Written Answers Nos. 1980-1999
1980. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of extra employees to be hired in his Department between now and March 2019 to prepare for a hard Brexit; the specific roles these new employees will take up; the estimated cost of hiring these new employees; the impacts on his Department's expenditure ceilings for 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34656/18]
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 a detailed Action Plan, my Department is finalising its analysis on facilitating potential increased sanitary and phytosanitary controls, and export certification, including staffing and infrastructure requirements at ports and airports, in particular Dublin and Rosslare. On completion of this analysis a detailed Action Plan, with associated costs, will be presented to Government.
1981. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of unfilled vacancies in his Department; the time these vacancies have been open from when the roles were first advertised to date for each vacancy or group of vacancies; the number of unfilled vacancies in each agency under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34674/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to ensuring that a highly skilled, motivated and efficient workforce is in place to meet on-going business needs and avails of Workforce planning to identify and assess its business needs.
Workforce planning is a key tool in enabling my Department to forecast its current and future staffing needs. As a management function, it drives the full range of HR activities including recruitment, deployment, performance, learning and development. Workforce Planning 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. All posts are filled in the context of my Department's constantly evolving business needs.
I can confirm that during 2017 a total of 484 posts were filled in my Department and a total of 201 posts have been filled to date in 2018 in areas prioritised for the assignment of resources. These posts were filled on foot of competitions run by the Public Appointments Service and my Department's Human Resources Division in accordance with the recruitment principles of the Commission for Public Service Appointments. The timescale for competitions can vary, depending on the recruitment process to be undertaken and the number of applicants. In addition, many competitions result in the setting up of panels for appointment over a period of time, which may give rise to elapses in time between the initial advertisement and the filling of individual posts.
My Department operates in a rapidly changing environment and its structure must facilitate the flexibility to deploy resources as the need arises.
The question of filling posts within the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency.
1982. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the EU directives that fall under his remit that are not yet transposed into law; the deadline imposed by the EU for their transposition; and the estimated date for the transposition of those directives into law. [34702/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn answer to the Deputy's question, there are 5 EU directives yet to be transposed into law under the remit of this Department. Please see the following document for details. It is expected that transposition will take place by the relevant deadline in each case.
Details of EU directives not yet transposed into law - Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DIRECTIVE (EU) 2018/1027 of 19 July 2018 amending Council Directive 66/402/EEC as regards isolation distances for Sorghum spp. Member States shall adopt and publish, by 31 December 2018 at the latest, the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive. They shall forthwith communicate to the Commission the text of those provisions. It is expected that transposition will take place by the deadline.
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DIRECTIVE (EU) 2018/1028 of 19 July 2018 correcting Implementing Directive (EU) 2016/2109 amending Council Directive 66/401/EEC as regards the inclusion of new species and the botanical name of the species Lolium x boucheanum Kunth. Member States shall adopt and publish, by 31 December 2018 at the latest, the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive. It is expected that transposition will take place by the deadline.
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DIRECTIVE (EU) 2018/100 of 22 January 2018 amending Directives 2003/90/EC and 2003/91/EC setting out implementing measures for the purposes of Article 7 of Council Directive 2002/53/EC and Article 7 of Council Directive 2002/55/EC respectively, as regards the characteristics to be covered as a minimum by the examination and the minimum conditions for examining certain varieties of agricultural plant species and vegetable species. Member States shall adopt and publish, by 31 August 2018 at the latest, the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive. It is expected that transposition will take place by the deadline.
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DIRECTIVE (EU) 2018/484 of 21 March 2018 amending Directive 93/49/EEC as regards requirements to be fulfilled by the propagating material of certain genera or species of Palmae in respect of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier). Member States shall adopt and publish, by 30 September 2018 at the latest, the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive. It is expected that transposition will take place by the deadline.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE (EU) 2018/350 of 8 March 2018 amending Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the environmental risk assessment of genetically modified organisms. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 29 September 2019 at the latest. It is expected that transposition will take place by the deadline.
1983. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) in regard to leased land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34756/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has been communicated to the named party on numerous occasions by my Department that the matters outlined in their correspondence are considered by this Department as a private matter between them and their late neighbour.
As previously communicated to the party, from my Department's point of view the matter is now considered closed.
1984. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the financial costs of the fodder aid provided to address the fodder crisis of 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34838/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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 then introduced in April 2018 to reduce the costs borne by farmers in importing fodder and was implemented via approved suppliers of imported fodder.
Under the Fodder Transport Measure, some 609 applications have been received. Payments in excess of €162,000 have issued to date.
Under the Fodder Import Measure, farmers availed of the opportunity to purchase imported fodder via 23 approved providers who initially incurred the cost of import. Payments under the Fodder Import Measure are due to commence shortly to the approved providers. At the launch of the Import Measure it was envisaged that less than 20,000 tonnes would be imported under the Measure - this is significantly less than a half days feed for the national herd.
1985. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there have been discussions recently at the EU agriculture Council on the need to protect the agrifood sector in Ireland in negotiations on a possible Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34886/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1986. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions recently with the EU agriculture and trade Commissioners on the need to protect the agrifood sector in Ireland in negotiations on a possible Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34887/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1985 and 1986 together.
Ireland's position in relation to the EU-Mercosur trade negotiations is well known and has not changed. We have consistently opposed any agreement that would have negative consequences for the Irish and EU agriculture sectors, and for the beef sector in particular.
This position has been reiterated many times, for example by myself and my colleague Andrew Doyle at Council of Agriculture Ministers meetings, and by other Ministers in the relevant EU Trade policy fora. It has also been done through direct contacts with Commissioners Hogan and Malmström, and by the Taoiseach at European Council and through his own direct contacts, including with Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and French President Emmanuel Macron. I speak to Commissioner Hogan on a regular basis on the matter, and have been in written correspondence with Commissioner Malmström as recently as the end of May.
All of this work at political level is mirrored by intensive engagement at official level by officials of my Department, most recently through the Special Committee on Agriculture on 2 July, and through more informal channels in Brussels.
In an overall sense there remains an urgent need for continued vigilance in relation to the conduct of these trade negotiations, and I will continue to insist that they are handled appropriately, and in a manner that safeguards the interests of the Irish and European beef sector.
1987. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of the fodder transport subsidy scheme in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34888/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of 609 applications have been received under the Fodder Transport Support Measure. Payments under the Measure commenced on Tuesday 17 July with €162,000 issuing to some 286 farmers. As additional cases become clear for payment, further pay runs will be put in place as required.
1988. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department and the statutory agencies are engaged with farming and agrifood representatives in relation to the development of a strategy to ensure adequate feed and fodder supplies for the remainder of 2018 and the early part of 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34889/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the fodder difficulties of last winter and spring 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 depleted stocks of fodder. I have also requested the group to co-ordinate advice on managing grazing and fodder conservation through this extended period of extraordinarily dry weather.
The third meeting of the group took place only last Thursday 19 July and I have asked that the work of the group continue into the Autumn period and 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.
On 26th June last I launched a national fodder census 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 first week of September.
Practical advice is being shared across the group on dealing both with the current weather and on filling the fodder gap that has now been identified. The overall priority must be to conserve as much fodder for the coming winter as possible when the opportunity to do so arises and to take advantage of growth when it resumes after the current drought.
Reflecting this, Teagasc has established a dedicated helpline to provide advice to farmers affected by the on-going 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 institution and Co-operative members of the group are also working closely with farmer customers on effective financial planning to see them through the current difficult spell and some have introduced dedicated credit lines to farmers
In order to support farmers during this challenging period and into the autumn I have requested the EU Commission to ensure the earliest approval of advance of direct support payments this autumn
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, which have a special emphasis on replenishing fodder stocks in advance of the winter period as well as improving on-farm cash-flow.
1989. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions there have been on the European Commission proposals aimed at banning unfair trading practices in the food supply chain; if he put forward specific proposals in regard to the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34915/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission proposal referred to by the Deputy, for an EU Directive on unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the food supply chain, aims to establish a minimum list of unfair trading practices between buyers and suppliers in the food supply chain. In the current draft, the suppliers covered by the proposal are defined as SMEs and the buyers are defined as non SMEs.
My Department is actively participating in the Council Working Party meetings discussing the details of the proposed Directive. There have been 4 meetings of the Working Party to date. My Department has consulted with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) which has responsibility for our current legislation, the Consumer Protection Act 2007 (Grocery Goods Undertakings) Regulations 2016. DBEI has carried out a consultation with stakeholders in Ireland. Separately, my Department has met with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), which is the enforcement authority for that Regulation, as well as with other interested stakeholders and industry representatives.
1990. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the new low-cost loan scheme will be introduced at an early date in view of the particular financial pressures on farming at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34916/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of my priorities is to improve access to finance for the agri-food sector. Food Wise 2025 identifies competitiveness 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.
1991. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of proposals (details supplied) over the period 2011 to 2018 on an annual basis, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35134/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested, in relation to legislative proposals published by my Department, is provided in the following tables.
2011
|
Legislation that underwent a RIA and was subsequently published |
Legislation that did not undergo a RIA |
|
Welfare Greyhounds Bill 2011 |
Foreshore Amendment Bill |
|
COM (2011) 193 Proposal for a Council Regulation determining measures on fixing certain aids, refunds and prices related to single common organisation of agricultural markets |
|
|
Total: 1 |
Total: 2 |
2012
|
Legislation that underwent a RIA and was subsequently published |
Legislation that did not undergo a RIA |
|
Total: Nil |
Total: Nil |
2013
|
Legislation that underwent a RIA and was subsequently published |
Legislation that did not undergo a RIA |
|
Forestry Bill 2013 [enacted as ‘Forestry Act 2014’ (Act No 31 of 2014)] |
|
|
Animal Health & Welfare Bill 2013 |
|
|
COM (2013)226 Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down certain transitional provisions on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and amending Regulation (EU) No [RD] as regards resources and their distribution in respect of the year 2014 and amending Council Regulation (EC) No 73/2009 and Regulations (EU) No [DP], (EU) No [HZ] and (EU) No [SCMO] as regards their application in the year 2014 |
|
|
Total: 2 |
Total: 1 |
2014
|
Legislation that underwent a RIA and was subsequently published |
Legislation that did not undergo a RIA |
|
Total: Nil |
Total :Nil |
2015
|
Legislation that underwent a RIA and was subsequently published |
Legislation that did not undergo a RIA |
|
Total: Nil |
Total: Nil |
2016
|
Legislation that underwent a RIA and was subsequently published |
legislation that did not undergo a RIA |
|
Horse Racing Ireland Bill |
Nil |
|
Total: 1 |
Total: Nil |
2017
|
Legislation that underwent a RIA and was subsequently published |
Legislation that did not undergo a RIA |
|
Sea-Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2017 |
|
|
Total: 1 |
Total: Nil |
2018
|
Legislation that underwent a RIA and was subsequently published |
Legislation that did not undergo a RIA |
|
COM (2018) 392 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the Common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans) and financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council |
|
|
COM (2018) 393 - Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the financing, management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 |
|
|
COM (2018) 394 - Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EU) No 1308/2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products, (EU) No 1151/2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs, (EU) No 251/2014 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of aromatised wine products, (EU) No 228/2013 laying down specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions of the Union and (EU) No 229/2013 laying down specific measures for agriculture in favour of the smaller Aegean islands |
|
|
Total: Nil |
Total: 3 |
1992. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a €10 million shortfall in beef data and genomics programme, BDGP, expenditure will be ring-fenced to benefit suckler farmers. [35198/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt should be noted that as I have previously stated, there is no expected underspend for the current RDP.
Examination of appropriate measures to support all agri food sectors, including the suckler sector, is underway in my Department in preparation for the next iteration of the CAP. The measures adopted will be informed by stakeholder consultation on the needs of the sector to develop in an economically and environmentally sustainable way, as well as the available budget and structure of the new CAP when it is finalised.
Currently, the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is the main support specifically targeted for the suckler sector, which provides Irish beef farmers with some 300 million euro in funding over the current Rural Development Programme (RDP) period. This scheme is an agri-environmental measure to improve the environmental sustainability of the national suckler herd by increasing genetic merit within the herd.
My Department has rolled out a range of schemes as part of the 4 billion euro Rural Development Programme (RDP), 2014 - 2020. In addition to the BDGP, other supports which are available for suckler farmers under Pillar II of the CAP include GLAS, ANCs and Knowledge Transfer Groups. Suckler farmer also benefit from the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Greening payments under CAP Pillar I.
I am strongly of the view that the current range of supports available to suckler farmers, together with ensuring market access to as many markets as possible, both for live animals and beef exports, are appropriate supports for the continued development of the sector. National Farm Survey data suggests that suckler farmers receive support equivalent to approximately €500 per suckler cow on average.
I remain committed to ensuring that suckler farmers continue to receive strong support in the next CAP. My view is that such payments should support and encourage suckler farmers to make the best decisions possible to improve the profitability, and the economic and environmental efficiency, of their farming system.
1993. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the negative effects of the transition from REPS to GLAS, especially on low-income cattle and sheep farmers, and to the fact that GLAS, as currently configured, does not perform well in rewarding more environmentally focused farmers. [35200/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe GLAS scheme is the most popular scheme ever run under a Rural Development Programme in Ireland. The original target of 50,000 participants was surpassed well ahead of the targeted date.
Total scheme payments in 2017 amounted to €195.6m, including €4.1m on GLAS training. A further €63.4m has issued in GLAS payments in 2018. To date 48,051 farmers have received their 2017 advance payment. This equates to over 99% of eligible cases. In addition 37,302 have received their balance payment representing over 98% of those currently eligible.
While the issue of payments is of the utmost importance it is also important to recognise the potential of the scheme in terms of delivering environmental and public good benefits. The total number approved into the scheme has created the potential to achieve:
- The Low Input Permanent Pasture and the Traditional Hay Meadow actions offer the potential of some 300,000 hectares of diverse grassland species
- 29,000 kilometres of river bank managed to protect rivers from pollution under the Protection of Watercourses from Bovines and Riparian Margins actions
- Over 200,000 hectares of farmland bird habitat managed to protect bird species
- Over 20,000 hectares of Wild Bird Cover providing winter feed for farmland birds
- Over 2m trees planted
- Almost 5,000 farmers using new technologies to spread slurry
- 10,000 hectare of arable land cultivated using Minimum Tillage techniques
These achievements will deliver benefits across the key areas of Water Quality, Biodiversity and Climate Change and will place Ireland in a positive position in discussions on future agri-environment schemes.
1994. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of feed imported over the past five years by comparison with ten, 50 and 100 years ago, respectively; the amount of soybean meal and grain as separate from overall feed, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35206/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out the levels of feed imports since 2013, as requested by the Deputy :
|
Year |
Total Imports (tonnes) |
Soya and by-products (tonnes) |
Maize and by-products |
Barley |
Wheat and by-products |
Oats and by-products |
Rapeseed and by-products |
Palm Kernel |
|
2017 |
3,474,500 |
712,472 |
1,396,395 |
150,483 |
278,088 |
5,708 |
177,186 |
110,510 |
|
2016 |
2,840,110 |
711,006 |
1,120,301 |
54,611 |
221,371 |
2,885 |
121,223 |
123,800 |
|
2015 |
2,875,923 |
770,025 |
1,005,701 |
20,412 |
179,501 |
2,670 |
182,447 |
122,533 |
|
2014 |
2,837,488 |
663,016 |
1,091,214 |
19,400 |
222,275 |
8,143 |
190,073 |
115,174 |
|
2013 |
3,411,558 |
796,968 |
1,074,114 |
160,449 |
295,463 |
7,967 |
311,226 |
133,141 |
For comparison, the equivalent levels of imports in 2007 were as follows:
|
Year |
Total Imports (tonnes) |
Soya and by-products (tonnes) |
Maize and by-products |
Barley |
Wheat and by-products |
Oats and by-products |
Rapeseed and by-products |
Palm Kernel |
|
2007 |
2,925,325 |
672,069 |
638,125 |
58,116 |
378,002 |
- |
239,073 |
155,668 |
Unfortunately no records exist in respect of feedstuff import levels from fifty years ago or earlier.
1995. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown by project for the capital allocation of €248 million in 2018 to his Vote group; the breakdown by project for the proposed allocation of €255 million in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35279/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy for 2018 is set out in the following table:
|
Programmes/Project |
Capital Allocation 2018 €000 |
|
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme |
69,965 |
|
Afforestation* |
67,690 |
|
Development & Upgrading of Fisheries Harbours |
21,000 |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara incl EMFF Schemes |
13,100 |
|
Forestry Support Scheme incl. Forest Roads |
11,516 |
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
11,500 |
|
Haulbowline Island Remediation |
10,000 |
|
Marine Institute |
10,000 |
|
Food Company Investment Grants |
7,100 |
|
Development of Commercial Horticulture Scheme . |
5,000 |
|
Prepared Consumer Food Innovation centre |
5,000 |
|
DAFM Information and Communication Technology equipment |
3,350 |
|
Teagasc |
3,150 |
|
National Food Innovation Hub |
2,000 |
|
DAFM Laboratory Equipment |
1,300 |
|
Organic Sector Development |
1,200 |
|
Seafood Development Programme |
1,200 |
|
Johnstown Castle Restoration |
1,000 |
|
Traditional Buildings Scheme |
1,000 |
|
DAFM Office Premises |
750 |
|
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
750 |
|
Other Forestry Support Schemes. |
350 |
|
Irish Greyhound Board |
44 |
*In addition to the above amount a further €23.8m which was carried over from 2017 is allocated to the afforestation.
In relation to 2019 the distribution of proposed allocations will only be confirmed as part of the annual Estimates process which is currently underway. The funding will be allocated for capital programmes and schemes already in operation, as well as for emerging challenges including those arising from Brexit.
The programmes funded will include the following:
- Forestry Programme
- Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme
- European Maritime & Fisheries Fund Operational Programme 2014-2020
- Investment support for food sector companies, the organic sector and commercial Horticulture
- Investment support for facilities for the Horse and Greyhound Racing industries
In addition to the above multi-project programmes, which support investment by operators across the Agriculture, Food and the Marine sectors, funding will be allocated each year for my Department’s ICT equipment and infrastructure, and Laboratory infrastructure and equipment, for the development of Fisheries Harbours, facilities maintenance and development for Teagasc, Marine Institute, SFPA and BIM, as well as for specific projects with a more limited expenditure timescale.
1996. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position he took regarding a paper (details supplied) at the recent Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 16 July 2018; and the reason for his position on the paper. [35342/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is still considering many elements of Commission proposals for a Common Agricultural Policy post-2020 and has not taken a position on the paper referred to.
In principle, Ireland has accepted the need for a higher level of environmental ambition, and is examining the proposals for Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions and Statutory Management Requirements to ensure that they are consistent with that objective and workable for farmers.
1997. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of beef and sheep farmers participating and not participating, respectively, in the sustainable beef and lamb assurance schemes, by county, in tabular form. [35343/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bord Bia.
I have referred the question to Bord Bia and have requested that the information be provided directly to the Deputy within 10 days.
1998. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of dairy farmers participating and not participating, respectively, in the sustainable dairy assurance scheme, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35344/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bord Bia.
I have referred the question to Bord Bia and have requested that the information be provided directly to the Deputy within 10 days.
1999. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a proposal by an organisation (details supplied). [35345/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
Officials from my Department met recently with a delegation from the IFA to discuss certain breeders' concerns with the operation of the Thoroughbred Foal Levy. My officials have undertaken to seek the views of Horse Racing Ireland on the matters raised at this meeting and they will report back to me following a response from that Body.
