Written Answers Nos. 1920-1939
1920. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost of dredging Howth Harbour, County Dublin, in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33509/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraHowth Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department under Statute.
Siltation at Howth FHC is recognised as an issue that will require attention and preparation work for a possible dredging project has been underway for some time. A report from site investigation works, which was commissioned in 2015, was received by my Department in March 2016. The report included vital information on the nature of the material to be dredged in any future dredging project. The information revealed from the Site Investigation Report indicated that some of the dredge material would not be suitable for conventional disposal at sea, which would add to the overall cost of a project.
In June 2016, a firm of consulting engineers were engaged to prepare a report to include scoping the project, various disposal options for the dredged material at Howth and permitting requirements. Following receipt of the consulting engineers report in late October 2017, my Department’s Engineers met with Fingal County Council, to review possible operational and permitting requirements. In addition, a further meeting was held between Department Engineers and the consulting engineers on December 5 2017 to consider all disposal options and implications and this assessment is ongoing.
I wish to reaffirm my Department’s commitment to progressing the dredging project for Howth Harbour and the €100k allocated in this year's capital programme is for further detailed studies, including scoping, shore based re-use of dredge material and land-use layout options. In this regard a full design competition is to be tendered later this year to bring the project forward through the planning and environmental approvals stage.
This is a complex undertaking and the planning, tendering and contract award phase of this project could take at least two years. A variety of factors will impact on the final cost of a potential dredging project including the disposal options, overall scale of the project, and market factors. At this point no overall estimation of cost has been established. While the final scope and costs remain to be set, it is likely that the overall cost will exceed €20M.
As is the case for all developments in the six Fishery Harbour Centres, any future decision with regard to initiating a full dredging works project in Howth will only be considered on the basis of available exchequer funding and competing national priorities.
1921. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost to increase the number of inspections of transport vehicles of exporters of live animals to at least 2,000 inspections per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33510/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe inspection regime for vehicles involved in the transport of animals for export is set down under Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005. My Department currently conducts a series of inspections annually in order to ensure commitments under the regulatory requirements are met.
These include the inspection of individual livestock transporters whose approvals run for a period of between 3 and 5 years; in addition, each individual transport vehicle is subject to additional inspection each time it is loaded with a consignment for export. In overall terms this represents a comprehensive inspection regime.
1922. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of complaints submitted following farm inspections since January 2015 in circumstances in which such a complaint related either to the process of inspection related to procedures or methods of inspection or related to an inspector; and the number which related to an aspect of a farm inspection by county and nature of complaint. [33531/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.
|
Year |
Number of customer service complaints from farmers received by Quality Service Unit regarding inspections |
Counties |
|
2015 |
1 |
Longford |
|
2016 |
3 |
Galway, Carlow, Kerry |
|
2017 |
1 |
Mayo |
|
2018 to date (01/01/2018 – 18/07/2018) |
2 |
Galway, Cork |
The data set out in the table above relates to complaints from farmers received by the Quality Service Unit of my Department as part of my Department’s Customer Service Complaints Procedure. It is important to note that this Customer Service Complaints Procedure concerns complaints regarding customer service; it does not cover requests for reviews or appeals against actual decisions taken in the operation of a scheme or service.
Where an applicant considers that an inspection has not been conducted in accordance with legislative requirements, or if they consider that the inspection findings are incorrect, they can seek an initial review within my Department by an officer more senior than the original inspecting officer. Subsequent appeals concerning entitlement to any of the payments related to the schemes listed in the schedule to the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001 as amended are dealt with by the Agriculture Appeals Office. The Agriculture Appeals Office is an independent agency established in 2002 to provide an appeals service to farmers who are dissatisfied with decisions of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine concerning designated Schemes operated by the Department. In the event that an applicant is not satisfied with the outcome of the appeal process he/she has the right to pursue the matter further with the Office of the Ombudsman.
Having regard to data protection obligations, specific detail in respect of the complaints referred to in the table above cannot be provided, but in general they involve dissatisfaction with aspects of inspections such as the alleged lack of notice, attitude and conduct of Department staff and methodologies employed.
My Department is committed to providing a user-friendly, high quality service to all farmers. Where it is considered that my Department falls short of this, my Department’s Customer Service Complaints Procedure can be availed of by farmers. There are three steps in the customer service complaints process:
1. Complaints should first be directed to the senior officer in charge of the business area within the Department to which the complaint pertains.
2. If the complainant is dissatisfied with the response received from the Head of the relevant business area, the complaint can be sent to the Quality Service Unit who will examine any customer service aspect of the complaint. The Quality Service Unit will have the matter fully and impartially investigated by an officer who was not involved in the matter giving rise to the complaint.
3. If the complainant remains dissatisfied after steps 1 and 2 above, it is open to the complainant to contact the Office of the Ombudsman. The Office of the Ombudsman examines complaints from people who feel they have been unfairly treated by certain public bodies, for example, Government Departments.
1923. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a payment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33589/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy would be aware from previous recent PQ's a review by the Director of Agriculture Appeals Office of the decision of the Appeals Officer has been requested in this case in accordance with the provisions of the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001. The Agriculture Appeals Office has indicated that requests for reviews are generally dealt with in order of receipt and that both the Department and the person named will be advised of the outcome when the review has been completed.
1924. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase the number of departmental personnel at Rosslare Harbour in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33612/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been involved in preparations for Brexit for some time now and has contributed its views into the whole of Government Brexit contingency planning process. Following the Government's decision to prepare detailed Action Plan, my Department is continuing its analysis on facilitating increased sanitary and phytosanitary controls, including staffing, upgrading infrastructure at ports and airports, in particular Dublin and Rosslare. On completion of this analysis a detailed Action Plan will be presented to Government.
1925. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to respond to the threats facing agriculture in County Wexford regarding Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33615/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1927. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is proposing to limit the impact of Brexit on farmers in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33619/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1925 and 1927 together.
Brexit has the potential to have a very significant impact on farmers and on the agri-food sector throughout Ireland, including in County Wexford.
In the first instance, the Government is seeking to minimise the impact of Brexit through a negotiated outcome which, inter alia, ensures that the Irish agri sector continues to enjoy free access to the UK market, without tariffs and with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures. However, while we want to see the closest possible trading relationship between the EU and the UK, it is vital at the same time to our economic interests that the EU's Single Market is fully protected.
Additionally, the Government has introduced a range of budgetary measures to help the sector navigate the short-term impacts of Brexit. In Budget 2017, I introduced measures to help reduce farm gate business costs, including a €150 million low-cost loan scheme, new agri-taxation measures and increased funding under the Rural Development and Seafood Development Programmes.
In the 2018 Budget I also announced a €50m Brexit support package, which comprises of a number of initiatives. Firstly, in cooperation with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, we have established a new Brexit Loan Scheme which is aimed at providing affordable, flexible financing to Irish businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit or who will be in the future. The Scheme is making up to €300 million of working capital finance available to SMEs and mid-cap businesses (up to 499 employees), at least 40% of which will be available to food businesses.
Due to State Aid rules, this new Scheme will not be available to farmers and fishermen, so I am considering the development of a separate loan scheme, similar to the 2017 low-cost scheme, later this year based on the €25m funding from my Department to the Scheme. These measures are aimed at enhancing competitiveness within the sector.
Among other measures, I have introduced supports for Bord Bia for investment in their market insight and market prioritisation initiatives, which are aimed at identifying and developing potential diversification opportunities. I have already increased funding to Bord Bia by €14.5 million since the Brexit vote, including the further €4.5 million allocated in Budget 2018.
To enhance product diversification, I have also allocated funding to support the development of the new National Food Innovation Hub, which will be located in Teagasc Fermoy, Co. Cork.
I wish to assure the Deputy that Government remains very focused on supporting farmers and the agri-food industry through the challenges ahead, whether they are based in Wexford or in any other part of the country. The Government will be firm in arguing that any agreement reached between the EU and the UK must take account of the very serious challenges presented by Brexit for the sector, particularly given the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland and the importance of our economic relationship with the UK. And of course ultimately Ireland's objective in the negotiations is to have a trading relationship with the UK which is as close as possible to the current arrangement.
1926. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the post-Brexit contingency plans in place for future agrifood trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33616/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being co-ordinated through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Following the Government meeting last week, my Department is preparing detailed action plans which will be submitted to Government in the Autumn.
This work also takes account of the planning being undertaken at EU level by the Commission Preparedness Unit, which is issuing information notes aimed at different business sectors and examining legislative actions which may be needed at EU level.
However, the Government has been active in getting Ireland Brexit-ready for some time now. For example, dedicated measures were announced in Budget 2018, including a new €300m Brexit Loan Scheme for Business (40% of which will be available to the agri-food sector) and a €25m Brexit Response Loan Scheme for farmers, fishermen and businesses. Bord Bia, aided by the significant additional funding that I have allocated to it since the UK referendum, continues to work with companies, providing practical help and advice and supporting their efforts to diversify their markets.
In addition, my Department has intensified its trade development efforts and I have led trade missions to China, the US and Canada earlier this year, and I intend leading an industry delegation to Indonesia and Malaysia in the Autumn.
My Department will continue to co-ordinate its work on this very important issue with that of other Departments.
1928. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment under the beef data and genomics programme will be made to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33656/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named applied to join the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) on 14 May 2015 and in doing so agreed to abide by the Terms and Conditions .
A key requirement of the BDGP was the completion of a carbon navigator in conjunction with an approved advisor by 30th November 2016. This date was further extended to 31 May 2017 , but with the application of a penalty to any payment made . The Terms and Conditions of the BDGP stated that failure to complete a carbon navigator by 31 May 2017 would result in disqualification from the BDGP and clawback of any payments made for previous years.
A carbon navigator was not completed for the person named until 9 October 2017, outside the prescribed timeframe, resulting in his disqualification from the BDGP and the recoupment of any payments already made under the BDGP .
1929. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a situation in which a person (details supplied) will now be subject to forestry plantation on four sides of their home without consultation will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33659/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision on an afforestation licence application was issued to the person named as they had made a submission on that application. They then appealed the decision to the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC). The afforestation licence has been suspended and no work can commence on site until such time as the FAC has determined the outcome of the appeal.
The FAC is independent of my Department, and as such, I cannot intervene in the progress of an appeal. The FAC will be in touch with all parties concerned.
1930. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans in regard to the consolidation of office accommodation to reduce the number of buildings used by his Department at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33674/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1931. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of buildings and the annual rent for each building occupied in whole or in part by his Department at a location (details supplied); the rental cost in 2017; the estimated cost in 2018; the number of persons based in each of the offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33675/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1930 and 1931 together.
In general, all issues relating to leases for Government Departments/Offices, including my Department, are a matter for the Office of Public Works (OPW).
Buildings in Portlaoise
|
- |
Name and address of Building |
Rent |
Estimated Rent |
Number of persons |
|
2017 |
2018 |
|||
|
1 |
Government Offices, Old Abbeyleix Road |
State owned |
State owned |
239 |
|
2 |
Eir Building |
€218,000 |
€214,000 |
151 |
|
3 |
Grattan Business Centre, Grattan House and Pavilions A & B |
€308,200 |
€308,200 |
93 |
|
4 |
Unit 11, Clonminam Industrial Estate |
€98,130 |
€98,130 |
6 |
|
5 |
Agriculture Warehouse, Kylekiproe |
€108,000 |
€108,000 |
0 |
|
6 |
Kilminchy Court, Portlaoise |
€ 84,000 |
€ 84,000 |
20 |
My Department is engaging with the OPW with a view to optimising office space in line with the OPW Property Asset Management Delivery Plan.
1932. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 315 of 6 April 2016 and 223 of 14 April 2016, the status of a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33676/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA general felling licence was issued to the applicant on 1 July, 2013. The licence was to clear fell 2.80ha and to be replanted, within one year of expiration of the licence. Replanting was therefore to take place by 1 July, 2016.
Rules regarding replanting and setbacks in general are set out in the Department’s suite of environmental guidelines as well as in the Code of Best Forest Practice. The Department recommends that forest owners planning the replanting of forestry sites should liaise with the owners of neighbouring properties, to resolve in advance any potential concerns. Setback distances for water bodies are determined by slope and soil type with buffer zones, as they are also referred to, ranging between 10 and 25 metres. Setback distances from dwelling houses and associated building is 60 metres, or 30 metres with the written consent of the owner. These setback distances for both buildings and water bodies apply in the context of replanting.
The land concerned was inspected following replanting and the landowner was informed in writing, on 12 September 2016, of the requirement to maintain appropriate setbacks and requested to remove any trees that were planted within the specified setback zones. The landowner was again written to the following December.
A further site visit in spring 2018, ascertained that 0.42ha has not been replanted and has been converted to agricultural land. The matter of setbacks was also examined and it was determined that trees had been replanted to within 25m of the dwelling concerned. Both the area that has not been replanted and the matter of correct setbacks can be remedied using a replanting order, which will be issued to the landowner in due course.
1933. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number and name of the groups he met each month to date in 2018 that fall under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33702/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of all lobbying activity are recorded on the Register of Lobbying which can be accessed at www.lobbying.ie.
1934. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of insurance under headings (details supplied) for his Department and each body under its aegis; the cost of the premium for 2018 or the premium paid in 2018 if the policy year straddles two calendar years; the comparable premium amount paid in 2017; the number of outstanding insurance claims against his Department or bodies under its aegis; the estimated cost of those claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33991/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGenerally, Government Departments do not have conventional insurance cover. Instead, Departments, including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) operate under State indemnity, a self-insurance model whereby the State bears the financial risk associated with the costs of claims.
The State Claims Agency (SCA), manages personal injury, property damage and negligence claims brought against my Department.
There are only two exceptional instances in which DAFM has taken out insurance:
- DAFM took out insurance on a property it owned which was leased to a third party.The insurance cost is recouped from the third party.
- Insurance in respect of a property used as a district office.
Details of these payments are set out in the table below:
|
Department Of Agriculture Food and the Marine |
|||||||
|
Year |
2017 |
2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
€2,060 |
€2,251 |
|
|
|
|
|
As regards the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
1935. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding avenues for farmers to enhance safety measures on their farms; his plans for farmers to claim back VAT on equipment they purchase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34015/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFarm safety is a critical issue facing farming today. Statistics show that accidents on farms cause more workplace deaths than all other occupations combined. While the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has primary responsibility for Health and Safety on farms, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is fully supportive of their work and assists in the promotion of safe farming practices.
The rate of accidents on farms remains far too high and it is important the focus on farm safety is increased. Health and safety must become an integral part of farming culture and all people involved in farming must take personal responsibility for improving their own health and the culture of safety on farms. No individual action or organisation can solve this difficult problem that impacts so negatively on so many lives each year.
Funding for farmers to enhance safety measures is available under the TAMS II scheme. A wide range of Farm Safety related investments are grant-aid under the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme, Organic Capital Investment Scheme, Tillage Capital Investment Scheme and the Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme of TAMS II. The TAMSII Scheme provides generous grant rates for a comprehensive range of investment items. Full details of all items grant aided under TAMS II are available on the Department's website.
1936. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if dedicated funding which does not involve taking out finance is available to dairy farmers in counties Cavan and Monaghan who are struggling to pay their bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34020/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that the current prolonged spell of dry weather, preceded by an exceptionally long winter, has caused cash flow difficulties for some farmers.
The Fodder Coordination Group met last Thursday. It is made up of stakeholders such as the co-operatives, feed compounders, banks and farm representative bodies. After the meeting I acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the Group and the work its members are undertaking to mitigate the effects of the current dry period on grazing and fodder supplies. The Group has met three times since the onset of the dry weather and the practical advice being shared across the group, on dealing with the current weather and filling the fodder gap that has now been identified, is critical to our management of the situation.
Given the need for a collective approach, I am urging everyone to support and participate actively in the ongoing efforts. In this regard I emphasised the positive role for the industry and banking representatives on the Fodder Group:
- I welcome recent initiatives both by Glanbia and Dairygold in relation to credit facilities for their suppliers and am urging others to consider similar measures.
- I liaise regularly with the main banks on issues relating to the agri-food sector, all of whom have announced specific supports for their farming customers in response.
I and my Department will continue to engage on this issue.
1937. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of licences for forestry development granted or refused in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34023/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of afforestation licences granted and refused, in the years 2016 to 30 June 2018 by county are indicated in the table below.
|
County |
2016 Approved |
2016 Refused |
2017 Approved |
2017 Refused |
2018 to 30th June Approved |
2018 to 30th June Refused |
|
Carlow |
18 |
1 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
88 |
0 |
64 |
1 |
33 |
0 |
|
Clare |
127 |
8 |
97 |
2 |
44 |
2 |
|
Cork |
102 |
4 |
85 |
2 |
41 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
6 |
2 |
13 |
1 |
13 |
0 |
|
Dublin |
3 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Galway |
111 |
7 |
73 |
1 |
45 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
99 |
0 |
94 |
5 |
38 |
2 |
|
Kildare |
17 |
0 |
11 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
36 |
0 |
34 |
0 |
12 |
0 |
|
Laois |
33 |
4 |
22 |
2 |
6 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
102 |
0 |
90 |
0 |
51 |
2 |
|
Limerick |
43 |
1 |
24 |
0 |
15 |
0 |
|
Longford |
53 |
1 |
60 |
1 |
17 |
0 |
|
Louth |
6 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
123 |
3 |
88 |
2 |
56 |
3 |
|
Meath |
30 |
1 |
21 |
0 |
15 |
1 |
|
Monaghan |
18 |
0 |
30 |
0 |
7 |
1 |
|
Offaly |
44 |
1 |
42 |
4 |
14 |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
118 |
10 |
118 |
4 |
55 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
77 |
3 |
60 |
0 |
29 |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
45 |
3 |
48 |
2 |
16 |
1 |
|
Waterford |
37 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
64 |
1 |
65 |
2 |
23 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
36 |
1 |
20 |
0 |
14 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
30 |
1 |
37 |
2 |
8 |
0 |
1938. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an application has been made to the EU weather crisis fund in respect of the bad winter or current summer drought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34024/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2018 has seen Ireland suffering from a series of severe weather events. The combination of wet and cold conditions in the early part of the year, followed by exceptionally high temperatures and drought in recent times, has impacted on the availability of grass and has had a demonstrable affect on agriculture.
At the Commission Expert Group meeting on Direct Payments on 26 June 2018, Member States raised their concerns regarding difficulties occurring for farmers due to a number of issues including weather related matters. At this meeting the Commission indicated its willingness to consider justified requests made by Member States to apply higher advance payments percentages.
Irish farmers rely heavily on CAP supports, which represent 75% of farm incomes on average. An increase in the rate of advance payment can assist Irish farmers in managing cash flow at a time of the year when this is critically important. On 6th July, my Department applied to the European Commission for authorisation to increase the advance payment rate for Pillar 1 Direct Payments from 50% to 70% and for Pillar II schemes from 75% to 85% in respect of claim year 2018.
I have also been in further contact with Commissioner Phil Hogan as a follow-up to last week’s Council of Agriculture Ministers' meeting where I joined with counterparts from other Member States in raising issues caused by current drought conditions. At that Council, I called on the European Commission to be responsive to current difficulties and to retain an open mind on any solutions which can alleviate current difficulties. This was followed yesterday with a letter to Commissioner Hogan requesting permission to proceed with certain actions which could be helpful to Irish farmers, with a special emphasis on replenishing fodder stocks in advance of the winter period.
In recent times, my Department has responded to the difficulties experienced by farmers as a result of adverse weather conditions. In response to the weather conditions experienced by farmers during late 2017, my Department put in place two measures to support farmers facing fodder shortages. The Fodder Transport Measure was introduced in January 2018 in order to make a financial contribution towards forage transport costs in certain circumstances. The Fodder Import Measure was introduced in April 2018 to reduce the costs borne by farmers in importing fodder and was implemented via approved suppliers of imported fodder. To date, up to 609 applications have been received under the Fodder Transport Measure, with payments in excess of €162,000 being made.
In addition, I established the Fodder Coordination Group in the Spring of this year in to co-ordinate a response and provide advice to farmers in response to the adverse weather conditions. The Group last met on the 19th July. The Group has been working together to mitigate the effects of the current dry period on grazing and fodder supplies. Practical advice is being shared with farmers on dealing both with the current weather and on filling the fodder gap.
I have asked that the work of the group continue into the Autumn period to provide on-going guidance and assistance to impacted farmers and I will be actively monitoring this situation through engagement both with the group and its members. In the meantime, the Deputy can be assured that my Department and I will continue to carefully monitor the situation closely and to engage with the Commission on the matter as necessary and appropriate.
1939. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding available to farmers under the low cost loan-credit scheme; the number of applications that have been received to date; the body to which farmers apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34025/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of my priorities is to improve access to finance for the agri-food sector. Food Wise 2025 identifies competiveness as a key theme and includes a recommendation that stakeholders work to “improve access to finance for agriculture, forestry and seafood producers and agri-food companies”.
I announced in Budget 2018 that my Department is considering the development of potential Brexit response loan schemes for farmers, fishermen and for longer-term capital financing for food businesses. These schemes are developed and delivered in cooperation with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and take time to develop and operationalise. Consideration and discussions are ongoing in this regard and I will announce further details on this as they become available.
While continuing to explore additional funding mechanisms, I also liaise with the main banks on issues relating to the agri-food sector, all of whom have specialised products available and have expressed a commitment to servicing the future financing needs of the sector.
I believe that the delivery of last year’s Agri Cash Flow Loan Scheme can act as a catalyst to encourage financial institutions to improve and develop new loan products for the sector. The Milk Flex loans developed by the Irish Strategic Investment Fund, with dairy co-op and private banking participation, are a good example of innovation in this regard.
