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Wednesday, 30 Jun 2021

Written Answers Nos. 379-394

Fishing Industry

Ceisteanna (379)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

379. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will suspend the mackerel swaps to other EU member states pending a review of mackerel swaps approved through the Quota Management Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35187/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

If a Member State does not have sufficient quota for a certain species, a quota swap can be agreed with another Member State. Ireland may seek an exchange of quota with another EU Member State to cover a shortfall in quota (or fishing effort - days at sea) for a fish stock in an area for the year. Conversely, Ireland may receive a request from another EU member state for a quota swap. Each swap proposal is considered on a case-by-case basis by my Department taking into account the views and recommendation of the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC), taking into account ratios and market prices in order that swops involve a fair exchange.

Quotas are swapped on a temporary basis but continuously repeated yearly exchange is also possible. Ireland has long established relationships with a number of EU Member States where certain swaps are carried out on a yearly basis, provided Ireland has sufficient quota available for the stock for the area.

As per Part 1.3 of the Minister's 2017 Mackerel Policy, 'A minimum of 2% of the Mackerel quota in the TAC and Quota Regulation, or 1,000 tonnes, whichever is the greater, will be deducted annually for demersal swaps..." As per Part 2.2 of the Minister's Mackerel Policy, there is a distinct purpose for setting aside 2% of the Mackerel quota for such swaps: 'Setting aside a minimum quantity of mackerel quota is intended to take account of the level of swops in recent years and deliver a greater level of assurance for such swops...'

In recent years, the Mackerel quota set aside for such swaps has been swapped out with other EU Member States to secure a greater quantity of crab effort in the Biologically Sensitive Area for smaller vessels in the Irish fleet. This Mackerel quota has also been swapped out to other EU Member States in exchange for high value, and high demand demersal (whitefish) stocks for the Irish whitefish fleet such as Monkfish and Prawns.

As the quantity made available for such swops for 2021 is in accordance with the provisions of Mackerel Policy, it would not be appropriate to consider a suspension of these swops.

Fishing Industry

Ceisteanna (380)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

380. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on allocating line caught mackerel quota to the small scale fleet under 12 metre vessels using low-impact gear on an equitable basis as per Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35188/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

An allocation of 400 tonnes for a fishery for smaller vessels (under 15 metre vessels) fishing for Mackerel by means of hooks and line was set down in Policy in 2010. The then Minister amended the Mackerel policy in July 2017 after intensive review and public consultation, however this particular amendment did not involve the hook and line fishery. The Minister's policy has regard for the provisions of Council Regulation 1380/2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy.

In order to amend Mackerel Policy, I must be satisfied that there is satisfactory evidence of changed circumstances to justify a policy review. If I consider there is a case for review of any aspect policy, it would require due process, involving an assessment of all issues arising, including a full public consultation.

There has been, for the past 20 years or so, intensive competition within the industry for a higher share of the mackerel quota. The EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) provides for the transfer of 26% of Ireland’s mackerel quota to the UK by 2026. This will only increase demands for a higher share of Ireland’s Mackerel quota from all sectors within the fishing fleet. The Deputy should be aware that the 400 tonne limit for the hook and line fishery has not been reduced and has remained the same as in previous years.

Unfortunately, the situation is that if there is an increase in the Mackerel quota for any sector in the allocation made available, such as for the hook and line fishery, it must be taken from others who are already facing significant cuts under the TCA.

Aquaculture Industry

Ceisteanna (381)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

381. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1011 of 10 February 2021, the status of aquaculture licence applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35190/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, my Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable national and EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation. All submissions received during the public and statutory consultation phase are considered during the licensing process.

My Department has concluded it’s preliminary scientific and technical review of the applications referred to by the Deputy and the results of this review have been communicated to the applicant for their consideration.

Animal Feedstuffs

Ceisteanna (382)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

382. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the lifting of the ban on processed animal protein feed for livestock by the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35191/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As a response to the BSE crisis of the early 1990’s, the EU introduced a feed ban in 1994 on the feeding of mammalian Meat and Bone Meal (MBM) and Processed Animal Protein (PAP) to cattle, sheep and goats. In subsequent years, the feed ban was supplemented with provisions prohibiting intra-species recycling. This principle generally applies to all food-producing animals, including pigs and poultry. PAP was previously used in feed as it is a rich source of protein.

In April 2021, the Standing Committee for Plants, Animals, Food and Feed delivered a favourable opinion on amending EU legislation to re-authorise the feeding of PAP from poultry to pigs and PAP from pigs to poultry. This legislative amendment is viewed as a contribution to the EU’s ‘Green Deal’ policy and the ‘Farm to-Fork’ strategy for sustainable food. It is widely accepted that there is a deficit of proteins available for animal feed in the EU and the Commission proposal was seen as offering the industry the opportunity to partially replace imported soybean and fish meal with high quality proteins processed from local animal by-products or insects. Furthermore, the use of PAP was considered to optimize the use of scarce resources and avoid waste.

There will inevitably be requirements in terms of avoiding cross contamination and in particular in relation to the transport of feed. Feed premises that are intending to use PAP in poultry or pig rations will be required to take account of the risks and amend their procedures. The Department will be taking an active role in ensuring compliance with EU feed law in this regard.

The ban on the use of PAP in feed to cows and sheep and the prohibition on intra-species recycling will continue.

Agriculture Schemes

Ceisteanna (383)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

383. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total area of low input permanent pasture under the GLAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35214/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The total area of Low-input Permanent Pasture action in GLAS at the end of May 2021 is provided below. The Deputy should be aware that these figures are subject to change, for example, when an applicant withdraws from the scheme, withdraws the action or as they progresses through the payment stages.

Low Input Permanent Pasture (part of parcel) 67,485 Hectares

Low Input Permanent Pasture (whole of parcel) 182,272 Hectares

Total Area 249,757 Hectares

Question No. 384 answered with Question No. 358.
Question No. 385 answered with Question No. 357.
Question No. 386 answered with Question No. 357.

Climate Change Policy

Ceisteanna (387)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

387. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the attention of his Department has been drawn to the international trade in voluntary carbon offsets; if he plans to develop procedures and protocols similar to that which exist in the UK to enable farm forest owners to sell voluntary carbon offsets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35219/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department is aware of a number of different voluntary carbon trading schemes, including the UK Woodland Carbon code, which allows forest owners to trade carbon on a voluntary basis and for voluntary compliance purposes by businesses. The Irish model for support for direct supports for the forestry sector is different in that the Department continues to fund afforestation by providing a range of financial supports in the form of grants, premiums and a range of tax incentives on the sale of timber.

The Department currently has no plans to develop a voluntary carbon market but this will be kept under review. Carbon farming is highlighted in the EU Green Deal under the farm to fork strategy and the European Commission are examining ways of encouraging activities that remove carbon across sectors. The Department does see potential opportunities to attract private finance from voluntary carbon markets and forest owners and organisations can avail and develop these opportunities as long as they don't impact on Ireland's international accounting and reporting requirements.

The Department will examine developing proposals by the European Commission on carbon farming to see if existing funding models can be improved. The Department currently operates the Woodland Environment Fund which includes a mix of private finance and state aid to part fund the establishment of these forests and this model has worked well. The important point to note about voluntary carbon markets in general is that they are setup to incentivise activities that are in addition to what currently takes place. Incentivising new afforestation rather that existing forests is the main focus of the UK Woodland Carbon Code.

Agriculture Schemes

Ceisteanna (388)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

388. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of successful and unsuccessful applicants by county for the REAP pilot scheme in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35226/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The information requested by the Deputy is provided below.

COUNTY

Successful Applicants

Unsuccessful Applicants

Carlow

48

82

Cavan

259

221

Clare

306

149

Cork

246

960

Donegal

458

743

Dublin

2

8

Galway

778

529

Kerry

219

429

Kildare

16

79

Kilkenny

57

164

Laois

64

96

Leitrim

167

163

Limerick

159

137

Longford

158

172

Louth

18

36

Mayo

628

512

Meath

91

143

Monaghan

147

138

Offaly

94

152

Roscommon

336

194

Sligo

206

126

Tipperary

182

243

Waterford

28

89

Westmeath

147

157

Wexford

31

122

Wicklow

81

35

Total

4,926

5,879

Fur Farming

Ceisteanna (389)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

389. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the animals which will be covered by the upcoming legislation to ban fur farming; and if rabbits will be included in the list. [35320/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Animal Health and Welfare (Fur farming) Bill 2020 presently applies to cats, chinchillas, dogs, foxes, mink and weasels (including stoats). The inclusion of rabbits in this list is being considered.

Community Development Projects

Ceisteanna (390)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

390. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it is planned in the forthcoming round of the Leader Programme 2023-2027 to have a dedicated LAG as before, administering the island Leader programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35071/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy may be aware, LEADER is a multi-annual programme for rural development co-funded by the EU through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The programme is based on a community-led approach to rural development and plays an important role in supporting communities and enterprises in progressing job creation, social inclusion and environmental projects at local level.

Preparations for the design and delivery of the next EU LEADER programme from 2023-2027 are underway. Officials from my Department are currently engaging with stakeholders on the design of the next LEADER programme and are working alongside officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine in developing the next CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027, which LEADER will form part of.

The question of the administrative structures for the delivery of the programme, including the structures relating to the islands, will be considered as part of that work, having regard, inter alia, to the provisions of the EU Regulations governing the structure of future Local Action Groups and the outcome of consultations with all relevant stakeholders.

In December last, I announced details of a transitional LEADER Programme which came into effect on 1 April 2021, with an initial allocation of €20 million this year. In line with the Government’s ambitious policy for the development of rural Ireland, Our Rural Future, I recently announced an increased allocation of €70 million for this transitional LEADER programme. The transitional programme will be delivered through the existing Local Action Group and Implementing Partner structures, as it falls to be delivered under the framework applicable to the 2014-2020 LEADER programme.

Island Communities

Ceisteanna (391)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

391. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when was it announced that the Government is developing a ten-year island development plan; the progress made with the plan to date; when it is hoped to publish and implement same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35072/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In July 2019 the Government noted the intention of the then Minister of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to establish an Interdepartmental Committee for Island Development which would develop a Cross-Government Islands Policy. The first meeting of this committee was held in September 2019 where an overall approach was agreed to develop the national policy for the islands which would be informed by consultation with all stakeholders. A discussion paper was published in December 2019 which set out the basis for the process, placing consultations with island communities as central to the development of the policy.

A series of public meetings were held in early 2020, however, as the Deputy is aware, that aspect of the process had to be temporarily suspended during 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions. Written submissions were welcomed from all parties throughout 2020, and a series of meetings were held in a virtual format with focus groups on a number of islands. A series of bilateral meetings with relevant Government Departments and Local Authorities with responsibilities for inhabited offshore islands are also underway, as well as meetings with other key stakeholders.

Following Government and Departmental changes in 2020, the Inter-Departmental Committee reconvened in 2021, reviewing progress to date and discussing the overall strategy for implementation of the policy. The Committee agreed that a 10 year policy would be developed, supported by 3 year action plans setting out specific commitments with timelines for their implementation and monitoring on progress. The Committee is scheduled to meet again today (30 June).

Work has begun on developing an initial draft of the Policy, although it is at a very early stage. Subject to further consultations with stakeholders, the aim is to have a finalised draft for consideration by the end of the year.

Island Communities

Ceisteanna (392)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

392. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she plans to increase the State contribution to community service projects on the islands to cover the full minimum wage and the employer’s PRSI in view of the difficulty on the islands in attracting a large local income stream; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35074/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports more than 420 community organisations to provide local employment opportunities and social, economic and environmental services through a social enterprise model.

CSP funding of €19,033 is provided for each Full Time Equivalent (FTE) position and €32,000 for each manager position, where warranted. The CSP contribution is not aligned to the minimum wage and does not meet the full salary cost of supported posts, rather it is a fixed annual co-funding contribution towards the overall cost of the employees. The CSP contribution must be co-funded by the organisation concerned from other sources, for example, from income received from the public use of their facilities and services.

In 2020, Indecon International Economic Consultants, on behalf of my Department, carried out an independent review of the CSP. The Indecon report was published on 30th September last, following which my Department and Pobal commenced work on the restructuring of the programme. As part of this ongoing work, the rates of funding and eligibility criteria under the programme will be reviewed.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (393)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

393. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will employ more rural recreational officers and ensure they are allocated according to the work plans being operated by the local development companies. [35194/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Walks Scheme, which is funded by my Department, contracts landholders to undertake maintenance work on National Waymarked Ways and other priority trails that traverse their lands. The landholders receive modest payments for maintenance work undertaken in line with agreed work plans.

The Programme for Government and Our Rural Future include a commitment to double the number of walks covered by the Scheme. This is in recognition of the value of outdoor recreation amenities, not just for individual and community wellbeing, but also for the tourism impact these trails have on a local economy.

The process of expansion has commenced and the Scheme is currently operating on 45 trails, supported by approximately 2,040 landholders, and is being managed by 16 Local Development Companies around the country. Total costs in respect of the Scheme in 2020 were in the region of €2.8m.

At present, the Department funds Rural Recreation Officers, or RROs, in 13 of these 16 Local Development Companies. The RROs manage the Scheme at a local level. They work with landholders to ensure that the designated walks are maintained at an approved standard, with repairs and improvements made as appropriate. They also make a significant contribution to the development of the outdoor recreation sector locally.

My Department commissioned an external review of the Scheme to examine the delivery and strategic development of the Scheme, and to assess the role and resourcing of the RRO posts throughout the country. It has also considered the level of funding provided to the Local Development Companies to deliver the scheme. I hope to be in a position to publish the review once it has been fully considered by my Department. The recommendations contained in the review will inform decisions on the further strategic expansion of the scheme.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (394)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

394. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will employ an additional rural recreational officer in the west Cork Development Partnership to reflect the workload of the role. [35195/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Walks Scheme, which is funded by my Department, contracts landholders to undertake maintenance work on National Waymarked Ways and other priority trails that traverse their lands. The landholders receive modest payments for maintenance work undertaken in line with agreed work plans.

The Walks Scheme is currently operating on 45 trails supported by approximately 2,040 landowners and is being managed by 16 Local Development Companies (LDCs) around the country. At present, my Department funds Rural Recreation Officers (RROs) in 13 of these 16 LDCs. The RROs manage the Scheme at a local level. They work with landholders to ensure that the designated walks are maintained at an approved standard. RROs also make a significant contribution to the development of the outdoor recreation sector locally.

West Cork Development Partnership has two very significant trails funded under the Walks Scheme – the Beara Way and the Sheep’s Head Way. There are almost 580 landholders funded under these two walks receiving funding of about €650,000.

I am aware that an issue has arisen with the delivery of the scheme in West Cork, and my officials have been engaging with West Cork Development Partnership in this regard over the past week. I have also asked my officials to formally meet with West Cork Development Partnership and I expect this meeting to take place shortly.

Separate to this, my Department commissioned an external review of the Scheme to examine the delivery and strategic development of the Scheme, and assess the role and resourcing of the RRO posts throughout the country. It has also considered the level of funding provided to the Local Development Companies to deliver the scheme. I hope to be in a position to publish the review once it has been fully considered by my Department. The recommendations contained in the review will inform decisions on the further strategic expansion of the scheme, including the resourcing of Local Development Companies such as West Cork Development Partnership.

I am committed to working with all of the stakeholders, including West Cork Development Partnership, to ensure that the scheme can continue to function effectively.

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