Written Answers Nos. 82-101
82. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has developed proposals within his area of responsibility which would fit with the ambition to deliver a circular economy initiative for the Irish food sector. [18081/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy identified areas for further policy development, including the agri-food sector, whilst also outlining the need to ensure consistency between national policy in relation to the circular economy, the bioeconomy and climate action.
In relation to interventions to reduce food supply chain losses, my Department has been running a Food Waste Reduction Scheme to provide financial support to food businesses to encourage cutting food waste. The aim is to help to reduce the 1 million tonnes of food waste Ireland produces each year. The most recent scheme closed for applications on the 22nd March 2024 and I will announce successful projects later this year. The scheme has supported organisations such as Food Cloud to develop practical solutions involving primary producers, wholesalers, retailers and charities to redistribute food.
My Department is also a signatory to the Food Waste Charter which is focused on driving food waste reduction across the food value chain. This charter requires food sector businesses to commit to measuring and reporting food waste in a clear and consistent manner. The development of the charter is a key action in the National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap.
In addition, Origin Green, Ireland’s food and drink sustainability programme run by Bord Bia, incorporates addressing the food waste challenge as a key priority for members under their waste targets.
The Government published a Bioeconomy Action Plan in October 2023 which included 33 actions across seven policy pillars. This includes support for re-circulation of food processing by-products and their upcycling. In 2023, I announced two new funding mechanisms aimed at supporting the establishment of bioeconomy piloting and demonstration facilities on the Island of Ireland through the EU Just Transition Fund and the Shared Island Initiative and I look forward to announcing the successful awards later this year.
These will complement my Department's funding of the Teagasc Prepared Consumer Foods Centre which helps companies to pilot equipment to reduce food waste and packaging, aligning with the ambition to deliver circular economy and bioeconomy approaches.
Finally, my Department is also investing in research in this area. Most recently, on foot of our 2023 Research Call, I announced over €4.6 million for bioeconomy projects in areas such as more efficient utilisation and value-added opportunities from meat co-products, biobased packaging, and fermentation technology supporting the upcycling of food waste.
Overall, my Department will continue its wide ranging engagement to assist the Irish food sector play its part in the broader circular economy.
83. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will develop a national land use strategy to address, amongst other things, the concerning lack of land availability for afforestation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18352/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government in 2020 committed to a national land use review which includes all land types such as farmland, forests, and peatlands. The review aims to examine the optimal land use choices which will help contribute to and inform policy. The review aims to balance environmental, social, and economic considerations. It also includes consideration of emissions to air and water, carbon sequestration, and climate adaptation challenges.
The Land Use Review is being delivered in a two-phase approach.
The first phase of the Land-use Review was led by Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and focused on evidence gathering. This was completed in March 2023. The final report consists of 10 documents and 19 recommendations and are all publicly available on the gov.ie website.
assets.gov.ie/246678/989cae78-87c1-49ab-99d7-7e02192de089.pdf
The second phase, approved by Government on 7 March 2023, follows on from the first phase, and is currently in progress. It will further develop the knowledge, analysis and shared understanding necessary for considering how Ireland’s land can be used in a way that meets the Government objectives. These objectives include improving socioeconomic, climate, biodiversity, water, and air quality outcomes. As in phase one, this is a review of Ireland’s land use, not the formulation of a land use strategy. The Land Use Review’s ambition is to reach a point where we have the tools, polices and structures in place to manage land in a manner that meets the environmental and socio-economic demands made of land. It will also allow us to manage the land to ensure that current and future generations of land users and communities thrive and are more resilient in the face of change. At the heart of the review is recognition of the very significant role of farmers and farm families.
The availability of land for different activities, including forestry, depends on a wide variety of factors. Afforestation is a voluntary land use choice and in order to meet a national forestry cover objective of 18% of the land area, it will require over 450,000 ha of agricultural land to be afforested. However it is important to note that although my Department provides a range of attractive financial incentives by way of grants and premiums for afforestation, it is ultimately the decision of the landowner to decide on making a land use change to forestry. The Land Use Review will consider the amount of land available for a range of land uses and will also be an important reference point when considering the future of land use in Ireland and the schemes we develop.
84. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of horses seized in Cork city in 2023. [18409/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Control of Horses Act 1996 provides powers to local authorities enabling them to control stray and wandering horses in their geographical areas. My Department provides funding to local authorities as a contribution towards the costs incurred by them, in operation of the Act. Enforcement of the Control of Horses Act 1996 is a matter for the relevant local authority, in this case Cork City Council.
The latest data submitted to my Department by Cork City Council is that in 2023, 16 horses were seized in Cork City. Please note my Department does not have information relating to any horse seizures in Cork city which may have been carried out by An Garda Síochána or authorised officers of the ISPCA.
85. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if producers in County Carlow will be awarded the new PGI for Irish grass-fed beef. [18298/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was delighted that Irish Grass Fed Beef was registered as an all-island Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in December 2023. This means that producers and processors from across the island of Ireland whose products have been officially verified as meeting the product specification will be eligible to market their Irish Grass Fed Beef products bearing the PGI symbol. Only the best food and drink products in the EU achieve PGI status and it is great testament to our beef sector that they have joined this exclusive club.
Bord Bia submitted the PGI application on behalf of Irish producers and processors and it was five-year process to secure the designation last December.
Products using the PGI designation must meet the requirements as set out in the product specification. My Department is the competent control authority for geographical indications and is responsible for ensuring that a product is compliant with the specification before it is placed on the market.
I was delighted to be in Milan a few weeks ago to mark the placing on the market of the first PGI for Irish Grass Fed Beef. This was no small task and I want to again acknowledge in particular the exporter, and their farmer suppliers for achieving this. They were also supported strongly by Bord Bia and my Department which demonstrates the collective determination to drive value for the Irish beef sector. Prior to the Milan event, I marked the recognition of this PGI on a suckler farm in Co. Donegal and it was truly a milestone event for me a month later to see the Irish Grass Fed Beef PGI on the shelves in an Italian supermarket. I trust that beef farmers in Carlow will be seeing their product sold internationally as PGI grass-fed beef if indeed it is not happening already.
It takes an enormous effort to get a PGI application over the line successfully, and Irish Grass Fed Beef has now joined an exclusive list of quality European products. The PGI means that consumers will be assured of the unique qualities of our beef linked to its place of origin and our pasture-based production system. The PGI symbol will help to differentiate Irish Grass Fed Beef for consumers in key markets and I look forward to seeing how the use of the PGI develops over time.
Producers who consider that their product meets the specification should engage with their processors and Bord Bia for more information.
86. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will seek to ensure that farmers who choose the later reporting option for national sheep welfare scheme measures do not have their payment delayed until after January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18240/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Sheep Welfare Scheme will operate in 2024 with a budget of €15 million.
Participants in the National Sheep Welfare Scheme are required to complete two actions to receive the full payment of €8 per ewe (€4 per action completed). This will be in addition to payments farmers may be eligible for under the Sheep Improvement Scheme where they are participating in that scheme also.
The scheme consists of four possible measures grouped into two categories as follows:
• Category A – shearing OR body condition scoring of ewes;
• Category B – clostridial vaccination of ewes (or lambs if ewes are not already in a vaccination programme) OR plunge dipping of ewes.
The scheme was designed in consultation with the farming organisations and the completion date for actions in the scheme of 15 October 2024 (section 2.1 of the National Sheep Welfare Scheme Terms and Conditions) was included to facilitate payments under the scheme by my Department in mid-November 2024.
In light of the concerns raised by a small number of farming bodies, my Department will implement a process to allow participants in the Scheme opt for a later completion date for their chosen actions to 25 November 2024, once my Department is informed of same by the beneficiary or their FAS Advisor authorised to act on their behalf by 15 September 2024. However, participants who opt for the later completion date will not have their payments processed and paid before the end of December/early January 2025.
As with all payment schemes operated by my Department, we will endeavour to pay beneficiaries who have complied with the Terms and Conditions as early as possible once all checks and validations have been undertaken.
87. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will consider a scheme to support more wind powered microgeneration on farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10857/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. All investments must be linked to Climate, Environment or Animal Welfare.
There are currently no plans to include grant aid for wind powered microgeneration on farms in TAMS 3.
My Department examined the possibility of including farm-based wind turbines (to meet farmyard electricity demand) when designing TAMS 3. However, following lengthy research, and taking into account also the fact that turbines require regular maintenance due to their moving parts, it was decided not to grant-aid this type of investment. Instead, my Department has decided to focus on supporting farmers in the installation of solar PV technology to address the provision of farmyard electricity, through the Solar Capital Investment Scheme.
I will ensure that the list of investment items in TAMS 3, including microgeneration, will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis. The inclusion of further investment categories will, of course, be dependent on the availability of the required funding.
88. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to help farmers following the wet weather in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18436/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the current pressures being experienced by farmers because of the recent exceptional and prolonged wet weather. In responding to these concerns, I have taken several steps to try and minimise the effects of the current pressures facing the farming community.
My Department paused non-essential farm inspections earlier this month until 22nd of April.
I requested that the National Fodder and Feed Security Committee be re-convened to establish the most up to date facts regarding the fodder and feed situation on farms and to provide advice to assist farmers. The Committee, at its meetings on the 29th March and 9th April, concluded that, while there are some farmers experiencing difficulties, there are sufficient fodder stocks either on farm or available to purchase and this remains the case.
I asked Teagasc to establish a system for co-ordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise existing fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surpluses to engage with those who need fodder. In response Teagasc set up a Fodder Register. Teagasc also set up dedicated helplines to provide advice to farmers on how to manage their farms through these challenging times.
I announced a Fodder Transport Measure to provide additional assistance to livestock farmers most severely affected by the prolonged adverse weather. The measure which provides a financial contribution to the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where fodder is plentiful and those where it is scarce.
To give confidence to tillage and horticulture (field grown food crops) farmers to plant crops this year and to give them confidence in the future of their industry, I recently announced that I would work to deliver a €100/ha payment for every farmer that puts seed in the soil for the harvest year 2024. My Department is working on next steps, including the necessary State Aid and other approvals, and the identification of appropriate funding. I am committed to our tillage and horticulture sectors and despite the constraints of my existing budget, I will work to deliver this support for these farmers.
Thankfully, the weather has improved which is alleviating many of the difficulties that farmers have been contending with. The current settled spell of weather has improved soil trafficability and there has been a return to more normal spring work.
I am conscious of the backlog of machinery work on farms and the pressure and stress that this is putting on farmers and contractors alike. I would urge all involved to have patience as this backlog of work is cleared.
89. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 21 February 2024, the status of plans for the introduction of measures to protect the sprat fishery, which is concentrated within the six-nautical-mile zone; to provide an update on the recent public consultation on trawling activity inside the six-nautical-mile zone and the baselines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18275/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in December 2018 a transition period to a ban on vessels over 18 metres trawling in inshore waters, inside the six nautical mile zone was announced. A significant part of the objective of this measure was to manage the fishing effort on sprat stocks which are primarily targeted within inshore waters. This measure however was the subject of extended legal proceedings the outcome of which, received last year, is that the ban has been overturned.
As I set out in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 21st February 2024, in view of the changes in activity and issues concerning the marine space in recent years, I think it is important that this issue is reviewed and reflected on in an open, inclusive process.
Therefore, I launched a new public consultation on a review of trawling activity inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines on 13th February 2024. The consultation took place over a period of eight weeks and closed on Friday 12th April at 13:00. This consultation took place without prejudice.
The purpose of this consultation was to invite stakeholders and interested parties to advise me of their views on any changes to policy within the scope of this review. My Department has commenced collating the submissions to the consultation, several thousands of which have been received. These submissions will be used to inform my review of trawling activity inside the six nautical mile zone and baselines. All relevant issues must be carefully considered before a decision can be made.
90. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has any assessment of the impact the removal of the nitrates derogation would have on Irish water quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18333/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2022 the Government published Ireland's 5th Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) and secured our current Nitrates Derogation which runs until the end of 2025.
Ireland's 5th NAP is the most robust to date in terms of measures to protect and improve water quality and the associated Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations (SI 113 of 2022, as amended) apply to all farmers; not just derogation farmers.
Farmers who wish to avail of the Nitrates Derogation are obliged to undertake environmental training and to abide by additional rules over and above that required of other farmers. They are also subject to a higher level of inspection as required under the Commission Implementing Decision granting Ireland's Nitrates Derogation.
Reducing agriculture's impact on water quality is a matter for everyone in the agricultural sector and everyone must work together to improve water quality. All farmers, derogation and non-derogation, have an obligation to comply with the Regulations to protect and improve water quality.
There has not been a specific assessment of the impact of removal of the Nitrates Derogation on Irish water quality, however the conditionality attached to our Nitrates Derogation is designed to manage the risks to water quality associated with higher stocking rates.
Removing the Nitrates Derogation in and of itself will not solve Ireland's water quality challenges and the Irish Government is absolutely committed to seeking another Nitrates Derogation post-2025.
91. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on his engagements with his Cabinet colleagues regarding the Mercosur Trade Agreement. [17714/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment engage very closely on the EU-Mercosur negotiations and have done so throughout out the 20 year negotiating process of this agreement.
As the Deputy is aware, while the European Commission reached political agreement in its trade negotiations with the Mercosur trade bloc in June 2019, due to concerns raised by a number of member states, including Ireland, on the environmental and sustainability provisions included in the original agreement, the Commission and Mercosur recommenced negotiations in 2023 on a joint instrument aimed at addressing these concerns.
I continue to raise these issues of concern on an ongoing basis at EU Agriculture Council of Ministers meetings as does the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment at the EU Trade Council.
I can assure the Deputy when the final agreement and the additional joint instrument are presented by the Commission to member states for ratification, the Government’s position will be informed by:
• the additional sustainability and environmental commitments secured from Mercosur in the joint instrument text;
• the Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment of the agreement commissioned by the Government and
• the Commission’s approach to supporting sectors negatively impacted by the implementation of the Agreement.
This includes the Commission's commitment that a fund of €1bn will be available to assist farmers should challenges arise due to potential market disturbances associated with the deal as well as the safeguard mechanism in the Agreement which can also be activated to protect our most vulnerable sectors from increased imports.
92. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 74 of 22 February 2024, for an update on the work of the wool council; if the €30,000 in departmental funding has been drawn down to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18274/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Independent Irish Grown Wool Council was established in April 2023 following recommendations from the Wool Feasibility study. To support its establishment, my Department committed financial assistance of €30,000 in seed funding. However, my Department does not have a seat on the Council nor does the Council report to me.
I am aware that following their recent AGM, the Irish Grown Wool Council has reorganised their committee structures and appointed a new Interim Chair. More information on the work of the Irish Grown Wool Council can be found on their website www.irishgrownwoolcouncil.com .
To date €15,383.53 of the of the allocated €30,000 seed funding has been drawn down.
94. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether any reduction in the size of the national herd is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18335/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has established a range of ambitious climate change targets across all sectors. The targets for agriculture are particularly challenging.
Nevertheless, emissions from agriculture are already reducing. EPA inventory data shows that greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture decreased by 1.2% in 2022, driven principally by a 14% reduction in the use of synthetic fertilisers. While the inventory figures for 2023 have not yet been finalised, the indications are that there will be a further decrease.
The Climate Action Plan includes a range of measures to reduce emissions from agriculture. These include reductions in the use of chemical nitrogen, the substitution of inhibited urea for other forms of fertiliser, reductions in the protein content of animal feed and improvements in breeding technologies to allow earlier finishing of beef cattle and a focus on low methane traits.
In addition, livestock farmers are being offered diversification options, including organic farming, forestry and tillage, and I will shortly be publishing a biomethane strategy that will provide an alternative use for grass forage and slurry and contribute to reductions in emissions from agriculture and to the delivery of Ireland’s renewable energy targets.
My department and its agencies are also investing in research across of range of climate change mitigation headings, and there is significant potential for technologies such as methane reducing feed additives to contribute to abatement in the livestock sector.
The evidence in relation to livestock numbers is that they have been stabilising in recent years, and according to ICBF most recent figures, the overall number of cows declined by approximately 27,000 in 2023. From a policy perspective I have made it clear that I will offer diversification options to farmers, but that I do not intend to require any compulsory reduction in livestock numbers.
In the meantime the climate change mitigation measures identified by my department, and the development of methane reducing feed additives, should the ongoing research reach the stage where the product can be commercialised, have the potential to significantly reduce emissions from agriculture without a corresponding reduction in livestock numbers.
95. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the regulatory factors constraining commercial forestry growth, with a view to establishing a more industry-friendly and financially incentivised sector; if such a review would examine the timelines for planting and felling licensing and plantation thresholds regarding broadleaf versus coniferous trees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18347/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government has committed €1.3 billion of funding to the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027 in order to support our national ambition of 8,000 hectares of afforestation per year. This funding provides unprecedented incentives to encourage the planting of trees that can provide a valuable addition to farm income and support the forest industry. My Department has published a Forestry Licencing Plan which outlines our strong commitment to issuing licences in 2024.
A legal and regulatory review of forestry licensing was carried out in 2022 by Philip Lee LLP and following extensive stakeholder engagement, their Report, together with the supporting documentation was published on my Department's website. Philip Lee reviewed and critically analysed the existing EU and domestic legal framework for the licensing of forestry activities, including relevant case law.
Following the completion of this review the Department published an implementation plan and is carrying out the actions from this plan.
My Department will be committing to timelines for all forestry licences under my Departments' Farmers' Charter of Rights, which is approaching finalisation. It is proposed that this will include a 6 month timeline for straight forward cases and a 9 month timeline for cases that require ecology input.
A complete end-to-end Systems and Processes Analysis was also completed, resulting in a number of recommendations in relation to changes in systems and processes. A number of these system changes have been implemented.
Regarding the overall balance of broadleaves to conifers under the new Forestry Programme’s Afforestation Scheme, a 50% broadleaf target has been adopted at a national level and is a condition of the State Aid approval from the European Commission. This reflects a shared ambition within the Department and amongst many stakeholders for greater species diversification.
The Department has committed to undertake a full mid-term review of the Programme in 2025, in consultation with all stakeholders. The percentage of broadleaves planted will of course be reviewed at this time, but it should be noted that any changes to this target would require prior approval from the European Commission.
96. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if low-intensity farmers who import slurry onto their land could have their calculation based on the preceding year's stocking rate as this would provide clarity to low-intensity farmers as to the quantity of slurry they could import for the coming year and considering this would greatly encourage the importation of slurry onto their land and assist in reaching climate targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15016/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nitrates Directive (Council Directive 91/676/EEC, as amended) sets out that for each farm, the amount of livestock manure applied to land each year, including by the livestock themselves, cannot exceed an amount containing 170 kg of nitrogen per hectare (N/ha) in the absence of a derogation.
It is unfortunately not possible to consider allowing a farmer’s previous years livestock manure figures to determine their organic manure importation allowance for the current year, as such a process could result in a farm's annual limit exceeding that set down by the Nitrates Directive itself, even if they are a "low intensity" farmer.
I strongly recommend that farmers interested in importing slurry should seek expert advice and prepare a nutrient management plan. This will allow these farmers to select the appropriate volumes of slurry to import while improving soil fertility, reducing the risk of nutrient loss to water and preventing the risk of exceeding their livestock manure limit for the year. It will also assist the sector reach climate targets by replacing imported chemical fertiliser with livestock manure.
97. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that will be implemented to deal with difficulties that have emerged from ash dieback and the concerns about spruce bark beetle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18425/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI will be bringing a detailed Ash dieback action plan 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.
Furthermore, a subgroup of the Forestry Strategy Consultative Committee has been established and will meet shortly. This group will work as a task force to ensure a greater level of engagement and action on ash dieback and other forest health matters.
In July 2023 my Department launched the Reconstitution scheme for Ash Dieback under the new Programme 2023-27 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 continues to issue approvals under the Reconstitution scheme. Reconstitution Scheme approvals have issued for circa 2,000 ha in the past 6 months and applications for a further 1,500 ha are currently being processed demonstrating increased demand for this scheme. I would urge ash forest 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.
As regards the bark beetle my Department continues to monitor the situation proactively and extremely closely. 100% of the consignments that come into Irish ports from the Scottish Pest Free Area are checked, prior to export by the Scottish Authorities and at the port of entry by my officials.
To further protect our forests, my Department has also negotiated an agreement with the Scottish authorities to increase the area within the Pest Free Zone from which imports to Ireland are no longer taking place.
Under my Department’s Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy 2020-2025 my Department committed to the establishment of a Plant Health Stakeholders’ Group. My officials recently hosted a very successful first meeting of the bark beetle stakeholder sub-group at which my officials took the opportunity to present the up to date position on a range of bark-beetles and associated measures being implemented. Further meetings will be organised.
It is imperative that all stakeholders remain vigilant and involved in relation to plant health in all its aspects, as it is a dynamic environment influenced by issues such as climate change, trade and the changing nature of trade.
98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which efforts are being made to manage grasslands and tillage lands, given the sharp increase in rainfall; if consideration will be given to adequate drainage as opposed to allowing widespread flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18340/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra280. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department are aware of the likely damage to the tillage sector in allowing or encouraging flooding or rewetting of the countryside which is likely to lead to a national food shortage in the not too distant future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18731/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 280 together.
As a Minister for Agriculture, I’m acutely aware of the difficulties experienced by both tillage and grassland farmers due to the exceptionally wet weather we have endured since last harvest. Met Éireann data has shown that all stations had rainfall in excess of their Long-Term Average, with stations such as Cork Airport and Johnstown Castle having 166% of normal rainfall in the autumn period. Indeed, Johnstown Castle had its wettest autumn on record.
Due to the difficulties experienced by farmers I reconvened the National Fodder Committee earlier this spring. Analysis presented by Teagasc has shown that fodder remains available across the country, but due to the significant distance that some fodder has to be moved from areas of plenty to areas of scarcity, I have introduced the Fodder Support Transport Support Measure. Under this scheme a financial contribution is being provided to offset transport costs of Hay, Fodder Beet, Straw and Silage for feeding, where this involves a distance of more than 75 km. Also, its important to note that under the 2023 Fodder scheme payments of almost €53m were issued to 67,000 farmers to assist them in making extra fodder.
The tillage sector is an important and integral component of the Agri-food industry making a significant contribution to overall agricultural output. Conscious of the pressures that the weather has placed on tillage farmers in March I introduced an exemption for 2024 from the Crop Diversification obligations under GAEC 7, commonly known as the two/three crop rule.
The improving weather in recent days has offered the opportunity for farmers to commence sowing of spring crops and livestock to be turned out to grass in certain areas. I will keep engaged with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the necessary supports are in place to ensure sufficient fodder can be produced and so that tillage farmers can continue to produce high-quality crops in 2024.
In terms of rewetting there are no obligations on any landowner to rewet lands. We are all aware of the challenges posed by climate change, but it is critically important that we also ensure that sufficient land is available to produce high-quality food and feed to support our indigenous industries.
99. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on his Department’s plans to simply and modernise the Control of Horses Act 1996, as per the summer legislative programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18281/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a commitment in the Programme for Government to prioritise equine welfare and to build on existing inspectorate supports across the country, ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare. My Department provides funding to local authorities as a contribution towards the costs incurred by them in operation of the Control of Horses Act, 1996. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for the relevant local authority. The Act is currently under review within my Department and plans for replacement legislation are well advanced.
The aim of this replacement legislation is to simplify and clarify procedures in the Act, in terms of seizures and disposal of horses. My Department undertook a stakeholder consultation late last year on the Control of Horses legislation, with submissions sought by November 2023. Four submissions were received, these being from the Veterinary Council of Ireland, the ISPCA, Burren Rescue and the County and City Management Association (CCMA). These submissions are being examined and will feed into the legislative process.
One particular element of the review is to examine the continued requirement to have a horse licence, which is seen to have been superseded by the more recent Identification of Equidae Regulations (S.I. no 62 of 2016).
Work on the legislative review is ongoing.
100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent, if any, to which he has noticed an increased level of dairy produce into this country notwithstanding the fact that we still continue to export more than is produced here; if any reason is given as to why there should be a diminution of dairy produce displayed in supermarkets here; if consideration is being given to where this might end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18339/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to Central Statistics Office statistics, there have been only very slight fluctuations in the volume of dairy imports into the country in recent years and there is nothing of noticeable concern. For example the latest CSO statistics for January - February 2024 show that the volume of dairy imports are up 13% on the same period in 2023, but down 8% when compared to the same period in 2022. This represents the normal ebb and flow of trade.
It is clear that dairy imports are only a very small fraction of our exports and that Ireland continues to benefit from both free trade with other EU countries as a member of the EU, and wider global trading relations. The Dairy Sector is an export oriented sector with more than 85% of Irish dairy production exported to the EU and beyond each year to over 140 different markets.
I am confident that the outlook for the Irish dairy industry remains very positive. Irish agriculture and dairy continues to be at the very heart of rural Ireland, both economically and socially. The work and efforts of our dairy farmers keeps our towns, villages and rural areas alive and vibrant, creating employment and continuing with our great agricultural tradition.
As Minister I am committed to supporting their development as can be seen by the range of schemes I have introduced in recent years to help our dairy farmers develop their enterprise. At the other end of the production cycle, I have led Ministerial trade missions all around the world together with my Ministerial colleagues in the Department to promote opportunities for our agri-food sector including of course dairy.
Ireland is among the most food secure countries in the world and ranks 2nd of 113 countries assessed for food security, according to the 2022 Global Food Security Index. We ranked 4th in affordability and 15th in food availability. Ireland is part of the EU single market and participates in the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), which is the key mechanism for ensuring food security throughout Europe.
101. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of horse deaths recorded in Cork in 2023. [18410/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to my Department's central equine database a total of 1998 equines were slaughtered in 2023 in slaughter plants approved by my Department. Of these 162 were first registered to an equine premises in County Cork.
In addition, according to my Department’s records a total of 236 equines moved to knackeries (for disposal) in County Cork in 2023.
