Written Answers Nos. 1262-1281
1263. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if minutes are taken at the meetings of the Wool Council; if any minutes taken are published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34970/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra1264. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if minutes are taken at the meetings of the management committee of the Wool Council; the plans for the publication of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34971/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1263 and 1264 together.
The Irish Grown Wool Council, established on the basis of a recommendation of the review of market opportunities for Irish-grown wool based products, was launched on 5 April 2023. It is an independent all island group comprising stakeholders from all sectors of the wool industry. My Department does not hold a seat on the Council and as an independent body, it is a decision for Irish Grown Wool Council members whether to take and publish minutes of its meetings.
You can find detailed information on the Irish Grown Wool Council at www.irishgrownwoolcouncil.com/.
1265. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount paid to the consortium led by the Agile Executive for carrying out the Review of Market Opportunities for Irish-Grown Wool-Based Products (2022); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34972/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a competitive public procurement process, The Agile Executive, a consortium made up of experts from Munster Technological University and Donegal Yarns, was appointed in November 2021 to carry out the wool review and examine the submissions received under the public consultation process.
The Agile Executive was paid €83,480 for carrying out the review in line with the terms of reference outlined in the tender documentation.
1266. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he can provide clarity on the new scheme to support the economic development of the inshore fishing fleet (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34974/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Inshore Fleet Economic Assessment Scheme (IFEAS) is being introduced in order to support and enable the economic development of the inshore fishing fleet. The purpose of the scheme is to capture information in relation to the current market knowledge and routes to market being used by the inshore fishers, as well as their ability to identify and access new markets.
The scheme will be funded under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027, which supports the EU common fisheries policy (CFP), the EU maritime policy and the EU agenda for international ocean governance. Full details of eligibility requirements will be advertised in the coming weeks when Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) open the scheme for applications. Once the scheme is opened, details will be available on www.bim.ie/.
1267. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2023 Acres scheme payment will issue to a farmer in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34978/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing examination of this case, my Department has identified that the person named on the ACRES application had passed away before the application had been formally submitted. Due to this the application is null and void and no payment will issue.
1268. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his officials will review the Acres cooperation scheme commonage score card in respect of a 500-acre commonage in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34981/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application was received in the name of this herd owner for the Co-Operation stream of ACRES. An interim payment issued to the person named in February, and the final 2023 ACRES payment has been calculated.
The final payment is based on the scores assigned in respect of the results-based assessments on private land, including commonage parcels, where relevant, and any approved ACRES actions included in the contract.
Lands entered into the scheme must be scored three times over the duration of the scheme, with years 1, 3 and 5 the default scoring years. However, participants may notify my Department through their annual Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) declaration if they wish to amend these years or to be scored in additional years.
A summary report on the scores assigned has issued to all participants following the issue of their payment, including the person named. As advised previously, the scorecard summary will set out the scores achieved for each parcel, with management tips on how to maintain or improve the score achieved, and hence potentially increase payments in subsequent years.
If the participant has a query regarding their commonage assessment score, they should contact the relevant CP Team who carried out the assessment and scoring of commonage for those in ACRES Co-operation areas. The contact details for the CP Team are:
|
CP Team |
CP Zone |
Office Address |
|
Phone |
|
ACRES Kerry West Cork |
Kerry West Cork |
The Old Barracks, Beaufort Village, Beaufort Co. Kerry. |
pdeane@skdp.net |
0646624607 |
1269. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1710 of 23 July 2024, when the Acres cooperation scheme score cards will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34995/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the scorecards themselves are available on my Department's website, I will take it that the Deputy is asking when ACRES participants will be in receipt of their own 2023 scores.
A summary report on the scores assigned is issued to all participants following the processing of their payment. As advised previously, the scorecard summary will set out the scores achieved for each parcel, with management tips on how to maintain or improve the score achieved, and hence potentially increase payments in subsequent years.
These summaries are made available to farmers in the document manager in their AgFood account, followed by a hard copy by post. As of 28 August 2024, 24,373 scorecard reports have been uploaded to Agfood and almost all have been issued by post. In addition, 6,300 commonage scorecard reports have been uploaded and will be posted to ACRES participants by mid-September.
1270. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision on a 2024 fodder support scheme application will be reviewed in respect of a farmer in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35014/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fodder Transport Support Measure was introduced on 9th April this year to provide targeted support to farmers, who had to purchase fodder over longer distances in light of the prolonged and unfavourable weather conditions at the time. The support measure is operated by my Department in conjunction with the Co-operative organisation, which was clearly out lined in the Terms and Conditions of the Support Measure.
Support was provided via a financial contribution towards the transport cost of eligible fodder purchased during the period 1 April - 15 May.
The person named contacted my department on 17th May to state that they had purchased fodder via a feed merchant not part of the Co-operative structure. They subsequently submitted the application for Fodder Support, which on validation was rejected. The person named was notified of this decision on 6th August, and advised of their right to seek an appeal via the Independent Agricultural Appeals Office.
1271. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on when the new Rossaveal deep water harbour in Galway is set to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35043/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn February this year I allocated €29.7 million for capital projects in the six state owned Fishery Harbour Centres at Killybegs, Ros an Mhíl, An Daingean, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth. See: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/1e320-minister-mcconalogue-announces-investment-of-297million-in-the-fishery-harbour-centres/
I allocated €17 million to the Deep Water Quay project at Ros an Mhíl to continue the works to add 200 meters of berthage. This additional infrastructure will be critical to supplying the downstream seafood and processing industries, and in sustaining the livelihoods of coastal communities in the region.
This project began in 2023 and was scheduled for completion in the first half of 2025. The initial planning permission for this project (granted in 2018) was due to expire in July 2023 before the works would be completed. My Department’s Consultant Engineer applied for an extension to the Planning Authority, Galway County Council in May 2023 and was granted an extension of 5 years in July 2023 to allow the works to be completed.
An environmental NGO has challenged the decision to extend the period of the planning permission. Further to the Department’s legal advice, the Contractor was instructed to cease all works on site on 20th May 2024 pending the outcome of the Judicial Review.
My Department is working with our Consulting Engineer to prepare the material required to submit an Application for a Substitute Consent to An Bord Pleanála. While the timeframe for this process is uncertain it is likely to be lengthy. I can assure the Deputy that Department officials will be focussed on progressing this application as a priority.
1272. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers issued with a payment in respect of ACRES in the amount of €5,000 who now find that the final amount payable was less than €5,000 and now have to make a repayment to the department; the number that have agreed to make the direct payment to the department; the number that have agreed to have it offset against a future ACRES payment or how many have agreed to have the overpayment offset against the next ANC payment due in September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35075/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAdvance payments in respect of participation in the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) in 2023 commenced in December 2023. By the end of February 2024, 19,719 farmers had been paid a total payment value of €88.4m. However, when it became apparent that additional time would be required to pay the remaining participants, I arranged for nationally funded interim payments to be made to those participants who had not received their advance payment. Payments of €4,000 were made to General participants and €5,000 to Co-Operation participants. It should be noted that payments totalling just under €208 million issued to 44,780 ACRES participants by early March 2024.
My Department commenced balancing payments on the 19th of June. To date, payments have been finalised for 36,410 farmers. Further pay runs will follow in mid-September and at the end of September. At the time of issuing interim payments, farmers were notified that their finalised 2023 payment would be netted against the interim payment.
To date, of the interim payments finalised, 6,975 herds have been identified as having an overpayment and those with an overpayment greater than €100 have been notified. This figure is likely to change as further balancing payment calculations are finalised.
Farmers have been advised of repayment options. To date, €695,000 of overpayments have been discharged in full by 372 herds, while 860 ACRES participants have requested that the overpayment be deducted from their next ACRES payment. I do not hold figures on the number that have agreed to offset the payment against the next ANC payment.
1273. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on a directors review of an appeal by farmers in Co. Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35140/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department.
I have been informed, however, that a request to the Director of the Appeals Office seeking a review of an Appeals Officer’s decision was received from the person named on 24th May 2024. Observations were requested from my Department on 4th June 2024 and these were submitted to the Appeals Office on 2nd July 2024.
This material is currently being considered and I have been informed that this review will be finalised by the Director as soon as is possible.
1274. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is intended to seek bids to rent out a building (details supplied); the reason for the delay given the building has lain idle for some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35165/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department owns, operates and maintains the six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl, under statute.
Properties and the units within such properties which are located at the six Fishery Harbour Centres including Ros an Mhíl are, when appropriate, offered for tenancy under lease agreement by means of an open competitive tendering process, in accordance with good practice and public procurement guidelines. My Department is considering the vacant portions of the TCA building at present, with a view to tendering these areas.
Such tenders are open to all interested parties and are advertised in the press and in the Harbour Master’s office and online at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/351d2-tenders-and-notices/
1275. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of WTE staff, by job title currently working in the Office of Agri-Food Regulator; the WTE vacancies, by job title that have yet to be filled at the Regulator; and the estimated timeframe in which those vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [35179/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs an independent statutory body, staffing levels and filling of vacancies are operational matters for An Rialálaí Agraibhia.
I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be forwarded to An Rialálaí Agraibhia.
The Deputy may wish contact the Regulator through their dedicated e-mail address for Oireachtas queries at oireachtas@agrifoodregulator.ie.
1276. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a response will issue to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35186/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn preparing the Regulations, there has been extensive stakeholder engagement over the last four years and all stakeholder views have been considered to find the appropriate balance of routes of supply, medicine availability and cost while meeting our obligations in EU and national legislation.
I met with Veterinary Ireland on two occasions, 14th December 2023 and again on 16th July 2024, to discuss their concerns on the draft Regulations. I have also received their written submission which was duly considered.
On 31st July my officials met with veterinary, farming, retail and pharmacy organisations to hear their views on the particular issue of the route of supply of certain vaccines which are currently classified as prescription only exempt POM(E). These are currently sold only through pharmacies and veterinary practices.
My Department is currently further considering of the range of views expressed in relation to these POM(E) vaccines and the proper assessment protocol for the prescribing of anti-parasitic medicines in advance of moving to finalise the Regulations.
1277. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will allocate funding to increase the number of food-trained detector dogs to be based at ports and airports nationwide; and the last time his Department provided funding for this service. [35206/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department continuously reviews its various arrangements regarding import control checks, of which the use of food detector dogs is one important element. Extensive manual checks and scanning equipment are also used at ports and airports to monitor for illegal imports of food products. There are currently no plans to expand the food detector dog service. My Department provides funding on an ongoing annual basis for this service.
1278. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received from each of the three Aran Island, Árann, Inis Meáin and Inis Oirr, under Tranche 2 of ACTES; the number of these who have withdrawn their applications to date ; the number of remaining participants in the scheme on each island; whether he is concerned at the high attrition rate of applications due to the unsuitability of the scheme in this extremely high nature value area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35209/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table represents the total number of ACRES Tranche 2 applications submitted, withdrawn and currently active per island as of 28th August 2024:
|
- |
Submitted |
Withdrawn |
Active |
|
Inis Oírr |
35 |
23 |
12 |
|
Inis Meáin |
24 |
6 |
18 |
|
Inis Mor |
46 |
21 |
25 |
As participation in an agri-environment scheme is a five-year commitment, a certain level of withdrawals can be expected. As ACRES is a voluntary scheme, farmers are not obliged to provide a reason to explain their decision to withdraw. Based on the experience of previous schemes, a farmer's decision to withdraw is often due to a change in circumstances between the time the application was submitted and its approval. The decision to withdraw is also influenced by other options becoming available to the farmer, such as participation in other schemes and alternative land use options. Many withdrawals are also the result of retirement and illness. No evidence has been provided by farmers who have withdrawn from ACRES in the islands listed that their decision was based on the unsuitability of the scheme to the areas farmed.
1279. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2023 sheep welfare scheme payment will issue to a farmer in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35332/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sheep Improvement Scheme is funded under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan. It provides support to sheep farmers for carrying out actions that improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector. It builds on the progress made by the Sheep Welfare Scheme (SWS), which has now come to an end.
The scheme opened for applications in November 2022 and closed on 9th January 2023. During this period, there was extensive coverage of the scheme in the farming press and my Department sent SMS messages to participants in the Sheep Welfare Scheme that were registered for Department text messages informing them that the scheme was open for applications.
There is no record of an application from the person concerned to join the scheme within this timeline.
Correspondence has issued to the Herdowner regarding this and also advising that if they have grounds for a force majeure case or exceptional circumstances as to why they didn't make an application when the scheme was open, the applicant should contact, in writing, the Sheep Schemes Section of my Department and include any supporting documentation that is relevant to their case.
1280. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2023 sheep welfare scheme payment will issue to a farmer in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35333/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sheep Improvement Scheme is funded under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan. It provides support to sheep farmers for carrying out actions that improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector. It builds on the progress made by the Sheep Welfare Scheme (SWS), which has now come to an end.
The scheme opened for applications in November 2022 and closed on 9th January 2023. During this period, there was extensive coverage of the scheme in the farming press and my Department sent SMS messages to participants in the Sheep Welfare Scheme that were registered for Department text messages informing them that the scheme was open for applications.
There is no record of an application from the person concerned to join the scheme within this timeline.
Correspondence has issued to the Herdowner regarding this and also advising that if they have grounds for a force majeure case or exceptional circumstances as to why they didn't make an application when the scheme was open, the applicant should contact, in writing, the Sheep Schemes Section of my Department and include any supporting documentation that is relevant to their case.
1281. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to identify all schemes delivered by his Department that experienced payment delays in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35334/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department administers a wide range of schemes which provide vital support to underpin the continued sustainability and growth of the agri-food sector. I am very much aware of the importance of these supports for farmers, and accordingly, the issuing of payments under these schemes is a matter of priority for my Department.
The list of Schemes that experienced payment delays in 2023 and to date in 2024 are outlined in the table below:
|
Year 2023/2024 |
Scheme Details |
|
2023 |
The Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) |
|
2023 |
Direct Payments – Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS). |
|
2023/2024 |
Income Supplement Scheme |
|
2023/2024 |
Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) |
|
2024 |
Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables |
Significant changes were made to the ANC stocking rate requirement in 2023, benefitting farmers. Advance payments under the ANC scheme commenced on 17 October, instead of the previous mid-September payment date. The changes to the planned payment dates in 2023 were communicated to farmers in March and again in September 2023.
In relation to BISS, 2023 was the first year of the new CAP Strategic Plan and a significant number of new schemes were introduced, along with substantial changes to existing schemes, over a relatively short time period. In 2023, the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) was replaced by BISS. There were substantial changes to the BISS compared to the BPS, including very positive changes to land eligibility and a new active farmer check. Advance payments for BISS commenced on 24th October 2023, one week later than previous years.
With regard to the Income Support Scheme, as a result of changes to the compensation schemes agreed as part of the Financial Working Group of the TB Forum in 2023, significant work on IT systems was required to incorporate these complex changes.
Changes to both the Depopulation Grant and Hardship Grant schemes were incorporated in December 2023, while the agreed changes to the Income Supplement scheme for herds entering breakdown went live in February 2024.
My Department is currently working on the necessary IT to ensure any balancing payments owed to farmers are calculated and issued as soon as possible.
ACRES is Ireland’s agri-environment climate scheme under Ireland’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan. At €1.5 billion, ACRES has the highest level of funding available of any environmental scheme ever run by my Department.
I fully acknowledge the delays that have been experienced in the processing of payments for farmers who joined ACRES in Tranche 1. The Scheme, with its scale, ambition and complexity, has presented challenges in terms of meeting the payment timelines envisaged at the time of its launch.
ACRES is unprecedented in the scale of its ambition, and it has enormous potential to deliver significant long-term dividends for farmers and for the environment. I ensured that all applicants were accepted into both tranches, which has resulted in almost 55,000 farmers now participating in the scheme. To date, the total amount paid, in respect of participation in ACRES is €241 million.
All in my Department are determined to ensure that the challenges experienced with administering year one of the scheme are resolved for year two.
I look forward to the remaining year one balancing payments being significantly resolved this month, and to both Tranche 1 and 2 payments proceeding according to committed timelines for 2024.
With regard to the Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables, the interim aid claim of one of organisation, under the Vegetable Producer Organisation scheme, was late in 2024.
