Written Answers Nos. 660-681
660. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the metric by which forest road licence applications are conjoined with or take account of felling or afforestation licenses pending given neither activity can be undertaken without a forest road licence to access the timber or the planting site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60013/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraForest road application licences are not received in relation to afforestation. Typically existing farm tracks and entrances are used to provide access for machinery involved in site development for tree planting.
Thinning and felling operations typically require forest road licences in order to create access for the relevant machinery and also to enable wood mobilization.
Tree felling and forest road works licence applications are received daily by my Department and issued as the assessment of each application is completed. It may happen that an application for a tree felling licence, which may be submitted by a landowner, is received at a different time to an associated forest road licence, which must be submitted by a Registered Forester.
In addition to this, there is a different suite of documentation required to support each application. A forest road works licence application will contain technical information related to the construction of the road.
Proposed forest roads that open out onto a public road will also require extra documentation, as the health and safety of other road users must be considered, under the single consent forest road system.
Where both applications are submitted at the same they will be considered concurrently. I am pleased that forest road licencing is progressing very well this year and we are on track to more than double the targeted output of 125km set in the Climate Action Plan.
661. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will review the amount of compensation paid to farmers in cases in which the herd of a farmer is adversely affected by tuberculosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60055/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA number of financial supports are available to farmers who experience a TB breakdown. The main element is the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme which compensates eligible herd-owners up to the market value an individual animal would have attained on the open market at the time of breakdown. My Department officials attend marts nationwide each week to collect sales data.
This data is then used to produce a weekly list of "Summary Market Prices" which reflect the most up to date available market values for each category of animal.
In addition to the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme, there are further supplementary schemes that eligible herdowners can avail of; the Income Supplement Scheme, the Hardship Grant and the Depopulation Grant.
Income Supplement is payable in cases where disease breakdown results in the removal of more than 10% of animals in a herd in the relevant restriction period. Dairy herds become eligible where at least10% of the dairy cows are removed as reactors.
Hardship Grants are awarded to eligible herds to alleviate the additional feed costs incurred by farmers whose holdings are restricted on foot of a herd retest during the period 1st November to 30th April and where animals are retained and fed during periods of restriction.
Depopulation Grants may be paid to eligible herdowners whose herds are depopulated (totally or partially). Grants are paid for each animal removed in the depopulation measure and for those removed as reactors since the holding was restricted, on condition that the Herdowner agrees to the depopulation at the time specified by the Department.
As part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working Group comprising representatives from my Department and the farming organisations has been set up to review the current financial model of the TB programme.
The financial model underpins the funding for all schemes and grants under the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Scheme including the hardship grant. Discussions are advancing, and recommendations from the Finance Working Group will be put forward to the TB Forum for consideration.
662. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will consider paying the balance outstanding on a farm partnership application in the case of persons (details provided) in circumstances in which the elder partner in the partnership died; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60107/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is aware of this issue. The applicant has been contacted and my Department is working to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.
663. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the final report of the wool feasibility study will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60108/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to advise the Deputy that following a competitive public procurement process, I have recently appointed ‘The Agile Executive', a consortium comprising experts from Munster Technological University and Donegal Yarns, to conduct a review of the potential demand in domestic and international markets for wool based products such as insulation and fertilisers.
The Agile Executive have been contracted to carry out the review in accordance with the Terms of Reference and will also be required to examine and evaluate the proposals received during the public consultation and report on their findings. The report is due to be published in the first quarter of 2022 and I hope the recommendations from this review will help focus the development of robust policy roadmap for the Irish Wool Industry.
664. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the road and afforestation applications received by the Forestry Service between 1 January 2018 and January 2021; the dates for acknowledgement of the applications by his Department; the date a letter was issued granting or refusing the applications; if each contract number had an accompanying ecology report; if not, if his Department had to prepare a report on behalf of the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60166/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA forestry application is considered complete once it is publicly advertised on the Department's website. The date advertised is the date when it is acknowledged to the applicant and their Registered Forester.
Since 1stJanuary 2018, my Department has advertised 2,994 afforestation applications and 2,387 forest road applications. Of these, 2,076 afforestation and 1,777 forest roads have been decided.
The table below shows the number of applications that have been received in the year specified and their current status. Please note that status of "in progress" can mean that a request for further information has been sent to the applicant and remains unanswered.
|
Afforestation |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Approved |
767 |
664 |
417 |
117 |
|
Refused |
58 |
34 |
17 |
2 |
|
In progress |
50 |
190 |
364 |
314 |
|
Total Received |
875 |
888 |
798 |
433 |
|
Forest Roads |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Approved |
617 |
539 |
440 |
163 |
|
Refused |
5 |
9 |
3 |
1 |
|
In progress |
27 |
82 |
180 |
321 |
|
Total |
649 |
630 |
623 |
485 |
665. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his response to the concern by a group (details supplied) that the proposed Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan does not address the main issues faced by young farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60182/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe challenge of generational renewal is widely recognised both at national and EU level with the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) citing it as one of the nine key objectives. The Programme for Government and the Food Vision 2030 strategy also highlight the challenge of generational renewal and propose a number of actions to address this issue including maintaining the strong level of current support, the promotion of land mobility and succession planning, increased education and the promotion of the diversity of careers in agri-food.
There is a range of measures both under the existing CAP and at national level that aim to facilitate generational renewal. Under the current CAP, the National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme provide financial support to young farmers during the crucial early years when setting up a farm enterprise. From 2015 to 2020 some €110m has issued in total under the Young Farmers Scheme, benefitting on average over 8,000 farmers each year.
In addition, a further €35 million has been allocated since 2015 to young farmers under the National Reserve. Additionally, under the TAMS II Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme, young farmers can avail of a 60% grant rate as compared to the standard rate of 40%, with over €133 million paid to some 5,300 young farmers. Additional support to young farmers is provided under the Collaborative Farming Grant Scheme.
At national level, there is a suite of taxation measures, both to facilitate succession and to support establishment, worth some €200 million per annum. The Future Growth Loan Scheme has also provided a source of finance for young farmers. In addition, Teagasc's education activities continue to focus on equipping young farmers with the necessary knowledge to build successful careers.
In terms of the new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), as the Deputy will be aware, my Department has been actively engaging with stakeholders throughout the process of developing the new plan. The SWOT analysis and Needs assessment helped to shape the CSP draft interventions that were then followed by a five-week public consultation in September 2021 with over 1,000 responses received.
The Department has recently launched a Public Consultation on the draft Environmental Report on the draft CSP in November 2021 and my officials are currently considering these proposals as the CSP is being finalised. Consultation is also continuing via the CAP Consultative Committee and through bilateral meetings with the main representative bodies including Macra na Feirme.
Under the current CSP proposals, Ireland will implement the Young Farmers’ Scheme in the new CAP programme, dedicating some 3% of the direct payments ceiling to help young farmers establish their farming businesses.
This allocation of approximately €35m per year will see qualifying young farmers benefit on a per hectare basis which will be more advantageous to young farmers than the current system, which was linked to payment entitlements.
The proposed rate will significantly increase from approximately €70/ha in the current programme to over €170/ha with a maximum payment area of 50ha and payment on all eligible hectares, even those without corresponding entitlements. In tandem with this, we will also implement the National Reserve in each year of the new CAP to fund at a minimum the mandatory categories of young farmers and new entrants to farming.
In addition, a higher grant rate for qualified young farmers is proposed under the capital investment measure proposed under the CSP.
The CSP will also continue to provide support for collaborative farming and will propose innovative ways to advise older farmers on succession and retirement options, which will increase the availability of land for younger farmers.
Supporting young farmers continues to be a priority and I will continue to actively engage on this issue.
666. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expand the dieback scheme to help farmers clear the diseased trees and to replant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60183/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question number 739 of 23rd November, in which I outlined details of the current scheme which supports those forest owners whose plantations are affected by ash dieback.
As outlined my Department introduced the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) in July 2020. The new Scheme provides the forest owner with a broader range of silvicultural and management options.
The objectives of RUS are to encourage the active management of ash plantations; to promote the vigorous growth of ash through thinning and where appropriate in young plantations and in cases of high disease infection, to support the removal of the affected ash crop and replacement with alternative species.
The scheme opened for applications in June 2020 and to date there have been 428 applications with 144 approved to date, which demonstrates a healthy interest in the Scheme. The Department will continue to keep ash dieback under close review, but our focus is very much on implementation of the current Scheme and engaging with applicants. I am acutely of the hardship being suffered by these forest owners and I want to continue to help them during this period.
667. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his response to a report finding (details supplied) that 26% of sheep farms were defined as economically viable as of 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60184/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe sheep sector is a key part of our €14bn agri-food industry. Sheep farmers play an enormous role in driving a balanced regional economy. It is for this reason that supporting this sector remains a key aim of me and my Department.
Results from the Teagasc National Farm Survey shows that in 2020 family farm incomes on sheep farms increased by 24% on 2019 levels driven by improved market conditions and decreased production costs.
Pricewise, the strong performance of the sector in 2020 has continued into 2021 and I am pleased that farmers are being rewarded from the market for their hard work and dedication to excellence. Strong market performance, supported by increased productive and environmental efficiency, will help support the efficiency and viability of sheep farming enterprises in the future. This is the overarching aim of policy and interventions development in the Department.
Reductions in production globally and increased demand are expected to support continued strong performance throughout 2021. The current average price is €6.93 per kg, which is 33% above the same period last year.
In the context of the next CAP, and in line with our commitment in the Programme for Government, enhanced administrative support for the establishment of recognised producer organisations is proposed as part of the sectoral interventions. Both the beef and sheep sector will be eligible for this support, for which funding of €1.5 million has been provided.
Recognised producer organisations have the advantage of a derogation under competition law which enables them to legally collectively negotiate on the price of their outputs.
There is also a proposal for a new Sheep Improvement Scheme worth €100 million to sheep farmers in the next CAP, in addition to the range of general supports in the new CAP which sheep farmers can avail of. This scheme is based on the previous Sheep Welfare Scheme which has been extended in 2021 and 2022 as part of the transition arrangements prior to the next CAP.
668. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his response to the recently published European Union soil strategy for 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60185/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department broadly welcomes the European Union soils strategy and fully supports the vision of the strategy to achieve healthy soil ecosystems by 2050. Many of the objectives and actions are in line with existing policy and targets including the EU Biodiversity strategy 2030, the Climate adaption plan, along with the Common Agricultural Policy. The recently launched National Soil Sampling programme will provide detailed soil analysis which will allow farmers to adopt sustainable soil management practices, in order to maintain or restore soil to a healthy condition, as described in the strategy. We will continue to engage with our colleagues in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications who are the lead government department in this matter.
669. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to increased fertiliser and dairy meal costs (details supplied); the actions he and his officials are taking to ease the situation; if he held meetings with groups in relation to these agricultural price increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60237/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware of the significant increase in fertiliser prices over the last year, particularly in recent months and its impact at farm level.
The fertiliser market is largely driven by global supply and demand and, while there are a number of factors influencing fertiliser price, the major driving factors affecting prices are increased global demand due to strong growth in agricultural commodity prices, rising production costs due to increased raw material and energy costs and issues with supply for certain fertiliser products.
Similarly, with regard to feed, the market has experienced a marked increase in input costs due primarily to higher fertiliser costs but also rising freight costs which taken together with increased global demand for grain and cereal commodities has caused upward pressures on feed prices.
In line with the Farm to Fork Strategy, the Climate Action Plan commits to more targeted and reduced use of chemical nitrogen fertiliser while maintaining the same level of grass production through a number of measures including improved soil fertility and greater use of clover and multi-species swards.
I engage regularly with the farming organisations and have introduced a number of initiatives to support farmers reduce their dependence on fertiliser including a new initiative to support the planting of multi-species swards and a pilot Soil Sampling Programme. Additionally, I have tasked Teagasc with developing a roadmap for farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers on farms.
We will continue to support farmers reduce their dependence on fertiliser and my officials will closely monitor both the fertiliser and feed markets and how it develops in the weeks and months ahead.
670. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage and number of greyhounds that are rehomed following their referral to foster care centres on an annual basis; if there is a limit on the length of time a retired greyhound can stay in a foster care centre; the percentage and number of greyhounds that are not rehomed following their referral to foster care centres on an annual basis; and the actions taken in relation to those animals. [60265/21]
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.
671. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the referral of retired greyhounds to foster care centres; and if so, the statistics based upon these figures. [60266/21]
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.
672. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the welfare of retired greyhounds is monitored following their rehoming subsequent to spending time in foster care centres; and if a trust (details supplied) has received complaints regarding the persons responsible for adopting such greyhounds. [60267/21]
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.
673. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to media reports that the process of approving the export of cattle from the State to Israel has commenced; his views on whether such a step would be fully in keeping with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; if his attention has been drawn to the International Criminal Court’s announcement that it is to begin a formal investigation into possible war crimes committed by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory; if he will consult with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence with regard to the appropriateness of such investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60414/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the extent and scope of any trade in animals is a matter for private enterprise, subject to compliance with animal health and animal welfare standards and the conditions of any agreed protocol.
Any animals transported from Ireland are governed by the requirements of EU legislation. The vast majority of animals exported from Ireland travel to the EU, which is governed by the same high standards of animal welfare legislation as Ireland. A relatively small percentage are exported to non-EU countries - the transport of these animals is also subject to the same EU legislation.
Ireland maintains bilateral relations with the State of Israel on a range of issues, including through political and diplomatic engagement and in respect of economic and trade relations.
Ireland distinguishes between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967 in line with international law and relevant UN Resolutions and the longstanding position of the European Union. This position is common across all Government Departments and policy coherence is ensured through coordination at official level.
Ireland’s position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory informs our engagement with the State of Israel across a range of bilateral issues, including our trade, and will continue to do so. The EU and its Member States, including Ireland, are wholly opposed to Israeli settlements, which are contrary to international law, and are damaging to the prospects of peace
674. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the stakeholder group to develop a continuing professional development framework has not been set up; the progress made to date in establishing such a stakeholder group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60456/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe stakeholder group that the Deputy is referring to was recommended in a 2019 report commissioned by Macra Agricultural Skillnet with the support of Skillnet Ireland. The report stated that Macra Agricultural Skillnet would establish an advisory group which would have the remit of developing the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) framework proposed in the report.
As the Deputy is aware, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is supporting farmer education through dedicated training for individual schemes under the Rural Development Programme. Additionally, the Department is preparing to roll out training to approximately 50,000 farmers under the Agricultural Environment Training Scheme.
Further, Food Vision 2030 has set an action for the relevant stakeholder to “Examine the feasibility of establishing a CPD framework for young, trained farmers / seafood workers”. This will be progressed over the coming years.
675. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the need to commit to multi-annual funding in the region of €1.5 million per annum through the rural development programme to enable the farm mobility programme to cover the entire country and ensure a national footprint for the programme. [60457/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe challenge of generational renewal is widely recognised both at national and EU level with the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) citing it as one of its nine key objectives.
Food Vision 2030, the new strategy for the agri-food sector, also highlights the challenge of generational renewal and proposes a number of actions to address this issue including the promotion of land mobility and succession planning.
The Land Mobility Service (LMS) has proven itself important in the delivery of land mobility and access to land through assisting collaborative arrangements.
It has been supported by my Department over the last number of years with funding of €27,000 between 2014 and 2016, and €50,000 per annum for the five years 2017 to 2021. To the end of 2019, over 520 arrangements covering approximately 19,000 hectares had been facilitated.
In recognition of this, my Department is engaged with the Land Mobility Service on potential future support and I have just announced a 100% increase in the funding for next year to €100,000. The Deputy may be aware that the Land Mobility Service also receives funding from the wider sector and a contribution from land-owners and farmers.
My Department is considering how best to support this programme into the future and is actively engaging on the best approach to take.
676. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the new range of activities Greyhound Racing Ireland is planning to cover as part of its’ new serious injury scheme due to be introduced in early 2022. [60465/21]
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.
677. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the new greyhound traceability system which is a basic operational requirement will not be funded from the mandatory 10% ringfenced for animal welfare. [60466/21]
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 new greyhound traceability system, Rásaíocht Con Éireann Traceability System (RCÉTS) and its contribution to the integrity of the industry forms part of RCÉ's full package of welfare measures.
The proposed allocation in Budget 2022 under the Horse and Greyhound Fund is currently being debated as part of the parliamentary process. On completion of this process, the detailed parameters and conditions of the funding are issued to RCE as part of my Department's oversight measures.
678. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the fact that according to Greyhound Racing Ireland the contribution to the greyhound welfare and to an organisation (details supplied) in 2020 was €1,191,547 which amounts to 8.56% of expenditure and not the mandatory 10% that should be ringfenced for welfare; if he will request that the shortfall is made up in Greyhound Racing Ireland’s 2021 expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60467/21]
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.
As part of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund in Budget 2020, €16.8m was allocated to Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) in accordance with Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001.
It was stipulated as part of the parameters and conditions of the funding that a minimum of 10% of the total fund was to be spent on welfare measures including integrity.
RCÉ has informed my Department that €1.76m was spent on Welfare, Laboratory, Integrity and Governance. This amount is reflected in the audited financial statements for 2020 and equates to more than 10% of the RCÉ Fund allocation.
With regard to the organisation referred to in the question, RCÉ has informed my officials that the total contribution to the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust in 2020 was €215,000.
679. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a full breakdown will be provided of all injuries and fatalities sustained by greyhounds at race events since 2019, in tabular form; the person or body that collects that data at race events (details supplied). [60468/21]
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.
680. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will request that a veterinarian be present at all official and unofficial trials to ensure that injured greyhounds are treated without delay and that all injuries and or fatalities can be recorded for public record. [60469/21]
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.
681. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the information that is collected at unofficial trials by the staff of an organisation (details supplied). [60470/21]
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.
