Seán Sherlock
Ceist:784. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has given consideration to a matter (details supplied). [34614/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHare Coursing
Ceisteanna (784)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government has spelt out specific areas where certain activities could continue during the current COVID-19 Level 5 Phase. While it was noted that horse racing and greyhound racing were given a special dispensation by Government to continue behind closed doors, it was not clear to my Department that the body in question had an exemption to continue its activities. However, that body was asked to indicate where it believed such an exemption might exist and pending further consideration a temporary hold was placed on the license in question. At the same time the body in question decided to cease its activities on the basis of the COVID 19 Level 5 Restrictions introduced by Government.
The body in question was formally asked on 20 October to release hares which its affiliated clubs were holding in captivity at that time. The body in question has since agreed to the release of all such hares. The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department did not carry out specific health and safety assessments of the type referred to in the question.
Fishing Industry
Ceisteanna (785)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:785. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the assessment by an organisation (details supplied) of the Common Fisheries Policy 2020; his views on the need to develop sustainable fishing limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35157/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The recent report on the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) from BirdWatch Ireland puts forward its assessment of the implementation of the CFP and recommendations for future development.
However, a number of the findings do not provide a true reflection of situation on the ground and the extensive work that has been carried out to improve our seas. For example, for 2020, 62 out of 78 TACs discussed at December Council 2019 were set at or below the level of Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY). This is compared to only 5 stocks in 2009. This is clear evidence of progress through the CFP and the shared aim of sustainable fishing.
The report implies that Ireland deliberately sought to have TACs set in excess of the scientific advice and attempted to ignore or downplay the specific circumstances of each stock. These findings do not reflect the complexity of fisheries management and the TAC-setting mechanisms and the relationship to scientific advice.
Ireland’s goals for sustainable fisheries are supported through the Common Fisheries Policy. The CFP provides the framework for the long-term conservation and sustainability of fish stocks around our shores and is designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of fishing in Ireland and throughout EU waters. The CFP utilises the best scientific advice as a key determinant in setting annual fishing quotas.
The European Commission makes proposals each year for TAC levels for each stock - these are based on formal advice received from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES), the independent international body with responsibility for advising on the state of fish stocks. It also takes account of the views of the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), which gives the Commission its views on the economic, technical and social impacts of the scientific advice. The TAC’s are adopted by the EU Council which involves all Member States and the Commission – not just Ireland. The vast majority of stocks in which Ireland has an interest are shared with other Member States and each has their own views and concerns.
At last year’s December Council, TACs and quotas were agreed for 47 stocks of interest to Ireland. For 32 target stocks, the TACs for 2020 were set at or below the scientific advice where available, meeting MSY criteria. For 4 vulnerable stocks of interest to Ireland, where the advice was for no fishing, restrictive TACs and quotas were set. This allows for unavoidable by-catches of these stocks, in circumstances where they are part of mixed fisheries. The Council also agreed to very small TACs and quotas to allow for the collection of scientific data for 3 depleted herring stocks. For the 8 remaining stocks, it was agreed to set precautionary quotas considering the scientific advice available, and the status of many of these as minor by-catches.
Last week, I launched a public consultation on the Commission’s proposal for 2021 fishing opportunities and the scientific advice for stocks as part of my Sustainability Impact Assessment. Each year, in order to inform Ireland’s approach to the December Fisheries Council, an assessment of the potential impacts of the Commission proposal undertaken. To facilitate the assessment, an open consultation process is carried out, whereby stakeholders may submit comments and observations. I plan also to meet with stakeholders, including environmental NGO’s, in advance of the December Council. The Sustainability Impact Assessment, which is informed by the scientific and technical experts of the Marine Institute and BIM and the views received from stakeholders, will be presented to the Oireachtas and I will discuss the issues and concerns with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture Food and the Marine in advance of the negotiations on TACs and quota setting for 2021. The negotiations this year will involve EU negotiations with the UK in respect of shared stocks.
The Programme for Government sets down an ambitious programme of actions that promote a sustainable seafood industry, technical measures that promote sustainability, decrease by-catch and protect fish stocks for the future, aggressively tackle the issue of waste in our seas, work to eliminate illegal fishing and promote a culture of compliance.
I am committed to working to continue to build on the progress that has been made to secure a sustainable future for our fishing industry and the coastal communities which depend upon it.
Agriculture Industry
Ceisteanna (786)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:786. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the fact that the agri-food sector produces food for more than 40 million persons on its existing carbon footprint can be borne in mind during comparisons with other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35412/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for the agriculture sector are governed under the European Union's Effort Sharing Regulations. For the current period 2021-2030, Ireland was given additional flexibility in terms of meeting its targets by securing additional greenhouse gas offsets (forestry, landuse management) counting towards our national commitment. This additional flexibility was secured by Ireland due to the size of our agri-food industry and the extent of the resultant agricultural greenhouse gas emissions within the overall inventory.
The critical economic role that agriculture plays within the Irish economy has been stongly referenced in the Programme for Government. Indeed, the distint characteristics of biogenic methane as described by the Intergovernmental panel on climate change was also referenced. In terms of transitioning to a climate neutral economy by 2050, agriculture will need to play its part, but as a world leader in the production of carbon efficient food, the sector has a strong record in this area.
I am currently in the process of finalising a Climate and Air roadmap for the sector which will set out a series of actions to reduce absolute emissions over the decade ahead. There are many actions that the sector will need to take to transition to a more environmentally sustainable footing. The Department, in conjunction with our agencies and the wider industry, will fully support farmers through this transition.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (787)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:787. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason horse racing and greyhound racing can continue under level 5 while horse eventing cannot; if this will be revisited to allow horse eventing to continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34547/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Sport Horse industry is an industry that has been supported by respective Governments down through the years. I am very much aware of its importance to the economy and the desire for all involved to resume all activities as soon as possible.
It is clear that Covid 19 is having a major effect on all sports, including Equine Sports. Ireland is currently at Level 5 in the fight against the disease. Whilst endeavouring to manage risk and repair the damage it has inflicted on society the county must be informed and guided by public health professionals, the advice of NPHET and relevant Government decisions. A Framework for Restrictive Measures has been developed to help us to go about our daily lives as much as possible, while managing the behaviour of the virus (reference: 'Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19').
I refer also to Statutory Instrument No. 448 of 2020 'Health Act 1947 (section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid 19) (No. 8) Regulations 2020' where under Regulation 12 the holding of horseracing or greyhound racing at a racecourse can continue.
It is regrettable that equestrian events are not to open at present. However, as you are aware, the protection of public health and the actions taken are paramount at this time.
Livestock Issues
Ceisteanna (788)
Seán Canney
Ceist:788. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to change to current level 5 restrictions to allow buyers and farmers attend mart rings in order to purchase cattle and sheep as the current restrictions are having a negative impact on the prices being received by farmers at a crucial juncture in the farming calendar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34550/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department has worked intensively, in cooperation with marts representative organisations, to ensure that marts may remain in operation. My Department has adapted the conditions under which marts must operate since April, to reflect the various measures introduced by the Government to stop the spread of Covid. On 19th October, the Taoiseach announced that the whole country would move to Level 5 of the Framework for Living with COVID-19 for a period of 6 weeks, starting midnight on 21st October. For marts, this means a return to similar conditions under which they operated during the first phase of the pandemic. From April to June 8th, marts operated without public attendance at sales rings, with marts able to operate transactions online or facilitate the brokering of sales, including the weighing and viewing of stock and the safe processing of financial transactions for buyers and sellers.
There are no plans at present to allow in-person sales at livestock marts while Level 5 restrictions are in place. My Department will continue to monitor the situation, and to adapt measures applied to marts in line with public health guidelines. Buyers may still view animals in person prior to sales by prior appointment with the relevant mart.
Between Monday 26th October and Sunday 1st November the cattle throughput in marts came to 37,456 head – this compares to 45,720 head in the corresponding week in 2019. This means that, despite the undoubted disruption caused by moving to Level 5, mart throughput of cattle was 81.9% of the figures for that period in 2019. This demonstrates that marts have been able to continue to operate and farmers have been able to continue to buy and sell, thanks to the commitment and resourcefulness of the marts involved.
A comparison of sale sheets returns from livestock sales that took place between October 26th – October 30th with those returned in the week preceding lockdown shows that there is very little variation in price for comparative grades of animals. Forward store non breeding animals across the board have reduced slightly in price in the region of 2 – 4%, and quality light store animal values are on a par with pre-lockdown values. The overall price difference where evident is very small and this may be down to seasonal factors impacted on by the presentation of animals after recent harsh weather conditions.
Basic Payment Scheme
Ceisteanna (789)
Seán Canney
Ceist:789. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to change the basic payment scheme, BPS, under which some young trained farmers receive very low payments based on a situation that pertained approximately 20 years ago in terms of historic stocking density; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34552/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Basic Payment Scheme came into effect in 2015 and established payment entitlement values under the scheme from that date. While the value of individual entitlements can be traced back to an initial reference period of 2001-2003, the effect of this has been significantly moderated through convergence. During the current CAP programme, farmers who held low value entitlements have benefitted from this process; farmers with entitlement values less than 90% of the average have seen their entitlement values increase over the period 2015-2019. In 2019, all entitlement values reached a minimum of 60% of the national average.
The draft of the new CAP proposes a continuation of the process of internal convergence to a minimum of 75% of the national average, with the European Parliament arguing for a higher level of convergence. At present, negotiations regarding the new CAP are still ongoing, with the process now entering the trilogue stage after recent agreement on a general approach by the Council of Agriculture Ministers.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (790)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:790. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the date his Department was first informed to check hand sanitisers to determine if they were safe to use; the person or body that made that recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34569/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
OLAF, the European Anti-Fraud Office, notified the Revenue Commissioners regarding the import of a hand sanitiser product from Turkey to Ireland from the same supplier of a product that had been tested in Denmark and found to contain excessive levels of methanol. The Revenue Commissioners notified the Department of this information on 25th September 2020 and arrangements were made to test the consignment and a number of other consignments that had already been imported into Ireland from the same supplier.
All consignments that were tested were detained pending the results of the laboratory analysis.
Following investigations, laboratory results received on 16th October showed that the product did not meet the standards for approval, particularly with regard to the presence of methanol. The company was immediately instructed to retain all product in its possession and recall all remaining product under the ViraPro name from the market or in use by the public.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (791, 792, 793)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:791. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department took samples of hand sanitisers being used to determine if they were safe to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34570/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:792. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of hand sanitizers on which a verification test and analysis were done; the results of these tests and analyses; if a copy of the results will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34571/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:793. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a qualitative analysis was carried out on hand sanitizers; the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34572/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 791, 792 and 793 together.
Biocidal products, including hand sanitisers, may only be marketed and used in Ireland once they are registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and are entered on the Biocidal Product Register" in accordance with Regulation 20 of Statutory Instrument 427 of 2013.
The hand sanitiser Virapro was approved by our Biocides Unit and registered on the 21st April 2020. As this is an administrative process, no samples were required as part of the approval process. The product was approved on the basis that it contained 70% ethanol which is a common standard for hand sanitiser products and fully complies with WHO guidelines.
Following investigation of a consignment imported into Ireland under the brand name Virapro, laboratory results received on 16th October showed that the products did not meet the standards for approval. Test results showed varying and inadequate levels of ethanol as well as the detection of high levels of methanol in some samples of the product.
At all times, the consignment being investigated remained under quarantine throughout this process.
My Department is continuing to increase its testing of product on the market to provide reassurance in relation to compliance with approved product specifications. In addition to the testing of Virapro products a total of 54 other hand sanitiser products have been analysed to date.
Test results indicate no safety issues with the other hand sanitiser products sampled and analysed.
Agriculture Schemes
Ceisteanna (794)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:794. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a delay of up to six months has developed for the processing of pesticide control service, PCS, number applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34573/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic there has been a very significant upsurge in the volume of applications to my Department for registration and approval of new biocide products including also amendments to existing product registrations. Since the arrival of the pandemic, our Pesticide Registration and Control Division (PRCD) in the Department has received approximately 900 new registration applications for biocidal products across a range of different product types which is approximately double normal application levels. There are in excess of 3,700 biocidal products currently registered across 21 different product types.
The extent of the increase in the number of registration applications for biocidal products in 2020 has meant that processing times have been running longer than usual.
My Department has taken a number of steps to try to reduce the length of time taken to process these applications. These include the allocation of additional staff resources to the area, the prioritising of hand sanitiser and disinfectant product types due to the public health need and the streamlining of the application process.
It is imperative that all regulatory requirements continue to be met before granting approval for placing products on the market. It is anticipated that these additional resources will lead to a significant reduction in the processing time in the near future.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (795)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:795. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of expert staff involved in issuing pesticides control service, PCS, numbers; if these staff have been working from home since the first Covid-19 lockdown earlier in 2020; the number based in-office or working from home on a given day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34574/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, a team of four staff routinely serviced the processing of biocidal product registration applications in addition to carrying out a range of other duties within the Pesticide Controls Division.
Since the arrival of the covid-19 pandemic, a number of other staff within Pesticide Registration and Controls Divisions, approximating to 1.5 whole time staff equivalents, has been assisting with processing biocidal product registration applications. A further 2 staff from across the wider Laboratory area have also assisted with processing biocidal product registration applications on a part time basis in recent months.
This week, further additional staff are being temporarily allocated to the work area. In line with government guidelines, all staff involved in processing applications have been provided with the necessary resources to be able to work form home and process biocide registration applications in an efficient manner. Staff attend their usual workplace as required to carry out essential duties that cannot be carried out at home.
Agriculture Schemes
Ceisteanna (796)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:796. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if some staff from the meat control division of his Department in recent months to assist with the backlog in pesticide control service, PCS, number applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34575/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
No staff from the meat control division of my Department have been assigned to assist with the backlog of PCS applications.
Prior to the onset of the covid-19 pandemic, a team of four staff routinely serviced the processing of biocidal product registration applications in addition to carrying out a range of other duties within the Pesticide Controls Division.
Since the arrival of the covid-19 pandemic, a number of other staff within Pesticide Registration and Controls Divisions and from across the wider Laboratory area have also assisted with processing biocidal product registration applications on a part time basis in recent months.
This week, further additional staff are being temporarily allocated to the work area.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (797)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:797. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the Department of Education was advised to stop using certain hand sanitiser products in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34576/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is the national competent authority for the approval and registration of biocide products, including sanitisers. Only biocidal products listed on the Department’s Biocidal Product Register may be placed on the market in Ireland.
Following my Department's instruction to cease the use of all ViraPro products on Friday 23 October, the Department of Education immediately commenced a review of biocidal products included in the Education Sector PPE procurement agreement. The review was undertaken in consultation with my Department.
The Department of Education removed a number of biocidal products from the approved list for schools because it had not been possible to satisfactorily confirm their registration status as part of the review. There is no reason to believe that the failure to register a product gives rise of itself to specific concerns in relation to safety or efficacy.
Suppliers of products that are not correctly registered are being required to withdraw product from sale until registration is regularised and the product is labelled with an official PCS label.
Dog Breeding Industry
Ceisteanna (798)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:798. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of dog sellers who have registered with his Department since the introduction of new regulations on the sale or supply of pet animals that came into effect on 1 February 2020; and if he will publish the information on a regular basis. [34655/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Dog breeding establishments with 6 or more breeding bitches are required to be registered by local authorities under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010. These registers of commercial breeders are published by local authorities.
In 2019, my Department introduced the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations (SI 681 of 2019), with a view to further controlling the sale and supply of pet animals, in the interests of supporting the welfare of animals and bringing greater transparency to the sale and supply of pets. The Regulations require anyone selling or supplying six or more pet animals a year to register with my Department. These Regulations, which were welcomed by animal welfare charities on their introduction, are part of the ongoing work of my Department towards improved animal health and welfare.
155 persons or organisations have registered since February. My Department is keeping the question of publication under review. A person or organisation whose premises are connected with the sale or supply of more than six pet animals per year and has registered with the Department is required to display the certificate of registration on the premises.
Sheep Welfare Scheme
Ceisteanna (799)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:799. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to change the reference years for the sheep welfare scheme for the CAP transitionary period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34694/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Sheep Welfare Scheme was launched in December 2016, for a period of four years. The scheme reflected the commitment of the Government to the sheep sector in Ireland and was introduced as part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme. I am happy to confirm that in the recent budgetary process I secured funding for an additional year of the Sheep Welfare Scheme as we enter the CAP transitional period.
The details of the scheme, including the applicable reference years, were agreed with the European Commission. Any such changes to the detail of the scheme, would require the agreement of the European Commission via the formal Rural Development Programme amendment process. However, the maintenance of a baseline set in the years preceding the implementation of the scheme was a prerequisite for obtaining European Commission approval for the Scheme. It is thus not intended to change the reference year as the Sheep Welfare Scheme is extended in the transitionary period. There is, however, an agreed exception to this requirement, whereby reference numbers may be altered in line with requirements arising from GLAS Commonage Management Plans.
Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme
Ceisteanna (800)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:800. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated amount of funding that will be allocated to the areas of natural constraint scheme in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34695/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The budget for the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme has received a number of significant increases in recent years, with an increase of €25 million being allocated to the scheme in 2018 and an additional €23 million being allocated in 2019.
These increases have brought the total budget for the scheme to €250 million per annum. This represents a recognition of the importance of the scheme to the rural economy and the farmers that farm lands designated as disadvantaged/constrained. As part of the recent budgetary process, an allocation of €250 million was secured for this important scheme in 2021.
Basic Payment Scheme
Ceisteanna (801)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:801. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the convergence of BPS payments will continue during the CAP transitionary period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34696/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Convergence is a feature of the current CAP and the new CAP proposals intend to continue with this policy. Ireland has supported this element of these proposals. Convergence aims to redistribute and flatten the value of CAP payment entitlements and like all elements of the CAP, there are differing views regarding its implementation.
Under the current CAP, some €93million was redistributed from farmers with payment entitlements values above the national average to raise the value of payment entitlement held by farmers that were below the national average. This was implemented in a planned, phased manner over the five years of the Basic Payment Scheme and the steps of the convergence was notified to each farmer. This period of planned convergence ended in 2019 following its successful implementation.
The negotiation of the regulations regarding the transition period is ongoing at present. It is proposed to enable member states to continue convergence during the transition period, if they so wish.
I am reflecting on the approach that should be adopted and I will continue to engage with the relevant stakeholder organisations. I am mindful that any decision on convergence during the transition period is interlinked with plans for convergence in the new CAP.
Organic Farming Scheme
Ceisteanna (802)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:802. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of new entrants likely to be permitted into the organics farming scheme; the process that will be used to determine successful applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34697/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) is one of the most successful Schemes under our current Rural Development Programme. The Scheme has more than achieved its targets in terms of new land converted and the maintenance of organic land. The area of land under organic production has expanded dramatically as a direct result of this Department's investment.
I have successfully negotiated an increased budget for 20201 with an additional €4 million to facilitate the re-opening of the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) next year. This will be included as one of the measures under the transitional regulation which I anticipate will be agreed later this year. The overall budget will also allow every existing participant in the scheme to roll-over their participation in the scheme for next year if they wish.
The number of entrants who will be permitted into the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) in 2021 will depend on the level of applications received but the additional funding should, at average current level of participation, facilitate the entry of 400-500 new farmers. It's not possible to predict this figure exactly at this time until we open the scheme and see the level of interest. If the scheme is over-subscribed, successful participants will be determined by a ranking and selection process based on criteria which aim to further develop the organic sector and address deficits that currently exist.
Beef Environmental Efficiency Scheme
Ceisteanna (803)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:803. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the deadline will be extended for the submission of dung samples under the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme – Suckler, BEEPS, scheme due to the unavailability of sampling kits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34698/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The objective of the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme – Suckler is to further increase economic and environmental efficiency in the suckler herd through better quality data on herd performance, supporting decision making on farm and support of best practice in welfare management.
Applications were made via my Department's online application system at www.agfood.ie. The scheme opened for applications on 12th March 2020 and the closing date for receipt of applications was 15th May 2020.
In addition to the mandatory weighing requirement, participants had the choice of two additional animal welfare measures. The first of these involves the meal feeding of calves as part of the weaning process or carrying out a vaccination programme in conjunction with the participants veterinary practitioner. The second optional measure was to submit samples to a participating laboratory for faecal testing.
My Department engaged with seven laboratories for this purpose and a list of those participating laboratories was posted on my Department's website at the start of the scheme. The deadline for the submission of these samples was the 1st November and, over the last few weeks, the participating laboratories have seen a significant rise in demand for the required sampling kits. While one of the laboratories had difficulty in meeting this demand in the final week, the remaining 6 continued to operate as normal and sampling kits remained available. It is therefore not intended to extend the deadline in relation to this scheme option.
As with all schemes, it is open to applicants to submit appeals in relation to any particular issues that arose in meeting scheme requirements. All such appeals will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Beef Data and Genomics Programme
Ceisteanna (804)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:804. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an additional period was provided for farmers who failed to meet the 50% female replacement criteria in the Beef Data and Genomics Programme, BDGP, scheme by the 31 October deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34699/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A key requirement of the Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP) I is that participants must ensure that by 31st October 2020 at least 50% of their reference animals are genotyped heifers/eligible suckler cows and rated 4/5 stars on the replacement index. Under BDGP II, which commenced in 2017, the female replacement requirement is 20% of their reference animals by 31st October 2020. This requirement was clearly set out in the terms and conditions of the BDGP at the outset of the six year programme and was also included in the mandatory training module that each participant was required to attend at the start of the Programme.
Since 2017, ICBF have posted #regular “BDGP Eligibility” reports to participants after each genomic evaluation run to give herd owners an up to date picture of where their herds stood in relation to programme targets. Since 2019, the evaluation reports have issued every two months. Therefore, participants could track their progress in meeting their targets over the six years of the programme.
Further supports have been put in place more recently in order to assist participants in meeting this requirement. These included targeted letters and direct phone calls from ICBF to individual participants to offer advice on the best course of action. A ‘Mart Tracker’ app was made available by ICBF which allowed farmers see the numbers of genotyped 4/5 star females being traded through marts every day. ICBF, in conjunction with the Department and ICOS, assisted marts to arrange special sales of genotyped 4/5 star females. Herds with surplus females and herds that needed to purchase these animals were notified of these sales. Consultation with agricultural consultants and advisors by Department has also been on-going.
It has also been agreed that heifers in participants' herds on 31st October which qualify as 4/5 star in the upcoming November evaluations can be considered for eligibility.
The female replacement requirement in is a core element of compliance with the terms and conditions of the programme and delivery is essential in order to underpin payment. Accordingly, my Department has not amended the deadline in relation to this element of the scheme.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (805)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:805. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding forestry planting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34706/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is fully aware of the issue raised. A replanting order was issued in May 2019 to the landowner in question which included removing the trees too close to the dwelling. To date, this replanting order has not been complied with and the Department is now taking legal advice on how best to progress the matter.
Agriculture Schemes
Ceisteanna (806)
Emer Higgins
Ceist:806. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the case of a person (details supplied). [34710/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named owns a number of entitlements under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and it is an option for them to lease out the entitlements to another herd owner, either with or without land.
As the deadline for applications for the 2020 scheme year has already passed and the named person has received their 2020 payment, the lease could not commence before 1 January 2021. Applications for the leasing of entitlements for 2021 must be made online using their AgFood.ie account and must be submitted before the closing date of 15 May 2021. It should be noted that the named person does not require cattle in order to claim on their entitlements. If they continue to farm the land, declare it on their BPS application and meet all the terms and conditions of the scheme, they can continue to receive payment on their entitlements.
In cases where entitlements are leased out, the onus is on the Transferor/Lessor to ensure that the Transferee/Lessee has sufficient land to activate the transferred entitlements because the lowest value entitlements would automatically revert to the National Reserve if the lessee loses entitlements through under-use. Full details can be found on my Department’s website: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/capentitlementsrelatedinformationandapplicationforms/
Should the named person wish to make direct contact with the Department to discuss this in more detail they can either use the Lo Call number: 0761 064420 or email: transferofentitlements@agriculture.gov.ie .
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme
Ceisteanna (807)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:807. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on an appeal by a person (details supplied) regarding a grant for targeted agricultural modernisation scheme, TAMS II; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34790/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named applied for grant aid for the purchase of two Automatic Slurry Scrapers with New Drives under tranche 12 of the Animal Welfare and Nutrient Storage Scheme, one of the suite of seven measures available under TAMS II. Approval issued on 21 November 2018. A payment claim for the purchase of the approved equipment was subsequently submitted.
A number of issues arose following a pre-payment Inspection. The person named was informed of these issues and a penalty for non-compliance was applied as outlined in a letter to the applicant dated 17 February 2020. A request for a review of this decision was subsequently received. This review has now been completed, with the decision remaining unchanged and the applicant has been informed, in writing, of the outcome.
Land Transfers
Ceisteanna (808)
Seán Canney
Ceist:808. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a reply will issue from the legal services division in relation to an issue regarding transfer of freehold title (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34804/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that this is a complex case, due to the nature of the title held to the lands in question. My Department has now considered its position and officials from the Legal Services Division will be in contact with the solicitor concerned in the coming days.