Written Answers Nos. 261-279
261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when residency status can be updated and rectified in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18697/24]
View answer262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if and when appropriate residency status might be granted in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18698/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 262 together.
The persons referred to by the Deputy were issued letters refusing permission to remain in the state on 04 November 2022. In response to notifications pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted on behalf of the persons concerned.
These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made. These cases are amongst many to be considered at present and, as such, it is not possible to provide a specific indication as to when the cases will be finalised.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility (IMOireachtasMail@justice.ie), which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
263. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of his ‘Backing Rural Ireland’ nationwide tour and meeting with farmers throughout the country, if he has taken on board farmers’ issues in relation to the over-regulation of the sector, specifically in relation to the three-crop rule, ash dieback, retaining the derogation, the duplications on farm inspections, late ACRES payments and the nature restoration law; the proposals he has put forward to the European Commission in relation to the need to reduce the regulatory burden on farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18666/24]
View answerI am acutely aware of the burden of regulation on farmers. I am, of course. also aware of the State's obligations to comply with the law, and the potential serious implications for farm payments of any failure to do so.
Against that background, my department's objective is to meet its legal obligations while minimising the burden on farmers.
For example, my Department minimises the number of farm visits by stacking inspections where possible and by liaising with Local Authorities to ensure that duplication is avoided.
In addition, due to the very wet winter and spring periods, I has taken the decision to apply force majeure in relation to the GAEC 7 crop diversification requirement for 2024 and this will ease the burden on farmers who were faced with a very difficult situation in trying to meet the crop diversification requirements as part of GAEC 7 (two/three-crop rule).
In July 2023, my Department launched the Reconstitution Scheme for Ash Dieback under the new Forestry Programme 2023-27. This operates pursuant to the Agricultural Block Exemption Regulation (ABER), which declares specific categories of aid compatible with EU State aid rules. This simplified process allows Member States to provide aid quickly and in a transparent manner.
This scheme contains a number of enhanced features, including a doubling of the site clearance grant rate, enhanced replanting grant rates and the inclusion of a top up premium for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium. I understand that Minister Hackett will be bringing further proposals to Government shortly.
Our current Nitrates Derogation runs until the end of 2025. The Irish Government is absolutely committed to applying for an extension to the Derogation post-2025. That process will commence formally in the coming months. As part of that process, the Government will make the best case possible to retain the maximum stocking rates under a derogation post-2025.
The launch of the National Fertiliser Database has reduced the administrative burden for those availing of the Nitrates Derogation. They can now apply for the derogation without the need to submit fertiliser accounts to the Department in the subsequent year.
The Nature Retoration Law is a matter for the EU Environment Council in the first instance. An agreement on the EU Nature Restoration Law has not yet been reached at Council. Should the proposal be adopted, the legal obligation to achieve targets within the proposal is on the Member State, not on individuals.
The Government is clear that all restoration measures will be voluntary and is committed to ensuring that nature restoration provides additional income streams for landowners and brings benefits to rural economies. Any restoration measures that landowners choose to participate in will be incentivised and resourced.
The commisisojn has indicated that any restoration measures will not negatively impact any existing CAP commitment, or any other scheme or incentive delivered by my Department.
At National level, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are leading Ireland's negotiating position on the Nature Restoration Law. My Department will continuing to engage with them as necessary.
Regarding the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), while advance payments totalling €88.4 million were made, between December and February 2024, to almost 20,000 participants, it was not possible, due to it being the first year of implementing a new innovative scheme, to issue advance payments to all 46,000 participants in 2023 as planned.
In response to concerns about the timeliness of ACRES payments, I acted decisively earlier this year in a very practical way through the issuing of nationally-funded interim payments of €4,000 to ACRES General participants and €5,000 to ACRES Co-operation participants who had experienced delays in the processing of their advance ACRES payments.
Just under €120 million was accordingly paid in such interim payments to 25,000 ACRES participants by mid-March 2024, which brought the overall total of payments, to date, to participants in Tranche 1 of ACRES to €207.9 million.
The pace of regulatory change in the European Union over the past few years has been extraordinary. This Government is acutely conscious of the need to keep this regulatory framework as simple as possible. European support schemes for farmers are there to encourage and support farmers to transition to a more sustainable way of farming.
Environmental regulations are there to mitigate climate change, enhance biodiversity, and protect water quality. I accept that the regulatory burden for farmers and others is increasing. This is why we are listening to farmers and engaging with the European Commission to ensure that new regulations are as practical as possible and take into account the views of those who have to implement them.
At the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers I have supported the Commission’s proposals regarding increased flexibility in application of the GAECs in order to better respond to the challenges farmers are facing While meeting their objectives, Member States need to have flexibility regarding how GAECs are implemented in order to address their national circumstances. Another issue I have raised is for the Commission to provide clearer guidance to Member States on flexibility in other areas included force majeure and how to manage simple unintentional errors made by farmers.
Fundamentally, I consider that we need to keep a focus on simplification and I have called on the Commission and all Member States to commit ourselves to the goal of simplification as an ongoing and overarching objective and to ensure ongoing consultation with farmers as we do this.
264. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the State will instigate/increase funding for animal refuges and rescues that are facing spiralling admissions due to a serious increase in the surrender of pets because of the housing crisis and emigration, the abandonment of companion animals due to the cost of living, the extreme and ongoing neglect of horses and the huge costs to those same refuges in facilities, vet services, pet food and hay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18613/24]
View answerAnimal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and for the Government. It must be emphasised that primary responsibility for the health and welfare of any kept animals lies with the owner/keeper of these animals and the vast majority of people do so. Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society.
I provide considerable funding to support animal welfare charity organisations in their direct provision of animal welfare supports where necessary. In December 2023, I announced the record allocation of €6 million in funding to 101 animal welfare charities throughout the country. This marked the largest award of grant funding to animal welfare bodies ever made by my Department under the Animal Welfare Grant Programme. This programme is open to all animal welfare organisations engaged in the care and welfare of animals which are registered with the Charities Regulator and have been in existence for more than two years. The 2024 grants programme will open for applications shortly, with awards made later in the year.
265. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a reply has not issued to a query submitted to his Department (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18669/24]
View answerA large volume of correspondence has been received from the group in question and has been responded to. Apologies that your email of March 8th, which was one of a number on the same topic, was not individually replied to. Staff from my Department have been actively engaged in seeking to help resolve aspects of the matters raised.
Staff from Castlebar Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) met the Achill Concerned Property Owners Group on 9 February 2024 in Westport Garda Station. Following the meeting RVO staff visited Achill on three occasions up until 26th March 2024 with a view to identifying possible breaches of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
On 23 February a dead sheep was found on the property of an Achill resident. The sheep tag identified the owner and a direction was issued by DAFM to remove and safely dispose of the carcass. The direction was complied with. Details of the non-compliance were forwarded to my Departments Integrated Controls Division (ICD) to consider if there were any identifiable breaches of the rules that they enforce. ICD identified no breaches of their rules.
Trespass falls within the remit of An Garda Síochána and they are the appropriate body to further progress this matter.
266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of the beef herd at present; the extent to which numbers have fluctuated in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18717/24]
View answerI recognise that value and importance of the beef herd for the agri-food industry and will continue my policy of providing targeted supports to improve the viability and sustainability of primary beef production.
According to the CSO, there were 818,600 beef cows in the country in December 2023 and the end-year figure has averaged 890,000 head over the past five years. While there has been a decrease in the beef cow herd over that period linked to structural adjustments in the sector, the number of calves born to a beef bull has increased markedly over recent years ranging from 1.54 million head in 2018 to 1.58 million in 2021 to 1.61 million in 2023. Despite some fluctuations, the aggregate number of beef-sired calves has averaged 1.57 million head in the period 2019 to 2023. This volume of output from the beef production system has ensured that the value of beef exports was worth €2.98 billion in 2023 and averaged €2.63 billion in the five-year period from 2019.
Detailed data on the beef and dairy herds is published regularly on my Department’s website at the following link.
www.gov.ie/en/collection/f55f2-bovine-birth-and-movements-monthly-reports/.
Historic data on the size of the national herd can be extracted from my Department’s Annual AIM Reports which are available at:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/d5dc1-aim-bovine-statistics-reports/ .
267. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which cereal growing continues to be attractive in Ireland; if its viability is coming under pressure from other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18718/24]
View answerThe competitiveness of Irish cereal production compares very favourably to other EU countries. However, tillage farmers had a difficult year in 2023 due to high input prices, reduced output prices and adverse weather that affected yields. Wet weather has continued into this year which has impacted on the sowing of both winter and spring crops.
A vibrant and sustainable tillage sector is central to increasing Ireland’s food and feed security while also contributing to climate change objectives.
I have introduced new and innovative measures to support the sector in recent years. The Tillage Incentive Scheme paid €10.9m to growers in 2022 and €8.3m in 2023. The Straw Incorporation Measure has an annual budget of €10m in the CAP Strategic Plan and €16.5m was paid out to farmers for 2023. I also allocated additional funding of €3.1m to the Protein Aid Scheme last year bringing the budget for protein aid to €10.1m in 2023.
In view of the challenges experienced by the tillage growers in 2023, €14.3m was paid to growers in January this year by way of an Unharvested Crop Support Scheme and a once-off flat rate payment on the area of oilseed rape and cereals.
I am acutely aware of the challenges being experienced by growers due to the prolonged and exceptional wet weather conditions. I want to give confidence to growers to plant crops this year and to give them confidence in the future of their industry.
Recognising the current difficulties, I will work to deliver €100/ha in financial support for every farmer that puts seed in the soil for the harvest year 2024. I am absolutely committed to increasing our tillage area and despite the constraints of my existing budget, I will work to deliver this support for tillage farmers.
The Climate Action Plan 2023 sets a target to increase the area under tillage to 400,000ha by 2030 as part of Agriculture’s commitment to reduce emissions by 25%. It was against this background that I established the Food Vision Tillage Group in May of last year to set out a roadmap for the sustainable growth and development of the sector. I have just received the Group’s final report and I am currently reviewing it and its recommendations.
268. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor production costs in the poultry sector, with particular reference to the need to ensure a stable cost base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18719/24]
View answerAs in other meat sectors, global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish poultry sector over the medium to longer term.
Poultrymeat has seen an increase in demand in recent years and the price has remained constant in 2023, averaging around €249.26 /100 Kgs in 2023, 3.93% higher than the average price achieved in 2022. This trend has continued into 2024, where the average price from Jan to March 2024 is €262.20/100 Kgs, some 3.75% higher than the price achieved for the same 3-month period in 2023 (€252.73/100 Kgs).
Poultry Production is also performing well, with total slaughterings in 2023 amounting to over 112m birds, exceeding 2022 Production by 4%. The upward trend in slaughtering appears to be continuing in 2024 as by week 15 of 2024 (Week ending 14th April), there were just over 32.5 million birds slaughtered which is approximately 3.81% greater than the amount slaughtered in the corresponding 15-Week period in 2023.
I am aware of the pressures being faced by many in the agri-food sector due to the increase in input costs, exacerbated by the impact of the illegal war in Ukraine. My Department continues to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agri-food sector. Poultry is normally reared under contract to processors, for a pre-agreed price, and, therefore, poultry producers are not typically subject to the same price fluctuations as other farmers.
I am also very aware of the contribution of the poultry production sector to Irish agri-food as a whole, supporting significant levels of direct employment as well as their role in supporting rural economies and the wider national economy and I firmly believe that the poultry production sector in Ireland remains viable.
269. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department continues to monitor and safeguard the interest of the agrifood sector given the sharp increase in price of inputs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18720/24]
View answerMy Department monitors information on farms and the wider agri-food sector, in collaboration with Teagasc and the Central Statistics Office (CSO), on an ongoing basis. This includes monitoring agricultural input and output prices.
The CSO publish monthly Agricultural Output and Input Price Indices. These indices monitor trends in prices paid to farmers for their produce and prices paid by farmers for purchases of goods and services. While the input price index remained elevated throughout 2022, it has now moderated. In addition, the output price index has trended upwards in recent months. In February 2024, the agricultural output price index stood at 40.4% above its 2015 level, while the input price index is 33.6% above.
Our farms and the wider agri-food sector have demonstrated their adaptability and resilience in the face of significant challenges in recent years, continuing to deliver safe and nutritious food for Irish and international markets. Employment in the agri-food sector stood at 173,400 in 2023, an increase of 3.4% on 2022 according to the CSO Labour Force Survey. Meanwhile, agri-food exports were similarly resilient according to trade data, having reached a record €19 billion in 2022 and falling by only 3.5% to €18.3 billion in 2023, despite very challenging market conditions.
The Government and I am acutely aware of the difficulties facing family farms and have already put supports in place to ensure their ongoing viability and remain ready to do so again. I will continue to support our family farms, including through implementation of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan which will deliver some €10 billion to Irish farm families in the period to 2027. I look forward to continuing to work with all the agri-food stakeholders in delivering its Food Vision 2030 ambitions.
270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which efforts continue to maximise the reduction of carbon emissions in the agrifood sector without reducing production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18721/24]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has several policies and strategies in place to ensure agriculture plays its role in meeting the national climate targets by 2030 and 2050, while continuing to sustainably produce food and feed. Indeed, the Food Vision 2030 Strategy sets out a pathway for Ireland to become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems over the next decade.
While the emissions targets for agriculture are particularly challenging, the Climate Action Plan includes a range of measures to reduce emissions. These measures are grouped under three themes: inputs and additives, husbandry practices, and diversification. Each of these measures will be supported by a range of actions, setting out a viable pathway towards reaching our targets.
In practical terms, some of the types of actions that the sector is undertaking include reducing chemical Nitrogen usage and changing fertiliser type, and providing voluntary diversification options for farmers that improve the environmental dividend from our farmed land.
My Department and its agencies are also investing in research across of range of climate change mitigation headings. There is significant potential for technologies such as methane reducing feed additives to contribute to abatement in the livestock sector. Furthermore, the implementation of a low methane emitting breeding programme has significant potential to harness the genetic variation for methane emissions that exists within the national herd. In turn, this will bring about permanent and cumulative reductions in the methane output of future generations of livestock. The results of the research also highlight the potential to breed more environmentally sustainable animals, without having a negative impact on food production.
Our CAP Strategic Plan will support farmers to transition to more sustainable practices while also supporting family farm incomes, with a budget of €9.8bn. In addition, I have provided €1.5bn for the new agri-environment scheme ACRES, a five-fold increase in funding for Organic Farming to €256m in order to increase the area to 10% of utilised agricultural area and €260m to improve the carbon efficiency of the suckler herd through genetic improvement.
Some livestock farmers will choose to take up the diversification options that are provided as part of our climate transformation such as Organics, Forestry, Tillage and the provision of feedstock for Anaerobic Digestion as we increase the production of renewables. However, given the efficiency gains that continue to be made at farm level, I remain confident that we will continue to reduce emissions in the agri-food sector without reducing our production.
271. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts ongoing by his Department to address issues relating to farmer mental health and well-being; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18722/24]
View answerThis Government has prioritised farm safety, health and wellbeing. Dedicated funding of €2.5m was allocated in Budget 2024 for a range of initiatives including initiatives to support increased awareness of the importance of mental health among farmers.
My Department, along with the HSE and the Department of Health, is co-funding a farmers physical and mental health awareness programme called ‘On Feirm Ground 2’. This expanded programme is providing training for agricultural advisors, vets, Department staff and other agri-professionals and service providers, to signpost farmers to support in relation to health and wellbeing.
Last year, my Department funded eight farm safety European Innovation Partnerships (EIP’s) projects, of which four focused on mental health in the farming community.
My Department, with the support of The Department of Health and the Health Service Executive, hosted the 'Cultivating Mental Wellbeing in Rural Ireland' conference in November 2024. The conference had a strong focus on supporting farmers to cultivate positive action around mental wellbeing.
DAFM is funding research into farmer mental health including the DCU led FarmHealth Research Project examining farmers mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour and the UCD-led “Farming Minds: Developing evidence-based interventions to enhance farmer mental health”. This research will inform future policy and supports in the area of farmer health and wellbeing.
The Department distributed the HSA’s Farm Safety Partnership booklet on “Farmers’ Health and Wellbeing - A Guide to Staying Healthy While Farming” in BISS 2023 packs to all farmers. The booklet includes a section on coping with stress and minding your mental health.
Farm safety, health and wellbeing is a priority for me and my colleague, Minister of State Martin Heydon T.D. The dedicated funding allows the continuation of existing initiatives and the development of new initiatives to build on my Department’s efforts to improve farm safety, health and wellbeing.
272. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the beneficial effect to the small- and medium-sized farming community of recent supportive measures; the impact on individual farmers under 50 acres and between 50 and 100 acres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18723/24]
View answerFarmers have experienced above average rainfall in all parts of the country from late summer 2023 until very recently. This has led to delays in planned spring sowings and later than normal turnout of livestock in many parts of the country. The wet weather last autumn has resulted in lower sowings of winter crops and farmers housing livestock much earlier than planned, which in turn has resulted in fodder shortages in certain parts of the country.
The impact of weather has been felt on all farms irrespective of size. I’m also acutely aware that large increases in input costs, particularly fertiliser in recent years, had created real challenges for both the livestock and tillage sectors. Supports through the various schemes operated by my Department under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) are critical for farmers.
Specific sectoral support schemes also exist, such as Protein Aid and the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) for tillage and a range of livestock support schemes such as the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) and the Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS).
Schemes such as the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), Complementary Redistributive Income Support (CRISS), ECO scheme, Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) and ACRES along with the many other support schemes operated by my Department have resulted in excess of €1.8 billion paid to farmers since last October.
Some schemes are targeted at specific sectors, but in many cases, all farmers can apply for and benefit from schemes regardless of size.
While the supports are critical due to the extreme difficulties experienced by farmers I introduced a range of additional supports in recent years.
In November 2022 and in light of the then continued high price of agricultural inputs required for conserving grass for hay/silage, I announced the opening of the 2023 Fodder Support Scheme. Approximately 67,000 applied for the scheme and advance payment of 57% or cumulatively €29.9 million was paid out before end of December 2022. A further approximately €20 million has since being paid in balancing payments to eligible cases.
In late 2023 extra funding was secured for tillage farmers under the exceptional aid measure. An unharvested crop loss scheme was also introduced for those farmers unable to harvest crops due to persistent rainfall.
In more recent times I introduced a derogation to the Crop Diversification requirement under GAEC 7 that applies to tillage farmers, more commonly know as the 2/3 crop rule, plus a specific Fodder Transport Support Measure to assist farmers to transport fodder over distances in excess of 75km. A pause on inspections was also introduced to ensure that undue pressure was not placed on farmers at this time.
As the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine I’m acutely aware of the critical importance of the farming sector and as evidenced by the additional supports provided in recent times I will ensure that farm families receive the necessary supports to allow high quality food and feed to be produced in this country.
273. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which employment has fluctuated in the agri-food and fishing sectors in the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18724/24]
View answerMy Department continually monitors the levels of employment in the agriculture and wider agri-food sector. Employment figures are primarily sourced from the Central Statistics Office's (CSO) quarterly Labour Force Survey. Quarterly data is available to the end of 2023 currently.
Looking at trends over the period 2019 to 2023, employment in the overall agri-food sector has grown by approximately 4.4% or 7,400 to 173,400 people. This represents 6.5% of the total workforce as of 2023. The average numbers employed in agriculture, forestry and fishing were 101,200 in 2023, (+2,100 over the period 2019 to 2023) with a further 52,200 employed in the manufacture of food products (+3,000). There were another 7,300 employed in the manufacture of beverages (+600) and about 6,000 are estimated to be employed in the wood and wood-processing sector.
It should be noted that the Labour Force Survey is based on the main employment a person reports in the survey. Where a part-time farmer reports their off-farm job as their main employment, they will not be recorded as working in primary agriculture. Teagasc in their annual National Farm Survey outline that up to 40% of farm holders have off-farm employment as of 2022, while 59% of farm holders and/or their spouse has an off-farm employment.
It is also important to note that while the overall level of employment from these sectors is 6.5% of total employment nationwide, the proportion of employment outside Dublin is much greater. For example, while "Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing" (i.e. primary agriculture) accounted for 4.0% of total employment in 2023, this was as low as 0.2% in Dublin and as high as 8.8% in the Border region. Employment in the agri-food sector remains hugely important.
274. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department continues to ensure the viability of the fishing industry for the benefit of families dependent on the industry; the extent to which further action is required in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18725/24]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that my Department constantly monitors the needs of the fisheries sector. Along with regularly meeting representatives of the sector, holding formal consultations and attending public forums, we monitor developments in key economic indicators. I recently met with representatives of the inshore fishing sector to discuss the challenges being experienced presently and and to hear their concerns and priorities.
I established the Seafood Task Force in 2021 to examine the impacts of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) on our fishing sector and coastal communities and to recommend mitigation measures.
On foot of the recommendations of the Task Force, I secured funding for a total of sixteen schemes for the seafood sector with a total budget allocation of €307.96 million, funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR). These schemes provided support for development and restructuring to ensure Ireland has a seafood sector that is as profitable and sustainable as it possibly can be, and to identify new opportunities for jobs and economic activity in coastal communities.
In addition to the measures recommended by the Task Force, my Department's €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Programme, operating since 2016, has supported the sustainable development of our seafood sector.
That Programme has now concluded and is succeeded by the new Seafood Development Programme under the European Maritime Aquaculture and Fisheries Fund (EMFAF) 2021-27 which was adopted by the European Commission in December 2022.
The new €258 million EMFAF Operational Programme will continue the provision of a wide range of financial supports to fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing enterprises and to enterprises, groups and individuals in coastal communities. These will include supports for capital investment, innovation, professional advisory services and marketing.
I formally launched the EMFAF 2021-27 programme in February this year at the Skipper Expo, where I announced seven support schemes (Inshore Fisheries, Sustainable Fisheries, Knowledge Gateway, Seafood Capacity Building, Young Fisher, Seafood Processing Capital Investment and Seafood Training schemes). These schemes, which will launch once the appropriate review process is completed, will be implemented by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), under the oversight of my Department.
My Department also funds BIM, which is the state agency responsible for development of the Seafood sector. BIM works closely with industry and all of the recognised representative groups, actively supporting the development of the sector in a myriad of ways. Further information on the work of BIM is available on BIM's website at bim.ie/. BIM will receive funding in excess of €22 million from my Department in 2024 to support its work.
I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to addressing the challenges facing our seafood sector.
275. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which animal diseases, such as bovine tuberculosis, continue to be eliminated in a meaningful way; the extent to which any breakdowns have occurred by region; the efforts being made to identify the causes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18726/24]
View answerBovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. I am committed to making real progress in eradicating TB because I am acutely aware of the emotional and financial trauma associated with a TB breakdown for farmers.
As of 21st April 2024, on a 12-month rolling basis herd incidence is 5.06% compared to 4.45% at the same time in 2023. In the past 12 months 5,180 TB Herds were restricted, compared to 4,605 in the previous 12-month period. An increase of 575 TB Herds restricted (12.48%).
The attached file shows our TB Statistical figures for the year 2023, the number of herds restricted, the herd incidence and the number of reactors by county. It als also shows total comparison for the previous five years.
As the spread of this disease is multifactorial, it is being fought on many fronts. The TB programme in each county focuses on factors including wildlife, how disease is spread in the area, contiguous programmes, gamma interferon testing, cleansing and disinfection, testing compliance and swift isolation and removal of reactors.
Each TB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. In the case of every outbreak involving two or more standard reactors, there is a veterinary visit to advise the herdowner on how to eliminate infection and measures necessary to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Emphasis is placed on the biosecurity measures a farmer can take to reduce risks on their farm, and when buying in animals.
Ireland's bovine TB Eradication Programme is guided by national and international scientific research and advice. A large body of peer-reviewed research has been conducted into the spread of TB in Ireland and the risks underlying its transmission. This research has found that the principal causes of TB introduction and spread include:
• movement of infected cattle with undetected infection.
• residual infection in cattle previously exposed to TB.
• spread across farm boundaries from infected cattle to uninfected cattle.
• indirect spread through other biosecurity breaches, and/or
• spread from infected badgers to uninfected cattle.
This research has recently been reviewed by the Bovine TB Stakeholder Forum - Scientific Working Group, which comprises a panel of internationally recognised experts in TB research.
Whilst significant progress has been made in some areas of the TB programme, there are other areas, particularly in the context of cattle to cattle spread, where similar progress has not been made and more work is needed. The impact of cattle to cattle transmission and the steps necessary to reduce this require further engagement and work in order to ensure that current levels of TB in the national herd can be reduced.
The details of the new TB Strategy along with the results of the review are available on www.bovinetb.ie.
|
RVO |
Herds Restricted in 2023 |
Herd Incidence |
Number of Reactors |
|
CARLOW |
42 |
3.54% |
144 |
|
CAVAN |
222 |
4.79% |
1,171 |
|
CLARE |
193 |
3.33% |
1,084 |
|
CORK North |
430 |
8.16% |
2,898 |
|
CORK South |
377 |
6.87% |
2,916 |
|
DONEGAL |
164 |
3.36% |
524 |
|
DUBLIN |
37 |
11.25% |
181 |
|
GALWAY |
263 |
2.54% |
1,148 |
|
KERRY |
269 |
4.40% |
1,758 |
|
KILDARE |
102 |
6.09% |
375 |
|
KILKENNY |
202 |
7.25% |
1,396 |
|
LAOIS |
200 |
7.67% |
1,273 |
|
LEITRIM |
79 |
2.83% |
256 |
|
LIMERICK |
210 |
4.18% |
1,422 |
|
LONGFORD |
120 |
5.23% |
476 |
|
LOUTH |
77 |
6.65% |
360 |
|
MAYO |
158 |
1.91% |
525 |
|
MEATH |
290 |
7.93% |
1,669 |
|
MONAGHAN |
274 |
6.78% |
1,445 |
|
OFFALY |
166 |
5.87% |
598 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
193 |
3.80% |
525 |
|
SLIGO |
109 |
3.35% |
374 |
|
TIPP NORTH |
199 |
6.48% |
1,301 |
|
TIPP SOUTH |
176 |
5.76% |
1,116 |
|
WATERFORD |
79 |
4.03% |
517 |
|
WESTMEATH |
159 |
5.58% |
473 |
|
WEXFORD |
182 |
6.56% |
945 |
|
WICKLOW E |
107 |
11.61% |
1,197 |
|
WICKLOW W |
93 |
19.83% |
834 |
|
TOTAL 2023 |
5,172 |
4.94% |
28,901 |
|
31/12/2022 ADHOC |
4,577 |
4.31% |
23,393 |
|
Difference |
595 |
0.63% |
5,508 |
|
2022 ADHOC |
4,577 |
4.31% |
23,393 |
|
2021 ADHOC |
4675 |
4.33% |
20,931 |
|
2020 ADHOC |
4,753 |
4.38% |
22,614 |
|
2019 ADHOC |
4,060 |
3.72% |
17,058 |
|
2018 ADHOC |
3,874 |
3.51% |
17,491 |
276. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which it is expected to reach published targets on forestry; when the plan commenced; when it is expected to achieve the proposed targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18727/24]
View answerMy Department published a Forestry Licencing Plan in December 2023 which outlines our strong commitment to issuing licences in 2024. The Plan provides for annual targets for the issuing of licences.
We are working towards the priorities outlined in the Plan. My Department estimates that we will issue 4,200 new forestry licences of all types in 2024. This is made up of 1,000 afforestation licences, 650 Forest Road licences and 2,550 Felling licences. Specifically addressing afforestation, I believe my Department now has the capacity to issue sufficient afforestation licences to meet the annual target of 8,000 hectares of new forests.
This is however contingent on receiving enough applications to achieve this goal. It is also worth noting that there is 3,071 ha's in total, currently available for planting under Afforestation Schemes. I am confident that the attractive and increased rates under the new Programme, coupled with 20-year premiums for farmers, will encourage strong uptake of afforestation options.
To date in 2024 we have approved 157 afforestation licences, 303 roads licences and 581 felling licences for a total of 1,041 licence approvals.
Other approvals under the Forestry Programme during 2024 have also been progressed. Year to date approvals under the new Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme (RADs) are continuing, with 329 approvals issued representing 1,216 Ha’s. Under the Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS) there have been 154 approvals processed, representing 159 Ha’s.
277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor the costs of farm inputs, including fuel and fertilisers, with a view to identifying the best way to meet the challenges of issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18728/24]
View answerMy Department monitors information on farms and the wider agri-food sector, in collaboration with Teagasc and the Central Statistics Office (CSO), on an ongoing basis. The CSO publish monthly Agricultural Output and Input Price Indices. These indices monitor trends in prices paid to farmers for their produce and in prices paid by farmers for purchases of goods and services.
Fertiliser prices have stabilised at an index value approximately 23% above the 2015 base period, having peaked in April 2022 at 150% above the base. Electricity prices peaked at 120% above the 2015 base in December 2022 and have now fallen to 83% above the base. The price of motor fuels has also moderated, standing at 44% above 2015 levels, compared to 84% above at their June 2022 peak.
While these trends are encouraging, reflecting stabilising or moderating agricultural input prices alongside rising agricultural output prices overall, we remain vigilant and will monitor developments closely.
Our family farms have demonstrated their adaptability and resilience in the face of significant challenges in recent years, continuing to deliver safe and nutritious food. The Government and I am acutely aware of the difficulties facing family farms and have already put supports in place to ensure their ongoing viability and remain ready to do so again. I will continue to support the sector, including through implementation of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan, which will deliver some €10 billion to Irish farm families to 2027.
278. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which imported dairy products appear to be replacing Irish dairy items in shops and supermarkets; whether this is indicative of a phasing out of the dairy sector in this country, which would have a disastrous effect on the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18729/24]
View answerAccording 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.
279. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether the beef industry here is being phased out or scaled down to accommodate importation of similar products from overseas who do not have to comply or are willing to comply with climate change reduction measures; the anticipated extent of the effects this is likely to have on the agricultural economy in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18730/24]
View answerAccording to the Central Statistics Office, the volume of raw beef imports has varied between 30,000 and 37,000 tonnes between 2019 and 2023 yielding an annual average quantity of 33,600 tonnes over that period.
The modest level of beef imports must be seen in the context of, and compared to, an annual average volume of 495,000 tonnes of beef exported during the same five-year period. Fluctuations in the overall volume and value of beef imports and exports are part of the normal ebb and flow of international trade. Nevertheless, cumulative beef imports accounted for 6 to 7 percent of the total value and volume of beef exports in the period from 2019 to 2023.
It is clear, therefore, that beef imports constitute only a minor proportion of our exports and that Ireland benefits greatly from operating both within the EU single market and from free trade within a wider rules-based global trading environment. The beef sector is highly export oriented with some 90 per cent of domestic production regularly consigned to more than 60 external markets.
I am confident that the outlook for the Irish beef industry remains positive. The schemes that I have introduced during my tenure as Minister is proof of my commitment to developing the sustainability – economic, environmental and social – of primary beef production. These supports, whether EU co-funded or exchequer-funded, along with adequate market returns will ensure that our beef farmers will continue to produce the raw material to enable the industry compete successfully overseas.
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, beef exports.
In line with the ambitious strategy set out in Food Vision 2030, my present and future focus is on developing more market opportunities at home and abroad while providing targeted measures to support the competitiveness and productivity of primary producers.
