Tuesday, 25 Oct 2022

Agriculture Schemes

Ceisteanna (81)

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

81. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the ramping-up of energy production on Irish farms and in particular, the use of anaerobic digesters. [53252/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I thank the Deputy for raising this important topic. The next decade is going to be the most exciting in the space on on-farm energy generation.

As part of the 13% increase in funding for agriculture announced as part of Budget 2023, I committed to allocating €3 million for each of the next four years, a total of €12 million, to kick-start a farm-based Anaerobic Digestion sector in Ireland.

This is in recognition of the importance of Anaerobic Digestion and the production of biomethane in providing a land diversification opportunity for farmers, as reflected in the agreed sectoral emission ceiling of 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for agriculture.

My officials are working in partnership with colleagues from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) to realise the potential of indigenously produced biomethane in Ireland in contributing to the decarbonisation of the gas grid and supporting large gas users to lower their carbon footprint, enhancing security of supply, and providing a diversification of activity and income for farmers.

Imagine, by the end of the decade, our kettles and phones might be powered by electricity generatedon farms. That is an exciting prospect for our farmers and our overall economy

The Climate Action Plan 2023 will provide further detail in this regard.

In relation to increasing energy production on farms, currently, grant aid is provided through TAMS 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.The solar PV systems currently grant-aided under TAMS include Solar PV Panels and Solar PV Rechargeable Batteries and Solar Panels (Solar Thermal) for water heating under the Pig and Poultry Capital Investment Scheme.

The maximum size of panel eligible for grant aid currently is 62kW for the Pig and Poultry Scheme (PPIS) and 11kW for all other eligible TAMS II schemes. Grant aid for solar investments in TAMS is for farm consumption use only.

I was delighted to recently announce as part of the budget that the electricity consumption of the dwelling house can be included with immediate effect on the solar survey as part of the holding for sizing the Solar PV installation. The dwelling house must be occupied by the herd owner or family member and situated on the holding. This is now open for applications.

To encourage further increased take-up in solar applications, I am proposing to make further changes to the scheme. This includes increasing the kilowatts for solar applications in TAMS 3 to 30 kilowatts from 11 kilowatts currently.

This will bring in more high-energy intensive farms and cover their electricity usage through on-farm generation. We are also retaining the current limit of 62 kilowatts for the Pigs and Poultry Investment Scheme. Furthermore, it is proposed that the grant rate will increase to a 60% grant and a standalone investment ceiling of €90,000 for solar panels on farms from 2023 onwards.

The changes are subject to approval of the Rural Development Plan (RDP) amendment by the European Commission. The amendment is currently with the Monitoring Committee of the RDP for their views before its formal submission to the Commission.

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. This can be installed in tandem with the TAMs investment for those farmers who wish to do this at scale and is a further option for those keen to explore renewable energy generation.

Live Exports

Ceisteanna (82)

Brian Leddin

Ceist:

82. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that a livestock vessel (details supplied) did not dock at Alexandria port on 13 October 2022 as was authorised by him, but instead docked the following day at Damietta port; if he was advised of this change in destination during the journey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53244/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) regulates trade in and transport of live animals. DAFM does this on the principle that no one shall transport animals, or cause animals be transported, in a way likely to cause injury or undue suffering to those animals.

This Government supports the lawful export of live animals as it is an important feature of normal activity in Ireland's agri food sector. The Department facilitates this trade, recognising its critical importance to the Agri-Food sector, while ensuring that live animal exports are in compliance with legislative requirements.

The Deputy asked about a specific livestock vessel, and a voyage of live animals that departed from Ireland and arrived in Egypt during October. The Department approved the plan for this voyage in advance of its departure from Ireland. Exporters are obliged by law to have this approval in place prior to departure.

As the Deputy can appreciate, certain changes to the route of any journey may happen during the course of a journey. In this instance, the Master's report specified that the port of arrival was changed with agreement between the captain of the vessel and the operator receiving the animals in Egypt. Following assessment of this change in destination, it is the view of the Department that this change would not have had an effect on animal welfare. The Department has been in contact with the private operators involved with respect to this journey, and officials are in regular contact with the individuals and companies involved to ensure that the high animal welfare standards demanded by this Government continue to be respected.

Let me reassure the Deputy that this Government and the Department take the protection of animal welfare very seriously, in particular when it comes to the transportation of live animals over long distances.

Animal Diseases

Ceisteanna (83)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

83. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when provision will be made in the TB compensation scheme to provide for realistic payments for pedigree animals that are depopulated; if his attention has been drawn to the adverse impact that the loss of some pedigree herds will have on the livestock sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52959/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am acutely aware of the stress for the farmer that comes from a TB breakdown especially in breeding herds where herdowners may have spent many years building up their herd through careful and selective breeding. The bloodlines pedigree farmers have developed over many generations has taken skill, determination and attention to detail.

Making significant progress in reducing TB incidence rates remains a key priority of mine. The current 12 month rolling herd incidence is 4.11%, which whilst still too high is moving downwards.

The main compensation provision of the bovine TB programme is the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme which compensates eligible herd-owners up to the market value an individual animal would have attained on the open market at the time of its valuation under the scheme.

The valuations are carried out by independent valuers who are informed by 'Summary Market Prices' which reflect the most up to date market values for various categories sold on the open market.

Compensation rates for TB reactor animals are capped under the provisions of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and are outlined in the TB Compensation Arrangements Booklet provided to farmers.

In addition to the On Farm Market Valuation compensation package, Income Supplement, Depopulation Grants and Hardship Grants may be paid to eligible herd-owners. Depopulation grants may be paid to herd-owners whose herds are depopulated (totally or partially). The grant is paid per animal removed in the depopulation measure and for those removed as reactors since the holding was restricted, on condition that the herd-owner agrees to the depopulation at the time specified by my Department.

As part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working Group comprising representatives from the Department and the farming organisations was established some time ago to review the current financial model of the TB programme. Their remit includes a review of compensation schemes with respect to all types of bovine herds. The financial model underpins the funding for all schemes and grants under the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Scheme. Discussions are advancing, and recommendations from the Finance Working Group will be put forward to the TB Forum for consideration.

I will examine the findings of this report closely and report back to the Deputy.

Agriculture Industry

Ceisteanna (84)

Alan Dillon

Ceist:

84. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the efforts by his Department to address issues regarding farmer mental health given that a recent study to coincide with agri mental health week found that almost one quarter of Irish farmers are at risk of taking their own life, and another recent UCD study showed that 80% of rural farmers suffered from mental distress and depression. [53205/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I thank the Deputy for this question on such an important topic.

I congratulate UCD and the HSE on their research. The research reveals the extent to which farmers on the island of Ireland are experiencing a range of challenges and stressors that are negatively impacting their mental health and highlights the importance of mental health initiatives and suicide awareness for members of the farming community.

This Government has prioritised farm safety, health and wellbeing. In 2022, for the first time, dedicated funding of €2.25m was allocated for a range of initiatives including initiatives to support increased awareness of the importance of mental health among farmers.

The Department of Agricuture, Food and the Marine is co-funding, with the HSE and the Department of Health, a farmers physical and mental health awareness programme called, ‘On Feirm Ground’. This programme provides training for agricultural advisors to improve their understanding of best practice in engaging farmers with health programmes and services.

The Department is currently engaging with other professionals coming in regular contact with farmers and plans to expand this programme further in 2023.

Last year, the Department funded eight farm safety European Innovation Partnerships (EIP) projects to the value of €1.8m. Four of these projects are focused on around the mental health of people in the farming community. The projects focus on addressing challenges around farm safety, health and well-being through innovative approaches which encourage a change in behaviour from the bottom up. Additional funding has been made available to extend these projects into 2023.

The Department is also providing support for research into farmer mental health. Funding has been provided for the DCU FarMHealth Research Project, a study that will inform the development of an educational mental health intervention for farmers.

The Department supports the work of the HSA’s Farm Safety Partnership and was involved in the publication of its booklet on “Farmers’ Health and Wellbeing - A Guide to Staying Healthy While Farming”. The booklet includes a section on coping with stress and minding your mental health.

I want to reassure the Deputy that farm safety, health and wellbeing is a priority for me and my colleague,Minister of State Martin Heydon T.D, the first Minister of State with special responsibility for farm safety. Dedicated funding has been increased to €2.5m in Budget 2023 which will continue to build on my Department’s efforts to improve farm safety, health and wellbeing.

Agriculture Industry

Ceisteanna (85)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

85. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work that he is undertaking to support Ireland’s wool industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47187/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy may be aware, one of the commitments of 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.

Despite its versatility in many industries, wool prices remain low, so in order to address this issue and seek a more favourable outlook for the future of the wool industry, I initiated a comprehensive review of the wool industry to explore market opportunities in order to maximise the potential of this valuable natural resource. I set aside funding of €100,000 to carry out this review.

In March 2021, a public consultation process was launched to identify terms of reference for the review and to invite stakeholders to make recommendations on potential market opportunities for wool products. A total of 45 submissions were received from a wide range of stakeholders.

Following a competitive public procurement process, ‘The Agile Executive’ a consortium made up of experts from Munster Technological University and Donegal Yarns, was appointed in November 2021 to carry out the wool review and examine the submissions received under the public consultation process.

In July 2022, the Programme for Government commitment was delivered with the publication of the Wool Review Report. This report which was compiled independently by The Agile Executive, contained a number of findings and recommendations including potential funding streams, market opportunities and multiple areas for additional research and development for wool.

One of the main recommendations was the establishment of an independent Wool Council led by industry 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. It is envisaged that this Council would be a forum where stakeholders can further examine and explore the potential uses for wool identified in the Wool Feasibility Study report.

I understand that stakeholders in the Wool industry have taken the initial steps towards the formation of the Wool Council, and I anticipate that this process will be concluded by the industry in the coming months. I am very supportive of the establishment of this independent industry-led Wool Council which can use the findings of the wool review as a roadmap to develop pathways towards maximising the true potential of Irish wool into the future.

Once established, my Department has committed to providing €30,000 in financial assistance towards the initial set-up costs.

It is my hope that the Council and the report can create a roadmap that will lead to greater returns for this great and sustainable product.

Food Security

Ceisteanna (86)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

86. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to maintain and develop food security in Ireland given the impact of the Ukrainian crisis on European food supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53167/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The current crisis is challenging established assumptions on food security. Now, more than ever, having countries like Ireland producing safe, sustainable and nutritious food is needed.

Ireland is among the most food secure countries in the world. In fact, according to the Global Food Security Index for 2022, Ireland placed second. Ireland is part of the EU single market and participates in the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), which is the key mechanism for ensuring food security throughout Europe.

The EU is largely self-sufficient for many agricultural products but is a considerable net importer for specific products that may be difficult to substitute. Increasing input costs in the food supply chain are driving food prices up.

Therefore, while there is no food shortage, there is a food availability issue for those on lower incomes and also a threat to farmer incomes. The EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers will continue to focus on the core areas of security, stability, and sustainability and to support the work of the recently established European Food Security Crisis preparedness and response Mechanism (EFSCM).

The global food security situation is concerning, especially the impacts on developing countries. The “EU Global Food Security Response”, adopted in the June EU Council Conclusions, sets out four strands of action:

Solidarity through emergency relief and support for affordability

Boosting sustainable production, resilience and food systems transformation

Facilitating Ukrainian and global trade and effective multilateralism

form an effective framework that joins up immediate and longer-term action at local and global levels.

In addition, all EU countries and the Commission have endorsed the “Road Map for the Global Food Security - Call for Action” agreed between Foreign Ministers at the UN, which will guide efforts led by the UN Secretary General-through the UN Global Crisis Response Group and coordinated with the G7 Global Alliance for Food Security.

In this regard, efforts to ensure security and stability in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov region must continue and it is to be welcomed that shipments are taking place from Ukrainian ports through the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

At the UN Food Systems Summit in 2021, Ireland committed to sharing its own journey in food systems transformation and its plans for the future through our national strategy Food Vision 2030, and to assist developing countries in their own journeys.

In support of this, the Department has supported the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in the design of a global Food Systems Transformation Support Facility, which will be a critical component for technical support for global food systems transformation.

In Food Vision, our sector has laid out its ambition to become “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems” through the pursuit of four high-level Missions:

1. A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector

2. Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being

3. Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home & Abroad

4. An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology & Talent.

I am confident that the sector will deliver on its ambitions and will continue to contribute to national, EU and global food security.

Agriculture Schemes

Ceisteanna (87)

David Stanton

Ceist:

87. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 203 of 26 May 2022 and No. 133 of 31 March 2022, the progress that has been made to date in supporting farmers to generate renewable energy for their own use or for potential sale to the grid under the TAMS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53220/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy may be aware, TAMS is an On-Farm Investment Scheme which is co-funded by the EU.

TAMS has proven to be a hugely successful and popular scheme. It has driven farmyard impovements in every county of the country.

Under the current EU regulations and under the new CAP Strategic Plan, 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 currently grant-aided under TAMS include Solar PV Panels and Solar PV Rechargeable Batteries and Solar Panels (Solar Thermal) for water heating under the Pig and Poultry Capital Investment Scheme.

I was delighted to recently announce as part of the budget that the electricity consumption of the dwelling house can be included with immediate effect on the solar survey as part of the holding for sizing the Solar PV installation.

The dwelling house must be occupied by the herd owner or family member and situated on the holding. This is now open for applications.

The maximum size of panel eligible for grant aid currently is 62kW for the Pig and Poultry Scheme (PPIS) and 11kW for all other eligible TAMS II schemes. To encourage further increased take-up in solar applications, I am proposing to make further changes to the scheme. This includes increasing the kilowatts for solar applications in TAMS 3 to 30 kilowatts from 11 kilowatts currently. This will bring in more high-energy intensive farms and cover their electricity usage through on-farm generation.

We are also retaining the current limit of 62 kilowatts for the Pigs and Poultry Investment Scheme. Furthermore, it is proposed that the grant rate will increase to a 60% grant and a standalone investment ceiling of €90,000 for solar panels on farms from 2023 onwards.

In a time of rising energy costs, the scheme enables farmer to generate their own power for their dwelling and holding and will help to achieve a more sustainable rural economy, assisting farmers in reducing energy costs on their holdings.

The changes are subject to approval of the Rural Development Plan (RDP) amendment by the European Commission.

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. This can be installed in tandem with the TAMs investment for those farmers who wish to do this at scale and is a further option for those keen to explore renewable energy generation.

I am excited to see this element of TAMS roll out as it will be good for farmers' pockets as well as the environment.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (88)

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Ceist:

88. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the forestry programme will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53246/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

It is important to highlight to the House the considerable work that has been undertaken this year in developing a vision for a new future for forestry in Ireland. I am referring to the recently published Shared National Vision for Trees, Woods and Forests in Ireland until 2050 which was informed by a series of extensive engagements and consultation. The Vision has informed a new Forestry Strategy for Ireland which has been developed by Working Group 2 of Project Woodland.

In parallel, a draft Forest Strategy Implementation Plan has also been developed to facilitate the initial steps in the implementation of the Forest Strategy. This Plan comprises a list of actions and measures and includes the Forestry Programme for the period 2023-2027 which will be the main implementation vehicle for the Forest Strategy in the immediate to short term.

The draft Forest Strategy and Forest Strategy Implementation Plan were published on Tuesday the 18th of October and are now subject to a six-week public consultation process. This means that stakeholders and interested parties are aware of the measures and Schemes that are being proposed for the next Forestry Programme and may submit their feedback on all elements.

Alongside this public consultation process, the Department is currently engaged in detailed discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to agree funding. We are also in contact with European Commission and are initiating the process for State Aid approval for the new Programme.

I understand that Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsbility for the sector, intends to publish the financial supports for the new Programme at the earliest opportunity. In parallel, once the public consultation process has been completed, we will take account of submissions received to arrive at a final version.

It is our intention to introduce a programme which will deliver for society, for landowners and for the forestry sector in Ireland. Its objective will be to expand the national forest estate on both private and public land.

We hope to incentivise farmers in particular to re-engage with forestry and we hope to offer increases in grants and premiums to enable land-use change.

A comprehensive and well-subscribed forestry programme has the potential to deliver lasting benefits for climate change, biodiversity, wood production, economic development and quality of life.

We are hopeful that once the programme is launched that both public and private actors will support it in order to realise its ambition.

Agriculture Industry

Ceisteanna (89)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

89. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to liaise with the energy and climate reduction sectors to ensure that both agriculture production and climate measures such as emission reductions are balanced in such a way as to ensure the effectiveness and viability of both; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53201/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy may be aware, the agriculture sector was assigned a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030 based on a 2018 baseline of 23MT CO2 eq.

My focus as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is overseeing the delivery of this emissions abatement, to ensure the reductions are reflected in the agricultural greenhouse gas inventory. Agriculture will also contribute to decarbonisation of the energy system through biomass, solar and the development of an anaerobic digestion (AD) industry and the production of biomethane. I am very keen to support the development of an AD industry as it could provide a valuable income stream for farmers.

The Climate Action Plan 2021 set out the core and additional measures the sector will pursue to live within its assigned carbon budgets. Earlier this year, I established two Food Vision groups - a dairy group and a beef and sheep group.

The final report from the dairy group is imminent, with the beef and sheep group to conclude its work in the coming months. The reports will contain a series of recommendations to reduce agricultural greenhouse gases, building on the Climate Action Plan 2021 core and further measures.

The challenge now is to have these measures taken up at farm level, this process is well underway. The Teagasc Signpost farm programme will play a key role in this objective. One of the key measures will be a reduction in chemical nitrogen use, and a change in the type of chemical nitrogen applied. Significant progress has been made in 2022 and this will be positively reflected in the 2022 inventory when published next year.

By implementing all measures on farm, by developing new methane reducing feed additives, and by developing diversification options for farmers, I am confident the sector will achieve its climate objectives.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (90)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

90. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that he is taking in response to backlogs in the forestry licensing system. [53208/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am pleased to advise that due to continued high output in forestry licencing this year, we have seen reductions in the backlog of forestry licences.

The backlog has reduced from 6,000 in August 2021, to 3,700 in January of this year and now stands at 1,639. We are issuing more licences than applications received and this means that the backlog continues to drop, with faster turnaround times for new applicants.

At the start of the year, we published a Forestry Licensing Plan for 2022 which contained a target of 5,250 licences, a year on year increase of 30%.

To 21st October 2022, we have issued 3,914 licences which is 92% of our expected output at this point in the year and there are currently 953 approved afforestation licences with just under 7,000 hectares ready for planting.

These improved outputs have been achieved through a commitment to continuous improvement, as well as through the implementation of measures recommended under Project Woodland.

As the Deputy may be aware, I established this Project in 2021 to improve the forestry licensing system, to deal with the backlog and to drive forward the planting of trees under a shared vision for forestry in Ireland.

Work is on-going with the implementation of the 57 recommendations arising from a business process review carried out under Project Woodland.

An Agile Implementation Group is implementing system solutions, with 71% of the recommendations either complete or in progress. This builds on earlier improvements to our processes.

These improvements have facilitated the preparation of Appropriate Assessment Reports by my Department, which removes this burden from applicants in most cases. Associated with this and in order to assist foresters in submitting quality applications, we provided habitat map training and training for ecologists.

Furthermore, a pre-application discussion pilot has been completed and we now intend to deliver this at a national level, along with the new Forestry Programme. All of these measures are aimed at improving the quality of applications received and optimising the time of those assessing applications.

In tandem with reviewing processes, I have substantially increased the resources available to process forestry licences, and the positive impact of this can be seen in the increased number of licences issuing.

In addition, a legal and regulatory review of forestry licensing was carried out by Philip Lee Consultants.

Philip Lee reviewed and critically analysed the existing legal framework for the licensing of forestry activities and focused on practical and implementable options for streamlining processes and procedures.

The Project Board for Project Woodland has responded to these recommendations and the Department will now finalise a plan for the implementation of the Report, with a certain number of actions already underway.

I welcome what we have achieved so far and the measures we have adopted to address the backlog. I look forward to continuing this positive momentum and remain committed to a licensing system that is fit for purpose which will underpin an ambitious new Forestry Programme.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (91)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

91. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that he is taking to increase the low national rate of afforestation. [53209/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Increasing the area under forestry in the country remains a key priority for me and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAMF). I am acutely aware of the afforestation target of 8,000 hectares per year set out in the Climate Action Plan and the fact that afforestation rates have been declining in recent years. I established Project Woodland in 2021 in response to this challenge, to drive forward the planting of trees under a shared vision for forestry in Ireland.

As the Deputy may know, the current Forestry Programme provides supports for afforestation including grants and premiums and covers the cost of establishing a forest. Despite strong support for landowners over a period of 15 years, we have not achieved the level of planting anticipated. I acknowledge that delays in the issuing of afforestation licences have had an impact on afforestation rates in recent years.

We are working on changing the narrative and the extensive public consultation carried out this year indicates that many in society are positively disposed towards trees and wish to see more of them.

I am pleased to say that we have made much progress in relation to the licensing issue. There has been a 47% increase in afforestation licences issued up to 30th September this year as compared to the same period last year.

We set ourselves an ambitious target of 5,250 licences this year, in our Forestry Licensing Plan, and we are at 92% of expected output at this stage of the year.

Specifically in relation to afforestation, by 21st October 2022, my Department had received 339 fresh applications, while 578 afforestation licences have issued, in fact there are currently 953 approved afforestation licences with just under 7,000 hectares ready for planting. Furthermore, the pace of processing of these applications has picked up significantly.

I am hopeful that we will continue the positive momentum on the issuing of licences and that going forward licence issue will prove no barrier to afforestation applications.

In order to realise our ambitions in terms of afforestation, considerable work that has been undertaken this year in developing a vision for a new future for forestry in Ireland. I am referring to the recently published Shared National Vision for Trees, Woods and Forests in Ireland until 2050 , which was informed by a series of extensive engagements and consultation. The Vision has informed a new Forestry Strategy for Ireland which has been developed by Working Group 2 of Project Woodland.

In parallel, a draft Forest Strategy Implementation Plan has also been developed to facilitate the initial steps in the implementation of the Forest Strategy .

The draft Forest Strategy and Forest Strategy Implementation Plan were published on Tuesday 18th October and are now subject to a six-week public consultation process. This means that stakeholders and interested parties are aware of the measures and Schemes that are being proposed for the next Forestry Programme and may submit their feedback on all elements.

Alongside this public consultation process, the Department is currently engaged in detailed discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to agree funding.

I intend to publish the financial supports for the new Programme at the earliest opportunity.

It is my intention to introduce a programme which will deliver for society, for landowners and for the forestry sector in Ireland. Its objective will be to expand the national forest estate on both private and public land.

I hope to incentivise farmers, in particular, to re-engage with forestry and we hope to offer increases in grants and premiums to enable land-use change.

A comprehensive and well-subscribed forestry programme has the potential to deliver lasting benefits for climate change, biodiversity, wood production, economic development and quality of life.

Control of Horses

Ceisteanna (92)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

92. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that there is sufficient legislation to deal with the challenge of wandering and stray horses in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53097/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I thank the Deputy for raising this important topic and it is one that I take very seriously.

The Control of Horses Act 1996 provides powers to Local Authorities enabling them to appoint authorised officers under the Act to control stray and wandering horses in their areas. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for each Local Authority and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine provides financial support to assist with these enforcement measures.

The scale and extent of straying equines has reduced significantly and consistently in recent years. Almost 5,000 horses were seized in 2014. In 2021, 477 horses were seized by Local Authorities.

The Control of Horses Act is currently under review with a view to simplifying and further improving the legislation. Plans are advancing and consultation with the Local Authorities is ongoing.

A broad stakeholder engagement process will follow, to facilitate a cohesive national approach in considering and implementing the proposals.

The Department also takes a preventive approach to equine welfare challenges by supporting initiatives educating young people in the care and welfare of horses. This work is carried out in close collaboration with the Local Authorities across the country.

Animal Diseases

Ceisteanna (93)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

93. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when compensation payments will be increased in respect of the depopulation of animals and herds due to TB; if particular provision will be made to pay proper compensation to owners of pedigree animals to reflect their market value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52958/22]