Written Answers Nos. 831-850
831. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if grant funding schemes are available to farmers to help meet the costs of river erosion prevention measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4425/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not specifically provide grant aid for river erosion preventative measures.
However, the Department does place a strong emphasis on the protection of our watercourses through activities like the European Innovation Partnership 'Allow' Project in the Duhallow catchment which aims to restore the status of a high-status waterbody in an agricultural catchment.
Similarly, one of the actions in the Green Low Carbon Agri-environment Scheme is the protection of watercourses from bovines. Farmers in the scheme are supported in the provision of watercourse fencing to restrict animals entering the waterbody and damaging watercourse banks. This has a positive impact on water quality and erosion by preventing bovine animals access to our rivers.
832. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board has published reports to date with regard to equine anti-doping further to the report of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine on Horse Racing in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4491/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Act, 2001. The Horse Racing Ireland Act, 2016 provides that HRI is responsible for the overall administration, governance, development and promotion of the Irish horse racing industry and for guaranteeing funding to the Racing Regulatory Body to carry out its functions through an integrity services budget which is agreed annually. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) is the regulatory body for all horseracing in Ireland.
The IHRB operate independently of my Department in the exercise of their regulatory functions. Nonetheless, I can confirm that last week, the IHRB published their Equine Anti-Doping report covering the second half of 2021 with an overview of the year also.
These reports will be issued on a bi-annual basis with the next one to be issued in July.
A copy of the latest report can be found here www.ihrb.ie/pdf.php?f=IHRB_EAD_Report_2_21.pdf
833. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board plans to publish the commissioned audit of Irish racing’s anti-doping procedures further to the report of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine on Horse Racing in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4492/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Act, 2001. The Horse Racing Ireland Act, 2016 provides that HRI is responsible for the overall administration, governance, development and promotion of the Irish horse racing industry for guaranteeing funding to the Racing Regulatory Board to carry out its functions through an integrity services budget which is agreed annually. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) is the regulatory body for all horseracing in Ireland.
The IHRB operate independently of my Department in the exercise of their regulatory functions. However, I confirm that Dr. Craig Suann, former Chief Veterinary Officer in New South Wales, recently began an independent audit of the IHRB's anti-doping procedures.
Following the conclusion of this audit, Dr. Suann will furnish a report and the findings of this report will be made public by the IHRB.
834. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeline for commissioning an independent expert to work with all suppliers to ascertain the level of horticultural peat stocks available to growers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4493/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe commissioning of an independent expert to work with all suppliers to ascertain the level of horticultural peat stocks available to growers is one of the key actions that I announced earlier this month in supporting horticulture growers who are dependent on peat. I understand the importance of delivering this action quickly.
As the Deputy can appreciate, there are procedures and protocols to be adhered to as part of the process of commissioning such an expert. My Department is currently engaged in that process and will be liaising with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with a view to having the services of this expert available as soon as possible.
835. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the intended timeline to commission experts on planning to provide free advice to those wishing to achieve regulatory compliance for the extraction of horticultural peat on sub-30 hectare bogs for supply to the domestic horticulture industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4494/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe commissioning of experts on planning to provide guidance and advice to those wishing to achieve regulatory compliance for the extraction of peat is one of the key actions that I announced earlier this month in supporting horticulture growers who are dependent on peat. I understand the importance of delivering this action quickly.
As the Deputy can appreciate, there are procedures and protocols to be adhered to as part of the process of commissioning such experts. My Department is currently engaged in that process and will be liaising with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with a view to having the services of these experts available as soon as possible.
836. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, in view of the investigation his Department is carrying out, it would be prudent to suspend upcoming inspections scheduled by a society (details supplied) until such a time that the investigation is concluded; his views on the current status of the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4505/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe organisation named has been recognised by my Department to maintain the breeding book for Connemara ponies in line with EU Animal Breeding Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/1012).
The organisation has clear procedures governing inspections which are outlined in their breeding programme for this breed. In addition, they have rules in place to settle disputes with breeders participating in their breeding programmes and to ensure breeders are treated equally. Where a breeder is not satisfied with a decision resulting from an inspection, they can invoke the rules of appeal.
I have been informed that my officials received a written complaint concerning governance and the performance of a specific inspection on Friday 28 January. While my officials are satisfied with the organisation's inspection procedures in general as described in their breeding programme, they are evaluating the procedure used in this specific case.
837. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consideration that has been given to providing supports to the seed potato sector due to issues arising from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4542/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra844. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to further invest in the seed potato sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4549/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 837 and 844 together.
As a result of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union and following the end of the Brexit transition period on 1st January 2021, the import of seed potatoes from Great Britain into the EU is prohibited.
The ending of seed imports from Great Britain provides an opportunity for the revival of the domestic seed potato production. An all-island plant health status, seed growing tradition and the potential to form Producer Organisations by potato growers, are all positives. it is a sector with great potential and one that I am a strong supporter of.
I understand that there is an increased interest from major seed potato contractors in placing contracts for seed with Irish growers in the wake of Brexit. I will provide as much support as possible in reviving and expand the sector, however, further expansion of the seed potato area must be industry-led and it is up to everybody in the sector now to play their part to turn this opportunity into a reality.
My Department has already invested significantly in facilities at the Tops Potato Centre in Raphoe, Co Donegal to cater for an increase in the necessary disease-free mini-tuber stocks.
I will also make available all necessary resources to ensure that all seed crops entered under the Certification scheme are certified to the highest standards.
I am very committed to the redevelopment of a native seed potato industry in Ireland.
838. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 806 of 14 December 2021, if his Department considered dedicated supports for small dairy farmers given that 1,888 or 12% of dairy farms have a family farm income of less than €20,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4543/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to supporting the sustainable development of all farming sectors and ensuring there are a range of supports in place to do this. These supports are put in place with the aim of supporting the income of farming families and driving the sustainable development of the sector to ensure it`s long term ability to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly competitive global market.
The cornerstone of this support is the basic payment under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Another support currently in place falls under the Dairy Beef Calf Programme, which includes specific supports for dairy farmers who wish to rear calves from their dairy herd. There is a proposal to maintain this support through the Dairy Beef Calf Welfare Scheme in the new CAP Strategic Plan.
In addition, there are a range of schemes which dairy farmers can avail of under the incoming CAP Strategic Plan including the new agri-environmental scheme and the Organic Farming Schemes. Funding under Pillar II of CAP has been increased by over €900m in order to roll out a host of new schemes that will financially reward farmers to continue to play a leadership role in tackling climate change and addressing biodiversity and water quality. The new agri-environmental scheme under Pillar II will pay up to a maximum of €10,000/farmer. This will involve a move towards rewarding farmers for results-based outcomes, which will clearly contribute to overall environmental objectives.
Small dairy farmers are encouraged and welcome to apply for many of these supports.
839. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 322 of 20 January 2022, the appropriate solutions to the increased input costs and sustained nature of the difficulties being experienced on the pigment sector that he advocated to be rapidly deployed at the recent European Union Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4544/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinister Heydon and I have met with the main banks to discuss the current challenges facing the pig sector, and the importance of their ongoing support for pig farming customers through the current downturn in the business cycle.
Separately, Minister Heydon and I met with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to discuss the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme and the COVID- 19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, both of which are financed by my Department in partnership with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. These finance schemes can be used for working capital finance and include features which address the current financial needs of pig farmers.
Minister Heydon chaired the Pig RoundTable last week and had a further detailed discussion with all stakeholders, including farm representatives, the banks, the processing industry and the feed industry, on the current difficulties facing pig farmers, arising both from lower market prices and a very significant increase in input costs, which are likely to continue for at least the first half of this year. In terms of State supports Bord Bia outlined the significant efforts being made to promote quality assured Irish pigmeat on the domestic and export markets; and Teagasc outlined the dedicated advisory supports being provided to pig farmers.
My Department will continue to monitor the market situation closely and is examining possible measures, including the market supports provisions of the EU's common market organisation regulation, which could assist in supporting farmers through this significant market disturbance.
840. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made in securing certified seed potato for the 2022 and subsequent planting seasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4545/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra842. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the existing targets for seed potato production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4547/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 840 and 842 together.
There is an increased interest from major seed potato contractors in placing contracts for seed with Irish growers in the wake of Brexit, as evidenced by a 23% increase in the area of seed certified here in 2021.
However, it will take some time to develop significant areas and supply of seed potatoes for the specific varieties preferred by Irish consumers. One option for growers for next year’s crop will be to retain farm-saved seed from the 2021 crop to mitigate the supply issue to the extent possible in the short-term. Alternatively, seed of alternative varieties may be sourced from other Member States such as the Netherlands, Germany, France and Belgium.
My Department will offer as much support as trade regulations permit, but further expansion of the seed area must be industry-led. This expansion should be assisted in the coming years by the availability of seed of our main variety Rooster, whose Plant Breeder’s Rights expired at the end of 2021.
In addition, my Department actively supports the production of mini-tubers through the Tops Potato Centre in Raphoe, Co. Donegal. To ensure that the Tops Potato Centre can cater for future demand, significant capital investment has recently been provided. The Department has also approved a number of commercial facilities to produce mini-tubers to cater for any future expansion of the seed potato sector.
In addition, my Department operates the Seed Certification Scheme for the production of certified seed and it will make available all necessary resources to ensure that all seed crops entered for the scheme are certified to the highest standards.
I am committed to the redevelopment of a native potato seed industry in Ireland and will support the industry in that goal.
841. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the tonnage of seed potato imported by country in each of the years 2017 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4546/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe quantity of seed potato imported into Ireland since 2017 to 2022 (to date) is listed in Table 1 below.
Table 1. Seed Potatoes Imported into Ireland 2017 - 2022
|
Country |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
|
Belgium |
0 |
50 |
0 |
50 |
0 |
0 |
|
England |
0 |
925 |
1,017 |
624 |
766 |
699 |
|
France |
55 |
202 |
43 |
0 |
0 |
162 |
|
Germany |
100 |
78 |
15 |
178 |
100 |
115 |
|
N. Ireland |
245 |
1,057 |
1,104 |
1,089 |
1,319 |
704 |
|
Poland |
0 |
75 |
0 |
48 |
0 |
0 |
|
Scotland |
0 |
3,883 |
4,015 |
3,638 |
3,014 |
3,529 |
|
The Netherlands |
269 |
488 |
157 |
369 |
201 |
215 |
|
Not Specified |
0 |
0 |
0 |
27 |
|
29 |
|
Total |
669 |
6,757 |
6,350 |
6,023 |
5,401 |
5,451 |
843. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expected increased production of the rooster variety of seed potato arising from that variety no longer having plant breeder rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4548/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Rooster variety of seed potato currently has the majority share of the Irish market. Any increase in production of Rooster seed is expected to be marginal unless there is an increase in overall demand for planting and consuming the variety.
The termination of plant breeder rights for Rooster will result in the variety becoming a free variety and will give greater access to growers to grow the variety to supply the existing demand and any increased demand that might arise.
My Department, through the Tops Potato Centre will assist the Industry in the supply of mini tubers in the event of an increased demand for Rooster.
845. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of plans for a food ombudsman. [4573/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra848. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the establishment of the office of a national food ombudsman or regulator; the functions and powers that will be assigned to the ombudsman or regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4584/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra849. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any candidates have been identified for the role of the national food ombudsman or regulator; if so, if the candidates applied for the role through a public process or were nominated by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4585/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 845, 848 and 849 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government includes a commitment for a new office of National Food Ombudsman to enforce the Unfair Trading Practices Directive and to have a role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland. The establishment of the new Office requires primary legislation which my Department is progressing at present.
In April 2021, I signed Statutory Instrument No. 198 of 2021 transposing the UTP Directive directly into Irish law before the 1 May deadline for transposition.
In 2021, I also established the UTP Enforcement Authority in my Department on an interim basis pending the finalization of the primary legislation for the new Office. The Enforcement Authority has been assigned all the necessary legal powers to investigate complaints from suppliers, including primary producers, to carry out investigations on its own initiative, and to initiate legal proceedings for breaches of the UTPs defined in the Directive. It is open to suppliers to engage with the Enforcement Authority on any concerns they may have in relation to unfair trading practices.
With regard to the status of the plans for the establishment of the new Office of Food Ombudsman or equivalent, preparations for the General Scheme of the Bill for the primary legislation are well advanced, and I hope to bring a Memo to Government on this shortly.
Once the primary legislation is finalised and the new Office is established, the Enforcement Authority functions will transfer to the new Office in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. The new Office will also carry out the function of price reporting and market analysis to provide for greater transparency in the sector.
With regard to the Head of the new Office, a recruitment process for this role will be commenced as soon as possible, in alignment with the legislative process.
I am confident that the new Office will bring increased transparency to the agri-food sector and that the increased availability of market information will strengthen the position of primary producers and other suppliers in the agricultural and food supply chain.
846. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the requirements that are in place for inspectors from his Department to be in attendance at horse markets; and the paperwork checks that are required for the sale of horses at such markets. [4563/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse sales are regulated under S.I. 113 of 2014 - Control on places where horses are kept regulations 2014. This regulation requires the person organising a sale to keep a record of the date of the sale, the identity of the horses presented for sale and the names and addresses of persons selling and buying the horses presented for sale. These records must be kept for two years.
Department officers who are authorised under the Animal, Health and Welfare Act 2013, can enter and inspect any premises where animals are kept. Department inspectors carry out inspections on a risk basis at horse sales.
847. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of engagements he and his Department have had with European Commission with respect to the Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4583/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThroughout the twenty-year negotiation of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, and since its announcement, the European Commission has been consistently informed of Ireland's concerns about the potentially negative impact that the agreement could have on the Irish and EU agri-food sector, and particularly the beef sector. Ireland has also expressed its well-known concerns regarding the potential environmental and climate impact of the Agreement.
These concerns have been raised through engagement by Irish Ministers for Agriculture and Trade at EU AgriFish and Trade Council of Ministers meetings, through concerted action undertaken with other affected Member States, and through bilateral engagement with the relevant EU Agriculture and Trade Commissioners. Lengthy engagement has also taken place at official level with the European Commission. More recently, the Government wrote to the EU’s Trade Commissioner in June 2021, to restate Ireland’s position on the Agreement.
On the basis of the concerns raised by Ireland and other EU Member States, the Commission and the European External Action Service are currently engaged with Mercosur countries on negotiating enforceable commitments on climate and deforestation. The Government continues to articulate its clear position regarding this Agreement at the highest level in the EU.
When the final text of the Agreement is presented to Member States, the Government’s position will be informed by its assessment of the additional enforcement provisions included in the text, as well as by the findings of the Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment published by the Government last July.
850. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the scheme to provide marts with up to €5,000 to assist with the installation of online bidding equipment is operational; the number of marts that have applied for support under the proposed scheme; the number of applications that have been rejected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4586/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 1st March 2021, I announced the Marts ICT Infrastructure Scheme 2021. Under the Scheme, livestock marts could apply to the Department for a grant of a maximum of €5,000 to cover 50% of expenditure by a mart on ICT infrastructure. The expenditure must have occurred after the opening date, 1st March 2021. Expenditure prior to this was ineligible. The closing date for receipt of applications was 15th November 2021.
My Department received 61 applications and these have been processed, equating to an average payment of €3,961 per Mart.
Marts played a pivotal role in keeping the wheels of Agriculture turning while ensuring farming communities remained safe during COVID 19. I commend mart managers, their staff and customers for playing a blinder.
