Written Answers Nos. 375-389
375. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding provided by his Department to the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland for the purposes of loans to the agricultural sector and the resulting level of borrowings available to the sector by year and by scheme in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27242/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in partnership with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Finance, have worked with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to deliver a number of loan schemes which support SMEs in Ireland, including the agri-food sector, as follows:
376. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made with regard to a loan scheme under the SBCI targeted towards the agriculture sector with a value of €330 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27243/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Brexit Impact Loan Scheme (BILS), underpinned by a counter-guarantee through the European Investment Fund’s European Guarantee Fund, has been designed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in cooperation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and is delivered through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI). The Scheme has a capacity of up to €330 million and will be launched in parallel with the closure of the existing SBCI Working Capital Scheme (encompassing the Brexit Loan Scheme and the Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme). DAFM funding ensures that up to 40% of the Scheme will be available to the agri-food sector.
The Scheme will put in place important support for businesses to ensure that they have access to finance during this pandemic and to help deal with the challenges brought about by Brexit. The BILS offers a number of advantages over the existing arrangements on the Brexit Loan Scheme, including that farmers and fishers will now be eligible to access the new Scheme; loan terms of up to six years & variable interest rates will be available, and; loans will be available for working capital and investment purposes.
Development of the Scheme is progressing with supporting legislation currently proceeding as a priority through the Houses of the Oireachtas. On 6th May, the SBCI issued an Open Call for lenders to deliver the BILS and it is hoped that it can be launched shortly.
377. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a schedule will be provided of IT and email security costs incurred over the past five years to date; and the contractor engaged to deliver the services and or system. [27271/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department implements a security-by-design and defence-in-depth approach to cyber security. The Government’s services are still actively involved in managing and remediating the recent cyberattack on the HSE. Our technical staff continue to operate and monitor all relevant systems to the highest levels, and are closely engaged with experts in the OGCIO and the NCSC to ensure that we follow best practice as it relates to all aspects of Cybersecurity.
For operational and security reasons, we are advised by the NCSC not to disclose details of systems and processes which could, in any way, compromise those efforts. In particular, it is not considered appropriate to disclose information which might assist criminals to identify potential vulnerabilities in departmental cybersecurity arrangements. Therefore, it is not considered appropriate to disclose particular arrangements in place in relation to cyber security tools and services and the Department does not comment on operational security matters.
378. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the total forestry licences issued by his Department has declined in recent weeks; the reason the significant reduction in Coillte licences has not lead to an increase in the number of private licenses issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27310/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur overall target for the year remains at 4,500 new licences. There will be fluctuations between months as was the case for April which was lower than previous months. I expect May to be higher for new licences and for this to increase further into June and beyond.
There are a number of factors which influenced the April figure. Among these are that, for a short period, ecologists focussed almost exclusively on afforestation files and these files are normally slower to bring to completion.
The main reason for the decline in licence output however has been largely due to a decline in the output of Coillte licences. This is because Coillte had received almost all of their 2021 felling licences. My Department received just over 2,000 licence applications in the 2019 and 2020 batches.
By March 2021, licensing decisions had been made for the vast majority of these. At present only nine remain with decisions on five of these due this week. The near total completion of 2019 and 2020 batches, thereby reducing the number of available applications to work on, is the main reason why there has been a decline in the number of licences issued recently.
A new batch of 1,864 applications from Coillte, was received by the Department on 15th March 2021. There is a huge amount of background work involved in the licensing process long before a licence issues and this is currently ongoing. Pre-licensing work on these new applications began immediately with applications advertised and referrals made to District Forestry Inspectors and third parties such as County Councils.
Some preliminary screening also took place for Appropriate Assessment and all applications were successfully uploaded to the Forestry Licence Viewer, making them accessible to the public. We also used the opportunity to issued new licences that were remitted to the Department by FAC for a new decision. We do not count these as new licences in our weekly output in order to avoid double-counting.
379. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is fully compliant with GDPR EU requirements and the EU network and Information Security Directive and standards with respect to his Department's IT infrastructure including Article 29 of GDPR which requires that data processors access only the data they need for their task; if ISO 27001 Annex 9 standards on privileged access are fully met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27333/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is an EU Regulation which governs data protection law for EU member states. It came into operation in May 2018 and the Department continuously works towards full compliance with the requirements of the GDPR.
Many procedures and processes have been introduced since that time in order to comply with the GDPR requirements including :
- Appointment of a Data Protection Officer - Article 37 of GDPR
- Data breach reporting to the Data Protection Commission (DPC) – Article 33 of GDPR
- Processing of Subject Access Requests – Article 15 of GDPR
- Compilation of a Record of Processing Activities – Article 30 of GDPR
- Examination of data transfers to third countries – Articles 44-49 of GDPR
- Undertaking Data Protection Impact Assessments – Article 35 of GDPR
- Increasing awareness of data protection and information security – Article 32 of GDPR
Procedures in relation to the use of Data Processors, under Article 29 of the GDPR, have been incorporated into revised template contracts, updated by the Office of Government Procurement in 2018, for use by all Government Departments. Data Processors are only provided with access to information that they specifically need to carry out their contracts. Confidentiality in relation to this information is provided for in the written contract.
The Department is also fully ISO 27001 certified and annex 9 is included in the statement of applicability for that certification.
380. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any state or semi state bodies which report to his Department are fully compliant with GDPR EU requirements and the EU network and Information Security Directive and standards with respect to their IT infrastructure including article 29 of GDPR which requires that data processors access only the data they need for their task; if ISO 27001 annex 9 standards on privileged access are fully met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27351/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs regards the twelve State Bodies under the aegis of the Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves.
I have therefore referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
381. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27373/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted his 2020 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application on 22nd April 2021 in which he declared the lands he was farming.
Where land has been burned between the closed season for burning (1st March - 31st August) of any given year, it is not eligible for payment under the Basic Payment Scheme and the Department actively investigates incidents of illegal burning. Parcels submitted by the person named were subject to burning during the closed season for burning. Therefore, this parcel was deemed ineligible and gave rise to an overclaim on the 2020 BPS application. This overclaim resulted in both a reduction in area paid and an administrative penalty.
The person named submitted an appeal in relation to this and a decision issued on 10th May 2021, advising him of the removal of the administrative penalty and also his right of appeal to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office in relation to the reduction on area paid. He should advise the Appeals Office that he wishes to have an oral hearing as part of his appeal.
382. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department continues to development the agri-food sector while at the same time ensuring compliance with carbon reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27381/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 14th April, I published the Department's Statement of Strategy 2021-2024 alongside an Action Plan for 2021, which outlines 75 actions to further develop a sustainable, innovative and competitive agri-food, forestry and seafood sector. The Action Plan will build on significant work already underway by my Department on a range of key issues.
On climate, The Government has recently approved the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021. The Bill will support Ireland’s transition to Net Zero emissions and achievement of a climate neutral economy by 2050. The agricultural sector is already contributing to the national effort to address the climate challenge and will continue to do so. I launched a National ‘Climate & Air Roadmap’ for the Agriculture Sector entitled “Ag Climatise” in December 2020. The roadmap, which is a living document, sets an ambitious vision for a ‘climate neutral agriculture sector by 2050’ and includes 29 actions with specific and challenging targets aimed at reducing the environmental footprint and further building on the strong credentials of Irish agriculture.
The draft agri-food Strategy for 2030 was recently launched for public consultation on the Strategy itself and its environmental assessment. The public consultation is available at the following link: gov.ie - Public Consultation on the Environmental Assessment of the Draft Agri-Food Strategy to 2030. (www.gov.ie), and will remain open until the15th of June. The Committee will take the outcome of the public consultation process into account before finalising the Strategy this summer. The high level vision of the Committee is that, “Ireland will become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems over the next decade”, taking a food systems approach in ensuring the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the sector a whole.
I am committed to working to improve incomes for our farm families
383. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total strength of the dairy herd at present; the extent of opportunities for advancement in the future while at the same time meeting carbon reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27382/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the results of the December 2020 CSO Livestock Survey, the number of dairy cows currently stands at 1.456 million, an increase of 30,300 or +2.1% compared with December 2019 figures.
Despite a challenging macro-economic environment in 2020, Ireland exported dairy products to approximately 143 countries with a value exceeding €5.1 billion, a 0.4% value increase compared to the same period in 2019. The European Commission’s Short-term Outlook for EU agricultural markets for 2021 forecasts a c. +4% increase in milk production in Ireland due to the increased national dairy herd, the largest expected growth amongst key milk producing EU Member States. In 2021 global dairy demand growth is expected to exceed supply and therefore Ireland is well-positioned to benefit from this increasing global demand. It is important to note, however that while milk production in Ireland has approximately 54% since the removal of milk quotas in 2015, the rate of increase has reduced in recent years.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 supports Ireland’s transition to Net Zero and achieve a climate neutral economy no later than 2050. It will establish a legally binding framework to ensure that we achieve our national, EU and international climate goals and obligations.
Ag Climatise, the National Climate and Air Roadmap for the Agriculture Sector published by my Department, is a living document which sets out 29 actions designed to achieve a climate neutral agriculture sector and reflects the ambitions of the Bill. Industry stakeholders and Government will need to work collaboratively and constructively to ensure that these outlined objectives are achieved by the future dairy sector. In addition, I am confident that the strategic framework set out in the draft Agri Food Strategy for 2030, which is currently published for public consultation, sets out an effective pathway to deal with these challenges, while establishing Ireland as a world leader in sustainable food systems.
384. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if cognisance was taken of the extent to which the agri-food sector here has always been more compliant with carbon reduction objectives than most others; the way the policy will be incorporated in the future without damaging the agri-food sector while meeting targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27384/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has recently approved the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021. The Bill will support Ireland’s transition to Net Zero emissions and achievement of a climate neutral economy by 2050. The agricultural sector is already contributing to the national effort to address the climate challenge and will continue to do so.
Being grass-based, Ireland’s production system is considered carbon efficient and therefore one of the most sustainable places in the world to produce high quality lamb, beef and dairy.
In December 2020, I launched “Ag-Climatise”, a new climate and air road map for agriculture. This roadmap, which is a living document, provides the sector with the overall direction necessary to allow coordination of the application of measures and initiatives that will enhance the removals of both GHG emissions from our production systems and CO2 from our atmosphere.
This week, at the launch of the Teagasc "SignPost" programme on climate action, involving 100 demonstration farms across the country, I highlighted that agriculture has a critically important social, economic and environmental value to Ireland and that as a sector, farming has a history of embracing change and a shared desire to leave the farmed environment in a better condition for the next generation.
I am acutely aware of the enormity of this challenge for the sector and for this reason, I believe that the successor strategy to Food Wise 2025 can play an important role in providing a framework for helping to realise this ambition.
The draft agri-food Strategy for 2030 was recently launched for public consultation on the Strategy itself and its environmental assessment. The public consultation is available at the following link: gov.ie - Public Consultation on the Environmental Assessment of the Draft Agri-Food Strategy to 2030. (www.gov.ie), and will remain open until the 15th of June. The Committee will take the outcome of the public consultation process into account before finalising the Strategy this summer. The high level vision of the Committee is that, “Ireland will become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems over the next decade”, taking a food systems approach in ensuring the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the sector a whole. Its environmental ambition is aligned with the Government target of net zero by 2050.
385. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current strength of the beef herd; the extent to which he is satisfied in regard to its future and the attainment of international carbon reduction targets thereby achieving a fair and equitable coexistence and maintenance of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27385/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe figures for 2020 show that the total cattle numbers decreased by (-0.5%) compared to 2019.
The number of other cows dropped by 3.6%, while the number of dairy cows increased by 2.1%.
|
(000 head) |
Total cattle |
Dairy cows |
Other cows |
|
2020 |
6529 |
1456 |
923 |
More detailed data from the CSO's June and December Livestock Surveys each year is available at the following link:
https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/lsd/livestocksurveydecember2020/
Given the challenging macro-economic environment in 2020, Ireland's beef exports declined by 2% to €1.9 billion in value terms. The short term EU forecast for 2021 is for a continued drop in both European production (minus 1.5%) and consumption (minus 1.2%). As with other meat commodities, my officials continue to work towards opening new international markets and enhancing existing access to as many markets as possible. This development and diversification strategy remains central to our response to the challenges and uncertainty posed by Brexit.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 supports Ireland’s transition to Net Zero and achieve a climate neutral economy no later than 2050.
Ag Climatise, the National Climate and Air Roadmap for the Agriculture Sector published by my Department last December, is a living document which sets out 29 actions designed to achieve a climate neutral agriculture sector.
In addition, I am confident that the strategic framework set out in the draft Agri Food Strategy for 2030, which is currently published for public consultation, sets out an effective pathway to deal with these challenges, while establishing Ireland as a world leader in sustainable food systems.
Supporting the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the Irish agri-food sector will underpin the development of my Department's supports under the next Common Agricultural Policy.
Ultimately, I want to ensure that, as a priority, we protect the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the agri-food sector, and particularly farmers and fishers as our primary producers.
386. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which pig production is encouraged to continue on a sound footing with particular reference to its future and a living for pig producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27386/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe pig sector has shown exceptional growth over the last decade. It is the third largest agri-food sector, accounting for 6.3% of the output value of the agri-food sector and generated exports of €893 million in 2020; this compares to an export value of €330 million in 2010. The sector supports approximately 8,000 rural jobs and has played a key role in meeting our Food Wise 2025 targets.
Production saw an increase of 4.2% to over 3.5 million head in 2020 and currently year to date 2021 slaughter figures are 6.3% higher than the same period of 2020 (1.3 million). Exports trends are also shifting in light of Brexit, with exports to third country markets steadily expanding in recent years, accounting for almost 35% of total value.
Coming into 2021, prices were significantly lower when compared to same period in 2020, when prices were at a historical high. Nonetheless, Irish pig price has seen growth since the beginning of the year from 155.36 €/100kg in week 1 to 164.82.12 €/100kg in week 18 (6.1%) - well above the EU average price of 154.45 €/100kg (EU price as of week 17).
387. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which opportunities continue for the export of Irish lamb; the degree to which prospects remain good for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27387/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe future prospects for Irish sheepmeat exports, of which lamb is a core product, appear bright. According to the CSO, 2020 was a prosperous year for Ireland's overseas sheepmeat trade, with 64,000 tonnes exported to 38 international markets at a value of nearly €356 million. This represents an increase of 12% in value terms on 2019. Tighter supplies of sheepmeat globally and an improvement in demand in key EU markets drove this increase. A decline in UK sheepmeat exports to EU member state markets also created opportunities for Irish produce during 2020.
Of the four major meat species exported from Ireland, the sheepmeat trade is the least reliant on the UK market. Bord Bia analysis suggests that retail demand for sheepmeat increased over the last year, as consumers invested more time in preparing home-cooked meals. In 2020, according to CSO data, 73% of sheepmeat products in value terms were exported to the EU, 12% to the UK and 15% to other third country markets. The value of sheepmeat exports to international markets increased significantly in 2020, but France remains the single most important export destination, accounting for a third of Irish sheepmeat exports in 2020.
As with other meat commodities, my officials continue to work towards opening new outlets for sheepmeat and enhancing existing access to as many markets as possible for Irish sheepmeat. The Irish food industry is well positioned to gain from the opportunities presented by expanding global demand for high-quality Irish lamb, underpinned by the market development efforts of the Department, Bord Bia, the Irish embassy network, and the food industry. The Department will continue to engage with stakeholders on maximising potential opportunities for Irish sheepmeat exports.
388. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of the checking and authentication of the background of all food and food products with particular reference to the meat sector with a view to ensuring that all such imports are of the highest standard in terms of production, husbandry and hygiene; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27388/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra389. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent of various meat products, beef, lamb, pig meat and poultry imported in each of the past three years to date; if the countries of origin have standards on par with the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27389/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 388 and 389 together.
The table below shows the level of imports of the meats according to CSO trade statistics, which are available up to Feb 2021
Meat Imports Jan and Feb 2021
|
Category |
€000 |
Tonnes |
|
Beef |
16,094 |
3,555 |
|
Pigmeat |
38,639 |
9,624 |
|
Poultry |
45,549 |
14,191 |
|
Sheepmeat |
2,896 |
467 |
|
Grand Total |
103,178 |
27,838 |
Food products placed on the European marketplace are covered by a range of legislation designed to ensure that products supplied to consumers are of the highest safety standards. The Department plays a part in the enforcement of this legislation along with Competent Authorities in other Member States, other Irish Government departments and State Agencies such as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and the Health Service Executive.
The import of products of animal origin from third countries is governed by a comprehensive and robust legislative framework laid down at EU level, controlled by Member States in the first instance, and audited by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Food Safety to ensure compliance with all of the relevant food safety standards. The legislation imposes health and supervisory requirements designed to ensure that imported products meet standards equivalent to those required for production and trade between Member States. Imports from EU member states of course also adhere to the same strict standards in terms of quality and are subject to strict control procedures.
Veterinary checks are carried out by staff from the Department on consignments of foods of animal origin imported from third countries at designated Border Control Posts. All such consignments are subject to documentary and identity checks in addition to physical checks. This includes sampling of products, are carried out according to European regulations. Import control procedures on products of animal and fish origin are highly prescriptive and are strictly audited by the Directorate to ensure compliance. Inspection finding reports are published on the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety’s website.
This comprehensive and robust legislative framework and the checks carried out by the relevant competent authorities across EU member states ensure that imports met the requisite standards.
