Thursday, 9 Mar 2023

Written Answers Nos. 1-32

Agriculture Industry

Ceisteanna (5)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

5. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in light of the proposed banning of creosote stakes by Minister Ryan, and in recognition of 46,000 farmers applying for GLAS, with a large number requiring timber stakes for riparian zone and fencing drains, and importers making it clear that new licensed production of new products is eight months away, if he will seek a derogation on the legalisation to avoid a shortage of quality fencing posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11520/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I thank the Deputy for raising this topic.

The 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 that a greater volume of more alternatives are brought to market to serve farmers who need them.

Question No. 6 answered orally

Departmental Policies

Ceisteanna (7)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

7. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department is taking to support women farmers. [11747/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

At a European level the number of women in farming has been slowly increasing. 2016 data suggests that, on average, around 30% of farms across the EU are managed by a woman, but with some considerable differences between Member States. The Census of Agriculture 2020 reported that just 13% of farm holders in Ireland are female.

I am very pleased that, for the first time, Ireland’s new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) includes specific measures aimed at increasing the participation of women in farming. Ireland’s CSP, which will deliver some €10 billion to farm families over the next five years, includes innovative proposals to promote gender equality, including:

- An increased grant rate of 60% under the Capital Investment Scheme to fund investments by trained women farmers.

- The promotion of women-only Knowledge Transfer Groups.

- Improved recording and reporting of gender data and the leveraging of the National CAP Network to increase the involvement of all women in the implementation of CAP.

- All CAP interventions will be developed with a gender-aware perspective to ensure there are no inherent barriers to women's participation.

- European Innovation Partnerships offer an ideal opportunity for the sector to develop initiatives that will promote women's participation in farming.

In addition, since 2015, the Department has provided support for rural female entrepreneurs under the ACORNS programme. This initiative involves the development and implementation of a tailored programme to support early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland.

Food Vision 2030, our shared 10 year strategy for the agri-food sector, recognises the importance of gender equality to its long-term sustainability and includes actions to promote and improve gender balance.

One of those actions was to hold a National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture, which I hosted on 1st February this year, St Brigid's Day. The Dialogue was chaired by former Tánaiste and Minister for Agriculture, Mary Coughlan, and it examined gender issues in the sector generally via discussion panels, guest speakers and workshops on themes including: Leadership and Visibility; Education and Awareness; Sustainability; and Legal and Financial matters. The outcome of the discussions will be compiled into a report that will inform policy in this regard in the coming years. This will be strengthened by a specific research project on women’s participation in agriculture, and ongoing engagement with stakeholders. I look forward to making further progress on this important issue.

Agriculture Industry

Ceisteanna (8)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

8. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how the ESB poles can continue to be creosoted but a farmer using a timber stake cannot buy the product to do same (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11524/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I thank the Deputy for raising this topic.

The 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 that a greater volume of more alternatives are brought to market to serve farmers who need them. Details on the alternative products can be found on the our website (www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie) . The Department continues to work to progress the availability of further alternative wood preservative products.

Questions Nos. 9 to 13, inclusive, answered orally.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (14)

Brian Leddin

Ceist:

14. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports that will be made available to farmers to plant agroforestry under the new Forestry Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11886/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Charlie McConalogue)

The Deputy will be aware that in November 2022, my colleague Minister of State Pippa Hackett with overall responsibility for the Forestry sector, announced funding of €1.3 billion for the Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027.

The new Programme will be the means by which we implement our Forest Strategy to 2030, which in turn has been informed by the Shared National Vision for Forestry for Trees, Woods and Forests in Ireland until 2050.

The Shared National Vision, the draft Forest Strategy to 2030, and the draft Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027 were all designed following extensive public and stakeholder consultation. The proposed Afforestation Scheme offered under the next Forestry Programme 2023-2027 is a demand led Scheme, as Afforestation is a voluntary land use choice for landowners. As such, I recognise the important role farmers have to play towards reaching our goals.

In consideration of this and subject to State Aid approval from the European Commission, this Programme will be the largest, most farmer-friendly investment in forestry in the history of the State.

The proposed Forestry Programme has been designed to pay farmers 33% more in annual premium payments than any other landowner, on top of the single farm payment, which non-farmers will not receive to incentivize afforestation.

I note that Agroforestry is a land use option that is positive for animal welfare, improves biodiversity, can off-set emissions from other farming practices, and can prevent nutrient runoff when planted in strategic locations. In addition, it is possible to grow quality timber with little impact on existing agricultural production.

Therefore, the new Forestry Programme has been designed to reflect the positive role farmers and the use of Agroforestry have to play in reaching our afforestation goals.

The proposed Afforestation Scheme that we plan to offer under the next Forestry Programme 2023-2027 offers increased grants and premiums for Agroforestry at €8,555 per ha for the establishment grant and €975 per ha annual premium for 10 years.

This funding provides unprecedented incentives to encourage the planting of trees that can provide a valuable addition to farm income and also to help diversify farm income streams alongside helping to meet our national climate and biodiversity objectives.

Afforestation is recognised as contributing to the creation of a valuable landscape mosaic at farm-level and I hope that this proposed scheme will provide a range of benefits for both farmers and the environment. Increasing the area under forestry in the country remains a key priority for me and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Questions Nos. 15 to 17, inclusive, answered orally.

Departmental Policies

Ceisteanna (18)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

18. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to be confident that a food production shortage/reduction can be avoided while at the same time meeting emission targets as already set out; if he is satisfied that productive agricultural lands will not be sacrificed to meet such targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11924/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Ireland is one of the most food secure countries in the world. In fact, Ireland has come second of 113 countries assessed for food security, according to the latest Global Food Security Index.

The issue of maintaining food production has been the subject of much discussion in the context of the Government's economy-wide target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030. My position has been consistent- each sector, including agriculture, will need to play its part to achieve this target.

In the Agriculture chapter of the Climate Action Plan 2023, I have proposed measures around three themes: inputs and additives, husbandry practices, and diversification. In practical terms, the types of actions that the sector is undertaking include reducing chemical nitrogen usage and changing fertiliser type, providing voluntary diversification options for farmers, while also improving the environmental dividend from our farmed land. Each of these measures will be supported by a range of actions, setting out a viable pathway towards reaching our targets.

There is no doubt that some livestock farmers will take up diversification options that are provided as part of our climate transformation. However, given the efficiency gains that continue to be made at farm level, I remain confident that there is no risk to food security, even if some farmers choose to diversify.

Indeed, one of the key areas available to farmers to diversify into is tillage through which we will exploit the opportunity for import substitution of cereals and proteins adding to the sustainability of Irish produced feed and further opportunities for sustainable food production.

We have seen the key role the Economic Breeding Index has played in dairy production over the last decade. I am keen to explore how we can, with the necessary commitment of all stakeholders, extend the work we have already done to improve the genetic profile of the herd in recent years.

My ultimate aim is to future proof our beef and dairy sector for the benefit of our industry, the environment and our farm families who are the backbone of the sector and rural communities. Ireland's agri-food sector will continue to be underpinned by our world class dairy and beef sectors, and it is critical that we work collectively to achieve these multiple objectives.

Regarding the Land Use and Land Use Change sector, Ireland's land is currently a net source of emissions. My priority is to ensure that we continue to make progress with respect to reducing emissions both from reducing the management intensity on our organic soils and through achieving our afforestation rates and promoting forest management initiatives. Ireland cannot achieve climate neutrality without the land use sector making changes over the decades ahead. Change is not easy and does not come overnight. Our recently launched country-wide network of Teagasc supported Signpost Farms will showcase how best practice management techniques can be adopted on a wide range of enterprises and soil types.

Agriculture Industry

Ceisteanna (19)

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

19. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to support the production of agricultural hemp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11932/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy is aware, the current Programme for Government includes a commitment to fully explore fibre crops such as hemp and consider whether these crops have a viable market. To fulfil that commitment, my Department carried out a consultation in 2021 to examine the commercial viability of growing hemp for fibre use only. The report on this consultation was published in December 2022.

As part of the consultation, stakeholders were invited to consider a number of questions including existing markets, the strengths and weaknesses of fibre crops and the scalability of the Irish fibre crop/hemp industry, taking into account the market size and value, industry processing capacity and economic returns along the supply chain.

The main finding of the report was that the growing of fibre crops such as hemp for the purposes of fibre production only is not currently viable in Ireland. However, hemp can be successfully grown in Ireland and offers opportunities for diversification and crop rotation while delivering environmental benefits. Potential markets also exist for hemp fibre with its use in the construction industry offering the most significant opportunity.

While the overall outcome of the consultation undertaken by my Department is that the growing of fibre crops such as hemp is not currently viable, it is a matter for the industry to address and bring forward a proposal containing viable options that can be further explored.

Hemp is included as an eligible crop under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme. However, the Deputy will be aware that current legislation in Ireland does not allow for the growing of hemp unless a specific license has been granted by the Health Products Regulatory Authority which operates under the auspices of the Department of Health.

Environmental Policy

Ceisteanna (20)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

20. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the influence the EPA report on targets to re-wetlands and the proposed reductions in herd numbers will have on policy in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9694/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The report referred to by the Deputy refers to an EPA funded research project that models a number of ways in which Ireland could meet net-zero emissions by 2050 which is in 27 years’ time.

It was carried out by leading soil, carbon and agri-ecologists under the auspices of the EPA Research Programme. It indicates the scale of the challenge in addressing the climate crisis. It is important to stress, however, that this scientific research, and the different scenarios modelled within it are not Government policy.

Crucially, the Government will not take a position without detailed consultation with farm representative groups and there will be no policy decision forced upon farmers. Any measure we set out involving farmers and our overall climate ambitions over the time ahead will be voluntary.

I have made meeting with farmers and engaging with their representatives a real hallmark of my time as Minister including my CAP consultation tour where I visited a mart in every county to meet and talk with farmers to hear their views.

From a Government perspective Land Use is being addressed by the Land Use Review. It comprises two main phases.

Phase I provides an evidence base – to determine the environmental, ecological and economic characteristics of land types across Ireland. This part of the land use review is completed and will be published shortly by Government.

Phase 1 includes a number of technical recommendations relate to monitoring, mapping, and evidence-gathering activities (and how we improve our knowledge base).

Phase II of the Land Use Review will go on to consider the evidence gathered in Phase I, and will consider the actual policies and actions for future land-use in Ireland – in the context of the Government’s wider economic, social and climate objectives.

Work is on-going to finalise the format and deliverables for Phase II, but it is clear that it will need to look at modelling of land use change but only when we have reduced some of the uncertainty with regard to current land use identified as part of Phase I.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (21)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

21. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in reducing the delays in processing and finalising tree planting and tree felling licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11871/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has delivered considerable reductions in the backlog of forestry licences and another significant year-on-year increase in the number of licences issued. The ‘Project Woodland’ defined backlog has reduced from 6,000 applications in August 2021, to 3,700 applications at the start of 2022 to 1,983 by the end of 2022.

Average turnaround times are falling gradually overall, but for files received since 2021, have fallen more significantly.

In 2022, we issued 1,200 more licences than applications received. In total my Department issued 4,713 licences which was 90% of our targeted output. I am fully aware of the low levels of afforestation in recent years. However, 2022 saw a significant increase in the issuing of afforestation licences with my Department issuing 702 afforestation licences for an area of 4,972 hectares. This means that there are now circa 1,000 approved afforestation contracts ready for planting to begin.

The Deputy will be aware that we have secured the best funded Forestry Programme in the history of the state, with €1.3 billion committed to its implementation and with premiums on the new forest types increasing from between 46% to 66% and five extra years of premiums for farmers, giving them an income for 20 years, I expect a bright future for forestry.

I am acutely aware of the urgency with which planting and roading activity must take place, given both our ambitious targets and the need to ensure an active pipeline of work for the sector. My Department has worked intensively with the European Commission to pursue transitional arrangements for the use of valid Forestry Scheme approvals from January 2023. I assure you that the launch of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 is a matter of the utmost priority.

In terms of afforestation and road applications which were applied for before 31st December, 2022, but not issued, we are continuing to process these so that they can transition into the new Programme as seamlessly as possible when it opens.

An interim de minimis scheme is also available for those wishing to continue their afforestation programme, in advance of the formal commencement of the new Forestry Programme. Finally, felling licence applications continue to be received and to be issued and to date this year 544 felling licences have issued.

These licences have up to 10-year timelines and are being used by forest owners providing work for forestry contractors and supplying sawmills.

Renewable Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (22, 24)

David Stanton

Ceist:

22. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 662 of 24 January 2023, if he is satisfied that all PV installers who are required to sign off on testing and commissioning reports on TAMS grant aided PV installations were registered with his Department when so signing off on such installations; the procedures in place to ensure that all installers were in fact registered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11580/23]

David Stanton

Ceist:

24. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 662 of 24 January 2023, the number of PV installations in receipt of a TAMS grant subjected to inspection by Department staff which were deemed not fit for purpose following such inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11581/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 24 together.

TAMS provides funding for capital investments on farms. TAMS II closed to new applications on16th December 2022, and has provided some €1.2m in grant aid for Solar Investments, with payments still to issue to applicant’s who have not yet completed works and submitted payment claims.

I can confirm that all applicants in receipt of a TAMS grant including a grant for solar PV are subject to a 5% inspection rate. To date, there have been no solar PV installations subjected to such inspections by Department staff deemed not fit for purpose. TAMS applications with solar PV installations carried out by installers that are not on the registered list of approved installers cannot be processed for grant payments. My Department checks both at TAMs application stage and at TAMs payment processing stage that the solar PV installer in question is on my Department’s Solar PV registered list.

All installations must comply with Specification S198 - Minimum Specification for the Installation of Solar PV Systems. The solar PV installer, who must be registered with my Department, is required to sign off on a testing and commissioning report that confirms that the system is ready for electricity generation in a safe manner in line with the latest electrical standards applicable. This along with the provision of an ETCI certificate by a Safe Electric registered electrician ensures that the work is completed to a high standard,

Following the success of TAMS II, I launched TAMS 3 Solar Capital Investment Scheme on 22nd February 2023. This scheme is more aligned to our climate and sustainability needs through continued and enhanced support for renewable energy, low emission slurry spreading equipment and organic farmers.

In order to encourage the purchase of solar investments thereby reducing dependence on fossil energy by farmers, the solar scheme will be ring fenced with its own investment ceiling of €90,000 and will be grant aided at the enhanced rate of 60%.

Energy self-sufficiency be that nationally or at farm level is where we want to get and I know the new solar ambition in TAMS will help us reach that ambition.

Animal Diseases

Ceisteanna (23)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

23. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department is taking to tackle the spread of TB in the badger population, which is easily transferred to livestock. [11722/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Bovine tuberculosis (TB), caused by infection with Mycobacterium bovis, is a persistent problem in cattle herds in Ireland. The epidemiology of TB is complex and challenging.

There are three main sources of infection for cattle - the purchase of infected cattle, the presence of residual (undetected) infection within cattle herds and from wildlife (badgers predominately),. The relative importance of these factors vary from herd to herd and all three need to be addressed to protect livestock and eradicate TB.

Specifically on the issue of wildlife, M. bovis was first detected in badgers in Ireland in 1974, although its significance was not fully understood at that stage. In the 1980s, the east Offaly project provided evidence of the role of badgers in the epidemiology of TB. A large scale trial over a five-year period from 1997 to 2002 in areas within Counties Donegal, Monaghan, Kilkenny and Cork showed significant reductions ( from two fold to four fold) in the incidence of TB in areas where badgers were removed relative to areas where badgers were not removed.

On the basis of this evidence the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine established a wildlife programme to reduce the density of badgers in areas of high TB prevalence. However, it is acknowledged that culling on its own is not sustainable as a long-term measure, and a vaccination programme has now also been integrated into the DAFM Wildlife Programme. I have, over recent budgets, provided significantly extra funding for the Wildlife Programme and I will continue to back its work.

Badger vaccination is now an integral part of the Irish TB Eradication Programme. This follows over 15 years of research work using BCG vaccine to prevent tuberculosis infection in badgers, and scientific trials carried out between 2013 and 2017 that show that vaccination is no less effective than culling.

Badger vaccination is thus being substituted for continued culling of badgers such that a significant reduction in the numbers of badgers culled can be achieved over the coming years while still maintaining effective control of the risk posed to cattle.

The large-scale rollout of badger vaccination commenced in late 2019. Every year more and more of the countryside is designated as vaccination zones. This is reflected in the numbers of badgers captured for vaccination in these zones rising from an initial figure of 1,937 badgers in 2019, to 4,698 badgers in 2020. This figure rose again in 2021 to 6,586 badgers, with a further 7,244 badgers captured for vaccination in 2022.

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 collegiately to reduce TB rates. We must keep this going with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd.

Question No. 24 taken with No. 22.

Common Fisheries Policy

Ceisteanna (25)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

25. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the implementation of Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy; the details of any engagement he has had with an organisation (details supplied) with regard to their recent call for the full implementation of Article 17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11812/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy may be aware, our long-standing policy in Ireland is that fishing quotas are a public resource and are managed to ensure that property rights are not granted to individual operators. When a quota allocation is not fished by an individual operator, it is returned to the State for re-distribution to the fleet. This is critical policy to ensure that quotas are not concentrated into the hands of large fishing companies whose owners have the financial means to buy up such rights.

The Irish policy approach helps to support a fishing fleet based around the Irish coastline. This means that the Irish fishing fleet is made up of various sizes and types of fishing vessels who have retained a strong economic link with our coastal communities and have provided vital employment in these communities, where there are limited alternative economic activities. Any movement towards privatisation of fishing rights would seriously risk fishing vessels losing an economic link with Ireland’s coastal communities. This could have devastating consequences and I work closely with the fishing industry to ensure this does not happen.

We manage our whitefish quotas generally on a monthly basis with catch limits being set for each month for each stock. Every month the Quota Management Advisory Committee meets to consult on the management of quotas within National Policy. This meeting involves fishing industry representatives from the catching sectors and processing sectors, my Department, and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. The purpose of these meetings is to make recommendations to me for particular stocks and, I follow these recommendations for regimes for particular stocks, subject to the proper management and rational exploitation of our fisheries.

The Committee examines the operation of each fishery, uptake patterns and available quota for the different groups of fishing vessels, including inshore fishing vessels. Discussions on allocations take into account the divergent situation of the fleet and the market, and any weather conditions particularly in respect of the smaller vessels. The Committee also has the possibility of recommending additional catch limits to incentivise the introduction of environmentally friendly fishing gear in particular fisheries or for particular types of vessels.

All vessels under 55 feet in length receive the same catch limit which includes small scale coastal fishers licensed to fish for whitefish. The important pelagic stocks of mackerel and herring also have allocations made available, in accordance with Ministerial National policy, supporting smaller vessels. I also recently launched a public consultation on a review of the 2012 Herring Management Policy, in relation to the quantity of herring set aside from the southern North-West herring stock for smaller/inshore fishing vessels.

Agriculture Industry

Ceisteanna (26)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

26. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to support the production of agricultural hemp. [11793/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy is aware, the current Programme for Government includes a commitment to fully explore fibre crops such as hemp and consider whether these crops have a viable market. To fulfil that commitment, my Department carried out a consultation in 2021 to examine the commercial viability of growing hemp for fibre use only. The report on this consultation was published in December 2022.

As part of the consultation, stakeholders were invited to consider a number of questions including existing markets, the strengths and weaknesses of fibre crops and the scalability of the Irish fibre crop/hemp industry, taking into account the market size and value, industry processing capacity and economic returns along the supply chain.

The main finding of the report was that the growing of fibre crops such as hemp for the purposes of fibre production only is not currently viable in Ireland. However, hemp can be successfully grown in Ireland and offers opportunities for diversification and crop rotation while delivering environmental benefits. Potential markets also exist for hemp fibre with its use in the construction industry offering the most significant opportunity.

While the overall outcome of the consultation undertaken by my Department is that the growing of fibre crops such as hemp is not currently viable, it is a matter for the industry to address and bring forward a proposal containing viable options that can be further explored.

Hemp is included as an eligible crop under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme. However, the Deputy will be aware that current legislation in Ireland does not allow for the growing of hemp unless a specific license has been granted by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) which operates under the auspices of the Department of Health.

Veterinary Services

Ceisteanna (27)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

27. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagements he has had with his Ministerial colleagues regarding increased places for those intending to study veterinary medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11779/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Currently, University College Dublin is the only third-level institution in Ireland offering veterinary medicine education.

Late last year, the Higher Education Authority which is an agency under the remit of my colleague, Minister Simon Harris and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) issued a request for expressions of interest for higher educational institutions who were interested in building capacity in veterinary medicine, among other disciplines. Some institutions were subsequently asked to submit more detailed proposals for further consideration.

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) recently announced the appointment of an Expert Advisory Panel to assist it in reviewing opportunities for new programmes in Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary Medicine. The HEA is due to report back to Minster Harris the end of this month.

The demand for the services of veterinary practitioners across our society has been increasing and most especially in the companion animal area. This is a trend that is also seen across Europe. The number of Irish graduates from the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine has not been able to expand to match this increased demand in Ireland. Notwithstanding this, the Veterinary Council of Ireland has reported that the numbers of veterinary practitioners on the veterinary register is currently at an all-time high – in excess of 3,300.

I am aware of the numbers of Irish student travelling to other universities in Europe for veterinary education. I am also aware of concerns being raised about the availability of veterinary practitioners to provide services to the farming sectors across the country and difficulties in the filling of positions in certain areas. I believe it is important that, as a developed country, we offer students a place to study domestically.

My colleague, Minister Harris will ultimately conclude on the best course of action following receipt of the report from the HEA. I will continue to engage with Minister Harris as proposals on the new veterinary school advance.

Ireland has produced some of the finest veterinary practitioners anywhere in the world and we have a reputation of being truly world-class in this space.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (28)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

28. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to increase rates of afforestation. [11628/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Considerable work has been undertaken to date in the development of a new future for forestry in Ireland. I refer to the fact that for the first time, Ireland has now a Shared National Vision for Trees, Woods and Forests in Ireland until 2050 which was informed by a series of extensive engagements and consultation. This Vision has informed the development of our new Forestry Strategy for Ireland.

In November 2022, my colleague Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the Forestry sector announced funding of €1.3 billion for the Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027. Subject to State Aid approval from the European Commission, this will be the largest, most farmer-friendly investment in forestry in the history of the State. This funding provides unprecedented incentives to encourage the planting of trees that can provide a valuable addition to farm income and also to help meet our national climate and biodiversity objectives. The Government’s preferred model of afforestation is for farmers to plant trees on their land, which is why we have designed the new Forestry Programme in a way that will pay farmers 33% more in annual premium payments than any other landowner, on top of the single farm payment, which non-farmers will not receive to incentivise afforestation.

The new Programme will be the means by which we implement our Forest Strategy to 2030, which in turn has been informed by the Shared National Vision for Forestry for Trees, Woods and Forests in Ireland until 2050. The Shared National Vision, the draft Forest Strategy to 2030, and the draft Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027 were all designed following extensive public and stakeholder consultation. The draft Forestry Programme includes proposed attractive grant and premiums that will support landowners to plant trees.

It also includes a proposed Native Tree Area Scheme. As the house may be aware, an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 has passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas through the vehicle of the Animal Health and Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022. This amendment was necessary to remove the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare. It is our objective to increase and encourage interest in small scale planting and I am confident that this change to the Act will remove a barrier to such planting.

I am aware of the urgency in which planting must take place, given the importance of afforestation for our ambitious climate targets and for the continuation of work to this sector. In this regard, my Department continues to engage with the Commission to secure State Aid approval.

In addition, my Department introduced a new interim Afforestation and Forest Road Schemes from January 2023. This was to ensure that those with valid licence approvals could avail of the current planting season under the higher grant and premium rates proposed to be paid under the new Programme.

It is our intention to introduce a programme as soon as is allowable, which will deliver for society, for landowners and for the forestry sector in Ireland. Its objective will be to increase afforestation rates to drastically expand the national forest estate on both private and public land. We hope to incentivise farmers in particular to re-engage with forestry and we the attractive increases in grants and premiums will help enable this land-use change. I am committed to working with all our stakeholders to substantially increase our afforestation rates over the next decade.

As you will be aware, 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.

Departmental Policies

Ceisteanna (29)

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Ceist:

29. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work being undertaken by his Department in the area of precision fermentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10767/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Precision fermentation involves turning microorganisms into mini factories producing particular enzymes or protein ingredients. The raw materials needed to fuel precision fermentation include sugars from waste-biomass, such as from the food processing industry. Re-use of such waste can allow a transition to a circular, zero-waste bioeconomy.

Precision fermentation is recognised in my Department's Thematic Research Call 2023 call launched on Friday 3rd March. This is my Departments biennial research call which will fund over €20 million in pioneering research in areas such as climate mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity and water quality, sustainable farming, animal health and welfare, social sustainability, the bioeconomy, agri-digitalisation, and safe, healthy sustainable food.

The area of precision fermentation is included in the scope of the Call in recognition of its potential to make better use of waste such as food waste, while also developing new biobased products through the use of precision fermentation.

A key research question that is proposed to be addressed is the identification of specific proteins and biobased products with the highest return on investment and also key markets for such proteins and biobased products. The results of this research call will be announced in Q4 of this year.

Agriculture Industry

Ceisteanna (30)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

30. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he realises that the industry are informing persons that due to new legislation being proposed in relation to creosote fencing posts which generally cost approximately eight euro the new product when licensed will cost the farmer 50% more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11523/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The 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 for humans 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.

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 that more alternatives are brought to market to serve farmers who need them.

I recently launched the €370m TAMS 3. The new TAMS will play an important role in support this as well as subsequent generations of farmers. It will also play a huge role in driving economic activity in rural Ireland.

I was pleased to announce that sheep fencing would continue to receive grant aid and that bovine and equine fencing are included as new investments eligible for support under the scheme.

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.

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.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (31)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

31. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an explanation for the unspent €25,995,012 from the forestry Budget for 2022. [11629/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The shortfall in spending of €25,995,012 in the forestry budget of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is primarily due to the level of planting provided for not being reached, with 2,273 hectares planted against a target of 8,000 hectares. The Deputy will be aware that the afforestation scheme is a demand led programme and it is often a feature of the final year of a Programme, that those with valid licences adopt a 'wait and see' attitude to see whether they would benefit from transitioning to the new Forestry Programme. This is borne out by the fact that at the end of 2022 there were over 1,000 approved afforestation licences with a total of 7,500 hectares.

The Deputy will be aware that I launched an interim afforestation scheme to enable those applicants with valid approvals to opt into a scheme offering the new grant and premium rates contained in the draft forestry programme to bridge the lacuna between the old and new Forestry Programmes and to date nearly 1,120 hectares have been approved for planting.

There was also some shortfall in the number of historic premiums paid. Forestry is a multi-annual scheme where yearly premiums may be accumulated, therefore “banking of premiums” often occurs, this is where individuals choose to allow their premiums build-up, to claim at a future date, e.g., to pay for a child’s college education.

It is my expectation that the proposed increases announced for the new Programme will encourage increased uptake in afforestation numbers and that the ambitious targets of the new forestry programme can be met over the next five years.

Pesticide Use

Ceisteanna (32)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

32. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an alternative to diquat for desiccating potatoes is being recommended for potato farmers in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11469/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department is the Competent Authority in Ireland with responsibility for the authorisation of plant protection products and for the implementation of official controls relating to the placing on the market and use of these products.

Pesticide active substances such as diquat, contained in plant protection products are approved or not, as the case may be, centrally at EU level based on detailed scientific assessments managed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Diquat’s status as an approved active substance for use in plant protection products was not renewed following an EU review process and authorisations of plant protection products containing diquat were revoked at Member State level in 2019.

I recognise the challenges for the potato industry in completing the transition away from the use of diquat for the desiccation of potato crops. A number of actions have been taken by my Department and others to support potato growers. In April 2021, haulm toppers were added to the list of machinery eligible for grant aid under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) II. Extensive advice, based on trial work carried out by Teagasc is now available to potato growers on how best to manage crops without the use of diquat.

Several plant protection products based on the active substances carfentrazone-ethyl and pyraflufen-ethyl are available to growers which when used as part of an overall Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach can provide a viable alternative for the desiccation of potato crops. Growers, as usual, should consult with their advisor on the most suitable IPM approach for their particular situation.