Written Answers Nos. 733-755
733. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers that will receive reduced direct payments as a result of increased water levels at Lough Funshinagh; the mean, mode, median and highest reduction; the mean, mode, median and highest percentage reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47571/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Terms and Conditions of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), amongst other conditions, lands declared under the scheme must be eligible for payment by virtue of being suitable for an agricultural activity and to actually be subject to an agricultural activity during the year of application.
In particular, the lands declared must be subject to an agricultural activity for a period from the beginning of the year until after 31st May or for a period before 31st May to 31st December of the scheme year in question. Areas under water during the time specified would not be eligible for payment. Claiming areas that are deemed ineligible under the terms and conditions of the BPS scheme can result in a penalty, be it a reduction in the area paid or, in cases where the claimed area exceed certain percentages of the overall claim, an administration penalty.
Where such a situation arises, the Department contacts the applicants informing them of the position and advising them of their right of review and appeal. Each appeal is considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Department is currently processing the BPS applications for 2021 so the information requested by the Deputy is not available.
734. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers that will receive reduced direct payments as a result of a fire originating in Killarney National Park; the mean, mode, median and highest reduction; the mean, mode, median and highest percentage reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47572/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to qualify for payment under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), farmers must have an eligible hectare of land in respect of each entitlement held.
Where land has been burned between the period of 1st March and 31st August of any given year, it is not eligible for payment under the BPS. This is clearly stated in the terms and conditions of the scheme.
Where such land is claimed under a BPS application, it is considered an overclaim and, as such, a penalty/reduction may apply. In each case where a penalty/reduction applies, the applicant has a right of review and appeal.
The applicant is advised of this right of appeal and the relevant steps to take to seek a review. Each case is examined on its merits and any information supplied by the applicant will be taken into consideration during this review.
The Department is currently processing all BPS applications for 2021 including the applications on land that was deemed ineligible due to burning during the closed season of 1st March to 31st August. As this processing is ongoing, the information requested is not yet available.
735. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a penalty arising from a Departmental inspection in the case of persons (details supplied) will apply on a recurring basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47575/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA cross report was received from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in January 2021, in relation to lands declared by the named parties. My Department's District Inspector for that region issued a final decision letter to the applicant on 10th February 2021.
The findings from the NPWS cross report and the associated sanction were detailed in that letter. The sanction was applied to the year of finding and the final decision letter detailed that re-occurrence (or repetition) within an individual SMR/GAEC would apply where a further breach of that specific requirement is found on the same holding within three calendar years.
The applicants were informed of their right to seek a review of that decision to the District Inspector within 21 days of the final decision letter. To date, no such review/appeal has been received.
736. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a penalty arising from a Departmental inspection in the case of a person (details supplied) will apply on a recurring basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47576/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA cross report was received from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in January 2021, in relation to lands declared by the named party. My Department's District Inspector for that region issued a final decision letter to the applicant on 10th February 2021.
The findings from the NPWS cross report and the associated sanction were detailed in that letter. The sanction was applied to the year of finding and the final decision letter detailed that re-occurrence (or repetition) within an individual SMR/GAEC would apply where a further breach of that specific requirement is found on the same holding within three calendar years.
The applicant was informed of their right to seek a review of that decision to the District Inspector within 21 days of the final decision letter. To date, no such review/appeal has been received.
737. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to bring his proposed CAP strategic plan before the Houses of the Oireachtas for approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47577/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have, with my officials, engaged extensively with all stakeholders on the future of the CAP and on the development of the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. The Department has most recently completed a five-week public consultation on the proposed draft interventions, with over 1,000 responses received. I have also been meeting farmers across the country through a series of Mart meetings and will continue to do so in the coming weeks.
Consultation on the development of the plan will also continue through the Stakeholder Consultative Committee, which has been a constructive and crucial body in shaping the current CAP. The Committee comprises of representatives of the main farm bodies, NGOs, industry, and academia, as well as the relevant Government departments and agencies. The Committee has met on over twenty occasions, most recently last week in the form of a workshop on the green architecture of the CAP.
The Oireachtas has also received regular updates on the CAP negotiations at official and Ministerial level. It is also my intention to write to the Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and the Marine to formally seek its views.
The Department will be conducting a statutory and public consultation on the draft Environmental Report on the draft CSP later this year.
I will take the outcome of these consultations and the views of the Oireachtas Committee into consideration before seeking the approval of Government and submitting Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 to the European Commission by the deadline of 1st January 2022.
738. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of hectares within the State effected by ash dieback; the total amount for which applications to RUS have been successful; the total tonnage of wood effected by ash dieback; the total tonnage of wood for which applications to RUS have been successful in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47578/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra739. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the potential amount of emissions per year associated with rotting ash as a result of ash dieback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47579/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 738 and 739 together.
The Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS – Ash dieback) provides the forest owner with a broader range of silvicultural and management options, than the previous Scheme.
An underplanting option has been introduced, whereby groups or bands of trees within the plantation would be felled and replanted but around 40 to 50% of the ash trees would be left standing. Forest owners who wish to avail of RUS, to clear fell all ash trees, would have to have a certain level of diseased trees before they can enter this scheme (and a lesser level of diseased trees to enter the underplanting element of the Scheme). The Scheme aims to compensate for the clearance costs and replace the trees. Compensation is not paid for the timber lost, therefore the tonnage of timber on sites is not available.
To date, the Department has accepted 383 applications for 1,566.18ha and to date, 124 of those have been approved for an area of 437.62ha. There is approx. 14,300ha of ash still standing and, as the Scheme is voluntary, it will depend on the interest among owners engaging with the Scheme. The disease is now in all parts of Ireland and has affected most ash forests to a greater or lesser extent. No data is available on the potential emissions associated with rotting ash.
740. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the basis on which the amount provided to a farmer under the hardship grant scheme is calculated; the last time this was reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47580/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Hardship Grant is a targeted scheme aimed at assisting eligible Herdowners who retain and feed animals during prolonged periods of restriction as a result of a TB breakdown. The specific focus of the eligibility period from 1st November to 30th April is a relief measure aimed at reducing cattle wintering costs for restricted farmers. In order to abide by the scheme criterion of a "prolonged" breakdown an eligible Herdowner must remain restricted following a full herd Reactor Retest
The rate of Hardship grant payable to eligible farmers is €38 per suckler animal and €25 per dairy animal capped at a maximum grant of €250pm for a maximum of 4 months
The TB Programme has a comprehensive compensation regime in place for herdowners who are affected by bovine TB. These measures acknowledge the difficulty and stress of a TB breakdown and are intended to assist herdowners during restriction. The regime is not intended to compensate a herdowner for all losses but is among the most supportive when compared to schemes in other jurisdictions.
In 2016, the Department concluded a lengthy consultation process on improvements to the compensation regime and the significant majority of these additional costs were borne by the taxpayer. Following this consultation, changes were made to the hardship grant to include dairy herds as eligible under the scheme.
As part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working group consisting of representatives from the Department and farming organisations was set up to review the current financial model of the TB programme. The financial model underpins the funding of all schemes and grants under the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Scheme including the hardship grant. Discussions are ongoing in this regard and any recommendations from the Finance working group will be put forward to the TB Forum for consideration.
741. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person (details supplied) is entitled to have livestock retested via skin test prior to their herd being restricted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47581/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere a herd owner chooses not to slaughter an inconclusive reactor current TB policy is to carry out a gamma interferon test on it 7 to 30 days after the TB skin test on which it was disclosed. A blood test was carried out on animal IE 161414760061 on 23rd August 2021 in the herd of the person named after the various options were discussed with him. The animal in question was confirmed positive to TB on foot of the blood test and in accordance with policy, this animal must now be removed as a TB reactor.
742. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the course of action available to farmers with regard to subsequent retesting in the event that an inconclusive result is returned from a routine bTB test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47582/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraInitially a herd is restricted where an inconclusive result is disclosed. There are three courses of actions available to farmers as follows:
The animal can be retained in the herd but it will be subject to a gamma interferon blood test between seven and thirty days later. If the animal fails this blood test, it will be removed as a reactor. If the animal passes the blood test, it may remain in the herd but will be skin tested sixty days later. If it fails the skin test, it will be removed as a reactor. If it passes the skin test, the restriction on the herd is lifted. The animal is then subject to a blood test every six months - which it must pass – otherwise, it will be removed as a reactor. In this option, the animal is restricted to the herd for life and can only move to slaughter.
or
the animal is slaughtered and a gross post-mortem (PM) examination of the carcass is undertaken. If there is no visible lesion at the PM, the herd is skin tested sixty days after the animal is slaughtered. If the herd passes this test, the restriction is lifted.
or
the animal is slaughtered and a post-mortem and a laboratory examination of the carcass is undertaken. If the result of these examinations is negative for bTB, the restriction on the herd is lifted. If the results are positive, the herd must pass two consecutive skin tests before the restriction is lifted.
The options above are detailed in the letter issued to each farmer following an inconclusive result from a routine bTB test.
743. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers approved for the organic farming scheme in September 2021; if such holdings were horticultural, tillage or other; the mean, median, and mode of these holdings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47584/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague, Minister of State Hackett, announced the opening of the Organic Farming Scheme(OFS) earlier this year. A total of 317 applications were received by the closing date for the 2021 Organic Farming Scheme. I am pleased to advise that 261 OFS approval letters have already issued to applicants and further approvals will continue to issue.
The total number of hectares included in these approved applications to date amounts to 13,206ha, with the average farm size of just under 51ha. The remaining applicants have been contacted by my Department to resolve outstanding issues in relation to their applications. Approvals will continue to issue upon resolution of the issues concerned.
The holdings which are the subject of the approvals to date are broken down as follows:
|
No of farmers |
Main Enterprise |
Approx Ha under this enterprise |
Average farm size Ha |
|
103 |
Beef |
5,900 |
57 |
|
12 |
Dairy |
623 |
52 |
|
6 |
Forage |
256 |
43 |
|
55 |
Horticulture |
2,296 |
42 |
|
34 |
Mixed |
1,651 |
49 |
|
10 |
Poultry |
345 |
34 |
|
32 |
Sheep |
1,797 |
56 |
|
9 |
Tillage |
338 |
38 |
744. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers that are expected to gain approval for the organic farming scheme in September 2021; the outstanding matters that are required to be addressed; if such holdings were horticultural, tillage or other; the mean, median, and mode of these holdings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47585/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of 317 applications were received under the 2021 Organic Farming Scheme. I am pleased to advise that 261 OFS approval letters have already issued to applicants, while five farmers have decided not to proceed with their applications.
My Department has contacted another 51 applicants, from across all sectors, with regard to the information supplied by them in respect of their applications. We will be in a position to further evaluate their applications on receipt of the details requested. These relate to issues concerning their BPS applications with regard to land parcel description. At this stage, it is not possible to determine the enterprise type of these outstanding applications due to the absence of land parcels details on some of the applications.
745. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers that were refused a place in the organic farming scheme in 2021; the reason for refusal; if such holdings were horticultural, tillage or other; the mean, median, and mode of these holdings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47586/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the deputy that no farmer has been refused a place in the Organic Farming Scheme 2021 to date. 261 approvals have already issued and 51 applicants have been contacted by my Department with regard to the information supplied by them in respect of their applications. We are awaiting correspondence from the applicants on the issues raised. Upon resolution of these issues, we will then be in a position to issue further approvals as appropriate.
746. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to improve laws in relation to cruelty to animals given that there has been criticism that the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 contains the term unnecessary suffering which has been deemed too ambiguous to enforce in practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47600/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
This Act provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare and replaced a number of enactments dating back over a century. The Act was passed, after a lengthy and constructive debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas and came into operation on 6th March 2014.
I am committed to the continued application of the Act which is considered fully fit for purpose.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine continues to enforce the law in this important area along with An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, and authorised officers from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society and our courts regularly adjudicate on the issue of unnecessary suffering in cases brought before them.
Since March 2014, 95 individuals have been successfully prosecuted under the Act. Fines in excess of €65,000 have been imposed. Eleven persons have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment which were suspended in nine cases. The Probation Act was applied in eight instances.
Twenty persons have been disqualified from keeping animals under section 58 of the Act.
In 46 cases, summonses have issued or files have been sent to the DPP with a view to initiating prosecution. A further seven are currently being examined by the Department with a view to pursuing a prosecution if the evidence so warrants.
The Department is assessing the penalties available under the Act in accordance with the commitment in the current Programme for Government.
747. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider an intensive review of the mackerel policy including full public consultation to address the loss of fishing quota for Irish fishers responsible for the early closure of the 2021 mackerel hook and line fishery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47729/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra748. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagement he has had with organisations (details supplied) for the hook and line fishery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47730/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 747 and 748 together.
The management arrangements have been set and developed over many years since the commencement of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the introduction of quotas. Any amendments or changes to the over arching policy on management arrangements, including pelagic stocks, are determined by the Minister following detailed analysis and full consultation with stakeholders, in particular the fishing industry.
Management of the national mackerel quota is set down in Ministerial Policy which has been developed and put in place over a number of years. The allocation of 400 tonnes for a fishery for smaller vessels using hook and line as a means of fishing was set down in Ministerial Policy in 2010. The Minister amended the Mackerel policy in July 2017 after intensive review and public consultation. This amendment did not involve the hook and line fishery.
The mackerel Policy sets down that the hook and line fishery for vessels under 15m in overall length receive 400t.
In order to amend mackerel policy, I as Minister 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 full public consultation.
There has been for the past 20 years or so intensive competition within the industry for access to and a higher share of the mackerel quota. The EU/U.K. Trade and Co-operation Agreement provides for the transfer of 26% of Ireland’s mackerel quota by 2026 to the U.K. This will only increase demands for higher shares of Ireland’s quota from all sectors within the fishing fleet. It is worth noting that the 400t for the hook and line fishery has not been reduced. Unfortunately the situation is that if there is an increase for any , such as the hook and line fishery, it must be taken from others who are already facing significant cuts under the EU/ U.K. TCA.
Earlier this year, the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) prepared a paper requesting to increase the hook and line fishery from the 400t limit to 3,000 tonnes and to increase the trip limit from 750kg to 1,500kg. The request to increase the trip limit was subsequently withdrawn by the NIFF. As advised above, in order to amend mackerel policy, I must be satisfied that there is satisfactory evidence of changed circumstances to justify a policy review, it would require due process involving an assessment of all issues arising, including full public consultation.
The Management of the Hook and Line fishery has been on the agenda and discussed with Industry representatives including the NIFF at each of the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC) meetings from March to July. My Department have kept me advised on these discussions and I am aware of the divergent industry views. This item is next due for discussion at the QMAC October meeting. It is worth noting that the remit of the QMAC is to examine and make recommendations within Ministerial Policy.
749. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a detailed itemised statement of account will be provided for a farmer (details supplied) in County Clare in respect of the basic payment scheme, areas of natural constraint, organic farm scheme and GLAS since 2018 in view of the Agriculture Appeals Office decision on 12 April 2021. [47754/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named appealed against a 2018 decision to reject their GLAS scheme application for that year. This decision also resulted in the GLAS payments for 2015 to 2017 being recouped as the person concerned had joined the Scheme in 2015. The appeal was partially successful, and the Appeals Office (AO) decision was issued on 12th April 2021. While the AO decision had a direct impact on GLAS scheme entitlements and payments it also had implications for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme (ANC) and the Organic Farm Scheme (OFS), due to the inter-related and inter-dependent terms and conditions and administration of the schemes.
The four scheme areas involved have been reviewing the payments and entitlements of the named person in the context of the AO decision. GLAS, ANC and BPS have completed these reviews and processed the payments due. Details of their findings and statements of account have been issued. A number of queries have been raised and these are being addressed including the processing of one final payment of €118.95 due under the BPS. The OFS review is currently being finalised and the outcome of this review will be communicated from the OFS scheme area to the named person as soon as it is completed.
When the OFS review process is completed, my Department will then issue a detailed itemised statement of account to the person named.
750. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the Common Fisheries Control programmes under articles 60 and 61 of EU Council regulations that allow non-Irish registered European vessels to land their fishing catches at Irish ports without any checks being carried out by the SFPA and in which responsibility for checks is laid upon their home countries once they return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47817/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe monitoring and control of fishing vessels within Ireland’s Exclusive Fisheries Zone are matters for the Irish control authorities. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, all operational issues of this nature are exclusively for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Naval Service. As Minister, I am expressly precluded from getting involved in operational matters such as this. I have accordingly referred your queries to the SFPA for attention and direct reply.
751. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of aquaculture licences issued by his Department in the past 20 years by location and any transfer of ownerships that have occurred in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47818/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe detailed information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in full. Provision of the information sought will require an extensive examination of my Department’s records. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy within 2 weeks.
752. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to examine diversification options for inshore fishermen, for example, spur dog which is being reported in increased numbers along the coast; if the Marine Institute will work with inshore fishermen to ascertain to establish those current numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47821/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Strategy for the Inshore Fisheries Sector 2019-2023 is the first industry-led blueprint for the Irish inshore fisheries sector involving the National and Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums. I understand an inclusive approach was taken to identifying key issues and priorities for the sector, including a Steering Group with industry and State partners, a dedicated workshop and public consultation. Priorities identified in the Strategy include the development of a profile of the inshore sector, building the sector’s capacity to engage with policy development and enhancing industry’s understanding of management and planning for inshore fisheries. I understand that the Strategy also facilitates the investigation of new diversification opportunities for the inshore fisheries sector where supported by solid evidence. I am advised that the National Inshore Fisheries Forum is in the process of implementing the Strategy with support from BIM, my Department and other Agencies.
Regarding spurdog, under EU Regulation, it is prohibited to target, retain on board, tranship or land picked dogfish, also known as spurdog, in North Western Waters. The stock was subject to high harvest rates for more than four decades, and fisheries were not managed during this time.
The species is a long-lived, slow growing and late maturing species and is, therefore, particularly vulnerable to over-fishing. Conservation measures in recent years have reduced mortality significantly and stabilised the decline. The biomass (a measures of the quantity of the stock) of the species has started to increase slowly, however, the biomass remains extremely low and is below the biomass limit reference point established by ICES.
The latest scientific advice issued by ICES on 2nd October 2020 is that there should be no targeted fisheries for dogfish in 2021 and 2022. The TAC and quotas for 2021 were set by the EU Council following this advice. As this is a shared stock with the UK, setting TACs and quotas for 2022 will form part of the EU/UK bilateral negotiations, which will have regard for ICES advice for the stock for 2022. Any EU/UK bilateral agreement will form part of the EU Commission's proposal for EU TACs and quotas for 2022 to be considered for adoption by the EU Fisheries Council.
While there is a very limited quota available for use only in pilot schemes designed to reduce by-catches in 2021, any such schemes are subject to European Commission approval and must relate to reducing by-catches of dogfish in other fisheries, i.e. the targeting of dogfish would remain prohibited. A scheme for dogfish avoidance was explored by the Marine Institute but, following consultation with the Commission's Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), it was decided not to proceed further with a scheme taking into account how such a scheme would operate.
I requested the Marine Institute (MI) to consider proposals for cooperation between the MI and industry in conducting surveys on the abundance of spurdog around the coast. The Marine Institute has advised that last month it met with inshore fishing industry representatives from the National Inshore Fisherman's Association (NIFA) and the National Inshore Fishermen's Organisation (NIFO) to discuss the current scientific information and advice on spurdogs. During the meeting the latest scientific information and industry perspectives were discussed. I am advised that the meeting was constructive and identified a number of practical actions to improve the scientific assessment on spurdogs relating to the recording of catches and enhanced data collection.
I have asked that the Marine Institute continue to work with the inshore fishing sector and through the Irish Fisheries Science Research Partners, involving industry representatives, Marine Institute and BIM, to improve the scientific evidence base which underpins sustainable fisheries management of spurdog and other stocks.
753. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will publish the rationale and the data available to him that will close the crayfish fishery off the south coast for 2021 to 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47822/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCrayfish are currently fished primarily using tangle nets off the south west and west coasts of Ireland. I understand that a number of endangered and protected species are caught as by-catch in the nets used to target crayfish. I am advised that the fishery off the south west coast in particular overlaps with an area of high diversity of elasmobranch fish and is close to grey seal haul-out sites and areas designated for harbour porpoise.
The Marine Institute (MI) has been conducting research into the crayfish fishery off the south west coast since 2017. This work, funded by my Department, under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), has provided evidence of how tangle nets used in the crayfish fishery impact on other marine species caught as by-catch.
The crayfish fishery is subject to a follow-on MI led project to identify management proposals aimed at eliminating by-catch of endangered species and restoring crayfish stocks. The MI published a tender in April 2021 seeking fishing vessels to participate in this project which covers a four-year period (2021-2025) and is targeted at the crayfish fishery in the area inside 12 nautical miles between Mizen Head and Loop Head.
My Department recently undertook public consultation on the crayfish fishery to gather views on measures targeted at eliminating the by-catch of endangered species while seeking to secure a viable and sustainable future for the fishery. The consultation process concluded on 16 September 2021 and my Department is currently evaluating the submissions received. I can advise the Deputy that this consultation and the MI led research will assist in determining any future policy decisions on the management of this fishery.
755. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the tonnage of prawn catch currently available to the fishing fleet of each member state in the EU in tabular form; if he will seek to negotiate a higher share in future negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47825/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assure the Deputy that I, as Minister, and this Government continue to keep the focus on the disproportionate quota reductions for Ireland and to use any opportunity available to seek constructive solutions that would help to alleviate this unacceptable position.
I have raised the matter of inequitable burden sharing at EU level and in bilateral exchanges with the Commissioner and other EU Member States, whenever suitable opportunities arise, and I will continue to do so. Last week, during his visit to Ireland, Commissioner Sinkevicius met with industry representatives in Killybegs and heard directly from them that Ireland has paid too high a share of quota under the TCA and I followed up with a bilateral with the Commissioner on all the issues arising.
Later, an Taoiseach and I met the Commissioner to further emphasise from a Government perspective that addressing burden sharing is a priority for Ireland.
EU Regulation 1380/2013 (the basic Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) regulation), sets down that the European Commission will report to the European Parliament and the Council on the functioning of the CFP by the end of 2022.
I have made it clear, most recently during the Commissioner's recent visit, that the Commission must undertake during 2022 a thorough review of the CFP. I am committed to doing all possible through the review to secure additional quota where possible for Irish fishers.
The Commission published a proposal on 6 July proposing an amendment to extend the derogation for access to EU Member States 12 miles zones up until the end of December 2032. It also removed the provisions relating to access for the UK, which are now covered in the TCA. I consider that this important element of the CFP should be dealt with the by the Commission as part of the full CFP review and form part of the formal review and the Commission report to Council and Parliament on the functioning of the CFP. I have written to the Commissioner to make Ireland’s concern and our position clear.
It is expected that all stakeholders will have an opportunity to engage actively in the Commission's review over the coming period, including the fishing industry, eNGOs and Member States. I will consider how Ireland will prepare for and participate actively and effectively in the review of the CFP, including the interaction with stakeholders, to prepare Ireland's case and identify priorities.
The Deputy will find the requested data on Nephrops (prawns) in the attached table.
Quotas of Nephrops norvegicus (Norway Lobster or Prawn) for EU Member States for 2021 as set out in Council Regulation (EU) 2021/1239 (all weights in tonnes)
Waters around Ireland
|
ICES Area |
Ireland |
France |
Spain |
Union Total Allowable Catch |
|
6; UK and International waters of 5b (West of Scotland, North-west of Ireland) |
202 |
121 |
30 |
353 |
|
7 (West and South of Ireland) |
6,102 |
4,023 |
993 |
11,118 |
|
Special condition applying to Area 7 – within the limits of the quotas for Area 7, no more than the quantities across may be taken from Functional Unit 16 (Porcupine) |
1,194 |
621 |
992 |
2,807 |
North Sea
|
ICES Area |
Belgium |
Denmark |
Germany |
France |
Netherlands |
Union Total Allowable Catch |
|
UK and Union waters of 4; UK waters of 2a (North Sea) |
997 |
997 |
15 |
29 |
514 |
2,553 |
