Written Answers Nos. 53-80
64. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider establishing a specific farmer's mental health strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38175/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government has prioritised farm safety, health and wellbeing.
While primary responsibility for mental health lies with the Department of Health including the establishment of a farmers’ mental health strategy, I ensured that dedicated funding of €2.5m was allocated in Budget 2024 for a range of initiatives
This includes supports to promote increased awareness of the importance of mental health among farmers.
Along with the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health, My Department 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, members of farming organisations and other agricultural professionals and service providers, to signpost farmers to supports in relation to health and wellbeing. Also in partnership with these departments my Department, hosted the 'Cultivating Mental Wellbeing in Rural Ireland' conference in November 2023.
Earlier this month, my colleague, Minister of State Martin Heydon T.D. announced the award of €850,000 in funding under the Open Call for 20 farm safety, health and wellbeing projects. The successful projects under this pilot initiative will be of significant benefit to farmers, their families and rural communities. Over half of these projects focus on farmers’ mental health and wellbeing.
I have provided support for further research into farmer mental health. The DCU led FarmHealth Research Project is examining farmers mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour to inform the development of an educational mental health intervention for farmers.
In December 2023, Minister of State Heydon and I announced funding of over €700,000 for the UCD-led “Farming Minds: Developing evidence-based interventions to enhance farmer mental health”. It is one of a number of research projects on farm safety, health and wellbeing which DAFM funds.
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.
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.
As I mentioned at the outset, farm safety, health and wellbeing is a priority for me and my colleague, Minister of State Martin Heydon, as we fully recognise the unique set of pressures farmers are experiencing. This Government will continue to invest in supporting the health and wellbeing of farmers and the rural communities in which they live.
65. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals under consideration by the EU Agriculture Council to have additional funding provided for CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38124/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I would like to point out that in discussing the funding of the Common Agricultural Policy, we should bear in mind that this funding forms part of a broader EU budget which is negotiated by Finance Ministers and then agreed by Heads of State and Government at the European Council.
The European Commission is due to set out proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) in mid-2025. Negotiations on the MFF proposals will subsequently commence and will likely run in parallel to the CAP post 2027 negotiations.
Proposals for CAP post 2027 are also due to be published in mid-2025.
The agri-food sector is of critical importance to the Irish economy, and its regional spread means it underpins the socio-economic development of rural areas in particular. Ireland is committed to working with the EU institutions and Member States to ensure robust funding for the Common Agriculture Policy so that it meets both new challenges and opportunities.
Ireland continues to engage with the EU institutions on key areas of agricultural policy and debate, including the recently published ‘Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture’. The development of this report is one of a number of important inputs to the process of developing the next CAP. While there are some elements in the report that are broadly welcome, it is just one element that will feed into legislative proposals to be published by the EU Commission in mid-2025.
My Department will also be engaging with the Commission upon the publication of its report ‘Vision for Agriculture and Food’, which is due to be delivered in the first 100 days of President von der Leyen's second mandate.
Ireland needs to work closely with its EU colleagues to build a consensus around maintaining a strong CAP. I would like to reassure the Deputy that I will continue to do this, and to fight for a well-funded CAP which can deliver upon the multiple objectives of the sector.
66. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on his proposals to support the mushroom sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37614/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am providing a range of supports to the Irish mushroom sector, an industry that makes a significant contribution to the Irish economy.
The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector provides grant aid towards capital investments in specialised plant and equipment including renewable energy, as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production. This Scheme is 100% funded by this Government and I secured a budget of €10 million for the 2024 scheme.
I also recently launched the 2024 Scheme of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Feasibility / Desk Studies) and the 2024 Scheme of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Capital Investments). These schemes are designed to assist in increasing innovation and diversification among primary producers in the horticulture sector. The total additional budget allocated for these two schemes was €1.35 million.
Mushroom growers are also eligible for supports under the CAP Strategic Plan. The EU funded Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables provides an invaluable support to the mushroom sector. A large percentage of Ireland’s five Producer Organisation Scheme members are mushroom producers and can avail of significant financial supports across a range of measures including on farm investments and other eligible measures.
Earlier this year the Horticulture Crisis Fund (HCF) provided €2.38m in support to horticultural sub sectors most at risk due to a combination of high input prices, low output prices and/or reduced yield. Brown mushroom growers were eligible under the HCF.
In June 2023, together with my colleague, Minister Pippa Hackett, I launched the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027. This stakeholder led strategy sets down a clear vision to grow a more profitable, value-added sector, driven by innovation and sustainability and provides a road map for the sector to achieve this potential. I am committed to seeing this sector which includes mushrooms, grow and flourish in the years ahead and my Department is working collaboratively with stakeholders to progress all key strategic actions in the National Strategy for Horticulture.
In 2023 two BAR funded schemes to support the mushroom sector were launched with a combined budget of €5 million. These schemes were intended to assist in increasing the efficiency and sustainability of the mushroom sector.
In addition BAR funding worth €1.89m was provided to support a mushroom promotional campaign in the UK.
67. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he agrees with An Taoiseach that tax funds from a company (details supplied) should be spent on attempts to retain the nitrates derogation; what investments, in addition to those already outlined in his Department's official plan to retain the derogation published in August, he believes would be needed to achieve this, including an estimate of the amount of additional tax money from the company that would need to be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38155/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs my colleague, the Minster for Finance has said, this revenue will not impact on the parameters for Budget 2025 which were already set out in the Summer Economic Statement, published by the government in July.
I will not comment further regarding Budget 2025, however when we speak about retaining the nitrates derogation that is about short and longer term actions to improve water quality.
The nitrates derogation supports our agri-food sector that generated €18.3bn in exports last year and it supports our unique grass-based family farming model.
The next Nitrates Action Programme and the government’s application for an extension of the Nitrates Derogation will cover the period 2026-2029. A key element of Ireland’s discussions with the European Commission next year regarding that derogation will be how Ireland is going to continue and build on the current work to reduce the loss of agricultural nutrients to water.
The Taoiseach spoke last week about his ideas for strategic investment in our infrastructure in terms of water, electricity and housing. He also spoke about a sustained multi-annual programme of investment in water quality. I agree with him regarding those core areas and the need to support farmers in the transitions we are asking them to make.
As set out in Water and Agriculture – a collaborative approach , the plan I published in August, the Agriculture Water Quality Working Group will be charged with considering possible measures to reduce the loss of agricultural nutrients to water in preparation for the 2026-2029 Nitrates Action Programme.
In addition as set out in that plan, the Nitrates Expert Group will continue to provide the best scientific advice to support water quality improvements and inform policy in this area.
Their work along with outputs from the Agriculture Water Quality Working Group combined with the Government’s discussions with the European Commission will determine how we can best support farmers to improve water quality and secure our Nitrates Derogation over the period 2026-2029.
68. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a possible fodder shortage this coming winter; if he is considering introducing a fodder production incentive scheme to encourage and support farmers to sow forage crops on their land to offset possible fodder shortages over the coming winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36777/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra2024 has been a challenging year for farmers, with weather having a major impact on many farms throughout the country. A very late and wet spring posed challenges for both livestock and tillage farmers. Recent Met Éireann data has shown the Northwest of the country has had above average rainfall this summer, and when combined with the relatively cool temperatures it has had an impact on grass growth. Other parts of the country have had rainfall levels well below average and this has also led to reduced growth rates.
To ensure that fodder levels are constantly monitored in March 2022 I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee. The remit of the Committee is to prepare an industry response, contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises through difficult periods.
Teagasc have recently updated the national fodder survey across dairy and drystock farms nationwide. The results, while still showing that certain farmers are currently in deficit, does show an improved position when compared to June. Nationally 62% of farmers have fully secured their winter feed (including one month reserve). A further 20% show minor deficits of less than 10% of winter feed requirements.
I would echo the advice Teagasc have given to their clients. Where farmers have not completed a fodder budget it is imperative that they do so now to allow them to best manage the situation on their own farm. Where a deficit exists, the earlier it is identified the more options are available to deal with the shortfall.
At present there are no plans to introduce a fodder production incentive scheme. The recent spell of good weather has allowed farmers to complete the cereal harvest in many parts of the country. Straw yields are good and the support of the Baling Assistance Payment (BAP) has supported farmers that were in the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) to bale straw and make it available to livestock farmers.
As always fodder supply will be kept under constant review and as I have shown in the past with schemes like the Fodder Transport Support Measure from March 2024 and the Fodder Support Schemes of 2022 and 2023, where the need arises I will look to put in place the appropriate support mechanisms for farmers.
69. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions he has had with Government colleagues ahead of Budget 2025 in relation to the possible reduction of VAT on vaccines for animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38185/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile taxation policy is primarily the responsibility of my colleague the Minister of Finance, I work closely with him on taxation issues relating to the agri-food sector. As the Deputy may be aware, it is a long-standing practice of the Minister of Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.Under the Irish taxation system oral and non-oral vaccines are treated differently for VAT purposes with non-oral vaccines subject to the standard rate of 23%, while oral vaccines are exempt.Up to recently, it was the case that for a zero rate of VAT to be applied to a good or service, that good or service must have applied at the zero rate on 1 January 1991 and have continued to apply at that rate since. No new items could be charged at the zero rate where they had not been subject to the zero rate before 1991. In Ireland the zero VAT rate applied only to oral medicines, including oral medicines for animals, as they were subject to the zero rate on and since 1 January 1991. A new agreement at EU level in 2022 gives more flexibility to Member States when setting VAT rates, including those related to animal vaccines. I believe that the increased use of animal vaccines would improve animal health, food safety, farm profitability and that it would also deliver environmental benefits.
70. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to increase the production of renewable energy on agricultural land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37610/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile overall national energy policy formation is the direct responsibility of my colleague, Minister Eamonn Ryan in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), my officials and I work closely with DECC on energy related matters from an agricultural perspective, as well with a wide range of industry and other stakeholder groupings.
The importance of increasing renewable energy generation across all sectors of the economy has been highlighted through the inclusion of ambitious targets for this area in the Climate Action Plan.
I see the role of Irish farmers in renewable energy systems as three-fold through:
• Establishing energy efficiencies on-farm,
• Through deployment of renewable energy at farm level; and
• Through opportunities for Biomethane and the supply of biomass/ bio-energy feedstocks.
As the Deputy is aware, I published an Agri-Centric, farmer led National Biomethane Strategy in May of this year. This was Ireland’s first major policy statement on biomethane and is an important milestone in the development of an indigenous sector. In support of the strategy, I also secured funding of €40 million from REPowerEU to help kickstart this industry in Ireland through a capital support scheme.
There has been a huge interest in this scheme with 23 applications received and letters of offer issued to successful applicants. Successful applicants are in a position to receive 20% of project costs up to a maximum of €5 million per plant.
There are clear benefits to be achieved through farmers contributing to delivery of renewable energy targets whilst also providing alternative and viable land use options for farmers. There is also the opportunity for farmers to reduce fertiliser usage through the increased availability of digestate which will also have positive climate change implications
The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. The Solar Capital Investment scheme is one of the measures in TAMS, which provides support to farmers wishing to invest in renewable energy, thereby reducing their dependence on fossil fuels.
My Department remains committed to providing supports for energy efficiency measures and renewable energy production. The Department has developed and will continue to develop a number of policies and initiatives designed to increase the energy generated from renewable sources, whilst also reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland.
71. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an economic assessment of the likely monetary impact on Irish agriculture of 1.5%, 2% and 3% of global heating; if his Department intends carrying out such an assessment if none is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38158/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, climate change is a global issue. Any assessment on impacts on agriculture requires modelling at the global scale, in the context of both climate processes and the economic impacts of climate change, to include global production and prices.
To date, such international work has not progressed sufficiently to meaningfully inform an Irish perspective and as a result, no such economic assessment has been undertaken.
This Government has committed to the development of Sectoral Adaptation plans to ensure that a coherent and consistent approach to adaptation planning is adopted at national and sectoral scales and draw upon the most up-to-date national approaches to change risk assessment.
The proposed timeline for the delivery of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine Sectoral Adaptation Plan (SAP) is September 30th, 2025.
To conclude this work is at a very early stage and not yet at the point to provide a meaningful economic impact assessment.
72. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1249 of 09 September 2024, the updated number of salmon that escaped from a cage at a site in Killary Harbour in August 2024; if this represents a final figure; the outcome of efforts to recapture fish; the locations in which escaped fish have been detected; if a disease surveillance inspection has been carried out further to that of 17 May 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37935/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been notified of the escape of farmed fish from one cage at a site in Killary Harbour. The Marine Institute and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) were also informed, in accordance with the applicable aquaculture licence conditions.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department’s Marine Engineers carried out an inspection of the site on 15th August and a report was prepared. The operator has indicated that approximately 7,000-8,000 fish escaped through a tear in the net which was damaged by a boat working at the pen during inclement weather. The net was subsequently repaired and has since been replaced. A final figure of escaped fish will be available at the next grading of fish on the site.
The Marine Institute has not been notified of any change to the health status of the site since a disease surveillance inspection was carried out at the site on 17th May 2024, and neither has the presence of any non-listed disease been reported. This inspection, carried out under Regulation (EU) 2016/429 ('Animal Health Law) and its supplementing Regulations, did not indicate the presence of any disease listed in Annex II to that Regulation, or an emerging disease, as referred to in Article 6 of that Regulation.
The Licensee has advised that efforts are ongoing to recapture fish and they are liaising with Inland Fisheries Ireland in this regard. My Department is aware that IFI had granted a Section 59 authorisation to the operator to catch, remove and dispose of escaped farmed salmon by licenced draft net fisherman within the Harbour from 26 August to 8 September.
The licensee has also advised that measures have been put in place to help avoid a recurrence of such an incident in the future. Enquiries are still ongoing in relation to this matter, with officials from my Department due to meet the Licensee in the coming days.
73. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will commit to an increase in ANC supports. [36484/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme is an EU co-funded scheme provided for under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan 2023-2027. The budget set out in the CAP Strategic Plan for the ANC scheme is €250 million per year, which is co-funded by the national exchequer and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
It should be noted that any change to the budget would require changes to the payment rates set out in the CAP Strategic Plan and to the IT systems developed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The payment rates under the ANC scheme are based on costs incurred and income foregone related to the constraints in the area concerned and are independently verified. Any change to the budget and the payment rates would also require an amendment to the CAP Strategic Plan, which would have to be approved by the European Commission. There are no plans to increase the rate of payment under the ANC scheme at this time.
I am delighted to say that advance payments under the ANC scheme commenced on Wednesday 18th September 2024. Over €184 million has issued to over 87,000 farmers. This is the highest level of advance payments to the most farmers ever achieved for the ANC scheme. I am very pleased that the ANC payment date in 2024 is fully in line with dates agreed with the Farmers’ Charter earlier this year. The ANC payments are an advance rate of 85%. The 15% of balancing payments are due to commence in early December.
The ANC scheme is crucial to farm families, and I know the importance of getting payments out to farmers as quickly as possible. The issuing of the ANC payments in mid-September highlights my commitment to make payments to farmers at the earliest possible time.
74. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on his engagements with his Cabinet colleagues and the European Commission regarding Ireland's nitrates derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38162/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn May of this year, together with Minister O'Brien, under whose Department the Nitrates Regulations sit, I brought a Memo to Cabinet on the topic of renewal of Ireland's Nitrates Derogation and my intention to publish a planned approach to building a case for that renewal. I sought a whole of Government approach in support of this aim and was pleased that this support was unequivocally secured.
In August I published that plan: 'Water and Agriculture - a collaborative approach'.
It addresses the twin objectives of improving water quality and government's objective of securing Ireland's next Nitrates Derogation. The document includes a range of measures that are currently underway and new measures that will commence shortly including, amongst others, the presence of 50 state and industry funded 'water quality advisors' working with farmers on the ground, a €60m 'Farming for Water' European Innovation Partnership or EIP, a 'Better Farming for Water' advisory campaign, the 70% Nutrient Importation Storage Scheme (NISS), as well as a new 'exempted development' threshold for 'stand-alone' nutrient storage facilities that will be provided for as part of a review of the planning regulations, following enactment of the Planning Bill.
Within the Memo and the Plan, I referenced my invitation to the European Commission to visit Ireland to see at first-hand the work being done to improve water quality.
In response, officials from the Commission Services visited Ireland last week. In addition to my meeting the delegation on-farm together with Minister of State Hackett and Minister of State Heydon, my Department organised visits to a number of other farms as well as engagements involving the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage, the EPA, Teagasc, the Local Authorities Wates Programme and ASSAP, the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme, industry representatives and the Agriculture Water Quality Working Group.
These engagements highlighted the on-going work and engagement that now exists right across the agri-food industry to reduce agriculture's impact on water quality. During their visit, the Commission recognised the current momentum around water quality and in particular that everyone in the agri-food sector is working together with one common objective of improving water quality.
Separately I wish to advise that the European Commission is currently conducting an evaluation of the Nitrates Directive. My officials along with officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the other Member States are feeding into that evaluation process.
Finally I would like to re-iterate that the Irish government is fully committed to the twin objectives of seeking a further nitrates derogation and improving water quality.
75. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department tracks trends in family farm incomes on a multi-annual basis, taking account of increased inputs, costs and inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38021/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely conscious of the difficulties facing family farms as a result of the numerous challenges the sector has faced in recent years. Following the record income levels reached in 2021 and 2022, last year was a challenging year, with increased input prices and decreases in output prices resulting in incomes falling for the first time in five years. It is positive to see that the position is currently improving.
While Government cannot get involved in the market directly, Government funding improves competitiveness, directly supports farmer incomes and also supports the sector’s environmental ambition. My approach has been to support farm families economically, this year delivering payments of €200 per suckler cow and €20 per breeding ewe to farmers, the highest payment ever for the sheep sector.
Teagasc's National Farm Survey provides a detailed annual overview of the economic situation on Irish farms. Family Farm Income (FFI), the return from farming for farm family labour, land and capital, is the principal measure used.
The CSO publish monthly Agricultural Output and Input Price Indices that monitor trends in prices paid to farmers for their produce and prices paid by farmers for purchases of goods and services. In the 12 months to July 2024, the Agricultural Output Price Index rose by 8.8%, while the Agricultural Input Price Index decreased by 6.8%. Therefore, we should see a recovery in incomes for 2024, albeit that weather conditions this year have been challenging and there is still some uncertainty over the outlook.
I have secured the highest ever funding for a CAP programme in Ireland with €10 billion being provided directly to farmers and rural communities up to 2027. Furthermore, this record funding has allowed this Government to provide for the best funded agri-environment scheme ever in ACRES and I ensured that all 55,000 applicants were accepted into the programme.
Looking ahead to 2024, it is good to see reductions in input prices and a recovery in output prices. This should see incomes recover back towards the levels of income seen for a number of years before 2023. The government recognises the vital role that farmers play in sustainable food production and ensuing food security and will continue to support family farm income through the CAP as well as specific sectoral supports.
76. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he can provide an update on the adequacy of fodder stock ahead of the winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38140/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware of the challenges that weather conditions have placed on farmers this year.
It was on this basis that I reconvened the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) in early July to ensure advisory and support services were available to farmers to ensure they have the necessary information and advice to maximise fodder production for the coming Winter.
I also introduced the Baling Assistance Payment (BAP) to encourage tillage farmers to bale straw from crops under the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) to ensure a supply of straw for feeding and bedding.
The results of the recently updated Teagasc Fodder Survey have shown good progress has been made in the last few months to secure additional fodder and reduce fodder deficits.
The survey of 650 farms shows that 62% of farms have sufficient fodder that includes one month fodder reserve. However, 20% of farms have minor deficits of less than 10% of winter feed requirement, while 6% have deficits of greater than 20%. According to Teagasc, fifty percent of respondents to the survey have already taken action to secure additional forage.
I would like to encourage farmers still facing fodder shortages to engage with their advisors and complete fodder budgets to assess their winter feed requirements for stock and make provisions to secure feed.
My Department and I will continue to monitor the situation closely in the coming weeks.
77. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department is taking to ensure that the percentage of land used for tillage farming is increased, and to ensure tillage farmers who rent land are not priced out of the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36778/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tillage sector is an integral component of the Agri-food industry and is a sector that I want to see grow and develop.
However, I am also acutely aware of the challenges that tillage farmers have experienced over the last two years. In response to these challenges, I ensured that more direct support was provided for tillage farmers by this Government than any other Government in the history of the State.
This significant additional support provided to the tillage sector included Payments under the Protein Aid Scheme totalling over €10.9m, Straw Incorporation Measure payments of €15.5m and the Tillage Incentive Scheme provided €8.5m in expenditure. Furthermore, €14.3m was paid in support to tillage farmers by way of an Unharvested Crop Support Scheme and as a once-off flat rate payment on the area of oilseed rape and cereal crops.
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 in line with the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan.
The Group, which was made up of a wide range of stakeholders from across the industry, published its comprehensive report in May this year and my Department has since been engaging with relevant stakeholders and is actively progressing the implementation of this strategy.
There are various pressures on land, and this is one of the challenges facing the sector in increasing the area under tillage. Such pressures includes competition for land from livestock based agriculture. However, the exchange of organic manures between livestock farmers and tillage farmers was identified by the Tillage Group as a means of reducing the competition for land from livestock farmers seeking to comply with organic nitrogen limits, while also bringing environmental benefits.
On 21 August, I announced the opening of a dedicated Nutrient Importation Storage Scheme as part of a suite of measures currently available under TAMS 3 (Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme). This will encourage farmers to create additional storage capacity providing them with greater flexibility to utilise valuable organic nutrients. It provides for a 70% grant rate and has its own dedicated investment ceiling of €90,000 per holding solely for nutrient importation storage.
Figures on the tillage crops area for 2024 showed that the overall tillage area remained relatively stable.
Applications to the Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS) showed the overall area of tillage crops (cereals, maize, OSR, protein crops and beet) is 334,450ha which is a reduction of approximately 1% from 2023. I believe these figures to be positive given the various pressures that our tillage farmers have had to endure over the last two years.
I am fully committed to delivering on the huge potential of the tillage sector.
78. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on his Department’s plans to simplify and modernise the Control of Horses Act 1996; what progress if any has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38139/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and I take the matters of equine welfare and traceability most seriously. There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to prioritise equine welfare and to build on existing inspectorate supports across the country, ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare.
The Control of Horses Act 1996 was introduced to provide for the control of horses and to make provision for the licencing of horses in urban and other areas where horses cause a danger or nuisance to people or property.
My Department provides funding to local authorities as a contribution towards the costs incurred by them in operation of the Control of Horses Act, 1996. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for the relevant local authority.
The Act is currently under review within my Department and plans for replacement legislation are well advanced. The aim of this replacement legislation is to simplify and clarify procedures in the Act, in terms of seizures and disposal of horses in particular. My Department undertook a stakeholder consultation late last year on the Control of Horses legislation, with submissions sought by November 2023. Four submissions were received, these being from the Veterinary Council of Ireland, the ISPCA, Burren Rescue and the County and City Management Association (CCMA). These submissions were examined and will feed into the legislative process.
One particular element of the review is to examine the continued requirement to have a horse licence, which is seen to have been superseded by the more recent Identification of Equidae Regulations (S.I. no 62 of 2016).
There have been a number of significant advances in the traceability system for horses in recent years. For example, we have established the chipchecker portal and are developing a system of e-passports. This is a continuing process of improvement. In addition, I have asked Professor Paddy Wall to perform a root and branch review of the current arrangements for horse traceability.
My Department is committed to supporting the welfare of equines and provides support to a number of urban horse projects nationwide. This gives effect to the Programme for Government commitment to develop additional urban horse welfare programmes, working with local authorities, charities and community stakeholders. These projects have proven very successful and are aimed specifically at equine welfare and marginalised communities.
These projects greatly benefit the welfare of equines and of young people from disadvantaged communities or backgrounds. From 2015 to date over €1.87 million has been spent on urban horse projects by my Department, with €350,000 allocated for these projects for 2024. The projects foster community leadership and education in responsible horse ownership.
I acknowledge the valuable work done by animal welfare organisations, and my officials work closely with them. Since 2002, the Department has provided financial support to eligible animal welfare charities, and what started as a modest scheme has grown strongly. I awarded record assistance of €6 million to 101 animal welfare organisations last December. Of this, €3.372 million went to 24 organisations who have activities that directly support horse or equid welfare. This funding recognises the importance of the role such charities play in education, awareness raising and dissemination of knowledge to improve animal welfare.
79. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the Mercosur trade deal will have negative effects for the agricultural community here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38169/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra87. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has carried out any research into the likely effects faced by the agricultural community if the Mercosur trade deal is ratified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38168/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 87 together.
Political agreement was reached with Mercosur countries in June 2019. Due to additional concerns raised by a number of EU member states, including Ireland, on the strength of the environmental and sustainability provisions in the original agreement, the Commission and Mercosur recommenced negotiations in 2023 on a joint instrument aimed at addressing these concerns.
Beef consumption in the EU is approximately 6.5 million tonnes per annum. The original political agreement included a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) of 99,000 tonnes of beef for the Mercosur. While this was disappointing, the TRQ proposed was far less than the 300,000 tonnes originally sought, and included conditionality around the share of fresh and frozen beef that had not been included in the original request.
Ireland had raised its concerns about the potential impact of significant beef concessions on the Irish and EU beef markets right throughout the negotiating process, through the Council of Ministers, through direct engagement with the relevant Commissioners for Agriculture and Trade. Ireland also collaborated closely with other Member States who shared those concerns. Indeed, the Tariff Rate Quota finally agreed would likely have been considerably higher without these efforts.
After the announcement of the agreement, the then Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, committed to a full Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the agreement. The Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, in collaboration with my Department, commissioned this study, and my Department and Teagasc fed extensively into the work carried out by the consultants.
The study, which was published in July 2021, found that beef imports from the Mercosur countries would increase by around 53,000 tonnes. Assuming the additional imports were in high-end cuts only, and depending on other factors, producer returns in Ireland could fall by around 2%, due to the increase in imports to the EU. This would translate to a maximum reduction in the value of Irish beef output of between €44m and €55m.
To assist farmers should challenges arise a fund of €1bn was to be made available to offset any market disturbances associated with the agreement. In addition, the agreement included a safeguard mechanism which could be activated where necessary to protect our most vulnerable sectors from significant market impact arising from increased imports.
The agreement also provided new market opportunity for dairy and notably cheese, skimmed milk powder and infant formula, thus opening up potential for Irish exports to Mercosur countries. The Agreement included a Chapter on SPS standards and upheld the strict EU rules on SPS that protect food safety, animal and plant health and animal welfare, as well as EU consumer interests.
When the final text of the Agreement is presented to Member States, the Government’s position will be informed by its assessment of the additional sustainability and environmental commitments provisions included in the text, as well as by the findings of the Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment.
80. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the move of veterinarian services from local authorities to his Department; the provision that has been put in place to make services available to local authorities for the regulation of dogs, horses and other wildlife when required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37291/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing ongoing discussions between the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, an Agreement in Principle was reached on the future of the food safety controls currently carried out by the Local Authority Veterinary Service (LAVS).
A memo for government outlining the proposal was agreed at Cabinet in July and Government agreed:
to a phased transfer of official food controls currently undertaken by Local Authority Veterinary Services to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine;
to the permanent transfer of funding from the Department of Health to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; and
to the transfer of relevant staff resources from Local Authorities to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
My Department is committed to ensuring a seamless transfer process and maintaining continuity in the provision of essential services and is working with the above Departments and Agencies with the aim of having the transfer completed in quarter four, 2024.
In relation to the Control of Dogs and the Control of Horses legislation, the agreed memo has confirmed that the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Community and Rural Development (DCRD) and Local Authorities in relation to the Control of Dogs 1996 and 2002 and Dog Breeding Establishment 2010 Acts, and that of Local Authorities in relation to the Control of Horses 1996 Act, would continue as they do at present.
However, recognising that the veterinary inspectors in Local Authorities are currently the only authorised persons under the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010, my Department has agreed in principle to provide the oversight/inspection function of these premises for the respective Local Authorities. My Department has also agreed to provide any necessary professional veterinary advice to DCRD and Local Authorities in relation to any of their initiatives or activities related to these functions. The dog warden service will remain with the local authorities as is the case at present.
My Department looks forward to the opportunities that this transfer will bring and the positive impact it will have on the Department’s ability to better serve the Agrifood sector, consumers, and broader interests across Ireland.
