Written Answers Nos. 771-790
773. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health if any national guidelines and circulars or other written instructions related to best practice exist in relation to the way that individual CDNTs should operate services and waiting lists for the two different pathways of children (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50378/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra774. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health if he will outline information in relation to newly established collaborative efforts between HSE children's disability services and education to examine if services to children with complex additional needs and their families has been rolled out in all up and running CDNTs to date; and when and how such a collaboration will be evaluated in the future. [50379/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 773 and 774 together.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service issues, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
776. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a policy regarding the appropriate use of domestic flights in his Department and bodies under the aegis of the Department. [50120/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll flight bookings by my Department are tightly controlled and air travel is only used when this is the most efficient manner to achieve business needs. Any request for a flight booking must specify a valid business reason and must be authorised at Assistant Secretary General level or equivalent. This approach applies to both domestic and foreign flights. Neither I nor any Minister of State or any of the staff in my Department have taken any domestic flights for work purposes over the past three years.
Regarding the 12 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
777. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider introducing a system by which digital copies of equine passports can be sent electronically to his Department to have them uploaded to the central database as opposed to forcing persons to travel and incur significant cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49487/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe rules on the identification of equidae are governed by Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (Animal Health Law), as supplemented by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963. This EU legislation provides that the single life document (equine passport) issued in respect of an equine is the definitive mechanism for identifying that animal. It further provides that the information recorded on that document must be up-to-date and accurate at all times.
As provided for in the EU Animal Health Law, my Department has designated a number of equine Passport Issuing Organisations (PIOs) to ensure that practical application of the equine identification and registration system. These organisations are responsible for issuing equine passport passports and for updating the information in these documents, as appropriate. Where changes occur that affect the information recorded on the equine passport, the physical document must be presented to the relevant PIO for amendment. The PIOs are further responsible for ensuring that all relevant equine registration and update data are notified to my Department's central equine database in a timely manner.
In accordance with the EU requirement for an equine to be accompanied by its identification document (with limited exceptions), my Department has amended the terms and conditions of the 2022 Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) Scheme. From this year, applicants seeking to fulfil their stocking density using either horses or donkeys are permitted to furnish certified copies of the relevant equine passports in support of their application. This ensures that the passport document remains with the equine.
778. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a GLAS payment for 2021 will be made to a person (details supplied); the reason it is necessary for this person to make numerous representations to his Department each year before securing their GLAS payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49494/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved to GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1st January 2016. Payments issued for scheme years 2016 – 2020 inclusive.
Administrative checks involving a number of sections within the Department take place on all GLAS claims. All cases must clear validation checks before payment can issue. Processing of the 2021 Advance Payment for the person named are at an advanced stage and I expect the payment in this case to be finalised shortly.
GLAS payments are continuing on a weekly basis as applications pass all validation checks and are approved for payment.
779. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects to announce the 2022 ex-gratia grants for animal charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49531/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnimal welfare is a high priority for my Department and considerable resources and funding are provided to organisations involved in rescuing and rehoming animals.
In December 2021, I provided record funding of €3.7million to 98 animal welfare bodies throughout the country. This funding was provided to these organizations for the direct provision of care for animals throughout 2022.
This funding for animal welfare organisations was evidence of my own and the Government’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare and acknowledges the important role played by animal welfare organisations. These organisations play a crucial role in ensuring all our animals are cared for and protected.
The Programme for Government includes an undertaking to provide additional funding in support of animal welfare again this year, to which I am fully committed.
The call for grant applications for this year's awards was launched in June this year and applications received are now being evaluated by my officials. I expect to announce these awards in December 2022.
780. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the financial supports that are available to beekeepers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49560/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range of supports to beekeepers and their representative bodies in recognition of the important contribution bees make to agriculture and biodiversity.
The main financial support available to beekeepers is through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. This scheme can assist registered beekeepers invest in apiaries and associated apiculture equipment. The scheme which is 100% funded by the Irish Government is due to reopen for applications in October 2022.
In addition, my Department also provides annual grants to Irish National Beekeepers associations to support members and branches to pursue the craft of beekeeping to the highest standard and to also inform the general public about the environmental role that bees play in maintaining biodiversity and crop production.
Further support to the beekeeping sector in Ireland is provided through the National Apiculture Programme. This programme is co-funded by the Department and the EU and provides funding to carry out applied research for the Irish apiculture sector which will be beneficial to many beekeepers in Ireland.
The Department has funded a number of studies under the Genetic Research Grant Aid Scheme looking at various aspects of honeybee species and specifically Apis mellifera mellifera .
The Department also provides a bee health service for beekeepers, free of charge, facilitating the early detection of pests and pathogens which is key to maintaining a healthy stock of bees in Ireland. The bee health service includes the operation of the Sentinel Apiary Programme along with volunteer beekeepers throughout Ireland. The aim of the programme is to ensure the early detection of three exotic pests, Small Hive beetle (SHB), Tropilaelaps spp. and the Asian Hornet.
781. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of efforts to prevent the spread of varroa mite among Ireland's native honey bees; if he will consider reintroducing a restriction of the importation of non-native honey bees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49561/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Varroa mite is one of the most serious concerns for honey bee health globally and is now endemic in Ireland. The National Apiculture Programme is co-funded by the Department and the EU and provides funding to carry out applied research for the Irish apiculture sector which will be beneficial to many beekeepers in Ireland. As part of the current National Apiculture Programme, research is being carried out to identify and combat pests and diseases, particularly Varroasis and alternative control treatments.
In addition, the Department provides a bee health service for beekeepers, free of charge, facilitating the early detection of pests and pathogens which is key to maintaining a healthy stock of bees in Ireland. The bee health service includes the operation of the Sentinel Apiary Programme along with volunteer beekeepers throughout Ireland. As part of the programme, volunteer beekeepers submit samples of hive debris, these are then analysed and provide the beekeeper with an estimation of the Varroa mite load in the colony.
The movement of bees within the Union is governed by Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (the Animal Health Law) which is supplemented by Commission Implementing and Delegated Regulations (Regulation (EU) 2020/688 and 2021/403). These EU regulations contain specific provisions to safeguard the health of bees located in the territory of the union. The importation of honeybees into Ireland is allowed under these Regulations and a statutory ban on non-native bee imports into Ireland may constitute a restriction on trade. My Department is seeking further advice on this issue.
782. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to any potential impact on the price that Irish farmers receive for timber arising from Programme for the Endorsement of Forest or Forest Stewardship Council certification; the steps that he is taking to mitigate any impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49587/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraForest certification is a voluntary process for forest owners in Ireland, where an independent third party assesses the quality of forest management and production against a set of requirements predetermined by a public or private certification organization such as PEFC or FSC. It is market driven and outside the control of my Department and a matter for each individual forest owner as to whether to pursue certification or not.
The area of forests certified to the PEFC and FSC standard in Ireland in the private sector is low. Figures estimate that the area is approximately 6% of the private estate. All Coillte forests are certified to the PEFC and FSC standard.
I understand that a COFORD will shortly be publishing a Study of Private Forest Certification, which outlines a series of recommendations to significantly scale up the area certified in the private sector. My Department will assess theses recommendation in full when published.
783. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the maximum allowable allocation for on-farm investments in the 2023 to 2027 period per his CAP Strategic Plan; the allocation in Budget 2023; the remaining maximum allowable allocation in 2024 to 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49588/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Indicative Budget for on-farm investments for the period 2022-2027 is €404m. This includes an indicative budget of €304m under the current Rural Development Programme, and an indicative budget of €100m is proposed under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. Both programmes will run in parallel for the years 2023-2025.
In the recent Budget, I announced an allocation of €90m for TAMS in 2023 which is an increase from €82m on the 2022 budget. This allocation will also support the proposed changes to the RDP including to support solar panels on farm next year. An increase to 60% grant rate and a standalone investment ceiling of €90,000 for solar panels is proposed. These changes are subject to EU approval and will form part of the 13th Amendment of the Rural Development Programme.
784. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that farmers (details supplied) who install photovoltaic panels supported by a targeted agriculture modernisation scheme grant are unable to sell excess electricity back to the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49610/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides grant aid through the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS II) to assist farmers in maximising their contribution to the production of renewable energy through the installation of Solar PV technology along with battery storage on Irish farms for on farm use only.
TAMS is a On-Farm Investment Scheme which is co-funded by the EU Commission, and under the current regulations it is not permitted for excess energy generated by grant-aided investments to be sold to the grid, energy generated can only be consumed on the holding.
The solar PV systems grant aided under TAMS includes Solar PV Panels and Solar PV Rechargeable Batteries and Solar Panels for water heating under the Pigs and Poultry scheme. An ‘On Farm Solar PV Survey’ must be completed and submitted with the application to quantify the holdings electricity power requirement and the planned electricity supply from the proposed development.
Following a review of power requirements, I have recently increased the maximum size of PV panels eligible for grant aid for the Pig and Poultry scheme to 62kw. A review is also taking place on solar requirements for other schemes.
I have extended the remit of the scheme to allow for a dwelling house on the holding to be included in application for grant-aid, subject to terms and conditions of the scheme. It is also proposed that support for renewable energy investments will continue under TAMS 3 and I expect to be announcing further details on this in the near future.
It should also be remembered that there are other state supports for the installation of solar panels including from the SEAI and all farmers should be examining all options for support.
785. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions that he is taking to address the Programme For Government commitment to ensure that inshore waters continue to be protected for smaller fishing vessels and recreational fishers and that pair trawling will be prohibited inside the six-mile limit. [49631/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, in December 2018, following a public consultation process in which over 900 submissions were received, the then Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine announced that vessels over 18m will be excluded from trawling in inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines from 1 January 2020. A transition period of three years for vessels over 18m targeting sprat was allowed to enable adjustment for these vessels, as the sprat fishery is concentrated inside the six nautical mile zone.
A Policy Directive was issued by that Minister to the independent Licensing Authority to give effect to these measures. The Policy Directive directed the Licensing Authority to insert a condition to this effect into the licences of affected vessels.
A Judicial Review to the High Court was taken by two applicant fishermen challenging the validity of the Policy. On 6th October 2020, the Judge held in summary that the High Court’s final order should be, among other matters, a declaration that Policy Directive 1 of 2019 was made in breach of fair procedures and is void and/or of no legal effect. The breach of fair procedures as referenced above related to a failure with obligations to consult with the applicants in accordance with, and to the extent required by, the consultation process and in particular by failing to consult with them a second time once a preferred option had been identified. A stay on the order was refused by the High Court on 10th December 2020.
I appealed the decision of the High Court to the Court of Appeal. I also sought a stay on the order of the High Court. The Court of Appeal reinstated the Ministerial Policy Directive on 19th March 2021, when the Court was persuaded that the balance of justice leaned in favour of the State and granted a stay on the order of the High Court up until the hearing of the substantive appeal in June. Following a full hearing by the Court of Appeal on 22nd June 2021, the Court decided to temporarily extend the Policy Directive excluding large vessels from trawling in inshore waters within 6 miles of the coast, save for a restricted sprat fishery.
On September 23rd, 2021, the Court of Appeal refused my application to further continue the stay. This refusal means that the decision of the High Court stands and the Policy Directive is no longer valid, meaning vessels over 18 metres in length overall have resumed trawling in the waters inside 6 nautical miles. These vessels also no longer require an authorisation to fish for sprat inside 6 nautical miles.
The Court of Appeal issued an unapproved judgment on 19th July last and the Department is at present considering the implications of the that unapproved judgment in consultation with its legal advisors. Further submissions to the Court have been requested, these were to be provided by October 7th.
As previously advised, I am awaiting the decision of the Court of Appeal to inform next steps. As the matter remains sub judice , I cannot comment further until the matter can be resolved before the Courts.
786. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he plans to open the agri-climate rural environment scheme to applicants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49702/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to the approval by the Government last week (Tuesday, 4 October 2022) of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023 – 2027, my Department is currently finalising the details of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), including the Scheme Terms and Conditions.
A lot of information has already been provided, including the final Specifications for the actions which an applicant may opt for under the ACRES General approach. I appreciate that the opening of the Scheme will create a significant workload for approved ACRES advisors. My Department has taken a number of steps to alleviate this pressure, including the provision of access to my Department’s Generic Land Management (GLAM) system to enable advisors to undertake preparatory work on the ACRES Farm Sustainability Plan (FSP) which must be submitted with the ACRES application. My Department has also made tutorials available, on its website, to assist advisors in preparing those Plans.
As certain information was made available subject to the approval of the CSP, my Department is providing an update webinar to advisors today (11 October 2022) to outline any changes to the draft documents in the interim. A video giving a demonstration of the application screen is also being provided. These updates are being provided with a view to opening the ACRES system in the next few days for the submission of applications. Advisors will be notified directly when it opens and I will also formally announce it.
€1.5 billion in funding has been committed to ACRES over the lifetime of the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which represents the largest single investment by any Government in an agri-environmental scheme. Given the potential environmental and climate benefits to be derived from implementation of the Scheme, and the revenue for farmers, I encourage farmers to participate in the Scheme.
This overall budget allocation will facilitate the participation of 50,000 participants in ACRES overall. The intake into the scheme will be phased, with at least two tranches, to spread the workload on advisors and enable them to allocate sufficient time for the preparation of applications, and the completion of the FSP and selection of appropriate actions.
787. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to continue providing support to the sheep welfare scheme into 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49894/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe existing Sheep Welfare Scheme, which was introduced in December 2016, initially as a four year scheme, will end on 31st January 2023 and the final balancing payments under this scheme will commence issuing to participants in the scheme in Q2 2023.
The Sheep Welfare Scheme will be replaced by the Sheep Improvement Scheme, which will be introduced under the new CAP. This new scheme will also be an animal welfare scheme aimed at sheep farmers with breeding ewes. It is intended to be a five year scheme and will aim to build on the welfare measures that were contained in the Sheep Welfare Scheme.
The scheme will be open to applications from existing sheep farmers and new entrants to sheep farming with breeding ewes. My Department is currently finalising the details of the scheme and these details will be published by my Department once this process is complete.
788. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to increase participation of young farmers in the sheep welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49895/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra789. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funding will be allocated to deliver a €30 ewe payment on all of the 2.7 million ewes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49896/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 788 and 789 together.
The core targeted support for the sheep sector from 2023 will be the Sheep Improvement Scheme which aims to build on the progress made by the Sheep Welfare by providing support for actions that improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector.
The programme has an annual budget of €20 million and provides for a payment of €12 per breeding ewe.
The scheme is designed, in consultation with sector stakeholders, to facilitate young farmers and new entrants to sheep farming.
Another significant support for the sheep sector is the inclusion of the sector in the new support for early stage producer organisations in the incoming CSP which, in addition to providing administrative support of up to €33,000 to groups, provides under competition law for collective bargaining on output prices thereby strengthening their position in the supply chain. These measures are part of a range of supports available to sheep farmers through the CSP.
I continue to monitor market developments for all farming sectors and all potential avenues and funding mechanisms will be explored to meet the strategic objectives for the sheep sector for 2023 and beyond as set out in our Food Vision 2030 strategy.
790. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to strengthen the sheep sector and to ensure its viability, including the indigenous and export wool markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49897/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish sheep farm families produce a world-class product that is in demand cross many global market.
Our sheep farmers gave a commitment to excellence and I will continue to support them.
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.
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. This included the 1,000e per farmer Fodder Support Scheme which sheep farmers are eligible for.
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.
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.
The core targeted support for the sheep sector from 2023 will be the Sheep Improvement Scheme which aims to build on the progress made by the Sheep Welfare by providing support for actions that improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector. The scheme is designed, in consultation with sector stakeholders, to facilitate young farmers and new entrants to sheep farming. Sheep farmers are also eligible for a number of other export schemes, including for example the ACRES scheme, and the Organics Scheme.
Another significant support for the sheep sector is the inclusion of the sector in the new support for early stage producer organisations in the incoming CSP which, in addition to providing administrative support of up to €33,000 to groups, provides under competition law for collective bargaining on output prices thereby strengthening their position in the supply chain. These measures are part of a range of supports available to sheep farmers through the CSP.
In respect of the wool market, as the Deputy may be aware, one of the commitments under the current Programme for Government was to conduct a review of the potential demand for wool-based products such as for insulation and fertilisers in domestic and international markets.
The independently compiled review published on 1st July 2022 contains a number of findings and recommendations including potential funding streams, market opportunities for wool and multiple areas for additional research and development.
One of the main recommendations is the establishment of an industry-led Wool Council which would develop and promote Irish wool domestically and internationally and bring together multiple stakeholders to foster collaboration, innovation and scaling activities in the wool sector. In support of this recommendation, I have committed to provide funding to the wool industry of €30,000 towards the initial set-up costs of setting up this independent industry led Wool Council.
