Written Answers Nos. 349-363
349. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the application by a person (details supplied) to the REAP scheme will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35039/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Results-Based Environment Agri Pilot Project (REAP) is an ambitious, farmer-friendly environmental project designed to test the results based approach on a variety of farm types. The project will feed into the development of the next national agri-environment scheme. REAP is designed to focus on key learning objectives for participants and their advisors.
As REAP was oversubscribed, a ranking and selection process was used to assess applications. This process considered the presence of priority water areas, (as defined by the EPA), and the proportion of Natura and ANC land on the holding. The application of the person named scored less than the minimum score set for consideration for entry. The details of the selection process are listed in section 10 of the REAP terms and conditions.
Letters have now issued to all REAP applicants advising on the outcome of their application. Any farmer who receives notification to state their application has been unsuccessful may request a review of this decision by writing to the REAP section at the Department. Full details of the review option and contact details have been provided in the correspondence that has issued.
350. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the reports made in relation to the horse racing industry by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35046/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
Section 39 Irish Horseracing Industry Act 1994, (as amended) provides for the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) to be responsible for “making and enforcing the Rules of Racing”, including “making all decisions relating to doping control, forensics and handicapping in respect of horse racing”.
Funding for these services is provided by HRI on the basis of an agreed annual budget.
Both HRI and the IHRB have informed the Department that the drug testing systems in Irish racing are thorough and are similar to those which apply in other major racing countries.
I am aware of the comments made by the person named in relation to integrity issues in Irish horse racing. I understand the person named has been invited to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture Food and Marine to express his views on this issue in the near future.
351. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants for REPS by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35059/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe attached table shows the number of applicants by county across all REPS schemes (ie; REPS 1, 2 3, and 4).
|
County |
No of REPS Applicants |
|
Carlow |
1,727 |
|
Cavan |
6,557 |
|
Clare |
8,662 |
|
Cork |
14,141 |
|
Donegal |
11,842 |
|
Dublin |
415 |
|
Galway |
19,794 |
|
Kerry |
10,216 |
|
Kildare |
2,324 |
|
Kilkenny |
2,402 |
|
Laois |
4,098 |
|
Leitrim |
9,967 |
|
Limerick |
6,069 |
|
Longford |
3,944 |
|
Louth |
3,034 |
|
Mayo |
19,478 |
|
Meath |
3,819 |
|
Monaghan |
3,238 |
|
Offaly |
4,585 |
|
Roscommon |
4,965 |
|
Sligo |
5,566 |
|
Tipperary |
9,366 |
|
Waterford |
5,478 |
|
Westmeath |
4,904 |
|
Wexford, |
4,247 |
|
Wicklow |
2,248 |
353. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there was a penalty or claw back of moneys, grant or scheme payments to farmers who were in REPS that decided to convert a part of their farm to forestry during the duration of their REPS plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35061/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Terms and Conditions of the REPS 4 scheme stated that where the eligible area for the Scheme was decreased, the annual payment would be adjusted at the commencement of the next full year. The re-imbursement of aid already paid was not required in respect of lands afforested under Council Regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005. However, where land was afforested during a REPS recording year, a proportionate reimbursement would apply for the part of the REPS year that had not been completed.
The EU regulatory provisions for the subsequent agri-environment, climate measure (GLAS) which is an action rather than area-based scheme did not provide for such reimbursement options. They also required the clawback of any monies paid under the scheme on land which was subsequently afforested at some later point in the scheme.
354. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number farmers in GLAS that did not take the GLAS extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35062/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraContracts entered into under the 1st and 2nd tranches of the Green Low-Carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS 1 and 2) were due to be completed on 31st December 2020. As the negotiations on the new Common Agricultural Policy post-2020 were ongoing, it was decided, with the approval of the EU Commission, to offer an extension to such contracts to 31st December 2021.
Offers to extend were accordingly issued to relevant participants in December 2020 (with a small number subsequently issued in early 2021 as transfers of contracts were finalised). I am pleased to note that the current position is that the bulk of the participants in GLAS 1 and 2 have extended their contracts, as evidenced by their submission of their claims, as part of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) system, for payments in respect of GLAS 1 and 2 contracts for 2021 with a total of 2,355 such participants not availing of extension. This represents just over 6.5% of the overall number in GLAS 1 and 2.
355. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if 40% of pillar 1 expenditure must contribute towards climate change objectives and at least 30% of Rural Development Plan must focus on specific environmental and climate related objectives in accordance with the Cap Strategic Plan draft regulations; if afforestation of areas greater than 0.1 hectares and over can contribute towards these objectives; if afforestation should form a central plank of the CSP and agri-environment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35063/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Common Agricultural Policy (and associated draft regulations) has been the subject of intensive negotiations between the European Parliament and the Presidency and Commission and political agreement was reached in the last few days on how the twin challenges of ensuring fair distribution of payments between farmers, and the achievement of a higher level of environmental and climate ambition, can be tackled under the CAP framework.
Under the agreement, 25% of Member States’ direct payments envelopes will be ring-fenced for new eco-schemes under Pillar I. Additional flexibilities are in place for Member States, in terms of a two year learning period in 2023 and 2024 which will minimise the risk of loss of unspent funds. In addition, 35% of Pillar II payments must be targeted at environmental actions.
The Department will continue to develop a draft CAP Strategic Plan in consultation with stakeholders through the CAP Consultative Committee and other forums. Following the consultation process, the draft plan will be subject to strategic environmental assessment and ex-ante evaluation and a further public consultation process before submission to the Commission by the deadline of 1st January 2022.
357. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the persons or bodies that provided forestry and specifically afforestation opportunity integration input into the terms and conditions of the REAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35076/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra359. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 279 of 27 May 2021, his views on whether the tree and hedge planting will have a significant impact on meeting the climate change objectives; the metrics or targets for these particular activities under the scheme in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35078/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra385. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the anticipated area the 5,000 successful applicants to REAP will afforest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35216/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra386. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total area now sterilised to afforestation in the 5,000 successful applicants to the REAP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35217/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 357, 359, 385 and 386 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, the REAP terms and conditions state that the land being selected for the project should not be nominated until after the REAP-trained advisor and the farmer have had an opportunity to walk the holding. Similarly, participants will not be able to decide on an appropriate use of the budget for complementary actions (such as tree planting) until the land has been walked.
It is important to note that REAP is a pilot project with specific aims as outlined in the terms and conditions and should not be regarded as a full scheme. One such aim is to raise farmer and Adviser awareness of results based assessments and the potential value of biodiversity and other ecosystem services on their farms. The entire project, including the tree planting complementary action, will be monitored, and evaluated to inform the next national agri-environment scheme.
The project was developed using existing resources available within the Department. As part of the development of the project, a public consultation was held offering any potential stakeholder the opportunity to give their views on the project. Over 1,580 submissions were received during the consultation process.
358. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will publish the policy analysis carried out by his Department on the impact GLAS has had on afforestation uptake rates and on the afforestation grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35077/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra384. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 191 and 192 of 19 May 2021, if the analysis of the number of GLAS participants that afforested a part of their farm during the duration of GLAS has been completed and is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35215/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 358 and 384 together.
As the Deputy is aware, farmers who have planted land under the forestry schemes do not do so using their herd number and, therefore, are not easily cross-checked with GLAS participants.
The Department is still analysing the issue and will be in direct contact with the Deputy if a solution is identified, as outlined previously.
360. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 283 and 288 of 27 May 2021, the total area of land on a per county basis committed to the GLAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35079/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated and will be forwarded as soon as it is available.
|
County |
Year |
Glas1 |
Glas2 |
Glas3 |
Total |
|
Carlow |
2018 |
3,806 |
1,500 |
1,890 |
7,196 |
|
Cavan |
2018 |
8,603 |
4,436 |
5,833 |
18,872 |
|
Clare |
2020 |
23,779 |
11,302 |
11,930 |
47,011 |
|
Donegal |
2015 |
27,902 |
0 |
0 |
27,902 |
|
Donegal |
2016 |
35,785 |
23,387 |
0 |
59,171 |
|
Donegal |
2017 |
34,866 |
22,117 |
39,827 |
96,811 |
|
Donegal |
2019 |
34,123 |
21,461 |
39,194 |
94,778 |
|
Donegal |
2020 |
33,690 |
21,052 |
38,840 |
93,582 |
|
Dublin |
2016 |
3,454 |
4,018 |
0 |
7,472 |
|
Dublin |
2020 |
3,279 |
3,997 |
199 |
7,474 |
|
Laois |
2017 |
5,438 |
3,971 |
3,122 |
12,531 |
|
Laois |
2018 |
5,353 |
3,981 |
3,043 |
12,376 |
|
Laois |
2020 |
5,213 |
3,894 |
2,907 |
12,014 |
|
Leitrim |
2019 |
13,481 |
6,473 |
7,921 |
27,876 |
|
Louth |
2016 |
2,339 |
1,198 |
0 |
3,538 |
|
Louth |
2019 |
2,130 |
1,038 |
1,183 |
4,352 |
|
Mayo |
2015 |
39,097 |
0 |
0 |
39,097 |
|
Meath |
2017 |
4,287 |
1,953 |
2,661 |
8,901 |
|
Monaghan |
2016 |
4,323 |
1,188 |
0 |
5,511 |
|
Sligo |
2020 |
12,603 |
6,900 |
8,185 |
27,688 |
|
Westmeath |
2016 |
7,245 |
3,102 |
0 |
10,347 |
|
Wexford |
2019 |
8,662 |
3,680 |
4,642 |
16,984 |
|
Wicklow |
2015 |
5,015 |
0 |
0 |
5,015 |
|
Wicklow |
2018 |
7,175 |
7,050 |
5,385 |
19,610 |
|
Cavan |
2019 |
8,556 |
4,420 |
5,741 |
18,717 |
|
Cavan |
2020 |
8,433 |
4,363 |
5,665 |
18,461 |
|
Dublin |
2019 |
3,308 |
4,012 |
200 |
7,520 |
|
Kerry |
2016 |
50,803 |
30,438 |
0 |
81,242 |
|
Kilkenny |
2019 |
4,398 |
2,269 |
2,124 |
8,790 |
|
Mayo |
2020 |
49,075 |
28,076 |
34,114 |
111,264 |
|
Meath |
2019 |
4,185 |
1,879 |
2,490 |
8,555 |
|
Offaly |
2017 |
15,537 |
66,240 |
45,647 |
127,424 |
|
Offaly |
2019 |
15,379 |
65,442 |
42,972 |
123,793 |
|
Sligo |
2016 |
13,533 |
7,960 |
0 |
21,493 |
|
Tipperary |
2016 |
16,325 |
7,869 |
0 |
24,194 |
|
Westmeath |
2019 |
7,032 |
2,944 |
2,838 |
12,813 |
|
Wicklow |
2016 |
7,383 |
8,015 |
0 |
15,399 |
|
Cavan |
2015 |
7,255 |
0 |
0 |
7,255 |
|
Clare |
2015 |
22,642 |
0 |
0 |
22,642 |
|
Clare |
2018 |
25,206 |
11,888 |
12,949 |
50,043 |
|
Clare |
2019 |
24,072 |
11,548 |
12,256 |
47,875 |
|
Cork |
2016 |
26,508 |
16,472 |
0 |
42,981 |
|
Kerry |
2020 |
48,068 |
29,407 |
20,732 |
98,207 |
|
Kilkenny |
2017 |
4,518 |
2,398 |
2,260 |
9,176 |
|
Limerick |
2016 |
13,105 |
3,692 |
0 |
16,797 |
|
Longford |
2020 |
5,456 |
3,489 |
3,121 |
12,067 |
|
Louth |
2017 |
2,202 |
1,058 |
1,276 |
4,537 |
|
Louth |
2018 |
2,179 |
1,047 |
1,231 |
4,458 |
|
Meath |
2018 |
4,222 |
1,927 |
2,500 |
8,650 |
|
Monaghan |
2019 |
4,172 |
1,167 |
2,399 |
7,739 |
|
Monaghan |
2020 |
4,102 |
1,164 |
2,289 |
7,556 |
|
Roscommon |
2015 |
13,391 |
0 |
0 |
13,391 |
|
Roscommon |
2016 |
16,687 |
6,576 |
0 |
23,262 |
|
Sligo |
2018 |
12,868 |
7,239 |
8,319 |
28,427 |
|
Sligo |
2019 |
12,725 |
7,240 |
8,242 |
28,208 |
|
Wexford |
2015 |
2,856 |
0 |
0 |
2,856 |
|
Wicklow |
2017 |
7,228 |
7,100 |
5,455 |
19,783 |
|
Wicklow |
2019 |
7,104 |
7,002 |
5,356 |
19,463 |
|
Clare |
2017 |
25,571 |
12,031 |
13,323 |
50,925 |
|
Cork |
2019 |
25,394 |
15,649 |
10,049 |
51,092 |
|
Cork |
2020 |
25,006 |
15,336 |
9,714 |
50,057 |
|
Kerry |
2017 |
50,122 |
30,278 |
21,786 |
102,185 |
|
Kildare |
2015 |
2,036 |
0 |
0 |
2,036 |
|
Kildare |
2019 |
3,548 |
1,330 |
2,049 |
6,926 |
|
Leitrim |
2020 |
13,301 |
6,286 |
7,719 |
27,306 |
|
Limerick |
2019 |
12,578 |
3,509 |
4,297 |
20,384 |
|
Longford |
2018 |
5,515 |
3,585 |
3,234 |
12,334 |
|
Mayo |
2019 |
50,249 |
28,582 |
34,780 |
113,611 |
|
Meath |
2015 |
2,675 |
0 |
0 |
2,675 |
|
Meath |
2016 |
4,338 |
2,090 |
0 |
6,427 |
|
Monaghan |
2015 |
3,570 |
0 |
0 |
3,570 |
|
Offaly |
2020 |
15,019 |
65,394 |
40,519 |
120,932 |
|
Roscommon |
2017 |
16,525 |
6,402 |
8,250 |
31,178 |
|
Roscommon |
2019 |
16,134 |
6,260 |
7,954 |
30,348 |
|
Sligo |
2017 |
13,114 |
7,597 |
8,369 |
29,080 |
|
Tipperary |
2017 |
15,878 |
7,610 |
6,751 |
30,239 |
|
Tipperary |
2019 |
15,410 |
7,438 |
6,229 |
29,077 |
|
Waterford |
2015 |
5,089 |
0 |
0 |
5,089 |
|
Waterford |
2018 |
7,358 |
2,828 |
2,694 |
12,880 |
|
Westmeath |
2015 |
5,606 |
0 |
0 |
5,606 |
|
Carlow |
2015 |
1,778 |
0 |
0 |
1,778 |
|
Carlow |
2016 |
4,056 |
1,627 |
0 |
5,683 |
|
Carlow |
2020 |
3,686 |
1,515 |
1,818 |
7,019 |
|
Cavan |
2016 |
8,826 |
4,552 |
0 |
13,378 |
|
Kerry |
2018 |
49,325 |
30,096 |
21,465 |
100,886 |
|
Laois |
2019 |
5,276 |
3,941 |
2,982 |
12,198 |
|
Laois |
2015 |
2,757 |
0 |
0 |
2,757 |
|
Leitrim |
2016 |
13,864 |
6,827 |
0 |
20,692 |
|
Mayo |
2018 |
51,174 |
28,852 |
35,436 |
115,462 |
|
Monaghan |
2017 |
4,263 |
1,179 |
2,535 |
7,977 |
|
Offaly |
2015 |
3,964 |
0 |
0 |
3,964 |
|
Offaly |
2016 |
15,589 |
66,895 |
0 |
82,484 |
|
Offaly |
2018 |
15,435 |
65,599 |
43,006 |
124,041 |
|
Roscommon |
2020 |
15,989 |
6,165 |
7,837 |
29,992 |
|
Tipperary |
2015 |
10,390 |
0 |
0 |
10,390 |
|
Waterford |
2016 |
7,589 |
2,873 |
0 |
10,462 |
|
Wexford |
2016 |
9,896 |
4,232 |
0 |
14,128 |
|
Carlow |
2017 |
3,882 |
1,569 |
1,984 |
7,434 |
|
Carlow |
2019 |
3,788 |
1,497 |
1,852 |
7,137 |
|
Cavan |
2017 |
8,716 |
4,488 |
5,952 |
19,157 |
|
Cork |
2015 |
18,824 |
0 |
0 |
18,824 |
|
Cork |
2018 |
25,719 |
15,856 |
10,262 |
51,837 |
|
Donegal |
2018 |
34,496 |
21,759 |
38,255 |
94,509 |
|
Dublin |
2015 |
668 |
0 |
0 |
668 |
|
Dublin |
2018 |
3,327 |
4,013 |
200 |
7,540 |
|
Galway |
2016 |
50,826 |
23,503 |
0 |
74,329 |
|
Kildare |
2016 |
3,772 |
1,522 |
0 |
5,294 |
|
Kildare |
2017 |
3,689 |
1,395 |
2,223 |
7,307 |
|
Kilkenny |
2015 |
2,500 |
0 |
0 |
2,500 |
|
Kilkenny |
2016 |
4,650 |
2,547 |
0 |
7,197 |
|
Kilkenny |
2020 |
4,330 |
2,242 |
2,059 |
8,630 |
|
Laois |
2016 |
5,588 |
4,019 |
0 |
9,608 |
|
Leitrim |
2018 |
13,617 |
6,444 |
8,014 |
28,075 |
|
Leitrim |
2015 |
11,633 |
0 |
0 |
11,633 |
|
Limerick |
2020 |
12,418 |
3,495 |
4,253 |
20,166 |
|
Limerick |
2015 |
10,396 |
0 |
0 |
10,396 |
|
Longford |
2019 |
5,501 |
3,535 |
3,193 |
12,229 |
|
Longford |
2015 |
4,614 |
0 |
0 |
4,614 |
|
Louth |
2015 |
680 |
0 |
0 |
680 |
|
Monaghan |
2018 |
4,205 |
1,169 |
2,456 |
7,831 |
|
Sligo |
2015 |
11,671 |
0 |
0 |
11,671 |
|
Tipperary |
2018 |
15,554 |
7,490 |
6,328 |
29,372 |
|
Westmeath |
2017 |
7,168 |
3,074 |
2,956 |
13,199 |
|
Westmeath |
2020 |
6,908 |
2,886 |
2,757 |
12,551 |
|
Clare |
2016 |
26,038 |
12,308 |
0 |
38,345 |
|
Cork |
2017 |
26,224 |
16,094 |
10,538 |
52,857 |
|
Galway |
2017 |
49,405 |
22,475 |
29,645 |
101,524 |
|
Galway |
2018 |
48,549 |
22,104 |
28,914 |
99,566 |
|
Galway |
2020 |
46,635 |
21,264 |
27,948 |
95,847 |
|
Kerry |
2015 |
38,514 |
0 |
0 |
38,514 |
|
Kerry |
2019 |
48,768 |
29,743 |
21,069 |
99,581 |
|
Kildare |
2018 |
3,632 |
1,345 |
2,183 |
7,160 |
|
Kildare |
2020 |
3,422 |
1,285 |
1,971 |
6,677 |
|
Longford |
2016 |
5,632 |
3,727 |
0 |
9,359 |
|
Louth |
2020 |
2,069 |
1,020 |
1,161 |
4,250 |
|
Mayo |
2016 |
52,982 |
30,049 |
0 |
83,031 |
|
Meath |
2020 |
4,079 |
1,776 |
2,382 |
8,236 |
|
Roscommon |
2018 |
16,361 |
6,321 |
8,059 |
30,742 |
|
Tipperary |
2020 |
15,210 |
7,135 |
6,065 |
28,410 |
|
Waterford |
2019 |
7,060 |
2,807 |
2,679 |
12,546 |
|
Waterford |
2020 |
7,070 |
2,790 |
2,654 |
12,514 |
|
Westmeath |
2018 |
7,098 |
3,033 |
2,878 |
13,010 |
|
Dublin |
2017 |
3,402 |
4,015 |
1,326 |
8,743 |
|
Galway |
2015 |
37,243 |
0 |
0 |
37,243 |
|
Galway |
2019 |
47,580 |
21,619 |
28,284 |
97,483 |
|
Kilkenny |
2018 |
4,419 |
2,318 |
2,197 |
8,934 |
|
Leitrim |
2017 |
13,760 |
6,529 |
8,153 |
28,442 |
|
Limerick |
2017 |
12,936 |
3,558 |
4,421 |
20,914 |
|
Limerick |
2018 |
12,711 |
3,537 |
4,319 |
20,566 |
|
Longford |
2017 |
5,592 |
3,645 |
3,276 |
12,513 |
|
Mayo |
2017 |
51,762 |
29,149 |
36,093 |
117,005 |
|
Waterford |
2017 |
7,469 |
2,844 |
2,794 |
13,107 |
|
Wexford |
2017 |
9,097 |
3,740 |
4,993 |
17,831 |
|
Wexford |
2018 |
8,853 |
3,705 |
4,868 |
17,426 |
|
Wexford |
2020 |
8,410 |
3,586 |
4,581 |
16,577 |
|
Wicklow |
2020 |
6,852 |
6,977 |
5,140 |
18,969 |
361. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the SWOT analysis and needs assessment for the CSP and the eco scheme and agri-environment referred to in his answer to Parliamentary Question No. 292 of 27 May 2021 took account of the detail and table in the replies to Parliamentary Question Nos. 283 and 288 of 27 May 2021 and correspondingly the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 291 of 27 May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35080/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe SWOT analysis undertaken as part of the development of the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027, which amounts to 300 pages, details the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats identified in the Irish agricultural sector to date. The Needs Assessment identifies and prioritises the high-level needs of the agricultural sector, based on the evidence provided in the SWOT Analysis, as well as feedback from stakeholders and the European Commission. Interventions will be designed based on the needs identified and an intervention strategy will be developed focussing on priorities.
The SWOT Analysis was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative data sources. Qualitative data sources included national and international policy papers, research and evaluation papers and surveys. Both national and international quantitative data sources were also used. Quantitative data analysis was generally undertaken at an aggregated level but was also undertaken at a disaggregated level, where this data was readily available. International data sources included Eurostat and the OECD. National data sources included the CSO, EPA and Teagasc Sustainability Reports.
Both the SWOT analysis and needs assessment are available at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/76026-common-agricultural-policy-cap-post-2020/#developing-our-national-cap-plan
362. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the annual afforestation rate necessary per annum from 2021 to 2060 to sustain the ability of the national forest estate to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35081/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's National Forest Accounting Plan examines and details the carbon balances that are expected to occur over the period 2021 to 2025 with particular reference to older forests and provides indicative trends out to 2050. The sequestration rates of new forests planted play an important role in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The question of whether the entire forest estate remains a sink is dependent on a range of factors such as the levels of afforestation, deforestation levels, the intensity of the harvest and the age class of the national forest estate.
Ireland’s National Forest Accounting Plan adopts the use of models to estimate these changes and, in conjunction with recent afforestation within the last 30 years, demonstrates that Ireland’s forests are and will remain a net sink of carbon dioxide up to 2050. However, afforestation levels will need to be maintained and increased beyond existing levels to ensure that as the sink capacity reduces towards 2035 that the entire estate does not become a temporary source.
363. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if officials in his Department were ever contacted by phone, letter, electronically, questioned formally or informally, under caution or asked to make a statement by An Garda Síochána in relation to milk quota racketeering in respect of a person (details supplied); if his Department is aware of this case; the efforts his Department has taken to assist the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35084/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of certain issues spanning a significant period of time involving the persons named. These have been fully examined on a number of occasions by the Department. All such investigations have concluded that the issues raised, which were the subject of a Circuit Court adjudication in 2002, were of a private nature between the persons named and a third party. I wish to reiterate that the Department was not a party to the court proceedings and has no role in this matter.
No records of officials in the Department being contacted by the Gardaí in relation to this matter have been located on file in the Department.
