Cathal Crowe
Question:631. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his main policy and legislative priorities for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55201/23]
View answerTuesday, 12 December 2023
Questions (631)
Written answers
The information requested is not readily available and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Main Priorities and Legislation for 2024
Recent years have been focused on developing new policies and schemes. The agri-food sector, Ireland’s largest indigenous exporting industry plays a vital role in Ireland’s economy. The Minister’s approach has consistently been to support farm families economically and to meet the strategic needs of the sector.
The main Priorities for 2024 are:
Continue to implement and make payments under the new CAP Strategic Plan and other EU/National Exchequer Schemes. The Department has secured the highest ever funding for an Irish CAP programme with almost €10 billion being provided directly to farmers and rural communities up to 2027. These schemes will help farmers to complete actions on their farms to protect and enhance our natural resources.
Progress and monitor key actions of: Food Vision 2030; the 8 Key Strategic Actions for the National Strategy for Horticulture; the Climate Action Plan; existing, new, and innovative initiatives on farm safety, health, and wellbeing.
Effectively contribute to Key Fisheries International Negotiations, policy and Offshore Renewable Energy development and legislation on Marine Protected Areas.
The Department is focused on the roll-out of additional funding secured for the beef and sheep sectors in budget 2024. Funding is being provided for vital research, in areas such as methane abatement, genetic development in livestock and the development of new economic opportunities in the bio economy. All these schemes and initiatives are an investment in the future of the sector and the future of Irish farming.
The Agri food Regulator’s Office is operational and represents a long-term strategic investment to ensure that suppliers of agri food produce are protected from practices that are unlawful and to bring more transparency to pricing in the sector.
Water quality is high on the agenda and credible measures must be taken to improve water quality to retain a Nitrates Derogation.
International Trade Development: maintain and build market access for key products.
Main Legislative Priorities for 2024:
Finalise the Agriculture Appeals Amendment Bill in accordance with PfG.
Welfare of Dogs Bill to amend the 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act