Holly Cairns
Ceist:406. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions that he is taking to address illegal gorse fires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27194/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGorse Burning
Ceisteanna (406)
Freagraí scríofa
The burning of vegetation is controlled by the Wildlife Acts. It is an offence under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act, 1976 (amended by Section 46 of the Wildlife Act, 2000) to burn, from 1st March to 31st August in any year, any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated. Individuals who are found to burn vegetation within that prohibited period are liable to prosecution by An Garda Síochána or by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). My Department has no role in regard to prosecutions.
Wildfire activity for 2022 is significantly reduced in comparison to recent years and current burned area is estimated at just over 2500ha. In recent years average burned area is approximately 3800ha. The recent reduction is considered to be a result of reduced levels of agricultural burning observed during this season, coupled with meteorological factors influencing fire risk. The majority of land affected during 2022 to date is not farmland or used for agricultural purposes.
Wildfire is an easily preventable threat to our beautiful hills and bogs and the habitats and livelihoods they sustain. Everyone must play their part in protecting our landscapes and supporting our emergency services and ensuring they are not needlessly diverted by illegal fires.
There is a inherent natural risk of fire in our uplands and on bogs at this time of year, due to the condition of vegetation in these area. Upland grasses, heather and gorse are highly flammable in spring when the weather is dry.
In the right conditions, any ignition, for any reason, can give rise to wildfires. Both landowners and the wider public, whether they are at work or enjoying the countryside, should be mindful of the significant risks of fire at this time of year and be aware of the damage to land and habitats caused by illegal burning and other accidental and unintentional ignitions.
My Department conducts a number of activities annually to monitor and reduce wildfire incidence and outcomes.
My Department has issued reminders to all landowners in relation to illegal burning of agricultural lands, and any land found to have been burned illegally can be deemed ineligible across a number of area-based schemes. My Department also monitors fire activity and risk throughout the main risk period between March and September, using a variety of means at our disposal, including satellite detection and ground inspections.
My Department has also undertaken a number of awareness measures aimed at reducing the level of illegal ignitions, particularly on farmland, and in ensuring that affected sectors are fully prepared for fire outbreaks where these occur. This includes the provision of Fire Danger Rating Notices to relevant sectors and Departments to ensure that the correct level of preparedness is maintained throughout the fire season. My Department also encourages the safe use of fire by land managers during the open burning season, and provides guidance for doing so.
It is important to note that wildfire ignitions occur from a variety of sources, not just agriculture, and many recent fires have occurred on lands with no associated agricultural activity, including lands used for turf cutting, and public lands with open access used by the public for recreation. Fires associated with illegal dumping on bogland are a particular problem. In 2020, some of the largest and most problematic fires occurred as a result of recreational land user activities.
The farming community has a central role to play in the control of fire in our landscapes through the management of land, and the reduction and maintenance of fire prone vegetation (such purple moor grass, heather, and gorse/whin) as potential fuels in high fire risk areas.
To this end, my Department supports a number of locally-led schemes under the EIP-AGRI measure that in turn support the implementation of fire management activities on the ground including vegetation management activities. Projects of this type are now in place in many of the main fire risk locations in Ireland, including the Blackstairs Mountains, Wicklow Mountains, McGillicuddy Reeks, Inishowen Peninsula, Connemara, and within the Hen Harrier Project.
The Hen Harrier project is a results-based project, supported by my Department, covering key habitats across a number of different counties. The project has recently developed and implemented a number of specific fire management measures including upland grazing management and support, the development of ponds in high risk areas that can provide water for aerial fire fighting operations, and the safe use of fire as a land management tool by landowners. The project also liaises directly with relevant local fire services in areas where it operates.
All of the upland projects involve fire management education and awareness building activities directly with landowners through project agricultural advisors and direct inputs from local fire and rescue services and experts from my Department and Teagasc.
My Department activated its Fire Danger Rating System back in March of this year for the fire season ahead and to date four such Fire Danger Notices notices have been issued, ahead of risk weather phases.
I advise Forest owners and managers to check and update their fire plans and other relevant contingencies such as insurance, firebreaks, access and water points, and private helicopter contracts etc., so as to be prepared well in advance of high fire risk phases. Rural dwellers should also assess wildfire risks to their homes and properties and prepare accordingly. Guidance for this is available from the Office of Emergency Planning “Be Summer Ready” awareness campaign www.gov.ie/summerready.
There has been a very significant increase in the use of outdoor amenities and recreation sites by the public since the onset of COVID-19. This is a very welcome development, however forest visitors are reminded not to light fires or use barbeques, to behave responsibly, observe relevant local bye-laws, observe correct physical distancing practice and to park considerately so as not to impede access of emergency vehicles to incidents.
There is a very firm link in recent years between serious wildfire ignitions and illegal dumping and burning of domestic waste in many areas, and malicious burning at forest amenity sites and turf bogs open to the public.
My Department asks all countryside users to be vigilant, to report any suspicious activity to An Garda Siochana, and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999 service. We all have our part to play in protecting our countryside from uncontrolled fires.
Fire warnings can be accessed at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/642e6-forestry/ and www.teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/forest-fire-risk/.
Programme for Government
Ceisteanna (407)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:407. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of Programme for Government commitments to complete a land use review ahead of the drafting of a land use strategy and a national soil strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27162/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government: 'Our Shared Future' committed to a land use review to ensure that optimal land use options inform all relevant government decisions. This land use evidence review is also noted in the Climate Action Plan published in (Nov 2021).
The review balances environmental social and economic conditions and will involve a process of evaluation of the ecological characteristics of the land, consideration of emissions to air and water, carbon sequestration and climate adaption challenges.
The review is being overseen by a Steering Committee co-chaired by my Department and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC). The steering committee is made up of representatives from my Department, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage) as well as independent nominees.
The Land use review is being carried out in two distinct phases:
Phase One is an evidential review which is being led by the EPA and is being guided by a cross-governmental technical steering group. Phase one aims to provide an evidence base to determine an appropriate land use indicator set for Ireland, as well as determining the environmental, ecological, and economic characteristics of land types across Ireland.
The EPA is working with Government Departments and public sector colleagues to assess the available evidence in the following areas:
- The impact of current land use on the environment and society
- The indicators we can use to measure land use impacts on environment and society
- The environmental and societal trends that will impact on land use
- Ireland’s land use stakeholders
- The commitments and targets in existing policy that impact on land use decisions
- Land use practices that have proven beneficial to environment and society
In summary, Phase one of the national Land Use Evidence Review will gather the data and evidence to report on the environmental, ecological, and socio-economic characteristics and considerations for land use and land-based activities across Ireland, including how they interact with each other, with a view to informing the Policy Development ambitions for Phase two of the Evidence Review. Phase one of the evidence review activity commenced in June 2021 and is scheduled to complete in Quarter 3 of 2022.
Building on the evidence base on Phase one, Phase two will identify appropriate policies measures and actions in the context of the governments wider economic, social and climate objectives.
The Programme for Government: Our Shared Future (2020) also committed to publish a National Soils Strategy. My Department will be engaging with other Government Departments and key stakeholders in order to progress the development of a National Soil Strategy in the coming months.
EU Directives
Ceisteanna (408)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:408. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the implementation of the Unfair Trading Practices Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27217/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the Unfair Trading Practices Enforcement Authority was established in my Department in April of last year when I signed a Statutory Instrument introducing the UTP Regulations which transposed the EU UTP Directive directly into Irish law.
The Enforcement Authority has been assigned all the necessary legal powers including to investigate complaints from suppliers of agricultural and food products and to initiate legal proceedings for breaches of the unfair trading practices defined in the UTP Directive.
It is open to suppliers, including primary producers, to engage with the Enforcement Authority on any concerns they may have in relation to unfair trading practices. Information regarding the Enforcement Authority can be found on the Authority's website at www.utp.gov.ie. Suppliers can submit complaints in confidence online through the same website.
The Enforcement Authority has taken a proactive approach to enforcement that includes an ongoing awareness raising campaign, meetings with stakeholders throughout the supply chain, as well as targeted engagement with the largest buyers of agri-food products in the State to ensure compliance with the Directive. I was delighted to attend and speak at the recent Breakfast Seminar organised by the Enforcement Authority to mark the first anniversary of the signing of the UTP Regulations.
You might be aware that the Enforcement Authority carried out significant engagement with supplier businesses and primary producers as part of market research surveys to establish baseline awareness and knowledge of the protections available to suppliers under the UTP Regulations and to hear about any UTP-related issues that suppliers encounter in business dealings with their buyers.
While the survey found that only 14% of primary producers surveyed were aware that, as a supplier of agri-food product, they have legal protection against the 16 specific unfair trading practices, one in two of primary producers and business-to-business suppliers surveyed claim to have heard of the UTP Regulations and half of primary producers surveyed claim that they understand that the UTP Regulations protect against unfair trading practices.
The survey findings highlight the need to reinforce the message that protection is available for farmers along with other small business suppliers. The findings also provide a strong evidence base for the Enforcement Authority to more optimally target its resources in the areas of most concern from a supplier perspective.
In regard to future arrangements for the enforcement of UTPs, following Government approval of a General Scheme of the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill 2022 on 22nd March last, I am hopeful that the legal drafting will be finalised in the next few weeks and that the Bill can be presented for consideration by the Houses of the Oireachtas in the very near future. As the Deputy may be aware, this Bill will establish the Office for Fairness and Transparency in the Agri-Food Supply chain as a new independent, statutory body and will take over enforcement of the UTP Directive.
Aquaculture Industry
Ceisteanna (409)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:409. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a performance protocol or service-level agreement is in place between his Department and the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board setting out inter alia the maximum length of time that it should take for an appeal to be decided on; if so, if this protocol or agreement is available publicly; the method by which this is monitored for performance; the steps that have been taken to ensure compliance with the protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26999/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Aquaculture Appeals Board was set up under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997, as amended. The Act provides for the establishment of an independent Board for the determination of appeals against decisions of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on aquaculture licence applications. Section 56 of the Act sets out the timeframes for determination of appeals.
The Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997, section 62 (2) provides as follows: “Nothing in this section shall be construed as enabling the Minister to exercise any power or control in relation to a particular case which the Board or an officer to whom functions have been delegated under section 21 (1) is or may be concerned.”
The Department has in place an Oversight and Performance Delivery Agreement under the Code for Governance of State Bodies. This agreement does not involve any operational matters relating to the performance of the Board in line with the provisions of the Act that the Board is independent in the exercise of its functions.
Fishing Industry
Ceisteanna (410)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:410. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the atypical works permit scheme for non-EEA fishers (details supplied) will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27004/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A review of the Atypical Working Scheme for non-EEA fishers was carried out by the Department of Justice, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and my Department. As part of the review, stakeholders involved, or with an interest, in the Scheme, including relevant Government Departments and agencies, employer groups, solicitors representing applicants, the International Transport Workers Federation and others were invited to make submissions by 2 February 2022.
The Review Group recently concluded its work and its recommendations are under active consideration by the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, the Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Damien English and myself, with a view to bringing recommendations to Government in the near future.
In the meantime, the Oversight Committee, chaired by my Department, continues to oversee the Scheme whereby permits are issued to fishers by the Department of Justice.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (411)
Michael Ring
Ceist:411. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a request to approve a change of shareholders (details supplied); when it will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27013/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department received a request to approve a change of shareholders in respect of the licences referred to by the Deputy on 15 March 2022. This request was approved on 12 May 2022 and has been communicated to the solicitors acting on behalf of the relevant company.
Livestock Issues
Ceisteanna (412)
John Brady
Ceist:412. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 565 of 4 May 2022, the geographic areas in which the lack of drivers has resulted in no animal-collection service being available; the expected timeframe for the issue to be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27035/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The functioning of the animal collection service is a priority for my Department.
The Fallen Animal Scheme facilitates the collection and disposal of fallen animals in accordance with EU animal by-products legislation. The Department engages with the Animal Collectors Association (ACA.) on an on-going basis to ensure the collection of fallen animals is carried out in compliance with this legislation. My Department is aware of some issues regarding the collection of sheep in the south-east area and is in engaging with the ACA to resolve these issues.
The Department is also aware of some issues regarding the shortage of staff in knackeries and is engaged with the ACA and with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment to help resolve these issues.
Live Exports
Ceisteanna (413)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:413. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of licensed ships that are used for live exports from Ireland; the capacity of each ship; the companies that run each ship in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27106/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine inspects and approves vehicles and vessels involved in the transport of live animals, in compliance with relevant regulations. The table below provides detail of such vessels involved in the live export of animals.
Capacity data is indicated, where available. For dedicated vessels, capacity for a maximum number of animals is not recorded as a condition of approval, and is instead calculated based on space, species, and age of animals carried.
|
Approval Number |
RoRo Name |
Operator |
Approved Species |
Capacity |
Approval Date |
Expiry Date |
|
IE RORO 001/2018 |
Dublin Swift |
Irish Ferries |
Equine, Poultry, Dogs, Others (EXCLUDING Livestock) |
4 horseboxes, no limit on others |
27/04/2018 |
27/04/2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IE RORO 001/2019 |
WB Yeats |
Irish Ferries |
Livestock (all), Equine, Poultry, Dogs, Others |
unspecified number of horseboxes and non-livestock vehicles, 24 livestock vehicles |
|
14/02/2024 |
|
IE RORO 002/2019 |
Epsilon |
Irish Ferries |
Livestock (all), Equine, Poultry, Dogs, Others |
unspecified number of horseboxes and non-livestock vehicles, 13 livestock vehicles |
|
07/07/2024 |
|
IE RORO 003/2019 |
Stena Horizon |
Stena Line |
Livestock (all), Equine, Poultry, Dogs, Others |
unspecified number of horseboxes and non-livestock vehicles, 22 livestock vehicles |
22/10/2019 |
22/10/2024 |
|
IE RORO 004/2019 |
Stena Europe |
Stena Line |
Livestock (all), Equine, Poultry, Dogs, Others |
unspecified number of horseboxes and non-livestock vehicles, 5 livestock vehicles |
24/10/2019 |
24/10/2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IE RORO 001/2020 |
Stena Foreteller |
Stena Line |
Livestock (all), Equine, Poultry, Dogs, Others |
unspecified number of horseboxes and non-livestock vehicles, 22 livestock vehicles |
|
15/01/2025 |
|
IE RORO 002/2020 |
Stena Superfast |
Stena Line |
|
|
|
23/01/2025 |
|
IE RORO 003/2020 |
Stena Vinga |
Stena Line |
Livestock (all), Equine, Poultry, Dogs, Others |
unspecified number of horseboxes and non-livestock vehicles, 13 livestock vehicles |
31/08/2021 |
30/08/2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IE RORO 001/2021 |
Stena Estrid |
Stena Line |
Livestock (all), Equine, Poultry, Dogs, Others |
unspecified number of horseboxes and non-livestock vehicles, 5 livestock vehicles |
22/01/2021 |
15/01/2026 |
|
IE RORO 002/2021 |
Stena Adventurer |
Stena Line |
Livestock (all), Equine, Poultry, Dogs, Others |
unspecified number of horseboxes and non-livestock vehicles, 26 livestock vehicles |
09/02/2021 |
09/02/2026 |
|
IE RORO 003/2021 |
Mega Express Four |
Irish Ferries |
Equine, Poultry, Dogs, Others (EXCLUDING Livestock) |
unspecified |
08/03/2021 |
07/03/2026 |
|
IE RORO 004/2021 |
Blue Star 1 |
Irish Ferries |
Livestock (all), Equine, Poultry, Dogs, Others |
unspecified number of horseboxes and non-livestock vehicles, 14 livestock vehicles |
20/04/2021 |
20/04/2026 |
|
Approval Number |
Dedicated Vessel Name |
Operator |
Owner |
IE/EC Approval |
Flag |
Approved Species |
Approval Date |
Expiry Date |
|
IE LV 001/2020 |
Sarah M |
DMS Lines SA |
Jounieh Bay Shipping (care of: DMS Lines) |
IE/EC |
Panama |
Bovine, Ovine, Caprine |
30/04/2020 |
24/01/2024 |
|
IE LV 002/2020 |
Alondra |
Corral Line ApS |
Corgea Shipping (care of: Corral Line) |
IE/EC |
Panama |
Bovine |
30/04/2020 |
20/07/2022 |
|
IE LV 003/2020 |
Shorthorn Express |
Livestock Express BV |
Westerschelde Shipping (care of: Iver Ships) |
IE |
Luxembourg |
Bovine |
11/10/2020 |
11/10/2025 |
|
IE LV 001/2021 |
Finola M |
Vega Maritime Company SA |
Sun Light Shipping |
IE/EC |
Panama |
Bovine, Ovine |
09/03/2021 |
09/03/2023 |
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (414)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:414. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of frost reconstitution applications received by his Department to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27111/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine launched a Reconstitution of Woodland scheme to address frost damage earlier this year. The scheme was set up due to significant late spring frost events which took place during May 2019, May 2020, and May 2021.
The scheme was established to reconstitute newly planted forests significantly damaged by these frost events and replacing dead trees with plants of acceptable quality, provenances and species. It is also to provide for remedial pruning of damaged crops where damage is significant but not severe enough to warrant full replacement of stems.
The scheme is open to private forest owners who planted during the period between 1st November 2017 and 1st June 2021 and whose entire plantations sustained a minimum of 30% losses are eligible to apply under the Scheme.
My Department has received 142 applications in the Reconstitution of Woodland Scheme (Frost) to date and the closing date for applications has been extended to Friday 31th May. We have committed in our 2022 Licensing Plan to delivering most of the approvals for this scheme this year.
Full scheme details are available on gov.ie - Schemes and Payments (www.gov.ie).
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (415)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:415. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the projected number of afforestation applications that his Department expect to approve for the month of June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27112/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
During 2021, the Department issued 4,050 forestry licences, which is an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020, and met our revised target of 4,000 licences. It is our intention to build on this momentum in 2022.
The Forestry Licensing Plan was published in January 2022 and it sets out a range of forestry priorities for 2022. A higher priority is being given to afforestation licences for 2022 with a 107% increase in output up to 1,040. This equates to an average of 20 per week. It is inevitable, in the context of the annual target figures, that there will be fluctuations in licence output and across categories from week to week.
My Department has recently recruited a number of external ecologists who are focusing exclusively on afforestation with a view to increasing output further to meet the target for afforestation licences as set out in the Licensing Plan. These improved outputs are expected to come through in the coming weeks.
I remain fully committed to delivering a licensing system which will meets the needs of the sector and of society and to delivering on our targets for 2022. My Department will continue to issue progress updates weekly through our forestry dashboard available here gov.ie - 2022 Forestry Weekly Dashboard (www.gov.ie).
Agriculture Schemes
Ceisteanna (416)
Seán Canney
Ceist:416. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that applicants for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme have experienced difficulty (details supplied) in relation to same; his views on whether cases in which all other conditions of the scheme have been met should be treated in a common sense manner and be accepted and processed by his Department without need for recourse to the agri appeals office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27113/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP I) was extended for a rollover period of one year in 2021 and further extended again in November and December 2021 for a further one year in 2022. This is a one-year annual extension of those BDGP I participants who were in the 2021 BDGP I transitional scheme.
In November 2021, a letter issued to all BDGP I 2021 transitional scheme participants (including those farmers in a partnership) outlining how the rollover into 2022 would work.
The online facility on agfood.ie was the principal application system and the letters that issued to all BDGP participants (including those farming in partnerships) explained the online application process. The SMS function was a supplementary system. Both application methods were open to all BDGP participants including those farming in partnerships. SMS text messages issued to all those who had supplied their mobile telephone numbers including those who were in a partnership. A total of 12,432 applications were received through agfood.ie with a further 4,319 applications by SMS message.
Applications were accepted on agfood.ie from Thursday 18th November 2021 until 17.00 on Monday 20th December 2021. If an applicant did not apply online before Wednesday 8th December 2021, my Department issued three SMS text messages to all eligible farmers who had signed up to SMS text alerts from the Department. The SMS text messages were sent to the mobile phone number recorded on my Department's Corporate Client System corresponding to the herdnumber or partnership number concerned.
The first SMS issued on the 10th December 2021 the second message issued on the 14th December 2021 to those who had not yet applied and the last message issued on the 17th December 2021 to those who had still not applied.
If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, I will ask the Department to review it if he supplies to details.
Agriculture Industry
Ceisteanna (417)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:417. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to encourage compliance to meet emission reduction targets, while at the same time ensuring that the agri-food industry is not damaged given the prospect of world food shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27132/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the agriculture sector has been set a challenging and ambitious greenhouse gas reduction target under the Climate Action Plan 2021. The sector must reduce emissions by between 22-30%, to bring emissions from a baseline of 23MT CO2 eq into a range of 16 and 18MT CO2 eq by 2030. A more precise emissions reduction target within this range is likely to emerge over the short term as a sectoral emissions ceiling is set for the sector.
My position has been consistent on this matter, agriculture will indeed need to step up its climate ambitions, like all sectors, in order to ensure that the economy wide reduction of a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 is achieved.
However, agriculture is not unique in this regard as a climate change is a challenge for everyone in society. The sector must find ways to reduce emissions while not compromising our ability to produce feed and food.
The Climate Action plan sets out the sort of measures the sector will need to take in order to transition to a more long term sustainable platform with co-benefits for water, air quality and biodiversity, while at all times, maintaining productivity in the sector.
I recently established a Food Vision 2030 dairy group, and they are about to submit their initial report, which will identify ways to stabilize and reduce emissions from the dairy sector. A similar group for beef and sheep will soon be established.
The advisory network in Ireland will play a key role in driving change at farm level. I am confident that by taking appropriate action on every farm in the country, we can maintain our grass based livestock production system, and continue to export our world class food products all over the globe.
Agriculture Industry
Ceisteanna (418)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:418. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which investment in agri-food section continues, keeping in mind the necessity to make provision for a growing population and competing with demands worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27133/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The agri-food sector is Ireland’s most important indigenous exporting industry, playing a vital role in the economy. While the sector faces significant challenges such as COVID-19, Brexit, and trade uncertainty in general, environmental concerns, and future CAP and CFP reform; the sector also has many opportunities to develop further and prosper.
The 2022 Agriculture gross Vote of €1.891 billion provides the resources to deal with these current challenges and opportunities across the various sectors. The Agriculture Vote is sub-divided into four expenditure programmes corresponding to my Department's four key strategic objectives.
Programme A Food Safety, Animal and Plant Health and Animal Welfare
The total allocation for Programme A in 2022 is some €341 million.
Our food safety and traceability systems continue to be recognised as among the very best in the world. Programme A funds vital services to ensure those standards are maintained, including the Meat Inspection Service and the various supports provided by the Department testing laboratories.
Funding has been allocated to fulfil the Programme for Government commitment to a double the ex-gratia funding for animal welfare organisations within two years.
Programme B Farm/Sector Supports and Controls
A total of just over €939 million is available to Programme B in 2022, to be paid almost exclusively to farmers. This support is vital to farmers who deliver public goods and environmental benefits. As well as the inherent environmental benefits involved, this investment enhances our sustainability credentials, which are invaluable as we serve increasingly demanding and knowledgeable customers at home and around the world.
The provision allows key Rural Development Programme and Forestry supports to remain available through the transitional period between the two CAP programmes. This provides the budget to extend, or rollover, existing RDP schemes from 2021 including more than €100 million in targeted supports for the beef and sheep sectors and €214 million for GLAS & REAP.
These schemes are vital income supports for farmers and provide a measurable public good.
The funding in Programme B is in addition to some €1.2 billion funding from the EU in respect of the various Direct Payment Schemes.
Programme C Policy and Strategy
The total allocation for Programme C Policy and Strategy is almost €403 million. Many of the programme C allocations reflect the comprehensive approach to Brexit responsiveness. The allocation provides for ongoing access to the loan schemes through the Strategic Bank Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) for farmers, fishers and food and drink SMEs.
To support our food industry a provision of €7 million has been made through the Enterprise Ireland capital investment scheme, to support the meat and dairy sectors to invest in greater product and market diversification.
Over the last number of budgets increased funding has been provided to Bord Bia to strengthen its understanding of consumer priorities and preferences in Ireland and in distant markets and to communicate those insights to Irish food companies for use in product promotion, development, branding and marketing. The 2022 Bord Bia grant is €53 million.
Programme D: Seafood Sector
The provision for the Department’s 2022 Seafood Programme is €207.1 million. This funding provides for the continued promotion of the environmentally sustainable development of fisheries, aquaculture and wider seafood industry. This sector supports some 16,000 direct and indirect jobs in the coastal communities.
The provision will help fund vital investment in our fishery harbours, most particularly in Killybegs, Howth and Castletownbere.
In addition to the funding outlined my Department continues to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on a number of financial support measures to assist the agri-food sectors which have been impacted by Brexit and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Agriculture Industry
Ceisteanna (419)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:419. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department continues to consider international research in its efforts to control emissions and ensure adequate food supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27134/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the agriculture sector has been set a challenging and ambitious greenhouse gas reduction target under the Climate Action Plan 2021. The sector must reduce emissions by between 22-30%, to bring emissions from a baseline of 23MT CO2 eq into a range of 16 and 18MT CO2 eq by 2030. A more precise emissions reduction target within this range is likely to emerge over the short term as a sectoral emissions ceiling is set for the sector.
The Climate Action Plan sets out a range of measures the sector will need to adopt. These measures which will deliver a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions abatement of approximately 3.7-4.2MT were published in the Climate Action Plan. Clearly this still leaves a gap to target, which will need to bridged by new technologies underpinned by research and innovation.
Ireland continues to engage internationally on research and innovation. We maintain our role as co-chair of the livestock sub-group of the Global Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases. I recently committed Ireland to joining the global climate initiative, Agricultural Innovation Mission (AIM) for climate. This initiative requires global partners to increase research investment in climate smart agriculture. My Department and Teagasc also work very closely with New Zealand in the areas of methane and nitrous oxide. New Zealand shares similar challenges to us in terms of reducing GHG emissions from their pasture based livestock agri sector.
I have been consistent in my message that agriculture must contribute to the national efforts to reduce GHG emissions, while at the same time maintaining food production from our pasture based livestock production system. Research and innovation will play a key role in achieving this objective over the course of the decade.
Agriculture Industry
Ceisteanna (420)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:420. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which export markets for Irish lamb remain lucrative, notwithstanding international events such as war and transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27135/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Irish sheep farm families produce a world-class product that is in demand cross many global market.
According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) sheepmeat exports worth approximately €385 million, or 57,737 tonnes were exported in 2021, an increase of 8.3% in value on 2021. The overall market outlook for Irish and EU lamb prices for 2022/2023 remains reasonable, although Irish lamb prices are forecast to experience some decline from the record high levels received in 2021.
Nonetheless, for the week commencing 9th May, the year-to-date average price for sheep meat was €700.78c/kg which is a 3% increase on the same period in the previous year.
I am, however, acutely aware of the potential pressures being faced by many sectors across the agriculture industry due to the increase in input costs. Since the invasion of Ukraine, I have taken a proactive approach to dealing with the massive challenges arising for the agri-food and fisheries sector.
Farming is not alone in dealing with these challenges, but our sector is particularly exposed as a result of the invasion. I have taken a proactive approach, through the various measures I have announced since this crisis started, to support our farm families and their businesses and I will continue to do so.
Securing market access and diversifying trade remains a key aim for my Department. Developing market opportunities at home and abroad is one of the goals of Food Vision 2030. Irish sheep meat exports continue to thrive.
The top three markets in terms of value last year were all in the European Union (France, Germany and Sweden).
In terms of international markets, I was delighted to announce in April the agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on a veterinary health certificate for the export of Irish sheep meat to the US. I hope to see exporters take advantage of this significant opportunity as soon as possible.
Agriculture Industry
Ceisteanna (421)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:421. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to support the pigmeat industry, with a view to ensuring its growth and development particularly given the possibility of worldwide food shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27136/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The continued development of the pigmeat sector is a priority for the Government, given the pivotal role the industry plays in the national economic context. The sector supports approximately 8,000 jobs spanning production, slaughter, processing, feed manufacture and services. I am acutely aware of the challenges pig farmers are facing at present. I also acknowledge the role of Minister of State Martin Heydon in his role as chair of the Pig Roundtable.
In March, I announced the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme (PEPS), with a fund of up to €7 million, for commercial pig farmers. Farmers were able to receive a payment of up to €20,000 per farmer. Over 80% of applications have since been processed for payment. The remaining applications are currently being processed.
On 13th April, I announced the Government's approval for exceptional aid supports of €15.8 million for the pig and horticulture sector, which will be funded from Ireland's envelope of EU exceptional adjustment aid under Commission delegated regulation 2022/467. The approval was for €13 million for the pig sector and €2.8 million for the horticulture sector.
Countries are required to notify the Commission of the measures to be taken before 30th June, and to pay the supports by 30th September 2022. My officials are developing the scheme at present in order to deliver a rapid as possible payment to farm families.
The financial schemes detailed above are part of a wider package of measures to support the pigmeat sector, including intensified efforts by Bord Bia to promote quality assured Irish pigmeat in the domestic and export markets, with dedicated media advertising campaigns underway nationally, as well as EU-funded pigmeat promotion programmes running in key export markets.
Teagasc has also intensified its dedicated, ongoing advisory supports being provided to pig farmers and is actively engaging with pig farmers to explore the options available to them.
This is period of considerable challenge for the agri-food sector as a whole. My Department continues to engage at EU level to ensure a joined-up EU approach to the challenges arising from Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. The Department also continues to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agri-food sector.
Agriculture Industry
Ceisteanna (422)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:422. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the future of the beef industry with particular reference to the emergence of production costs and the likely impact on future development of the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27137/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Our beef and suckler farm families produce a work-class product that is in demand in markets across the globe.
To date in 2022, beef prices remain at a seven year high with R3 Steer prices at 497c/kg as of 2nd May and an increase in slaughter of 12.4% in the year to date compared to 2021.
Teagasc forecasts that EU beef supply will decline in 2022 and that UK supply will remain unchanged. The outlook for Irish beef exports remains generally positive for 2022 according to Bord Bia.
I am, however, acutely aware of the potential pressures being faced by many sectors across the agriculture industry due to the increase in input costs.
I have taken a proactive approach in responding to the impact of illegal war in Ukraine on the agri-food sector, through the various measures I have announced since this crisis started, to support our farm families and their businesses and I will continue to do so.
Fuel Prices
Ceisteanna (423, 429)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:423. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department continues to strive to ensure a dramatic reduction in the price of marked gas oil which is essential for the agri-food sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27138/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:429. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor the exorbitant rise in price of marked gas oil and its ability to seriously damage output in the agri-food sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27144/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 423 and 429 together.
In the context of the Ukrainian crisis, significant implications are being seen across all sectors, including the agri-food sector. At farm level, the crisis is already impacting very significantly on the price of fertiliser, animal feed and fuel.
Within my Department, I have established a Rapid Response Team to actively monitor the impacts on agri-food supply chains and to contribute to the whole of Government response.
I also established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee headed by Teagasc and tasked it to prepare an industry response and to develop contingency plans & advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.
I have announced a number of measures over the past three months to assist the agriculture sector and am currently considering what additional measures will be necessary.
Fuel has seen a very significant price rises in recent months. While primary responsibility for the taxation of fuel is with the Minister for Finance, I continue to work closely with him to ensure that the tax code reflects the Government’s priorities for the agri-food sector. Ireland’s taxation of fuel is governed by European Union law as set out in the Energy Tax Directive and the Finance Act 1999 provides for the application of excise duty, in the form of Mineral Oil Tax.
As the Deputy may be aware, gas oil that qualifies for a reduced rate of Mineral Oil Tax is marked green and is usually referred to as Marked Gas Oil (MGO), green diesel or agricultural diesel.
Mineral Oil Tax is comprised of a non-carbon component and a carbon component. The carbon component is commonly referred to as carbon tax and the non-carbon component is often referred to as “excise”. In March this year the Minister for Finance reduced the excise rate on agricultural diesel by 2 cents per litre and then again by an additional 3 cent from 1st May. This total reduction of 5 cent reduces the non-carbon component, or excise, to nil.
The current rate of Mineral Oil Tax on agricultural diesel is €111.14 per 1000 litres. This compares very favourably to the current rate applied to auto diesel which is €405.38 per 1000 litres.
It should be noted that those who incur expenses in relation to farm diesel in the course of farming or the trade of agricultural contracting may claim an income tax or corporation tax deduction for these expenses, including any carbon tax charged in respect of the diesel.
I also note that Section 664A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides further relief on expenditure incurred by farmers in respect of an increase in the carbon tax on farm diesel. As well as an income tax or corporation tax deduction for farm diesel, a further deduction for farm diesel which is equal to the difference between the carbon tax charged and the carbon tax that would have been charged had it been calculated at the rate of €41.30 per 1,000 litres of farm diesel (the 2012 baseline), is allowed.
I continue to engage with all our stakeholders and continue to work across Government, and with our European partners, to respond to this crisis, using all of the tools at our disposal. I am taking a very proactive approach to the crisis in Ukraine. We must protect our agri-food sector through this period of significant upheaval.
Agriculture Industry
Ceisteanna (424)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:424. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the future of the dairy industry, with particular reference to the need to reduce carbon emissions while at the same time ensuring the development of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27139/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish dairy industry is one of our largest and most profitable industries. Irish dairy exports exceeded the €5 billion mark for the third year in 2021. Strong market returns across the core categories of butter, cheese, and powders, coupled with diversification efforts into new markets have led to a sustained increase in value.
Last year, we exported over 1.6 million tonnes of dairy products to approximately 147 different countries. Ireland is currently the 10th largest dairy exporter in the world, shipping over 85% of our dairy products to the EU and beyond.
The outlook for Irish dairy remains positive as buyers seek to secure product amid weaker European and Oceania milk output, a factor which has assisted in sustaining high dairy prices.
I am, however, acutely aware of the potential pressures being faced by many sectors across the agriculture industry due to the increase in input costs, exacerbated by the impact of the illegal war in Ukraine. My Department will continue to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agri-food sector.
In relation to the other key challenge faced, the dairy sector accounts for approximately 40% of total greenhouse gas emissions within agriculture sector, so it is clear that emissions from the sector will need to be stabilised and then reduced in order to bring the agriculture sector into its target reduction range of a 22%-30% reduction.
The Food Vision Dairy Group, which I established, is tasked with advancing the actions for the dairy sector identified in Food Vision 2030, the ten-year stakeholder-led strategy for the Irish agri-food sector; and I expect to receive an interim report from the Group this week.
I am confident that working together we can stabilise and then reduce emissions from the dairy sector, positioning Ireland as a world leader in sustainable food systems, meeting our climate targets, and ensuring that the market delivers a reward for our quality, sustainably produced food, particularly for our farmers, and their families who are the bedrock of the sector.
Agriculture Industry
Ceisteanna (425)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:425. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the poultry section here including exports continues to be viable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27140/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Poultrymeat, which is a food high in protein, has seen an increase in demand in recent years.
Poultry throughput for 2021 was slightly down on 2020 (-1.1%) with a total of 110.4 million birds processed. The current average price of 222.18 cents/kg is the highest level seen in recent years.
CSO figures show that while the volume of exports fell by 29.3% to 94,295 tonnes in 2021, the value of Irish poultry exports for 2021 fell by 7.2% to just under €237m. The UK (€181m) accounted for 76.5% of exports. France (€8.4m), Germany (€6.5m), Netherlands (€14.8m) and Ghana (€5m) also featured prominently as export destinations.
As of March 2022 Y-T-D the value of poultrymeat exports was 70% higher than the same period of 2021, at €79.6 million.
As in other meat sectors, global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish poultry sector over the medium to longer term.
I am acutely aware of the pressures being faced by many in the agri-food sector due to the increase in input costs, exacerbated by the impact of the illegal war in Ukraine. My Department continues to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agri-food sector.