Written Answers Nos. 1163-1182
1163. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he intends to launch the revised ash dieback reconstitution scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is a national emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56365/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra1191. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what progress has been made with dealing with the ash dieback issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56512/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1163 and 1191 together.
A detailed Ash dieback action plan is being prepared by Minister of State Pippa Hackett for submission to Cabinet for approval in the very near future. This will outline comprehensive actions by my Department to deal with the issue of ash dieback. Detailed deliberations are taking place to ensure an efficient, appropriate and proportionate response.
As part of the Forest Strategy Implementation plan, the Minister is establishing a Forestry Strategy Consultative Committee (FSCC) to support this work. The FSCC will be formed in the coming weeks and members will be selected from a broad range of relevant stakeholders. This Committee will establish a range of sub-groups to inform its activities, and in this regard will convene a specific subgroup which will work as a task force to ensure a greater level of engagement and action on ash dieback and other forest health matters.
My Department launched the Reconstitution scheme for ash dieback under the new programme 2023-27 in July 2023 with the following enhanced features:
• 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate, from €1,000 to €2,000;
• Enhanced replanting grant rates under the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027;Those applicants whose sites are still in premium will continue to receive the premium due for the remaining years;
• In addition, for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium, a top up premium equal to the difference between the equivalent forestry type and the existing premium will be paid. This will be calculated for the remaining years left in premium and paid in a single sum.
My Department to date has issued approvals for 251 applications representing 971 hectares under this scheme. I would urge ash owners who have not yet availed of the scheme to assist them in clearing their sites and replanting, to do so now. They will not be disadvantaged in relation to any further initiatives under the action plan.
1164. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he intends to launch the native woodland conservation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56366/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to report that support for the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme will continue to be offered through the new €1.3 billion funded Forestry Programme 2023-2027. This Scheme is one of a number of measures aimed specifically at promoting the proactive protection and expansion of Ireland’s native woodland resource.
The Native Woodland Conservation Scheme promotes the appropriate restoration of existing native woodland, through the provision of financial support to forest owners towards the cost of appropriate works. A grant of up to €6,000 per ha will be offered to private forest owners as well as an annual seven year Payment for Ecosystem Services of €500 per ha.
My Department intends to make the Scheme available through our iNET system which will allow registered foresters to make online applications for forest owners and monitor the status of their applications, at any given time. The technical development required in iNET is close to completion.
I intend therefore, to launch the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme for new applications in the coming weeks and a circular on this matter will then issue to all registered foresters. Forest owners who currently have an application with my Department will be contacted directly in due course.
1165. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the payment of €1,000 per hectare to forest owners under the Woodland Environmental Fund is income tax free; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56367/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the Woodland Environment funding (WEF) is to facilitate the planting of more native woodlands by providing an access point to business to part fund the establishment of these forests . It is a once off payment of €1,000 hectare to the forest owner to top up premiums paid by my Department.
As such it may be exempt from Tax by virtue of section 18 Finance Act 1969 and from Income Tax and Corporation Tax by virtue of section 232(2) Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
Section 232(2) TCA 1997 states
(2) Except where otherwise provided by section 75, the profits or gains arising from the occupation of woodlands managed on a commercial basis and with a view to the realisation of profits shall not be taken into account for any purpose of the Tax Acts.
It is worth noting that the final determination of any tax exemption rests with the Revenue Commissioners.
1166. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in cases in which applicants opted into the ash dieback reconstitution scheme selecting a different forest type than that originally applied for on the form 1, which could have been years ago, and in situations where his Department has issued the approval for a forest type not selected on the opt-in form, if his Department will reissue the approval immediately allowing the species selected on the opt-in form by the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56368/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe reconstitution scheme for ash dieback is open for applications under the new Forestry Programme 2023 - 2027. This scheme includes the following enhanced features:
• 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate, from €1,000 to €2,000;
• Enhanced replanting grant rates under the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027;
• Those applicants whose sites are still in premium will continue to receive the premium due for the remaining years;
• In addition, for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium, a top up premium equal to the difference between the equivalent forestry type and the existing premium will be paid. This will be calculated for the remaining years left in premium and paid in a single sum.
Applicants that had an approval under the previous Reconstitution and Underplanting scheme (RUS) and hadn’t commenced site clearance works were given the opportunity to opt into the terms and conditions of the new Reconstitution Ash Dieback scheme (RAD). They also were required to inform my Department of the proposed Forest Type that they wished to plant. All applications choosing new species will need approval by my Department, however approvals are issuing in a timely manner once all required documentation has been received.
1167. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will urgently move to appoint an authorised officer for animal welfare in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56394/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013, my Department has primary policy responsibility for the welfare of all animals.
Section 37 of the Act provides for a manager of a local authority to appoint officers as authorised officers under the Act. As such, this is a matter for each individual local authority to consider.
Since the introduction of the Act, many officials within my Department have been designated as authorised officers under the Act and their responsibilities include the enforcement of animal welfare legislation provided for under the Act. A large number of these authorised officers are based in my Department's network of Regional Veterinary Offices throughout the country.
Members of An Garda Síochána and officers of the Customs and Excise Service are directly authorised under the Act.
The Minister may also enter into service agreements under which authorised officers may be appointed. Inspectors of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Rasaíocht Con Eireann, and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board have been appointed as authorised officers in this way. It is the responsibility of these organisations to then allocate staff resources as appropriate to their particular roles.
1168. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the ACRES payment will be issued (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56419/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the deputy is aware, and in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) was launched in 2022 as the flagship environmental scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027.
While it was initially planned to take 30,000 applicants in Tranche 1 of the scheme, all valid applications submitted were accepted. There are now just under 46,000 farmers in Tranche 1 actively involved in the Scheme. This decision to accept all applicants into Tranche 1 of ACRES has put significant pressure on the ability to pay all eligible participants in 2023.
On 15 December I announced that ACRES General Payments had commenced, with 17,145 farmers being paid a total of €76.5 million. As I have already indicated, due to the additional complexity associated with the Co-operation Project (CP) stream, payments for ACRES CP participants will begin to issue in February of this year.
In response to requests for advance payments, it is important for budgetary and audit purposes, and for farmers themselves, that the correct payment is made at the outset. A once-off or interim payment is not an alternative, as it would undermine the integrity of the ACRES payment system, and any such expenditure would not meet the standards required to access EU funding in accordance with the new performance reporting obligations under Ireland's 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan.
I want to reassure the deputy that everything is being done to pay all ACRES applicants who clear pre-payment checks as a matter of priority.
1169. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is mandatory for organic farmers to register with organisations (details supplied) in order to qualify for grant payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56437/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll organic farmers must be registered with either of the two organic control bodies, and be in possession of a valid organic licence, in order to qualify for grant payments under the Organic Farming Scheme. Organic Farmers must hold a valid organic licence on or before the date of the submission of their Organic Farming Scheme application or, at the latest, hold a licence from the commencement date of their contract.
1170. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will advise on the implementation of animal welfare standards as part of the rules in relation to live exports; the process of certifying vessels used to carry livestock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56448/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is subject to the EU’s framework of legislation on the protection of animals during transport, and has also introduced national rules with regard to the transport of livestock on dedicated livestock vessels which goes above and beyond the relevant EU rules.
Ireland’s principal national legislation on the transport of animals on dedicated livestock vessels is S.I. Number 356 of 2016, the Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations (as amended). This lays down several innovative controls on animal welfare during transport by dedicated livestock vessel.
Aspects of this legislation were mentioned by the European Commission report of 2020, ‘Welfare of Animals Exported by Sea’, as examples of good practice:
For a livestock vessel to gain approval to carry animals from an Irish port, Ireland requires that it must
• fly the flag of a country listed in the 'white list' (published by the Paris memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control),
• have its statutory certificates issued by a Recognised Organisation with a
• “performance level” recorded as “High” in the “Recognised Organisation performance table” and
• be operated by a company with a “performance level” not listed as “low or very low” (as published by the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control).
Another example of good practice, similarly cited in the above-mentioned report, is that Ireland uses the services of marine engineers together with specialised official veterinarians, for the inspections of vessels applying to be approved to carry livestock form Ireland.
The vessel inspection process assesses a wide range of factors including stability criteria, ventilation capacity and back-up, vessel’s electrical generating capacity, drainage, fire-fighting, lighting and water supply. Certificates carry an expiry date following which the ship must be re-inspected and re-approved if it is to load animals in Ireland again.
Each loading of livestock onto dedicated vessels for transport to non-EU countries is monitored and supervised by a team of experienced Department officials, both at the assembly centre and at the exit port. The Department assesses and approves such voyages only where the requirements of the legislation are met by the operators.
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine officials ensure that animals are fit for transport and comply with the terms of their health certification, as well as ensuring that journeys are only allowed in conditions whereby animals can be transported in compliance with the EU's animal welfare legislation and with Ireland’s national legislation.
1171. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will be in the position to sanction the use of multi-breed artificial insemination straws from 1 January 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56450/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) is the body approved in Ireland in accordance with the relevant EU legislation to conduct testing, genetic evaluation and publication of breeding values for dairy and beef cattle. ICBF are responsible for issuing AI codes and ensuring the traceability of this process is upheld.
I have been informed by ICBF that the systems have now been put in place to facilitate the use of mixed pooled semen. An AI code can now be obtained by applying through ICBF for each specific mix of multi -breed straws. In the event that either the bull breed and/or specific bull is changed in the mix, a new AI code must be applied for.
ICBF will validate the sire of a calf if the calf is genotyped and can be parentage verified. It is possible for this to be done by any breeder who wishes to avail of genotyping.
1172. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quantity of bark that is being imported into the country for use by nurseries and horticulture, per month in 2023, in tabular form; if this bark is being certified or checked for bark beetle at the point of export and the point of import; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56451/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra1173. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the visits his Department has made to Scotland and other regions affected by the bark beetle to inspect the timber being imported into Ireland to ensure it is free of bark beetle; how many visits were made; when they were made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56452/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra1174. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of personnel employed to inspect timber at the point of import into Ireland for bark beetle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56453/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra1175. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider banning the import of timber from regions affected by the bark beetle, on grounds of biosecurity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56454/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1172 to 1175, inclusive, together.
Importers in Ireland are already prohibited from importing roundwood from areas known to be affected by quarantine bark beetle species. The only area internationally from which imports into Ireland of coniferous roundwood with bark is permitted is a specific UK Government authority assigned ‘Pest Free Area’ (PFA) in the West of Scotland. In light of recent developments with bark beetles in Great Britain, found outside of their ‘Pest Free Area’, this Department has been engaging directly with Scottish forestry authorities, Northern Ireland and the European Commission to ensure that the pest free status of the island of Ireland is maintained.
Coniferous roundwood is both imported into and exported out of Ireland. All imports into Ireland must be compliant with the EU Plant Health Regulation and importers must be registered as Professional Operators. Similarly, any action Ireland takes in response to threats from pests must also be compliant with EU Plant Health Regulations and the International Plant Protection Convention.
My Department maintains very close contact on plant health matters with its counterpart Department in Northern Ireland, the Department of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs (DAERA), in the context of the consideration of the island of Ireland as a single epidemiological unit. This contact includes discussions on policy regarding roundwood imports from Scotland.
My Department also has an ongoing dialogue with the Scottish Authorities on matters related specifically to the PFA and log imports into Ireland and is working to ensure that the integrity of the PFA is maintained and we have the assurances required to maintain Ireland’s pest free status.
Under the International Plant Protection Convention and the EU Plant Health Regulation 2016/2031, it is the responsibility of the exporting National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO), in this case that of Great Britain, to ensure that commodities for export meet the entry requirements of the importing country. These commodity specific entry requirements are set out in Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072 of the Plant Health Regulation. The conformity of the commodity is confirmed by inspection at the point of import. My Department does not visit Scotland to inspect the logs that are due for export as this is the work of the NPPO in Great Britain. However as stated above, my Department has an ongoing dialogue with the Scottish Authorities on matters related specifically to the Pest Free area and log imports into Ireland and we are fully aware of the inspection regime and surveillance measures in place to ensure the integrity of the PFA.
The Scottish Authorities carry out a range of surveys for bark beetles, including aerial surveillance, pheromone trapping and on the ground surveys. These surveys have been ongoing for several years and no instance of spruce bark beetles of concern to Ireland have been found within the PFA. In addition, felling sites in the PFA, where timber is due to be exported to Ireland, are subject to an inspection regime, as part of their phytosanitary certification system. Inspections in Scotland are carried out by the Scottish authority officials. Irish officials have no role in carrying out inspections in other jurisdictions.
There are over 20 members of staff who carry out plant health import inspections where the inspections may include commodities and wood packaging where bark beetles are a risk.
As a potential pathway for the movement of bark beetles, isolated bark of conifers is regulated in a manner similar to wood of conifers and commodity specific entry requirements are set out in Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072 of the Plant Health Regulation 2016/2031. Imports of isolated bark of conifers from third countries are subject to Customs control and inspection as are logs. They must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate confirming that they meet Ireland’s entry requirements and they originate in a pest free area or have been subject to an appropriate phytosanitary treatment.
I understand that there were no imports of coniferous bark in 2023 from third countries including the UK. Ireland exports coniferous bark to Great Britain. 80 consignments of coniferous bark were certified by my Department for export to GB in 2023. There is no movement of bark into Ireland from other EU Member States.
1176. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 406 of 21 November 2023, if there are plans to expand the scheme to include sectors such as farming and so on due to the lack of any other funding supports in such weather events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56455/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraChallenging weather conditions last year impacted farmers right across the country. In many cases farmers were not able to harvest crops and repairs are required to farm roadways and other infrastructure following the heavy rain.
The Emergency Flood Relief Scheme is operated by the Irish Red Cross on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. As far as I am aware there are no plans to expand that scheme to cover other sectors such as farming.
1177. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of live cattle exported monthly; the mode of transportation used; and their ultimate destination from 2021 to date, in tabular form. [56487/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data below show the cattle transported from the State and includes intra-community trade with EU countries and exports to 3rd countries.
Live Cattle transport from the State 2021, 2022 & 2023, by Country of Destination
|
Country |
|
No of Animals |
|
|
By Dedicated Livestock Vessel |
|
|
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
|
|
|
ALGERIA |
380 |
|
|
|
|
|
AUSTRIA |
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
BELGIUM |
|
|
2044 |
|
|
|
BULGARIA |
2403 |
450 |
119 |
|
|
|
CROATIA |
433 |
62 |
|
|
|
|
CZECH REPUBLIC |
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
EGYPT |
|
3623 |
|
|
3623 |
|
ENGLAND |
2271 |
2566 |
2939 |
|
|
|
ESTONIA |
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
FRANCE |
935 |
79 |
2628 |
|
|
|
GERMANY |
|
8 |
3 |
|
|
|
GREECE |
2229 |
2653 |
2245 |
|
|
|
HUNGARY |
4175 |
1463 |
1862 |
|
|
|
ISRAEL |
6840 |
|
|
|
6840 |
|
ITALY |
36465 |
29845 |
29754 |
|
|
|
JORDAN |
|
3389 |
|
|
3389 |
|
KAZAKHSTAN |
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
KOSOVO (SERBIA) |
34 |
66 |
44 |
|
|
|
LATVIA |
37 |
|
|
|
|
|
LEBANON |
1070 |
791 |
|
|
|
|
LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA |
2405 |
9190 |
6467 |
|
18062 |
|
LITHUANIA |
|
101 |
120 |
|
|
|
LUXEMBOURG |
|
4 |
49 |
|
|
|
MOROCCO |
30 |
111 |
|
|
|
|
NETHERLANDS |
107281 |
97779 |
49180 |
|
|
|
NORTHERN IRELAND |
54393 |
48795 |
72784 |
|
|
|
POLAND |
16987 |
3973 |
1544 |
|
|
|
PORTUGAL |
280 |
113 |
190 |
|
|
|
ROMANIA |
3532 |
76 |
100 |
|
|
|
RUSSIAN FEDERATION |
|
|
244 |
|
|
|
SCOTLAND |
666 |
664 |
641 |
|
|
|
SLOVAKIA |
1584 |
1293 |
121 |
|
|
|
SLOVENIA |
73 |
|
|
|
|
|
SPAIN |
75043 |
73238 |
73537 |
|
|
|
TUNISIA |
235 |
|
|
|
|
|
TURKEY |
2229 |
5572 |
|
|
7801 |
|
WALES |
700 |
419 |
441 |
|
|
|
OVERALL TOTAL |
322710 |
286351 |
247556 |
|
39715 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ro-Ro Ferry Transport |
311236 |
264577 |
241089 |
|
|
|
Dedicated Livestock Vessel Transport |
11474 |
21774 |
6467 |
|
|
Annual statistics only currently available.
Unless otherwise indicated, transport is by road and Ro-Ro ferry
Summary:
Of the 856,617 cattle transported from Ireland over the three year period in question (2021, 2022 & 2023), 39,715 cattle were transported by Dedicated Livestock Vessel (Walk-On Walk-Off) while the remaining 816,902 cattle were transported by Truck and Ferry (Roll-On Roll-Off).
1178. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of inspections carried out on vehicles or boats transporting live cattle for export, from 2021 to date. [56488/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data requested in respect of vehicles and boats is set out below.
Number of Inspections on vehicles transporting live animals for export
|
- |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
|
Type 2 Long Distance Vehicles |
289 |
377 |
414 |
1080 |
The figures supplied include vehicle inspections for both intra-community movements and third country exports.
Dedicated Livestock Vessel Inspections
|
- |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
|
Vessel Inspections at Loading |
4 |
11 |
4 |
19 |
|
Vessel Approval Inspections |
3 |
4 |
2 |
9 |
|
Total |
7 |
15 |
6 |
28 |
Please note all dedicated vessel consignments require a vessel inspection at point of loading.
1179. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps taken by his Department to improve animal welfare standards on live cattle export journeys. [56489/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is conscious at all times of its obligations to ensure that animals are protected from injury and undue suffering during transportation. When Veterinary Inspectors of the Department provide health certification for calves travelling to mainland Europe, they apply the standards laid down in EU rules (primarily in Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005) but also the Department’s own policies introduced in 2019 and 2020 which go beyond the minimum standards in EU rules. These changes impact all livestock transports, but particularly the intracommunity trade in unweaned calves. These changes include:
1. Increased minimum space allowances for calves, e.g., 11% extra space for calves of 55Kg, over than allowed in EU rules.
2. Veterinary Inspectors are instructed not to accept journey logs when forecasted temperatures equal or exceed 30°C en route at time of transport. The Department monitors forecasts in Europe in summer and winter months, issuing guidance up to three times weekly.
3. Policy of not approving transport of very small calves below 40kg bodyweight on long journeys.
4. The re-training period for drivers to retain their certificate of competence has been reduced from 10 years to 3 years. Driver behaviour is a major influence on animal welfare during transport.
5. In 2019 a booking system for unweaned calves was introduced to avoid overcrowding in the control posts in Cherbourg, where calves are fed and rested after their ferry journey from Ireland.
6. Unannounced accompaniment of calf consignments to Cherbourg by official veterinarians occurs during the peak transport season (Spring) to monitor the welfare of Irish calves during transport.
It is important to clarify that my Department only permits animals to be transported in compliance with the EU's animal welfare legislation, which is amongst the most progressive legal frameworks in the world. Furthermore, Ireland has national rules to protect the welfare of livestock being exported to third countries on dedicated livestock vessels, which lay down controls that are more stringent than EU rules, and which have been cited as an example by the European Commission to other Member States. These national rules include a stipulation that an official veterinarian of my Department must accompany the first voyage of every dedicated livestock vessel that takes place after the vessel's inspection and approval, or re-approval.
The Department is conscious of the need to ensure the welfare of the animals in transit and, as the regulator in this area, is satisfied that the systems in place in respect of the intra-community movement and extra-community movement of these animals are supportive of the welfare of the animals and in compliance with the relevant legislation. The Department continues to monitor and enforce compliance, to ensure the welfare of animals transported.
1180. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers affected by delays to the ACRES payment; the number of farmers affected by delays to the ACRES co-operation payment; the estimated dates of payment for each cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56490/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the deputy is aware, and in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) was launched in 2022. There was exceptional demand for entry into the Scheme, which demonstrates the interest of farmers to take on actions to address climate, biodiversity, and environmental issues.
While it was initially planned to take in applicants in two Tranches, with 30,000 in Tranche 1, as a Government the decision was made to accept all valid applications submitted, and there are now just under 46,000 farmers actively involved in the Scheme. The decision to accept all eligible applicants put significant pressure on the ability to make an advance payment to participants by the end of December last year.
On 15 December I announced that payments to the value of €76.5 million had commenced to more than 17,100 ACRES General participants. The remaining approximately 9,500 ACRES General participants will continue to be processed for payment, with payments issuing early in 2024 subject to passing validation checks. For ACRES Co-operation Project (CP) participants, payments will commence in February to those of the 18,400 eligible participants in this stream who pass validation and other checks.
My Officials are continuing to work to expedite payments, and I want to reassure the Deputy that everything is being done to pay, as soon as possible, all ACRES participants who clear pre-payment checks.
1181. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what supports will be made available to farmers who struggle financially due to the delay in ACRES payments. [56491/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the Programme for Government commitment, the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), was launched in 2022. There was exceptional demand for entry into the Scheme, which demonstrates the interest of farmers to take on actions to address climate, biodiversity and environmental issues.
While it was initially planned to take in up to 50,000 applicants over two Tranches, with 30,000 in Tranche 1, as a Government the decision was made to accept all valid applications submitted under Tranche 1. There are currently just under 46,000 farmers actively participating in the scheme.
ACRES Payments commenced on December 15th, with payment issuing in the initial payment run to two thirds of all ACRES General participants. A total of €76.5m was paid to more than 17,000 ACRES General participants, with an average payment of almost €4,500 per individual farmer. ACRES advance payments represent 85% of the total scheme year payment, with the balance to be paid later in 2024.
ACRES payments have added to the range of financial supports - coming to a total of approximately €1.4 billion - delivered to Irish farmers under the new CAP Strategic Plan since October. This includes payments under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme, Eco Scheme, and the Organic Farming Scheme.
Pay runs will continue this month for ACRES general participants as they pass all required validation checks. Due to the additional complexity associated with the Co-operation Project (CP) stream, payments for ACRES CP participants will begin to issue in February 2024. There are no plans to make additional supports available in the interim.
1182. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current makeup of the Teagasc board; the process for appointment; and if his Department has considered expanding the board in order to allow representation from currently unrepresented farming groups. [56492/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe composition of the Teagasc Authority is set out in the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act of 1988 (Teagasc Act). It provides for a governing Authority comprising of a Chairman, and 10 ordinary members who have knowledge or experience in agriculture, agricultural research, education, and food processing. The current Authority has representatives from the farming organisations, the food industry, the universities, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and Teagasc staff.
As Minister, I appoint all of the members of the Teagasc Authority. The Chairman and four ordinary members are appointed following a competitive process overseen by the Public Appointments Service. Five ordinary members are appointed on the nomination of organisations that represent persons engaged in agriculture etc. Those organisations are the Irish Farmers Association, Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, Irish Co-operative Organisation Society, Macra na Feirme and a Teagasc staff representative. I also appoint a senior civil servant from my Department to the Authority.
I am satisfied that Teagasc's governing legislation provides for strong stakeholder representation on the Teagasc Authority from both the farming community and wider agri-food industry. Accordingly, I have no plans to amend the Teagasc Act to expand the number of ordinary members on the Authority.
The table below details the current membership of the Authority.
|
Name |
Method of appointment |
|
Mr Liam Herlihy (Chairman) |
Public Appointments Service |
|
Helen Sheridan |
Public Appointments Service |
|
Vanessa Kiely O’Connor |
ICOS nominee |
|
Elaine Houlihan |
Macra na Feirme nominee |
|
Thia Hennessy |
Public Appointments Service |
|
Louise Byrne |
DAFM Ministerial appointee |
|
Donald Scully |
ICMSA nominee |
|
Elizabeth Reynolds |
Public Appointments Service |
|
Liam Woulfe |
Public Appointments Service |
|
Brian Rushe |
IFA nominee |
|
Martina Donnelly |
Teagasc staff nominee |
