-ops and feed compounders represented on the group have increased feed output to meet demand.
Banking institutions in the group are working closely with farmer customers on effective financial planning to see them through the current difficult spell.
I firmly believe that farmers should have access to measures that improve their resilience to weather related events and enable them to take appropriate preventative actions. To this end I have asked my officials to examine all available risk management tools to determine which may be most appropriate to the farming sector.
26. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status and detail of the quantities and destinations on the export markets for beef, lamb and live exports of sheep and cattle for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31446/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBeef exports have kept pace with 2017 exports so far this year. Our top five export destinations for beef exports between January and April were Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany. Ireland exported beef worth €335.6 million to Great Britain, €69.4 million to France, and €63.4 million to the Netherlands. Ireland has exported 168.4 million tonnes of beef in this period, at a value of €759.1 million; this represents a slight increase in value compared to this same period last year.
CSO figures for Jan-April of this year show that the value of sheepmeat exports has increased, compared to the same period last year. The figures show that Ireland exported 17.8 million tonnes of sheepmeat at a value of €97.7 million in this period, compared to 18.5 million tonnes at a value of €91.5 million in the same period last year. This represents an increase in value of just under 7%. Top markets for sheepmeat are France, Great Britain, Germany, Belgium and Sweden; exports to France, our top market, are at €30.1 million for Jan-April of this year.
Live cattle exports up to week 26 of this year show a sharp increase of 30.9% against this period in 2017. The figures show an increase in trade to EU countries. The top three markets Spain, Netherlands and Italy accounted for 77% of the exports for the year to date. 616 live sheep have been exported so far this year, the main markets being France with 577 animals as well as smaller numbers to the UK and Belgium.
One of my Department’s priorities, particularly in the context of Brexit and in line with the market development theme of Foodwise 2025, is to further increase the market opportunity for Irish food and drink internationally, especially for the meat sector. The Market Access unit in my Department is continuing to make progress on a wide range of market access issues across the beef and sheepmeat sectors, and also the pigmeat and poultry sectors.
Recent successes in terms of market access include the approval of six beef plants to export frozen boneless beef to China. Beef exports to China have now commenced. A certificate for beef, sheepmeat and poultry has also recently been agreed with Qatar.
I recently launched an online international market access information portal which provides information across some of the major agrifood export sectors of dairy, meat, seafood and live animals. The information provided includes certification arrangements, exporter terms and conditions, individual country trading statistics and the typical products exported to individual markets. This portal is a very valuable tool for our producers and exporters. As new markets are opened or certification conditions are changed, this will of course be reflected by the necessary changes to the web portal. The portal can be accessed at www.marketaccess.agriculture.gov.ie/.
27. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a subsidy for a high-fibre concentrate feed will be introduced to mitigate the guaranteed fodder shortage in winter 2018 following the unprecedented warm weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31066/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have taken a number of actions to assist farmers as they plan to conserve adequate fodder supplies for the coming winter. This is the priority task that I assigned to the fodder group I convened earlier this spring to address all issues around fodder availability for the coming winter.
The results of the fodder census I recently launched, together with the follow up census scheduled for September 1st, will provide real information on the availability of home grown fodder in advance of the winter ahead.
Co-ops and feed compounders represented on the group have increased feed output to meet demand and I am confident that they will continue to be able to access sufficient supplies of competitively priced feed ingredients.
The banking institutions, also represented on the group have indicated they are conscious of the additional costs the current weather has imposed on some farmers. As a consequence they have announced a series of initiatives and are working closely with farmer customers on effective financial planning to see them through the current challenging weather spell.
As weather events such as this dry spell and indeed very wet winter gone by have shown, farmers should have access to measures that improve their resilience to these occurrences. I have asked my officials to examine all available risk management tools to determine which of these may be most appropriate to the farming sector.
28. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he addressed welfare concerns of animals including horse and greyhound racing during the current hot weather. [31461/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department continues to operate the dedicated animal welfare helpline at 0761-064408 and 01-6072379. In addition my Department has used social media platform to remind all owners of their duty of care to animals on an on-going basis.
In relation to the specific areas of greyhound racing and horse racing the various responsible bodies have action plans in place.
Horse Racing Ireland have confirmed that the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board have been working with relevant racecourse management, Blue Cross, trainers and their staff to ensure that the effects of the current warm weather on horses are managed. There are measures in place to monitor the situation and to act if heat stress is a possibility. While heat stress can occur at any time the authorities are being particularly vigilant during this warm spell. Proper provision of water by the racecourse, veterinary supervision from arrival and the knowledge and experience of stable staff and trainers all contribute to reducing the risk of an issue occurring.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board have confirmed that there has been no increase in the number of horses treated for 'heat stress' during the current warm weather.
Bord na gCon have informed me that the welfare of greyhounds comes first in all operational decisions of Bord na gCon, during the current period of high temperatures, Bord na gCon have suspended all trials and racing between the hours of 10AM and 7.30PM daily, which is still in effect. As at Friday 6 July, nine race meetings have been cancelled. Many more meetings have been delayed beyond 7.30PM to allow for cooler air temperatures. All race meetings are being monitored subject to changing weather patterns and local conditions. Staff at all tracks have been advised to supplement existing operational arrangements during this heat wave to ensure welfare considerations are fully taken into account. This includes extra watering of the tracks, increased monitoring of greyhounds on arrival and in kennels (extra water and increased air flow), monitoring weather forecasts, and liaising with the track veterinarian . These measures follow best welfare practices that are routinely followed during sharp temperature changes.
Furthermore Bord na gCon have issued a welfare guide - ‘Caring for Greyhounds in Warm Weather’ available on its website for all those involved in the care of greyhounds.
29. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will work to ensure that the existing designated areas are retained in the scheme for disadvantaged areas and that other locations that are assessed as genuinely difficult to farm are included as part of a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31064/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder EU regulation, Less Favoured / Disadvantaged Areas 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 biophysical criteria.
In addition to the technical work on the biophysical criteria, the Regulation allows for two linked processes designed to enable further targeting of support under the Scheme. These processes are called fine tuning and the identification of areas of specific constraint. These three process are underway in parallel to each other and, once complete, will provide the basis for the identification of eligible areas in the ANC scheme from 2019 onwards.
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.
30. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to reintroduce a national land drainage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31056/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to acknowledge weather conditions over the winter were challenging and this has created difficulties for farmers. However, the budget for the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation scheme (TAMS) is fully committed under our Rural Development Programme. Support for land drainage is not included as an eligible item in the current Rural Development Programme for 2014 -2020.
It must also be recognised that any such measure would require full compliance with environmental requirements including the need for a full Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the entirety of Ireland and Appropriate Assessments for all potentially affected Natura Areas. Environmental requirements in any potential measure would be significant as would the challenge of securing European Commission approval.
At present, the Office of Public Works Minor Flood Scheme have a Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection funding scheme which is in place since 2009, specifically aimed at addressing the issue of minor flood protection interventions. A review of the scheme was conducted in 2017 and a number of improvements to the scheme were announced. Amongst these are the provisions that farm yards/buildings are included as commercial premises in all categories for the first time. The upper financial threshold was also increased significantly from €500,000 to €750,000 per project. More details of the scheme are available from the offices of the OPW.
31. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quantity of fodder imported under import scheme in 2018; the way in which this compares with a similar scheme in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31158/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware I introduced the Fodder Import Support Measure on the 5th April 2018 to provide an additional source of fodder to livestock farmers at an important time when supplies of fodder nationally were very tight. The Measure will make a financial contribution towards the transport costs associated with the importation of fodder from other Member States, excluding Northern Ireland. The closing date for the Measure was initially Monday 30th April 2018 but due to the prevailing conditions at that time I extended the closing date by one week to the 7th May 2018 thereby giving support to farmers in need of additional fodder.
Approved Co-ops and importers have submitted the applications, supporting documentation and relevant information on the quantity of fodder imported. The actual quantity of fodder imported will only be available when processing of applications is completed.
Funding made available was estimated to provide for the importation of up to 20,000 tonnes of fodder into the country. However it is estimated that approximately 18,000 tonnes was imported thereby achieving its purpose and within the budgetary allocation.
By way of information, the Fodder Import Transport Scheme that operated in 2013 was introduced on the 15th April 2013 and ran until end of May that year. A total of €2.8 million issued to 18,000 beneficiaries under the scheme covering approximately 40,000 tonnes of imported fodder at that time.
32. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions at the EU agriculture Council on funding of CAP post 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31486/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBy way of introduction I would point out that in discussing the funding of the Common Agricultural Policy, we should bear in mind that this funding forms part of a broader EU budget which is negotiated by Finance Ministers and then agreed by the European Council and European Parliament.
The most recent EU Agriculture Council of Ministers where CAP Post 2020 was discussed was held on 18th June 2018. This was the first opportunity for the EU Agriculture Ministers to discuss a more in-depth response to the future CAP legislative proposals. All Member States bar the UK intervened in this debate. Proposed cuts to the CAP budget dominated this debate
Recently in Madrid, I agreed a Memorandum, with five of my European colleagues, seeking that CAP funding for 2021 - 27 would not be subject to cuts and would remain at the current level for the 27 EU member states. Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Finland all signed the Memorandum. The declaration against a reduction in expenditure penned by like-minded Member States on May 31 gathering momentum at the June Council meeting. Support has grown for this position and I understand that up to twenty Member States have expressed support for this position.
I believe that European agriculture policies have delivered for Irish farmers and consumers and it is important that support continues to be provided to these programmes. Over the next few years farm families will be required to 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. EU citizens have shown that they support this model.
We need farmers to take active steps to mitigate climate change, protect water quality and biodiversity, and improve their competitiveness. A strong CAP is a prerequisite if these objectives, which are in the best interests of all citizens, are to be achieved.
Member States are facing into a difficult negotiation, however, and a number have already indicated that they are not willing to provide additional funding for the MFF. To date Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden have stated that they do not wish to increase the MFF and that a smaller budget should be agreed. From Ireland's perspective, the Taoiseach has already indicated that we are prepared to contribute additional funding, but only if critical policies are supported.
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. As I Mentioned earlier, ultimately budget decisions are a matter for Finance Ministers , the European Council and the European Parliament.
In that context, I have discussed with my counterparts at the EU Agriculture Council the importance of a strong CAP Post 2020 budget. I will continue to work with my colleagues across Europe on these matters as do my officials. Since May 2018, Minister Doyle and I have met with the EU Agri Ministers from Germany, France, Belgium, Denmark, Finland and Hungary where the CAP Post 2020 Budget was discussed.
On the 4th of July I hosted a Conference on the new CAP legislative proposals for interested stakeholders, including farm bodies, state agencies and the environmental pillar. This was a timely opportunity to bring all interested stakeholders together for a constructive discussion on the future CAP. The range of speakers came from the political sphere, from the European Commission, and from my Department.
I would like to reassure the deputy that I will continue to fight for a strong CAP budget in the upcoming negotiations.
33. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the scheme for disadvantaged areas; the status of the review; and the timescale for completion. [31063/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder EU regulation, Less Favoured / Disadvantaged Areas 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 biophysical criteria.
In addition to the technical work on the biophysical criteria, the Regulation allows for two linked processes designed to enable further targeting of support under the Scheme. These processes are called fine tuning and the identification of areas of specific constraint. These three process are underway in parallel to each other and, once complete, will provide the basis for the identification of eligible areas in the ANC scheme from 2019 onwards.
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.
