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Dáil Work

 

The Agri-Food sector is Ireland’s most important indigenous sector, with around 230,000 or 1 in 8 jobs in the economy linked to agri-food. In 2011, exports from agri-food reached a new high of almost €9 billion. And if the Food Harvest target to increase exports by 42% or €12 billion by 2020 is reached, this will potentially deliver an additional 30,000 jobs in the wider economy.

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine is advocating strongly for the agri-food sector within our parliamentary system and in wider public debate.

As Ireland is taking over the EU Presidency in January 2013, the Committee is working extensively on talks around the Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy.

It is also playing a key role to shape and influence the agenda in relation to important activities in areas such as the impact of climate change on agriculture; forestry; food labeling; animal welfare and developing an aqua-culture industry.

18 Sept 2012

The Committee met with representatives from Kingswood Computers and Agrinet, two of the largest Farm IT suppliers in Ireland, to explore how the potential of farm management IT systems could be unleashed. Both Kingswood Computers and Agrinet develop software that covers all aspects of record keeping and management on farms. A number of state agencies are also involved in the development of similar software, so the meeting also touched on how the interests of the public and private sector could best be balanced in the provision of IT to Irish farming.

Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle, TD Wicklow/East Carlow, said: “Reliable and high speed access to data is a vital part of modern farm management. To sustain a high performing agriculture sector in Ireland, it is vital that the technology is delivered in the most cost effective manner.”

23 Oct 2012

Today the Committee continued discussions on the provision of farm management IT systems, and in particular on how to strike an optimum balance between the public and the private sectors in the provision of farm IT systems. The Committee met with representatives from Teagasc and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, and heard how access to cutting edge technology – key to sustaining a high performing farming and agri-food sector – could be made available to Irish farming in the most efficient manner possible.

02 Oct 2012

The Committee meet with Coillte executives to discuss the future direction of the forestry industry in Ireland, with particular reference to the government decision to sell the harvesting rights to Coillte forests for a period of 50 to 80 years.

The Committee was informed that Coillte reported profits after tax of €19.9 million in 2011, and achieved cost savings of €4.4 million. The transformation program currently underway has also been successful, helping the company transform its business from an 80% (Domestic)/ 20% (Exports) in 2006 to the reverse 80% (Exports)/ 20% (Domestic) in 2011.

On the proposed sale of Coillte harvesting rights, the Committee was informed that discussion with NewERA (the government body responsible for the disposal of state assets) were on-going and centered around seven core issues: (1) Impact of the Timber processing sector; (2) Viability of the remaining entity; (3) Impact on employment (including the Coillte pension fund); (4) Coillte debt & bank loans; (5) Re-planting obligation; (6) Recreation & public goods; and (7) The SmartPly investment.

Closing the discussion, Chairman Andrew Doyle, TD Wicklow/East Carlow commended the Coillte executive board for its stewardship of Ireland’s largest natural resources company: “There is broad support among Committee members for the current approach being taken by Coillte, which has performed strongly in recent years based on the twin pillars of innovation and sustainability. The company has adapted well to contraction in demand from the construction industry and has returned a significant dividend to the state and retained a strong focus on the social and environmental dimension. Coillte and its management should also be widely commended for its investment in rural recreation, including hiking and mountain bike trails.”

20 Nov 2012

Today the Committee continues its discussion on the future of Coillte and the Irish forestry industry when it meets with the Chairman Designate of Coillte, Brendan McKenna.

Speaking before the meeting Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle, TD Wicklow/East Carlow said: “Coillte is a very important state asset, with the forests they manage amounting to 7% of the land of the country. The Committee discussed the future of the company in detail last month, when it met with David Gunning, Chief Executive, and Gerry Egan, Group Director, Strategy and Corporate Affairs. We discussed the government decision to, in principle, sale the harvesting rights to Coillte forests. With a strong social, environmental and recreational dimension to its work, our Committtee are agreed that the future direction of the company requires very careful consideration and we look forward to meeting with Mr McKenna today to explore these matters further.”

12 Oct 2012

Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Andrew Doyle, TD Wicklow/East Carlow today welcomed new rules from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) governing advertising of food and drink in children’s advertising. The rules, which will come into effect from July 2013, will not apply to advertisements for cheese.

The BAI launched a public consultation on the draft code at the end of March on the regulation of advertising for foods high in fat, salt and sugar during children’s programming. Earlier proposals had included a ban on advertising high and low fat cheeses.

Welcoming the new rules exempting cheese advertising, Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle said: “In May the Committee expressed concern that the BAI draft codes proposed a ban on cheese advertising. At a meeting with representatives from the National Dairy Council, the Committee heard the potentially negative impact of the proposed ban on the reputation of the Irish cheese industry and that there were no justifiable nutritional grounds for doing so. The Committee made a forceful and common sense contribution to the BAI public consultation on the basis of these discussions, pointing to the dangers in how cheese had been classified in earlier draft advertising codes in the BAI document. On behalf of the Committee, I warmly welcome the decision of the BAI to exempt cheese advertising from the new codes.”

25 Oct 2012

The Committee met Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Simon Coveney to discuss allocations for 2013.

Speaking before the meeting, Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle, TD Wicklow/East Carlow said: “As part of the Programme for Government 2011 and the Dail reform programme, Committees now have the opportunity to examine Estimates on a whole-of-year basis, and our meeting today forms part of that initiative. This pre-budget engagement with the Minister will provide committee members with a greater input into the budgetary process and is an important part of our work programme.

While the Minister may not be in a position to give precise details on the 2013 estimates for the services his Department provides, we expect that they will give an outline of the savings to be made in departmental expenditure in 2013 and the impact on services as a result. Members will have a chance to consider the budgetary challenges facing the Minister and to give their views on the form that any adjustments or savings should take.”

09 Oct 2012

The Committee heard today an optimistic assessment from representatives from the Irish Dairy Industry Association, Food & Drink Industry Association, Meat Industry Ireland, and the Head of Consumer Foods, on the ambitious targets outlined in Food Harvest 2020.

Food Harvest 2020 sets out a vision for smart, green, and sustainable growth for the Irish agri-food and fisheries sectors. The strategy aims to increase food exports by 42% (or €12 billion) by 2020, which will potentially deliver an additional 30,000 jobs in the wider economy.

Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle, TD Wicklow/East Carlow said: “Agri-food is the largest indigenous sector of the Irish economy and is deeply embedded in Irish life, employing about 150,000 people nationwide. The announcement earlier today in Nass of 1300 jobs by Kerry Group is testament to the potential of the industry to lead in national economic recovery. The Committee intends to report to the Minister on our findings on the current status of Food Harvest 2020 and what further policy actions will be required for the targets to be achieved.”

16 Oct 2012

The Committee today continued discussions on Food Harvest 2020 with representatives from Bord Bia and the Irish Dairy Board.

Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, is a state agency which links Irish food, drink and horticulture suppliers with existing and potential customers throughout the world. The Irish Dairy Board cooperative (IDB), which reported a turnover of €1.9 billion in 2010, is Ireland’s largest exporter of dairy products.

The IDB, which accounts for 60% of all Irish dairy exports, outlined their work in developing markets across the world, through Sub-Saharan Africa, Central and Eastern Asia and Latin America. They also informed the Committee that state incentives, such as the promotion of ‘co-opetition’, were required to expand production facilities in the dairy sector, which currently is operating at full capacity.

Bord Bia representatives outlined the development of the ‘Origin Green’ programme, designed to help Ireland become a world leader in sustainably produced food. The Committee heard of the ground-breaking initiative by Bord Bia, in conjunction with Teagasc, to assess the environmental performance of farms nationwide. A total of 29,000 Irish family farms, constituting 91% of Bord Bia’s Beef Quality Assurance Scheme, have participated in the survey, which provides a unique selling point for Irish beef and helps farmers reduce costs by minimising their carbon footprint.

Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle, TD Wicklow/East Carlow said: “Last week we heard a series of informative and thought-provoking presentations from food producer representatives on Food Harvest 2020. Today we had the opportunity to hear from marketeers of Ireland’s dairy and food products, who outlined their vision for developing markets for Irish produce worldwide. With strong global demand for food and dairy produce, which is currently outstripping supply, we heard that the ambitious targets to increase production are achievable. The Committee is encouraged that the family farm, so central to agriculture in Ireland, provides a key component to helping Ireland become a world leader in sustainably produced food.”

04 Dec 2012

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine today continued discussions on Food Harvest 2020 when they met with representatives from the Irish Farm Managers Association.

Speaking before the meeting, Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle, TD Wicklow/East Carlow said: “In October and November, we heard from food producers, marketeers, and Department Officials on achieving the ambitious targets set out in Food Harvest 2020. Established in 1979, the Irish Farm Managers Association includes some of the country’s most successful farmers as members. Today’s meeting will provide an opportunity to hear the opinion of this distinguished membership on how best to achieve the ambitious export targets in Food Harvest 2020.”

In recognition of the vital role the Irish agri-food sector has played in Ireland’s economic recovery, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, has arranged to meet with a number of farm organisations to discuss their pre-budget submissions.

12 Nov 2012

Today the Committee met representatives of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) to discuss their pre-budget submissions. The Committee also took the opportunity, as part of its on-going dialogue with key stakeholders, to explore the ICMSA’s views on Ireland’s approach to the CAP talks as the negotiations near a crucial stage.

14 Nov 2012

The Committee today met representatives from the Irish Farmer’s Association (IFA) and the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA), both of whom called for the current levels of funding for farm schemes to be maintained in Budget 2013.

The IFA and ICSA pointed to the difficult year farmers have had to endure, attributable to dreadful weather and falling prices in some farm commodities.

Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle, TD Wicklow/East Carlow said: “We thank both the IFA & ICSA representatives for thorough and forthright presentations, which pointed to the link between Ireland’s thriving food industry and support for farmers. There were strong calls for the ring-fencing of funding for farm schemes. The Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme for instance is a vital support for many farmers and has made a huge contribution to advancing the export led food industry. Such schemes are therefore a cost effective tool in safeguarding rural employment levels in enhancing the sustainability of family farms.

While it is generally agreed that the imbalances in the public finances need to be corrected, the Committee expresses concern around the proposed reduction in the Department of Agriculture budget of €114 million. This Committee is committed to exploring how the impact of the adjustments, particularly on low income farmers, can be minimised. Transcripts of this series of deliberations with farm organisations will be forwarded to the Department, with a view to feeding into the budgetary discussions of the Minister and his officials.”

20 Nov 2012

The Committee today continued its series of hearings with farm organisations on the upcoming budget when it met with representatives from Macra Na Feirme.

Speaking before the meeting, Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle, TD Wicklow/East Carlow said: “We look forward to discussing the priorities for Macra na Feirme as we face into this crucial Pre-Budget phase. It builds on engagement by the Committee with the IFA, ICSA and ICMSA last week.

As well as representing young farmers nationally and internationally, Macra provides a network for young farmers to get established in farming and assist them through learning and skills development. As such, the organisation has a valuable insight into the policy decisions required to secure the long term future of Irish farming. Our Committee looks forward to hearing their distinct perspective on the nature of any new taxation measures and adjustments to the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine’s budget.”

As negotiations of the Common Agriculture Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy reach a decisive phase, the Committee has set up on-going dialogue with key stakeholders in the agri-food sector to explore their views on Ireland’s approach to the CAP & CFP reform talks.

13 Nov 2012

The Committee met today with representatives of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) to explore ICMSA’s views on Ireland’s approach to the CAP negotiations. Earlier in the year, ICMSA advocated that Member States be allowed the maximum amount of flexibility in putting in place payment models that best suit their farming system. They also expressed concern around distortions in land prices caused by the current uncertainty around the CAP talks.

06 Nov 2012

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine today met with Department Officials for a wide-ranging discussion which encompassed Ireland’s approach to negotiations on the Common Agriculture Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy, as well as progress on Food Harvest 2020.

Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle, TD Wicklow/East Carlow said: “As negotiations on CAP enter a decisive phase, it is a timely opportunity for the Committee to engage with Department Officials on Ireland’s approach to the talks. CAP, which currently accounts for about 85% of EU inflows to the country is of crucial importance to our economy. Earlier in the year, our Committee held thorough discussions on the subject, hearing a wide range of voices insist on flexibility for national governments in the redistribution of the Single Farm Payment.

Key negotiations are also taking place on the future of the CFP. There is widespread concern that Irish fish quotas might be reduced as a result of the negotiations. Providing a sustainable future for 10,000 Irish people directly employed in the industry is central to the talks. The Committee looks forward to hearing an update on the negotiations, and particularly on the efforts being made to ensure the numbers of discards in European waters are minimised.”

27 Nov 2012

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food, and the Marine met with Minister Simon Coveney in Select Committee on 8, 21, and 27 November to consider amendments to the Animal Health & Welfare Bill 2012, which is at the third stage of the five-stage legislative process.

Speaking before the 27 November meeting, Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle, TD Wicklow/East Carlow said: “Today’s meeting will allow us an opportunity to further consider the Animal Health & Welfare Bill, which is at the third stage of the five-stage legislative process. We have met twice this month, on 8 and 21 November, for detailed discussion of the Bill. Our Committee will today have an opportunity to continue our careful consideration of this important Bill with Minister Coveney. Animal health and welfare is fundamental to the safety of the food we produce, which in turn impacts on the profitability of our export led agri-food sector.”

06 Dec 2012

The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine today called for increased pressure to be placed on Iceland and the Faroe Islands to curb reckless mackerel fishing in the north Atlantic, which is seriously threatening the sustainability of the industry in Ireland.

The Committee was meeting with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney TD in advance of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council to be held in Brussels on 19 and 20 December, which is scheduled to concentrate on a series of fisheries proposals. During his presentation, the Minister referred extensively to the Sea Fisheries Sustainability Assessment, a recent consultation with all major stakeholders, which will inform the government position in the negotiations.

Speaking after the meeting, Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle, TD Wicklow/East Carlow said: “Our Committee has an important oversight role on the Government’s interaction with the European Union on policy related to agriculture and fisheries. This morning we heard the Minister say that, properly managed, the Irish fishing industry can enjoy steady commercial growth in the coming years.

Minister Coveney was candid in his frustration with Iceland and the Faroe Islands and explained that a political solution was being actively explored, perhaps in the form of trade sanctions. Our Committee fully agrees that severe pressure on both countries needs to be exerted by the European Union. Committee Members expressed frustration that a negotiated solution with Iceland and the Faroe Island may ultimately reward the recklessness of two countries, at the expense of EU Member States and Norway who have been fishing the species in a disciplined and sustainable manner. However, a resolution is vital for the future of mackerel in the North Atlantic. The mackerel fishing industry, which is concentrated off the Northwest coast in Ireland, is our most valuable fishing stock and worth about €100 million annually.

The Committee expressed broad support for Minister Coveney’s approach to the negotiations, which is to utilise science to ensure EU fishing policy secures the long term sustainability of the industry. Our Committee agrees with the Minister that, in the setting of Total Allowable Catches, the arbitrary 20 percent reduction on stocks which are termed ‘data poor’ is unacceptable in instances where the partial data that exists indicates they are being fished sustainably. While the Committee understands that the managing of mixed fish stocks can be particularly complex, the negotiations must concentrate on achieving a more practical and pragmatic regime for the fishing industry, grounded in the scientific data available. In Irish waters, quality and reliable data is provided by the Galway-based Marine Institute, which is highly regarded among science agencies in the EU. Such data for instance, may also be used to ensure the unacceptable level of discards in European waters is decreased.”

13 Dec 2012

Today the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine met with Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney to discuss funding allocations to the horse and greyhound industry for 2013.

From 2001 to 2012 a total of €786.75m has been paid from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, in the ratio of 80% to Horse Racing Ireland and 20% to Bord na gCon.

Speaking before the meeting, Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle, TD Wicklow/East Carlow said: “The Committee welcomes the opportunity to question the Minister on the proposed state funding for the horse and greyhound industries in 2013. In these difficult economic times, the Committee believes it critical that all state funding be closely scrutinised and evaluated. The Minister proposes, in line with provisions in Budget 2013, to provide €55m to the Fund next year. The Committee will consider whether the proposed funding is appropriate and proportionate, bearing in mind the impact of the industry on the economy of rural Ireland in particular.”

On 1^st January 2013, Ireland will host the Presidency of the European Council for the seventh time, coinciding with the 40th Anniversary of Ireland’s accession to the EU. Hosting the Presidency is an important role for any Member State. For 6 months Ireland will be at the centre of decision making in Europe, helping to shape the policies and drive forward legislation that will impact on the future of over 500 million EU citizens. The forthcoming Presidency therefore will be crucial in demonstrating Ireland’s ability to manage the agenda of the EU in light of the current difficult times, and in the context of a newly revived debate on the future of Europe.

With regard to policy issues in our Presidency, there can be unexpected developments which can go on to dominate the agenda. On present expectations however the main focus is likely to be on three major issues, all of great concern to Ireland:

• The continuation of measures to stabilise and strengthen the euro, in particular the banking union.
• The negotiation of the multi-annual EU financial provisions (MFF) to follow on from the present Budget round that ends in December 2013. The MFF will determine the EU budget from 2014 – 2020.
• The reform of the CAP & CFP. Ireland hopes to reach agreement on reform of the CAP during its term.

30 Nov 2012

The Chairman of the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine Andrew Doyle, TD Wicklow/East Carlow, at a meeting with European Parliament leaders today, pointed to the need for a Common Agricultural Policy that maximises food production in a sustainable manner, while protecting rural communities.

European Parliament leaders were visiting Leinster House for discussions on the parliamentary dimension of Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council, which commences on 1^st January 2013.

The European Parliament leaders, also known as the Conference of Presidents, were met by a number of Oireachtas Committee Chairs, who introduced the delegation to the priorities of the parliamentary dimension which will comprise eight high-profile meetings during the six months.

The meeting of the Chairpersons of Agriculture Committees is scheduled for 10^th & 11^th March 2013 in Dublin Castle.

Speaking after the meeting, Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle, TD Wicklow/East Carlow said: “As negotiations on the CAP enter a decisive phase, this was a valuable opportunity to meet with leaders of the European Parliament, including President Martin Schulz MEP, to raise the likely agenda items of our Chairpersons meeting in March. Global issues such as food security and climate change should inform the negotiations. It is imperative therefore that any future CAP will maximize food production in a sustainable manner, while protecting rural communities.

It is expected that 4.5 million farmers will retire in 10 years to 2022. Of a total of 13 million farmers in the entire European Union, only 7% are aged below 35. Accordingly, there will be a special focus on increasing the age profile of EU farmers and the need to attract young farmers into the industry. Innovative ideas on training and education as well as international policies on increasing access for young farmers will be examined at our meeting in March.”