Tuesday, 15 Sep 2020

Written Answers Nos. 131-145

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (131)

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

131. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the implications for animals moving across the Border from Northern Ireland to here and vice versa for slaughter or as carcasses in the context of Brexit; if an all-island approach and a level playing field will continue to apply to each aspect of agricultural production and processing on the island of Ireland; and the actions that have been taken or will be taken by both Governments to ensure full co-operation between farmers on both sides of the Border. [19029/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The movement of animals across the Border is comprehensively addressed in the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement's Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. This Protocol will apply from 1 January 2021 regardless of the outcome of the Future Relationship negotiations.

The Protocol ensures that many of the changes arising in our trade with Great Britain will not apply to trade with Northern Ireland. The Protocol is clear, and the Commission have confirmed this, that the movement of animals between Northern Ireland and the EU is treated the same as intra-EU movements.

This is possible because the Protocol provides that relevant EU law applies to and in Northern Ireland. This will also help ensure that there is a level playing field in agricultural production, even after the end of the transition period.

The Irish Government has expressed its concern in relation to the recent publication by the British Government of its Internal Market Bill. Any unilateral departure from the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement would have very serious consequences, and I would hope that this could be avoided. The Protocol is about protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the achievements of the peace process, including avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland.  It is vitally important that it is implemented fully to protect the All Island economy and to provide clarity and stability for businesses and people North and South.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (132)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

132. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of forestry licence applications received each month in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; the corresponding figure for the number of licences approved, appealed, granted and refused on appeal, respectively; the number on hand in each category; the specific measures being taken to expedite the process in the interests of all parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23900/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am acutely aware that current delays in issuing licences has led to difficulties for some in the sector. The Government is very committed to its reform as set out in the Programme for Government including the introduction of new legislation to align the planning and appeal processes with best practice in similar processes elsewhere. We need a system that  works better for all stakeholders.

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.

My Department now  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 early results of the project plan are showing progress with the felling licenses issued in August the highest for some 13 months in both volume and area. Clearly we have more work to do but the early signs are promising.

 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.

In tandem with this plan a draft amendment to the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001 is being introduced which aims to increase efficiencies in the appeals process. My Department is currently reviewing the almost 9,000 submissions received on the Bill before its presentation tio the House very soon for consideration here. Our analysis so far of submissions received shows that a majority support the introduction of the Bill and the proposals therein.

I know 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.

Regarding the forestry licence statistics requested, my Department publishes a range of data on its website.  Due to the extent and nature of data sought it will be supplied to the Deputy separately in written form.

Animal Diseases

Ceisteanna (133)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

133. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will reconvene the tuberculosis forum; his views on whether farmers' faith in this forum is being eroded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23942/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Following many successful years of reducing bovine TB levels to the benefit of Irish farmers, there has been a concerning incremental increase in the disease since 2016. This has continued in 2020 with further increases in herd incidence and reactor numbers observed. Herd incidence (on a 12-month rolling basis) has breached 4% for the first time since 2012 and reactor numbers have exceeded 20,000 – the highest number since 2009.  These trends highlight the need for urgent action by all stakeholders to manage the risk more effectively across all transmission routes.  It is this need for action that is my Department’s primary motivation in issuing the herd history statements.

Whilst the immediate trends are disappointing and worrying, great progress has been made over the past decade. During 2009, 5,860 herds were subject to restriction whilst the number in 2019 was 4,060.  By working together, we have made progress before and we can do so again.  I have listened carefully to the concerns raised by farmers and I am eager to schedule a TB Forum meeting next week to further develop a shared understanding of how collectively we can reduce TB incidence. 

My Department remains committed to reducing TB in Ireland as demonstrated by the recent sanctioning of an additional 16 officers to assist the TB Programme. Attaining TB-free status remains critical from a farm family profitability and sustainability perspective and from a trade perspective at national and at international level. I am acutely conscious that every TB restriction represents a significant challenge to the farm family concerned. It is a deep regret that today over 2,700 herds are currently restricted which represents a 21% increase on the same time last year. I want to work with all stakeholders in ensuring fewer herdowners experience the challenges associated with a TB restriction and that we work purposefully towards eradication of this disease, thus eliminating this on-going cost on farmers and the State.

Potato Sector

Ceisteanna (134)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

134. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider a derogation on the ban on the use of diquat on potato crops in view of the fact that ten EU countries, including Austria and Denmark, have been given a derogation. [23980/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Diquat has been the most commonly used desiccant in the potato sector for many decades. As the deputy is aware, diquat is no longer approved for use as a plant protection product within the EU. However to facilitate industry transition and to support growers as they move to other methods of dessicating potato crops, I have granted a temporary, once-off and short term emergency authorisation for diquat.

This is line with the legal provisions of the EU regulations govering pesticide approvals.

The authorisation is subject to a number of strict conditions to ensure appropriate protections are in place. These conditions reduce the maximum allowed application rate and spray volume, and introduce specifications in relation to buffer zones and drift-reducing nozzles. They are the same as those provided for in an emergency use authorisation recently granted by Denmark, albeit the provision in Ireland is for a reduced period of time.

This authorisation will remain in place for a period of sixty days from September 10th facilitating the limited use of diquat to desiccate the potato crop. 

To ensure that a similar situation does not arise in the future, I am requesting Teagasc to engage with stakeholders across the potato sector to address the challenges of potato crop desiccation in the absence of diquat.

Agriculture Scheme Appeals

Ceisteanna (135)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

135. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a series of submissions by campaigners (details supplied) regarding the upcoming agriculture appeals (amendment) Bill 2020 will be examined in order to improve the processing and quality of decisions and appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24049/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Firstly let me say that I very much welcome the response to the publication of the draft Agriculture Appeals Amendment Bill. This is a very important Bill which is intended to improve and reform the forestry appeals process.  As is well known, the urgent need for such reform is evident from the delays being experienced on hearings which is not in the interest of any stakeholder. This Bill allows for more efficiencies in the Forestry Appeals Committee's work by aligning it with best practice in other planning and appeals processes.

My Department has received almost 9,000 submissions which shows that this is an issue which has generated intense public interest. There are a a range of views expressed but our analysis to date indicates that a significant majority support the introduction of the Bill and the measures therein. These will all be published on the Department's website once they have been reviewed. I would like to assure the House that all contributions are being carefully considered for the drafting of the final Bill, which will be presented to the House as soon as possible.

I am also continuing to improve the system by continuously reviewing the resource requirements to the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC).  Additional resources have been assigned to the FAC, including additional administrative resources and personnel with planning expertise, to assist with administering appeals. These will be added to in the near future.  We are also introducing an on-line portal for easy access to view all licence applications.

I believe that the proposed Bill, along with our Project Plans for managing the licencing backlog, will greatly improve the overall system and result in an increase in the number of licences available for planting and felling. 

It is clear to me that greater dialogue must be an essential element of future policy-making on forestry in this country. The views of all stakeholders are important but equally important is that they're communicating them directly to each other in a constructive and open dialogue. It is for this reason that I intend to reform the Forestry Programme Implementation Group to help me as Minister on the implementation of the current Programme and other relevant policy issues. I intend to make further announcements on this in the very near future.

Inshore Fisheries

Ceisteanna (136)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Ceist:

136. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the size of the inshore fishing fleet; the number of boats which availed of the tie-up scheme; the way in which such funds were paid out through the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23769/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As of 10 September 2020, there are 1,987 vessels registered on the Irish Register of Sea Fishing Boats and of these some 1,709 are under 12 metres. 

During the first wave of the Covid-19 Pandemic there was significant market disruption in Europe and internationally accompanied by depressed market prices for fish.  Our fishing fleet, not least the inshore sector, was significantly affected.  Former Minister Creed met with representatives of our fisheries sector on a number of occasions to hear their views on the impacts of the Pandemic and how my Department’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme could support them.  Representation included the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, the four fisheries producer organisations, the fisheries cooperatives and the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association.  There was a positive and constructive engagement, with a broad consensus from industry representatives, including inshore fisheries representatives, that aid for temporary tie-up of fishing vessels should be the priority, enabling some vessels to choose to voluntarily tie-up, while others fished to meet market demands. 

Following that engagement, Minister Creed introduced a Covid-19 Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme for fishing vessels in the Polyvalent, Beam Trawl and Specific segments of the fleet. The Scheme operated over three months June to August inclusive, and allowed vessel owners to voluntarily opt to tie up for a maximum of two months each.  The Scheme was intended as a safety net scheme to assist fishermen who did not consider fishing to be economically viable during a temporary period of market disturbance and weak prices.  The Scheme supported the fixed costs incurred by the vessel owners and as such was designed to complement the Covid-19 wage supports and loan arrangements already being provided by Government to the fishing sector and indeed other sectors of our economy.  The supports to fixed costs available under the Scheme were based on official data derived from fishing vessel owners as part of the EU Data Collection Framework.  Support payments for inshore vessel owners ranged from €800 per month for vessels between 10 and 12 metres, €750 per month for vessels between 8 and 10 metres and €500 per month for vessels under 8 metres. 

For the month of June, some 67 vessels chose to tie up, of which 52 were inshore boats, for July 61 vessels of which 46 were inshore boats and for August 19 vessels of which 14 were inshore boats.  Altogether some 147 tie-up payments were approved, of which 112 were inshore boats, although in some instances two payments were made to the same vessel owner where that person opted to tie up for two months.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (137)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

137. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the immediate action he is taking to address the backlog of cases in the forestry appeals systems. [24036/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am glad to have the opportunity to address the issue of the backlog of cases in the forestry appeals system. Let me say at the outset that I very much recognise the difficulties which the delays are currently having and the Government  is committed to reforming the licencing and appeals system as set out in the Programme for Government.  

It is very clear that the current system needs to be improved so that it can operate more efficiently. The proposed Bill amending the Agriculture Appeals Act is designed to forestry licensing appeals process with best practice in to other appeals processes. For instance, it includes proposals for the appointment of Deputy Chairpersons and the creation of sub-divisions of the main Committee which will increase capacity to hold hearings.  Certain other efficiencies in the operation of the committee are also proposed. 

We have received almost 9,000 submissions in response to the publication of the draft Bill. I very much welcome this level of engagement with this legislation. Our analysis of the appeals to date is that a significant majority of submissions received support the introduction of the Bill and the proposals therein. We continue to carefully examining these submissions, which will be published on my Department's website. They will inform the updated version of the Bill which I will present to the House as soon as possible.  

We are also introducing an on-line portal for easy access to view all licence applications which will further enhance transparency on the decision-making process for forestry in Ireland.

Additional resources have previously been assigned to the FAC, including additional administrative resources and personnel with planning expertise, to assist with administering appeals. These will be added to shortly to ensure their readiness for the implementation of the Bill, subject to its passing in the Oireachtas. I expect this Bill to be introduced to the Dail for its consideration very soon.   

I believe that the proposed Bill, along with our Project Plans for managing the licencing backlog, will greatly improve the overall system and result in an increase in the number of licences available for planting and felling and decision-making system which is more fit for purpose and meets the needs of all stakeholders.

Covid-19 Tests

Ceisteanna (138)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

138. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he was consulted on the decision to cease testing in meat factories and food processing plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24109/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department is contributing to the whole-of-Government response to managing outbreaks of Covid -19 in food plants.  In the context of Covid-19, human health must be the absolute priority for all of us, and therefore it is vitally important that all our decisions and actions led by public health advice.  

 The Government decided in August that the HSE should implement a programme of serial testing of workers in food plants and other large businesses.  To date,  serial testing had taken place of just over 15,000 workers in meat plants, with 42 detected cases - a positivity rate of 0.28%.   

As the Deputy will be aware, the HSE made an operational decision to re-schedule further serial testing in meat plants from the end of last week into this week. Starting from yesterday, 14th September, the HSE is carrying out a 4 week schedule of serial testing in meat plants. This will involve between 3,000 and 5,000 tests each week.  My Department will provide any assistance requested by the HSE to facilitate this testing programme.  My view is that this testing programme is essential in order to give the assurance that the public needs and expects.

There is no room for complacency with regard to the threat posed by Covid-19, and my Department is continually engaged with industry  to ensure that the basic measures are implemented correctly – for example, ensuring that workers are reminded on a daily basis of public health guidance, in a range of languages, screening questions and temperature check on entry every day, social distancing in canteens and locker rooms, adequate PPE for all workers, etc.

Animal Diseases

Ceisteanna (139)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

139. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the intended purpose of issuing bovine tuberculosis herd history herd risk letters to farmers; the cost involved in the process; and his plans to work with farmers to eliminate bovine tuberculosis. [23966/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Herd Test History Statements and Reports issued to all cattle herdowners with the aim to help them to reduce the risk of Bovine TB in their herds.

The Bovine TB Forum Interim Report identified the need to provide more effective information to farmers to help them reduce the risk of TB in their herd and  advocated for the  development of herd risk categories that are “simple, clear, and convey sufficient information to enable farmers to make the decisions appropriate to their situation”. Against this background, the Department developed individualised reports that provide a simplified TB herd risk category for farmers, with herd-specific advice on how to reduce risk of TB. All advice is based on scientific research and is consistent with advice that has been provided by the Department for several years in newsletters, videos, leaflets and other media. Farmers are already provided with information in relation to their TB risk, but this new report presents this in a very much more user friendly, detailed and practical form. 

I have listened carefully to the concerns raised by some farmers following the issuance of these letters and am eager to schedule a TB Forum meeting at the earliest opportunity to further develop a shared understanding of how collectively we can reduce TB incidence. 

Following many successful years of reducing bovine TB levels to the benefit of Irish farmers, there has been a concerning incremental increase in the disease since 2016. This has continued in 2020 with further increases in herd incidence and reactor numbers observed. Herd incidence (on a 12-month rolling basis) has breached 4% for the first time since 2012 and reactor numbers have exceeded 20,000 – the highest number since 2009.  These trends highlight the need for urgent action by all stakeholders to manage the risk more effectively across all transmission routes.

The TB Programme costs over €90 million each year and my Department expects its contribution to the Programme in 2020 to exceed €50 million. Expenditure at these rates may result in a further €1 billion being spent on TB between now and 2030 unless disease rates can be substantially reduced. Expenditure on the herd history letter was considered as an important investment in aiding the eradication objective by providing clear information to herdowners. This information allows them make informed decisions that can reduce their herd's TB risk.

A breakdown of the cost associated with the letters is set out below. 

	Number of statements	Overall cost incl VAT	Unit cost
Colour printing enveloping of TBHHR	110,349	€60,256.79	€0.55
Postage cost	110,349	€71,726.85	€0.65
Overall Cost	110,349	€131,983.64	€1.20

Timber Supply

Ceisteanna (140)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

140. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the urgent steps he is taking to avert a raw material supply crisis of logs in the timber industry and looming layoffs for harvesters, hauliers, timber mill staff and myriad others who depend on this resource-based industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23964/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am acutely aware of the challenges which the forestry sector is experiencing in reent times its, not least the ongoing difficulties with issuing licences for afforestation, roads and felling. I am acutely aware of these issues. The delays in issuing licences, including felling licences, originate from recent case law from the ECJ and  the High Court that have changed how the Department implements environmental law. The clarifications brought about by these cases have resulted in the Department introducing a revised Appropriate Assessment Procedure for forestry licensing.

These changes in process are very significant, but unavoidable, and have led to delays in the issue of licences, as most files now require 2nd stage Appropriate Assessment.  The delay in issuing licences is not the only delaying factor as there is also a third-party right of appeal on any licence granted. There are approximately 350 cases currently on the books of the Forestry Appeals Committee with this number growing.  

My Department is doing everything it can to address this backlog including significant investment in resources such as the recruitment of new ecologists and forestry inspectors.  My immediate priority is to reform the legislation underpinning the forestry appeals system and align it with best practice in other licencing and appeals processes. I published a detailed Bill on this last month and my Department is currently working through the submissions received as part of the public consultation.  

The Government is committed to progressing this Bill as quickly as possible, and you can expect to see significant progress in the coming weeks. My Department will also be assigning additonal resources to the Agriculture Appeals Office to assist with the increased workload of the Forestry Appeals Committee.

Common Agricultural Policy

Ceisteanna (141)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

141. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timescale for the completion of discussions on the future funding of CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23970/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Member State agreement on the future funding of the CAP was reached, as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 negotiation process, at the European Council meeting in July 2020.

The original proposed 5% cut to the CAP budget was reversed, with the result that Ireland's estimated overall allocation will be some €10.7 billion, in current prices. This represents a marginal increase on our current 2014-2020 allocation. It includes a special Rural Development allocation of more than €330m, in current prices. 

The European Council agreement represents a significant step towards finalising the EU budget as a whole, including future CAP funding. However, it is a complex package, and the process is not yet fully concluded. There are new mechanisms to be considered, including the operation of the European Recovery Instrument, which has been added as a response to the EU-wide economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. There are also a number of different elements to CAP funding, including Pillar 1 (direct payments), Pillar 2 (rural development) and the rural development component of the European Recovery Instrument, which now have to be finalised and agreed with the European Parliament.  

The engagement with the European Parliament has now commenced, and I hope there will be early agreement so that we can finally provide certainty to farmers in relation to funding, and lay the foundations for agreement on the next CAP framework.

Animal Diseases

Ceisteanna (142)

Verona Murphy

Ceist:

142. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence issued by his Department entitled Bovine TB Herd History Risk Statement and Report sent to farmers which references historic trading details and the advice to cull their herds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23971/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Herd Test History Statements and Reports issued to all cattle herdowners with the aim to help them to reduce the risk of Bovine TB in their herds.

The Bovine TB Forum Interim Report identified the need to provide more effective information to farmers to help them reduce the risk of TB in their herd and  advocated for the  development of herd risk categories that are “simple, clear, and convey sufficient information to enable farmers to make the decisions appropriate to their situation”. Against this background, the Department developed individualised reports that provide a simplified TB herd risk category for farmers, with herd-specific advice on how to reduce risk of TB.

There is a large, robust body of scientific evidence on bovine TB and this scientific evidence underpins the advice contained in the herd history statement.  Furthermore, the content of the statement is consistent with advice that has been provided by my Department for several years in newsletters, videos, leaflets and other media. Farmers are already provided with information in relation to their TB risk, but this new report presents this in a very much more user friendly, detailed and practical form.

Following many successful years of reducing bovine TB levels to the benefit of Irish farmers, there has been a concerning incremental increase in the disease since 2016. This has continued in 2020 with further increases in herd incidence and reactor numbers observed. Herd incidence (on a 12-month rolling basis) has breached 4% for the first time since 2012 and reactor numbers have exceeded 20,000 – the highest number since 2009.  These trends highlight the need for urgent action by all stakeholders to manage the risk more effectively across all transmission routes.  It is this need for action that is my Department’s primary motivation in issuing the herd history statements.

Whilst the immediate trends are disappointing and worrying, great progress has been made over the past decade. During 2009, 5,860 herds were subject to restriction whilst the number in 2019 was 4,060.  By working together, we have made progress before and we can do so again.  I have listened carefully to the concerns raised by farmers following the issuance of these letters and I am eager to schedule a TB Forum meeting as soon as possible to further develop a shared understanding of how collectively we can reduce TB incidence. 

My Department remains committed to reducing TB in Ireland as demonstrated by the recent sanctioning of an additional 16 officers to assist the TB Programme. Attaining TB-free status remains critical from a farm family profitability and sustainability perspective and from a trade perspective at national and at international level. I am acutely conscious that every TB restriction represents a significant challenge to the farm family concerned. It is a deep regret that today over 2,700 herds are currently restricted which represents a 21% increase on the same time last year. I want to work with all stakeholders in ensuring fewer herdowners experience the challenges associated with a TB restriction and that we work purposefully towards eradication of this disease, thus eliminating this on-going cost on farmers and the State.

Beef Industry

Ceisteanna (143)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

143. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for specific designation EU PGI status for Irish beef; the status of the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23763/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Designation of a food product as a PGI (Protected Geographical Indicator) enables consumers to trust and distinguish quality products while also helping producers to market their products better.  

Following consultation involving a range of beef sector stakeholders early in 2019, it was agreed that the possibility of an application to include all Irish beef would be explored.  Bord Bia subsequently prepared an application on behalf of producers for registration of 'Irish Grass Fed Beef' as a PGI. In the course of preparing the application, Bord Bia consulted with stakeholders including through their Meat and Livestock Board, and also consulted with individual groups and the Beef Task Force.   

The PGI application is based on the reputation and quality of “Irish Grass Fed Beef”, which are a consequence of the predominantly outdoor pasture grazing production system.  

One of the legal requirements for a PGI application is a 'National Opposition Period' prior to its final submission to the Commission.  The closing date for submission of oppositions was 11 September.  Submissions received are now being considered by my Department. There will be further opportunity for discussion with stakeholders following this, including at the upcoming meeting of the Beef Taskforce. 

The next stage of the process will be submission of a final application to the European Commission.  The application will then be subject to detailed scrutiny by the EU and an opposition procedure will be provided by the EU for other Member States and third countries. If there was a satisfactory outcome, the application would be progressed for registration of the PGI.  

Our Irish grass fed beef is a respected product nationally and internationally, and that reputation is a reflection of the sustained efforts of farmers and all of those involved in striving to achieve the highest level of quality for our beef products. I welcome the opportunity provided by the EU Protected Geographical Indication scheme to assist Ireland in further communicating the characteristics and reputation of this quality product and importantly to protect that reputation from imitation.

Harbours and Piers

Ceisteanna (144)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

144. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the upgrading of Dinish Pier, Castletownbere, County Cork; the reason construction has stalled; and when the upgrade is expected to be completed. [24040/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute.

Following a competitive tender competition, my Department awarded a contract to L&M Keating Ltd. to construct a 216 metre quay extension on Dinish Island, Castletownbere. Work commenced on the €25m project in October 2018 and to date there has been significant progress in the delivery of the project, with a substantial element of the works now completed.

Since March of this year, work on the site has slowed dramatically and the current situation is that work has ceased. My Department, in conjunction with its Consulting Engineers who are administering the works contract, are engaged closely with the contractor in this regard.

Sheep Welfare Scheme

Ceisteanna (145)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

145. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the sheep welfare scheme. [23968/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Sheep Welfare Scheme is an animal welfare scheme which was launched on 16 December 2016 as a four year scheme.  It is part of Ireland's CAP Rural Development Programme which is co-funded by the EU.  The scheme aims to contribute to the overall welfare levels of the Irish sheep flock.

Under this scheme, sheep farmers with breeding ewes can apply for payment based on two actions they choose to undertake from a menu of options appropriate to their flock type (i.e. hill or lowland).     

The annual payment is at a rate of €10 per eligible breeding ewe and payment is dependent on successful completion of both selected actions.  The payment rate is based on the agreed costings underlying the actions to be undertaken in the scheme and these costings were agreed with the European Commission in 2016. 

Over the first three years of the scheme, approximately €50 million has been paid to over 21,000 farmers.  The fourth year of the scheme opened on the 1st February 2020.  Advance payments under year 4 are due to commence in November 2020.

My Department is currently engaged in negotiations at EU level in relation to the development of regulations for the new CAP and also for the transition period between the two CAP programming periods.  Options for any future iterations of the sheep welfare scheme, as well as all other schemes, are currently being examined in the context of these ongoing negotiations.