Tuesday, 8 Dec 2020

Written Answers Nos. 43-64

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (44)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he remains satisfied that ready and insofar as is possible unimpeded access remains available to exporters of Irish agri-food and fish products to Europe and further afield in anticipation of reduced access to the UK following Brexit; if all traceability and country of origin legislation will continue to be enforced throughout; if he has identified specific areas of challenge in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41630/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The agrifood sector is a vital part of the Irish economy, and maintaining export markets for Irish agrifood and fish products is a fundamental part of my Department’s work. It has also been a central element of my Department’s response to Brexit.

While the UK market has always been an important one for Irish exports, successive governments have sought to avoid too great a reliance upon it. The need for diversification has therefore informed the strategic development of the sector for some time, but has become more acute in the context of Brexit. My Department has, accordingly, been very active in intensifying its support for market diversification by, for example, providing budgetary supports to Bord Bia, undertaking Trade Missions to develop new opportunities, and leveraging our network of agricultural attachés in key markets around the globe.

Brexit also produces challenges in terms of access to European markets and further afield via the landbridge.  Businesses will still be able to export food to Europe via the landbridge.  However, it is clear that the way in which operators use the landbridge will change. Delays on the landbridge route are likely and businesses may wish to look at switching to direct route options.  The process for moving goods directly between Ireland and other EU Member States will not change nor be subject to the new  procedures.

Responsibility for the enforcement of Union agri-food legislation, including traceability and labelling rules, lies with Member States, whose competent authorities monitor and verify, through the implementation of official controls, that relevant Union requirements are effectively complied with and enforced.  My Department will continue to meet its obligations in respect of the Official Controls Regulations irrespective of Brexit.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme

Ceisteanna (45)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

45. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the REPS mark 2 pilot scheme will open for applications; if farmers locked out of schemes since AEOS finished in 2018 will be given preference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41626/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise my commitment to the provision of agri-environment schemes which will continue to support farmers while driving environmental benefits. This commitment was demonstrated in the Budget 2021 when I secured funding for the rollover of existing schemes and through the additional budget allocation for 2021 of €79 million in new funding for a range of projects to include new agri-environment initiatives.

This funding includes provision for a results-based agri-environment pilot project designed to test the feasibility of the results-based approach for possible upscaling at a national level. The results-based approach provides the highest financial reward to farmers who manage their land in a manner that delivers the greatest environmental benefits. The project will have a significant focus on biodiversity and climate change. It has the aim of increasing the number of farmers undertaking agri-environment actions and will be directed at farmers not currently in GLAS. There is significant work ongoing to design this new scheme and I expect to be in a position to announce the details as soon as they are available. In advance of this, I am also planning a public consultation in the near future on the scheme to hear how farmers feel the pilot scheme should look.

There is growing recognition of the potential of the results-based approach in the delivery of agri-environment schemes. These include the identification of environmental and biodiversity returns from specific farm measures and a more focused use of funding. They also have the potential to raise awareness among farmers regarding farming methods with the greatest environmental and biodiversity potential. It is expected that this pilot project will inform the development of the next large scale agri-environment scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan to follow on from GLAS.

With regards to existing scheme participation, my Department is pressing for the earliest adoption of EU regulations to facilitate the operation of schemes in the period between the current CAP and the CAP Strategic Plan post-2020. The intention is to offer a one-year extension of existing schemes from the current RDP, including GLAS 1 and 2 and ensure that scheme participants have certainty on their scheme participation during the transitional phase.

Beef Industry

Ceisteanna (46)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

46. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the Beef Taskforce; the number of times it has met to date; and the reports completed to date by same. [41697/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Beef Taskforce was established to provide the leadership to develop a sustainable pathway for the future of the beef sector. The Taskforce provides a robust implementation structure for commitments entered into in the Beef Sector Agreement of 15th September 2019, with timelines and stakeholder engagement.

There have been six meetings of the Taskforce to date and the next meeting will be held later this month.

As part of the Agreement, three specific consultancy studies, all of which relate broadly to market transparency, were commissioned.

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

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

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

The tender for the studies was awarded to Grant Thornton.  Despite the operational challenges associated with COVID-19,  my understanding is that they are progressing well.  The first two studies will be discussed at the next TaskForce meeting.

I note that work has continued steadily towards fulfilling all the actions in the Beef Stakeholder Agreement, despite the Covid19 crisis which added a further layer of complexity and a significantly challenging working environment. Full details of the actions, progress updates and meeting minutes are available on my Department’s website.

I was pleased to have the opportunity to address the Taskforce at their September meeting. I emphasised that constructive and meaningful engagement across this group is essential to maintaining and developing the sector in a sustainable way which adds value at all stages of the supply chain, but particularly for the primary producer.

I believe the sector can rise to the many challenges facing it and that the Taskforce has an important role to play.  I look forward to seeing continuous, strong engagement from the Taskforce as its work progresses.

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (47)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

47. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work to date on ensuring market access and developing new markets in view of the impact of Brexit which will have significant ramifications for Irish agri-businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41539/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In the four and half years since the UK voted to withdraw from the EU, my Department has invested more resources and expertise to the pursuit and development of new markets for Ireland's agri-food sector.  However, opening and enhancing access to international markets is typically a lengthy process with negotiations often taking several years before bilateral agreements are concluded and trade can commence. Nonetheless we have made significant progress in diversification of markets. Market access or enhanced access for various products has been achieved with a number  of third countries in this period including USA, China, Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Chile, Mexico and Ukraine. 

Ministerial trade missions, in collaboration with Bord Bia and the Irish Embassy network, are important in promoting awareness of Irish agri-food products and supporting meaningful interaction with its growing global customer base. For example, my Department and Bord Bia recently hosted a dairy-focused virtual trade mission to five countries in South East Asia. An innovative aspect of the mission was that it was conducted entirely online. I also participated with Bord Bia and Department officials in business meetings with customers in China, Japan, the USA and the United Arab Emirates.

The Government's continued commitment to new market development is illustrated by the appointment of my colleague, Martin Heydon T.D., as Minister of State with specific responsibility for this area. 

Once a market is opened, my Department and Bord Bia are proactive in supporting industry to capitalise on the potential trade opportunities created to further expand the global footprint of the Irish agri-food sector. 

Further detail on my Department’s initiatives on opening and developing overseas outlets for the agri-food sector can be found in the recently published Market Access Report. The Market Access Portal on my Department's website provides details on the full range of open markets and the relevant certification conditions negotiated with importing countries for a wide range of agri-food product categories.

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (48)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Ceist:

48. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will make it clear to his European Union counterparts that any change in quota allocations or access to fishing waters that emerge from the current Brexit negotiations will require an urgent renegotiation of the Common Fisheries Policy to protect the fisheries within Ireland’s exclusive economic zone and to defend Ireland’s seriously threatened fishing interest. [41611/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Fisheries is an extremely important priority for Ireland and the EU as a whole in the negotiations with the UK. We are seeking to protect the interests of the Irish fleet in relation to access conditions, quota shares and the traditional activity of the EU fleet, while insisting that fisheries issues are dealt with as part of an overall trade deal.

Securing an overall future relationship agreement, including the best possible outcome on fisheries, is a priority for Ireland. I and my Government colleagues have repeatedly raised fisheries as a priority for Ireland in all bilateral political contacts and in particular in their meetings with Michel Barnier.  I have used every opportunity to re-enforce fisheries as a national priority.  In particular we, and our EU partners, are very clear that the issue of fisheries cannot be separated from the wider trade negotiations.

The Common Fisheries Policy provides the framework for the long-term conservation and sustainability of fish stocks and is designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of fishing in Irish and throughout EU waters.  The CFP is reviewed every 10 years and the next review is scheduled to be completed by 31st December 2022 when the European Commission will report to the European Parliament and the Council on the functioning of the CFP. 

The Commission has advised that it intends to commence the review process when there is clarity on the future relationship of the EU and the UK.  The review is expected to be detailed and comprehensive.   At EU level, it is expected that all stakeholders will have an opportunity to engage actively in the review work including the fishing industry, eNGOs and Member States.  

Ireland will prepare for and participate actively and effectively in the review, including the interaction with stakeholders to prepare Ireland's case and identify priorities.  

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (49)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

49. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the provisions being considered to address concerns on live export of cattle and sheep in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41629/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Live exports of cattle and sheep to Britain make up a very small proportion of our total live exports - less than 1% of our sheep and 2.4% of our cattle exports have gone to GB this year. My officials have recently received necessary certificates to import animals into the UK - these can be used to facilitate any such trade that will take place.

The UK landbridge is not used by animal transporters. The vast majority of animal exported to mainland Europe are transported via the Rosslare to Cherbourg ferry route.

Waste Management

Ceisteanna (50)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Ceist:

50. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work of his Department to promote the role of a circular bioeconomy to turn biowaste, residues and discards into valuable resources and incentivise the reduction of food waste along the value chain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41514/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department co-chairs the high-level Bioeconomy Implementation Group, along with  the Department of Environment Climate and Communications.  One of its key actions under the the national bioeconomy policy statement, is to examine ways of turning biowaste, nutrients, food processing residues and discards into valuable resources, by establishing the conditions required for their commercial development and viability.

Bioeconomy funding opportunities are now being provided through the relevant national research funders e.g. DAFM, EPA, SEAI and SFI.  The possibility to seek funding through the Project Ireland Innovation & Demonstration Competitive Funds such as, Climate Action and Rural Regeneration and, possibly, Disruptive Technologies, can support the translation of bioeconomy value chain research into real world applications, through promoting collaboration between research institutions and industry. These funds play a leading role in scaling up science and technological developments to industrial activity by demonstrating technical and economic feasibility and the development of previously underdeveloped value chains.  These funds can also support a pipeline of activities to lead to participation in EU funding opportunities. The opportunities include the Circular Biobased Europe Partnership, LIFE funding and also financing opportunities through the EIB Circular Bioeconomy Thematic Investment Platform.

Food loss & waste, is a separate but inter-related policy area to circular bioeconomy.  It requires steps to be taken in relation to prevention, reduction, recovery and reuse (distribution/redistribution) of avoidable waste prior to recycling and valorisation (as e.g. nutrients, feed, biobased products, renewable energy) of unavoidable waste.  My Department has provided support for three projects funded to the amount of €100,000 (excl VAT). This funding is provided under the Rural Innovation Development Fund.  It is available to organisations and economic operators involved in Food Waste Reduction, to promote reducing food waste generated by food businesses, retailer/wholesalers or suppliers in rural areas.   My Department is also engaged with the Department of Environment Climate and Communications, who lead on national food waste prevention programmes & Climate Action Plan tasks, with the aim to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030.

Animal Diseases

Ceisteanna (51)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

51. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports available for facilities in which avian flu has been confirmed here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41623/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides that compensation to owners of animals may be payable if a cull of those animals is directed by my Department in the event of an outbreak in that herd or flock of certain diseases, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The compensation may relate to the animal that is culled, or to an animal product, animal feed or similar item that is destroyed in relation to the outbreak. The compensation may not exceed the open market value of the animal or item.  In 2017, my Department engaged an external consultancy firm with specialised knowledge of the poultry industry to develop valuation tables relating to the most common species and types of poultry in Ireland, to be used to determine compensation payable in the case of an outbreak of poultry disease that necessitates a cull. These valuation tables are updated on a six-monthly basis.

My Department continues to closely monitor the situation and maintains close contact with stakeholders on the matter.  My priority is working proactivately with the sector to ensure that commerical flocks are protected.

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (52)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

52. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on Brexit as it relates to his Department; and if he is satisfied that exports of food are sufficiently planned to the UK and the EU. [41620/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Brexit poses enormous challenges for the agri-food and fisheries sector, as well as for my Department. 

Regardless of the outcome of the EU UK negotiations, from 1st January 2021, any business which exports food to or through Great Britain will be subject to a range of new customs formalities and other regulatory requirements.  The Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland will apply from 1 January 2021, ensuring that these changes to our trade with Great Britain will not apply to our trade with Northern Ireland.

My Department, as part of the whole-of-Government approach, has been very active in preparing for these significant and enduring changes, including in relation to the provision of export certification in order to meet UK requirements.

A key area where clarity remains outstanding is in respect of UK import and transit SPS requirements, and in particular the certification required for food being exported to or transiting through Great Britain. Preparations by my Department and by exporters cannot be finalised until there is clarity from the UK on their import requirements, including the certification required and the supporting business processes.  For the majority of Agri food goods, the UK has indicated that it will require import certification from 1st April 2021, though some will apply from 1st January, 2021.  The precise arrangements are still being defined.  

In response to Brexit, my Department has developed an export certification system to support the provision of export health certification requirements and this system is being enhanced as clarity on UK import requirements emerges. 

Businesses will still be able to export food to the EU via the landbridge.  However, it is clear that the way in which operators use the landbridge will change. Delays on the landbridge route are likely and businesses may wish to look at switching to  direct route options.  The process for moving goods directly between Ireland and other EU Member States will not change nor be subject to any new

procedures.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (53)

Johnny Guirke

Ceist:

53. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he has taken to ensure marts can operate productively should level 5 restrictions be reintroduced. [41703/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Marts have clearly demonstrated their ability to work productively during level 5 Restrictions. Since the beginning of the Covid19 crisis, my Department has worked intensively, in cooperation with  marts representative organisations, to ensure that marts continued in operation.  I would like to commend marts and farmers for the resilience they have shown and the speed with which they have adapted to the new circumstances. 

The vast majority of livestock marts now have systems in place to conduct online auctions, so if in future we do revert to level 5 restrictions they will be in a position to continue business.  

Livestock throughput from 22nd October to 30th November - when Level 5 measures were in place - give a good indication of how well marts and farmers have adapted to Covid measures.  Whilst the number of animals traded through marts can vary for a number of reasons,  cattle throughput in this period is at 84% of the comparable period for 2019 (186,000 versus 221,000 head).  Sheep throughput is at 83% of the comparable period for 2019 (136, 000 v 164,000 head).

Online sales are reaching a much higher number of farmers and agents than sales on marts premises did, even prior to the start of Covid restrictions. The online service providers have reported that on occasions more than 40,000 people have logged in to mart sales in one day. The majority of marts are reporting good clearance rates and robust prices.

From the 1st of December, marts have once again been operating under Level 3 measures. Potential buyers can attend the sales ring subject to adhering to 2-metre social distancing, and can view stock in the pens without prior appointment.

In recognition of the extra investment that marts are making in IT infrastructure to facilitate online sales, my Department plans to launch a grant scheme in early 2021 to help with the purchase of IT equipment.   

I thank Mart managers and farmers for their efforts during COVID restrictions to keep each other safe. 

Common Agricultural Policy

Ceisteanna (54)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

54. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there will be a provision in CAP in which persons who had no basic payment entitlements are given some if they have a record of farming in the previous two years similar to that provided for in the last CAP reform under the Scottish Derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41627/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In 2015, the Scottish Derogation saw payment entitlements allocated from the National Reserve to farmers who actively farmed in 2013 but had not previously held entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme and also satisfied the eligibility criteria. This was a once-off method of allocation of payment entitlements from the National Reserve and it has not occurred since 2015. In the current CAP programme new payment entitlements are allocated from the National Reserve.

With regard to the next CAP, the draft regulations do not specifically provide for a Scottish Derogation type of allocation of payment entitlements from the National Reserve. Like the current system, the proposed regulations provide for a National Reserve to be used by Member States, as a matter of priority, to allocate payment entitlements to young farmers and also new entrants.

However, the discussions on new CAP regulations are ongoing and the position regarding the National Reserve in the next programming period cannot be confirmed until such time as the regulatory provisions are agreed and in place. My Department will continue to engage in the reform of the CAP with the European Commission, Parliament and other Member States to obtain optimal outcomes for Irish farmers.

Control of Dogs

Ceisteanna (55)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

55. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to update the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015 to ensure that all dog breeders must microchip and register their dogs prior to sale and that only dogs that are registered and chipped be allowed to be sold online. [34474/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Every dog must be microchipped in accordance with the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015. Section 7 of the Act sets out distinct obligations for the supplier and for anyone buying or acquiring dogs. These obligations apply to all sales, including those conducted online .

The possession, movement, sale or supply of an unchipped dog is an offence, and may be prosecuted under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

A technical update to the existing legislation is at an advanced stage, however these obligations will remain unchanged.

The safety and welfare of pet animals was one of the concerns behind the introduction by my  Department of regulations on the sale and supply of pet animals last year, and which came into effect in February of this year.

The legislation requires any person who sells or supplies more than five pet animals in a calendar year to register with my Department. It also requires sellers or suppliers of pet animals (including Dog Breeding Establishments registered with local authorities) to include their registration number on any advertisement (including on-line advertisements), the age of the animal, the country of origin of the animal and, in the case of dogs, to provide the unique microchip number.

Food Exports

Ceisteanna (56)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

56. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work his Department is undertaking to ensure diversification of food exports in order to reduce reliance of Irish exporters on the UK market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41538/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Developing increased third country market access, and furthering trade opportunities abroad, are integral parts of my Department’s response to the challenges posed by Brexit. Indeed, it is worth noting that, while Ireland's agrifood exports have greatly increased in recent years - with total exports coming to €14.5 billion in 2019 - half of this growth has been accounted for by markets outside of Europe.  

My Department has been very active in this regard, including through Trade Missions and through the leveraging of our network of agricultural attachés around the globe, which has been expanded recently to include a presence in Berlin, Tokyo, Mexico City and Seoul, South Korea.

Trade missions play a key role in market and trade advancement. In recent years, successful visits have taken place to Turkey, China, Japan, South Korea, Algeria and Egypt, among others. Improved market access has been achieved with these visits, including the abolition of the age restriction on beef exports to Japan, the approval of additional beef plants for export to China and the progression of beef access in South Korea. Destinations are selected strategically and in keeping with the Bord Bia market prioritisation exercise of December 2017.

Our traditional "in person" method of developing trade with customers is not feasible currently.  To that end, Minister Heydon and I, in conjunction with Bord Bia, have held a series of Virtual Trade Missions during November and December with customers in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. These interactive engagements included Irish industry and existing and potential customers overseas. There has also been a series of virtual meetings with key international customers from Germany, Japan, China, UAE and SE Asia.

I can assure the House that I and my Department will continue to avail of every opportunity to further market access and trade development.

Veterinary Medicines

Ceisteanna (57)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

57. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will apply for a derogation to allow those other than veterinarians to continue proscribe veterinary medicinal products. [41602/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

EU Regulation 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products comes into effect in January 2022. This Regulation is binding and has direct effect on all Member States. Member States have limited national discretion within the introduction of the Regulation.

There is a derogation already in the Regulation, which allows professionals other than veterinarians to issue veterinary prescriptions, in limited circumstances, but only if this was provided for in a Member State's national legislation prior to Regulation 2019/6 coming into force in January 2019.

Ireland's national legislation has never, at any stage, permitted anyone other than a veterinarian to issue a veterinary prescription and therefore this derogation does not apply within this State.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (58)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

58. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he has taken to ensure marts can operate productively should level 5 restrictions be reintroduced. [41615/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Marts operated succesfully and productively under Level 5 measures from 22nd October to 30th November. 

Currently the vast majority of marts have online systems in place and are operating through online platforms.  Thousands of cattle and sheep have been bought and sold successfully online. 

Throughput from 22nd October to 30th November, shows how well marts and farmers adapted to sales under Level 5 measures:  in that period cattle throughput was at 84% of the comparable period for 2019 (186,317 v 221,234 head), and sheep throughput was at 83% of the comparable period for 2019 (135,881 v 164,330 sheep).

In addition to the high throughput figures, clearance rates were good and prices were robust.

These figures are testament to the hard work and commitment of marts to keep operating in this difficult period.  My Department will continue to monitor the situation, and to adapt measures applied to marts in line with public health guidelines. 

From 1st December, marts have been operating under Level 3 measures. Buyers may attend the sales ring, and can view stock in the pens without prior appointment, subject to maintaining a minimum social distance of 2 metres.

In recognition of the extra investment that marts are making in IT infrastructure to facilitate online sales, my Department plans to launch a grant scheme in early 2021 to help marts with the purchase of IT equipment.   

I thank mart managers and farmers  for adhering to the Level 5 guidlines in such a diligent manner in order to protect each other.

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (59)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

59. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans in place to increase inspections at Dublin Port and other ports in the wake of Brexit; if it is planned to publish key performance indicators of inspection activity levels each week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41614/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Planning for increased inspections in Dublin and Rosslare Ports began in 2018. My Department, in conjunction with Revenue and the Department of Health has invested significantly in the acquisition and adaptation of substantial infrastructure at both ports, including facilities for truck parking, unloading bays, inspection rooms, storage facilities and offices.

Over 230 import controls staff have been assigned by my Department, the majority of which will be based in Dublin Port, where the majority trucks coming from the UK, arrive today.  We have also implemented an import controls IT system, designed to maximise the efficiency of the inspection process.  

As a result of these arrangements, my Department is ready to fulfil the expanded control obligations at Dublin and Rosslare Ports, on 1st January , whilst continuing to facilitate trade. It is our intention to make information available, regarding the number and type of inspections carrried out in Dublin and Rosslare Ports, on a weekly basis, starting in early January .

It is crucial to keep our exports and imports flowing post 1st January.

Fishing Industry

Ceisteanna (60)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

60. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1105 of 24 November 2020, the status of the appeal against the ruling by the High Court of Judicial Review proceedings which relate to the policy directive excluding vessels over 18 metres from trawling in inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41625/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy will be aware, in December 2018, following a public consultation process in which over 900 submissions were received, the then Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine announced that vessels over 18m will be excluded from trawling in inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines from 1st January 2020.  A transition period of three years for vessels over 18m targeting sprat was allowed to enable adjustment for these vessels, as the sprat fishery is concentrated inside the six nautical mile zone.  

A Policy Directive was issued by the Minister to give effect to these changes. A Judicial Review to the High Court was taken by two applicant fishermen challenging the validity of the Policy. 

On 6th October 2020, the Judge held in summary that the High Court’s final order should be, among other matters, a declaration that Policy Directive 1 of 2019 was made in breach of fair procedures and is void and/or of no legal effect.

The breach of fair procedures as referenced above related to a failure with obligations to consult with the applicants in accordance with, and to the extent required by, the consultation process and in particular by failing to consult with them once a preferred option had been identified.

The High Court’s ruling has been appealed by the State to the Court of Appeal and a stay is being sought on the orders granted therein. The date for the Court hearing directions is set for 11th December.

As this matter is sub judice, I am not in a position to comment until the matter can be resolved before the Courts. However I would like to assure you that I am committed to delivering the promises made in the Programme for Government that inshore waters continue to be protected for smaller fishing vessels and pair trawling be prohibited inside the six-mile limit.

Farm Safety

Ceisteanna (61)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

61. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work his Department is undertaking to promote co-operation on farm safety issues between north and south of the Border in order to enhance the work done on farm safety in each jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41489/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department has and continues to undertake a wide range of programmes to highlight the importance of farm safety.  My Ministerial colleague, Minister of State, Martin Heydon, has been assigned specific responsibility for farm safety in his portfolio.

In respect of North-South co-operation, my Department is actively involved in the North South Farm Safety Group. The Group comprises of officials from my Department, the Health and Safety Authority, and from Northern Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland.  The group meets on a regular basis with its purpose  being to seek ways in which the respective authorities can work together and share knowledge and information to enhance the collective effort undertaken in each jurisdiction on Farm Safety.

This group has facilitated significant co-operation between both Administrations in relation to work to improve farm safety, with significant sharing of information in relation to both farm safety research programmes and the actions plans of our respective Farm Safety Partnerships. 

It is incumbent of everyone in the sector to make farming a safer profession.

Agrifood Sector

Ceisteanna (62)

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

62. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which his Department has been working to increase awareness and take-up of opportunities in the bioeconomy sector including within the EU Bioeconomy Strategy (details supplied). [41484/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Bio-economy 'High-level Implementation Group', jointly chaired by my Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has facilitated a number of key activities in 2020 to increase awareness and take-up of opportunities in the bioeconomy sector including in relation to the EU Bioeconomy Strategy. These included;

In October 2020, my Department, along with DECC led the 2nd National Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2020, an annual week-long event to highlight and raise awareness of Ireland’s rapidly growing bioeconomy .  The events highlighted bioresources, terminology, technologies and biobased products already being used currently in Ireland’s bioeconomy.   They also identified new primary production practices and industrial developments that highlight the role the bioeconomy will play in addressing climate neutrality.

In May 2020, my Department in collaboration with InterTradeIreland and the Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute in Northern Ireland hosted an online event to promote and support engagement by Irish academia and industry in the EU Bioeconomy Research and Innovation Public Private partnership.

In February 2020, my Department along with the Irish Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and the Department of the Taoiseach hosted the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund at an event attended by over 150 stakeholders in Government Buildings to raise awareness of the steps being taken to launch the European Circular Bioeconomy Thematic Investment Platform which was subsequently successfully launched in October 2020.

Furthermore, my Department has successfully integrated the Bioeconomy into the DAFM Competitive Research Programme.  This was demonstrated in the Department’s  2019 Call for Research Proposals where bioeconomy was present as a key research theme. This integration of bioeconomy into this programme  resulted in significant grant awards for the following three successful projects being announced in October 2020 which will allow for the development of knowledge pathways for bioeconomy development in agriculture, food production and forestry. As this is a ‘public good’ programme a key component of all funded projects is widespread dissemination of the resulting findings for the benefit of all stakeholders. 

- Agriculture: BioCrop for development of biobased alternatives such as biostimulants and biopesticides for crop production management.

- Food Systems: U-PROTEIN (Unlocking Protein Resource Opportunities To Evolve Ireland’s Nutrition) undertaking analysis and process development for the sustainable development of alternative sources of protein

- Forestry: NXTGENWOOD developing high value products such as polymers, chemicals and nutrients from forestry and, in particular, forestry residual materials.

Teagasc Activities

Ceisteanna (63)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

63. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which his Department is working with Teagasc on research activities with particular reference to research aiming to assist farmers and agri-food businesses to reduce their carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41563/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department, and Teagasc, through a range of ##research activities and funding, work closely on the shared aims and objectives for the Irish agri-food, forest and bio-based sectors.

At its centre,  the provision of core funding to Teagasc enables the innovative climate and agri-environmental research base of Teagasc deliver its main research programme in this area and subsequently then to connect this research with farmers and the wider agri-food sector through the farm advisory service and its strong emphasis on knowledge transfer and education.   

Engagement by Teagasc with my Departments competitive research programmes is significant and has helped support innovative research directed at farmers and the sector to reduce GHG emissions and improve carbon storage. Specifically my Department is supporting several research projects led by Teagasc in this area that aim to develop the necessary technologies and practices to facilitate Irish agriculture’s move to increased carbon efficiency. Projects such as 'Greenbreed' and 'Meth-Abate', supported by DEpartment, seek to develop the necessary tools and technologies to reduce and mitigate methane emissions from ruminant livestock in Ireland.

Collaboration of research activities have also resulted in the development of technology centres and innovation clusters, such as the  the Teagasc-led research centre, VistaMilk, co-supported by  my Department  and Science Foundation Ireland, which is  focussing innovation, via technology approaches, to address climate issues of emissions from ruminant livestock for farmers in the dairy sector.

Of particular note is the recent collaborative work between my Department and Teagasc to establish the infrastructure required for a National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory.  Through this investment, Teagasc will commence intensive monitoring of carbon emissions and removals across a range of Irish soils, putting Ireland at the forefront in terms of understanding, supporting and rewarding farmers for practices that build carbon stores in our soils.

My Department and its agency Teagasc continue to work closely to drive and implement national and international strategic priorities related to climate action in the agri-food sector. This is exemplified by the DAFM-funded, Teagasc-led project to investigate the establishment of a dedicated Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research & Innovation Centre. Coupled to the engagement with international partners on this project to provide a basis for best-practice of a proposed centre for climate research excellence, is the focus on the specific climate challenges in Ireland that will enhance research, advisory and farmer coordination to deliver a sustainable climate-friendly agri-food system.

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (64)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

64. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the input he has had into negotiations in relation to Brexit pertaining to the Common Fisheries Policy and the likelihood of concessions by the EU to the UK in relation to this matter; if there is an outcome that reduces the Irish fishing quota significantly, he will press for Ireland to be given a bigger share of EU remaining fishing quota in line with its share of remaining EU fishing waters and fish stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41609/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Securing an overall future relationship agreement, including the best possible outcome on fisheries, is a priority for Ireland.  We are seeking to protect the interests of the Irish fleet in relation to access conditions, quota shares and the traditional activity of the EU fleet, while insisting that fisheries issues are dealt with as part of an overall trade deal.  I and my Government colleagues have repeatedly raised fisheries as a priority for Ireland in all bilateral political contacts and in particular in their meetings with Michel Barnier. 

The Common Fisheries Policy provides the framework for the long-term conservation and sustainability of fish stocks and is designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of fishing in Irish and throughout EU waters.  The CFP is reviewed every 10 years and the next review is scheduled to be completed by 31 December 2022 when the European Commission will report to the European Parliament and the Council on the functioning of the CFP. 

The Commission has advised that it intends to commence the review process when there is clarity on the future relationship of the EU and the UK. The review is expected to be detailed and comprehensive.   At EU level, it is expected that all stakeholders will have an opportunity to engage actively in the review work including the fishing industry, eNGOs and Member States.  

I will consider how Ireland will prepare for and participate actively and effectively in the review, including the interaction with stakeholders to prepare Ireland's case and identify priorities.