Written Answers Nos. 112-126
112. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice to make a statement outlining the laws and regulations currently covering covert human intelligence sources; and the plans, if any, she has for changes in same. [25850/24]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that there are detailed guidelines governing the procedures and processes for the use of Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS) by An Garda Síochána which are set out in a comprehensive Code of Practice.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is policy not to comment on the specifics of the operation of the CHIS system as this would be contrary to the public interest. The longstanding policy is adopted for sound reasons of the security of the State, the protection of the lives and safety of individuals, and so as not to advantage those who would do harm by undermining the use of this important investigative technique by An Garda Síochána.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána published a policy document in 2022 in relation to the management and use of CHIS which is kept under periodic review. This document is available at www.garda.ie.
The operation of the CHIS system is subject to internal oversight by senior Garda management and to independent external oversight, exercised since 2010 through the appointment of a former judge as the Independent Oversight Authority for CHIS. It has not been the practice to publish their reports given the nature of the material dealt with.
I have no plans to make any changes to the system at this time.
113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25856/24]
View answerThe person referred to by the Deputy was issued a letter refusing permission to remain in the state on 16 November 2022. In response to a notification 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.
I can also advise that officials from my Department wrote to the applicants legal representative seeking additional documentation on 22 April 2024, which is still outstanding
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 at: 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.
114. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will extend the date for the spreading of lime to the end of July due to the late cutting of meadows caused by inclement weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25847/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in March this year, I announced important flexibility to the date by which lime must be spread under the 2023 National Liming Programme to 28th June 2024. This extension was permitted due to the challenging weather conditions at that time.
However, with the continued poor weather and little improvement in soil trafficability in some parts of the country, I have just announced a further extension to the spreading date for the Liming Programme.
Lime purchased under the scheme, can now be spread by Monday 31st October 2024. As payments in the Liming Programme must issue in 2024, no further extensions will be considered.
115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which new markets continue to be established for Irish food and food products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25863/24]
View answerA key focus of Food Vision 2030, the Irish agri-food sector's 10-year strategic plan, is to grow the value of our agri-food exports on international markets. Food Vision identifies a number of actions targeted at realising this growth ambition. These actions include new market diversification and promotion activities.
My Department works closely with Bord Bia and Irish agri-food sector to realise new opportunities particularly in markets with growing middle-class populations and rising disposable incomes. These markets are characterised by consumers with a significant demand for the high-quality, sustainable and safe food produced by the Irish agri-food sector.
Ministerial Trade Missions represent an important activity in establishing new markets for our food produce overseas. In 2023, Trade Missions were undertaken to China, Nigeria, Senegal, Malaysia and the Philippines as well as established European market in UK, France and Germany.
In 2024 Ministerial trade missions have already been undertaken to Germany, focused on the organic sector, to the US, focussed on dairy and beverages, and to Spain, with a focus on seafood.
Further Trade Missions in 2024 are planned to China & Korea in September and to Thailand & Vietnam in October.
In late 2023 I also joined An Taoiseach and other Ministers on the first Whole of Government Trade Mission to South Korea. A key objective of this Trade Mission was to progress Ireland's market access application for beef exports to Korea. I am pleased to confirm that this market access application, to the world's fifth largest global importer of beef, was concluded in March 2024 after a detailed audit of seven Irish meat processing plants by the Korean authorities.
This successful market access application is another clear example of the Government's commitment to supporting the Irish agri-food sector in opening new markets for the high quality, sustainable food produced by our farmers, fishers and food processors.
116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which farm safety continues to be promoted and enhanced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25864/24]
View answerMy Department is implementing a range of measures to raise awareness of farm safety in 2024 through dedicated funding of €2.5m. They include actions to promote farm safety practices and encourage behavioural change around farm safety from a young age, and capital support to make farms safer. Some of the measures are as follows:
• The TAMS3 Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme provides grant aid for a wide range of farm safety related investments. ‘Health and Safety’ guidelines are included in all ‘Building Specifications' for the construction of agricultural buildings and structures. Additionally, all TAMS applicants are required to complete a half-day of farm safety training.
• My Department is supporting AgriAware's ‘Safe Farm Futures’ programme which aims to educate and raise awareness among primary school children on the importance of keeping safe on farms. This spring, over 23,000 primary pupils registered for the programme. My Department will also be supporting Agri Aware’s secondary school programme which will be delivered this autumn.
• Over 7,600 farmers are participating the Knowledge Transfer Programme which includes farm health, safety, and wellbeing as one of its priority topics.
• The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) training, being delivered to over 17,000 farmers this year, includes a health and safety training module on livestock handling.
• All ACRES participants must complete the ACRES Training Scheme which includes farm safety training.
• My Department has partnered with the Health and Safety Authority to deliver a series of targeted media campaigns focused on a range of high-risk areas including safety around livestock and machinery safety.
• In addition, the HSA’s ‘How to Make Construction Appointments for Your Farm’ was included in the 2024 BISS packs distributed to over 127,000 farmers.
Further proposals are in the process of being finalised and will be announced in due course. My Department continues to engage with all stakeholders to improve farm safety, health and wellbeing on our farms.
117. 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 cost of farm inputs including fuel and fertilisers; the action being taken to address any issues arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25865/24]
View answerMy Department continuously monitors key economic indicators in the agri-food sector, in collaboration with Teagasc and the Central Statistics Office (CSO). There is a particular focus on changes in farm input costs, as well as developments in farm incomes, viability, structures, key commodities and food industry trends.
The CSO releases its Agricultural Price Indices monthly, tracking trends in prices paid to farmers for their produce and prices paid by farmers for purchases of goods and services. Data to March 2024 indicate:
• The Agricultural Output Price Index was 32.2% above its January 2021 level in March 2024, while the equivalent figure for the Agricultural Input Price Index was 26.4%.
• Within the Agricultural Input Price Index, Energy was 53.8% above its January 2021 level; while the equivalent figure for fertilisers was 51.1%, as of March 2024.
• Fertiliser prices were at half their April 2022 peak, when they reached more than treble their January 2021 level, as of March 2024.
• Energy prices were 9% below their level of two years previous as of March 2024.
Our family farms have demonstrated their adaptability and resilience, continuing to deliver safe and nutritious food for Irish and international markets. The Government and I am acutely aware of the difficulties facing family farms from these challenges and have put supports in place to ensure their ongoing viability. Several measures have supported the agri-food sector to adapt to challenges in recent years, particularly in response to elevated farm input prices. For example, this has included the Fodder Support Scheme; Multi-Species Swards and Red Clover Silage Measures; the Horticulture Crisis Fund; and the Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme.
I will continue to support the sector, including through the implementation of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan, which will deliver some €10 billion to Irish farm families in the period to 2027.
118. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to encourage the fishing industry, with particular reference to ensuring that the Irish industry can compete with all others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25866/24]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that my Department constantly monitors the needs of the fisheries sector. In addition to meeting representatives of the sector, holding formal consultations and attending public forums, we monitor developments in key economic indicators.
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).
The Implementation Plans required to underpin these new schemes have been progressed over recent months. Those required to support the implementation of four of the above schemes (Sustainable Fisheries Scheme; Seafood Processing Capital Investment Scheme; Young Fisher Scheme; Seafood Capacity Building Scheme) have been finalised following the required procedures of the EMFAF Monitoring Committee whose membership includes industry stakeholders.
The remaining Implementation Plans are also currently close to being finalised with the Monitoring Committee. These schemes will be implemented by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) beginning in June and over the following months. My Department is working with BIM to finalise the launch dates for these schemes. Once launched, details of all schemes will be available on the BIM website www.bim.ie .
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 - Supporting the Irish Seafood Industry. 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.
119. 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 agri-food sector given the sharp increase in price of inputs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25867/24]
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 March 2024, the agricultural output price index stood at 32.2% above its January 2021 reference level, while the equivalent figure for the input price index was 26.4% by comparison.
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 have been 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.
120. 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. [25868/24]
View answerThe competitiveness of Irish cereal production compares very favourably to other EU countries.
However, the prolonged period of very wet weather since last summer resulted in significant challenges for tillage farmers in getting crops planted for this year’s harvest. The area of winter cereal crops is down compared to previous years, while most planting of spring cereals took place much later than normal. This follows what was also a very challenging year for growers in 2023.
In response to these challenges, I introduced additional measures to support the sector 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 last year. 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. The Tillage Incentive Scheme paid €8.3m in 2023 while an additional €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.
Recognising the difficulties faced by tillage growers this spring, I made a commitment that I would work to deliver a €100 per hectare payment for crops planted for this year’s harvest. My Department is working on the next steps to deliver this payment, including the identification of appropriate funding and the necessary State Aid and other approvals.
The tillage sector is an important and integral component of the Agri-food industry and is a sector that I want to see grow and develop. That is why I established the Food Vision Tillage Group in May 2023 to set out a road map for the sustainable growth and development of the sector to 400,000ha by 2030. I recently received the final report from the group and my Department is now working on putting an implementation plan in place.
121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he can, through CAP or by way of other measures, ensure that agri-food production is not impaired by carbon reduction measures given that Ireland’s carbon footprint is the lowest globally for the level of food production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25869/24]
View answerMy Department has several policies and strategies in place to ensure agriculture plays its role in meeting the national climate targets for 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.
The targets for agriculture are challenging and will require the implementation of significant mitigation measures, including reducing chemical nitrogen usage, changing fertiliser type and providing voluntary diversification options for farmers.
The actions set out in the Agricultural Chapter of Climate Action Plan 2024 are supported through enhanced targeted supports set out in Ireland’s Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan (CSP 2023-2027) under the remit of schemes such as Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS), Agri-Climate Rural Environmental Scheme (ACRES), Organic Farming Scheme (OFS), Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP), Protein Aid Scheme, Tillage Incentive Scheme (TIS) and Straw Incorporation Scheme. The CAP Strategic Plan has seen a significant increase funding, bringing the current total budget to almost €10 billion.
My Department is investing in research across a range of mitigation headings. There is significant potential for technologies such as feed additives to contribute to reducing Methane. Furthermore, the implementation of a low emission breeding programme has significant potential to harness the genetic variation for Methane emissions that exists within the national herd. The results of this research also highlight the potential to breed more environmentally sustainable animals, without impacting food production.
There is no doubt that some farmers will take up diversification options that are provided as part of our climate transformation including to areas such as Organics, Forestry, Tillage and the provision of feedstock for Anaerobic Digestion. However, given the efficiency gains that continue to be made at farm level, I remain confident that we will continue to reduce emissions from our agri-food system without reducing our production.
It is critical that we work together to achieve our environmental targets while maintaining food production and the sector’s important share in export markets.
122. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree, if any, to which rare bovine herds or sheep flocks are protected or otherwise encouraged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25870/24]
View answerRare breeds are an important resource of livestock heritage and need to be conserved as a vital genetic resource for future generations and the benefit of agriculture. My Department have provided native rare breed status to the following bovine and ovine breeds - Dexter, Droimeann, Irish Moiled, Kerry Cattle and the Galway Sheep. Each of these breeds are catered for by approved breeding programmes which have been developed by their respective breed society which have been recognised by me in accordance with the EU Animal Breeding Regulations (Regulation (EU) 2016/1012). This legislation sets out rules and standards for the breed society and breeding programme and it acknowledges the necessity of the preservation of these rare breeds with limited number of breeding animals.
As well as being eligible for general livestock schemes I am delighted to provide funding specifically towards supporting these rare breeds.
In the current ACRES Scheme, Tier I priority entry was available to breeders who could show proof of membership of a rare breed society and have an animal of that breed registered in the herd for the duration of the contract. This has provided new interest with increased demand for these breeds and encouraged new membership for the Societies.
My Department also assists organisations to conserve and protect Irish rare breed farm animals. Organisations can apply each year and obtain up to €1,000 to assist in various projects, such as DNA analysis, marketing and promotion and purchase of equipment for the society.
In 1982, my Department first introduced a scheme of payments for maintaining purebred Kerry cattle as the breed was seriously at risk. I am pleased to continue to support this scheme and in 2024 I have made available a €120 payment per eligible calf subject to a maximum payment on 32 animals in any herd in a calendar year.
Finally, funding is available under the Genetic Resources Grant Aid Scheme to organisations for projects aimed at supporting the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture. These breeds have successfully in the past obtained funding to carry out research projects, for example, investigating genetic variation, DNA sampling by Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) analysis, purity comparison through genotypes.
I am fully committed to supporting these native rare breeds and their breeders and recognise their important contribution to our unique cultural, historic and genetic diversity.
123. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the bovine TB eradication scheme is meeting its targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25871/24]
View answerBovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. I am acutely aware of the financial and emotional trauma associated with a TB breakdown.
It causes significant hardship for farmers and farming families, and I am fully committed to the objectives of the Bovine TB Eradication Strategy which aims to reduce and ultimately eradicate this disease in Ireland.
There are three main sources of infection for cattle - the purchase of infected cattle, the presence of residual (undetected) infection within cattle herds and spread from wildlife (badgers predominately). The relative importance of these factors vary from herd to herd and all three need to be addressed to protect livestock and eradicate TB.
As of 2nd June 2024, on a 12-month rolling basis, herd incidence has unfortunately increased to 5.09% compared to 4.56% at the same time last year. In the past 12 months 5,215 herds were restricted, compared to 4,731 in the previous 12-month period. An increase of 484 herds TB restricted (10.23%).
Larger herds, fragmented farms, and herds that buy in cattle are all more at risk of TB breakdown. In addition, the expansion of the dairy herd since 2015 has had an impact on increasing TB levels also.
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 how disease is distributed in the area, contiguous programmes, gamma interferon testing, cleansing and disinfection, testing compliance and swift isolation and removal of reactors and wildlife.
Each TB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. In the case of every outbreak involving three 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 cattle with undetected infection.
• residual infection in cattle previously exposed to TB.
• spread across farm boundaries.
• indirect spread through other biosecurity breaches, and/or,
• spread from infected badgers to cattle.
This research has recently been reviewed in its entirety for the Bovine TB Stakeholder Forum by its Scientific Working Group, which comprises a panel of internationally recognised experts in TB research.
I am committed to reducing TB incidence rates across the country. Since I launched the new TB Strategy in 2021 stakeholders have been working collectively and collegiately to reduce TB rates. We must keep this going with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd.
The details of the TB Strategy along with the results of the review are available on www.bovinetb.ie .
124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of breaches of traceability guidelines in respect of food imports that have been identified in each of the past five years to date; the actions taken in response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25872/24]
View answerSince August 2020 Import Controls Operations Division of my Department has rejected 504 consignments of food, products of animal origin and plant products, from countries outside the EU for breaches of traceability guidelines.
These rejected consignments were denied access to the Irish market and were either re-dispatched, subjected to special treatment or destroyed at the importers expense.
|
Year |
Total Number of Consignments |
Number Refused Entry or Re-dispatched |
Number Destroyed |
Number Subject to Special Treatment or Quarantine |
|
2020* |
5 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
2021 |
170 |
74 |
85 |
11 |
|
2022 |
158 |
91 |
65 |
2 |
|
2023 |
124 |
72 |
51 |
1 |
|
2024 |
47 |
16 |
30 |
1 |
*Upgraded IT Portal in August 2020, data prior to this data not readily available
125. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of funding for community-based service providers in the provision of health services across the country, for a service in County Carlow (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25828/24]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
126. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health when the minor injury clinic will be operational in Carlow; the location and operating hours of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25793/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly.
