I propose to take Questions Nos. 887 to 889, inclusive, together.
The fifth package of EU sanctions that came into effect on 9th April 2022 and the trade provisions as set out in Council Regulation (EU) 2022/576, amending Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, included a ban on Russian-flagged vessels accessing EU ports from 16 April 2022. The EU sanction prohibiting Russian-flagged vessels accessing EU ports has an explicit derogation to allow for the import of agricultural and food products.
My Department made four recommendations to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment – as the relevant Competent Authority - for authorisation of derogations under Article 3ea(5) of the Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 (as amended) to allow Russian flagged vessels dock in Irish ports. These derogations for imports of animal feed met specific criteria, were in respect of purchases contracted prior to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and have since been landed in Irish ports. At this point it is not anticipated that there will be any further use of the derogation.
My Department regularly engages with feed industry representatives. Feed import companies have been actively engaged in sourcing alternative feed materials from existing and new sources, and regular commercial activities in this regard are ongoing.
In addition, I continue to encourage farmers to devote more land for arable use through the Tillage Incentive and Protein/Cereal Schemes which will bring significant benefits to reduce our future reliance on imported commodities albeit recognising that Ireland has a major deficit in grain production.
