Written Answers Nos. 1170-1187
1170. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a uniform standard across the EU in respect of export health certificates for shellfish; the body that enforces these standards in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52318/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe rules on how official controls are carried out in Member States are set out in Regulation (EU) 2017/625 which provides the legal basis for how food legislation is enforced to protect the consumer. This EU legislation ensures the implementation of key hygiene controls at each stage of the food processing and marketing chain in order to prevent transmission of pathogens through food, including in exports to third countries.
The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is an independent statutory body which has responsibility for seafood safety controls and the enforcement of seafood safety law. As the competent authority for the export certification of Irish seafood, the SFPA provides assurance of compliance with EU food hygiene legislation.
The requirements of individual third countries in relation to food safety and health import standards are defined by the importing country and are set out in the statements provided in the relevant Export Health Certificates that accompany exports from the EU to those third countries.
1171. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a new control plan for weighing fish will be in place; if this will take into account the damage caused to fish by quayside weighing and also the inconvenience of this policy for fishers fishing in small boats and landing at remote piers or on islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52319/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland was notified of a Commission Implementing Decision revoking the approval of the Irish control plan submitted for the weighing of fishery products. The European Commission has deemed that Ireland’s obligations arising from Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 were not being met by the Irish control plan as the risk of non-compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy could not be minimised.
The 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 precluded from getting involved in operational control matters such as this.
I understand that the SFPA submitted a Control Plan to the EU Commission for review and approval on 22nd September 2021. A new draft plan must be accepted by the Commission and formally adopted by it under legislation.
During EU Commissioner Virginius Sinkevicius' visit to Killybegs recently, representatives of the fishing industry set out the challenges facing the industry in the absence of a control plan that would allow weighing of fish in factories. I asked the Commissioner, during this visit, to give as much priority as possible to the Commission’s examination of Ireland’s draft control plan given the real challenges currently being faced by the industry.
1172. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, per Article 2(2) of EU Regulation No. 1306/2013 and Article 4(1) of EU Regulation No. 640/2014, he plans to ensure that farmers are paid their basic payments without penalty applied in respect of force majeure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52375/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1210. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, per Article 2(2) of EU Regulation No. 1306/2013 and Article 4(1) of EU Regulation No. 640/2014, he plans to see farmers paid their basic payments without penalty applied in respect of force majeure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52548/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1172 and 1210 together.
Under the terms and conditions for the Basic Payment Scheme, force majeure may be recognised for a number of reasons, including for example the death of the beneficiary, the long term incapacity of the beneficiary or in the case of a severe natural disaster gravely affecting the holding.
Where an applicant wishes to rely on force majeure, the obligation is on the beneficiary to notify in writing, to the Department, the occurrence of such an event.
The notification has to be submitted, with relevant evidence to the satisfaction of the Department, within 15 working days from the date on which the beneficiary or the person entitled through him/her, is in a position of doing so.
All applications for Force Majeure are considered individually based on the facts of the case. If Force Majeure is recognised, no penalties are applied.
Where an applicant disagrees with a decision of the Department regarding Force Majeure, they have a right of appeal to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office.
1173. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to providing additional funding to farmers already approved under the TAMs 2021 programme (details supplied). [52397/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEvery TAMS II application is based on the existing reference costs at the date of application. Some 44,780 applications have been approved under the TAMS scheme to date. Outstanding approvals issued represent potential outstanding liabilities for the Department and a budget must be in place to pay these claims.
All of the reference costs under TAMS II were fully reviewed in July of this year. The costs were increased in the case of own labour and in the case of 62 investment items, with increases ranging from 5%-40%. A decrease of 10%-30% was implemented in the case of three investment items.
A further review of the reference costs in light of the increasing costs of construction has now commenced. Any changes identified will be considered once this review is completed.
1174. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding allocated to the ICT infrastructure in marts; the number of applications received; the number of successful applicants; the total amount awarded; the average amount awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52398/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 1st March this year, I announced funding to livestock marts under the ICT infrastructure . Livestock marts can apply to the Department for a grant of a maximum of €5,000 to cover 50% of expenditure on ICT infrastructure. The Scheme is still open for applications.
To date, five applications have been received, two of which have been paid. Officials have been in contact with the other three marts requesting further information.
The scheme covers expenditure which occurs after 1st March 2021. I would encourage all marts to submit their applications before the closing date of 15th November this year. Further information is available on the Department’s website at gov.ie - Livestock Mart Licence Application (www.gov.ie).
1175. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 797 of 15 September 2021, if a tender has been awarded; when he expects to receive and publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52399/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the actions under the Programme for Government is to undertake a review of the potential demand in domestic and international markets for wool based products such as insulation and fertilisers. Following the allocation of €100,000 in Budget 2021 for this review, I initiated a public consultation process in early March 2021 to determine the terms of reference for such a review which included
- the identification of market opportunities domestically and internationally for wool based products;
- carrying out economic feasibility and cost benefit analysis on proposed market opportunities;
- determining mechanisms that could be used to support industry initiatives; and
- identification of potential research projects applicable to supporting the identified market opportunities.
As part of the public consultation process, I also invited stakeholders to submit their proposals on the potential market opportunities for wool products on the domestic and international markets and over 40 submissions were received..
The Request for Tenders (RFT) seeking service providers to carry out this major study was published on the e-tenders website on 8th July 2021. Five tenders were received before the closing date. The successful service provider, who will be announced shortly, will be contracted to carry out a feasibility study in accordance with the Terms of Reference detailed above and will be also required to examine and evaluate the proposals received during the public consultation and report on their findings.
I anticipate that this wool review, including consultation with the stakeholder group which I am establishing and publication of the final report, will be concluded in early 2022.
The recommendations from this review will help focus the development of a robust policy roadmap for the Irish wool industry.
1176. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding allocated for farm adviser continuous professional development training on dedicated topics, one of which is farm safety, listed under subhead C.11.10 in the Revised Estimates for 2021, allocated in budget 2022; if this funding will appear under the dedicated heading for farm safety in the Estimates for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52404/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe definitive budgetary allocations across the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will be set out in the 2022 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which will be published later this year. It is important to point out that, at a technical level, this REV does not include a dedicated heading for farm safety.
In line with announcements on budget day, I wish to confirm that an additional €2 million has been earmarked for farm safety expenditure in 2022.
The funding for farm adviser continuous professional development training on dedicated topics including farm safety, is expected to remain under the current subhead and is additional funding to the dedicated farm safety budget.
1177. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding for dedicated European innovation partnership farm safety projects, listed under subhead B.3.9 in the Revised Estimates for 2021, allocated in budget 2022; if this funding will appear under the dedicated heading for farm safety in the Estimates for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52405/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1194. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation for farm safety European innovation partnerships in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52434/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1177 and 1194 together.
The definitive budgetary allocations across the Department will be set out in the 2022 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which will be published later this year. It is important to point out that at a technical level, this REV does not include a dedicated heading for farm safety.
In line with announcements on budget day, I wish to confirm my Department has earmarked an additional €2million for farm safety expenditure in 2022.
The funding for dedicated European Innovation Partnership Farm Safety projects will remain under the current subhead and is additional funding to the dedicated farm safety budget.
1178. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional funding for farm safety for the final phase of projects (details supplied) listed under subhead B.3.7 in the Revised Estimates for 2021, allocated in budget 2022; if this will appear under the dedicated heading for farm safety in the Estimates for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52406/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe definitive budgetary allocations across the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will be set out in the 2022 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which will be published later this year. It is important to point out that, at a technical level, this REV does not include a dedicated heading for farm safety. In line with announcements on budget day, I wish to confirm that an additional €2m has been earmarked for farm safety expenditure in 2022.
The On Feirm Ground project is an important programme that is co-funded by my Department along with the Department of Health and the HSE. It is providing training for agricultural advisors to engage with and signpost farmers to supports in relation to health and wellbeing. The project has been fully funded, with the last payments made this year. There is no requirement for funding in 2022 for the programme.
The National Farmers Health Alliance showcase was a one off event which looked at the potential to develop a National Farmers Health Alliance and has been fully paid for.
1179. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding for training and development and incidental expenses for a joint advertising campaign with the HSA on farm safety, listed under subhead C.11.10 in the Revised Estimates for 2021, allocated in budget 2022; and if this funding will appear under the dedicated heading for farm safety in the Estimates for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52407/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo decision has been made with respect to any advertising campaign with the HSA for 2022.
The definitive budgetary allocations across the Department will be set out in the 2022 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which will be published later this year. It is important to point out that, at a technical level, this REV does not include a dedicated heading for farm safety.
In line with announcements on budget day, I wish to confirm that an additional €2m has been earmarked for farm safety expenditure in 2022.
1180. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports available for students of agricultural colleges facing financial hardship that are provided by his Department directly or through grants to third parties; if these supports are available to students who study at a Teagasc agricultural college or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52408/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1198. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the departmental allocation in Budget 2022 to provide supports to students of agricultural colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52438/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1180 and 1198 together.
The Department does not provide direct supports to students in the agricultural colleges.
We do provide Teagasc with significant grant aid annually to support the delivery of research, advisory and education services to the agricultural sector. The amount allocated this year is €144.6m. The distribution of this funding is an operational matter for Teagasc and its governing Authority.
I am advised by Teagasc that the total budgeted expenditure for its Educational Programme this year is €18.5m of which €14.1m comprises exchequer Grant Aid with the balance of €4.4m earned from course fees and farming operations etc.
In terms of student supports, Teagasc provides a Student Maintenance Grant to eligible students taking full-time education courses in the Agricultural Colleges. It is paid directly through Teagasc and mirrors the National Student Grant Scheme in the higher education sector.
Further details are available on the Teagasc website at www.teagasc.ie/education/going-to-college/student-maintenance-grants/. Interested persons can also contact their local Teagasc education officer for further advice.
Teagasc further advise that student fees for its part-time and full-time course are subsidised.
Eligible students can also qualify for a fee waiver for the Quality and Qualification Ireland (QQI) element of the course fee valued at €130 for a two-year programme. This waiver is available to social welfare recipients and or/medical card holders and is implemented as part of the online application process.
Teagasc operates a laptop scheme to provide disadvantaged learners (full-time) with the use of a laptop on a loan basis where they met specific criteria such as eligibility for Farm Assist payments, disability payments, Back to Education allowances etc.
1181. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of students studying at Teagasc agricultural colleges and non-Teagasc agricultural colleges in 2016 to date, both part-time and full-time by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52409/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs student enrolments in the Teagasc Agricultural Colleges is an operational matter for Teagasc, I have asked Teagasc to provide the data directly to the Deputy within 10 working days. My Department has no remit in relation to enrolments etc in non Teagasc Agricultural Colleges.
1182. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if greyhound racecourses are required to ensure that vets are on site while official and unofficial dog trials are taking place to ensure care is available for animals that sustain injury in the course of trials as opposed to races; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52421/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
1183. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional animal welfare measures that have been enacted since he assumed office with regard to horse and greyhound racing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52422/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
Since 1st January 2018, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) is the regulatory body for all horseracing in Ireland. The IHRB is a company limited by guarantee set up by the Turf Club and the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee for the purpose of carrying out the regulatory and licensing functions for Irish horseracing .
Rásaíocht Con Éireann is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Since my appointment as Minister on 2nd September 2020 the following additional animal welfare measures have been enacted by Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) and Horse Racing Ireland (HRI).
Rásaíocht Con Éireann Traceability System (RCÉTS) for racing greyhounds came into operation on 11th January 2021. RCÉTS will allow the location of a racing greyhound to be monitored by RCÉ throughout its life stages up to the point of retirement/rehoming, including birth, registration, racing career, all changes of ownership and location, and end of life.
RCÉ has concluded a tender process for the operation of foster care centres. The expansion of its foster care activity in recent years has necessitated an open procurement process to create a panel of service providers. The panel now put in place provides for foster care centres being available to RCÉ in Limerick, Carlow, Tipperary (2 no.) and Offaly.
A programme for the provision of dog utility ambulances to tracks is in process with ambulances provided at Shelbourne, Tralee Limerick, Youghal, Waterford and Galway greyhound tracks.
I approved RCÉ’s revised Code of Practice for the Care and Welfare of Greyhounds on the 13th September 2021.
Earlier this year, I granted "Authorised Officer" status to IHRB officials. This gives them additional powers to support horse welfare.
The impending redevelopment of Irish Equine Centre (IEC) is a future keystone of horse care in Ireland. €1.7 million was allocated in budget 2022 for this project.
I understand that HRI and RCÉ have both informed you directly of a number other initiatives recently undertaken with regard to horse and greyhound welfare.
1184. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding allocated to a scheme for beef finishers from 2019 to 2022; the proposed reforms of the scheme in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52423/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following recent support schemes specifically targeted beef finishers:
In 2019, the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) was a once off, co-funded exceptional temporary adjustment aid scheme to support beef farmers (including finishers) in the context of market disturbance caused by uncertainty due to Brexit. This scheme was co-funded by the EU under the exceptional aid provisions of the CMO Regulation, with a total allocation of up to €100 million. Eligibility and payment was based on both finished animals and suckler cows. This scheme was demand- led and 32,500 farmers drew down €78 million of support under this scheme.
In 2020, in response to market disturbances caused by the emergent COVID-19 pandemic, a further once off demand-led exceptional aid payment was made to beef finishers under the Beef Finisher Payment (BFP) scheme.
The BFP scheme was exchequer funded, and approved under the EU's COVID-19 State Aid Temporary Framework, with the objective of providing support for beef finishing farms which had been severely impacted by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and was based on animals presented for slaughter in a previous specific period. €50 million was allocated and 27,200 farmers drew down €46.6 million of aid under this measure.
Other support schemes available to beef farmers, but not specifically targeted at finishers, are as follows:
|
Year |
Scheme |
Allocation |
|
2019 |
BEEP Pilot |
€20 million |
|
2020 |
BEEP-S |
€40 million |
|
2020 |
Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) |
€45 million |
|
2021 |
Beef Sector Efficiency Programme (BSEP) |
€40 million |
|
2021 |
Dairy beef welfare |
€5 million |
|
2021 |
BGDP - Transition |
€40 million |
Funding of over €85 million has been provided in the 2022 Budget for targeted supports for the beef sector including BDGP, BEEP-S, and the Dairy Calf Programme. The details are currently being finalised and will be announced in due course.
1185. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of all official engagements and meetings attended by him, and Ministers of State within his Department during the period 10 July 2020 and 4 October 2020. [52424/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring the period referred to, both myself and the two Ministers of State assigned to this Department, attended numerous meetings relating to official duties as Ministers. These meetings can be in person, virtual or via phone. Three lists are attached outlining the main engagements and meetings for the period in question. As I was appointed in early September 2020 my engagements begin then.
Minister Heydon
|
Date |
Subject |
|
10 July 2020 |
Meeting with Producer Organisations |
|
12 July 2020 |
Commemoration Ceremony, Collins Barracks |
|
14 July 2020 |
Meetings with ICOS, HRI & National Stud |
|
16 July 2020 |
Farm Safety - Radio Kerry |
|
17 July 2020 |
Interview with Fran McNulty RTE |
|
20 July 2020 |
Embrace Farm |
|
20 July 2020 |
Farm Safety - Radio Interviews KCLR |
|
20 July 2020 |
Athlone Radio with Martin Kelleher Farm Safety |
|
21 July 2020 |
Radio Interview with Anne Norris, Shannonside FM - Newstalk |
|
21 July 2020 |
Midwest Radio Interview with Paula Donlon |
|
21 July 2020 |
IFJ Peter O'Toole |
|
22 July 2020 |
Radio Interview - Aaron McElroy from Northern Sound |
|
22 July 2020 |
Meeting with Senator Tom Lombard |
|
22 July 2020 |
Farm Safety Photo |
|
23 July 2020 |
Tipp Midwest Radio interview David |
|
23 July 2020 |
Senator Paul Daly |
|
23 July 2020 |
Senator Martin Conway |
|
28 July 2020 |
Tom Arnold |
|
29 July 2020 |
Meetings with MII, DII, Bord na gCon, HRI, National Stud |
|
30 July 2020 |
Meeting with Environmental Pillar, BIM, SFPA and ALAB |
|
30 July 2020 |
Alma Jordan Agri Kids |
|
25 August 2020 |
Meeting Minister English |
|
25 August 2020 |
Dept. Education |
|
26 August 2020 |
Teagasc Webinar |
|
26 August 2020 |
Meeting with HSI |
|
01 September 2020 |
Agriland Interview |
|
08 September 2020 |
Bord Bia Meeting |
|
09 September 2020 |
Mentors 4 Safety |
|
10 September 2020 |
Minister English |
|
16 September 2020 |
Meeting with FCI |
|
16 September 2020 |
Consultative Committee of Stakeholders on Brexit |
|
16 September 2020 |
Muintir Na Tire |
|
18 September 2020 |
Agricultural Catchments Programme |
|
23 September 2020 |
Meeting with DBEI & HSA |
|
23 September 2020 |
Meeting with IFA |
|
23 September 2020 |
Water Protect Video |
|
24 September 2020 |
Meeting with McDonalds |
|
24 September 2020 |
MII |
|
28 September 2020 |
ITBA Meeting |
|
28 September 2020 |
IFJ |
|
29 September 2020 |
Teagasc Farm Safety Seminar |
|
30 September 2020 |
Meeting with Chinese Ambassador |
|
01 October 2020 |
TB Forum |
|
01 October 2020 |
Meeting with HSI |
Minister McConalogue September 21 - October 4
September
3rd
Meeting Senior Department officials
4th
Meeting Senior Department officials
7th
Visit Dublin Port
8th
Agriland interview
ICMSA meeting
Board Bia WebEx
Coillte
IFA
9th
Call with Minister Poots
Claire Byrne RTE
Macra
ICSA
ICOS
INHFA
10th
Meeting Tom Arnold
2030 Strategy Stakeholders Committee
Agrifacts meeting
16th
Fish producers WebEx
Brexit Consultative committee
17th
Teagasc WebEx
Call with Secretary of State Eustice
WebEx with Lakelands
18th
Macra
21st
Agri fish council
22nd
Agri fish council
23rd
Meeting with Micheal Dowling
24th
Video call with McDonalds UK CEO
Meeting with Taoiseach on Fisheries
Meeting with Glanbia
Meeting with Minister Coveney
25th
Meeting with Senator Daily and Merchants on Vet meds
28th
Meeting with Minister Ryan on Climate Bill
29th
Meeting with Minister McGrath re Estimates
Forestry bill second stage Dail
30th
Meeting with Chinese Ambassador
HRI WebEx
Dairy Forum
October
1st
TB forum
HIS meeting WebEx
3rd
Irish rare breed society
4th
Government Meeting re Covid
MOS Hackett list of engagements July to Oct
Friday 10 July
WebEx with Commission Sinkevicius (fisheries)
Sunday 12 July
National Day of Commemoration Ceremony (National Museum of Ireland, Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7)
Tuesday 14 July
meeting with HRI
meeting with Irish Wildlife Trust and Malcolm Noonan
meeting with Irish National Stud
meeting with ICOS
Wednesday 15 July
Launch of Forestry report (Stephen's Green)
Thursday 16 July
meeting with Seanad Cathaoirleach Sen Mark Daly
Wednesday 22 July
meeting with CAP consultative committee TBC
photo of 3 Ministers for Farm Safety week (Ag House lobby)
Thursday 23 July
meeting with Macra and Minister Calleary (by WebEx from Conference Room A, 5C)
meeting with INHFA and Minister Calleary (Conference Room A, 5C)
Friday 24 July
meeting with Bird Watch Ireland and Minister Noonan (Buswells Hotel)
call with green ministers across EU
meeting with ICSA and Minister Calleary (Conference Room A, 5C)
Monday 27 July
possible interview with Agriland TBC
meeting with Coillte and Minister Calleary by Webex
Tuesday 28 July
Meeting with Ministers and Tom Arnold (chair of Agri food sector strategy committee 2030)
possible photo op for launch of Woodlands on Public Lands Scheme (Stephen's Green)
Wednesday 29 July
meeting with IBEC and Minister Calleary (Conference Room A, 5 Centre)
meeting with Forestry Industries Ireland (Conference Room A, 5C)
meeting with Bord Na gCon and Minister Calleary
interview with Harry McGee Irish Times
Thursday 30 July
meeting with Environmental Pillar and Minister Calleary TBC (Conference Room A)
meeting with EP forestry (Conference Room 1, 5West)
Cabinet committee on the Environment and Climate Change (Government Buildings)
Saturday 1 August
meeting with Peter O'Brien, Gerard Moroney (forestry, doorstep) (Golf Club)
Tuesday 4 August
interview with Shannonside FM (Kevin McGillicuddy)
Friday 7 August
interview with Anglo Celt (Damien McCarney)
Tuesday 25 August
Briefing with Minister Foley (WebEx)
Wednesday 26 August
meeting with Taoiseach (D/Taoiseach)
Thursday 27 August
meeting with GP ministers (D/Taoiseach)
meeting with GP Ministers
Friday 28 August
meeting with Minister - schools reopening (WebEx)
Monday 31 August
Informal EU Agriculture Council (Koblenz, Germany & videoconference)
Tuesday 1 September
Informal EU Agriculture Council (Koblenz, Germany & videoconference)
Plenary Informal EU Agriculture Council (by videoconference)
Thursday 3 September
media PAT KENNY by phone
media RADIO KERRY interview by phone
media NEAR FM interview by phone
Monday 7 September
Week Ahead LH and HO
meeting with Offaly CoCo (zoom)
Tuesday 8 September
meeting with Coillte and Minister McConalogue
Wednesday 9 September
Macra
INHFA
Friday 11 September
meeting with Laois Chamber (Laois)
Saturday 12 September
meeting with IFA in Laois
Monday 14 September
Wool - Wool Forum a long term vision for rural Ireland - Malcolm Noonan
PP week ahead check in (Zoom) - Ed Davitt
Wednesday 16 September
media interview with Midlands (radio)
Consultative Committee of Stakeholders on Brexit (Minister McConalogue & SG attending) (VC)
Thursday 17 September
meeting with Banks - Heads of Agri (AIB BOI UB) (Conf Room B; WebEx)
briefing with TDs Senators on Forestry Bill (Conf Room B, by WebEx)
Friday 18 September
visit to Teagasc Agricultural Catchments Programme with Minister Heydon & SG (Wexford)
visit to None So Hardy nurseries (with Colm Hayes) (Ballymurn, Co Wexford)
Sunday 20 September
media interview RTE (This Week; Radio One)
Monday 21 September
meeting with Irish Rural Link (by webinar)
visit to Laois Sawmills (Ballymacken, Stradbally Road, Portlaoise)
visit to pallet factor in Mountrath (CJ Sheerans, Mountrath)
opposition briefing re Forestry Bill (by webex)
Wednesday 23 September
media engagement (RTE News at One)
Thursday 24 September
CAP Consultative Committee (Minister McConalogue attending)
Briefing from Paul Kenny on Energy and Climate issues in government (DCCAE) - Ed Davitt
media engagement with Week in Politics (RTE)
pre-record video for Teagasc Sheep Week
Monday 28 September
Meeting with Minister Ryan Re. Climate Bill (Ag Hse CR A 5C)
Tuesday 29 September
Oireachtas Cross-Party SDG Group meeting (Zoom call ) - Alice-Mary Higgins
Thursday 1 October
meeting of TB Forum (Minister McConalogue attending)
possible launch of Tree Week in Castleknock
Seanad - Forestry Bill early sign motion (Seanad Chamber)
meeting with Chair of Horticulture Industry Forum
1186. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation for the straw incorporation scheme in budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52425/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) is a pilot agri-environmental initiative first operated this year to encourage tillage farmers to increase soil organic carbon levels by chopping and incorporating the straw from eligible crops back into the soil.
The SIM has proven to be a very successful pilot with strong uptake from farmers.
The introduction of the Measure formed part of the suite of measures by the Department to ensure continued support to the tillage sector during the transition period leading up to the new Common Agricultural Policy programming period.
Overall, 1,879 farmers have availed of the Measure this year which saw just over 37,000 hectares chopped resulting in estimated payments of €8.5 million which in due course will be issued by the Department.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have secured funding for the Measure in 2022 as announced in the recent budget, with details to be announced shortly.
1187. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the target number of participants for the multispecies sward scheme in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52426/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an innovative and pioneering pilot scheme, with ambitious support to grant aid farmers to sow multi species swards.
Research work carried out on multi species swards has shown positive results on low nitrogen input plots with the potential to provide a more environmentally friendly production system while simultaneously reducing nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.
The details of the scheme are currently being worked on by my officials and it is anticipated there will be a strong demand with benefits for our natural environment.
