Written Answers Nos. 751-765
751. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm, in specific terms, the amount that Horse Racing Ireland spent on equine welfare in 2020 and 2021 (details supplied); and the aims, timelines and achievements for those initiatives. [53062/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for HRI and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
752. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount in Euros and as a percentage of the horse and greyhound racing fund that was allocated and used for horse racing prize money in 2020 and 2021. [53063/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund (the Fund) as provided for under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001. This Department makes payments from the Fund to HRI and to Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ). This is distributed in accordance with Section 12(6) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, with 80% allocated to HRI and 20% to RCÉ.
Following Oireachtas approval of the Fund, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issues a "parameters letter" to HRI advising the body of the allocation from the Fund and the split between current and capital funding distribution. The letter also advises HRI that it must comply with certain conditions in relation to this funding.
These conditions include compliance with obligations under legislation and the various Codes and directives issued by the Government and by the Department.
In relation to the current expenditure allocation, the Department requests that no more than 80% is to be applied for prize money and a minimum of 20% to be applied for integrity services.
The information the Deputy has requested in relation to the amount in euros and as a percentage of the horse and greyhound racing fund that was allocated and used for horse racing prize money for each of the years 2020 and 2021 is detailed below.
Horse & Greyhound Racing Fund
Horse Racing Ireland Allocation for years 2020 to 2021
Current/Capital/Amount contributed to prize money in euros and percentage terms
|
Year |
Amount allocated to HRI from Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund (€m) |
Current Allocation€m |
Capital Allocation(€m) |
Amount contributed by HRI to prize money in €m and as percentage of current allocation |
|
2020 |
67.2 |
54.1 |
13.1 |
35.346 (65) |
|
2021 |
76.8 |
61.4 |
15.4 |
43.166 (70) |
753. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm the racehorse prize money pool in its totality for 2020; and the percentage and the amount that was returned in direct tax. [53064/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
A total of €51.633 million was paid out in racehorse prize money in 2020. HRI contributed €35.346m of this amount with the balance of €16.287m contributed by private sponsors.
The owners of racehorses who earn prize money are not subject to taxation in respect of this income. Racehorse trainers and jockeys are subject to taxation in respect of the proportion of prize money they earn. The taxation that racehorse trainers and jockeys are subject to in respect of prize money is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners.
754. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland is the only country to give direct annual financial support to racing from tax payers’ money, compared to other major thoroughbred racing and breeding nations; the reason that the Government has allocated €72.8 million for 2023 to racing given that this is a lucrative, predominantly private industry, in a free-market economy which should be able to support itself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53065/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra755. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the €72.8 million that is provided to the racing industry would be better spent on public health and public education, in a time of prudent fiscal management (details supplied). [53066/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 754 and 755 together.
The horse racing industry makes a valuable contribution to our economy. It is estimated that the thoroughbred industry has an annual economic impact of €1.84 billion with direct and indirect employment of 29,000 people.
The wide geographic distribution of this industry contributes to the achievement of more balanced regional economic growth and rural economic activity, providing a wide range of employment and income opportunities, from stable staff, trainers and jockeys to breeders.
The support provided by public funds through investment in this industry has enabled Ireland to develop a world class reputation for excellence in horseracing racing and breeding. Horse racing in other major racing jurisdictions is also funded by Government, directly or indirectly.
The Irish equine breeding and racing industry is extremely competitive at a global level. We are the third biggest producer of thoroughbred foals in the world and estimates place Ireland only behind the United States as the biggest seller of bloodstock by public auction globally.
Successive Governments have acknowledged the importance of this industry and have supported it through legislation and policy initiatives.
The horse racing industry receives financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001. The Department makes payments from the Fund to Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), the commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
In Budget 2023 an allocation of €70.4m million has been provided for HRI, subject to Oireachtas approval.
757. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of compliance notices issued in respect of the failure of owners to chip their horses since January 2013, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53134/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll EU and national legislation relevant to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is enforced by a large team of authorised officers assigned to specific geographic locations across by DAFM's Regional Office network. These officers work closely with their counterparts in the Local Authorities and other Government Departments and agencies.
Compliance notices are issued, as deemed appropriate, by individual officers across the country on a case-by-case basis depending on the specific circumstances involved. DAFM does not maintain a central database of compliance notices issued by authorised officers or of the specific legislation referred to in those notices.
758. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of prosecutions in respect of the failure of owners to chip their horses since January 2013, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53135/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnforcement of equine identification legislation is largely undertaken by authorised officers across the Regional Offices of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine who liaise with authorised officers in the Local Authorities and other organisations as required.
The Department's policy is to adopt a fair and proportional approach in dealing with breaches of equine identification legislation. In this regard, 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.
There have been no prosecutions since January 2013 with regard to the failure of owners to microchip their horses.
760. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures in Budget 2023 to support young farmers. [53140/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe challenge of generational renewal is widely recognised at national and EU level and is a priority for Government. I am a strong supporter of generational renewal and assisting the next generation take over the farm when the time is right to do so.
Budget 2023 provides for a €2.14 billion allocation for my Department, the highest ever level of funding allocated to the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, representing a 13% increase on last year. In addition to supporting farm families, including young farmers, 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).
Targeted supports for young farmers under the CSP include:
1. Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CISYF), dedicating some 3% (or approximately €35m per year) of the direct payments ceiling to help young farmers establish their farming businesses.
2. The National Reserve will be utilised to fund young farmers and new entrants to farming.
3. The On-farm Capital Investment Scheme under the CSP will apply a higher grant rate of 60% for qualified young farmers, as part of a total €440m available for on-farm investments over the period 2021-2027.
4. The CSP will also build on the current Collaborative Farming Grant by providing a parallel support for older farmers towards the professional costs, such as legal, taxation and advisory, incurred for the establishment of a Registered Farm Partnership, and advice in relation to succession and/or retirement. The financial allocation for this intervention is €2m for the CAP period.
National taxation measures on succession and land mobility, together with the support available under the CAP, represent a substantial commitment to young farmers. I was therefore pleased to secure the Minister for Finance's agreement in Budget 2023 to renew 100% Stamp Duty Relief for Young-Trained Farmers and Stock Relief for Young-Trained Farmers and Partnerships.
761. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the investment by his Department in research and innovation that is focused on the delivery of climate action and solutions for farmers, particularly with regard to supporting farmers in achieving the 25% target of lowering greenhouse gas emissions for the agriculture sector by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53150/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAchieving a 25% reduction in GHG emissions from agriculture by 2030 is a significant challenge and one in which research will play a critical role.
I committed to increase climate Research investment at COP26 as part of the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM4C) initiative. An example of this in practice is that over 60% of the funding in the research Call run by my Department in 2021 went to climate and environment research, including over €15 million to 14 projects.
One of the projects funded - ‘LAB-MACC’ - will quantify a range of mitigation measures, including new and emerging practices and technologies, for incorporation into production systems that will enable the sector to reduce its emissions.
Building on this further, I announced a new joint research mechanism with the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries earlier this year to co-fund research on climate and agriculture. This will see an additional investment of over €3million for focused research across a range of areas such as breeding and genetics and feed additives.
A significant proportion of the core grant in aid my Department provides to Teagasc is also used for research, with an increasing proportion being directed at research to reduce emissions from agriculture. In addition, funding provided to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation contributes to the development of breeding indices which can result in lower emitting animals.
762. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports that are available to suckler beef and sheep farmers under Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53156/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe budgetary provision for my Department In 2023 is €2.14 billion, which represents a 13% increase on last year’s allocation.
I am a strong supporter of the beef and sheep sectors. They play a huge role in driving economic development across the country and are pivotal to the success of our overall agri-food industry.
I will introduce a new scheme to continue the beef welfare measures which were previously funded under BEEP-S. This new scheme will sit alongside the new €150/cow Suckler Carbon Efficiency Scheme which builds on the BDGP and BEEP-S schemes targeting efficiency gains, and a €20 million a year Sheep Improvement Scheme, which aims to build on the progress made by the Sheep Welfare by providing support for actions that improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector. I am also providing €5 million in support for a continuation of the dairy beef calf scheme in 2023.
I have maintained the budget for targeted beef and sheep supports of over €100 million. Beef and sheep farmers will also be well placed to benefit from the enhanced supports for fodder aid, and a number of other support schemes, including for example the ACRES scheme, and the Organics Scheme.
Another significant support for the beef and sheep sectors is the enhanced support for early-stage producer organisations in the incoming CAP Strategic Plan which, in addition to providing administrative and advisory support of up to €33,000 to groups, provides under competition law for collective bargaining on output prices thereby strengthening their position in the supply chain. These measures are part of a range of supports available to beef and sheep farmers through the CSP.
Beef and sheep farmers may also avail of the €1,000 per farmer Fodder Support Scheme.
I will continue to support these sectors, in recognition of the key role that farming families play in the economy, environment and society.
763. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures introduced under Budget 2023 to resolve the situation regarding the group of farmers known as the so-called forgotten farmers. [53157/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government ‘Our Shared Future’ contains a commitment to seek to resolve the issue of support for the category of farmers known as Forgotten Farmers.
I have asked officials in my Department to examine options to address the issue of forgotten farmers with a view to identifying measures to support this group.
I am committed to helping this cohort of farmers and I will bring forward proposals as soon as possible. Many of these farmers find themselves in this situation through no fault of their own and we will work with them to address this issue.
765. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a time extension for the submission of applications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53269/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra773. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to extend the deadline for submissions of applications to the agri-climate rural environment scheme given the shortage of agri-consultants and lack of resources in Teagasc to assist in the preparation of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53473/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra798. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his response to calls by an organisation (details supplied) to extend the application time for the agri-climate rural environment scheme to enable as many farmers as possible to apply. [53581/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 765, 773 and 798 together.
The Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is the agri-environment climate measure which forms part of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027.
ACRES is a well-funded and farmer-friendly scheme which I am excited to see roll out. It will be an important income support for our farm families while also helping to drive tangible environmental improvements.
Farmers may apply for one of the approaches available under ACRES, namely the ACRES Co-operation approach, available to farmers in eight defined high priority geographical areas, or the ACRES General approach which is available nationally outside of the eight ACRES Co-operation zones.
Farmers must engage the services of an approved ACRES advisor to prepare and submit the application. This includes the preparation of a Farm Sustainability Plan (FSP) which forms the bulk of the application.
There are currently just under 700 advisors approved for ACRES. While the ACRES application system opened on 17th October 2022, to support the preparation of applications, significant resources were made available in advance of this date.
Prior to opening my Department engaged extensively with advisors. This included the provision of training, both in-person and by webinar, the publication of draft specifications in August and the opening of the Department’s Generic Land Management (GLAM) system in mid August for training, information and map printing. All of these steps enabled advisors undertake preparatory work on the development of FSPs and applications in advance of the opening.
Support material has also been provided to advisors including system instruction manuals and guides, and video tutorials on the steps to be taken in preparing and submitting the application.
The intake into the scheme is also phased, with at least two tranches, to spread the workload of advisors.
The closing date for the submission of applications under the current Tranche is 23.59 pm on Monday 21st November 2022. The supports and information provided in advance of scheme opening will assist advisors to meet this deadline.
