Written Answers Nos. 811-830
811. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that are in place to protect the health of veterinary professionals from imported zoonotic diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27611/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra813. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans to commence a public awareness campaign on the danger of the spread of exotic diseases and their risk to both animal and human health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27613/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra814. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the precautions that are currently in place to prevent and limit the spread of exotic diseases amongst pets and exotic animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27614/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra815. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans to put additional preventative measures in place to limit and prevent the spread of exotic diseases amongst pets and exotic animals given that they pose a threat to the health and welfare of both animals and pets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27615/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 811, 813, 814 and 815 together.
There are a number of protections in place to prevent the introduction and spread of exotic and zoonotic diseases in Ireland.
All animals and products of animal origin are subject to EU sanitary requirements. These requirements are in place to reduce the risk of importation and spread disease. The requirements for animals generally to enter Ireland are outlined in the EU Animal Health Law, Regulation (EU) 429/2016. The requirements for a pet to enter Ireland are outlined in Regulation (EU) 576/2013. Any animal which does not meet the health requirements set out in these regulation are quarantined or returned to the country of origin.
Any animal or product of animal origin entering Ireland from outside the EU undergoes checks at the Border Control Post (BCP) upon entry. Their health status and health documentation are checked. All pets entering from third countries are checked, whilst pets entering from the EU undergo spot checks
Recognising the exceptional circumstance created by the invasion of Ukraine, temporary arrangements have been put in place to allow people travelling from Ukraine to Ireland to be accompanied by their pets, even if the pets are not in full compliance with EU Travel Regulations. In accordance with Article 32 of Regulation (EU) 576/2013 and, by way of derogation from the conditions provided for non-commercial movements of pet animals, Member States may, in exceptional situations, authorise the non-commercial movement into their territory of pet animals which do not comply with the conditions in Regulation (EU) 756/2013.
Temporary exceptional humanitarian arrangements have therefore been put in place for refugees from Ukraine. They are allowed to enter Ireland with their accompanying pets under specific conditions. This includes pre-notification by email the point of entry they will be arriving to in advance and animals must be presented to Department staff at the point of entry for examination.
Where these pets are not fully compliant with EU regulations, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine veterinary services are taking steps to bring these animals into compliance with the legislative travel requirements, to protect our domestic population and protect public health. These measures include, as determined to be necessary in each case, microchipping animals, providing tapeworm treatment and rabies vaccination. All non-compliant pets must then be home isolated for a minimum of four months after vaccination, and undergo a blood test, paid for by the Department. Instructions are given to owners in both English and Ukrainian. These exceptional response measures are being kept under review and arrangements for official isolation are available when deemed necessary.
It is important to note that these exceptional measures only apply to accompanied pets from Ukraine.
All other movements of animals (including unaccompanied pet animals, commercial, unknown origin, stray animals, animals from shelters) that do not meet regular requirements for entry, cannot be accepted into Ireland without full compliance with legislatively prescribed health certification.
My Department has a Division, the National Disease Control Centre, which monitors, undertakes preparatory work for any required response in respect of exotic diseases in Ireland. Awareness posters are present at arrival points to the EU in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 2019/2122. Information is provided to importers of animals as to requirements and risks
The Animal Health and Welfare Act (2013) outlines measures which my Department can take in the event of a disease outbreak.
Zoonoses - diseases that pass between animals and humans - have always been and continue to be of relevance and concern in the public health area, especially for those that interface directly with animals and animal products. Such risks are mitigated against through awareness, information campaigns and general hygienic practices. Where specific additional specific risks may be expected, vaccination may be considered in certain situation. Public Health advise is a matter for the Department of Health and the HSE, with whom my Department works closely as part of One Health.
The European Communities (Birds & Natural Habitats) Regulation 2011 restricts the importation, distribution, sale or release of approximately 70 species of plants and animals considered to be harmful invasive alien species of national concern. It is an offence to breed, reproduce or release an animal listed as an invasive alien species.
Animals covered by the EU Habitats Directive, such as otters and bats, are afforded strict protection and may not be sold in pet shop.
812. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has considered discontinuing the practice of supplying worming treatment upon arrival into Ireland and instead implement a protocol whereby pets and animals would be subject to consistent administration of veterinary care and treatment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27612/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDogs may enter Ireland either as a pet movement or a commercial movement. The requirements for a pet dog to enter Ireland are outlined in Regulation (EU) 576/2013. The requirements for a dog to enter Ireland as a commercial movement are outlined in Regulation (EU) 429/2016. All dogs entering Ireland from any country apart from Finland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland, must be treated against tapeworm (specifically Echinococcus multilocularis) by a vet and the treatment recorded in the pet passport or EU health certificate before entry into Ireland. The treatment must contain praziquantel (or equivalent) and must be administered by a veterinarian no less than 24 hours (1 day) and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before the scheduled arrival time of the dog. This is because the states/territories with special arrangements listed above, along with Ireland, are free of Echinococcus. Removing this requirement for treatment before entry would potentially leave Ireland vulnerable to the introduction of Echinococcus. Additionally it would be impossible to monitor and enforce treatment after entry for every pet dog that enters Ireland from every country.
Recognising the exceptional circumstance created by the invasion of Ukraine, temporary arrangements have been put in place to allow people travelling from Ukraine to Ireland to be accompanied by their pets, even if the pets are not in full compliance with EU Travel Regulations. In accordance with Article 32 of Regulation (EU) 576/2013 and, by way of derogation from the conditions provided for non-commercial movements of pet animals, Member States may, in exceptional situations, authorise the non-commercial movement into their territory of pet animals which do not comply with the conditions in Regulation (EU) 756/2013.
Temporary exceptional humanitarian arrangements have therefore been put in place for refugees from Ukraine. They are allowed to enter Ireland with their pets under specific conditions. In the first instance, they must pre-notify by email the point of entry they will be arriving to in advance and animals must be presented to Department staff at the point of entry for examination.
Where pets are not fully compliant with EU regulations, my Department’s veterinary services are taking steps to bring these animals into compliance with the legislative travel requirements, to protect our domestic population and protect public health. These measures include microchipping animals, providing tapeworm treatment and rabies vaccination for pets, as required. All non-compliant pets must then be placed in home isolation for a minimum of four months after vaccination. My Department is keeping this exceptional response measure under review.
These exceptional measures only apply to accompanied pets from Ukraine. All other movements of animals (unaccompanied, commercial, unknown origin, stray animals, animals from shelters) that do not meet regular requirements for entry, cannot be accepted into Ireland without full compliance with legislatively prescribed health certification.
The requirement for dogs to receive treatment against tapeworm plays an important role in maintaining Ireland’s Echinococcus multilocularis free status.
Question No. 815 answered with Question No. 811.
816. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will reconsider the current protocol for animals entering the country and replace it with one that meets an international standard whereby animals travelling from endemic countries or zones are subject to robust quarantine measures and active disease prevention before travelling and entering into a country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27616/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I would clarify that the only easement for imports of animals this year is based on an EU decision to allow people travelling from Ukraine to the EU to be accompanied by their pets, even where the pets are not in full compliance with EU Travel Regulations. This temporary measure is in recognition of the exceptional circumstance created by the invasion of Ukraine.
Accordingly, refugees from the Ukraine are allowed to enter Ireland with their pets, but under specific conditions. Where pets are not fully compliant with EU regulations, the veterinary services in my Department are taking steps to bring these animals into compliance with the legislative travel requirements, to protect our domestic population and protect public health. This response measure is kept under review and is guided by risk assessment.
My Department implements a range of risk mitigation measures to prevent an incursion of any disease threat in Ireland.
817. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff employed in his Department by gender and by civil service salary scale in tabular form.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27590/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the goals outlined in my Department's current Statement of Strategy is to continue to develop a highly skilled, diverse and gender-balanced workforce. My Department is committed to supporting a positive working environment for all staff, one that provides equality of opportunity and supports work-life balance.
My Department has had an active gender balance initiative in place since 2011, which has conducted a number of reviews and developed an action plan to address the issue through its HR Strategy and in consultation with staff. In addition, gender balance is a key commitment of the Civil Service Renewal Plan and my Department has been active in progressing initiatives in this area as part of a whole of Government approach.
The table below shows the number of women and men currently employed by my Department as on 23/05/22. (Please note the data provided does not include temporary staff, staff seconded out or staff on a long term leave of absence.):
|
Civil Service Grades |
Female |
Male |
Not Recorded |
Total |
|
Administrative Officer |
22 |
24 |
|
46 |
|
Advisory Counsel Grade 2 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
Advisory Counsel Grade 3 |
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
|
Agricultural Inspector |
32 |
68 |
|
100 |
|
Area Superintendent |
1 |
14 |
|
15 |
|
Assistant Chief Engineer |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
3 |
5 |
|
8 |
|
Asst Agricultural Inspector |
85 |
107 |
|
192 |
|
Asst Harbour Master |
|
2 |
|
2 |
|
Asst Principal |
89 |
88 |
|
177 |
|
Chemist |
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
Chief Analyst |
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
|
Chief Inspector |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
Chief Veterinary Officer |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
Cleaner |
3 |
1 |
|
4 |
|
Clerical Officer |
626 |
220 |
1 |
847 |
|
Craft Worker |
|
9 |
|
9 |
|
Deputy Chief Analyst |
2 |
1 |
|
3 |
|
Deputy Chief Veterinary Off |
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
Director Of Laboratories |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
District Superintendent |
8 |
78 |
|
86 |
|
Engineer Grade 1 Civil |
|
7 |
|
7 |
|
Engineer Grade 2 Civil |
2 |
4 |
|
6 |
|
Engineer Grade 3 Civil |
4 |
6 |
|
10 |
|
Engineer Technician Grade 2 Civil |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
Executive Officer |
383 |
214 |
2 |
599 |
|
First Asst Solicitor Agric |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
Forestry Ecologist |
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
Forestry Inspector Grade 1 |
1 |
14 |
|
15 |
|
Forestry Inspector Grade 2 |
|
9 |
|
9 |
|
Forestry Inspector Grade 3 |
3 |
31 |
|
34 |
|
General Operative |
2 |
57 |
|
59 |
|
Harbour Constable |
|
2 |
|
2 |
|
Harbour Master |
1 |
4 |
|
5 |
|
Head Lab Attendant Specialist |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
Head Of Agricultural Laboratories |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
186 |
150 |
1 |
337 |
|
Higher Seed Analyst |
2 |
2 |
|
4 |
|
Industrial Foreman |
|
7 |
|
7 |
|
Lab Attendant Specialist |
1 |
12 |
|
13 |
|
Laboratory Analyst |
90 |
33 |
|
123 |
|
Laboratory Attendant |
4 |
8 |
|
12 |
|
Librarian |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
Ministers' Staff |
|
6 |
|
6 |
|
Principal |
22 |
26 |
|
48 |
|
Professional Accountant |
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
|
Quality Manager |
3 |
1 |
|
4 |
|
Research Officer |
14 |
7 |
|
21 |
|
Secretary General |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
Seed Analyst |
3 |
2 |
|
5 |
|
Senior Inspector |
2 |
14 |
|
16 |
|
Senior Laboratory Analyst |
29 |
12 |
|
41 |
|
Senior Research Officer |
7 |
9 |
|
16 |
|
Senior Seed Analyst |
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
|
Senior Serological Assistant |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
Senior Superintend Vet Insp |
5 |
4 |
|
9 |
|
Serological Assistant |
15 |
7 |
|
22 |
|
Services Staff |
3 |
31 |
|
34 |
|
State Solicitor |
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
|
Statistician |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
Superintending Senior Research Officer |
2 |
3 |
|
5 |
|
Superintending Vet Inspector |
18 |
28 |
|
46 |
|
Supervising Serological Assistant |
2 |
1 |
|
3 |
|
Supervisory Agric Off |
11 |
153 |
|
164 |
|
Technical Agricultural Off |
52 |
359 |
|
411 |
|
Veterinary Inspector |
125 |
139 |
3 |
267 |
|
Grand Total |
1,871 |
2,001 |
7 |
3,879 |
818. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to provide additional supports to farmers in respect of increased input costs, including in fuel, feed, fertiliser and energy. [27649/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the context of the Ukrainian crisis, significant implications are being seen across all sectors, including the agri-food sector. Supporting farm families at this time is the number one priority for me and the Department.
Within my Department, I established a Rapid Response Team to actively monitor the impacts on agri-food supply chains and to contribute to the whole of Government response to this crisis. I also established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee headed by Teagasc and tasked it to prepare an industry response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.
At present, there appeats to be sufficient supplies of fertiliser and animal feed although price remains a serious concern. The Government has introduced a temporary reduction in excise duty on fuels (including a reduction of the excise on agricultural diesel to nil); assistance on the price of electricity & gas; and a targeted and temporary grant scheme for hauliers, all of which will be of some assistance to farmers and the agri-food sector.
I have announced a number of measures worth €35 million over the past three months to assist the agriculture sector including:
- €20 million in two packages for the pig sector,
- €12 million for the tillage sector
- €3 million for the horticulture sector
These targeted measures will help Irish farmers at a time of escalating costs and build resilience against the expected impact of the situation in Ukraine.
Earlier this month, I brought a Memo for Information to Government on measures aimed to assist cattle and sheep farmers to produce fodder (silage and/or hay) during 2022 to prevent a Fodder crisis during the coming winter. My Department is continuing to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the detail of the scheme.
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 farm families and their businesses through this period of significant upheaval.
819. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of his proposals that are to increase participation in organic farming. [27650/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am excited and enthused by our ambitions to continue to grow the organic sector in Ireland.
The Organic farming scheme which closed for applications in April resulted in the submission of 380 new applicants to the Organic Farming scheme which is almost a 20% increase in application numbers in comparison to 2021. Altogether this means just under 700 new farmers joined the Organic Farming Scheme in the last 12 months.
The scheme will reopen in October 2022 and I am introducing a suite of initiatives and actions over the coming months to maximise further participation in the scheme
The target included in the current Programme for Government is to align the utilisable agricultural area under organic production in Ireland with the EU average of 7.5%. I have secured a budget allocation of €21 million for the Organic Farming Scheme in 2022, an increase of €5 million from the previous year. This allocation supports the 1,734 existing contracts in the Organic Farming Scheme and the eligible applications received earlier this year.
The organic sector in Ireland is experiencing considerable growth at present with the area of land under organic production now at approximately 110,000 hectares taking into account applications received in the most recent reopening of the scheme.
I have introduced changes to the scheme this year by reducing the required stocking rate and also by increasing the area paid at the higher rate from 60 hectares to 70 hectares, measures which I believe will encourage new entrants to organic farming. These have already had a positive effect.
In 2021, an additional 12,000 hectares were farmed organically and it is expected that this will increase by a further 17,000 ha taking into consideration those that applied to join the scheme this year. These 29,000 new hectares mean a 35% increase in land farmed organically in the last two years.
I am committed to continuing the implementation of the National Organic Strategy 2019-2025 which sets out ambitious growth targets for the sector by aligning it closely with the market opportunities.
For the years 2023 – 2027, I have proposed the allocation of €256 million under the new CAP Strategic Plan to continue the development and growth of the organic sector.
I have also provided funding to the Agricultural Consultants Association to increase advisory support in the sector. Teagasc are also committed to continuing their support of Organic Farming through their Advisory Service which will ensure farmers have access to professional advice to aid in the important decision making process.
A number of Organic Farm Demonstration events, which are organised by Teagasc and funded by my Department are taking place in 2022. These events promote best practice in organic farming and allow farmers to make an informed decision on the future direction of their farming enterprise.
I have also established a new Organic Strategy forum which has met twice so far in 2022 and the theme of the most recent meeting was “Driving participation in Organic Farming”. Following this meeting, a road map of activities in advance of the scheme reopening in late 2022 is currently being developed to promote the pathways to organic farming.
The Department is also undertaking a trade mission to Germany in July 2022 to coincide with Biofach, the largest organic trade fair in Europe.
I believe the measures we have taken and our planned events will all contribute to an increase in organic farming participation and I look forward to working with all stakeholders as the sector develops, in the coming years.
820. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to support the group of farmers known as the forgotten farmers; and the timeframe for the delivery of same. [27651/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government ‘Our Shared Future’ contains a commitment to seek to resolve the issue of support for the category of farmers known as Forgotten Farmers.
I am examining options to address the issue of forgotten farmers both through the next CAP and also through other measures to support this group.
I am committed to helping this cohort of farmers and I will bring forward proposals as soon as possible. Many of these farmers find themselves in this situation through no fault of their own and we will work with them to address this issue.
821. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average number of afforestation licences that are targeted for issuance per week in 2022; and the average issued per week to date. [27653/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI will refer the Deputy to his Dáil question number 167 of 26th May that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued 4,050 forestry licences last year, which was an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020. Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, the priority this year is to increase the number of licences issued to 5,250 and in particular to focus on increasing the number of afforestation licences.
In this regard we intend to double the number of afforestation licences to 1,040. This means issuing on average around 20 afforestation licences per week is the target. Up to 20th May, 299 afforestation licences have been issued, which I acknowledge is below the projected average and is around 12 per week. It is, however, we have recently recruited additional ecology resources and these 36 full-time equivalents will begin to positively impact output.
In the interest of full transparency details of all licences issued by category are available on the weekly dashboard. This is published on the Departmental website and is made available to all interested parties as well as being submitted to the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine each week.
823. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has formally responded to the communication from the European Commission in respect of the CAP strategic plan; if he intends to re-engage farm stakeholders with regard to a revised CAP Strategic Plan; and if he intends to bring a revised CAP Strategic Plan before the Houses of the Oireachtas for debate and approval. [27655/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI received a letter from Commissioner Wojciechowski on 1st April regarding the European Commission's observations letter in relation to Ireland's draft CAP Strategic Plan for the period 2023-2027.
The letter, and my reply, is published on my Department's website. The observations letter itself in respect of the draft Plan was received by my Department from the Director General of the Commission's Directorate for Agriculture and Rural Development on 31st March. This letter, and my Department's initial response to the observations, are also available on the Department's website, at www.gov.ie/cap.
Engagement with farm stakeholders on the CSP has never stopped. The CAP Stakeholder Consultative Committee has met on thirty occasions since its establishment in May 2019. Most recently, the Committee met on 29th April to exchange views on the Commission's observations letter, and a further meeting is planned for this Thursday, 2nd June.
Public consultations inviting written responses were held on the following topics:
- the drafting of the SWOT analysis in autumn 2019,
- the Scoping Report for the Environmental Assessment in spring 2021,
- the proposed interventions in August/September 2021, and
- the draft Plan and Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, which concluded on 8th December 2021.
My Ministerial colleagues and I also consulted directly with a wide range of stakeholders and all the farm bodies, including through a series of in-person meetings in autumn 2021. I held meetings in every county in the country through the mart network after the lifting of COVID restrictions in late 2021. What is a priority in one county, may not be a priority in another county. That is why I wanted to visit farmers in each and every county. The next CAP is a crucially important one for all farm families and I wanted to ensure that they had the opportunity to put questions to me, and have their say.
The Oireachtas has received regular updates on the CAP negotiations, and on the development of the CAP Strategic Plan, at official and Ministerial level. This will continue as the Plan is finalised over the coming period.
I brought the draft CSP for Government approval in December, before it was submitted to the European Commission. I will bring the final CSP and Environmental Statement to Government again at the appropriate time.
824. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of Ireland's application for PGI status for Irish grass-fed beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27695/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 8th December 2021, following the National Opposition Procedure and scrutiny by the European Commission, the application for a PGI for Irish Grass Fed Beef was published the in the Official Journal of the European Union for a three month ‘opposition procedure’ which was open both to EU Member States and third countries. The opposition period concluded on 8th March 2022.
The EU Commission advised my Department that the UK made a submission to the EU during the opposition period.
My Department and Bord Bia are currently engaging with their counterparts in Northern Ireland to discuss the submission made by the UK and taking into account the PGI regulatory requirements. The European Commission will be notified of the outcome of those consultations and at that stage we will be advised by the Commission on the next steps.
I am excited about delivering a PGI status for Irish Grass Fed Beef. It will help drive market returns for beef and suckler farmers across the island rewarding our world-class farmers for their committment to excellence.
825. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects to receive and publish the wool feasibility study; the measures that he will adopt to develop an indigenous wool sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27696/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the commitments of the current Programme for Government is to conduct a review of the potential demand for wool-based products such as for insulation and fertilisers in domestic and international markets.
In March 2021, I initiated a public consultation to identify terms of reference for this review.
The agreed terms of reference were:
- identification of market opportunities domestically and internationally for wool-based products;
- carrying out economic feasibility and cost benefit analysis on proposed market opportunities;
- determining mechanisms that could be used to support industry initiatives;
- identification of potential research projects applicable to supporting the identified market opportunities.
Respondents were also asked to make recommendations on potential domestic and international market opportunities for wool products. Forty-five stakeholder submissions were received.
The Request for Tenders seeking service providers to carry out this study was published on 8th July 2021 through a competitive public procurement procedure and five tenders were received. In November 2021, I appointed 'The Agile Executive,' a consortium of experts from Munster Technological University and Donegal Yarns, to conduct this study.
The expert group was contracted to conduct the review in accordance with the terms of reference and to examine submissions received during the public consultation. The expert group's report has now been received by my Department and is being finalised for publication in the coming weeks.
Given that wool is a natural substance that is sustainable, organic and renewable and can be used in a variety of products such as textiles, fertiliser, and insulation, it makes great sense to investigate its potential. I am hopeful that this review the report's recommendations will aid the development of a strong policy framework for the Irish wool industry.
826. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 283 and 284 of 17 May 2022, his views that it would be better practice to have coursing specifically detailed in the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 rather than regulation by the organisation (details supplied). [27714/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs detailed in replies to the parliamentary questions referred to, coursing is regulated under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958.
The Irish Coursing Club (ICC) has confirmed that it has systems in place to underpin the welfare of the animals involved in coursing events. These include mandatory inspections of hares and coursing venues in advance of each meeting. The ICC also ensures that a veterinary practitioner and a control steward are present at each coursing meeting.
Under the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has responsibility for the issuing of an annual licence to the ICC and its affiliated clubs to capture live hares. Licence conditions include the requirement to have veterinary supervision at every coursing meeting and a number of requirements attaching to the welfare of hares.
In addition, a monitoring committee on coursing is in place, comprising officials from my Department, the ICC and the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS).
Greyhounds involved in coursing are subject to the provisions of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 and the Code of Practice for the care and welfare of greyhounds, published by Rásaíocht Con Éireann.
I am confident that the current regulatory system is effective in ensuring high standards of animal welfare are upheld during coursing meetings. I have no plans to alter the current arrangement.
827. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); if he will extend the Brexit temporary fleet tie-up scheme 2022 to include the month of December; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27745/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra833. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider including December in the Brexit tie-up scheme similar to that which took place in 2021 to assist fishermen in an increasingly difficult environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28012/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 827 and 833 together.
On 11 May, I announced a Brexit Voluntary Temporary Fishing Vessel Tie-up Scheme for the polyvalent and beam trawl fleets for 2022. The development of the scheme was based on a recommendation of the 'Report of the Seafood Task Force – ‘Navigating Change’ (October 2021). The 2022 scheme represents an extension of the 2021 tie-up which ran from October to December 2021 and which I launched rapidly following the publication of the Task Force report, in order to respond to the situation facing fishers.
The purpose of the scheme is to enable a reduction in quota uptake in 2022 so as to improve quota availability for the fleet overall throughout the remainder of the year. In light of the further quota cuts taking effect in 2022, I have modified the scheme compared to 2021, so that vessel owners can, if they wish, choose to tie-up for up to two calendar months. This enhanced tie-up opportunity will free up additional quota for those vessels continuing to fish, supporting viability in the wider fleet in these challenging times. Payment rates will be the same as for the 2021 scheme. Vessel owners participating in the 2022 scheme will again be required to distribute one third of that payment to crew.
The scheme is initially expected to operate over the period June to October, but I will be asking the European Commission to amend the approval of the scheme to encompass November so as to provide for an additional August/November tie-up option.
The scheme and its timing have been developed in order to mitigate for quota reductions while also ensuring the protection and continuity of the seafood supply chain. To this end, the majority of vessels choosing to tie-up for two months must maintain a two month gap between tie-up months, currently allowing for an individual vessel to tie-up for June and September or July and October. As December is typically a shorter month for fishing its inclusion would negate some of the effectiveness of this scheme in achieving its objectives. I consider that the proposed structure of the amended scheme, covering the period June to November will have the greatest capacity to balance quota uptake throughout the year.
The scheme has also been developed in the context of the full suite of Task Force recommendations, such as a voluntary decommissioning scheme which is presently with the European Commission for its consideration of the scheme in terms of State Aid rules.
828. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department owns the commonage (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27794/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have consulted with the officials in my Department's Records Branch who have examined the relevant estate files.
I am advised that my Department does not own the lands in question.
829. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 874 of 10 May 2022, the way that he will be reinvesting the €9 million that was saved by his Department back in to fishing communities in the State. [27810/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have previously advised the Deputy of almost €32 million in funding to local authorities for projects concerning public marine infrastructure over 2022 and 2023. A further call for projects is planned for later in the year to allocate remaining funding identified for the scheme. Of particular note in this context is that the Brexit Adjustment Reserve does not cover VAT and so that is an element the Exchequer may need support for these projects. It is not possible to cost this accurately at this time. I must stress that the scale of this investment is unprecedented and it is important that focus is on the delivery of the projects to maximise the opportunity in the short window we have for the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.
The Deputy will also have seen other recent announcements concerning projects in the six State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres at Killybegs, Ros an Mhíl, An Daingean, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth through the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. All of these projects are of central importance to the seafood sector and coastal communities.
830. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a forest that dies from ash dieback for reasons outside the control of a person can be replaced; and the obligatory terms and conditions of such a forestry scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27814/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, my Department has provided support to owners of ash plantations impacted by ash dieback disease through the ash dieback reconstitution scheme and more recently the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) introduced in July 2020.
RUS is open to all grant-aided private forest owners. The scheme helps forest owners to restore forests affected by ash disease by supporting the removal and destruction of trees and leaf litter affected, replant forests with an alternative species to ash and to ensure all leaf litter is adequately destroyed. For full details of the scheme terms and conditions see gov.ie - Ash Dieback Replanting Scheme (www.gov.ie).
