Written Answers Nos. 101-120
101. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the destination of Irish agri-food exports post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52960/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe latest available CSO trade figures up to August 2022 confirm that Irish agri-food exports continue to grow across all of our key markets - United Kingdom, European Union and a range of third countries including the United States and countries across Asia and the Middle East.
The value of exports to the end of August is up on the same period in 2021 by some €2.2 billion, or 22%, and in volume terms by over 134,000 tonnes, or 2.7%. This continues the strong growth trend in our exports over recent years, as exemplified by exports in 2021 worth €15.5 billion, which represented an 8.4% increase over 2020.
We cannot and do not take this growth performance for granted. There are a range of current and future challenges which will continue to impact international markets, whether that be ongoing Brexit uncertainty or Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. I can, therefore, assure the Deputy that I remain firmly focused on supporting the agri-food sector in meeting these challenges and in achieving its ambitions to grow exports into the future.
A key part of the Government's commitment to achieving our growth ambitions is Ministerial-led Trade Missions. The welcome easing of COVID-19 restrictions in many markets around the world during 2022 has allowed Ministers of State Hackett, Heydon and myself to re-commence in-person Trade Missions to a diverse range of high priority markets.
To date in 2022 we have had Trade Missions to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, United States, Mexico, Germany, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam. Before the end of 2022 further visits to France and UK are planned. These visits include Government-to-Government discussions on resolving key market access issues and, in conjunction with Bord Bia, high level engagements with key customers of Irish food exporters and targeted promotional activities in these markets.
The Department, in consultation with Bord Bia, is currently developing the plan for Ministerial-led Trade Missions in 2023.
The trade performance of the Irish agri-food sector in the face of a number of geopolitical challenges and global emergencies in recent years has been impressive. This is a credit to the resilience and adaptability of our farmers, fishers and food industry. The Government will continue to support the sector into the future so that the benefits of this trade to the Irish economy, and especially to the rural economy, are maximised.
102. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagements that he has had with his ministerial colleagues regarding the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. [53095/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the European Commission reached political agreement in its trade negotiations with Mercosur countries in June 2019.
TheDepartment, my predecessors as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and I have played, and continue to play, an active role in developing Ireland's position across Government at all stages of these negotiations, including in their current phase.
Ongoing and close consultation is taking place between my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the Irish position in relation to the EU-Mercosur agreement. These discussions, in turn, inform Ireland's position at EU level, in particular in respect of issues related to the level of new market access provided for agri-food exports from Mercosur, and the environmental and climate change provisions in the agreement.
We raise these issues at EU Council of Ministers meetings, in both Trade and Agriculture formations, through direct engagement with the relevant Commissioners for Agriculture and Trade, and through close collaboration with EU countries who share these concerns.
After the announcement of the agreement, the Government committed to a full Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment of the agreement. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in collaboration with my department, commissioned this study, and my Department and Teagasc fed extensively into the analysis.
Furthermore, Ireland has continued to raise concerns about the environmental and climate change provisions in the agreement, and is seeking the provision of additional enforceable guarantees that will strengthen environmental protections.
The Department continues to take every opportunity to articulate this position at EU level, including most recently at the Agri-Fish Council meeting last week in Luxembourg.
Ireland's beef system cannot be compared with Brazil's in terms of our committment to sustainability. Irish beef is a far superior product produced by our world-class farmers.
Based on the concerns raised by Ireland and other EU countries, the European Commission and the European External Action Service are currently engaged with Mercosur countries on negotiating enforceable commitments on climate and deforestation.
When the final text of the Agreement is presented to EU countries for approval, the Government’s position will be informed by its assessment of the additional enforcement provisions secured by the EU in the final text, as well as by the findings of the Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment.
103. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of efforts to address the backlog in forestry licence issuance and meeting afforestation targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53239/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very much pleased to advise that due to continued high output in forestry licencing this year, we have seen considerable 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 achieved through a commitment to continuous improvement, as well as through the implementation of measures recommended under Project Woodland.
Work is ongoing with the implementation of the 57 recommendations arising from a business process review carried out under Project Woodland, with 71% of the recommendations either complete or in progress.
This builds on earlier improvements to our processes. They have facilitated the preparation of Appropriate Assessment Reports by the Department, which removes this burden from applicants in most cases.
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.
Furthermore, 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 Solicitors and, following extensive stakeholder engagement, their Report was published in June.
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.
This improvement in licence output will remove one of the perceived barriers to planting. 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.
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. We hope that a new Forestry Programme will re-engage landowners, farmers in particular, and realise the land-use change needed.
We are 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 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.
104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to monitor the impact of the revised CAP on agriculture production and exports given that Ireland may be affected; if adequate steps are being taken to ensure the retention of the maximum number of family farms and shops, and that production is maximised to the greatest extent possible having particular regard to worldwide food shortages in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53200/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) will run from 2023 to 2027, and will support the development of the agriculture sector by helping to deliver viable incomes for farmers, while also helping them to produce food in an environmentally sustainable manner for our domestic and export markets.
The €9.8 billion Plan contains several specific objectives to achieve this, including the attainment of enhanced market orientation, increased farm competitiveness and an improvement in Irish farmers' position in the value chain.
This is well-funded and farmer-friendly CAP aimed at supporting our families.
Several CSP interventions are targeted at the provision of financial supports to farmers, including direct payments under Pillar I of the CAP and investment supports to help improve competitiveness under the On-Farm Capital Investment Scheme.
These will be complemented by initiatives that will aid the sustainable development of rural communities. Support is, for example, available through the new ACRES agri-environmental programme and the €180m LEADER programme operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The latter programme will continue to play a vital role in supporting small food producers and vibrant rural communities.
Regarding worldwide food shortages arising from global events, I have been discussing the impact of these events on food security, and on agricultural supply chains, on a regular basis with both my Member State counterparts at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council, and with stakeholders here at home. Food security has never been as important and Ireland is well-placed to play a leadership role.
In response to the Ukraine crisis, I established a Rapid Response Team within my Department to actively monitor the impacts on agri-food supply chains and to contribute to the whole of Government response.
I also established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee and tasked it with the preparation of a response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and with the development of contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.
Since the invasion of Ukraine started, I have introduced several measures to assist the agri-food sector, including:
€56 million Fodder Support Scheme
€20 million in two packages for the pig sector,
€12 million for the tillage sector
These targeted measures will help Irish farmers at a time of escalating costs, and will help to build resilience against the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
I continue to closely monitor the situation to how best we can support our farm families.
105. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are financial supports and premia in the new forestry plan for those with ash dieback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53255/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have met with landowners whose forests have ash dieback and I am aware of their serious concerns.
Since the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has provided support totalling over €7 million to owners of ash plantations impacted by ash dieback disease through the ash dieback reconstitution scheme, introduced in 2013, and more recently the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme introduced in July 2020.
The current scheme provides 100% grant aid to landowners to clear their ash crop, replant with an alternate species and manage their forest until successfully established. It is intended to continue to offer the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme through the next Forestry Programme which will cover the period from 2023-2027.
As the Deputy may be aware, the draft Forest Strategy and Forest Strategy Implementation Plan which includes the next Forestry Programme measures, including the Reconstitution intervention, were published on Tuesday 18th October.
These are now subject to a six-week public consultation process. This means that stakeholders and interested parties can review the measures and Schemes that are being proposed for the next Forestry Programme and may submit their feedback.
The Department is currently in discussions with the Department of Expenditure and Reform in respect of sanction for the new Forestry Programme.
Once those discussions have concluded, I will be in position to publish details of proposed financial supports for the new forestry measures.
I am confident that we will deliver the biggest Forestry Programme to date which will ensure that forestry continues to be central to the Government's efforts to reach our climate goals as well as strongly supporting the rural economy.
106. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of horses that were seized and-or impounded for trespass and for non-compliance with chipping law and regulation by county in each of the years 2015 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53096/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Control of Horses Act 1996, local authorities may take a range of actions in relation to equines including prohibiting horses in certain areas, the issuing of licences and the seizure of horses in contravention of the Act. These powers can be used in respect of straying horses, which includes horses put on land without the owner’s permission, including public land. Local authorities may also prosecute offenders.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) provides financial support to help local authorities with these seizures - figures with respect to the number of animals involved are outlined below. Detailed information about reasons for the seizures rest with the local authorities.
In dealing with breaches of equine identification legislation, the Department’s policy is to adopt a fair and proportional approach . Authorised officers engage with keepers to ensure that they understand their responsibilities and where potential breaches of the legislation are identified, they generally provide an opportunity for non-compliant keepers to rectify the position within a specified timeframe.
Horses Seized by Local Authority - 2015-2022
|
Local authority |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
to date in 2022 |
|
Carlow Co. co. |
69 |
76 |
24 |
13 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cavan Co. co. |
25 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare Co. co. |
47 |
11 |
18 |
14 |
47 |
29 |
6 |
0 |
|
Cork Co, co. |
155 |
91 |
87 |
63 |
75 |
35 |
22 |
13 |
|
Cork City Co. |
54 |
47 |
39 |
33 |
23 |
12 |
38 |
7 |
|
Donegal Co. Co. |
10 |
19 |
13 |
7 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Dublin City Co. |
145 |
193 |
120 |
183 |
90 |
42 |
76 |
26 |
|
South Dublin Co. Co. |
231 |
266 |
227 |
147 |
83 |
69 |
45 |
13 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
25 |
29 |
7 |
13 |
15 |
23 |
11 |
2 |
|
Fingal |
145 |
161 |
155 |
86 |
41 |
43 |
19 |
11 |
|
Galway City |
81 |
64 |
34 |
35 |
15 |
22 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway Co. |
94 |
40 |
40 |
66 |
70 |
35 |
4 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
24 |
28 |
12 |
22 |
16 |
16 |
6 |
6 |
|
Kildare |
273 |
155 |
145 |
91 |
103 |
29 |
16 |
9 |
|
Kilkenny |
75 |
52 |
21 |
21 |
18 |
60 |
19 |
0 |
|
Laois |
111 |
66 |
49 |
64 |
35 |
49 |
19 |
4 |
|
Leitrim |
26 |
16 |
10 |
8 |
10 |
5 |
2 |
7 |
|
Limerick City and Co. |
343 |
209 |
166 |
206 |
109 |
128 |
91 |
59 |
|
Longford |
41 |
19 |
21 |
13 |
11 |
33 |
22 |
6 |
|
Louth |
43 |
23 |
38 |
37 |
11 |
6 |
5 |
2 |
|
Mayo |
0 |
0 |
7 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Meath |
40 |
80 |
57 |
25 |
19 |
3 |
7 |
3 |
|
Monaghan |
35 |
29 |
11 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
101 |
66 |
60 |
16 |
13 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
14 |
19 |
6 |
9 |
4 |
6 |
4 |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
152 |
129 |
97 |
105 |
88 |
76 |
44 |
16 |
|
Waterford City & Co. |
39 |
32 |
18 |
28 |
31 |
17 |
10 |
6 |
|
Westmeath |
61 |
50 |
36 |
37 |
19 |
11 |
1 |
1 |
|
Wexford |
86 |
89 |
39 |
50 |
33 |
30 |
7 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
138 |
65 |
45 |
57 |
43 |
32 |
0 |
4 |
|
Total |
2,683 |
2,128 |
1,603 |
1,460 |
1,050 |
819 |
477 |
197 |
107. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way that the current distribution of the mackerel allocation aligns with the State’s obligations under Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53210/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully satisfied that the obligations set down in Article 17 of Regulation 1380/2013 are being met.
Management arrangements for the Mackerel fishery, have been set and developed over many years since the commencement of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the introduction of quotas. Mackerel is managed on an annual/seasonal basis with catch limits set based on allocation regimes developed over many years and related to historical catch records. Amendments to the mackerel policy in 2010 and 2017 were introduced following a full review and public consultation. It should be noted that the 2017 policy is subject to legal challenge in the Courts.
Consultation on the management of quotas within National Policy is carried out each month at the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC) meeting involving fishing industry representatives from the catching and processing sectors, the Department and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). The QMAC examines in detail the operation of each fishery, available quota and uptake patterns for the different metiers of fishing vessels. Detailed discussions are held taking account of the situation of the fleet and the market. Any issues relating to the management of the Mackerel quota allocation to the relevant fisheries as set down in National Policy, are discussed by the QMAC and recommendations are brought to my attention to inform my decision.
As recommended by the QMAC, National Policy for Quota Balancing has been put in place to support the landing obligation for both demersal and pelagic stocks including Mackerel. Quota balancing, where a ‘balancing adjustment’ is made from a future allocation of a fishing opportunity, is a conservation measure that aids industry in matching available quota to actual catch to support the effective operation of the landing obligation (discards ban).
As the Deputy will be aware, in Ireland, fishing quotas, including the Mackerel quota, are a public resource. It is worth noting that within the EU, most quota systems have been privatised for their main commercial stocks. In Ireland, allocations are not owned by the vessel and when an allocation is not fished it is returned to the State for redistribution to the fleet. This policy helps to support an Irish-owned and operated fleet with operations based in Ireland. If the fleet were not Irish owned, there would likely be a rapid concentration of ownership in a small number of international companies which are not likely to operate from Ireland and may not have any commercial links with Ireland. The result of this long-standing policy is that the Irish fishing fleet that have retained a strong economic link with our coastal communities.
108. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way that the allocations in Budget 2023 to his Department will help tackle the cost-of-living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53084/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo help all families, individuals and businesses deal with the rising cost of living, the Government announced a package of once-off measures worth €4.1bn as part of the overall €11bn Budget 2023.
Of particular assistance to the agri-food sector included the continuation of the reduction of excise duty on agricultural diesel to nil; the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme, which will provide important support for farmers and food businesses with their energy bills; and the delivery of new loan schemes.
In the Budget for 2023, I announced the highest-ever level of funding for my Department, a 13% increase overall, and I will continue to deliver the appropriate level of support, including working with my colleagues on business supports for farmers, fishers and food & drink businesses.
Significant implications are being seen across all sectors, including the agri-food sector as a result of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. As well as the immediate humanitarian crisis, which must take priority, we need to take the necessary steps to ensure that food security is maintained, for EU citizens, for the Ukrainian people and in the wider global context.
I am acutely aware of the challenges facing our farm families here in Ireland and my role is to support the sector in mitigating these impacts and to provide targeted measures where they are most needed. I continue to meet with stakeholders on an ongoing basis to discuss the impact of the Ukraine crisis on Irish agriculture and supply chains.
Since the invasion of Ukraine started, I have announced a number of measures valued at €91 million, to assist the agri-food sector including the €1,000/farmer incentive for farmers to grow additional fodder, and specific supports for the pig, tillage & horticulture sectors. This will be available again to farmers in 2023.
These targeted measures will help Irish farmers at a time of escalating costs and build resilience against the expected impact of the crisis in Ukraine.
In addition to supporting farm families dealing with the immediate and ongoing fallout of the illegal invasion of Ukraine, Budget 2023 also lays the groundwork for strategic supports for the sector through the new €10 billion CAP Strategic Plan (CSP).
I am acutely aware of the challenges facing farm families, food businesses and coastal communities at present. We are living in uncertain times, but we need our farm families and fishers producing safe, sustainable, and high-quality food more than ever. I will continue to back them in doing that.
109. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update in relation to research with regard to the development of varieties of ash trees that will be resistant to ash dieback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53242/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agricuture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has been involved in and has funded research in breeding ash trees for resistance for almost ten years.
Teagasc is leading the research in Ireland on improving the genetic tolerance of ash to the ash dieback disease, which is carried out with research funding support from the Department and in collaboration with Coillte, Irish universities and Research Performing Organisations, European partners, including in the UK.
A small proportion of ash trees show natural tolerance to the disease and this tolerance is heritable.
Production of disease tolerant ash plants is in a research and development stage in Ireland. It will be some years before ash plants tolerant to ash dieback will be in full production and available for planting.
Tree breeding is a long-term process, and material considered for potential use in long-term programmes must be validated using laboratory methods along with multi-site field testing.
The focus of the research to date has been on the identification and establishment of a population of tolerant ash plants, and to test its suitability for adaptation in Irish growing conditions.
It has been the case, as part of this research effort, that material initially considered to be tolerant to ash dieback disease has subsequently succumbed to the disease during field testing.
The primary output of this work to date has been the establishment of three gene banks of tolerant ash material and an indoor seed-orchard of tolerant trees.
The purpose of the indoor seed orchard is to produce seed for the next population of ash plants for further disease tolerance assessments. The next step will be the establishment of an outdoor seed orchard, using tolerant plants identified from this disease tolerance assessment.
Seed from this outdoor seed orchard will be used to supply ash plants at scale.
The COFORD Council Forest Genetic Resources Working Group published a COFORD Connects information note in 2020 that outlined a timescale of at least 6 but up to 20 years for mass production of tolerant trees
110. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider expanding the number of equine groups partaking in the discussions on the exact entry criteria and equine-specified facilities that will apply to the TAM 2 grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53164/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has engaged extensively with all stakeholders on the future of the CAP and on the development of the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 including various groups within the equine sector.
TAMS has been a hugely successful helping to drive on-farm improvements in every county across the country. To date under the CAP expenditure, TAMS has exceeded €377m. Payments under the scheme continue to issue on an ongoing basis. TAMS continues to be a hugely successful and beneficial scheme and I am delighted that it will continue in 2023 with a stronger emphasis on environmental investments.
The Department has carefully considered all submissions relating to grant-aided investments and the investment list is currently being finalised. To aid equine farmers, I am proposing to make changes to the TAMS scheme 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.
TAMS is a demand-led scheme and as such reviews of investments and their uptake, along with budgetary constraints will continue to take place during the lifetime of the scheme.
111. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of his plans to target the sale and distribution of animals through illicit puppy farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53083/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that responsibility for Dog Breeding Establishments lies with Department of Rural and Community Development as provided for by the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010.
An establishment keeping six or more bitches of more than six months of age capable of being used for breeding purposes falls within the scope of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Local Authorities have responsibility for registration, inspection and regulation of dog breeding establishments, including enforcement activities.
Link: gov.ie - Department of Rural and Community Development (www.gov.ie)
In relation to the sale of pets, concern for the safety and welfare of pet animals was one of the primary reasons behind the introduction by my Department of the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 681/2019).
These Regulations put into law certain requirements for sellers and suppliers of pet animals, including the minimum age for the sale of certain mammals; record-keeping; registration with the Department; and the provision of specific information about the pet in advertisements. The Regulations were welcomed by welfare organisations and are a support to those thinking of purchasing pet animals.
Under these regulations, anyone who sells or supplies six or more pet animals in a year must register with my Department. (Dog Breeding Establishments are excluded from this requirement under these regulations as they are already subject to registration).
The Department participates in the Irish Pet Advertising Advisory Group (IPAAG), a group of animal welfare organisations, veterinary professionals and advertising platforms that address issues in relation to advertising pet animals and engages with advertising platforms both through that group and bilaterally.
A traceability and verification system has been developed by a website which advertises dogs in collaboration with a microchipping company. I would encourage all websites to adopt similar verification systems.
Any evidence of animal cruelty or neglect of an animal’s welfare should be brought to the attention of my Department by calling the animal welfare helpline on 01 6072379 or by emailing animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie. Any case will be investigated rapidly and thoroughly.
112. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the announced increases in the Brazilian national herd comparable to the total cattle population in this State; and any implications that the Mercosur Trade Agreement may have on this. [53123/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise that there is concern around potential increases in the Brazilian national herd in the context of such increases having negative impacts on the environment, and in particular on the Amazon rainforest and its ecosytems.
The EU-Mercosur political agreement of June 2019 includes provisions which require commitments from both the EU and from Mercosur countries to meet their obligations to address the urgent threat of climate change, and the role that trade has in this regard.
The agreement underscores the importance of both Parties implementing the provisions of the Paris Agreement. It also contains an explicit mechanism whereby concerns about environmental conditions can be raised on a bilateral basis in a manner that is transparent and subject to public accountability.
Ireland and other EU countries continue to raise additional concerns about the environmental and climate change provisions in the agreement, and we are seeking the provision of additional enforceable guarantees which strengthen environmental protections.
Across Government, we continue to take every opportunity to articulate this position at EU level. Most recently, this position was reiterated at the Agri-Fish Council meeting last week in Luxembourg.
Based on these concerns raised by Ireland and other EU countries, the European Commission and the European External Action Service are currently engaged with Mercosur countries on negotiating additional enforceable commitments on climate and deforestation.
It is my view, and more broadly the Government's view, that such enforceable guarantees which strengthen environmental protections, particularly with regard to the Amazon rainforest, will be an important factor in informing our assessment of the benefits of the Agreement when it is formally presented for decision.
Ireland's beef system cannot be compared with Brazil's in terms of our committment to sustainability. Irish beef is a far superior product produced by our world-class farmers.
113. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 283 of 28 September 2022, the details of any analysis carried out by his Department regarding the amount of sprat caught within the six nautical-mile limit since September 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53218/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis refers to a previous Parliamentary Question on the trawling ban on vessels over 18 metres inside six nautical miles and the ongoing court case.
Following a public consultation process in which over 900 submissions were received, the then Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine announced in December 2018 that vessels over 18m would 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 the 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 fishers 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 my 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 provided.
As this matter continues to be sub judice, I am not in a position to comment further until the matter can be resolved before the Courts.
In relation to the specific point on the amount of sprat caught within the six nautical-mile limit since September 2021, fish landing data is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. I am forwarding the Deputy's question for direct response by the SFPA.
114. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of the funding levels in Budget 2023 for public marine infrastructure. [53211/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that last January I announced the roll-out of the €35m Brexit Adjustment: Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme 2022-2023. The BALAMI Scheme was one of the recommendations of the Seafood Sector Taskforce which I established following Brexit. This scheme is proposed to be funded in the main from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.
The Scheme assists the development of the marine economy in coastal communities by aiming to give immediate construction stimulus to those coastal communities affected by Brexit. It aims to develop projects of up to €1m budget during 2022 and 2023. The Scheme also offers the possibility of funding larger projects where there is particular exposure to Brexit due to proximity to UK waters and loss of fishing opportunities. Each of the projects will be delivered by the Local Authority which owns and maintains the relevant marine infrastructure.
In April this year, after the first call of the Scheme, I approved €31.7m in funding for 110 projects around the Irish coast. This was the largest ever funding announcement of its kind for Local Authority owned marine infrastructure.
The closing date for applications in the second call of the Scheme was September 30th and my Department is currently evaluating over 90 applications which have been submitted by 13 Local Authorities. In view of the large volume of applications which has come in, I have asked my Department to examine the scope to increase the BAR funding available for the scheme. In the meantime, I am sure the Deputy will agree that it is imperative that local authorities get on with delivery of their first call projects to support the seafood sector and the local economies of coastal communities in this difficult period.
I must stress that responsibility for the development and maintenance of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each Local Authority in the first instance. I am also mindful that the primary governance role for local authorities rests with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and any wider funding issues for local authorities should be addressed to that Minister.
115. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that his Department has taken to reduce the economic burden on farmers as a result of the rapid increase in the cost of fertiliser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53058/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe price of fertiliser remains a significant economic burden on farmers and there is no sign of fertiliser prices easing in the short to medium term as prices are being driven by a number of factors including global demand, energy prices and availability.
I have taken a proactive approach to supporting our farm families throughout this period and will continue to do so.
In January, I launched the Teagasc 2022 Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign which provided a comprehensive information pack for farmers and their advisors on optimising the use of plant nutrients to address the challenge of maintaining their farm outputs in the face of rising fertiliser costs and reduced availability.
This campaign has supported farmers to reduce their dependency on chemical fertilisers and it remains a credible roadmap that is good the environment and good for the farmer's pocket.
Over the course of the past year, I announced a series of targeted interventions for farmers aimed at supporting Irish farm families arising both from events in Ukraine and wider global price volatility including:
(a) a Targeted Intervention Package worth over €12 million which included a €10 million Tillage Incentive Scheme; and a €2 million Multi-Species Sward Initiative and a Red Clover Silage Measure to promote environmentally sustainable methods of farming, thereby reducing nitrogen fertiliser usage, while maintaining forage yield;
(b) a €56 million Fodder Support Scheme to assist farmers grow fodder in response to increases in input costs especially chemical fertiliser. This pays applicants up to €1,000 each to support them in the saving of fodder; and
(c) a €2.8 million Horticulture Exceptional Payment Scheme to support Irish fruit and vegetable growers impacted by Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Furthermore, I secured further supports for farm families in Budget 2023 to help them deal with the immediate and ongoing fallout of the illegal invasion of Ukraine including a new €8m grant aid scheme to support the spreading of lime as well as an enhanced Multi Species Sward / Red Clover scheme. I also secured funding for the continuation of the €10m Tillage Incentive Scheme in 2023 to encourage maintenance and new planting in the Tillage Sector.
Lastly, I have committed to a continuation of fodder supports for beef and sheep farmers.
All of these supports will help farm families offset the pressures associated with fertiliser prices. I do recognise that 2023 will be a challenging year in terms of inputs particularly around feed and fertiliser.
116. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the continued failure to meet forestry licence issuance and afforestation targets. [53174/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to advise that this year we have seen considerable improvements in the issuance of forestry licences.
To date, 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.
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.
When we published our Forestry Licensing Plan for 2022, we set an ambitious target of 5,250 licences, an increase of 30% on 2021.
We set individual targets across licensing categories. In terms of our targets in the year-to date, up to the 21st of October, we are at 94% of our target for roads, 89% for private felling and over 100% for Coillte felling. I acknowledge that afforestation figures are not quite keeping pace with other categories and are at 69% of year-to-date target.
However, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) received 339 fresh afforestation applications, while 578 afforestation licences have issued.
The pace of processing of these applications has picked up significantly, since increased ecological specialist resources have come online with 238 licences processed in the 3rd quarter of this year, compared to 131 in the second quarter. We are embarking on an intensive effort over the last few weeks and next few weeks to prioritise afforestation with an aim of clearing older files ahead of the new forestry programme.
These improved outputs have been achieved through a commitment to continuous improvement as well as through the implementation of measures recommended under Project Woodland.
This improvement in licence output will remove one of the perceived barriers to planting. 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.
As the Deputy mat 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. We hope that a new Forestry Programme will re-engage landowners, farmers in particular, and realise the land-use change needed.
The draft Forestry Programme 2023 - 2027 forms part of the Implementation Plan for the new Forest Strategy. Both the Strategy and the Implementation Plan are currently undergoing public consultation.
Alongside this public consultation process, DAFM 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 intend 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 work on taking account of submissions received to arrive at a final version.
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.
117. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the efforts that he has made, along with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to reinstate access for Irish fishermen to their traditional fishing grounds around Rockall; and if this matter will be brought to international arbitration. [53098/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Ireland has never made any claims to Rockall, nor has Ireland ever recognised British sovereignty claims over Rockall and accordingly has not recognised a 12 nautical mile territorial sea around it either. This remains the position of the Government.
The Government has been in contact with the relevant Scottish and UK authorities on Rockall over recent years and intensively since the beginning of last year.
Through this engagement, the Government is seeking to address the issues involved, reflecting the longstanding fisheries tradition in the area.
I continue to work closely with Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Simon Coveney T.D. to consider all options for further engagement on the issues involved.
I received the report of the Seafood Task Force - Navigating Change last October. Irish vessels have traditionally fished for squid and haddock in the waters around Rockall and the impact of the loss of access to these waters was examined by the Task Force. The Task Force estimated that, in 2019, the total squid fishery was valued at around €6.6 million. The majority of squid is taken from the waters surrounding Rockall and this amounted to 1,071 tonnes, valued in excess of €5 million in 2019 and 371 tonnes valued at €1.6 million in 2020. The estimate by the Task Force of the catch of other stocks near Rockall is €1 million, which generally may be fished outside the waters around Rockall.
In May, I launched a 2022 Brexit Voluntary Temporary Fishing Vessel Tie-up Scheme, as recommended by the Seafood Sector Task Force. The scheme is an extension of the 2021 Tie-up scheme, with some modifications, and will help mitigate the impacts of quota cuts for 2022 arising from the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. For 2022, eligible vessels may tie up for two, non-sequential months but eligible Rockall squid vessels may tie up for two consecutive months, due to the short length and seasonality of this fishery.
118. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on Ireland’s food security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53322/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
119. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consideration that was given to the additional cost associated with complying with new TB regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53240/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the stress caused by a TB breakdown on a farm and I am committed to driving down TB rates.
As a result of the EU Animal Health Law Regulation 2016/429, new requirements in relation to TB testing have been introduced. These regulations came into effect in April 2021 and are directly applicable to all EU member states.
The Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum, which comprises of representatives from across the agri-food sector, leading researchers and my Department, has agreed to the introduction of these mandatory requirements on a phased basis.
The requirements of phase one are that:
1. Cows of all ages and males over the age of 36 months moving farm to farm or through a mart must have been TB tested in the last six months, and
2. They must also be moving from a herd that has been tested in the last six months.
If the animal being moved does not meet the requirements, it must be TB tested 30 days prior to or 30 days post movement into the new herd. The animal is restricted to the receiving herd until the test is complete and clear.
The regulations are being introduced in two phases. Phase one is to be implemented on the 1st February 2023. A communications campaign to inform farmers of these new requirements will commence in the next few weeks.
Farmers will be notified of the requirements by way of an email or hard copy leaflet and frequently asked questions explaining the requirements. Farmers will also receive a text message with a link to the leaflet and FAQs on the Government’s bovine TB website bovinetb.ie There will also be a number of media articles concerning the requirements. Farmers can also contact their local Regional Veterinary Office for information and advice.
No date has yet been set for phase two which will see the rule applied to all animals. Phase two will only commence following engagement with farm organisations.
These new requirements are aimed at reducing the level of transmissible disease in animals, including bovines. These requirements are applicable across all EU member states.
The Financial Working Group of the TB Forum is currently examining the financial aspects of the TB programme to ensure a sustainable funding model for the programme is developed.
120. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department plans to make supports available for those wishing to introduce solar energy generation on their farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53170/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra125. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to increase the adoption of rooftop solar energy generation on farms. [53094/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra134. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports that are available within his Department to encourage the adoption of on-farm solar energy generation; and if he will outline the targets within his Department to encourage such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53118/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 125 and 134 together.
To help encourage on-farm renewable technology uptake and usage, 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.
TAMS is an On-Farm Investment Scheme which is co-funded by the EU. 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. 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.
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 will enable every 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. 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.
