Written Answers Nos. 358-371
358. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to studies showing Government policies are fuelling a mental health crisis among farmers (details supplied). [11114/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for this question and I acknowledge that mental health is a critical issue facing all of society and farmers are not exempt.
I am aware of studies which have revealed the extent to which Irish farmers are experiencing a range of challenges and stressors that are negatively impacting their mental health. They highlight the importance of mental health initiatives to support farmers.
This Government has prioritised farm safety, health and wellbeing and my Department secured dedicated funding of €2.5m for a range of initiatives including initiatives to support increased awareness of mental health among farmers in Budget 23.
My Department, with the HSE and the Department of Health, is co-funding a farmers physical and mental health awareness programme called, ‘On Feirm Ground’. Approximately 250 agricultural advisors have received training. This year, the programme will be rolled out to Department staff and other professionals coming in regular contact with farmers.
My Department is also funding eight farm safety European Innovation Partnerships projects to the value of €1.8m including four focused on farmers’ mental health.
My Department also provides support for research into farmer mental health. It is funding the DCU led FarmHealth Research Project which is examining farmers mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour which will inform the development of an educational mental health intervention for farmers.
My Department supports the work of the HSA’s Farm Safety Partnership and was involved in the publication of its “Farmers’ Health and Wellbeing ” booklet, which includes a section on coping with stress and minding your mental health. The booklet is included in the BISS 2023 packs currently being issued to farmers.
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, who has special responsibility in this area.
359. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the efforts of the Government to secure a fair allocation of fishing quota across the range of species, for the Irish fishing industry, within the Irish EEZ, under the current review of the Common Fisheries Policy. [8628/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to addressing the challenges facing our seafood sector following the adoption of the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA). I am pursuing all opportunities at EU level to help address the unequal burden sharing whereby Ireland carries an excessive burden of the EU quota transfers to the UK.
The Common Fisheries Policy Regulation (Regulation EU 1380/2013) provides that the European Commission will report to the European Parliament and the Council on the functioning of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). On the 21st February, the Fisheries Commissioner, Virginijus Sinkevicius, published the Commission’s assessment on the functioning of the CFP along with a package of measures to improve the sustainability and resilience of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The Commission’s Communication document acknowledges the progress that has been achieved through the framework of the CFP over the past decade and the fundamental role played by all stakeholders in driving these positive changes.
However, the Communication fails completely to address the impact of Brexit and the Trade and Co-operation Agreement, which has been the most significant and enduring challenge faced by the fisheries sector in generations.
I have consistently made clear throughout the review process that the Irish Government’s assessment is that the substantial changes brought about in fisheries policy as a result of the TCA requires that a comprehensive review be carried out of the CFP that would support changes to deliver a fair and equitable policy. This review of the implementation of the CFP presented a timely opportunity to address the inequitable impact of the quota transfers under the TCA.
While it is very disappointing that the Commission did not avail of this opportunity, the existing CFP legal framework does allow for changes to quota sharing arrangements between Member States which could be used to address the impacts of Brexit.
Initial discussions on the CFP report will take place at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 20th March and I will be making Ireland’s position on the report clear to the Commissioner and fellow Fisheries Ministers.
I will continue to pursue all opportunities to increase the fishing opportunities for Ireland’s fishing fleet. For example, I am working to increase Ireland’s share of Blue Whiting by reducing the amount that Ireland traditionally contributes under the EU-Norway negotiations, which are currently ongoing.
360. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a hardship fund to assist a farmer (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12077/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in the Department have no knowledge of the incident in question. That is a very distressing situation for the farmer. Accidents can and do happen on farms through no fault of anyone. I understand the pain being felt by the farmer, however, there is no funding mechanism available in the Department to provide compensation for such an incident.
My Department continues to operate a confidential animal welfare helpline and email through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect. All case of alleged neglect or cruelty are investigated and appropriate actions, up to and including prosecution, may be taken.
The e-mail address and Helpline number for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare breaches are as follows:
Phone 01 607 2379 or email at animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
361. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how organisations may affiliate to the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12098/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Horseracing Regulatory Body (IHRB) is a company limited by guarantee established in 2018 by the Turf Club and the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase CLG (INHSC) to act as the Racing Regulatory Body.
The IHRB has informed my Department that it does not have affiliate organisations.
There are bodies which are recognised to be representative of licensees and stakeholders such as authorised racecourses, racehorse trainers, jockeys, stable staff, etc. with which IHRB consults where appropriate in relation to regulatory and integrity matters. However, these organisations are not affiliated with the IHRB.
362. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to ensure an adequate supply of fencing is available to farmers in 2023 following the implementation of a ban on creosote timber at the end of March 2023; the impact he believes this will have on the TAMS and ACRES schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12099/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe approval and uses of creosote as a wood preservative were recently reviewed under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is the Competent Authority in Ireland with responsibility for this legislation.
The EU review process, which was managed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), resulted in a renewal of approval for creosote that was limited in its scope due to significant concerns, including the carcinogenic potential for humans. This means that there is cancer risk associated with creosote.
Permitted uses were restricted to industrial vacuum pressure impregnation of wood used for railway sleepers, electricity poles and telecommunications poles only.
The renewal Regulation came into force on 1st November 2022 and stipulates that from 30th April 2023 only railway sleepers or utility poles for electricity or telecommunications treated with creosote may be placed on the market in EU Member States.
A derogation to allow for continued use of creosote for treating agricultural and equine fencing is not possible under the regulatory framework.
It should be noted that timber already treated with creosote and sold to end users e.g. farmers before 30th April 2023, can be used after that date. There continues to be a window for the sale and subsequent use of posts treated with creosote.
Timber fencing posts treated with alternative products or manufactured using alternative material can be used in grant-aided fencing in the new €370m TAMS 3.
Everyone recognises that there are challenges associated with this EU regulatory decision. It is not a decision that we sought out or brought to the table. However, it is one that we must deal with and we must work through.
Officials within the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have engaged proactively with stakeholders to raise awareness about the restrictions on creosote use and their implications. These efforts are ongoing and whilst there are alternatives available work continues to progress the availability of further alternative wood preservative products.
There are alternatives on the market at present and we will continue to work with industry to ensure more alternatives are brought to market to serve farmers who need them.
Under TAMS 3, sheep fencing will continue to receive grant aid and bovine and equine fencing are included as new investments eligible for support under the scheme. My Department’s specification for fencing will be updated to reflect the changed status of creosote. All timber fencing posts purchased for grant-aided fencing must be treated in accordance with I.S. 436 and certified as such. Furthermore, fencing posts manufactured from steel, plastic and concrete can be used in grant-aided fencing.
There are alternative wood preservative products authorised for use in Ireland and details can be found on my Department’s website (www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie) .
363. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department accepts the recommendations of the Wool Feasibility Study; the progress made implementing any accepted recommendations; the projected timelines to achieve such, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12100/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Wool Feasibility Study report, published in July 2022, contains a number of recommendations aimed at establishing Irish grown wool as a sustainable and progressive sector.
The primary recommendation is the establishment of an independent Irish Grown 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. The report outlines the following short-term and long-term objectives for the Wool Council to consider;
Short Term
- Brand development for Irish Grown Wool
- Marketing of Irish Grown Wool
- Standards development for Irish Grown Wool
- Determining feasibility of establishing a wool testing facility on the Island of Ireland
- Establishment of a Wool Hub
- Establishment of a Research and Innovation Cluster as a contact point for R&D as well as driving an R, D&I wool agenda.
Areas for research include;
- Composting and pelleting in the horticulture sector
- Insulation and cement in the construction sector
- Packaging
- Filled products such as bedding and mattresses
- Textiles and fashion
- Composites
- Medical devices / biotechnology
- Cosmetics / healthcare products
- Implementing training on improving wool handling, presentation and sorting at farm level, wool grading.
- Creation of an apprenticeship model for the wool sector
- Gather data on Irish grown wool
- Prepare a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Irish Grown Wool
Medium to Long Term:
- Determine feasibility for scouring plant development
- Determine feasibility for wool testing facility
- Establish wool co-operatives
- Implement educational programs to promote Irish Grown Wool
- Determine potential to re-classify wool in terms of its animal by-product status
- Incentivise use of natural fibre products.
The establishment of the Wool Council is still in train, with an initial meeting of stakeholders interested in forming the Wool Council taking place in December 2022. At that meeting a working group was established to take the next steps towards formally establishing the Wool Council.
I understand that the next meeting of the Wool Council stakeholder group is set to take place in the coming weeks where the draft Terms of Reference will be presented and nominations for Council Officers will be sought. I am making available €30,000 by way of seed funding to support the commencement of the work of the Council when established.
It is my view, that the establishment of the Council is a vital step that will lead to new opportunities and greater returns for this natural sustainable product.
364. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of individuals who received payments from his Department in 2022 that were customers of a bank (details supplied) that have yet to provide his Department with alternative bank account details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12103/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring 2022, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the marine issued payments to bank accounts held in the named bank for 13,640 customers. Some 2,755 of these customers have yet to provide alternative bank account details.
365. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 67 of 25 October 2022, the meeting of the TB Forum at which it was agreed that new requirements regarding TB Testing would be introduced; if these minutes at the said meeting are publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12113/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new TB Testing regulations are mandatory in nature and directly applicable across all EU member states. While my Department may discuss the mechanics of their implementation with stakeholders, as the competent authority we are mandated by law to proceed with implementation. The implementation of these regulations has been discussed with the Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum on several occasions but primarily through the Implementation Working Group of the Forum throughout 2022.
The minutes in respect of all TB Forum and working group meetings are available to read on www.bovinetb.ie
The implementation of the Bovine TB Eradication Strategy 2021-2030 is overseen by the Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum along with support from three working groups – a scientific group, an implementation group and a finance group to ensure that all aspects of the Strategy are addressed. The Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum and its working groups comprise of representatives from across the agri-food sector, leading researchers, farming organisations and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
I am committed to reducing TB incidence rates across the country. There is a terrible financial and emotional pain associated with a TB breakdown. We have made good strides since I launched the new TB Strategy in 2021 with all stakeholders working collectively and collegially to reduce TB rates. We must keep this going with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd.
366. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if following a judgement from the European Court of Justice prohibiting Coillte from receiving state supports; if any repayments were made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12114/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoillte received payment of afforestation premiums at the non-farmer rate from 1994 to 1999. The total amount paid to Coillte in premiums, for the period in question, was €8,416,243 of which 75% was paid by the European Commission and 25% by the Irish Exchequer.
In August 1999, the European Commission decided that Coillte was not eligible to receive such premiums as it did not consider Coillte to be a “private-law, natural or legal person” as defined in Regulation 2080/92. This decision was appealed but was subsequently upheld by the European Court of Justice in its judgement of 16 October 2003. The State was obliged to return the EU element of the premium payment as this was the only part covered by the decision and the European Commission was concerned only about the Community funding involved.
The EU element amounting to €6,312,182 was reimbursed to the Commission.
367. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 782 of 31 January 2023, if his Department has sought clarity from the European Commission as to if the revised State aid rules allow for the provision of afforestation grants and premiums to Coillte; the expected timeline in which he expects a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12115/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra368. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is intended that his application for State aid exemption for the incoming forestry programme will include indications that his Department intends to provide afforestation grants and premiums to Coillte; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12116/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 367 and 368 together.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department is currently seeking legal advice on the matter and will engage further with the Commission on receipt of this advice. Clarity will then be sought on specific scenarios and details of possible claimants under this Programme. This includes the possibility for Coillte to be a direct beneficiary of forestry premiums under the Programme.
369. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a thosófar an obair ar Chéim a Trí den obair ar mhuiríne Ros an Mhíl; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [12130/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDe réir mar a cuireadh in iúl don Teachta i mí Eanáir, tá toilithe de dhíth le haghaidh forbairt Chaladh na mBád ag Ionad Iascaigh Cuain Ros an Mhíl agus táthar á lorg faoi láthair.
Idir an dá linn, táim cinnte go bhfuil an Teachta ar aon tuairim liom gur iontach an rud é go bhfuil dul chun cinn maith á dhéanamh ar thionscadal na Cé Doimhne. Is cuid de leithdháileadh infheistíochta caipitil €17.36 milliún i Ros an Mhíl ó Chlár Forbartha Iascaigh Cuain agus Bonneagar Cósta 2023 é an tionscadal seo. Tá sonraí faoi na hoibreacha forbartha atá á ndéanamh ag Ros An Mhíl, agus in áiteanna eile faoin gClár, ar fáil ar líne ag www.gov.ie/en/press-release/bbd0b-minister-mcconalogue-announces-investment-of-373million-in-capital-projects-in-irelands-six-fishery-harbour-centres/
370. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to the ongoing construction of the Ros a'Mhíl deep water quay, if he has considered increasing the spec of the deck capacity to 30 tonnes / m2 and the extension of the berth pocket by 30 metres at the north end of the pier, in order to future proof the development; the process and procedures that are in place to consider same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12146/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware I was in Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre on 24th of February to mark the commencement of the works for the €30 million Deep Water Quay project. Also that afternoon, I met with local representatives at Ros an Mhíl where they set out a number of enhancements to the contracted project that they felt should be considered. While these were discussed at the meeting, I asked they set out their request in writing for detailed consideration by my Department and its advisers. I have since received that request and it is currently under review.
I would like to advise the Deputy that works are progressing well on the Deep Water Quay project. This project is part of an allocation of €17.36 million capital investment in Ros an Mhíl from the 2023 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Details of the development works which are being undertaken at Ros an Mhíl, and elsewhere under the Programme, are available online at www.gov.ie/en/press-release/bbd0b-minister-mcconalogue-announces-investment-of-373million-in-capital-projects-in-irelands-six-fishery-harbour-centres/
371. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of vacant habitable dwelling units and vacant derelict residential dwelling units in the ownership of or part ownership of or under the control of both his Department and agencies under his remit; the county in which each unit is located; the length of time each unit has been vacant, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12161/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI advise the Deputy that my Department has three vacant dwelling units in its ownership/under its control.
|
Description |
County |
Vacant since |
|
Vacant residential dwelling unit |
Donegal |
2008 |
|
Vacant residential dwelling unit |
Galway |
2005 |
|
Vacant residential dwelling unit |
Kildare |
2017 |
The two vacant residential dwelling units in the ownership of my Department – in Co Donegal and Co Galway - have been unoccupied since 2008 and 2005, respectively. Neither of these properties are immediately habitable, nor are they derelict. Sanction has been received to proceed with the sale of the unit in Co Galway, and that process will commence shortly. It is my intention, subject to the appropriate sanction and legal oversight, to dispose of the unit in Donegal in due course.
The vacant residential dwelling unit in Co Kildare lies within my Department’s Veterinary Research Farm, has been unoccupied since 2017. It is not immediately habitable and is scheduled for refurbishment.
As regards the 12 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
