Written Answers Nos. 1541-1559
1541. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any projects under his remit are on hold due to Capital Funding pressures; if he will indicate the projects, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12621/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department's capital allocation underpins the sustainable development of Ireland’s farming and marine sectors by providing schemes such as the On Farm Capital Investment Scheme and the Forestry Programme. In addition, the capital allocation enhances competitiveness, by strengthening the socio-economic fabric of coastal areas, by developing projects in the fishery harbour centres and providing finance to capital projects to Local Authority owned harbours for activities associated with the fishing and aquaculture sectors.
My Department manages its pipeline of capital projects based on the annual budget allocated and taking account of consenting timelines. No projects are on hold due to capital funding pressures.
1542. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps a farmer should take if they are a participant in the Beef Data Genomics Programme and wish to switch from the use of a stock bull to artificial insemination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12672/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) formed part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.
It provided for funding of up to €300 million over the six-year programme and addressed widely acknowledged weaknesses in the maternal genetics of the Irish suckler herd, made a positive contribution to farmer profitability and reduced the greenhouse gas intensity of Ireland’s beef production.
Under the original programme, participants using a stock bull were required to have at least one stock bull on the holding on 30th June 2019 and the bull had to be genotyped 4 or 5 star on either the Terminal or Replacement index (on a within or across breed basis) at the time of purchase. For participants using Artificial Insemination (AI), at least 80% of the AI used on the participating holding had to be from 4 or 5 star bulls on either the Terminal or Replacement index (on a within or across breed basis). Participants using a mixture of both stock bulls and AI had to comply with both requirements.
The original BDGP programme completed in 2020 with one year transitional schemes continuing in 2021 and 2022 pending the introduction of the new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) from 1 January 2023. Only participants who had met the replacement stock bull action in 2019 were eligible to apply for the transitional schemes in 2021 and 2022 and anyone found to have failed the requirement on the 30th June in 2021 or 2022 were not eligible for any payment as provided for in the Terms and Conditions of the scheme for the transitional period.
At no stage are participants required to inform my Department that they have switched from the use of a Stock Bull to AI or vice versa as such actions can be checked against the registration of the calves that are subsequently produced. However if someone has made such a change it can be a period of time before such an action can be verified and this has caused payments to be delayed pending such a verification. The BDGP programmes are now completed and will be replaced by the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) in 2023.
1543. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the names of the factories that have been fined for excessive carcass trimming from 1 January 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12729/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraChecks on carcase classification, presentation and trim is carried out by a dedicated team of specialist staff within my Department. Additional monitoring of carcass presentation is carried out on a daily basis by veterinary public health staff in the factories, providing a supporting role for the Beef Carcase Classification staff.
The names of the factories fined from 1st January 2016 to date are the following: Kildare Chilling, Traditional Meats, Kepak Kilbeggan, Emerald Isle Food, Kavanagh Meats and Ballon Meats.
1544. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will meet with an organisation (details supplied) concerning ongoing issues in the inshore fishing sector. [12754/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that I meet regularly with fishing sector representatives and am cognisant of the concerns and goals of the inshore sector. In our Programme for Government, we committed to supporting the inshore fishing fleet in generating greater marketing and promotional capacity by facilitating the establishment of Producer Organisations for these smaller fishing vessels, thereby providing additional opportunity for the island and coastal communities involved in the inshore sector. In 2021, my Department completed the formal recognition process of the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation (IIMRO) as an EU Producer Organisation that focuses on our offshore islands. In January this year, my Department also concluded the formal recognition process of the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association (NIFA) as an EU Producer Organisation for inshore fishers.
The National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) and its supporting network of six Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums are consultative bodies established to foster industry-led development of proposals for the management of fish stocks within six nautical miles of the Irish shore. Since their inception, the Forums have developed initiatives to protect the future of the inshore sector. The NIFF brought forward the first industry-led Strategy for the sector in 2019 and is now implementing this with support from my Department, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and other agencies. The Strategy flowed from an extensive consultation process that engaged the inshore sector and other stakeholders.
The inshore fishing sector is a vital part of our coastal economies and communities. I am committed to supporting this and the wider seafood sector in achieving its potential. I look forward to continuing my engagement with the NIFF, as well as IIMRO and NIFA, and working on how this can be best achieved together.
1545. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking in response to the environmental impacts of an increase in intensive farms. [12755/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a unique agricultural country with a largely extensive livestock sector utilising an excellent and sustainable grass-based system. My comparison to most other productive agricultural nations, Ireland does not have large-scale intensive farms.
Livestock grazing out of doors dominates Irish agriculture and our agriculture sector has a reputation for high quality and sustainably produced food. Maintaining and verifying that reputation is an imperative for our agri-food industries. Ireland is already well placed through the success of the Origin Green programme and can maintain and build on this competitive advantage, provided changes are made over the years ahead to enhance the sector’s environmental credentials.
The Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine’s ‘Food Vision 2030 - A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems’ strongly advocates for sustainability as we develop our agrifood sector to meet the highest standards of sustainability across all three pillars – economic, environmental, and social. The strategy recognises the challenges ahead, while proposing solutions and charting a pathway towards sustainability.
The agriculture sector has been designated a specific target within the Climate Action Plan of reducing emissions by 25% by 2030. There are a number of measures my Department is leading on that have been, and will continue assisting farmers in delivering on these targets.
The Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) and Green Low-Carbon Agricultural Scheme (GLAS) have helped increase the uptake of Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) on our farms, with over 35% of total slurry applied using this new technology in 2021. My Department will continue to financially support farmers transition to this technology through the provision of grant aid for LESS machines in the recently launched TAMS III scheme.
Since 2015, the Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP) has helped lower the intensity of GHG emissions within the beef herd and improve genetic merit. 2022 was the final year of the BDGP with the commencement of the similar Suckler Carbon Efficiency Scheme in 2023 as part of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This new scheme will further enhance what the BDGP has achieved already.
The Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) has proven itself to be a popular scheme that offers crucial income supports to tillage farmers while helping to sequester more carbon from the atmosphere.
The Red Clover Silage Measure (RCSM) which my Department introduced in 2022 aims to encourage farmers to sow red clover silage swards. These swards increase carbon sequestration while reducing the environmental impacts from chemical fertilisers.
Under the CAP Strategic Plan, farmers will be rewarded for delivering environmental services through two distinct pathways. Firstly, the establishment of a voluntary eco-scheme incentive as part of Pillar I direct payments will financially reward farmers for providing additional environmental action. Secondly, voluntary participation in results-based schemes established in Pillar II Rural Development Programme Schemes such as the new National Agri-Environment Scheme and Organic Farming Scheme will directly assist in meeting our environmental targets and contribute to the financial sustainability of participating farmers.
My Department has received 46,000 applications for the new National Agri-Environment Scheme ACRES and I was delighted to announce that every applicant has been accepted in the scheme.
My Department is supporting a number of research projects and initiatives to develop the necessary future technologies and know-how to facilitate the move to a more sustainable Irish agriculture.
My Department has provided funding of €8m to 12 Methane related research projects over the last 5 years. For example, “GREENBREED” is a Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine funded research project investigating sustainable ruminant breeding programs for a low environmental footprint in dairy, beef and sheep. “METH-ABATE” is a DAFM funded research project, led by Teagasc and is looking at the development and validation of novel feed technologies to reduce methane emissions from pasture based Irish agricultural systems. This includes evaluating several feed additives to mitigate methane emissions while simultaneously monitoring animal productivity. The European Food Safety Authority approved methane reducing feed additive “3-NOP” continues to be evaluated through this work with initial promising results.
My Department will continue to lead and support the enhancement of the Irish Agricultural sector’s environmental credentials.
1546. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of his engagement with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; and the steps he is taking to establish a third-level veterinary course in Munster. [12756/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraLate 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 continue to engage with Minister Harris in respect of any proposals that arise.
1547. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to ensure the protection of hedgerow habitats. [12757/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraHedgerows are a valuable resource on Irish farms, contributing to both our biodiversity and climate ambitions. There is an estimated 689,000 kms of hedgerows in the country.
My Department recognises the value of these hedgerows in a number of ways including through rewarding farmers under the ECO-scheme element of the new Common Agriculture Programme (CAP) Strategic Plan. Under this support, farmers are eligible for payment in respect of ‘space for nature’ with a significant focus on farm hedgerows.
The new CAP also provides additional protection for hedges, where a farmer is in receipt of Direct Payment supports. Removal of hedgerows is only permitted in certain exceptional circumstances for example, road safety or to accommodate a building extension and it is now a mandatory requirement that a length equivalent to twice that removed, is planted in advance of any removal.
Under the recent Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS) scheme, over 1,100 km of new hedgerows were planted since the scheme began in 2015. Other actions in GLAS included traditional maintenance of hedgerows which improve their value as a habitat for biodiversity. These voluntary measures of hedgerow planting and traditional maintenance are also available in the new ACRES scheme.
In addition, the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations require screening, and if necessary consent, prior to removal of a hedgerow where the length of hedgerow to be removed exceeds 500 metres or where the field size following removal of the hedgerow will be greater than 5 hectares. If the proposed removal would breach either of these thresholds the farmer is required to submit a screening application to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
It is my intention to review the EIA (Agriculture) Regulations and will commence a consultation on this process with all stakeholders in the near future.
1548. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of the amount spent on the response to ash dieback. and the funding given to landowners, forestry owners, and farmers to replace trees, in each of the years 2020 to 2022, inclusive. [12759/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that the first confirmed finding of Ash Dieback Disease (Hymenoscyphus fraxineaus) in Ireland was made on 12th October 2012 at a forestry plantation site in County Leitrim which had been planted in 2009 with trees imported from continental Europe.
In March 2013 the Department introduced a Reconstitution Scheme (Chalara Ash Dieback) to restore forests planted under the afforestation scheme which had suffered from, or which were associated with plants affected by disease.
Following a Review of the National Response to Ash Dieback Disease arising from scientific advice and evidence that eradication of ash dieback disease is no longer feasible the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (Ash Dieback ) was launched in June 2020.
A total of €8.9 million has been expended to date on both schemes.
The following table details the figures for the years 2022, 2021 and 2022. A total of €1,973,140 was spent in those years.
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
€434,098 |
€316,003 |
€1,223,039 |
In the past week, Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has responsibility for the sector, launched an Interim Reconstitution Scheme for Ash Dieback via general de minimis which contains a doubling of site clearance rates, increased grant rates and an improved premium regime. The Deputy will be aware that my Department is working closely with the EU Commission to secure State Aid approval for the new forestry programme and a scheme for the reconstitution of ash dieback will be launched as part of that programme.
1549. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of the amount of funding awarded to community organisations for tree planting in the years 2020 to 2022, inclusive. [12760/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraPayments to community organisations for tree planting were made to projects approved under the open call for proposals for forestry promotion and through the NeighbourWood Scheme, both operated by my Department.
Certain projects approved under the Call for Proposals for forestry promotion undertook to carry out tree planting in partnership with local community organisations.
The NeighbourWood Scheme supports the development of attractive close-to-home woodland amenities (or ‘neighbourwoods’) for public use and enjoyment. The scheme is available to both public and private landowners, working in partnership with local communities.
The payments made in the years in question are outlined in the tables below.
Payments made to community organisations under the open Call for Proposals for forestry promotion:
|
Organisation |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Crann - Trees for Ireland |
€ 28,475.00 |
€ 57,685.00 |
|
|
The Organic Centre |
€ 15,169.14 |
€ 1,005.86 |
|
|
Green Skibbereen |
€ 26,959.92 |
||
|
Hometree Charity |
€ 4,375.00 |
€ 62,224.68 |
|
|
An Taisce - Environmental Education Unit |
€ 40,622.29 |
||
|
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael |
€ 47,000.00 |
||
|
Crann - Easy Treesie |
€ 40,000.00 |
||
|
Pocket Forests CLG |
€ 24,368.95 |
€ 15,000.00 |
|
|
The Acorn Project |
€ 29,756.50 |
Payments made to community organisations under the NeighbourWood Scheme:
|
Applicant |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Baltinglass and District Community |
€ 94,160.00 |
||
|
Laragh/Glendalough Tidy Town |
€ 99,734.80 |
1550. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 718 of 6 December 2022, if he will clarify the reason some ACRES advisors, who had fulfilled all the criteria outlined in his response, are not allowed access to the ACRES GLAMS system; and the number of approved advisors that had no access to the ACRES GLAMS system and were, therefore, unable to prepare FSPs for their clients for over a month. [12761/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is the agri-environment climate measure which forms part of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027.
There are currently just under 700 advisors approved for ACRES. To be become an approved ACRES advisor the following criteria must be met:
- Completion ACRES advisor registration of interest with the ACRES section,
- Be approved under the Department’s Farm Advisory System (FAS),
- Attend and complete mandatory ACRES training.
In early 2022, we engaged extensively with all registered FAS advisors outlining the requirements for registrations as an ACRES advisor. The obligation was on the advisor to respond by registering their interest with the ACRES section.
Further updates were provided to advisors throughout the application process. ACRES training was provided to advisors over three sessions in June and September 2022.
To support advisors in their application preparations the draft scheme specifications were published in August and the Department’s Generic Land Management (GLAM) system was opened in mid-August to give advisors an opportunity to familiarise themselves with both scheme requirements and online systems and for map printing. This enabled advisors to undertake preparatory work on the development of Farm Sustainability Plans and applications in advance of the opening.
A number of advisors who were unable to access the GLAM system had not completed all of the requirements at that time. The obligation was on the advisor to comply with both FAS and ACRES requirements before they could be considered eligible to submit ACRES applications.
The onus was also on the advisor to ensure that online links were put in place via the Department's Online Services functions so they could submit ACRES applications on behalf of clients. If all of the required conditions were not satisfied by advisors on time, this would have delayed their approval as ACRES advisors. Responses to technical queries from advisors were provided throughout the application process on a timely basis.
To facilitate the workload of advisors and to ensure receipt of the best quality applications possible, the Department extended the closing date for receipt of ACRES applications to Wednesday 7th December 2022. Tranche 1 is now closed for applications.
Advisors who were not in a position to submit applications on behalf of their clients for Tranche 1 will have an opportunity to proceed under Tranche 2. It is proposed that Tranche 2 will open for applications later this year with contracts in that Tranche to commence from 1st January 2024.
1551. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of difficulties experienced by farmers applying for the fodder scheme who were informed online that their applications were submitted and were later told that the application had not been received (details supplied); the number of farmers that are affected by this problem; his plans to address such problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12839/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that on 15th June 2022, I announced the launch of the €56 million Fodder Support Scheme 2022, which aimed to incentivise farmers to grow more fodder (silage and/or hay). This was to ensure that Ireland had sufficient supplies of fodder heading into winter 2022/spring 2023. The online application system for the scheme closed on 27th August 2022.
In the case of the person named, a draft application was created on the system but not submitted. He was contacted by text message on the 28th of July 2022 to advise him that further action was necessary by him or his advisor to apply for the Scheme but there is no record of any further action being taken by him in terms of submitting an application for the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme.
1552. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans for a sanitary agreement to be established between Ireland and Algeria for dairy and infant formula; if the principle of such an agreement is a priority; the timelines for the implementation of the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12841/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has an existing sanitary agreement for dairy and related products with Algeria. My Department has recently made representation to Algeria in relation to market access for Infant Formula.
The Embassy of Ireland in Algeria is also engaging directly with the Algerian authorities, on behalf of my Department, to clarify certain points in the interpretation of this agreement.
A response from the Algerian authorities is awaited, and this will determine next steps.
1553. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views generally on the availability and restrictions on grant aid for solar panels under TAMS; his views specifically on the scoring system on TAMS applications as they relate to farmers who are not qualifying as young farmers and farmers who are not farming on designated lands; if he is satisfied that all applications can be approved and funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12870/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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 increased from €80,000 to €90,000 and the grant rate increased from 40% to 60% and the maximum installed capacity increased from 11kW to 62kW. There is no distinction between young farmers and other farmers on solar panel investments. The size of installation is also subject to the capacity of the grid connection to accommodate export of electricity.
The separate investment ceiling for solar PV, now provides an opportunity for farmers to realise energy cost savings and also contribute to energy security and decarbonisation nationally.
The scheme will enable every farmer to generate their own power for their dwelling and holding and will help to achieve a more sustainable rural economy, assisting farmers in reducing energy costs on their holdings.
Farmers may also include the energy demand of one dwelling house per holding in the sizing of the solar panel array, which will greatly benefit farm families during the current energy crisis.
Adoption of sustainable energy practices at farm level, including energy efficiency, deployment of renewables at farm level and the provision of agriculture feedstocks for renewable energy generation is a key climate pillar for the agriculture sector in:
- Reducing energy costs on farm;
- Reducing the carbon footprint at farm level; and
- Contributing to the decarbonisation of the overall energy system
TAMS 3 is a demand led Scheme and all applications are subject to ranking and selection. The ranking system has been designed to fairly rank applications. Details of the marking sheet is available on my Department’s website.
1555. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify the situation regarding TAMS grant aid available for solar panels and his views on whether such panels can be erected on a farm dwellinghouse as well as farm sheds; if battery storage and inverter can be put where the current fuse box is; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12872/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo help encourage on-farm renewable technology uptake and usage, grant aid is provided through TAMS to assist farmers in maximising their contribution to the production of renewable energy through the installation of Solar PV technology along with battery storage on Irish farms.
The purpose of the Tams scheme is to enable farmers to consume solar PV generated electricity onsite to meet their farmyard electricity demand, including the dwelling house. Solar panels granted aided under TAMs shall be erected on farm sheds only; it is not permissible to erect them on the dwelling house. This is a strict condition of grant aid.
The electricity consumption of the dwelling house may be included on the solar survey as part of the holding for sizing the Solar PV installation. The dwelling house must be occupied by the herd owner or family member and situated on the holding. Only one dwelling house can be included on the Solar survey.
The inverter, batteries and all ancillary equipment must be located in a farm shed; it is not permitted to locate any of this equipment in a dwelling house where the fuse box may be located.
1556. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made by his Department in respect of targets and goals set out in sustainable development goals of the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development under the policy remit of his Department; and if these targets and goals will be met by their respective deadlines. [12896/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations is a significant and ambitious framework. A whole-of-Government approach to its implementation has been taken in Ireland. My Department is a lead on the following five SDGs:
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Goal 14: Life below Water
- Goal 15: Life on Land
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Ireland’s Second National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals, 2022 – 2024, was published in October 2022. The Plan was developed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in collaboration with all Government Departments, key stakeholders, and based on input from two public consultation processes.
A key objective of the Plan is to achieve greater policy coherence for Sustainable Development with the aim of accelerating achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at all levels of Government.
The Plan is supplemented by two supporting documents: an SDG policy map which identifies the lead Departments and relevant national policies for each of the 169 SDG targets; and a Policy Update document which provides policy updates for each of the SDG targets. These documents are available at www.gov.ie/sdgs
The Central Statistics Office, in collaboration with all Government Departments, has prepared as series of statistical publications which monitor and report on how Ireland is progressing towards meeting its targets under the 17 SDGs. Reports are available for SDGs 1 – 16 and can be found at www.cso.ie/en/statistics/unsustainabledevelopmentgoals .
Ireland will present its second Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in July 2023. The VNR report will comprise a high-level data section and a more detailed appendix reporting on progress in respect of achieving the SDGs and related targets.
Food Vision 2030, Ireland's shared agri-food strategy, cross-references the SDGs to 22 Goals across its four high-level missions. The Food Vision 2030 Implementation Plan aligns the missions and goals with specific SDG targets, putting food system transformation at the centre of the agri-food sector’s commitment to help realise the SDGs by 2030.
The SDGs are also referenced in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2021-2024.
1557. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the new scheme replacing the BEEP scheme for suckler cows called SCEP will open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13014/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe importance of beef production enterprises to the overall agri-food sector and to a balanced regional economy is well understood by the Government.
Under the new CAP strategic plan (CSP), which is worth almost €10 billion to Irish agriculture over its lifespan, beef farmers will be able to join the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP). This programme, which will run from 2023 to 2027, is designed to support farmers in improving the environmental sustainability of the national beef herd and to improve the genetic merit of the suckler herd. The scheme, which is the successor to the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP), will also incorporate the weighing measure from the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme (BEEP) and aims to build on the gains achieved through BDGP and BEEP.
With a budget of €260 million to be drawn down over its duration, this programme is a recognition of the importance of suckler production to the Irish economy and will help in improving the economic and environmental sustainability of those enterprises. Enhancing the carbon efficiency of suckler cows is critical to reducing future emissions arising from agricultural production. Provided that all programme requirements are met, payments of €225 for first 15 hectares and €180 for the remaining hectares up to the maximum payable area will be made.
More generally, my Department provides a range of measures to support beef farmers under the CSP including, for example, the ACRES and Organics schemes.
Through these measures and other interventions, I am continuing to support beef sector production and I can confirm to the Deputy that the SCEP opened for applications on 20 March 2023.
1558. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the parameters he will be proposing in the Suckler Cow Efficiency Programme in order to ensure former BEEP participants are not excluded (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13038/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe importance of beef production enterprises to the overall agri-food sector and to a balanced regional economy is well understood by the Government.
Under the new CAP strategic plan (CSP), which is worth almost €10 billion to Irish agriculture over its lifespan, beef farmers will be able to join the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP). This programme, which will run from 2023 to 2027, is designed to support farmers in improving the environmental sustainability of the national beef herd and to improve the genetic merit of the suckler herd. The scheme aims to build on the gains achieved through previous beef sustainability measures such as the Beef Data and Genomics Programme and the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme.
With a budget of €260 million to be drawn down over its duration, this programme is a recognition of the importance of suckler production to the Irish economy and will help in improving the economic and environmental sustainability of those enterprises. Enhancing the carbon efficiency of suckler cows is critical to reducing future emissions arising from agricultural production. Provided that all programme requirements are met, payments of €225 for the first 15 hectares and €180 for the remaining hectares, up to the maximum payable area, will be made to participants.
Regarding the specific query raised by the Deputy, I can advise that the programme terms and conditions have been drafted to facilitate new entrants and are sufficiently flexible in this regard. To ensure that farmers are fully informed of programme requirements and payment rates, my Department will hold a SCEP webinar in early April and will organise a nationwide schedule of information sessions to take place from late March to early May.
1559. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he has taken since taking office to combat animal cruelty and improve animal welfare. [13047/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. This Act provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare
My Department keeps the Act under review given developments in the area of animal welfare and the law and having regard to the practical lessons learnt from operating the Act.
Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner. My Department continues to enforce the law in this important area as does An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which have authorised officers under the Act.
My Department also takes a preventive approach to alleviate welfare concerns for both animals and their owners. In addition to continued enforcement of the law, in line with the 'One Health, One Welfare' ethos, my Department is committed to a policy of education and awareness-building in order to prevent animal welfare issues arising. Significant animal welfare related measures have been advanced within the scope of our national Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, Working Together for Animal Welfare which I launched in February 2021. The Strategy is backed by resources and expertise within the Department and involves dialogue and cooperation with other Government Departments and agencies, with stakeholders and with civil society.
In December 2022, I announced the record allocation of over €5.8 million in funding to 99 animal welfare charities throughout the country, under the Animal Welfare Grants Programme. This therefore achieved and actually exceeded the commitment in the Programme for Government to double the funding allocated within two years. This marks the largest award of grant funding to animal welfare bodies ever made by my Department. The importance of education and dissemination of knowledge to improve animal welfare, was an important criteria of this funding. Imparting knowledge on animal welfare plays a crucial role in improving standards nationally and can raise awareness on responsible animal ownership.
