Written Answers Nos. 1426-1445
1426. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the research carried out on the possible new uses for raw wool produced here and the possibility of processing wool in view of the poor prices being received by farmers for their wool at present and the fact that virtually all wool produced here is exported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21649/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWool production is an important component of agri-industry and Ireland produces excellent quality wool. In an industry such as the wool industry, where prices tend to move in cycles, it is imperative that the players ensure and promote a diversity of options for the product in the market place. The current market uncertainties should provide an impetus for the industry players to come together to see what business opportunities are out there and try to promote the excellent product in as many markets as possible.
While I am not considering the establishment of any research on wool in relation to new or alternative uses for raw wool, I will of course consider any proposal that the industry wishes to submit to me in this regard.
1427. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a TAMS grant application by persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21675/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe persons named applied for grant aid under Tranche 17 of the Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme, one of the suite of seven measures available under TAMS II. The application was not selected for approval under this tranche. An application for the same investments has been submitted under Tranche 18, with reduced investment costs. This application has passed the initial administrative checks required and will be subject to the ranking and selection process which will be completed shortly. Ranking and selection is the process of ranking each application in each tranche using pre-defined criteria. If the application is selected for approval, it will then be subject to technical checks. If the application is successful at this stage, approval will issue in writing directly to the persons named.
Full details of all TAMS II measures, including the ranking and selection criteria, are available on the Department's website.
1428. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the further resources that can be put in place to help publicly enforce animal rights laws regarding the neglect and abuse of equines, especially in urban settings in circumstances in which often the only option available in these situations is to use private contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21686/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to taking action to prevent unnecessary suffering to, and neglect of, all animals, including horses kept in urban areas. The Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. This Act provides a modern framework for applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare and replaced a number of enactments dating back over a century. The Act was passed, after a lengthy and constructive debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas and came into operation on 6 March 2014.
I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner. Those responsible for causing unnecessary suffering to animals or being negligent regarding animal welfare will continue to be sanctioned where appropriate, up to and including prosecution through the Courts should the evidence so warrant. This policy applies to horses kept in urban areas as well as to other animals.
Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society. My Department continues to enforce the law in this important area as does An Garda Síochána, the Customs service of the Revenue Commissioners, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. My Department works closely with these bodies and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved for their work in the field of animal welfare.
My Department has prosecuted eleven persons under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 for offences involving horses; a further 4 cases remain before the Courts. This does not include cases initiated by other prosecuting authorities in respect of which my Department does not have information.
Over 170 equines have been seized by officers based in my Department’s network of regional offices in the past 4 years.
My Department dedicates a substantial level of resources and funding to animal welfare. This follows from last year when the largest ever allocation of funding from my Department of €2.906m was made to 106 animal welfare bodies, a number of which undertake work with urban horses. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to double the grant aid to animal welfare organisations.
In addition, my Department continues to support a number of urban horse projects nationwide, bringing education on all aspects of equine welfare to disadvantaged areas. In the context of preventing over-breeding and consequential welfare problems, my Department provides financial assistance to the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal to operate castration clinics and facilitate education programmes. These initiatives highlight the importance of appropriate welfare education and increase awareness among the community at large.
In recent years, my Department has funded four courses relating to equine welfare targeted at horse owners. My Department also takes part in the Dublin Region Horse Welfare Working Group with local authorities and relevant non-Government organisations.
Under the Control of Horses Act 1996, local authorities may make bye-laws relating to the keeping of horses. Local authorities may take a range of other actions in relation to equines including the seizure and disposal of straying horses which includes horses put on land without the owner’s permission.
The Chief Executive of a local authority may appoint authorised officers under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. This action opens for local authorities a further range of options that may be utilised in the interest of public safety and the related welfare of animals.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation.
The dedicated e-mail address and Helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of cruelty and neglect are:
Helpline Phone No: Call Save - 0761 064408, phone - 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
I am are committed to this policy of education and building awareness, financial support and the continued and vigorous application of animal welfare legislation in respect of all animals, including urban horses.
1429. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara an bhfuil sé i gceist aige cuairt a thabhairt go luath ar na hoileáin amach ón gcósta; má tá, cé hiad na hoileáin a bhfuil i gceist aige cuairt a thabhairt orthu; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21704/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar a bheidh a fhios ag an Teachta, tá roinnt tionscnamh i bhfeidhm cheana féin a bhfuil teacht ag feirmeoirí ar na hoileáin orthu.
Cuirtear tacaíochtaí a bhaineann go sonrach le feirmeoirí ar na hoileáin faoi scéim na Limistéar faoi Shrianta Nádúrtha (ANC). Faoin scéim seo, tá feirmeoirí ar na hoileáin díolmhaithe ó ghabháltas feirme atá 3 heicteár ar a laghad a bheith acu, faoi mar atá i bhfeidhm go ginearálta. Ina theannta sin, tá ráta tacaíochta ANC an heicteár d'fheirmeoirí ar na hoileáin níos airde ná mar atá d'fheirmeoirí ar an mórthír.
Tá scéimeanna faoin bPlean Forbartha Tuaithe ar fáil d'fheirmeoirí ar na hoileáin agus d'fheirmeoirí ar an mórthír araon. Áirítear sna scéimeanna sin aistriú eolais, feirmeoireacht orgánach, leas ainmhithe, feirmeoireacht i gcomhar, chomh maith le tacaíocht d'fhorbairt áitiúil Pobal-bhunaithe LEADER. Ina theannta sin, tá teacht ag oileánaigh ar chuóta iascaireachta do speicis ar leith. Táim ag súil le bheith ag obair in éineacht le mo chomhghleacaí Heather Humphreys, An tAire Coimirce Sóisialaí, Forbartha Pobail agus Tuaithe agus Oileán mar chuid dá cuid freagrachtaí d'fhorbairt na n-oileán amach ón gcósta agus dá bhforbairt leanúnach.
Ag brath ar mo sceideal oibre, tá súil agam go mbeidh sé ar mo chumas cuairt a thabhairt ar roinnt de na hoileáin le linn mo théarma i m'Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara agus coinneoidh mé i dteagmháil leis an Teachta ina leith sin.
1430. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to deal with the backlog of applications for felling licences and the backlog of appeals of decisions relating to felling licences in order to ensure continuity of supply to the timber industry; his plans to introduce new legislation as a priority to deal with the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21717/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware that current delays in issuing licences has led to difficulties for some in the sector. My Department is intensively engaging with all relevant stakeholders on these issues. The current licensing difficulties are as a result of the changes made to internal Appropriate Assessment Procedures (AAP). These were introduced in response to important Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions and their subsequent interpretation by the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) and others. These findings meant that in order to grant licences which fully meet environmental requirements, fundamental changes to the licensing system were unavoidable. All licence applications are subject to a statutory public notification system.
I accept the current changes to procedures are very significant and they have been challenging to implement such is the scope and breadth of them, which has unfortunately meant that there have been delays in issuing licences. It has taken substantial resources and effort to introduce a robust and workable system, which meets the legislative requirements, and I believe we now have that in place. A majority of my Department's licensing decisions are being confirmed at the Forestry Appeals Committee which gives confidence in these revised procedures.
My Department has a detailed project plan in place for dealing with the current backlog and new applications, which includes significant investment in extra resources required to deliver the plan. These resources are a combination of additional ecologists, forestry inspectors and administrative staff where required.
The project plan is a targeted, process-driven approach which prioritises files in a manner which will result in an increased number of licences being issued in the short-term and will deliver a return to expected timelines in the longer term. Applicants who have or are prepared to submit a Natura Impact Statement, where appropriate, will be prioritised.
A Project Management Board, with a dedicated Project Manager, is overseeing and monitoring delivery. There will be a continuous review of the process, in order to effect efficiencies. A communication plan to keep stakeholders fully and regularly informed of progress, with a dedicated central resource to deal with queries, is a key element of the project. While much of the success of the project plan lies with my Department, stakeholders also need to engage with it. This will require a commitment from forestry companies to submit only applications which have a realistic chance of being planted, to ensure all applications are of the required standard and quality, and to submit NISs in accordance with the guidance provided.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to review the forestry appeals process to ensure that it is aligned with other comparable appeals processes. That is why a draft amendment to the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001 is being introduced. The public consultation period for the draft Bill recently closed, with almost 9,000 submissions received. These submissions will inform the updated version of the Bill which will be presented to the Oireachtas. The introduction of these amendments will be accompanied by an on-line portal on which forestry licence applications and site details will be easily accessible to any interested party.
I am more than aware that the current situation is challenging, but it is a temporary disruption which, when resolved, will make for a better, more sustainable and fit-for-purpose forestry licensing system for many years to come.
1431. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he plans to address animal welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21784/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe framework for addressing the Government’s policy of promoting the optimum level of animal welfare in Ireland is provided by the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. The Act is a practical tool that provides modern framework for applying standards in the area of animal welfare. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to strengthen the Act and to enforce its provisions. The Act aims at a balance between the rights of an individual and the role of the State services to act for the public policy objective of ensuring the optimum level of animal welfare.
My Department keeps the Act under review given developments in the area of animal welfare and the law and having regard to the practical lessons learnt from operating the Act. Indeed, my Department is currently working on proposals to amend the Act to give effect to the commitment in the programme for Government for the ordered end to fur farming. This opportunity will also be used to bring forward any desired adjustments to the Act.
Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner. My Department continues to enforce the law in this important area as does An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. My Department works closely with these bodies and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved for their work in the field of animal welfare.
My Department dedicates a substantial level of resources and funding to animal welfare. This follows fro last year when the largest ever allocation of funding from my Department of €2.906m was made to 106 animal welfare bodies, a number of which undertake work with urban horses. The Programme for Government also contains a commitment to double the grant aid to animal welfare organisations over a two year period.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation.
The dedicated e-mail address and Helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of cruelty and neglect are:
Helpline Phone No: Call Save - 0761 064408, phone - 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
I am committed to this policy of education and building awareness, financial support and the continued and vigorous application of the law relating to animal welfare.
1432. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the ANC review in County Donegal; the townlands excluded; and the reason they were excluded with details for each townland. [21833/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data requested by the Deputy in relation to townlands in Donegal is currently being compiled. The data will be forwarded directly to the Deputy shortly.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
Background
The Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme has been in place for over 40 years in Ireland, under a number of different names. In essence, the scheme provides financial compensation to farmers in light of the additional cost they incur in farming land that is designated as disadvantaged/constrained.
In advance of payments under the 2019 ANC scheme, Ireland was required under EU Regulation to change the approach used to designating land as eligible for payment under the scheme. Up to that point, Ireland 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, stocking density etc.
From 2019, eligible areas were instead required to be designated using the following list of bio-physical criteria:
- Low Temperature
- Dryness
- Excess oil moisture
- Limited soil drainage
- Unfavourable texture and stoniness
- Shallow rooting depth
- Poor chemical properties
- Steep slope
Where a townland displayed one or more of the listed criteria at a level above the threshold of 60% as set out in the Regulation, the townland was identified as constrained.
It was then necessary, under the Regulation, to ‘fine tune’ these constrained areas by reference to the following three categories. Areas above the ‘fine tuning’ threshold in any of the three categories below were deemed to be not eligible for the 2019 ANC Scheme:
A. District Electoral Divisions (DEDs) that displayed a stocking density over a 3 year average at a level above 1.8 livestock units (LU) per hectare
B. DEDs that displayed an average level of above 15% of the agricultural area taken up by arable crops
C. DEDs that displayed a combination of greater than 8% arable coverage and a stocking density of between 1.4 – 1.8 LU per hectare
A third step provided for in the EU Regulations allowed for land to be deemed eligible if it qualified under certain specific constraints. These were:
A. Where 50% or more of the DED is covered by the Natura 2000 Directives lands and the National Heritage Areas.
B. Where the land holding in the DED is in multiple blocks (fragmented) and where the average farm size in a DED is less than 80% of the national average, i.e. less than 25.6 hectares.
C. Where more than 50% of the townland is in permanent grassland and the average field size is less than 4 hectares.
In the case of the category of specific constraint relating to field size and permanent grass cover, this constraint was further focused by reference to national Family Farm Income data. Where this category of constraint applied, national level Family Farm Income statistics were used to identify the cohort most in need of financial support.
Taken together, the above steps identified the lands deemed eligible or ineligible under the scheme in 2019.
Outcome of the process
Following the review, the vast majority of land that was eligible under the existing Scheme remained eligible under the new approach. Nationally, some 700 townlands that would have previously been eligible were no longer eligible under the new designation. A degressive payment was put in place for 2019 and 2020 for farmers who were affected financially by the change in the status of the land. Over 2,000 townlands became eligible under the new approach and were eligible to receive a payment for the first time in 2019.
Appeals Process
DAFM wrote to all impacted farmers advising of the status of their lands under the 2019 ANC scheme. These letters included a form to initiate an appeal to the Independent Appeals Committee. Where an appeal was sought, detailed information in relation to all the steps in the process outlined above was provided to each appellant. This information indicated at which stage the townland in question had not reached the eligibility criteria, and the figures relating to each category. Thus, all the relevant data was provided to appellants.
In each case, the appeal was subject to a full review of underlying data by the Appeal Board. Following the completion of the work of the Independent Appeals Committee, all farmers who had submitted an appeal were notified of the outcome of the appeal. Where an appeal was deemed to be unsuccessful, farmers were advised that they could further appeal the decision to the Office of the Ombudsman.
Position in Donegal
Following the redesignation process, a total of 2,631 townlands located in Donegal were deemed to be eligible for the scheme. A total of 48 townlands were deemed not to be eligible. The Department received appeals in relation to 34 of these ineligible townlands. Following the review of these appeals by the Independent Appeals Committee, 3 of these townlands were subsequently made eligible following the completion of the appeals process. This has brought the total number of eligible townlands located in Donegal to 2,634.
Letters issued to the farmers whose appeals were unsuccessful to advise them of their right to appeal the decision to the Office of the Ombudsman.
Please see attached table that details
- the townlands that were determined not to be eligible following the initial completion of the re-designation process,
- the reason why the townland was not determined to be eligible by reference to the steps in the process outlined above,
- whether an appeal was submitted in relation to the townland and
- whether the appeal was successful or not.
In all of the cases in the table, the townlands in Donegal were deemed ineligible at the fine-tuning stage. In particular, 43 of the townlands were excluded under the fine turning category relating to arable land. The relevant benchmark in this regard is that DEDs with over 15% of agricultural area taken up by arable land were excluded under fine tuning. The range of values for the cases in question was 19%-34%.
The remaining 5 townlands were also excluded at the fine-tuning stage as they are in DEDs that displayed a stocking density over a 3 year average at a level above 1.8 LU per hectare
Having been excluded at the fine-tuning stage, the townlands in question did not subsequently fall into any of the three categories that would have qualified them as eligible as an ‘area of specific constraint.’
Further detailed data in relation all of the relevant townlands for each of the steps of the process is contained in the attached excel file. There is a lot of data in the table, and it matches up to the steps as outlined above. As an aid to interrupting the table I will expand upon Townland E12702 – Blanket Nook.
Step 1 – is the townland over 60% constrained
The green columns refer to the calculations across the biophysical criteria. In this case the total percentage of the townland agricultural biophysical area that is deemed to be constrained is 98.22%. Therefore, at this first step the townland is considered to be constrained as it surpasses the 60% threshold. All the townlands in question pass this threshold.
Step 2 – is the townland fine tuned out?
The blue columns refer to the fine tuning process. In this case, the townland is fine tuned out as the average arable area in the DED is 34.07%. This is higher than the 15% threshold and thus the townland is fine tuned out of eligibility on this basis. The majority of townlands are fine tuned out on this basis. Rows 50-54 on the other hand are fine tuned out as the DED has a stocking density higher than 1.8 LU per hectare.
Step 3 – Having being fine tuned out, does the townland become eligible under any of the criteria related to Areas of Specific Constraints.
The yellow columns refer to the areas of specific constraints process. In this case, the townland does not meet the threshold in any of the 3 possible categories, as follows
a. The townland does not have an area greater than 50% covered by N2k directives etc. In this case the figure is 27.77%
b. The average farm size in the DED is not lower than 80% of the national average. In this case the average is 47.26 ha
c. The joint criteria of the townland having more than 50% permanent grassland and an average field size less than 4 hectares has not been met. In this case, the figures are 23.49% and 3.78 ha
1433. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21842/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department.
I understand, however, that the appellant in question has recently been contacted by the Agriculture Appeals Office concerning his oral hearing and his appeal.
1434. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of public consultations being run by his Department. [21905/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that there is currently one public consultation - on the Scoping of the Environmental Report for the Agri-Food Strategy 2030
- being run by my Department.
1435. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding provided to festivals; the name and amount granted to each festival or event that did not take place due to Covid-19 in tabular form; and if the funding will remain in place for 2021. [21906/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details requested are set out in the following table.
|
Name of Festival/Event |
Amount of Funding Granted€ |
Postponed due to Covid-19Yes/No |
Will funding remain for 2021Yes/No |
|
UNFCCC - KJWA additional intersession technical workshop for Koronivia road map |
50,000 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Irish Warmblood Festival |
16,091 |
Yes |
No |
|
Young Scientists Exhibition |
14,145 |
No |
Considered on application |
|
National Ploughing Championships |
190,000 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Bloom |
17,500 |
Yes |
Considered on application |
|
Contributions toward various other shows and events |
155,000 |
Yes |
Considered on application |
|
National Forestry Conference 2020 |
9,190 |
Yes |
No (Funding for 2021 considered on application) |
|
ITGA/IForUT Field Days in Clonad Woods, Co Offaly |
11,000 |
Yes |
No |
1436. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount spent on advertising Farm Safety week in each of the years 2016 to 2019 and to date in 2020. [21907/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has primary responsibility for Health and Safety on Farms, while the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is fully supportive of their work and assists in the promotion of safe farming practices.
It has not been the role of the Department to undertake advertising around the 5 nation farm safety week that is run by the IFA in Ireland. My Department has supported the farm safety week each year through media engagement. The farm safety week is an on-line farm safety awareness week.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is an active member of the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee and is in regular contact with the Health and Safety Authority. This committee consist of members from a wide range of bodies within agriculture and looks at how to promote and develop farm safety. DAFM, in conjunction with the HSA, is focused on changing farmer behaviour in relation to Health and Safety on farms. The Deputy will also be aware that my Department has incorporated mandatory farm safety training as a condition of TAM II grant scheme payments.
1437. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter regarding the forestry sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21925/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI note the content of the letter forwarded by the Deputy, detailing issues facing the forestry industry, and which supported the proposed amendment to the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001.
I am acutely aware that current delays in issuing licences has led to difficulties for some in the sector. My Department is intensively engaging with all relevant stakeholders on these issues. The current licensing difficulties are as a result of the changes made to internal Appropriate Assessment Procedures (AAP). These were introduced in response to important Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions and their subsequent interpretation by the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) and others. These findings meant that in order to grant licences which fully meet environmental requirements, fundamental changes to the licensing system were unavoidable. All licence applications are subject to a statutory public notification system.
I accept the current changes to procedures are very significant and they have been challenging to implement such is the scope and breadth of them, which has unfortunately meant that there have been delays in issuing licences. It has taken substantial resources and effort to introduce a robust and workable system, which meets the legislative requirements, and I believe we now have that in place. A majority of my Department's licensing decisions are being confirmed at the Forestry Appeals Committee which gives confidence in these revised procedures.
My Department has a detailed project plan in place for dealing with the current backlog and new applications, which includes significant investment in extra resources required to deliver the plan. These resources are a combination of additional ecologists, forestry inspectors and administrative staff where required. The project plan is a targeted, process-driven approach which prioritises files in a manner which will result in an increased number of licences being issued in the short-term and will deliver a return to expected timelines in the longer term. Applicants who have or are prepared to submit a Natura Impact Statement, where appropriate, will be prioritised.
A Project Management Board, with a dedicated Project Manager, is overseeing and monitoring delivery. There will be a continuous review of the process, in order to effect efficiencies. A communication plan to keep stakeholders fully and regularly informed of progress, with a dedicated central resource to deal with queries, is a key element of the project. While much of the success of the project plan lies with my Department, stakeholders also need to engage with it. This will require a commitment from forestry companies to submit only applications which have a realistic chance of being planted, to ensure all applications are of the required standard and quality, and to submit NISs in accordance with the guidance provided.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to review the forestry appeals process to ensure that it is aligned with other comparable appeals processes. That is why the draft amendment to the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001 is being introduced. The public consultation period for the draft Bill recently closed, with almost 9,000 submissions received. These submissions will inform the updated version of the Bill which will be presented to the Oireachtas. The introduction of these amendments will be accompanied by an on-line portal on which forestry licence applications and site details will be easily accessible to any interested party
I am more than aware that the current situation is challenging, but it is a temporary disruption which, when resolved, will make for a better, more sustainable and fit-for-purpose forestry licensing system for many years to come.
1438. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the analysis his Department has carried out on the effect the draft EU/USA tariff agreement on tariffs will have on the lobster market in Europe and in particular here and the viability of the industry; if an analysis has been carried out on the effect the agreement will have on coastal communities and their viability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21945/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1439. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of the lobster industry to Ireland; the number of fishermen and boats involved in the industry by county; the number of persons indirectly involved in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21946/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1440. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to carry out a regulatory impact analysis of the impact of the US/EU tariff agreement signed in August 2020 before its ratification by Ireland and the EU; his further plans to publish the analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21947/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1438 to 1440, inclusive, together.
Lobster is a particularly important species for the inshore fishing fleet and is fished predominantly using pots right around the coast. Any Irish sea-fishing boat with the appropriate licence conditions is eligible to fish for lobster. The Report of the Licensing Authority for Sea-fishing Boats for 2019 indicates that this may number up to 1,400 vessels. However, these vessels are also eligible to fish for certain other species and the business model varies from boat to boat.
Like many elements of Irish seafood, the lobster fishery relies on a healthy export market. BIM’s Business of Irish Seafood report values Irish lobster exports in 2019 at €15m. European markets remain significant for Irish seafood exports, including lobster, and the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality, retail and café sectors across the EU and elsewhere has undoubtedly made 2020 a difficult trading year for many elements of the Irish seafood sector.
Recently BIM has reported some recovery in prices to fishers which aligns with the step-back of COVID-19 restrictions and re-opening measures happening in many countries over the past number of weeks as we all learn to live with the virus. My Department continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on key destinations for Irish food exports and to work with all sectors, within the regulatory framework, to develop responsive measures.
On 21 August, the EU Commission and the United States announced agreement on a package of tariff reductions on a range of products, including US live and frozen lobster products. If EU imports of US lobster increase significantly it could combine to further impact on prices and demand - however, the US also exports to other international markets. The US lobster (homarus americanus) is not the same species as the European lobster (homarus gammarus) although both are fished wild which acts as a constraint on supply. The EU Commission figures indicate that last year the EU27 imported €42 million of lobster products from the US (15% of overall extra-EU imports), out of a market worth €290million in total and in which EU producers are supplying less than 5% of EU consumption. Bord Bia has advised that the EU market places strong preference on European lobster, the species caught in Ireland, and that prices received reflect this in the market place.
1441. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a series of matters (details supplied) in relation to forestry will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21955/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware that current delays in issuing licences has led to difficulties for some in the sector. My Department is intensively engaging with all relevant stakeholders on these issues. The current licensing difficulties are as a result of the changes made to internal Appropriate Assessment Procedures (AAP). These were introduced in response to important Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions and their subsequent interpretation by the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) and others. These findings meant that in order to grant licences which fully meet environmental requirements, fundamental changes to the licensing system were unavoidable. All licence applications are subject to a statutory public notification system.
I accept the current changes to procedures are very significant and they have been challenging to implement such is the scope and breadth of them, which has unfortunately meant that there have been delays in issuing licences. It has taken substantial resources and effort to introduce a robust and workable system, which meets the legislative requirements, and I believe we now have that in place. A majority of my Department's licensing decisions are being confirmed at the Forestry Appeals Committee which gives confidence in these revised procedures.
My Department has a detailed project plan in place for dealing with the current backlog and new applications, which includes significant investment in extra resources required to deliver the plan. These resources are a combination of additional ecologists, forestry inspectors and administrative staff where required.
The project plan is a targeted, process-driven approach which prioritises files in a manner which will result in an increased number of licences being issued in the short-term and will deliver a return to expected timelines in the longer term. Applicants who have or are prepared to submit a Natura Impact Statement, where appropriate, will be prioritised.
A Project Management Board, with a dedicated Project Manager, is overseeing and monitoring delivery. There will be a continuous review of the process, in order to effect efficiencies. A communication plan to keep stakeholders fully and regularly informed of progress, with a dedicated central resource to deal with queries, is a key element of the project. While much of the success of the project plan lies with my Department, stakeholders also need to engage with it. This will require a commitment from forestry companies to submit only applications which have a realistic chance of being planted, to ensure all applications are of the required standard and quality, and to submit NISs in accordance with the guidance provided.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to review the forestry appeals process to ensure that it is aligned with other comparable appeals processes. That is why a draft amendment to the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001 is being introduced. The public consultation period for the draft Bill recently closed, with almost 9,000 submissions received. These submissions will inform the updated version of the Bill which will be presented to the Oireachtas. The introduction of these amendments will be accompanied by an on-line portal on which forestry licence applications and site details will be easily accessible to any interested party
I am more than aware that the current situation is challenging, but it is a temporary disruption which, when resolved, will make for a better, more sustainable and fit-for-purpose forestry licensing system for many years to come.
1442. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the 2019 pearl mussel scheme payments have not issued to farmers that were part of the Kerrylife project (details supplied); if payments will now be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21988/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pearl Mussel Project is operationally independent of my Department and is run by the Pearl Mussel Project Team. The information below is sourced from the Project Team.
The Pearl Mussel Project forms part of the ‘after-LIFE’ component of the KerryLIFE project. As the first year of the Pearl Mussel Project 2019 overlapped with the final year of the KerryLIFE programme, KerryLIFE farmers were given priority access to the Pearl Mussel Programme, i.e. their access was ensured. To avoid any risk of double-funding, no results-based payments were made by the Pearl Mussel Project to KerryLIFE farmers for 2019 while they were still in contract with and in receipt of payments from KerryLIFE.
In order to provide an opportunity for KerryLIFE participants to maximise their habitat scores, and therefore payments, in 2020, all KerryLIFE farms were scored by their nominated advisor in 2019. We can confirm that the KerryLIFE project issued payments to all of the former KerryLIFE farmers who signed up to the Pearl Mussel Project to cover the costs associated with these surveys. All 453 farmers that are currently in the Pearl Mussel Programme, which includes 37 farmers that were previously in KerryLIFE, will receive a results-based payment later this year.
1443. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a riparian zone payment will be made to persons (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22046/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis issue relates to a payment claim for an action under the REPs scheme that has been closed for several years. The Department is still assessing the application and will be in direct contact with the applicant in due course.
1444. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been brought to allegations that the passports of Connemara ponies are being tampered with prior to sale of the ponies (details supplied); the steps he will take to investigate the matter and to eliminate the practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22066/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Connemara Pony Breeders Society (CPBS) has been approved by my Department to maintain the Studbook for Connemara Ponies and in this regard operate a breeding programme for the breed. The identification of genetic defects and their elimination where possible is part of such a breeding programme.
The CPBS in conjunction with Weatherbys have been carrying out research which has enabled it to test for the presence of the Hoof Wall Separation Disease gene. Since 2015, my Department have been providing funding to the CPBS under the Equine Infrastructures Scheme to facilitate this initiative. The results of the genetic testing are stamped on the Connemara Pony identification passport.
The CPBS has made my Department aware of alleged tampering to their passports. Tampering with passports is a very serious matter, be it equine ID information, information regarding the hoof wall separation disease genetic defect or any other information on the identification document being altered and should in the first instance be notified to the Gardaí. Regulation 34 of Statutory Instrument 62 of 2016 (European Union (Identification of Equidae) Regulations 2016) refers that a person involved in forgery and tampering with identification documents commits an offence.
My Department will investigate the matter further with the Society, in particular the security aspects of the passports, in an effort to eliminate this practice.
1445. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the two-hour travel limit that is proposed to apply to animals for which farmers would seek PGI status; the way in which the timeframe was arrived at; his views on claims that it may create issues for some farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22072/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy should be aware that there is no such limit.
The specification document in respect of an application for the registration of Irish Grass Fed Beef as a Protected Geographical Indication states that Irish Grass Fed Beef producers are within two hours transport of at least one of over thirty approved and certified abattoirs. However, there is no stipulation that cattle must be brought to slaughter within a two-hour travel period. The reference to the time period was included to show that low transport times are a feature of Irish Grass Fed Beef production.
The National Opposition Procedure for the draft application is open for submissions until Friday 11 September, and full details are available at:
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/gi/
