Tuesday, 11 Dec 2018

Written Answers Nos. 396-414

Transfer of Entitlements

Ceisteanna (396)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

396. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a farm payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51744/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The above named was a transferee on a 2018 Transfer of Entitlements application to transfer entitlements by way of inheritance.  Further information was required in relation to this transfer. The information has now been received and the transfer of entitlements  has now been completed. Notification of same has issued to the parties concerned.

Processing of the applicants Basic Payment Scheme and Areas of Natural constraint application have been finalised and payments will issue shortly to his nominated bank account.

GLAS Payments

Ceisteanna (397)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

397. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person (details supplied) will receive the outstanding 15% of GLAS payments for 2016 and 2017 and the 2018 advance payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51745/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received payments in respect of scheme years 2015, 2016 and 2017. The 2018 advance payment is expected to clear the GLAS validations shortly.  GLAS payments are issuing on a weekly basis.

 

Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Appeals

Ceisteanna (398)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

398. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the appeal procedure in place for an area not being designated under the areas of natural constraint scheme. [51748/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Under the current Rural Development Regulation (and subsequent amendments under the Omnibus Regulation) Member States  are required to change the approach to the designation of land under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme.  To date my Department had been identifying eligible areas using a range of socio economic indicators such as family farm income, population density, percentage of working population engaged in agriculture, and stocking density.

From 2019, eligible areas must instead be designated using the following list of bio-physical criteria:

- Low  temperature     

- Dryness

- Excess soil moisture

- Limited soil drainage

- Unfavourable texture and stoniness

- Shallow rooting depth

- Poor chemical properties

- Steep slope

This process has now been completed and in recent weeks I have published details in relation to the outcome and have completed a series of consultation meetings with key stakeholders.

The outcome of the review project can be summarised as follows.  The vast majority of land that was eligible under the existing Scheme will remain eligible under the new approach.  Some  700 townlands that would have previously been eligible are not eligible  under the new designation.  Farmers impacted financially by this  change will receive a degressive phasing out payment in 2019 and  2020.  Over 2,000 townlands will now be eligible under the new approach and will be eligible to receive a payment for the first time in 2019.

An independent appeals process is now being put in place for any farmers who wish to appeal the status of a particular townland following this process.  Farmers who hold land in townlands that are no longer eligible in 2019 are being written to, and included in this letter is an application form to begin the process of an appeal should they wish to take up this option.  This form is also available on the Department's website.  The appeals committee will be chaired independently, and will also have an independent technical expert on it.  The details in this regard are currently being finalised.

Transfer of Entitlements Application

Ceisteanna (399)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

399. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51756/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The above named submitted a 2018 Transfer of Entitlements application to transfer entitlements by way of change of registration.  This application cannot be processed at present as there have been two BPS application forms submitted by the above named.  The applicant’s agent has contacted the Department on the 6th of December regarding the BPS applications and the additional BPS application will be unlinked to allow processing to continue on the Transfer of Entitlements application.  An official from my Department will contact the herd owner directly in relation to this matter. 

GLAS Payments

Ceisteanna (400)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

400. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2017 and 2018 GLAS payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51775/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received all payments in respect of scheme years 2015 and 2016 and the 2017 advance.

The 2017 balance payment was delayed due to an issue relating to the Low Input Permanent Pasture claim. Department officials are actively working to resolve this issue. Once the 2017 balance payment is made the case will move forward for processing of the 2018 claim. GLAS payments issue on a weekly basis.

Fodder Crisis

Ceisteanna (401)

Pat Deering

Ceist:

401. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the fodder situation. [51788/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy is aware, 2018 presented the agriculture community with some very challenging conditions in terms of a prolonged wet Spring period followed almost immediately by a period of exceptionally dry, hot weather.  Notwithstanding these events there was a return in the third quarter of the year to more normal climatic conditions which benefitted the agriculture sector in terms of a late season grass growth.

My priority throughout the year has been to support measures to assist in the conservation of as much fodder for this Winter as possible from within our own resources and to supplement this with necessary imports as required. To this end I introduced a number of targeted measures including:

- a €2.75 million Fodder Production Incentive for Tillage Farmers to encourage tillage growers to actively engage in the fodder market and there has been positive engagement with this measure

- a €4.25 million Fodder Import Support Measure for Autumn 2018. The measure seeks to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage. The measure operates through the Co-operatives/registered importers and will cover forage imported from 12th August 2018 to 31st December 2018. 

In July I secured agreement from EU Commissioner Hogan to pay higher advance Pillar 1 and 2 payments, increased to 70% and 85% respectively. In excess of €1.5 billion has been paid to farmers to date under Pillar 1 and 2 since mid September. 

Following consultation with the EU Commission, my Department made some temporary adjustments to the GLAS scheme for this year which have the potential to add to the quantities of winter fodder available by bringing over 260,000 additional hectares into production. In addition, in consultation with my ministerial colleague Mr. Eoghan Murphy T.D., a two week extension of the closed period for the spreading of chemical and organic fertilisers was implemented that allowed farmers capitalise on autumn grass growth for fodder production.

The most recent national fodder survey conducted on my behalf by Teagasc last October indicated that the national fodder shortfall has been reduced to 1% nationally.  It is clear that the various support interventions I have introduced have worked and continue to help alleviate what was a very serious fodder conservation issue on many farms during the dry summer period

It is important to stress that while the deficit nationally has been reduced significantly there still remains a fodder deficit on some farms and there is a need for farmers to remain vigilant and avoid complacency. I have urged Teagasc and the other Stakeholders to continue their individual efforts in support of those farmers worst affected and in need of help.

I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to closely monitor the fodder situation during the coming period.

Trade Agreements

Ceisteanna (402)

Pat Deering

Ceist:

402. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the situation regarding Mercosur; and if a deal will be completed in the coming months. [51789/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The EU Mercosur negotiations have not progressed sufficiently to conclude any sort of agreement. From an Irish perspective we have been very consistent in urging caution in the approach to these negotiations. 

Apart from beef, I understand that there are issues in relation to access to the Mercosur market with respect to cars and rules of origin, geographical indications, maritime services and market access for dairy.

Our position has been reiterated many times, for example by myself and by my colleague, Minister 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 Malmströ m, 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 have also been working closely with Member State colleagues in this regard, and have remained in close contact with Commissioner Hogan on the matter.

I am aware that there is a meeting of Chief Negotiators for a further round of talks from 10-13 December 2018, in Montevideo. I will continue to remain in close contact with European Commission counterparts and with Member State colleagues, to reinforce Ireland's concerns. 

In an overall sense there is undoubtedly a 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. I also continue to stress that full account must be taken of the findings of the Commission’s own assessment of the cumulative impact of trade deals on the agri food sector, and the potentially very damaging impact of Brexit on an already delicately balanced EU beef market.

GLAS Payments

Ceisteanna (403)

Pat Breen

Ceist:

403. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51812/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received all payments in respect of scheme years 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Administrative checks involving a number of sections within the Department take place on all GLAS claims. This case is expected to clear the 2018 validation checks shortly. Once the validations are cleared the 2018 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments are issuing on a weekly basis.

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (404)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

404. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has formally met with his UK counterpart to discuss Brexit and its impact on east-west trade, reciprocal arrangements and all other Brexit-related matters that fall within the remit of his Department; the number of times they have formally met to discuss Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51879/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The negotiations on both the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement and political declaration on the framework for the EU-UK future relationship, both of which were endorsed by the European Council on 25 November, were conducted on behalf of the EU27 by the EU's Chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, and the Commission's Article 50 Taskforce. 

Brexit is a priority issue for this Government, and the Taoiseach, my cabinet colleagues and I have taken every opportunity to engage with EU partners and the UK to advance Ireland’s priorities. Since the Referendum vote I have met directly on five occasions with various UK ministers who have responsibility for agriculture and fisheries to discuss issues relating to Brexit.

In December 2016 I met with Andrea Leadsom MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in London, and we had an exchange of views on the implications of Brexit for the agri-food and fisheries sectors.  I had a second meeting with her in January 2017 on the margins of an Agriculture Ministers' Conference in Berlin. 

In April 2017 I met with George Eustice MP, the U.K. Minister of State for Agriculture Fisheries & Food on the margins of the AgriFish Council in Luxembourg. During this meeting I outlined the significant challenges that Brexit would pose for Ireland, particularly for the agri-food sector, and we also discussed issues in relation to fisheries. 

In March and June 2018 I met Michael Gove MP in London, Andrea Leadsom’s successor as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.  I used those meetings to convey the Government’s concerns in relation to the ongoing negotiations and to reiterate Ireland’s concerns around the pace of the negotiations, especially on border issues.

In addition I would, on occasion,  have had informal discussions on Brexit with my UK colleagues at Agri Fish Council meetings and Informal Council meetings since the Referendum vote in June 2016.

Íocaíochtaí Scéimeanna Talmhaíochta

Ceisteanna (405)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

405. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh ar athbhreithniú atá iarrtha ag a Roinn ar chinneadh a rinne an tOifig Achomhairc Talmhaíochta maidir le hachomharc a rinne feirmeoir i gContae na Gaillimhe (sonraí tugtha); cén fáth a bhfuil moill fhada le seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [51913/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Tá sé deimhnithe ag an Oifig um Achomhairc Talmhaíochta go bhfuarthas achomharc ón té atá i gceist an 13 Iúil 2016. Tionóladh Éisteacht ó Bhéal an 23 Feabhra 2017. Chuir an tOifigeach um Achomhairc toradh a achomhairc in iúl don achomharcóir i litir chinnidh chuimsitheach a eisíodh an 22 Meitheamh 2017.

Fuair an Oifig um Achomhairc Talmhaíochta iarratas ó mo Roinnse seo chun cinneadh an Oifigigh um Achomhairc a athbhreithniú an 26 Iúil 2017. Tugadh cuireadh don té atá ainmnithe breithniúcháin a chur ar aghaidh ar iarratas ó mo Roinnse agus fuair an Oifig um Achomhairc Talmhaíochta a chuid breithniúchán i nDeireadh Fómhair 2017. Is éard atá i gceist le cinneadh an Oifigigh um Achomhairc a athbhreithniú ná a mheas cibé an ndearna an tOifigeach um Achomhairc botún ina chinneadh. Táthar ag déanamh gach iarracht an t-athbhreithniú seo a thabhairt chun críche chomh luath agus is féidir.

Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Appeals

Ceisteanna (406)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

406. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the appeals process in place for farmers who are no longer in ANC areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51930/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Under the current Rural Development Regulation (and subsequent amendments under the Omnibus Regulation) Member States  are required to change the approach to the designation of land under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme.  To date my Department had been identifying eligible areas using a range of socio economic indicators such as family farm income, population density, percentage of working population engaged in agriculture, and stocking density.

From 2019, eligible areas must instead be designated using the following list of bio-physical criteria:

- Low  temperature     

- Dryness

- Excess soil moisture

- Limited soil drainage

- Unfavourable texture and stoniness

- Shallow rooting depth

- Poor chemical properties

- Steep slope

This process has now been completed and in recent weeks I have published details in relation to the outcome and have completed a series of consultation meetings with key stakeholders.

The outcome of the review project can be summarised as follows.  The vast majority of land that was eligible under the existing Scheme will remain eligible under the new approach.  Some  700 townlands that would have previously been eligible are not eligible  under the new designation.  Farmers impacted financially by this  change will receive a degressive phasing out payment in 2019 and  2020.  Over 2,000 townlands will now be eligible under the new approach and will be eligible to receive a payment for the first time in 2019.

An independent appeals process is now being put in place for any farmers who wish to appeal the status of a particular townland following this process.  Farmers who hold land in townlands that are no longer eligible in 2019 are being written to, and included in this letter is an application form to begin the process of an appeal should they wish to take up this option.  This form is also available on the Department's website.  The appeals committee will be chaired independently, and will also have an independent technical expert on it.  The details in this regard are currently being finalised. 

Imports Data

Ceisteanna (407)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

407. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of live bovine animals imported in each of the years 2016, 2017 and to date 2018 by calves, weanlings, store cattle, finished cattle and cows; if they were for breeding purposes or otherwise; the countries of origin of these animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51997/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

All cattle imported into Ireland are required to be registered on my Department’s Animal Identification and Movement system (AIM) and accompanied by its passport in addition to complying with all relevant regulations regarding the importation of live animals. AIM provides all processing plants with the animal’s date of birth, sex, breed, movement history and TB test records.

The data provided in the attached table  are broken down by country of origin, gender and purpose (breeding or slaughter).  Information on sub-divisional categories such as stores or weanlings is not available on AIM.

Bovine imports 2016 /2017 / 2018 up to end Q3

IMPORT YEAR	IMPORT SOURCE	IMPORT TYPE	GENDER	ANIMALS
2016
2016	Austria	BP	Female	105
2016	Austria	BP	Male	29
2016	Denmark	BP	Female	112
2016	Denmark	BP	Male	2
2016	France	BP	Female	66
2016	France	BP	Male	35
2016	Germany	BP	Female	186
2016	Netherlands	BP	Female	571
2016	UK	BP	Cow	375
2016	UK	BP	Female	2214
2016	UK	BP	Male	670
2016	UK	SL	Cow	7774
2016	UK	SL	Female	1763
2016	UK	SL	Male	1806
				15708
2017
2017	Austria	BP	Female	42
2017	Austria	BP	Male	36
2017	Belgium	BP	Female	55
2017	Belgium	BP	Male	10
2017	Denmark	BP	Female	134
2017	Denmark	BP	Male	1
2017	France	BP	Female	67
2017	France	BP	Male	14
2017	Germany	BP	Female	287
2017	Germany	BP	Male	7
2017	Netherlands	BP	Female	319
2017	Netherlands	BP	Male	8
2017	Spain	BP	Female	1
2017	Spain	BP	Male	4
2017	UK	BP	Cow	317
2017	UK	BP	Female	1436
2017	UK	BP	Male	396
2017	UK	SL	Cow	6166
2017	UK	SL	Female	1653
2017	UK	SL	Male	1695
				12648
2018
2018	Austria	BP	Male	5
2018	Belgium	BP	Female	3
2018	Belgium	BP	Male	2
2018	Denmark	BP	Female	441
2018	Denmark	BP	Male	2
2018	France	BP	Female	16
2018	France	BP	Male	8
2018	Germany	BP	Female	92
2018	Germany	BP	Male	1
2018	Italy	BP	Female	20
2018	Italy	BP	Male	2
2018	Netherlands	BP	Female	111
2018	Netherlands	BP	Male	3
2018	Netherlands	SL	Female	2
2018	UK	BP	Cow	219
2018	UK	BP	Female	1085
2018	UK	BP	Male	215
2018	UK	SL	Cow	3897
2018	UK	SL	Female	759
2018	UK	SL	Male	1595
				8478

Parking Provision

Ceisteanna (408)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

408. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of car parking spaces provided for staff working within the cities of Dublin, Limerick and Cork city and to agencies therein. [52007/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In general, all issues relating to car parking spaces for Government Departments/Offices, including my Department, are a matter for the Office of Public Works (OPW). 

The information requested by the Deputy is as set out below.

City	Number of car spaces
Dublin	148
Limerick	104
Cork	94

As regards the twelve 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.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (409)

John Lahart

Ceist:

409. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of women and men, respectively, employed in his Department and the agencies under remit of his Department in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52047/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

One of the goals outlined in my Department's current Statement of Strategy is to continue to develop a highly skilled, diverse and gender-balanced workforce.  My Department is committed to supporting a positive working environment for all staff, one that provides equality of opportunity and supports work-life balance.  My Department has had an active gender balance initiative in place since 2010, which has conducted a number of reviews and developed an action plan to address the issue through its HR Strategy and in consultation with staff.  In addition, gender balance is a key commitment of the Civil Service Renewal Plan (Action 8.5) and my Department has been active in progressing initiatives in this area as part of a whole of Government approach.

The following table shows the number of women and men currently (as at 7/12/2018) employed by my Department:

Gender	Count of Gender
Female	1583
Male	1786
Grand Total	3369

The question of gender breakdown within the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency.  I have referred the question to the agencies under the aegis of my Department for direct reply.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (410)

John Lahart

Ceist:

410. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the various grades in which males and females are employed in his Department and the agencies under the remit of his Department in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52064/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

One of the goals outlined in my Department's current Statement of Strategy is to continue to develop a highly skilled, diverse and gender-balanced workforce.  My Department is committed to supporting a positive working environment for all staff, one that provides equality of opportunity and supports work-life balance.

Staff in my Department work in various locations around the country and the workforce is made up of a variety of grades, including specialist grades in addition to the standard civil service grades.  The ratio of men and women in my Department as of 7 December 2018 is outlined in the following table:

Grades	Female	Male
Administrative Officer	15	15
Advisory Counsel Grade 3	0	2
Agricultural Inspector	22	54
Area Superintendent	0	8
Assistant Secretary	2	5
Assistant Harbour Master	0	1
Asst Agricultural Inspector	54	86
Asst Principal	69	79
Chemist	2	1
Chief Inspector	0	1
Chief Veterinary Officer	0	1
Cleaner	5	1
Clerical Officer	595	133
Craftsman	0	6
Deputy Chief Analyst	2	2
Deputy Chief Veterinary Off	1	0
Director Of Laboratories	0	1
District Superintendent	6	79
Engineer Grade 1 Civil	0	7
Engineer Grade 2 Civil	2	5
Engineer Grade 3 Civil	3	4
Engineer Technician Grade 2   Civil	0	1
Executive Officer	347	184
First Asst Solicitor	0	1
Forestry Ecologist	1	0
Forestry Inspector Grade 1	0	9
Forestry Inspector Grade 2	0	8
Forestry Inspector Grade 3	1	20
General Operative	1	47
Harbour Constable	0	2
Harbour Master	1	5
Head Of Agricultural Laboratories	0	1
Higher Executive Officer	150	138
Higher Seed Analyst	3	1
Industrial Foreman	0	6
Inspector Grade 2	1	0
Laboratory Analyst	73	28
Laboratory Attendant	3	15
Librarian	0	1
Ministers Staff	2	4
Principal	15	25
Principal Solicitor	0	1
Professional Accountant	1	0
Quality Manager	5	1
Research Officer	12	7
Secretary General	0	1
Seed Analyst	7	4
Senior Chemist	0	1
Senior Inspector	2	14
Senior Laboratory Analyst	13	16
Senior Research Officer	5	8
Senior Seed Analyst	0	1
Senior Serological Assistant	1	0
Senior Superintend Vet Insp	1	8
Serological Assistant	23	11
Services Staff	3	34
State Solicitor	1	1
Statistician	0	1
Superintening Sen Research Off	1	3
Superintending Vet Insp	11	26
Supervising Serological   Assistant	5	1
Supervisory Agric Off	7	159
Technical Agricultural Off	25	366
Veterinary Inspector	79	131
Wholetime Temp Vet Inspector	5	4
Grand Total	1583	1786

The gender breakdown of specific grades within the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency.  I have referred the question to the agencies under the aegis of my Department for direct reply.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (411)

John Lahart

Ceist:

411. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the ratio of males to females employed in his Department and the agencies under the remit of his Department in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52081/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Gender balance is a key commitment of the Civil Service Renewal Plan (Action 8.5) and my Department has been active in progressing initiatives in this area as part of a whole of Government approach.

My Department is committed to supporting a positive working environment for all staff, one that provides equality of opportunity and supports work-life balance.

The ratio of males to females employed by my Department is as follows:

Female	Male
1	1.128

The ratio of males to females within the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency.  I have referred the question to the agencies under the aegis of my Department for direct reply.

Livestock Issues

Ceisteanna (412)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

412. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide information (details supplied) in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52140/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The definition of suckler cows used for statistical purposes is beef cows who have calved at least once in their lifetime

 Table 1 attached shows the number farms by county containing at least one suckler cow at the end of each year from 2010-2017.  This table also provides a national total for each of the years.

 Table 2 attached shows the number of suckler cows by county at the end of each year from 2010-2017. This table also provides a national total for each of the years.

 The Department's AIM system does not currently allow for the average size of suckler herds to derived at the county level.

 Your request in relation to  data on BPS, Pillar 1 & Pillar 2 payments is still being examined and a further response will issue direct to your office.

Table 1: Number of farms with at least one suckler cow 01/01/2010-31/12/2017 is available through the following link:

Number of Farms

Table 2: Suckler Cows by county 01/01/2010 31/12/2017 is available through the following link:

Number of Suckler Cows by County

Departmental Correspondence

Ceisteanna (413)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

413. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the correspondence between his Department and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in relation to the beef forum since its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52141/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department received a letter from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in relation to price and market considerations in the context of the Beef Forum.

I have arranged for a copy of the correspondence to be forwarded directly to the Deputy's Office.

Fish Quotas

Ceisteanna (414)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

414. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of restrictions that are in place as part of cod recovery measures in ICES fisheries management area 6a; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52225/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I can inform the Deputy that Regulation (EU) 2018/973 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2018 (the 2018 North Sea Multi Annual Plan (MAP)) repealed Council Regulation (EC) No 1342/2008 (establishing a long term plan for cod stocks) in its entirety with effect from 5th August 2018.  

The EU Commission has made a proposal for the management of demersal stocks in Western Waters which covers Areas 6 and 7.   This proposal is currently being negotiated between the Council and European Parliament with the aim of achieving fishing at sustainable levels for all demersal stocks in Western Waters.  

Technical Measures requirements will continue to apply as set out in EC Regulation 850/98 as amended. These include additional measures put in place to help protect cod, whiting and haddock in the north west (Area 6a).  

Fishing capacity limits, as provided for in EU Regulation 1342/2008, will no longer apply.   Determination No. 28, which I signed on 22 August 2018, removes the need for an authorisation to access ICES Area 6a and Area 7a.  

The requirement to land quantities of cod greater than 2 tonnes from Areas 6a and 7a in a designated port has also been removed.