Tuesday, 3 Nov 2020

Written Answers Nos. 1494-1511

Forestry Data

Ceisteanna (1494)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

1494. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received and the decisions made for licences for felling, afforestation, forest road works or aerial fertilisation by month in tabular form; the number of decisions appealed; the outcome of those appeals as set out in section 4 of the Forestry Act 2020 which inserted section 14B(13) of the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001; the number of appeals dismissed as vexatious; and the length of time the appeal process took by month in tabular form. [32440/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 was signed into law by the President on 2nd October 2020 and the Act commenced on 6th October 2020 in full. The secondary legislation required to give effect to the Act was introduced on 7th October, 2020. The new Act, amending the Agriculture Appeals Act, was designed to align forestry licensing appeals process with best practice in other appeals processes.

I have resourced the Forestry Appeals Committee to commence hearing more appeals in line with the provisions set out in the Act. It will be a matter for the FAC who are independent of my Department to report on their own progress and they update their decisions weekly on their website at:

http://www.agriappeals.gov.ie/forestryappealscommittee/http://www.agriappeals.gov.ie/forestryappealscommittee/

My Department publishes a range of licening statistics on its website. The infoirmation requested is currently being updated to incorporate output to the end of October. This will be forwarded separately to the Deputy.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (1495)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

1495. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of progress made to date on the implementation of the Forestry Act 2020;and the schedule for implementing same. [32441/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 was signed into law by the President on 2nd October 2020 and the Act commenced on 6th October 2020 in full. The secondary legislation required to give effect to the Act was introduced on 7th October, 2020.

The new Act, amending the Agriculture Appeals Act was designed to align forestry licensing appeals process with best practice in other appeals processes.

The Act provides mechanisms to improve the efficiency and delivery of services to stakeholders by inter alia,

- Increasing the capacity of the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) to determine appeals by enabling it to sit in divisions of itself - I have now moved to resource the FAC to commence hearing more appeals in line with the provisions set out in the Act. There are now four committees in place. The scheduling of hearings is a matter the FAC and I understand that all four committees will deal with appeals in November

- Introducing fees for appeals and submissions: fees for both are now in force via SI since 8th October;

- Providing that the FAC may vary, allow, remit or substitute decisions of the Department - this is a matter for the FAC when arriving at their decision on an appeal;

Of course, these are only one part of the improvements to the forestry licencing process and there is an onus on my Department to improve our output of new licences also. To achieve this, we are investing heavily in new resources in terms of new ecologists and new forestry inspectors and have set out detailed plans for increased licencing outputs. These are already showing signs of progerss with the output for both afforestation and felling the highest in the last 12 months.

My Department produces weekly dashboards in order to keep all stakeholders informed on licencing output.

Bord Bia

Ceisteanna (1496)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1496. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers' levies collected for An Bord Bia can be reconstructed as voluntary contributions in order to allow for accountability and to allow farmers to opt out if they wish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32494/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The livestock levies on cattle, sheep and pigs levied by Bord Bia and payable by primary producers have been incorporated into its legal framework since its foundation as An Coras Beostock agus Feola (CBF) in 1979. The rates of levies have not fundamentally changed or increased since its evolution into An Bord Bia in 1994 and stand at €1.90 per bovine, 25c per sheep and 35c per pig.

These levies are charged at time of slaughter or at point of live export. The fundamental principle is that of equality in that they apply to all primary producers of these animals without exception.

The funds generated enable and permit the advertising and promotion operations of Bord Bia to carry out its activities and particularly with regard to the Bord Bia Quality Assured product, which carries the “Q mark”. The statutory levies provide the necessary matching industry sector funding for promotion campaigns carried out by Bord Bia. This is a requirement of the EU State Aid Regulations which Bord Bia, as a State Body, has to comply with.

In regard to the possibility of reconstructing these levies as voluntary contributions, in the first place, that would require an amendment to the Bord Bia Act, and secondly, issues would need to be considered with regard to the collection of such contributions, the principle of equal applicability, and potential State Aid implications.

In regard to accountability, I wish to assure the Deputy that there is visibility of the income generated by the levies by way of their inclusion in the Bord Bia Annual Accounts which are lodged with both Houses of the Oireachtas and published on the Bord Bia website. In addition, Bord Bia's governance structure includes farming organisation representatives on its main Board and sub-Boards.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, I have asked my Department to review the current levies system with a view to considering if statutory amendments are required.

Harbours and Piers

Ceisteanna (1497)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1497. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the problem of sand and silt build-up at the fisheries harbour at Cé Heilbhic and the challenges that this presents (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32495/20]

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. In addition, my Department also has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of North Harbour at Cape Clear, as well as the maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, in accordance with the Marine Works (Ireland) Act 1902, and piers, lights and beacons constructed under the auspices of the Congested Districts Board.

The responsibility for the development, and maintenance of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each Local Authority in the first instance, and their parent Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, thereafter. The relevant local authority in the case of Helvick Harbour is Waterford County Council.

However, as part of its annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, my Department has, in previous years, provided limited funding to assist coastal Local Authorities in carrying out small scale projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways in their ownership.

Between the years 2010 to 2019, over €2.8 million in funding has been granted under this programme to Waterford County Council, with €380k of this allocated to capital works at Helvick Harbour.

Under this year’s programme, funding of €3.1m has been approved to assist 10 coastal Local Authorities undertake and complete 58 development and repair projects on harbours and slipways owned by them. The package provides funding for maintenance and repair works in addition to supporting the ongoing development and enhancement of harbour facilities, including some marine leisure developments.

Waterford County Council has secured funding of €435k under this year’s programme, to undertake four projects in total (three Harbour Development and one Marine Leisure & Tourism). I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a project to undertake repair works to the pier in Helvick Harbour has been approved for the maximum available funding for an individual project under the programme, this being €150,000.

An application was also received under this year’s programme for additional works at Helvick Harbour, including identifying and assessing disposal sites and examining the tasks necessary to obtain a disposal at sea permit and foreshore licence in order to facilitate dredging works. As the terms and conditions of the scheme specify that funding is for capital works only and not for the purpose of studies, surveys, planning and permit processes, consultants and/or design fees, etc., this application was deemed to be ineligible for funding under the programme.

Should any application be made for funding by Waterford County Council under any future programme in relation to actual dredging works at Helvick Harbour, it will be given due consideration, taking into account the terms and conditions of the scheme, the priority attached to the project by the Council, available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.

Organic Farming Scheme

Ceisteanna (1498)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1498. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who have received funding under the organics scheme in each of the years 2016 to 2019 and to date in 2020; the estimated number of farmers who will receive funding under the scheme in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32496/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The following table outlines the number of farmers who have received funding under the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) in each of the scheme years 2016 to 2019.

Year	Payees (per scheme year)
2016	1,663
2017	1,549
2018	1,486
2019	1,502

OFS payments in respect of 2020 are currently being processed in respect of approximately 1,500 participants.

Based on the budget allocation for 2021 and subject to Commission approval, my Department will be in a position to offer a one year extension to those participants whose contracts expire on 31 December 2020. An additional €4 million has also been allocated to opening a new Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) in 2021. The number of farmers who will receive an OFS payment in 2021 will therefore depend on the level of applications received and accepted into the new OFS Scheme.

Tuberculosis Eradication Programme

Ceisteanna (1499)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1499. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated date of publication for the draft TB eradication strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32497/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

At the last TB Forum meeting on the 1st of October 2020, I committed to sharing draft documents with stakeholders to inform the drafting of a renewed TB eradication strategy. My officials facilitated this in recent weeks and have asked for written views from stakeholders. Bilaterals will also be accommodated on request.

Once this consultation process is finalised, the Chairman of the Forum will convene another meeting of the TB Stakeholder Forum in November. I envisage publication of the strategy shortly thereafter.

Renewable Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (1500, 1501)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

1500. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to assess and develop the capacity to construct and support marine based renewable energy projects here with regard to the required harbour and associated facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32527/20]

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

1501. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the harbours that are considered suitable or relevant to the development of marine resources along the west coast of Ireland in view of the fact that the area is being viewed as an area that may be suitable for the development of marine renewables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32528/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1500 and 1501 together.

The Fishery Harbours Centres Act 1968 established the concept of Fishery Harbours in the State and vested their management in the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine took over responsibility for the Fishery Harbour Centres (FHCs) in October 2007. There are currently six FHCs located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl.

The FHCs were established to act as dedicated centres and focal points for the promotion and development of the Irish seafood industry which comes under the remit of this Department. These are not the largest harbours in the State and numerically are a small proportion of the Harbours in the State. There are large independent commercial harbours which operate under the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and smaller Harbours operated and owned by the Local Authorities under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Overall policies and strategies for delivering on climate change and renewable energies are not primarily a matter for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, these primarily fall under the remit of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.

Funding for Capital works in the six FHCs is made available on an annual basis by my Department, via the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. A phased programme for the infrastructural development and maintenance of the six FHCs has been progressed over the last number of years. Between 2010 and 2019, €125m has been invested in these developments.

Should any proposals be brought forward either centrally or from private enterprises to develop the infrastructure in any of the FHCs to support the marine renewable industry they will be considered as appropriate.

As is the case with all developments in the six FHCs generally, any future decision with regard to formally initiating capital projects will only be considered on the basis of available exchequer funding, competing national priorities and compatability with existing activities.

Harbours and Piers

Ceisteanna (1502)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

1502. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to exploiting the current potential of Ros an Mhíl harbour in Connemara to support the marine renewable industry; the steps that are required to further enhance or develop this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32529/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Fishery Harbours Act 1968 established the concept of fishery harbours in the State and invested their management in the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine took over responsibility for the Fishery Harbour Centres(FHCs) in October 2007. Ros an Mhíl is one of six Fishery Harbour Centres, the others are located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth and Killybegs.

The FHCs were established to act as dedicated centres and focal points for the promotion and development of the Irish seafood industry which comes under the remit of this Department.

Overall policies and strategies for delivering on climate change and renewable energies are not primarily a matter for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, these primarily fall under the remit of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.

Funding for Capital works is made available on an annual basis by my Department to the Fishery Harbour Centres, including Ros an Mhíl, via the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. A phased programme for the infrastructural development of Ros an Mhíl FHC has been progressed over the last number of years, which has seen a significant investment. In total, approx €31m has been invested in capital developments at Ros an Mhíl FHC between 2000 and 2019. In addition, in excess of €1.5m has been allocated for capital works in the harbour in 2020.

Should any proposals be brought forward either centrally or from private enterprises to develop the infrastructure in Ros an Mhíl further to support the marine renewable industry they will be considered as appropriate.

As is the case with all developments in the six Fishery Harbour Centres generally, any future decision with regard to formally initiating large scale projects in Ros an Mhíl, will only be considered on the basis of available exchequer funding, competing national priorities and compatability with existing activities.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (1503)

James Lawless

Ceist:

1503. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of and position regarding the installation of a new barrier in Donadea Forest Park that can allow entry for visitors into the car park of the park without the requirement of coins that will allow numerous payment methods to gain entry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32557/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The management of Donadea Forest Park falls under the remit of Coillte and day-to-day operational matters, such as the management of their forest estate, are the responsibility of the company.

I have therefore passed the questions raised to Coillte for response and direct reply to the Deputy.

Agricultural Colleges

Ceisteanna (1504, 1521)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1504. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that have been taken to resolve the exclusion of agricultural students from third level supports provided to other students during the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32641/20]

Richard O'Donoghue

Ceist:

1521. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if agriculture colleges (details supplied) are included in the once-off €50 million third level Covid-19 fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32895/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1504 and 1521 together.

I am acutely conscious of the importance of supporting students during this very difficult and unprecedented period for our country. Teagasc agricultural colleges reopened in September with COVID measures implemented for the safety of learners and staff. Course delivery is based on a hybrid model with practical instruction being delivered face to face and theory being delivered online in line with developments elsewhere in the education sector.

It would appear that, as Teagasc fall under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc are not eligible for inclusion in funding from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science generally or in the context of specific COVID 19 grants made available by that Department through the HEA and SOLAS to ‘higher and further education’ providers under their remit. That Department is at present considering how best to support 3rd level students with the €50m fund announced in Budget 2021.

However, my Department is currently making the case for the inclusion of Teagasc in the €50 million fund announced by the Department of Further and Higher Education to provide financial assistance to third level students in recognition of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on this group, and consequent increases in online learning.

Agriculture Schemes

Ceisteanna (1505)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1505. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the scheme will open for applications for tillage farmers to receive funding for ploughing straw into soil; the rates of payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32642/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Increasing the soil organic carbon levels of arable soils was identified in the Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve as a carbon sequestration action. Following on from this, and, as part of the provisions of Budget 2021, I announced details of a pilot Agri-environmental initiative that is intended to encourage tillage farmers to increase soil organic carbon levels by chopping and incorporating straw from cereal crops.

This process will assist in sequestering carbon into tillage soils. It will also have a positive impact on soil biology and workability which will improve the environmental sustainability of our tillage sector.

The budget for the measure is €10 million with the terms and conditions of the scheme currently being developed by my officials. Details will be announced as early as possible.

Farm Safety

Ceisteanna (1506)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1506. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which farm safety organisations can seek to avail of funding announced in budget 2021 and managed via the European Innovation Partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32643/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As part of the package of new farm safety measures in Budget 2021, €1m in funding has been provided to support ‘locally-led’ farm safety initiatives. It is intended that a call under the locally led Innovation Partnership model (EIP’s) specifically related to farm safety will be issued by early 2021.

Before the call is issued, the Department will consult with the stakeholders regarding the potential focus of the call.

I see this initiative as a potential significant step to driving a cultural change amongst farmers and I look forward to seeing positive proposals to drive this change.

Tuberculosis Eradication Programme

Ceisteanna (1507)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1507. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of herds with a TB reactor in each of the years 2015 to 2020, by county in tabular form. [32644/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The following table details the Number of Herds Restricted since 1st January each year by County. While TB disease is low relative to historical levels, TB herd incidence and reactor numbers have been gradually increasing since 2016. The pace of deterioration has accelerated in 2020. Herd incidence is now at its highest level since 2012 and reactor numbers are now at 2009 rates. Herd incidence is a measure of the number of new restrictions relative to the total number of herds tested in a given period. Please see www.bovinetb.ie for more information.

County	Year 2015	Year 2016	Year 2017	Year 2018	Year 2019	End Q3 2020
Carlow	57	33	46	35	37	30
Cavan	187	157	263	201	216	182
Clare	253	235	204	225	273	218
Cork North	206	246	270	320	342	309
Cork South	231	212	246	161	181	158
Donegal	106	117	104	87	117	65
Dublin	27	26	21	30	18	20
Galway	289	289	284	241	299	260
Kerry	139	164	180	172	184	123
Kildare	82	67	68	63	55	56
Kilkenny	133	113	99	88	131	83
Laois	126	120	93	100	114	91
Leitrim	87	46	83	58	73	48
Limerick	105	131	121	94	105	110
Longford	61	56	52	46	51	55
Louth	47	46	46	56	64	68
Mayo	134	143	197	193	141	152
Meath	197	201	206	193	199	202
Monaghan	129	168	207	371	292	215
Offaly	159	149	114	122	154	125
Roscommon	163	140	146	144	163	102
Sligo	124	92	105	134	97	92
Tipperary North	138	148	146	165	142	162
Tipperary South	105	102	111	96	95	115
Waterford	60	59	36	59	51	41
Westmeath	147	136	175	147	157	149
Wexford	189	139	138	129	147	102
Wicklow East	71	78	63	98	100	81
Wicklow West	71	69	61	46	62	54
Total	3,823	3,682	3,885	3,874	4,060	3,468

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (1508, 1509, 1514, 1519)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1508. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons appointed to the forestry appeals commission or divisions thereof since 30 September 2020; the professional expertise of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32645/20]

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1509. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of appeals heard by the forestry appeals commission or divisions thereof since 30 September 2020; the results of the hearings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32646/20]

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

1514. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of forestry appeals committee divisions which have been established in order that multiple appeals can be heard simultaneously; when they will become operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32704/20]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

1519. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32782/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1508, 1509, 1514 and 1519 together.

The Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 was signed into law by the President on 2 October 2020 and the Act commenced on 6 October 2020 in full. The secondary legislation required to give effect to the Act was introduced on 7th October.

The new Act, amending the Agriculture Appeals Act was designed to align forestry licensing appeals process with best practice in other appeals processes. Among other things, it allows for the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) to determine appeals by enabling it to sit in divisions of itself.

I have moved quickly to resource the FAC to realise the provisions as set out in the Act and have appointed 3 Deputy Chairs along with 2 ordinary members. These individuals have been elected on the recommendation of the current Chair of the FAC and have been selected with regard to their particular expertise on issues such as environmental regulation, silvicultural issues and appeals processes. Agriculture Appeals officers will be deployed to sit on these committees also. Two additional persons with planning expertise have also been contracted to assist members of the FAC.

The FAC will therefore have 4 committees sitting in the month of November. The question of whether hearings are oral or non-oral is a matter for the Committee.

It is a matter for the FAC alone to determine the scheduling of appeal hearings as the Committee is operationally independent of my Department. The FAC has, I understand, scheduled 70 hearings for November. It will be a matter for the FAC to report on their own progress and they update their decisions weekly at:

http://www.agriappeals.gov.ie/forestryappealscommittee/

I believe that the provisions in the Act will greatly improve the overall system with more timely decisions on licences under appeal being made by the FAC.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (1510)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1510. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the online forestry portal will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32647/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Forestry Licence Viewer (FLV) is being introduced to align the Department's forestry licensing system with other planning processes. Its purpose is to provide greater transparency and to enhance participation by the public in the decision-making process.

Officials in my Department have been developing the FLV for past few months and this work is nearing completion. The Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020, commenced on 6th October 2020 made provision for the publication, personal information in relation to forestry licence applications, including submissions received. This piece of legislation was crucial to the project.

It is the intention to launch the FLV in three phases.

Phase 1, will show site information for forestry licence applications received from 1st January, 2018 . We expect to launch this phase in mid-November, once system tests are completed.

Phase 2 will provide the user with access to application information and supporting documentation for the licence. This documentation will include applicant names and addresses, along with business names and contact information.

My Department takes very seriously its obligations regarding data protection and the GDPR regulation. Officials of my Department are liaising with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner on the FLV project. It is essential that applicants and others are made aware of and understand that their personal data will be visible the public, like local authority planning portals. Considering the importance of this element of this project, I cannot give a firm timeline on when Phase 2 will be launched. However, my ambition is to make it available by end November.

Further, documents will only be displayed for applications received from the launch of Phase 2. For applications already in the system, applicants and others would not have been made aware nor would they have consented to their information being published. The summary details of these projects will be viewable and interested parties may request the associated documents from the Department.

Phase 3 will enable the making of a submission on a forestry licence application, online, including facilitating payment of the submission fee. This phase will likely go live in early 2021.

Bord Bia

Ceisteanna (1511)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1511. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers organisations will be allocated positions on the technical advisory group for oversight of the grass-fed standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32648/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

All Bord Bia schemes under the Quality Assurance programme have Technical Advisory Committees (TAC) whose specific role it is to review the technical requirements of the relevant scheme’s standard. The structure and membership of Bord Bia's technical advisory committees is a matter for Bord Bia.