Written Answers Nos. 1959-1985
1959. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to ringfence 2023 Bord Bia funding for the promotion and marketing of Irish organic farm produce to Irish consumers in the domestic market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29101/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord Bia is tasked with the promotion of Irish food and drink both here in Ireland and abroad where it provides a link between Irish producers and their customer base worldwide. They are active in the promotion of organic products both domestically and internationally.
Their strategic priorities for the year are approved by the board of Bord Bia and aligned to my Department's policies and the policy ambitions set out in Food Vision 2030. Furthermore, the actions undertaken by Bord Bia are in line with the relevant actions assigned to them in the National Organic Strategy and as agreed with industry.
The Organic Strategy Forum which includes representation from Bord Bia will be examining the promotion of the Irish organic sector not only from an Irish consumer perspective but also from a pan-European context over the coming months.
I look forward to all proposals with regard to promotion and marketing of organic produce to support the organic sector and to continue its development over the coming years.
1960. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation to and value of monies paid from the organic processing investment grant scheme in each of the years 2015 to 2022 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29102/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1961. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants that received funding from the organic processing investment grant scheme in each of the years 2015 to 2022 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29103/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1960 and 1961 together.
I am fully committed to the development of the organic sector in Ireland. In this regard, I will continue to implement the National Organic Strategy 2019-2025 which sets out ambitious growth targets for the sector by aligning it closely with the market opportunities.
One measure included in the development of the sector budget allocation is the Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme which provides funding to processors who wish to invest in developing facilities for the processing, preparation, grading, packing and storage of organic products.
The table below outlines the number of participants who received funding from the Organic Processing Grant Scheme, the allocation and the expenditure from 2015 to date so far in 2022.
|
Year |
No. of Applicants |
Allocation |
Expenditure |
|
2015 |
0 |
€750,000 |
€0 |
|
2016 |
3 |
€470,000 |
€124,156 |
|
2017 |
5 |
€470,000 |
€85,653 |
|
2018 |
5 |
€1.2m |
€46,636 |
|
2019 |
5 |
€1.2m |
€133,605 |
|
2020 |
2 |
€1.2m |
€299,759 |
|
2021 |
4 |
€1.2m |
€500,200 |
|
2022 |
1 |
€1.2m |
€127,913 |
1962. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the payment rate per hectare that will apply to organic farming scheme participants for 2022 and 2023 onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29104/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to further developing the organic sector in Ireland as I am convinced of its importance to the farming and food sector.
The current Programme for Government is committed to aligning Ireland’s organic land area with that of the EU average of 7.5%, which is also consistent with the target proposed by Agri-Food Strategy 2030.
All organic policies are designed to achieve this ambitious goal. As such, under the new CAP Strategic Plan in 2023, I have proposed the allocation of €256 million in funding for the Organic Farming Scheme.
Based on this level of funding, it is my intention to introduce enhanced payments to organic farmers to support the maintenance and conversion to Organic Farming. These enhanced payments will apply from the commencement of the new CAP Strategic Plan in 2023 while 2022 Organic Farming Scheme payments will remain at their current level.
The proposed rates set out in the draft CAP Strategic Plan are:
|
In conversion €/ha |
Maintenance €/ha |
|
|
Horticulture |
600 |
400 |
|
Dairy |
330 |
250 |
|
Tillage |
290 |
170 |
|
Drystock |
250 |
170 |
Based on feedback received from the Organic Strategy forum and the CAP Consultative Committee these rates are currently being reviewed. All rates are subject to final approval by the European Commission. Participants currently in the Organic Farming Scheme in 2022 will be able to avail of the higher rates of payment commencing in 2023 subject to their approval by the Commission.
1963. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation to organic farming scheme in the years 2018 to date; the amount expended; the average payment per recipient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29105/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below outlines the funding allocated to the Organic Farming Scheme, the amount expended and the average payment by year from 2018 to date. The total expenditure figure in 2022 to date represents payments due in respect of the 2021 scheme year.
|
Year |
Funding Allocation |
Total Payment |
Average Payment per participant |
|
2018 |
€10.5m |
€9.8m |
€7,172 |
|
2019 |
€12m |
€9.3m |
€6,078 |
|
2020 |
€11m |
€8.4m |
€5,490 |
|
2021 |
€16m |
€7.8m |
€5,278 |
|
2022 |
€21m |
€1.8m |
€5,278 |
The current Programme for Government is committed to aligning Ireland’s organic land area with that of the EU average of 7.5%, which is also consistent with the target proposed by Agri-Food Strategy 2030. My Department, is continuing to progress the actions outlined in the Organic Strategy 2019-2025 to develop the organic sector in Ireland. This sets out ambitious growth targets in line with the market opportunities that exist in the sector.
To assist in achieving these targets I have secured increased budgets for the Organic Farming Scheme for 2021 and 2022. Additionally, under the new CAP Strategic Plan, I have also proposed an indicative allocation of €256 million for the Organic Farming Scheme. This level of funding will facilitate enhanced payments to organic farmers across all sectors, which will further support maintenance and conversion to Organic Farming and assist in achieving our target of 7.5% of land cover under organic production by 2027.
1964. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 278, 279, 280, 281 and 282 of 11 May 2022 and the response of the European Commission to question E-001278/2022, if he has considered recognising the current challenges facing organic egg producers arising from circumstances per Commission Delegated Regulation EU 2020/2146 with a view to facilitating the continued use of 95% organic feed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29106/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNew organic regulations which were introduced on 1st January 2022 restricted the previously allowed 5% non-organic feed protein derogation to young poultry and pigs, resulting in older, mature stock requiring a 100% organic feed.
As a result of the invasion of Ukraine, an organic protein scarcity has developed. Following submissions made by my Department on the matter, the European Commission has published a draft regulation which provides for a derogation for the use of 5% non-organic protein for all pig and poultry feed not restricted by age.
This regulation will be published in the near future and will apply retrospectively from 24th February; it will alleviate some of the difficulties facing organic egg producers here in Ireland. The relevant stakeholders have been advised on the new derogation provision which will provide them with clarity with regard to their poultry enterprises.
1965. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of funding allocated by Horse Sport Ireland to the sport horse industry in each of the past five years; the number of staff employed by the organisation over the past five years; if there is a large turnover of staff; if exceptional costs were incurred by the organisation in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29180/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have contacted Horse Sport Ireland and they have informed me that with the support of the Department of Agriculture; Food and the Marine, they have supported the Horse Sport Industry through schemes, initiatives and activities as detailed below.
|
€ |
|
|
2018 |
1,462,555 |
|
2019 |
1,843,824 |
|
2020 |
2,189,170 |
|
2021 |
2,822,948 |
|
2022 |
3,400,000 est. |
Separately funded by Sport Ireland and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Horse Sport Ireland has supported the Horse Sport Sector as follows:
|
€ |
|
|
2018 |
1,651,801 |
|
2019 |
1,246,436 |
|
2020 |
936,012 |
|
2021 |
3,311,852 |
|
2022 |
1,999,592 est. |
In addition they inform me that they provide a range of indirect administrative and support services to the industry and sector as a whole, which is not included in the above figures, as they reflect direct funding into the industry.
In addition the number of staff, excluding non-executive directors, have ranged from an average of 35 staff in earlier years to an average of 50 in 2022. This increase is driven by the implementation of on the Indecon report, increasing activity levels and a desire for delivery of improved service levels.
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
35 |
35 |
38 |
42 |
50 est. |
Horse Sport Ireland has tended to recruit seasonal staff on contracts of one year duration to meet seasonal demands such as at foal registration time. The seasonality of employment has impacted on overall staff turnover which is approximately in the range of 25-30% over recent years. In the past two years, employment practices with Horse Sport Ireland have focussed on aiming to provide for more continuity and improved service levels. The Management within Horse Sport Ireland has an expectation, subject to any efficiencies, that staff turnover levels will moderate.
As the Deputy will be aware, there is larger macro-economic trend often referred to by many recruitment specialists as “the great resignation”, where many employees across the economy, or sectors of the economy globally, are either leaving their jobs or considering leaving their jobs for different roles, terms & conditions, etc. Horse Sport Ireland, similar to most other employers, is not immune to forces in the employment marketplace.
In an effort to enhance and augment the workplace culture within Horse Sport Ireland, its recently appointed Chief Executive Officer has recruited a Human Resource manager to support the organisation in becoming an employer of choice within the equestrian industry.
HSI has also informed me as with any business, exceptional costs arise from time to time. In its organisation, there were a number of one-off costs in recent years, such as meeting and implementing the recommendations of the 2017 Indecon Report. In certain years, it is not unusual to have exceptional costs incurred on expenditure regarding the Olympic Games or World Equestrian Games, which is funded from Sport Ireland and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and not within my Departments vote.
1966. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the State agencies, organisations or boards under the responsibility of his Department or that receive funding from his Department that have been charged negative interest by financial institutions since negative interest rates were introduced; the amount of interest that has been charged to each State agency, organisation or board in 2021 in each of the preceding years in which such charges were applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29215/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1971. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of interest that his Department has been charged by financial institutions since negative interest rates were introduced by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29381/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1966 and 1971 together.
The amount of interest that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has been charged by financial institutions since negative interest rates were introduced is as follows:
2017 €585
2018 €8,661
2019 €24,505
2020 €3,558
2021 €758
2022 nil
As regards the 12 State Agencies under the aegis of the Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves, and they have been requested to forward the relevant information directly to the Deputy within 10 days.
1967. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the written complaints being made to Horse Sport Ireland in relation to the allocation of funding to various events and projects in the wider horse industry; if he has sought a report from the organisation and the board in relation to all of the issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29225/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Sport Ireland (HSI) is the national governing body for equestrian sport in Ireland and has 23 affiliate organisations. HSI receives funding from my Department and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media (through Sport Ireland). HSI is responsible for devising and implementing strategies for the development, promotion and marketing of an internationally competitive Irish sport horse industry.
The Board and recently appointed management of HSI are responsible for implementing the various programmes funded by my Department and Sport Ireland. Specific programmes funded by my Department are scrutinised by officials of my Department to ensure that the allocated funding is spent in support of such programmes. The allocation of funding regarding HSI sporting activities is a matter for the Sports Council. However, with 23 affiliate organisations, it is recognised that there are competing interests for funding within HSI and it is a matter for the Board of HSI to make decisions regarding the allocation of funding to the programmes within their remit.
1968. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if persons in possession of a folio number for bog plots will not have their turbary rights removed or infringed upon by either the State or any private company or semi-State company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29252/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that in the absence of case-specific details, it is only possible to provide an answer to this question in general terms.
As a general principle, it is settled law that private property rights (including turbary rights) are not absolute in nature and may be delimited by law, as occasion requires, with a view to reconciling their exercise with the exigencies of the common good.
Accordingly, the exercise of turbary rights by persons in possession of a folio number for bog plots with associated turbary rights are subject to lawful regulation by the State which could in some cases include a limitation or removal on the exercise of those rights.
In the circumstances, it is not possible to give the Deputy the assurance sought on behalf of persons in possession of a folio number for bog plots with associated turbary rights.
1969. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any former Secretaries General are seconded from his Department; the locations of same; the purpose of the secondment; the remuneration they are in receipt of from his Department or additional allocation to the agency or institution to which they are seconded arising from the secondment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29257/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no former Secretaries General currently seconded from my Department to other roles in agencies or institutions.
1972. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 358 of 12 May 2022, if he will request Horse Racing Ireland to explain the discrepancy in figures provided (details supplied); if HRI will provide the names of the horses killed at racecourses and point-to-points and the number of horses injured including the nature of the injuries. [29466/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for HRI and I have requested my officials to refer the question to them for direct reply.
1973. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 906 of 29 March 2022, the reason that the figures provided in his response do not correlate with the figures previously supplied [29484/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) (formerly the Turf Club) is the regulatory body for horse racing in Ireland. The role of the body as the regulator of horse racing was set out in legislation under the Irish Horse Racing Industry Act 1994 however the body itself remains a private entity. The role of the IHRB is provided for under the Irish Horse Racing Act 2016 and subsequent Statutory Instruments.The IHRB has informed this Department that following the recommendation of an industry wide task force in 2016, an Equine Anti-Doping Department was set up by the then Turf Club that year. One of the first tasks for the new Department was to run a public procurement for the laboratory services for the regulator and LGC was the successful candidate with the contract coming into effect in 2018. Prior to this, the statistics published for samples taken from horses were compiled for the billing period of the laboratory. From 2018, new systems were adopted which allowed for in-house administration to track the figures in a more efficient basis and give the figures from a calendar year rather than a billing year. The discrepancies referred to in the material provided by the Deputy to my Department are due to an overlap in the billing period where samples taken in December would not be accounted for until the following year, whereas since LGC have become the contracted laboratory, the figures given were for the calendar year.
1974. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive their 2021 results-based environment agri pilot programme scheme balancing payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29618/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved to the Results-Based Environment Agri Pilot Project (REAP) in May 2021. They have already received their participation payment.
The REAP contract for the person named was selected for inspection and the environmental results-based payment will issue once this inspection is finalised and approved for payment. The payment is determined by the field score submitted by the advisor and the results of the Inspection findings.
1975. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that a person (details supplied) who was previously on the agri-environment options scheme was not contacted directly to be notified that the scheme was coming to an end and that they could apply to an alternative scheme such as the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29653/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agri- Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) was introduced in 2010 and ran until 2018 under four separate tranches. The Green Low Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) was launched in 2015, under Ireland's Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, as the successor to AEOS.
I can confirm that all participants in AEOS were offered the opportunity to join GLAS. Information on GLAS was made widely available as was evidenced by the uptake of Scheme by over 50,000 participants. A series of information meetings were held at the launch of GLAS in 2015 and full details of the option to transfer to GLAS were made available to AEOS participants. Information on the option to move from AEOS to GLAS was also provided in the press, and by Department staff at various fora.
You may wish to note that a new agri-environmental climate measure (AECM) is currently being developed by my Department. It is one of a range of interventions proposed in Ireland's draft CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023 – 2027, which is currently with the EU Commission for consideration and approval. €1.5 billion has been allocated to this flagship agri-environment scheme which will be the successor to GLAS. While formal approval for the draft CSP is awaited and aspects of the draft Plan may be subject to change, please note that it is proposed, as was the case in GLAS, that all farmers, who apply for the Basic Payment Scheme, will have access to the new AECM.
1976. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the provision of agricultural internships within the State for those from other European Union states and non-European Union states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29672/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU citizens have the right to work within the State and enjoy the same employment rights as Irish citizens. Employment permits for non-EU citizens is a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment - there is a specific “Internship Employment Permit” designed to facilitate the employment in the State of foreign nationals who are full-time students and for the purpose of gaining work experience.
As regards the provision of agricultural internships in the agri-food sector, this is a matter for individual companies to consider. Having regard to the importance attached in Food Vision 2030 to attracting and nurturing diverse and inclusive talent across the agri-food sector, my Department is working with Teagasc and other stakeholders to provide education and training opportunities for those interested in a career in agriculture.
Teagasc currently offers 17 agricultural courses across 25 training locations comprising seven agricultural colleges and 17 regional education locations. All Teagasc courses and proposed apprenticeships are open to applications from both EU and non-EU students. Significant progress has been made over the last 18-months to develop land sector apprenticeships programmes in Sportsturf, Horticulture, Equine and Farm Management. It is intended that three of the new apprenticeships will be rolled out this year. Apprentices will be employed by approved employers and will compete the classroom element with Teagasc.
Teagasc is also committed to using its Walsh Scholarships Postgraduate Programme to support the training of international graduates to Masters and PhD level in the fields of agriculture, food, environmental science, agri-food economics, rural development, horticulture, and other related disciplines. There is currently significant participation in the Programme from both EU scholars (39) and Non-EU Scholars (77).
Bord Bia is also supporting post-graduate opportunities through its “International Graduate Programme”. This programme offers invaluable market experience to graduates, combining on-the-job experiential learning, with a fully funded monthly bursary, and academic study leading to a UCD Smurfit Business School accredited MSc.
1977. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on an appeal by person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29706/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe named person has submitted medical evidence to my Department as supporting in support of late Basic Payment Scheme and Payment Entitlement transfer applications but he has not yet submitted the late applications. When those applications are received, the Department will conduct a comprehensive review of the case including supporting documents and will notify him of the outcome when the review is concluded.
1978. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farm appeals that have been lodged and are awaiting a decision; the average waiting time for the appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29710/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI inform the Depiuty that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department.
The Agriculture Appeals Office was established in 2002 pursuant to the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001, Schedule 1 to the Act includes a list of schemes administered by my Department.
I am informed that in 2020 and 2021 there was a significant increase in the number of agriculture appeals received by the Agriculture Appeals Office rising from 570 appeals in 2019 to 760 in 2020 and to 809 in 2021.
The Agriculture Appeals Office also provides administrative and secretariat support to the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) and all Agriculture Appeals Officers are also appointed as members of the FAC. The number of forestry appeals received in 2020 also increased significantly from 489 appeals in 2019 to 874 appeals in 2020 and had a significant impact on available Appeals Officer resources and on the administrative section within the Appeals Office.
These increases and the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, resulted in a reduction in the number of agriculture appeals closed and an increase in the time to close appeals in 2020.
The Agriculture Appeals Office adapted to the situation by offering remote hearings or the option to have the case decided without an oral hearing. However, many appellants requested that the appeal be delayed until such a time as an oral hearing could be held. Remote hearings were held where appellants requested one and non-oral hearing cases were prioritised during COVID-19 restricted periods.
There was a significant decrease in the number of forestry appeals submitted to the FAC in 2021 and this combined with the easing of COVID restrictions in June 2021, which allowed for a return to in-person oral hearings, reduced the delays in closing appeals in 2021.
The records of the Agriculture Appeals Office indicate the following for 2021:
|
Appeals Received in 2021 |
809 |
|
Appeals Received in 2021 awaiting a decision |
308 |
|
Average wait time from receipt of DAFM file to closure in 2021 |
124 Days |
As published in the 2020 Annual Report, the Agriculture Appeals Office has set itself a target of three months for closure of an appeal from the time of receipt of the Department file.
Due to circumstances outside of the control of the Agriculture Appeals Office, appeals might not be completed within that target time frame. In addition to the impact of COVID-19 and FAC commitments, the reasons for appeals being closed outside the three-month period varies and can include delays in agreeing dates for oral hearings with all parties, complexity of cases, legal issues, time taken by appellants and/or the Department to revert with additional information requested, and resource capacity.
I have been assured that the Agriculture Appeals Office is currently working on reducing the number of open appeals on hand and the time period from assignment to decision and has made significant progress in this regard in 2022 to date.
1979. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is in full compliance with the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/554 of 5 April 2022 on the recognition of qualifications for people fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; if he will set out a list of the professional qualifications or professions recognised under the aegis of his Department; if Ukrainian qualifications are now recognised in each case; if electronic applications can be made for such recognition; the web address or email address to which such applications should be sent, or if physical application is necessary; and the exact procedures and address for such applications. [29979/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll recruitment campaigns for entry level grades to my Department are managed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). The conditions for accepting candidates from a non-EU member state for civil service positions are set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
My Department runs various open recruitment competitions (advertised via the PAS website www.publicjobs.ie) and the information booklet for each competition will specify the qualifications required. Where a candidate has qualifications (including international qualifications) that do not match those in the competition booklet but which they believe to be equivalent, there is a facility to have their qualifications independently evaluated by our Expert Education/Assessment Board. In all cases, original certification is sought, and scanned versions of originals will be accepted.
My Department employs almost 4,000 staff and has over 60 grades across many professional streams: including veterinary, inspectorate, laboratories, engineering, and administration. Within each, there can be different levels of qualifications and eligibility requirements. The Department's website on www.gov.ie gives an overview of the positions and the work that the staff of the Department carry out (gov.ie - Working with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (www.gov.ie).
1980. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff members posted at the Irish Permanent Representation to the European Union, including all counsellors and attachés, in each of the past seven years 2016 to 2022; the functions of each staff member; the new posts that have been created or discontinued, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30048/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department posts staff to Irish Permanent Representation to the European Union to support the continuing prosperity of Ireland’s agri-food sector, including the fisheries sector.
The table below shows the number of Counsellors, Attaché and other posts at the Irish representation to the European Union from 2016 to 2022. My Department also shares a Fisheries Attaché with other Departments in the form of a Maritime Attaché.
|
Year |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Counsellors |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Attachés |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Fisheries Attaché |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
The principal duties of these officers include but are not restricted to the following:
Counsellors
Leading and managing the Agriculture desk and its staff in the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union.
- Promoting and representing the interests of the Department and the interests of Irish agriculture and fisheries at the Special Committee for Agriculture and at COREPER.
- Building of networks and maintenance of effective working relationships with key contacts across all three EU institutions.
- Developing and maintaining positive relationships with the representatives of other EU Member States, with a view to identifying areas of common concern and potential collaboration.
- Preparing for and attending meetings of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council including, where appropriate, input to documentation and briefings for the Minister.
- Monitoring EU FTA negotiations, particularly the EU-UK FTA and ensuring that Ireland’s position is fully understood.
- Developing and maintaining relationships with third countries and industry representatives as required.
- Monitoring and communicating on a range of issues between the Department and the EU institutions, as the need arises.
- Report and comment on EU agricultural and fisheries policy developments with reference to their implications for Irish interests including an assessment of the positions of individual member states and third countries, where appropriate
- Ensure that adequate systems are in place to respond to specific enquiries from the Department so that they are dealt with efficiently and effectively.
- Co-operate with the Ambassador and other Permanent Representation personnel in administrative and other areas as necessary.
Attachés
Gathering and dissemination of information in both directions to and from the host country, and to and from this Department;
- Lobbying;
- Representing Ireland’s interests at formal EU meetings and at EU/International negotiations (for example, Third Country fisheries agreements, EU bilateral and Coastal States negotiations);
- Trade assistance, development and facilitation, including assistance in respect of Ministerial visits, dealing with food safety issues that may impact on trade and proactive co-operation with the relevant state agencies (Bord Bia, Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, Marine Institute and BIM etc.);
- Representation at locally based international organisations to which the Mission or Embassy is accredited.
Executive Officers
Attendance at and reporting on weekly meetings of the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA) and monthly meetings of the Agriculture Council of Ministers.
- Where necessary, attendance at and reporting on meetings of COREPER, Agricultural Attachés Group, and other Council Working Party meetings.
- Management of day-to-day administration within the Agriculture Office (including management of administrative staff), e.g. handling correspondence with the various EU Institutions, obtaining official documents for transmission to Headquarters, etc.
- Co-ordination of briefing material and preparation of dossiers for meetings of the Agriculture Council, SCA, COREPER.
- Logistical organisation (hotel accommodation, Minister’s transport, protocol arrangements, etc.) of attendance by the Irish delegation at the Agriculture Council of Ministers meetings.
- Organisation of various other Ministerial and special events.
1981. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered extending the €1,000 incentive to grow silage to small dairy farmers in designated disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30160/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that on 3rd May 2022, I brought a Memorandum for Information to Government on a proposed Fodder Support Scheme, in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022 and the significant impact this has had on the cost of agricultural inputs required to conserve grass for silage and/or hay. Since then, there has further engagement between my officials and officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. I intend to make a further announcement shortly when the scheme will be opened for online applications.
Any Fodder Support Scheme must be targeted towards those farmers facing the greatest difficulty in ensuring they conserve enough fodder for the coming winter. In that context, recent Teagasc survey data showed that half of all drystock farmers had spread no chemical fertiliser on their silage ground whereas dairy famers had spread their chemical fertiliser. Therefore the risk of not saving sufficient fodder is more of a challenge for the drystock farmers than it is for dairy farmers. In addition, in light of current milk prices, the economic viability of Dairy farming in general, is stronger than either beef or sheep farming.
1982. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) who applied for a felling licence in 2018 will receive a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30394/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe applicant submitted a felling application in 2018 which was approved by the Department and then appealed (and automatically suspended as a result) by a third party to the Forestry Appeals Committee. The applicant subsequently submitted a new application on 10th February 2021. This application is currently being processed and a licence is likely to be issued within two months, provided no issues arise. Please be aware that this decision will be open to appeal to the Forestry Appeals Committee for a period of 14 days of the date of the decision.
1983. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if herd numbers will be reactivated for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30450/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA dormant herd number can be reactivated once contact has been made with the RVO and a written request has been received. In order for a farmer in Kerry to reactivate their herd number they should contact Kerry Regional Veterinary Office in person, or by calling the RVO on (066) 7145052 or by email Kerry_DVO@agriculture.gov.ie.
1984. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of Department inspectors permanently employed to carry out farm inspections relative to the schemes operated by his Department; the number of persons contracted by his Department to carry out the same type of work; the number of permanent employees and persons on contract attached to the special investigation unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30603/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department currently has a total of 305 staff in Veterinary grade roles, 658 staff in Technical grade roles and 309 staff in Inspectorate grade roles. These staff undertake a variety of duties, including food safety and public health functions, farm inspections, and to implement the range of Department schemes which support the continuing development of the agri-food industry in Ireland. Farm inspectors can cover many different schemes during the course of their duties and for that reason, it is not possible to attribute numbers of inspectors to any particular scheme.
There are no contract staff engaged by my Department to conduct farm inspections and my Department’s Investigations Division currently has a complement of 10 staff, all of whom are employees.
1985. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding that has been released under the Fisheries Local Area Group Programme by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30637/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Fisheries Local Area Development Scheme operated under my Department's European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme over the period 2017-21 with a total budget of €12 million. The scheme was implemented on a community led local development basis through seven Fisheries Local Action Groups established for this purpose. The aim of the scheme was to support the socio-economic development and diversification of coastal communities traditionally dependent on the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The table below details the distribution of funds by year and by FLAG region. Each FLAG region comprises the 10 kilometre strip of coastline for an individual county in the case of FLAG South (Cork) and FLAG North (Donegal). The other FLAGs cover more than one county. A full breakdown by county is not readily available within BIM, but I have asked BIM to see if this can be prepared and to forward it directly to the Deputy.
|
FLAG |
2017 Grant Aid |
2018 Grant Aid |
2019 Grant Aid |
2020 Grant Aid |
2021 Grant Aid |
Total Spend |
|
North |
€ 315,739.69 |
€ 249,458.97 |
€ 488,513.53 |
€ 419,896.80 |
€673,252.27 |
€2,146,861.26 |
|
North East |
€ 226,559.10 |
€ 249,075.04 |
€ 523,592.01 |
€ 569,296.21 |
€284,471.53 |
€1,852,993.89 |
|
North West |
€ 244,669.47 |
€ 188,774.15 |
€ 223,937.61 |
€ 380,035.36 |
€257,793.03 |
€1,295,209.62 |
|
West |
€ 388,960.11 |
€ 405,409.69 |
€ 392,050.31 |
€ 641,327.31 |
€147,673.39 |
€1,975,420.81 |
|
South |
€ 278,478.69 |
€ 273,778.66 |
€ 447,094.83 |
€ 603,111.20 |
€105,487.40 |
€1,707,950.78 |
|
South East |
€ 164,543.08 |
€ 312,092.24 |
€ 526,281.63 |
€ 774,247.25 |
€330,532.22 |
€2,107,696.42 |
|
South West |
€ 155,612.83 |
€ 266,161.11 |
€ 127,581.14 |
€ 154,182.93 |
€27,277.51 |
€730,815.52 |
|
Total |
€ 1,774,562.97 |
€ 1,944,749.85 |
€ 2,729,051.05 |
€ 3,542,097.06 |
€1,826,487.35 |
€11,816,948.28 |
