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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 15 Oct 2019

Written Answers Nos. 86 - 101

Afforestation Programme

Ceisteanna (86)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

86. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase and diversify forest cover here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42001/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The forest estate is expanding and has reached 770,000 hectares, which is 11% of the total land area. This is as a result of significant State investment. We now have a new challenge, to meet 8,000 hectare of new planting each year, as set out in the Climate Action Plan. I am very aware that this is in the face of declining planting rates.

It will, I believe, require a collaborative effort from government, the private sector, public bodies and local communities to meet this target. For our part, I have commissioned a Scottish consultant to review my Department's processes and procedures on forestry applications and approvals similar to an exercise undertaken in Scotland. I expect to receive this report by the end of November.

Support from Government is delivered through the generous grants and premiums available, across 12 different planting categories which offer real options to suit every landowner. Farmers can continue with livestock farming, while supplementing their income by planting trees, and we intend communicating this message widely.

Public bodies have a role to play too. I very much welcome the recent announcement by Coillte and Bord na Mona of their plans to plant 4 million native trees on 1,500 hectares over the next three years. I will be encouraging others to follow suit.

As regards diversification, the aim under the Forestry Programme 2014-2020 is that 30% of all new trees planted are broadleaves. We achieved 27% in 2018. This is a result of increased grants and premiums introduced under the Mid-Term Review of the Forestry Programme. We also increased the percentage of broadleaves in each new plantation from 10 to 15%.

The Woodland Environmental Fund supports the planting of native woodland through supplementary support of €1,000 a hectare from businesses.

Finally, in support of the National Biodiversity Strategy, we have committed to increase the uptake of the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme five-fold during the lifetime of the current National Forestry Programme.

Brexit Preparations

Ceisteanna (87)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

87. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the future Border checks on the island of Ireland post Brexit relating specifically to the movement of food and animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41604/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is working closely with the European Commission on how to avoid a hard border in the case of a “no-deal” Brexit, while also protecting the integrity of the Single Market and Customs Union and Ireland’s place in them. Intensive discussions with the Commission are continuing to find solutions. All options are being discussed within the rules of the Customs Union and Single Market. This includes issues related to food and animal health standards and movements.

Without a Withdrawal Agreement, avoiding a hard border would become more complex and challenging. There are no easy answers, and any solution will be suboptimal compared to the backstop. The Government wants to avoid physical infrastructure at the border, but is also required to take steps to protect the single market.

On 2 October 2019, the UK submitted formal proposals to Brussels on an alternative to ‘the backstop’. The Commission noted that there are still some problems with this proposal, notably with regard to the governance of ‘the backstop’. It stated that we must have a legally operational solution that meets all the objectives of the backstop: preventing a hard border, preserving North-South cooperation and the all-island economy, and protecting the EU's Single Market and Ireland's place in it.

Agriculture Schemes

Ceisteanna (88)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

88. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the incentives and schemes in place to encourage young persons to take up farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41381/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department currently has a range of measures to support young farmers and generational renewal, both under the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and nationally.

Under the CAP, the National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme provides financial support to young farmers and new entrants to farming during the crucial early years immediately following the setting up of a farm enterprise.

Between 2015 and 2018, some 8,500 young farmers have received payments under the Young Farmers Scheme each year. Over €78 million has issued to successful applicants under the scheme during this time. Over 9,500 applications have been received under the scheme in 2019.

Also between 2015 and 2018 almost 8,000 successful applicants have benefitted from the National Reserve, with new allocations of payment entitlements valued in excess of €30 million made to successful applicants during this time. A further 780 applications have been received under the scheme in 2019.

Under the TAMS II Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme, young farmers can avail of the enhanced grant rate of 60% as compared to the standard rate of 40%. Under this Scheme, €74.5m has been paid to over 2,700 young farmers to date.

There are also a number of national taxation measures aimed at young farmers, specifically the ‘100% Stock Relief on Income Tax for Certain Young Trained Farmers’ and the ‘Stamp Duty Exemption on Transfers of Land to Young Trained Farmers’. Both of these measures assist farm succession and transfer. Other measures such as the relief from income tax for long-term leasing relief also benefit young farmers by increasing land mobility.

In addition, in 2017, I launched the 'Succession Farm Partnership Scheme'. This provides for a €25,000 tax credit over five years to further assist with the transfer of farms within a partnership structure, promoting and supporting the earlier intergenerational transfer of family farms. This scheme also encourages important conversations within farm families regarding succession planning.

Teagasc’s recent publication “Teagasc Education Vision – meeting future needs” outlines the importance of education for young farmers and the development of their skills through education and training. This core function of Teagasc is supported and funded by my Department.

Earlier this year, I launched the Future Growth Loan Scheme which is a long-awaited source of finance for young and new entrant farmers, especially the cohort who do not have high levels of security.

Supporting young farmers and generational renewal continues to be a priority for my Department and will form an important part of the CAP post-2020. My Department and I are actively engaging with other Member States and the EU on these issues during the current negotiations on new CAP proposals.

Beef Industry

Ceisteanna (89)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

89. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to improve oversight and transparency in the beef processing sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41115/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There has been a series of formal negotiations with beef sector stakeholders, facilitated by my Department, since early August, culminating in an agreement being reached between stakeholders on Sunday 15 September.

The full text of the Agreement is available on my Department's website: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/farmingsectors/beef/Agreement15September170919.pdf

The Agreement involves a number of interventions which will provide immediate benefit for beef producers, as well as a range of strategic measures which seek to address structural imbalances in the sector.

Beef producers will benefit from an immediate increase in a range of bonuses. This will increase the level of bonus being paid on certain animals, as well as significantly increasing the number of animals which are eligible for a bonus. The cumulative effect is that over 70% of all steer and heifers slaughtered will now be eligible for a bonus on top of the base price paid.

A number of actions in the area of market transparency, beef promotion and strengthening the position of the farmer in the supply chain are included in the Agreement. These measures set a course towards greater clarity for all stakeholders involved in the beef supply chain, primarily farmers.

Actions specifically in relation to transparency include:

- An independent review of market and customer requirements, specifically in relation to the four in-spec bonus criteria currently in operation in the Irish beef sector;

- An independent examination of the price composition of the total value of the animal, including the fifth quarter, along the supply chain, and

- a summary of competition law issues as relevant to the Irish beef sector

- additional detailed price reporting on the Beef PriceWatch app;

- examination of transparency models in other jurisdictions; and

- a consultation process on the transposition of the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive.

In addition, Bord Bia will develop a beef market price index model based on 3 components: cattle price index, beef market price index (retail and wholesale) and an offal price indicator.

I have established a Beef Market Taskforce to provide the leadership to develop a sustainable pathway for the future of the beef sector in terms of economic, environmental and social sustainability. The Taskforce will provide a robust implementation structure for commitments entered into in the Agreement, with timelines and stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, the Beef Market Taskforce will offer a suitable platform for strategic engagement with key stakeholders, including retailers and regulatory authorities. The Taskforce is comprised of key beef sector stakeholders, with Michael Dowling as independent chair.

The Beef Taskforce scheduled for yesterday, 14 October, was adjourned, as members of the Taskforce were prevented from attending the meeting. It is in the interests of everyone involved in the beef industry that the work of the Taskforce goes ahead. The Taskforce’s remit is to monitor the implementation of the actions arising from the agreement reached on 15 September and offers the most viable platform for strategic engagement with key stakeholders. It was a great pity that farm representatives were not in a position to air the legitimate concerns of farmers at the Taskforce.

Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations

Ceisteanna (90)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

90. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at recent EU Agriculture Council meetings regarding CAP funding post 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41953/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The European Commission has proposed, as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021 - 2027, an approximate cut of 5% to the CAP budget post-2020. The proposed cut is unacceptable for Ireland, and I have used every opportunity in the course of discussions at EU Agriculture Council meetings to call for the CAP budget to be maintained.

It is important to note that funding for the CAP is outside the remit of Agriculture Ministers. Negotiations on the MFF proposals are running in parallel to the CAP post-2020 negotiations, and agreement requires unanimity at the EU Council. There are diverging views amongst Member States on the appropriate level for the budget, and further discussion is required before agreement can be achieved. The impact of Brexit further compounds the budgetary issue, with some €12 billion per annum in UK net contributions being removed from the EU budget post-2020.

I have been working with my European counterparts to raise awareness and build consensus around maintaining a strong CAP budget post 2020:

- In May 2018, I co-signed a Joint Memorandum in Madrid, calling for the CAP budget to be retained at current levels for the EU 27 post-2020. The memorandum has been supported by up to 20 other EU Agriculture Ministers.

- I have consistently called for an adequate CAP budget to meet the increasing demands being placed on farmers, in particular in achieving greater climate ambition. I have held multiple bilateral meetings with my European colleagues and have also raised the matter on several occasions with Commissioner Hogan.

- Yesterday, at the Agrifish Council in Luxembourg, I joined with 16 Ministers from a number of EU Member States to reiterate the call for the CAP budget to be maintained post-2020, to meet the new challenges faced by European agriculture and forestry.

I will continue to work with my European counterparts with a view to maintaining the CAP budget as the negotiations for the CAP post-2020 and its budgetary allocations progress.

Rural Development Programme

Ceisteanna (91)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

91. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has communicated with the Minister for Rural and Community Development regarding the low allocation of TAMS II funding under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020; if so, his plans to re-allocate this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30466/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014 – 2020, for which my Department has overall responsibility, consists of a total programme budget of approx. €4 billion over the seven-year lifespan of the Programme. In line with EU requirements, this budget must cover measures and sub-measures as set out in Regulation (EU) No. 1305 of 2013. The funding was allocated and phased over the Programme period in line with the requirements of measure design and budgetary resources.

There are no plans to reallocate funding already committed under the RDP to the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS II). I am satisfied that the RDP as a whole will spend its entire budget and, therefore, there is no scope for substantial reallocations across schemes.

The total budget allocated under the TAMS II is €395m which is a substantial allocation for a capital investment scheme. To date, total expenditure under TAMs, including transitional expenditure, has exceeded €170m and we continue to pay approximately €1.4m every week. The annual budget allocations are, of course, subject of the usual national budgetary processes. I was very pleased, therefore, to announce that the 2020 budget for TAMS II payments will amount to €81.5m. This represents an increase of over 17% on the 2019 budget.

TAMS II continues to be very popular with Irish farmers. Over 2,600 new applications were received under tranche 15 which closed recently, when added to the applications rolled over from the previous tranche, means that there are 3,300 applications for consideration. The Deputy should also be aware that there are some 12,000 approved applications with farmers who have yet to submit payment claims. These outstanding payment claims represent committed expenditure worth approx €145m. Until such time as these approvals are acted upon or expire, the budget for TAMS must include provision for the potential expenditure involved. Current estimates indicate that the total budget available will be fully spent.

Meat Processing Plants

Ceisteanna (92)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

92. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to establish veal units at two locations nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41701/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will be aware that the establishment of meat processing facilities is a commercial matter. I can confirm that my Department does not currently have any open applications for the approval under the European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009, S.I. 432 of 2009 for any veal processing units - if my Department were to receive such an application, it would, of course, consider it in accordance with the relevant regulations.

It should be noted that Ireland traditionally produces very small quantities of veal. Live export trade of calves has increased significantly in the last number of years and serves primarily European markets where there is a domestic demand for veal.

Live exports are a critical part of the infrastructure of our livestock industry. They play a significant role in stimulating price competition and provide an alternative market outlet for farmers. My Department facilitates this trade, recognising its critical importance to the agri-sector, while ensuring that live animal exports meet the highest welfare standards. I continue to prioritise efforts to gain access to new third country markets and, equally importantly, to deepen existing markets for live exports.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (93)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

93. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of each State infrastructure project that is in development or is due for completion in 2019 which it is in excess of the budget assigned to the project for its current stage to date. [39522/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I wish to advise the Deputy that a High Containment Laboratory has been developed at the Backweston Laboratory Campus to provide my Department with the capacity that it requires to deal with a potential outbreak of exotic viral diseases, and to fulfil my Department’s regulatory requirements for diagnostic testing of high-consequence viruses. Exotic viral diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), avian influenza and the swine fevers are an ever-present risk to the Irish agri-food industry, with serious consequences for animal welfare and the export trade. Rapid and reliable laboratory confirmation of suspect cases is an essential prerequisite to the full deployment of the emergency disease control measures that are required in an outbreak situation.

The budget for the High Containment Laboratory project was €5.521m, comprising tendered building works of €4.971m, consultancy fees of €412,000 and equipment at €138,000, to be paid over a number of years. This process was managed by the Office of Public Works on behalf of my Department. Some unforeseen engineering difficulties and associated delays resulted in an increase in the project cost and the timeline. The associated additional costs for the project totals €1.5m, bringing the overall project cost to €7m.

Coillte Teoranta

Ceisteanna (94)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

94. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider amending the mandate of Coillte to encourage it to provide a wide range of forestry services; and if he will direct Coillte to commence the planting of new forests. [41988/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Coillte was established under the Forestry Act 1988, Section 12 of which states the objectives of the company. These objectives are to carry on the business of forestry and related activities on a commercial basis and in accordance with efficient silvicultural practices, to establish and carry on woodland industries, and to participate with others in forestry and related activities consistent with its objectives.

This mandate already enables Coillte to provide a wide range of forestry services. Coillte currently manages some 440,000 hectares of land, the bulk of which is under forestry. The company sells a range of wood products and its forests and lands also provide the public with a range of ecosystem services such as nature conservation, carbon sequestration along with extensive recreational opportunities. The launch of Coillte Nature expands it remit and focuses on non-commerical activities. Its inaugural Dublin Mountains Conversion project converts commercial forests to recreational forests and is supported by native woodland grants from my Department.

The company continues to look for options to establish new forests and is actively considering the role it can play in facilitating the overall growth of the national forest estate. I welcome the recently announced collaboration between Coillte and Bord na Móna to plant 4 million native trees across 1,500 hectares of Bord na Móna land over the next 3 years. This project will bring a range of environmental benefits through the use of native species and will actively contribute to meeting the afforestation targets under the Government’s Climate Action Plan. I believe that there are other possibilities for Coillte to engage in afforestataion as indeed there are for other public bodies who own land. My Department will be engaging more intensively with these bodies to explore these opportunities.

Beef Industry

Ceisteanna (95)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

95. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts being made to ensure the funds committed to the beef emergency aid measure are used in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41954/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The objective of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) is to provide temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132. BEAM is funded by a combination of EU aid and Exchequer support, provided in light of the difficult circumstances that Irish beef farmers have been facing as a result of market volatility and uncertainty.

The implementing regulation was within the competence of the European Commission; member states were invited to comment on the contents of the draft regulation, however, it was not open for negotiation. Ireland subsequently published a formal notification of the scheme as required under the regulation.

The scheme was designed to target aid to those who had been most impacted by the market disturbance for which it was requested. The reduction/restructuring requirement was required by the Commission; it was also required to be at individual farm level.

As the scheme is voluntary, it is a decision for individual eligible farmers as to whether to participate or not. In response to requests from farm bodies, the period for receipt of applications was extended to 20 September and there was support and advice available to prospective applicants from my Department at the National Ploughing Championships.

In total 34,517 applications were received, representing a potential payment of €78,192,380. A further 560 applicants, who did not qualify for the support as they had failed to meet the eligibility criteria laid down in the scheme Terms and Conditions, submitted an application under appeal in order to have their eligibility for the scheme reviewed.

Under the implementing regulation, Ireland may grant additional national support for the measures taken under Article 1 of the regulation up to a maximum of 100% of EU funding. Therefore, undrawn funds cannot be used for other purposes outside of the measure.

The Deputy will be glad to know that, in Budget 2020, I have provided almost €85 million in targeted schemes to support sustainable beef farming. This includes almost €45 million for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP), and a further €40 million for targeted supports. I intend to consult with stakeholders as to the use of these funds.

In addition, in the event of a No-Deal Brexit, my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform confirmed in Budget 2020 that a Brexit contingency fund of €650 million will be available to support our most vulnerable sectors, to be activated in tranches as the full impacts emerge. €110 million will be made available through my Department in the first tranche, of which €85 million will be provided in immediate supports for beef farmers. This will, of course, be supplemented by any exceptional aid provided from the EU under the CMO regulation.

Greyhound Industry

Ceisteanna (96)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

96. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1418 of 6 September 2019, if his attention has been drawn to the issue that the claim that a greyhound suffered a heart attack at Shelbourne Park is at variance with an eye witness report (details supplied). [41935/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Bord na gCon is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Bord na gCon has informed me that it is aware of a greyhound fatality at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium on Saturday, 17 August 2019. Following racing, the greyhound and his handler left the track and made their way to the car park. The greyhound then collapsed and the veterinary surgeon on duty at the track immediately left the examination room and attended to the greyhound at the scene. Examinations indicate that the greyhound passed away due to a cardiovascular problem. Instances of fatalities in greyhounds at stadia are extremely rare and are regrettable when they do occur, with best veterinary care and advice followed in each case.

Greyhound Industry

Ceisteanna (97)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

97. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of greyhounds buried in the grounds of Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium; if this practice was approved by the Irish Greyhound Board; if dogs continue to be buried there; and the procedure for incidents involving dogs that die at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium and other IGB tracks. [41936/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Bord na gCon is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Bord na gCon has informed me that it has no knowledge of greyhounds buried on the grounds of Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium.

The bodies of greyhounds that pass away or are euthanised at all Bord na gCon licensed stadia are collected and disposed of by incineration. This practice is done by persons authorised under the EU (Animal –By-Products) Regulations 2014 in accordance with Article 12 of the European Parliament and Council Regulations No 1069/2009.

Sudden deaths of greyhounds at tracks are extremely rare and, where they do occur, the designated veterinary surgeon on duty decides whether a detailed post-mortem examination is required. In such instances, organ/tissue samples are submitted to a veterinary laboratory for further investigation.

Beef Industry

Ceisteanna (98)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

98. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects to have the names of the members of the beef market task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41955/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have established a Beef Market Taskforce to provide the leadership to develop a sustainable pathway for the future of the beef sector in terms of economic, environmental and social sustainability. The Taskforce will provide a robust implementation structure for commitments entered into in the Irish Beef Sector Agreement of 15th September, with timelines and stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, the Beef Market Taskforce will offer a suitable platform for strategic engagement with key stakeholders, including retailers and regulatory authorities.

I have appointed Michael Dowling as independent Chair of the Taskforce, and its membership includes representatives from my Department, relevant State agencies, farm organisations and the meat industry. The Beef Taskforce scheduled for yesterday, 14 October, was adjourned, as members of the Taskforce were prevented from attending the meeting. It is in the interests of everyone involved in the beef industry that the work of the Taskforce goes ahead. The Taskforce’s remit is to monitor the implementation of the actions arising from the agreement reached on 15 September and offers the most viable platform for strategic engagement with key stakeholders. It was a great pity that farm representatives were not in a position to air the legitimate concerns of farmers at the Taskforce.

Greyhound Industry

Ceisteanna (99)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

99. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the changes being made to the greyhound sector in view of a meeting by his officials with the CEO of an organisation (details supplied) on 21 June 2019 to discuss an investigation into the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41376/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Bord na gCon is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The meeting, referred to by the Deputy, on the 21st June this year was convened to discuss how the industry can put welfare to the forefront of all business operations, and Bord na gCon's care plan was devised in response to this.

Bord na gCon has assured me that it continues to make significant progress in the areas of welfare and regulation under its Strategic Plan 2018-2022. One of the pillars of the plan is maintaining animal welfare at the centre of the industry. Actions proposed under the plan include the introduction of a traceability system, now provided for in statute under the Greyhound Racing Ireland Act 2019, an extended racing life for greyhounds, strategic partnerships with organisations solely dedicated to the welfare of greyhounds and an increased focus on re-homing.

A confidential phone line has been established by Bord na gCon to enable the reporting of welfare breaches and follow up investigation by the relevant agency. A Greyhound Care Fund has been established which will be funded by a percentage from sponsorship and admission fees, effective from September 2019 and will be further funded from a percentage of the Tote income from November.

I am confident that Bord na gCon is rebuilding the industry within a modern framework with the welfare of the racing greyhound at its core.

Beef Industry

Ceisteanna (100)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

100. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the beef crisis; his plans to assist farmers on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41983/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There have been a series of formal negotiations with beef sector stakeholders, facilitated by my Department, since early August, culminating in an agreement being reached between stakeholders on Sunday 15 September.

The full text of the Agreement is available on my Department's website: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/farmingsectors/beef/Agreement15September170919.pdf

The Agreement involves a number of interventions which will provide immediate benefit for beef producers, as well as a range of strategic measures which seek to address structural imbalances in the sector.

Beef producers will benefit from an immediate increase in a range of bonuses. This will increase the level of bonus being paid on certain animals, as well as significantly increasing the number of animals which are eligible for a bonus. The cumulative effect is that over 70% of all steer and heifers slaughtered will now be eligible for a bonus on top of the base price paid.

A number of actions in the area of market transparency, beef promotion and strengthening the position of the farmer in the supply chain are included in the Agreement. These measures set a course towards greater clarity for all stakeholders involved in the beef supply chain, primarily farmers.

My Department is also proactively engaging with several potential beef Producer Organisations, which have to potential to strengthen the bargaining power of beef farmers in the supply chain. Two beef producer organisations have been formally recognised by my Department in recent weeks.

I have established a Beef Market Taskforce to provide the leadership to develop a sustainable pathway for the future of the beef sector in terms of economic, environmental and social sustainability. The Taskforce will provide a robust implementation structure for commitments entered into in the Agreement, with timelines and stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, the Beef Market Taskforce will offer a suitable platform for strategic engagement with key stakeholders, including retailers and regulatory authorities.

I have appointed Michael Dowling as independent Chair of the Taskforce, and its membership includes representatives from my Department, relevant State agencies, farm organisations and the meat industry. The Beef Taskforce scheduled for yesterday, 14 October, was adjourned, as members of the Taskforce were prevented from attending the meeting. It is in the interests of everyone involved in the beef industry that the work of the Taskforce goes ahead. The Taskforce’s remit is to monitor the implementation of the actions arising from the agreement reached on 15 September and offers the most viable platform for strategic engagement with key stakeholders. It was a great pity that farm representatives were not in a position to air the legitimate concerns of farmers at the Taskforce.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (101)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

101. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if the European Union (Withdrawal) (No.2) Act 2019 was discussed when he met Prime Minister Johnson recently. [41960/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I met with Prime Minister Johnson in Cheshire on 10 October. We had detailed and constructive discussions on the current situation which concentrated on the challenges of customs and consent. It was clear that we both continue to believe a deal is in everybody’s interest and we agreed that we could see a pathway to a possible deal.

We also discussed the potential to strengthen bilateral relations, including on Northern Ireland. We agreed to reflect further on our discussions and that officials would continue to engage intensively on them.

Following our discussions, I consulted with the EU Task Force and the UK Brexit Secretary met Michel Barnier the following morning.

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