Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023

Written Answers Nos. 1161-1175

Forestry Sector

Questions (1161)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

1161. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of designated land that is afforested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16546/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The recently published National Forest Inventory (NFI) shows that the national forest estate is still expanding and has now reached 11.6% of the total land area or 808,848 hectares (ha), with a wide variety of forest types present.

When the total forest area is considered, the NFI shows that 128,527 ha have at least one of five designations for protected sites in Ireland. If reforestation and semi-natural forests are excluded to focus only on afforested areas, then the area decreases to 63,263 ha. Further details from NFI 2022 are presented in the table below. Note that as forest areas may have more than one designation the overall area presented below removes this overlap to ensure there is no double counting.

It should be noted that the large majority of forest cover was present before designation took place. Subsequent considerations regarding reforestation within designated sites can provide opportunities in some cases for habitat restoration to better reflect the sensitivities involved.

Primary Designations	Forest Area Designated (ha)	Afforested Area Designated (ha)
Special Area of Conservation (SAC)	34,835	12,012
Special Protection Area (SPA)	94,093	50,850
National Heritage Area (NHA)	4,404	1,602
National Park	3,604	1,602
Nature Reserve	1,201	801
Overall Area (Area counted once where more than one designation is present)	128,527	63,263

It should be noted that currently all sites proposed for afforestation must undergo Appropriate Assessment screening in relation to likely impacts on designated European Sites, along or in combination with other plans and projects. Screening for Environmental Impact Assessment is also undertaken. Any afforestation within SACs and SPAs must be in keeping with the conservation objectives of European Sites, and must be agreed to by the Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Forestry activities in Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) have a dual consent process in that they require a licence from the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and a consent from the Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Furthermore, these and all afforestation applications. Proposed afforestation in National Parks and Nature reserves must also be compatible with the conservation objectives of the area.

It is also worth noting that afforestation within recent years in designated areas has represented a small fraction of annual afforestation and due to the associated ecological sensitivities generally involve native woodland establishment.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (1162)

Denis Naughten

Question:

1162. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current status of the application to secure EU PGI status for Irish beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16551/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In December 2021, following scrutiny by the European Commission, the application for a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for “Irish Grass Fed Beef” was published in the Official Journal of the European Union for a three month ‘opposition procedure’ which was open both to EU Member States and third countries.

Following submission by the UK to the European Commission, the Commission invited both parties to engage on the application. Discussions between my Department and its UK counterparts were successfully concluded in July 2022, with agreement that the geographical area covered by the application will cover the island of Ireland. Other than changes associated with the extension of the area, there was no substantial change to the product specification.

In August 2022, the European Commission was notified of the agreement and was sent the revised application. The application has since been the subject of European Commission scrutiny. My Department is engaging with the European Commission and its UK counterparts on the next steps, which will include a further consultation/opposition procedure at member State and Third country level. If there is no opposition, it is hoped that application could proceed for registration.

I want to conclude the process as quickly as possible as I believe that PGI Status for Grass Fed Irish beef will be of huge benefit for the entire suckler and beef industry here. I believe it will play a key role in driving further added value for the benefit of the hardworking and skilled beef and suckler farmers across the country.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (1163)

Denis Naughten

Question:

1163. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consideration given to an application to secure EU PGI status for Irish lamb; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16552/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy may be aware, Geographical indications (GIs), Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGIs) are names identifying a product as originating in a given territory, and testifying to a link between a given quality, reputation or characteristic of the product and its geographical origin.

A ‘geographical indication’ is a name, including a traditionally used name, which identifies a product: (a) originating in a specific place, region or country; (b) whose given quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin; and (c) at least one of the production steps of which takes place in the defined geographical area.

I inform the Deputy that my Department has not received an application for a protected geographical indication for "Irish lamb". There is however already a PGI registered for "Connemara Hill Lamb" and there is currently an application for a PGI for "Comeragh Mountain Lamb" which is under examination at present, following receipt of queries from European Commission on the application.

Any groups or persons interested in applying for a protected geographical indication can contact my Department at the dedicated e-mail address [e-mail].

Departmental Staff

Questions (1164)

Denis Naughten

Question:

1164. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff within his Department who are based and working with the European Union in Brussels; their present roles and responsibilities; the posts and responsibilities presently vacant; the corresponding figures on 23 June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16553/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department supports the Government initiative "A Career for EU”, Ireland’s Strategy to increase Irish representation in the European Union's Institutions and Agencies to make sure Ireland maintains its influence within the EU’s institutions for years to come.

My Department currently has a total of 10 officers across a variety of grades who are on secondment to EU bodies based in Brussels. The corresponding figure on 23 June 2016 was seven officers.

The principal duties of these officers include, but are not restricted to, the following:

Counsellor

• Leading and managing the Agriculture desk and its staff in the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union.

• Promoting and representing the interests of the Department and the interests of Irish agriculture and fisheries at the Special Committee for Agriculture and at COREPER.

• Building of networks and maintenance of effective working relationships with key contacts across all three EU institutions.

• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with the representatives of other EU Member States, with a view to identifying areas of common concern and potential collaboration.

• Preparing for and attending meetings of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council including, where appropriate, input to documentation and briefings for the Minister.

• Monitoring EU FTA negotiations, particularly the EU-UK FTA and ensuring that Ireland’s position is fully understood.

• Developing and maintaining relationships with third countries and industry representatives as required.

• Monitoring and communicating on a range of issues between the Department and the EU institutions, as the need arises.

• Report and comment on EU agricultural and fisheries policy developments with reference to their implications for Irish interests including an assessment of the positions of individual member states and third countries, where appropriate

• Ensure that adequate systems are in place to respond to specific enquiries from the Department so that they are dealt with efficiently and effectively.

• Co-operate with the Ambassador and other Permanent Representation personnel in administrative and other areas as necessary.

First Secretary

• Gathering and dissemination of information in both directions to and from the host country, and to and from this Department;

• Lobbying;

• Representing Ireland’s interests at formal EU meetings and at EU/International negotiations (for example, Third Country fisheries agreements, EU bilateral and Coastal States negotiations);

• Trade assistance, development and facilitation, including assistance in respect of Ministerial visits, dealing with food safety issues that may impact on trade and proactive co-operation with the relevant state agencies (Bord Bia, Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, Marine Institute and BIM etc.);

• Representation at locally based international organisations to which the Mission or Embassy is accredited.

Executive Officer

• Attendance at and reporting on weekly meetings of the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA) and monthly meetings of the Agriculture Council of Ministers.

• Where necessary, attendance at and reporting on meetings of COREPER, Agricultural Attachés Group, and other Council Working Party meetings.

• Management of day-to-day administration within the Agriculture Office (including management of administrative staff), e.g. handling correspondence with the various EU Institutions, obtaining official documents for transmission to Headquarters, etc.

• Co-ordination of briefing material and preparation of dossiers for meetings of the Agriculture Council, SCA, COREPER.

• Logistical organisation (hotel accommodation, Minister’s transport, protocol arrangements, etc.) of attendance by the Irish delegation at the Agriculture Council of Ministers meetings.

• Organisation of various other Ministerial and special events.

Seconded National Expert

From time to time, my Department considers assigning staff to Seconded National Expert (SNE) positions. In selecting SNE posts, my Department must strike a balance between filling these posts and the need to retain key expertise within the Department for ongoing responsibilities. The roles of any SNEs that we approve to be filled are linked to priorities, such as the Common Agriculture Policy, and ensure policy coherence between EU environmental objectives and funding of agriculture and forestry.

National Experts in Professional Training Scheme

My Department also avails of the biannual National Experts in Professional Training scheme which provides the opportunity to work in the European Commission for limited periods of three to five months. The skills and experiences acquired by Irish officials during their traineeship benefit my Department and facilitate greater understanding of the functioning of European institutions. Participation in this programme is in line with the Government’s overall EU engagement strategy.

My Department regularly reviews overseas assignments, assessing vacancies in line with workforce planning, to ensure that our presence abroad supports market access and delivers on the expected benefits.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (1165)

Michael Ring

Question:

1165. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider introducing a specific scheme (details supplied) in view of the benefits for climate and biodiversity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16571/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The CAP Strategic Plan for the period 2023-2027, sets out a wide range of schemes to support Irish farming. These schemes have a very strong focus on supporting incomes and on protecting biodiversity as well as supporting climate objectives at national and EU level.

Area-based payment schemes within the CAP are predominately paid on what is known as the eligible hectare. For the purposes of the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and other area-based schemes, an eligible hectare is an agricultural area that is used for an agricultural activity.

An agricultural area is comprised of arable land, permanent crops and permanent grassland, along with agroforestry systems. Permanent grassland is land used to grow grasses or herbaceous forage including heather and rushes.

Therefore, within permanent grassland parcels containing heather, once an agricultural activity is present, the parcel is deemed eligible. An agricultural activity can be traditional practices such as grazing livestock, but it can also involve maintenance activities.

Furthermore, where lands with heather are part of an agri-environmental scheme, eligibility will not be impacted even if traditional agricultural activities are not present as long as the land is being maintained as directed under the scheme conditions.

Given that the presence of heather is allowed as permanent grassland and permanent grassland is already supported under Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan, it is not necessary to introduce any further specific schemes for heather.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (1166)

Robert Troy

Question:

1166. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ensure that Ireland does not default to a maximum limit of 220 kgN/ha under the mid-term review of the nitrates action programme with the European Commission, something that could have disastrous consequences for farmers; and how the mid-term review’s data will be affected by the lack of time that measures introduced in 2022 and 2023 have had to improve water quality. [16594/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is the lead authority responsible for the interim review of Ireland's 5th Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) and the associated Regulations. My Department is working closely with them in this regard.

As part of the European Commission’s Implementing Decision granting Ireland its current Nitrates Derogation, additional conditionality was included by the Commission requiring a two-year review of water quality.

Under that review water quality data for 2021 and 2022 must be compared, and where the review identifies polluted waters or where worsening trends have occurred over this period, the maximum stocking rate limit permitted under the Nitrates Derogation must reduce from 250kg to 220kg livestock manure nitrogen per hectare from 2024 onwards. The EPA is currently working to provide the water quality data that will be used in this review.

As part of the 5th NAP the scope of some existing measures was broadened, other measures were expanded and a number of new measures were introduced to drive improvements in water quality.

In addition to working on the interim review, my officials are preparing a case to engage further with the European Commission with the objective of seeking flexibility from them on the two-year water quality review with a view to giving existing measures more time to demonstrate their impact. However, there is no guarantee that there will be a change to the Commission's Implementing Decision as it stands.

Trade Missions

Questions (1167)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

1167. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the food related international trade missions that will take place for the remainder of 2023 by location, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16693/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The development of international markets for Irish agrifood exports is a key component of the work to support the strategic growth of our agrifood sector. The sector's 10-year strategic plan, Food Vision 2030, sets out a number of actions aimed at growing the value of our agrifood exports over the period.

My Department works with industry to enhance existing priority markets for our exports and to develop new and alternative high-value markets internationally. Many of the new market opportunities are in countries and regions with growing middle-class populations and rising disposable incomes, which therefore provide significant opportunities for Ireland’s dairy, meat, and seafood sectors to grow the value of exports.

Trade Missions are an important opportunity to support the sector in meeting these growth ambitions. The table below outlines the current plans for the remainder of 2023 for an intensified programme of Ministerial-led trade missions, in conjunction with Bord Bia and industry.

2023	TRADE MISSION
April	China - Hainan Expo and Shanghai
May	China - Beijing and SIAL Trade Show, Shanghai
September	West Africa - Nigeria and Senegal
October	Germany - ANUGA Trade Show, Cologne
November	South East Asia - Philippines and Malaysia
December	London, UK
December	Paris, France

Agriculture Industry

Questions (1168)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

1168. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the banning of creosote from April 2022; if derogation has been or is available to individuals and businesses who require it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16732/23]

Written answers

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 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.

Permitted uses were restricted to industrial vacuum pressure impregnation of wood used for railway sleepers, electricity poles and telecommunications poles only.

The renewal Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2022/1950) came into force on 1 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 national derogation to allow for placing on the Irish market of creosote treated agricultural and equine fencing beyond 30 April 2023 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 30 April 2023, can be used after that date.

Commonage Land Use

Questions (1169)

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Question:

1169. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the latest figures available for dormancy of commonages, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16747/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department is currently collating the data as requested by the Deputy. However due to the complexity of the request and the various data sets involved, significant verification is required.

Once the report is available, my Department will forward it directly to the Deputy.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (1170)

Michael Creed

Question:

1170. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in paying farmers under the hen harrier scheme; and if he will arrange to pay a farmer (details supplied) under the scheme. [16748/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Hen Harrier Project is operationally independent of my Department and is run by the Hen Harrier Project Team. The Project team are responsible for the administration of the project and associated payments. Any queries relating to payments due should be addressed directly to the Project team.

Departmental Policies

Questions (1171)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

1171. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is an update on the review of the prescribed burning code of practice. [16759/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The burning of vegetation is controlled by the Wildlife Acts. Individuals who are found to burn vegetation within that prohibited period are liable to prosecution by An Garda Síochána or by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). My Department has no role in enforcement of this legislation.

However, the Prescribed Burning Code of Practice – Ireland was first published by my Department in 2012. The code provides practical guidance for farmers and other landowners to plan and prepare a safe burning of vegetation that is legally compliant. As previously indicated, given the time elapsed and developments in legislation and the practice and management of upland vegetation during this time, I have asked my Department to review this document. Work on this review has commenced and is expected to be completed in advance of the opening of the burning season in September.

Harbours and Piers

Questions (1172)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1172. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funding will be approved for the remarking of (details supplied); and the last time funding was allocated for this project. [16921/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department under Statute.

Howth is first and foremost a working fishery harbour. A phased programme for the infrastructural development has been progressed there over the last number of years, which has seen €25.3m invested in capital developments between 2013 and 2022. A total of €655,000 has been allocated for capital works at Howth this year. Further information on this year's programme is available online at www.gov.ie/en/press-release/bbd0b-minister-mcconalogue-announces-investment-of-373million-in-capital-projects-in-irelands-six-fishery-harbour-centres/

Surfacing capital works on the West Pier were completed as recently as 2019 as part of the "Gas Main" project. The parking spaces are currently in good condition. The condition and suitability of the layout of parking spaces on the West Pier is monitored and assessed on an ongoing basis as part of overall harbour management.

Departmental Meetings

Questions (1173)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1173. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he last met with the CEO of Bord Bia; and when he will next meet the CEO. [16922/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I advise the Deputy that I along with my Ministerial colleagues Minister of State Pippa Hackett and Minister of State Martin Heydon meet regularly with the CEO of Bord Bia throughout the year. Bord Bia plays a critical role in the promotion of our world class, safe and sustainable food at home and abroad.

We work collectively and collaboratively with Bord Bia through its CEO and the rest of the team in working to promote Irish food and drink domestically and internationally. Our focus is on operating in high-value markets for the benefit of everyone in the agrifood sector particularly our farm families, fishing communities and food producers.

There is a regular cycle of agrifood industry events which commenced earlier this year with the Bord Bia Performance and Prospects event which I and my Ministerial colleagues attended.

There are also a series of Ministerial-led trade missions in conjunction with Bord Bia as part of our market access activities during the course of the year, to which myself as well as Ministers of State Hackett and Heydon attend. Minister Heydon has specific responsibility for new market development.

Bord Bia is closely aligned with the strategies and policies of my Department, specifically the agrifood industry strategy of Food Vision 2030 and the Chief Executive of Bord Bia is a member of the Food Vision High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC) which meet quarterly and of which I am the Chair.

There is also an ongoing dialogue between my Department and Bord Bia based on a common understanding of the objectives of the State body and the actions through which it seeks to achieve those objectives and the alignment of same with the aims and ambitions of the Department. The CEO of Bord Bia is the lead in any such discussions, many of which I attend.

Home Care Packages

Questions (1174)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1174. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason a person (details supplied) is not getting the full home support care; the reason carers are not calling when scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16064/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Disability Services

Questions (1175)

Holly Cairns

Question:

1175. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline his plans for the development of respite services in each LHO of CHO4 for persons with disabilities and their families, including the increase in staffing levels, the facilities that are planned or where works are underway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16068/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.