Annual Report 2017
Prepared by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine www.agriculture.gov.ie Content
Review of 2017 2 Main Achievements 3
STRATEGIC GOAL 1 STRATEGIC GOAL 5 Food Safety, Animal and Plant Health and Animal Corporate Development Welfare Financial Management 78 Food Safety 8 Staff and Organisation Management 81 Animal Health and Welfare 11 Developing IT Capability 83 Plant Health 17 Corporate Affairs 87 Laboratory Service 20
APPENDICES STRATEGIC GOAL 2 Appendix A Farm/Sector Supports and Controls Organisation of Department 90 Promoting Sustainable Farming 30 Customer Service 33 Appendix B Scheme Operations 35 State Bodies 94
Appendix C STRATEGIC GOAL 3 Vote 30 Agriculture, Food and the Marine 2017 97 Policy and Strategy EU/International Interactions 38 Appendix D Food Security 45 Performance Budgeting 101 National Policy Framework 46 Research & Innovation 52 Appendix E Food and Drink Sector 54 EAGF/EAGGF Guarantee Primary Production 58 Expenditure 2017 106 Sustainable Production 62
STRATEGIC GOAL 4 Seafood Sector Overview Seafood Sector 70 Fisheries Management and Conservation 72 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Development Programme 75
1 Annual Report 2017
Mission Statement Serving the government and people of Ireland by leading, developing and regulating the agri-food sector, protecting public health and optimising social, economic and environmental benefits.
Vision Statement An innovative and sustainable agri- food sector operating to the highest standards
This Annual Report is produced in line with the objectives set out in the Statement of Strategy 2016 - 2019
1 Review of 2017
The agriculture and food sector continued to play a vital role Under Budget 2018, Minister Creed announced in in Ireland’s economy with agri-food exports accounting for partnership with his colleague the Minister for Business, 11% of total exports to reach €13.6 billion marking growth Enterprise and Innovation, that they had agreed to establish of over 74% since 2009. The UK remained Ireland’s largest a new “Brexit Loan Scheme” which will provide affordable, agri-food export destination, with exports of €5.2 billion flexible working capital finance to Irish businesses that are in 2017 or 38% of total exports (a 7% increase on 2016). either currently impacted by Brexit or who will be in the Exports to the EU (excluding the UK) and the rest of the future. world were both worth €4.2 billion in 2017. The top three export categories in 2017 were Dairy Produce, Beef and Minister Creed also secured funding of €25 million for the Beverages accounting for over €8 billion of total worldwide Department to facilitate the development of new Brexit exports. response loan schemes during 2018 for farmers, fishermen and for longer-term capital financing for food businesses. Work continued in 2017 to give effect to the UK’s decision to leave the European Union on 30 March 2019, following The European Commission launched a 12 week the submission by Prime Minister May of the Article 50 public consultation process on CAP simplification and Notification of Withdrawal on 30 March 2017. modernisation from February – May 2017. The responses from this consultation formed the basis of the Greening The initial impact of the Brexit vote on the sector has been simplification measures announced at the Agri-Fish Council the effect of sterling volatility on those businesses that have in July. Many of the simplification proposals focused on a significant trading relationship with the UK, and this drop changes to various rules relating to Ecological Focus Areas. in currency value continues to have a negative impact. In the medium to long term, the threats from Brexit are likely to The next stage in the CAP post 2020 process will be the include the possible introduction of tariffs on trade between publication of the legislative proposals, which are due to be the EU and UK and potential divergences in regulations and published in second half of 2018. standards between both countries post-Brexit. Market developments across the EU, particularly in the dairy, The challenges are being addressed through a range of livestock and fruit & vegetable sectors, continued to be budgetary measures covering Competitiveness and Market/ monitored closely in 2017. The dairy market continued to Product Diversification. The measures include low cost loan exhibit signs of recovery. Combined EU efforts in areas such schemes, new agri-taxation measures and increased funding as market measures, direct aid and limited voluntary supply under the Rural Development and Seafood Development control in conjunction with improved global supply and Programmes, as well as additional grants to Bord Bia and demand dynamics led to a more favourable EU and global Teagasc for market development and food innovation dairy market context. measures.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD established a Consultative Committee of Stakeholders to ensure a full exchange of information on the potential implications of a UK exit from the EU for the Irish agri-food and fisheries sectors. The work of this Committee continued throughout 2017 with the committee meeting on five occasions. These meetings were complemented by a further five sectoral gatherings hosted by Minister Creed under the All Island Civic Dialogue process.
2 3 Main Achievements
Minister Creed launched the National Farmed Animal In October 2017, the EU Environmental Council agreed Health Strategy 2017-2022 in July 2017. The Strategy a general approach for the Effort Sharing (ESR) and plays a role in Ireland’s ongoing efforts to enhance its LULUCF Regulations. This enabled the start of trilogue reputation for high standards of animal health and to negotiations to progress finalisation of the proposals. expand its share of international markets. The Strategy A provisional deal was reached on both the LULUCF provides a road map for working in partnership with all and ESR files in December 2017 with final adoption of stakeholders in the agri-food industry to improve animal both files expected in early 2018. The most significant health. elements of the provisional ESR agreement are:
• Starting year 2019 and 5 months based on 2016- In 2017, the Minister established a Agriculture Appeals 2018 average emissions. Review Committee to carry out a review and furnish • Use of LULUCF and ETS flexibilities (4% and 5.6% for a Report, to include recommendations as regards Ireland respectively). the legislation governing and the future operation • Cost effectiveness included in distribution of targets of, the Agriculture Appeals Office. The Review (Ireland’s target reduced from 39% to 30%). Committee submitted its Report to the Minister and its recommendations are currently under consideration by the Department, particularly with regard to legislative In August, 2017, the second of two Open Calls under the changes that may be required. European Innovation Partnerships Initiative (EIP) issued. Sixty nine proposals were received in the Department for consideration by the evaluation committee. An overall Minister Creed led a series of trade missions during 2017, funding package of €24 million has been set aside to beginning in February with the Gulf Region, visiting the support EIPs under these two calls. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This was followed by an extensive Trade Mission to the US and Mexico in June - markets that offer many The first All Island Equine Health Survey Report, potential opportunities for Irish exporters. commissioned by the Department and prepared by the Irish Equine Centre, was completed in December 2017. The last trade mission of 2017 was to Japan and South Korea. Minister Creed was accompanied by 40 The Horticulture sector saw strong investment in 2017 representatives of the Irish food sector, as well as by with €4.8m paid under the Commercial Horticulture experts from his Department, the Chief Executive of Bord Grant Aid Scheme which supported investments totalling Bia and senior representatives from Enterprise Ireland €12m. Investment in smaller sectors was evident with and Teagasc. growth in the sprouted seed and hop production due to demand in the health food and brewing industry. The Department hosted the successful conference, “Food Wise: Challenge, Ambition, Opportunity” in Croke Park In addition to outward trade missions, the Department on 4 December. 580 people attended the event. The hosted high level visiting delegations from a wide range Conference provided a forum to review progress to date, of countries in 2017, including China, Japan, South Korea, understand the significant challenges ahead, including in US, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Morocco, Uganda, particular Brexit and environmental challenges, and renew Iran, Turkey and Ethiopia. the Government’s commitment to provide an enabling environment for the sustainable growth of the sector. For the first time in six years, a decision on agriculture was reached at COP 23 in November 2017. This decision recognises the role of agriculture in tackling climate change and achieving the ambitions of the Paris Climate Agreement.
3 Main Achievements
In addition to paying Ireland’s 2017 subscription of In 2017, Irish Whiskey exports continued to grow €1.94 million to FAO, further extra budgetary funding and exceeded €575m for the first time and brought of €2.7m was provided to the FAO in areas where FAO cumulative growth of the category to over 100% in the has a particular competence and which the Department five years since 2012. Irish Cream exports were valued considers to be of strategic importance. at €326m, the most important market was the United States. The Africa Agri-Food Development Fund continued its work with three Irish companies, and also held another The COFORD research and development advisory council funding round in which five Irish Agri-food companies 2016-2018 established Working Groups in the areas were successful. The chosen projects have the potential of Forest Policy; land availability and the promotion to create opportunities for Irish business and African of afforestation; wood mobilisation and roundwood farmers in areas such as increasing the quality of potato production forecasting and the forest sector and the seed in Kenya and establishing a quality controlled chia bioeconomy. seed supply chain in Uganda. The Government approved the publication of the Sea- During 2017, the Department continued its support Fisheries (Amendment) Bill in early 2017. The Bill seeks for the vital work of the United Nations World Food to provide legislative amendments to the Sea-Fisheries Programme (WFP) with a total core multilateral and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 in order to address contribution of €14 million, which includes an advance the Supreme Court finding in October 2016 that fishing on the final payment under Ireland’s current Strategic by Northern Ireland vessels within the 0-6 nautical mile Partnership Agreement with the WFP, funding of €2.5m zone of the territorial waters of the State is not permitted in line with the commitments made by Ireland at the by law. The Bill was published in February 2017 and is World Humanitarian Summit in 2016 and €1.5m to before the Oireachtas. the WFP’s campaign on the crisis in the Kasai Province of Democratic Republic of Congo. The 2018 advance SeaFest, Ireland’s National Maritime Festival, was contribution gives WFP the flexibility to plan and target attended by over 100,000 people in 2017. Held over its funding in the most strategic, efficient and effective a three-day period from 30 June to 2 July in Galway manner. This support is particularly necessary in the Harbour, the festival showcased Ireland’s abundant context of the ongoing crisis in the Syrian region, where marine resources – raised awareness of the value and part of the funding is targeted. opportunities provided by the sea and also celebrated Ireland’s maritime heritage. SeaFest is a key part of The Department and its agencies contributed to the Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth (Ireland’s Integrated Government’s 2017 Action Plan for Jobs by undertaking Marine Plan) and its goal of increasing participation and nine headline actions. engagement with the sea.
In June, the Minister launched the Succession Farm As part of SeaFest, the fourth annual ‘Our Ocean Wealth Partnership Scheme. The Scheme provides for a €25,000 Summit’ was held with approximately 340 delegates tax credit over five years to assist with the transfers of in attendance. The Summit, opened by Minister Creed, farms within a partnership structure, promoting and brought together national and international speakers, supporting the earlier inter-generational transfer of family industry experts, business development agencies and farms. It also encourages important conversations within the Irish business and marine research community. The farm families about succession planning. theme of the 2017 Summit was ‘Rethinking Boundaries and Innovation for a Sustainable Marine Economy’. This theme was chosen to seek new approaches and ways of thinking in order to enable Ireland’s marine potential to be realised.
4 5 Main Achievements
In 2017, Ireland exported dairy products to 140 countries The All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast 2016-2035 with a value exceeding €4.6 billion, an increase of over foresees that wood available for bioenergy use will more 17% compared to 2016, representing high-quality value- than double over the forecast period, from 1.8 million added produce. Infant Formula products are key products cubic metres in 2016 to 4.2 million cubic metres in 2035. to the sector, accounting for over €1.2billion of dairy The bulk of this material is likely to come from thinning exports, as well as base powders for final product to be in privately owned farm forests. Depending on market produced in other countries. conditions there is potential to augment these supplies through increased recovery of harvesting residues on suitable sites, greater levels of thinning, and through the A midterm review (MTR) of the measures introduced as planting of fast growing tree species. part of the Forestry Programme 2014 -2020 (FP) was undertaken by the Department in 2017. Forestry planting targets were compared against the outturn for 2015 and The Department, in collaboration with the Environmental 2016 and reasons identified for non-achievement of Protection Agency, Teagasc, local authorities, WEEE targets, following which, measures were proposed to help Ireland, European Recycling Platform, Enva Ireland Ltd. address barriers to achieving these targets. facilitated an initiative allowing the collection, recovery and disposal of hazardous waste from farms. In 2017, 10 collection centres were operated with over 2,400 farmers Total seafood exports have increased in value terms by using the centres to dispose of approximately 175 tonnes 79% between 2010-2017. There was an increase in of hazardous wastes and almost 85 tonnes of batteries export volumes of 41% over this same period. In 2017, and waste electronic equipment in a safe and responsible Irish seafood exports reached €666 million. manner, protecting human health, and the environment. The success of this inter-agency project was recognised at The EU Fisheries Council in December 2017 agreed the 2017 Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards TACs and quotas for 2018. The Minister secured 215,534 where the project was awarded the “Excellence through tonnes of quotas worth €266 million for Irish fishermen Collaboration” award. for 2018.
5 6 7 Strategic Goal 1 Food Safety, Animal and Plant Health and Animal Welfare
To promote and safeguard public, animal and plant health and animal welfare for the benefit of consumers and producers and wider society
7 Food Safety
Food Safety and Hygiene Controls Microbiological Contamination and National Audit Systems. Food safety and hygiene standards continued to be assured in 2017 through the implementation by the Department of its service contract with the Food Milk and Meat Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Based on the fundamental principle that each food and feed business operator is responsible for the A new three year Service Contract became effective safety of the food/feed they produce, all dairy from 1 February 2017. Its ambit covers controls on: and meat establishments must be compliant with the requirements of the European Food Hygiene • Meat hygiene Regulations (known as the “Hygiene Package”). Food • Milk and milk products Business Operators (FBOs) must also adhere to the • Egg and egg products internationally accepted HACCP (hazard analysis and • Pesticides critical control point) principles, which give FBOs the • Horticulture flexibility to adapt control systems to the specific • Border Inspection Posts requirements of their operation. Throughout 2017, • Residues the Department continued to monitor and verify • Zoonoses Directive that all such approved establishments remained • Food labelling compliant with these principles. The Department maintains a list of approved and registered food In 2017, the Department co-ordinated the establishments on its website. (http://www. investigation of 61 food complaints of which 27 agriculture.gov.ie/foodsafetyconsumerissues/ for milk was rapid alerts on behalf of the FSAI and DAFMapprovedestablishments/) the European Commission. These ranged from conformance with labelling legislation, foreign The Department also carries out its own risk-based objects allegedly found in products and quality issues. controls at establishments under its supervision. These investigations were in addition to the normal During 2017, the Department controls system monitoring of food to ensure that the maximum in meat plants moved from a focus on individual acceptable level of residues is not exceeded. inspections to an audit model. A new focus on broader risk assessed audits of activities impacted The Department also participated in five Directorate on the overall number of controls. 2,267 controls General for Health and Food Safety Audit/Fact were carried out on meat establishments in 2017 to Finding Missions in respect of Feed Importers, verify that the relevant legislative requirements are Genetically Modified Organisms, Controls on Organic being fulfilled at all stages of production, processing Farming and Labelling, Food Hygiene to prevent and distribution. Supplementary technical controls included 4,766 visits to Meat FBOs. 1,611 controls were carried out in dairy establishments. The Department also issued 47,177 certificates in support of meat trade and 26,539 certificates in support of dairy trade to internal and international markets.
A total of 431 notices (422 milk & 9 meat) were served on Milk and Meat FBOs, notifying them of infringements under the Hygiene Regulations and follow-up action was taken as necessary.
Animal Feed Controls Feedingstuffs controls include inspections and audits of Feed Business Operators (FeBOs) for compliance with EU Feed law and through the sampling of animal feed at all stages of the feed chain, viz. importation,
8 9 Food Safety
storage, manufacture and use at farm level. was no unacceptable food safety risk to consumers Feed samples are subject to a broad range of and none required a recall of products from the analysis including both qualitative analysis to verify market. All positive results were investigated on the the accuracy of labelling information necessary for farm of origin with a view to taking the necessary purchasers to make the optimal choice for their enforcement measures. needs, and tests to ensure the safety of the feed. Approval, Inspection and Control of Plant In 2017, 1,140 inspections were carried out in total. Protection and Biocidal Products Infringements associated with HACCP procedures Pesticide products containing approved active accounted for 55% of notices issued to FeBOs. substances are authorised at national level Hygiene infringements represented a further in accordance with zonal evaluation, mutual 20% while infringements relating to labelling and recognition and decision-making criteria agreed traceability both accounted for 7% respectively. The at EU level. Detailed assessment and peer review remaining 10% of infringements related to various work progressed for 17 active substances during other aspects of feed production. All infringements 2017, with 13 substances completing the regulatory notified to FeBOs were recorded, followed up and process. Detailed assessment and peer review work resolved. for 81 products was progressed in 2017. In addition authorisations were granted through the mutual 1,466 samples of animal feed were taken in 2017 and recognition process for 181 plant protection products sent to a number of laboratories for various analyses. and for 34 biocidal products during the year. From the total number of analyses carried out, 6% were found to be outside of analytical tolerance Only plant protection and biocidal products which levels. All outside tolerance test results were are included in the Official Register may be placed on recorded, followed up and resolved as part of the the market. Some 1,166 plant protection products Feedingstuffs Official Control Programme. containing 228 active substances, were included on the Register at the end of 2017. Details are Animal Feed Exports available on the Department’s website, which may be The Department continued to facilitate Third Country interrogated by product name, by active substance market access for animal feed. Animal feed was or by function and crop. At the end of 2017, 2,578 exported to 61 Third Countries in 2017 and there products were included on the Biocidal Product was a 38% increase in the numbers of feed export Register in Ireland. certificates issued in 2017 compared to 2016. The Department, in collaboration with the Number of Export Number of Environmental Protection Agency, Teagasc, local Certificates issued Third Countries authorities, WEEE Ireland, European Recycling receiving exports Platform, Enva Ireland Ltd. facilitated an initiative 2016 908 52 allowing the collection, recovery and disposal of 2017 1,252 61 hazardous waste from farms. In 2017, 10 collection centres were operated with over 2,400 farmers using Residues Surveillance in Food the centres to dispose of approximately 175 tonnes of hazardous wastes and almost 85 tonnes of batteries Approximately 18,500 samples were tested in 2017, and waste electronic equipment in a safe and taken across all eight food producing species as well responsible manner, protecting human health, and as milk, eggs and honey. 99.75% tested negative for the environment. The success of this inter-agency any residues and this continues the trend of a general project was recognised at the 2017 Civil Service absence of residues in Irish food products. Excellence and Innovation Awards where the project Just 50 samples were non-compliant and of these was awarded the “Excellence through Collaboration” the majority related to residues of authorised award. medicines. Risk evaluations by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland were carried out in response The Department carries out follow up actions in to each positive result and it was found that there relation to breaches of Maximum Residue Levels
9 Food Safety
(MRLs) and unauthorised uses identified by the Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) Pesticide Control Laboratory. In 2017, the National System Pesticide Residues Control Programme, sampled The Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) and analysed 1,234 food items. MRLs for pesticide system manages the identification of all cattle, residues in food were exceeded in 15 of the samples sheep, pigs and goats and horses. It manages the analysed (1.2%) but no consumer health risk was movements of sheep, goats and pigs at herd level and identified. Eight breaches related to produce of cattle at individual level for traceability purposes and non-Irish origin that had been sampled as part of the to support exports. The system operates on a 24-7 surveillance programme. In each instance, warning basis in marts, meat factories and export locations letters were issued advising these wholesalers and an online facility enables farmers and authorised and officials that the produce would be subjected agents to submit calf birth registrations and cattle to statutory action if a repeat infringement was movements electronically. detected. Six breaches related to produce of Irish origin. The producers in question were investigated In 2017, 63% of the total 2.36m calf registrations for possible cause of the non-compliances. There was were submitted electronically and 82% of movement one breach relating to import controls. In addition, notifications representing 5.55m animals were occurrences of unauthorised uses of pesticides were processed electronically. investigated and follow-up action initiated, including targeting of produce for future sampling. The main enhancements to the AIM computer system in 2017 included: Fallen animal testing/disposal • Facilities implemented to interact with the EU In 2017, the Department provided financial support Bovex e-passport system to allow electronic for the collection of approximately 60,000 fallen exchange of passport information for bovine animals, in particular bovines over 48 months of age, exports, for sampling as required under the ongoing national • A food chain eligibility enquiry facility developed BSE surveillance programme. for Food Business Operators dealing with horses, • Provision of facilities at meat factories supervised The Department has approved 40 knackeries under by the Department to allow the recording of the ABP regulations for the collection and disposal of Clean Livestock Policy data for sheep, fallen animals. • A movement eligibility enquiry facility introduced for cattle herd keepers, Import Controls on Animal Products • Online screens were enhanced to improve the In 2017 there were 2,551 consignments of animal and user experience on mobile devices, fishery product imports through Border Inspection • Improved supports for the training facility to Points (BIPs) approved for entry into the EU. Of these, promote agri-digital skills training provision to 33 consignments were rejected. herd keepers.
Licences or authorisations for these products issued Contingency Planning in accordance with national rules are as follows: Contingency plans are in place for high priority exotic animal diseases. These plans are based on 2017 2016 2015 requirements set out in existing EU legislation and Trade and Research 233 762 782 criteria identified during past disease outbreaks in samples* Europe. They aim to mitigate the risk of introducing Non-harmonised products 12 8 14 disease into Ireland and facilitate the immediate Re-imported consignments 42 58 17 introduction of control measures in the event of Pathogenic agents 21 33 37 a disease outbreak to eradicate the disease. The continued focus of the Department during 2017 Autogenous Vaccines 7 4 3 was on constantly reviewing, refining and updating *Please note in 2017 a new system for authorising Trade and existing contingency plans and arrangements and Research sample licences was brought into effect, removing the requirement to apply for licences on a per consignment basis ensuring that all of the necessary measures are in and changing to an annual licence. place for any suspect or confirmed case of disease.
10 11 Animal Health and Welfare
Notifiable Exotic Diseases same, as provided in Regulation (EC) 999/2001 and Vigilance against the introduction of diseases such as S.I. 532/15. There was one positive Atypical BSE case Foot and Mouth disease, Avian Influenza, Bluetongue identified in 2017. and African Swine Fever, remains a priority for the Department and previous experiences have Scrapie demonstrated the absolute necessity of properly Scrapie is a compulsorily notifiable disease in Ireland. regulating trade, ensuring high levels of biosecurity, There were three new flocks identified in 2017, and surveillance, contingency arrangements and robust one Atypical scrapie and two classical scrapie. legislation are in place to deal speedily and effectively with disease threats and outbreaks. Under the Active Surveillance Programme, 21,337 scrapie tests were carried out in 2017, comprising: 2017 saw an unprecedented epidemic of Avian 10,537 sheep tested at slaughter plants; 10,590 fallen Influenza in Europe involving outbreaks of Highly sheep; 210 depopulated sheep; and 154 fallen goats. Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N8 in poultry and cases in wild birds in 30 European countries. No A National Genotype Programme (NGP) is in place to outbreaks were identified in poultry in Ireland during encourage sheep breeders to raise genetic resistance 2017. However HPAI H5N8 was confirmed in 12 to scrapie in the National Flock. This is a voluntary individual wild birds during that period. programme and since its introduction in 2004 to the end of 2017, a total of 86,072 sheep have been Number of suspect cases of exotic disease that were genotyped. investigated by Department staff during 2017
Disease 2017 Animal Health Computer System (AHCS) The Animal Health Computer System (AHCS) is the Suspect Confirmed cases cases primary computer system supporting the Department in managing its disease testing programmes for Avian influenza 1 0 animal diseases such as TB, Brucellosis, BSE and (poultry) BVD in cattle and Aujeskey’s disease in pigs. In total, Bluetongue 1 0 this system records the results of over 8 million tests annually and has significantly contributed to Foot & mouth disease 1 0 administrative efficiencies in the operation of the Paramyxovirus 2 2 TB programme and the attainment of Brucellosis- (pigeons) free status. Approximately 1,200 Department staff Classical Swine Fever 1 0 and 1,000 Private Veterinary Practitioners use the application on a daily basis. Equine Viral Arteritis 4 0 Piroplasmosis 3 0 AHCS has been progressively developed and Glanders 0 0 enhanced over the years. In addition to the completion of technical improvements during 2017, a Total 13 2 number of system enhancements were also delivered. These included: Number of wild Birds tested for Avian Influenza 2017
Year No. of wild birds No. Positive • Changes to the rules for the recording of tested advanced itineraries by PVPs for certain TB tests. 2017 134 12 (H5N8) • Changes regarding eligibility and calculation of payments under the Income Supplement scheme. • Development of facilities relating to the BSE automatic restriction and de-restriction of BVD The Department is responsible for the effective herds. coordination of BSE policy and surveillance, testing • Development of additional functionality for the and compensation arrangements, and the funding of management of a Class A disease outbreak.
11 Animal Health and Welfare
CLASS B DISEASES Trends over the past three years are set out in the graph below. Bovine Tuberculosis Approximately 98.4% of the national herd was tested 20000 for bovine TB in 2017. There was an increase in 3.50% the number of reactors detected, 17,266 in 2017 16914 17266 3.45% compared to 16,914 in 2016. Herd incidence of TB 15000 15,317 increased from 3.27% to 3.47% in the same period. 3.40% 10% 3.35% The underlying TB risk is increasing due to 10000 significantly more cattle in the national herd and 3.30% larger individual herd sizes. Overall reactor numbers include not just skin-test positives, but also gamma- 5000 3.25% interferon (GIF) blood test positives, which make up 3823 approximately 25% of reactors. A GIF test is used in 3682 3885 3.20% high risk TB breakdowns and can identify infected animals which may be missed by the standard 0 3.15% 2015 2016 2017 skin-test. Prior to 2016, the GIF test was used less frequently. These additional GIF positives in 2016- Herds restricted 17 give an impression of more infected animals Number of reactors compared to 2015 when in fact they represent Herd incidence infected animals which would have been missed in previous years. Nevertheless, trends in reactor numbers and herd incidence support the need for a renewed focus on the TB eradication programme.
Expenditure TB & BR 2015 - 2017
12000 11262 11272 2015 10500
10000 2016
2017
8000 7048 6461 6307 6000 4759 3732
4000 3675 3545 3538 3464 3365 2731 2127 1980
2000 1666 1580 1048 995 1010 531 533 540
0 Compensaǎon On Farm Water Vet Fees - Supplies TB Research WildlifeOther Costs Market Fees Tesǎng Valuaǎon
12 13 Animal Health and Welfare
Compensation Schemes Check and Mastitis. These programmes are endorsed The On-Farm Market Valuation Scheme is the main by the Department and are referenced in FH2020. measure for compensating farmers for the removal of reactors. Other schemes such as Depopulation AHI commenced a compulsary BVD eradication Grants, Income Supplement and Hardship Grants programme in 2013. Animals found to be compensate for income losses due to restriction. persistently infected (PI) with the virus cannot be Approximately €14m was spent during 2017 on all sold through the mart system and must be disposed compensation elements of the TB Eradication and of to a knackery, abattoir or meat plant. The rate of Brucellosis Monitoring Schemes. compliance with the requirement to test for BVD is just fractionally less than 100% of calves born being tested for the disease. EU Co-funding The EU paid €10.4m towards the 2016 Irish bovine Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council TB eradication programme in August 2017. The corresponding figure for the 2015 programme was The Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC) €11m. Further reductions in EU co-funding for the is an independent advisory body to the Minister programme are anticipated. with a wide representative base including veterinary representative bodies, animal welfare organisations, farming bodies and Government Departments – Bovine Diseases Levies North and South. Since it was established in 2002, Receipts from Bovine Diseases Levies remained FAWAC has become recognised for its’ crucial role in unchanged in 2017 relative to 2016 at €6.94m. promoting animal welfare. It provides considerable useful advice to the Minister and has published a TB Strategy 2030 series of welfare guideline booklets on a range of The Minister plans to establish a TB Stakeholder areas, such as dairy, beef, pig, sheep and poultry Forum in 2018 to bring forward proposals that can farming and animal welfare guidelines for horses achieve eradication by 2030. Following consideration at gatherings and sales. In 2017, they published a of these proposals, the Minister will submit a TB 2030 guideline booklet for On Farm Euthanasia of Pigs. Eradication Strategy to Government for approval. Further information is available on the website www. fawac.ie. Prosecutions The Department’s Investigations Division conducted The Early Warning/Intervention System investigations under the Animal Health and Welfare The objective of the system, which operates under legislation. During 2017, there were two successful FAWAC, is to provide a framework within which prosecutions, exactly the same as for 2016. One new animal welfare problems can be identified and dealt case was submitted to the Chief State Solicitors office with before they become critical. In many instances for consideration of prosecution in 2017 compared to animal welfare cases arise as a result of issues three cases submitted in 2016. relating to the health and personal circumstances of the herd-owner and, in those circumstances, EWS Animal Health Ireland representatives advise farmers to consider seeking assistance from their GP. The main role of Animal Health Ireland is to address what is known as “production” or “non-regulated” diseases with the aim of improving the profitability, Scientific Advisory Committee on Animal sustainability and competitiveness of livestock Health and Welfare farmers. In 2017, the Department provided funding The principal function of the Committee is to provide of €710,000 to AHI which was matched by industry the Minister with advice from a scientific perspective, stakeholders. on issues where independent expert opinion is warranted. The Committee uses best available AHI concentrates on a number of key programmes scientific knowledge to advise on protecting and relating to Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD), Infectious enhancing Ireland’s animal health and welfare and Bovine Rhinotrachetitis (IBR), Johnes, Beef Health also to provide independent scientific support to the
13 Animal Health and Welfare
Minister and to the Department on animal health and payable on live exports of calves under three months welfare matters where such support is a requirement of age from to €4.80 to €1.20 per animal. This gave of European Union legislation. A new Committee was an important boost to the trade and brought greater formed in 2017 and it examined a number of animal equity in the fees payable for calves, weanlings and health & welfare matters. Current topics include, the adult cattle. Exports of calves rose by 20%, to just welfare implications of the proposed time limits for over 100, 000, in 2017 compared to 2016. the castration of cattle and sheep, the dehorning/ disbudding of cattle, the tail docking of sheep and the Ireland achieved Aujeszky’s Disease-free use of restraint at non stun slaughter Status Ireland achieved Aujeszky’s Disease-free status in Animal Welfare Organisations 2012. As an Aujeszky’s Disease-free region, Irish herd In 2017, the Department supported 111 owners can export live pigs to other AD-free regions organisations throughout the country who are directly without the high cost of compulsory isolation, herd involved in the delivery of animal care and welfare surveillance and blood testing. Testing is conducted services, with funding of €2.56 million. The funding on an on-going basis to demonstrate this status. provided is intended only as a contribution to the Ireland retained its Aujeszky Disease-free status in overall costs of an organisation. All applicants are 2017. required to demonstrate that they are fully compliant with all animal health and welfare regulations. It Launch of the National Farmed Animal is now a requirement of funding that all applicants Health Strategy 2017-2022 must be registered with the Charities Regulator. Details of successful applicants are available on the Minister Creed launched the National Farmed Animal Departments website at: http://www.agriculture. Health Strategy 2017-2022 in July 2017. Sustained gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/animalwelfare/ optimal animal health is critical to the future fundingtoanimalwelfareorganisations/ profitability and sustainability of Ireland’s farming and processing industries, and to the protection of public Control of Horses health and of the environment.
The Control of Horses Act 1996 was introduced The Strategy plays a role in Ireland’s ongoing efforts to address the risks posed to the public by stray to enhance its reputation for high standards of and abandoned horses. Under the legislation, local animal health and to expand its share of international authorities have responsibility for implementing the markets. The Strategy provides a road map for Act, and the Minister for Agriculture may provide working in partnership with all stakeholders in the financial assistance to the local authorities towards agri-food industry to improve animal health. expenses incurred in control of horse activities. In 2017, the Department provided funding of €534,000 Publication of Equine Surveillance Disease to local authorities towards expenses incurred by them under the Act. The Department continues to Report engage with local authorities on an on-going basis The first All Island Equine Health Survey Report, in an effort to achieve savings and efficiencies in commissioned by the Department and prepared by operation of the Act. In addition, funding is provided the Irish Equine Centre, was completed in December to local authorities for the development of horse 2017. projects in their respective areas which help to foster community, leadership and education in responsible Poultry Valuation Tables Project horse ownership for young people. In 2017, the Department awarded a contract for the establishment of poultry valuation tables which Live Exports will be used to determine amounts of compensation Live exports play an important role in stimulating payable in the case of an outbreak of avian influenza price competition for domestic cattle, and providing in poultry that necessitates a cull. an alternative market outlet for farmers. Last year the Department reduced the veterinary inspection fee
14 15 Animal Health and Welfare
LIVESTOCK measures designed to implement a world class breeding programme. Significant progress was made in a range of areas in 2017 including; Cattle The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) continued • Continued growth in the number of pedigree to make excellent progress in 2017 towards ram breeders participating in LambPlus, resulting optimising genetic gain for our national dairy and beef in over 40% of the rams sold in 2017 having herd. Eurostar figures available. • Continued growth in the proportion of The Department provided funding of €1.07m for performance recorded breeding rams presented projects aimed at improving profitability such as for sale in 2017. progeny testing, breeding information campaigns, • New Terminal & Replacement Indices launched to and research on genetic evaluations and data replace the old ‘Overall Sheep Value’ Index. enhancements. • Expansion of the Sheep Ireland Central Progeny Test (CPT), by increasing the number of Specific highlights for ICBF in 2017 included; commercial ewes being performance recorded in this programme. • The continued operation of the Beef Data and • Further links established with the Teagasc Better Genomics Programme. This RDP funded initiative Farm sheep programme through data sharing. paved the way for the launch of the Genomics • Further increase in commercial farmer awareness Beef Evaluations. of the benefits of sheep genetic evaluations • Continued high uptake of genomically selected through many public events. dairy AI bulls, with 60% of recorded dairy inseminations being to these bulls. The results The Department provided a further €190,000 to from both the Next Generation Herd in Sheep Ireland in general funding support during 2017. Moorepark, and the ‘Daughter Proven’ results continue to show that these are helping to Horse and Greyhound Racing Industries accelerate the rate of genetic gain in the national dairy herd. In 2017, Horse Racing Ireland received €64m and • Further enhancement of the national cattle Bord na gCon received €16m from the Horse and breeding database. Large volumes of essential Greyhound Racing Fund. data from a range of sources such as commercial farms and industry stakeholders continue to be Support for the non-thoroughbred horse collected which are essential for the production industry of high quality breeding indexes. The Department recognises the very important • The number of dairy cows being milk recorded contribution of the non-thoroughbred horse industry was maintained at nearly 0.69m cows. to the economy and to the social fabric of many • The Gene Ireland progeny test programme communities throughout the country. The sector continues to test a range of young bulls that contributes substantially to the generation of income are suited to the unique grass based production from a valuable alternative farm enterprise, to conditions. employment, tourism, rural development and the social community and cultural life of the country. The Department also provided ICBF with a grant of Indecon International Consultants who were engaged €990m in 2017 to support its general operational by the Minister to “Review certain matters relating to activities. Horse Sport Ireland” completed their report in June 2017 and a high-level inter-Departmental committee Sheep was formed to spearhead the implementation of its The National Sheep Breed Improvement Programme recommendations. is operated by Sheep Ireland, working in conjunction with stakeholders. The Department provided In 2017, the Department provided €2.560m to this investment funding of €365,000 for a range of sector by way of grant aid to Horse Sport Ireland for
15 Animal Health and Welfare
activities aimed at improving the quality of the Irish Over 300 breeders participated in Year One of sport horse and at developing the sector. Included in the Knowledge Transfer Equine Programme which this sum was an allocation of €650,000 specifically concluded in August 2017. These participants to facilitate marketing, increased prize-money attended meetings as well as producing a Farm across a range of competitions and to stimulate some Improvement Plan with their approved facilitator. innovative events, €130,000 was also included for They also completed Animal Health Measures with breeding initiatives an approved veterinary practitioner. Meetings and actions under the Farm Improvement Plan for Year Under the new Rural Development Programme (RDP) Two continued in Quarter 3 and 4 of 2017. provision has been made for improving efficiency and profitability in the equine sector through the In 2017, a total of €850,000 was provided by the Knowledge Transfer measure which has a budget of Department towards equine related measures. €100m.
16 17 Plant Health
Plant Health Ireland) can occur. This legislation was necessary to address the significant risk to the indigenous potato Systematic and targeted surveys for Chalara fraxinea, sector arising from a possible outbreak of Epitrix. commonly known as ‘Ash Dieback disease’, initiated in 2013, were repeated in 2017. The new findings In 2017, the Department and DAERA continued to in 2017 along with the findings from previous work towards the shared objective of achieving and surveys indicated a continual widening of the general maintaining good plant health status on the island geographic distribution of the disease. The disease through continued sharing of information, science was present, to a greater or lesser extent, in all 26 and diagnostic capability. counties in Ireland. The comprehensive review of the All Island Chalara Control Strategy, which took In addition, a comprehensive plant health action place in 2016, was implemented by officials from programme was implemented in 2017 to maintain this Department and Department of Agriculture, Ireland’s high plant health status and comply Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland. with Irish and EU legislation. Nurseries, garden The review focused, in particular, on the updating centres, public parks, private gardens and the wider and the targeted application of support schemes such environment were intensively inspected for the as the Reconstitution Scheme and the Woodland presence of quarantine pests and, where found, Improvement Scheme. eradication measures were implemented. The 2017 plant health surveys included: The Department continued to survey for the presence of the harmful organism Phytophthora ramorum in • 922 sites inspected for Phytophthora ramorum 2017. A number of findings of the disease were • 1,406 samples taken for Fireblight (Erwinia detected in horticultural nurseries/garden centres amylovora) and on plants imported from other Member States. • 1,437 inspections for leaf miners (Liriomyza sp) All infected plants and host plants within the vicinity • 944 inspections for Tobacco Whitefly (Bemisia were destroyed. tabaci) • 867 samples taken for PCN (Globodera sp) A first finding of the harmful organism Dothistroma • 520 inspections for Xylella fastidiosa septosporum in Ireland was confirmed in two forests • 181 samples for Beet Necrotic Yellow Vein Virus by the Department at the beginning of September • 210 inspections for Red Palm Weevil 2016. This disease affects a range of conifer trees (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) and in particular a number of pine species. The • 143 inspections for Palm borer (Paysandiisia Department carried out surveys in 2017 on host archon) plants in nurseries to ensure the disease was not present as required under the EU Plant Health In addition, approximately 390 nurseries were Directive 2000/29/EC. There were no findings of this inspected for the presence of Anoplophora chinensis disease in nurseries in 2017. and Anoplophera glabripenni, with no findings of these pests. Intensive inspections and sampling of seed Xylella fastidiosa is a bacterium that infects the xylem and ware potatoes were carried out in 2017. There tissues of a wide host range of plants (over 300 plant were no findings of potato ring rot, potato brown rot species). Ireland carried out a survey for the disease and Epitrix in 2017. Inspections were also undertaken in 2017 and the disease was not found to be present. on plant propagating material at several locations to In 2017, the EU legislation on Xylella fastidiosa was ensure disease free material was available. revised. Ireland played an integral part in these negotiations to ensure that the maximum protection • In 2017 under the Department’s Plant Health against the risk of this disease entering the territory Import Controls Programme; 3,237 inspections was achieved. took place on consignments of plants and plant products imported directly to Ireland through Ireland introduced national legislation, which imposes Dublin Airport and Dublin Port from third additional requirements on importers of potatoes countries. This represents a 4.7% increase on originating in Member States where the harmful the number of consignments subjected to Plant organism Epitrix (a dangerous flea beetle not known in
17 Plant Health
Health Import Controls on 2016. The main in Backweston Farm, Leixlip, Co. Dublin. Trial increase is attributable to a significant rise in the inspections and information visits for interested import of consignments of cut flowers, which groups of breeders, agents, consultants and farmers increased by 76%. There were 77 interceptions were also hosted at the three Department centres made by plant health inspectors in 2017, and at other outside trial locations. the reasons for which include the finding of regulated and harmful organisms, incomplete or Seed Certification absent phytosanitary certificates and fraudulent The National Catalogue of Agricultural Plant documentation. Varieties (NCAPV) and the Official Journal of • In 2017 under the Department’s Plant Health National Plant Variety Rights (PVR) are available on Export Controls Programme; 1,000 consignments the Department’s website. For the main agricultural were inspected and certified by plant health crops, the only seeds that may be marketed in Ireland inspectors, facilitating their export from Irish are of those varieties listed in this catalogue or on a businesses to 39 third countries across the National Catalogue of another Member State. world. The most frequent consignments certified in 2017 included animal feed to China, India and https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/ Korea, potatoes to Iceland and UAE, mushroom publications/2017/NationalCatalogueAgricultural casing to South Africa, Japan, Israel, and Canada PlantVarieties2017IRELAND150318.pdf and cut flowers to the USA. The EU Common Catalogue of Varieties of Agricultural Crop Variety Evaluation Plant Species available at http://ec.europa.eu/food/ Overall sowing conditions for both winter and spring plant/plant_propagation_material/plant_variety_ crops were satisfactory. Harvesting conditions in catalogues_databases/search/public/index.cfm 2017 were good for winter barley and winter oilseed rape. The weather deteriorated into August and Area of Crops Certified in 2017 September and harvesting conditions for remaining Area of Crops Tonnes of crops was more challenging. 336 varieties of grass, Approved Seed Certified clover, barley, wheat, oats, forage maize, oilseed under the Seed Under the Seed rape, beans and potatoes were evaluated in National Certification Certification and Recommended List trials in 2017. The varieties Scheme in Scheme in of each species considered most suitable for Irish 2017 (ha) 2017 producers were selected from these trials and published in Recommended List Booklets which are Cereals 8,442 51,329 available on the Department’s website. Potatoes 264 2,744 Oilseed Rape 265 790 Number of Varieties Evaluated in 2017 Beans 314 1,519 Crop Number Cereals 159 In 2017, all grass seed used in Ireland was imported as certified seed and the Department oversaw the Grass 93 formulation and labelling of grass seed mixtures. Forage Maize 20 Oilseed Rape 25 Seed Potato Laboratory Clover 15 During 2017, 725 varieties (includes potato seedlings Potatoes 13 not yet named) were maintained in vitro at the Potato Laboratories, Tops, Raphoe, Co. Donegal. Field Beans 11 Approximately 37,000 potato mini-tubers from * Varieties that are duplicated in different trials are excluded. 39 different potato varieties and 15 unnamed potato seedlings were produced in virus-proof A successful Open Day was held in June in tunnels. Ten new potato seedlings were tested for association with the Irish Seed Trade Association distinctness, uniformity and stability as prescribed at the Department’s crop evaluation headquarters
18 19 Plant Health
by the International Union for the Protection of Whilst the recovery in the wider economy has helped New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). A field reference maintain output growth in the sector, it has impacted collection of 601 named potato varieties was also negatively through the shortage of labour available maintained. to work on farms right across the sector. The labour shortage issue will be an important challenge in order Following entrustment of the Seed Potato Laboratory to maintain development and growth in the sector in by the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) in 2018. 2016, the laboratory continues to perform technical examinations on distinctness, uniformity and stability The sector saw strong investment in 2017 with on its behalf for Ipomea batatis (sweet potato). The €4.8m paid under the Commercial Horticulture Grant Potato Laboratory is the first and only entrusted Aid Scheme which supported investments totalling office to conduct technical examinations on Ipomea €12m. Investment in smaller sectors was evident with batatis. growth in the sprouted seed and hop production due to demand in the health food and brewing industry. Horticulture Growing conditions in Ireland were reasonable in 2017 which meant expected yields were attained. Lower light levels had an impact on protected crops while variable weather conditions impacted planting and harvesting dates. Some plant health issues affecting certain crops continue to be of concern with some losses evident. Market demand in Ireland for produce remained steady across each sub sector.
Horticulture Output Value at farm-gate, 2016 -2017 Product 2016 2017 % change €m €m 2016 v’s 2017 Mushrooms 121.7 118.2 -2.8 Potatoes 86.5 80.3 -7.1 Field Vegetables 70.0 70.6 0.8 Protected Crops 86.3 88.9 3.0 Outdoor Fruit 11.0 11.2 1.6 Crops Bulbs, outdoor 8.8 9.1 3.7 flowers and foliage sector Hardy nursery 45.4 53.9 18 crops, and other horticulture sectors Total 429.9 432.4 0.6 Source: DAFM estimates.
19 Laboratory Service
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VETERINARY LABORATORIES Submission patterns VIROLOGY DIVISION The pattern of tests requested was relatively steady throughout the year 2017. The Virology Division provides the Department with the capacity to identify and characterise 20000 farmed animal viral diseases. The Division delivers the laboratory and scientific aspects of emergency preparedness necessary to safeguard against viral 15000 diseases exotic to Ireland and those diagnostic, investigative and consultative services required to 10000 control and monitor endemic viral diseases of Irish farm animals. In 2017, it assumed the new role of National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Capripox 5000 viruses of Ruminants, in addition to currently hosting nine other NRLs. 0 JFMA MJ JA SOND
The range of viruses handled by the Division is Other Bovine Avian diverse and wide including: Foot and Mouth Disease, Avian Influenza, Bluetongue, BVD, IBR, Classical Summary of 2017 testing figures. Swine Fever, Rabies and PRRS. Lumpy skin disease (ruminants), porcine epidemic diarrhoea (pigs), Species Tests for Tests for TOTAL (% hepatitis E (pigs) and influenza D (cattle) are some of antibody virus of total) the newer viral diagnostics introduced in 2017. Bovine 50,554 22,176 39 Porcine 3,790 4,586 4 Equine 1,861 314 1 Small 3,125 1,335 2 ruminants Avian 95,866 4,995 53 Total 155,196 33,406
Virology Division had a range of 118 different tests which it used in 2017 across 40 different matrices – the most common matrices in 2017 being serum (88%), swabs (4%), and lung (2%).
Top tests in 2017
Antibody Number Virus Number Avian diagnostics Number detection detection 1 BVD 9,584 BVD 5,203 M. gallisepticum 37,206 2 IBR 7,356 IBR 1,548 Avian influenza 33,121 3 Schmallenberg 5,752 PRRSV 1,536 M. synovia 7,266 4 Bluetongue 3,914 BHV4 1,463 M. meleagridis 2,109 5 Johnes 3.602 BRSV 1,378 AEV 2,109
20 21 Laboratory Service
BACTERIOLOGY DIVISION multilocularis, one of the most significant parasitic zoonoses in temperate and artic regions of the This laboratory hosts a number of EU National Northern Hemisphere. Over 400 samples from all Reference Laboratory functions for zoonotic counties were examined for the parasite. This allows pathogens of food, feed and animal origin. These Ireland to avail of a derogation on free movement, include Salmonella, Campylobacter, Mycobacteria, ensuring that dogs entering Ireland from other Antimicrobial Resistance and Parasites. Completion of Member States that are not free from this disease all proficiency trials organised by the EU Community receive appropriate anthelmintic treatment prior Reference Laboratories was achieved. to import. The following samples were cultured for Salmonella In addition to standard samples for respiratory during 2017: disease diagnosis, samples tested for Mycoplasma bovis also included either joint fluid or milk samples • 1,480 poultry farm samples and a number of dairy herds in 2017 which had • 605 meal or feed mill related samples reported multiple cases of clinical arthritis and/or • 680 samples from poultry or pig carcasses mastitis in adult cows associated with Mycoplasma • 736 compost or related by-product samples bovis. In addition: In support of the TB eradication programme in 2017: • 640 samples were received from external • samples collected in meat plants from 5,511 laboratories for serotyping. bovine animals, were tested for evidence of • 770 samples from pigs and meat were subjected tuberculosis. to selective culture methods to provide • 3,925 histopathological tests and 3,230 cultures representative sets of E. coli and Campylobacter were performed on these tissues. isolates coupled with specific selective tests to • 2,002 sera tested in TB ELISA to support herd isolate antimicrobial resistant strains. investigations. • The Division participated in a number of • cultures were completed on 332 badger tissues research projects on antimicrobial resistance collected as part of badger removal following and monitored microbiological testing in some bovine TB outbreaks or badger vaccine trials. private laboratories that offer commercial • Mycobacterial speciation tests were performed services for food business operators. on 982 isolates. • Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis Antibodies were detected in 3,652 (17.9%) of the was isolated from 168 of 851 samples submitted 20,390 muscle juice samples from slaughtered for Johne’s disease culture. pigs tested under the Salmonella National Control Programme for pigs.
As the NRL for parasites, the mandatory national sampling of foxes undertaken in 2017 demonstrated Ireland’s continued freedom from Echinococcus
21 Laboratory Service
PATHOLOGY DIVISION programmes, as well as specialist supports for the Departments Regional Veterinary laboratories Pathology Division comprises of three disciplines, (RVLs). The post-mortem facility within Pathology Pathology, Clinical Microbiology and Biochemistry/ Division provides veterinary laboratory diagnostic and toxicology. The primary role of the Division is to anatomic pathology services for surveillance, with provide diagnostic pathology expertise and resources a particular emphasis on pigs and poultry sectors. to support the Departments responsibilities in Details of findings are included in the All-Island relation to animal health. This includes providing Animal Disease Surveillance report. laboratory support for national disease eradication https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/rvlreport/
Diagnostic Submissions to Pathology
SPECIES Carcass Diagnostic Foetus Other Total Avian 156 260 2 418 Bovine 69 132 66 20 287 Cervine 67 67 Equine 1 37 34 72 Ovine 66 9 82 2 159 Porcine 548 208 7 763 Other 9 7 1 49 66 Total 916 653 156 107 1,832
TSE National Reference Laboratory (NRL) Submissions – 2017
Ovine NRL Result Surveillance Category 2015 2016 2017 Atypical Scrapie Active 6 1 1 Classical Scrapie Active 1 1 11 Classical Scrapie Passive 0 0 0 Negative Active 1 1 0 Negative Passive 1 0 1 Negative SMFS 0 0 0 Total 9 3 13
Note the relatively large number of classical scrapie cases for 2017 was mainly due to 10 cases in one flock. Only 4 flocks in total had suspect scrapie cases submitted.
Bovine NRL Result Surveillance Category 2015 2016 2017 BSE Positive Active 1 0 1* (Classical) BSE Positive Passive 0 0 0 Negative Active 0 0 0 Negative Passive 11 17* 16 Unsuitable Passive 0 0 0
*1 case reported in 2017 was sampled on 30 December 2016 Note: the BSE case confirmed in 2017 was atypical L-type – the first L-type case in Ireland
22 23 Laboratory Service
Department Referral Laboratory for Clinical Chemistry/Chemical Pathology Veterinary Histopathology Laboratory Pathology Division provides expert histopathology This laboratory which among other services, performs referral and support to the Department and the metal (macro, trace and heavy) and metabolites Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVLs). Areas and enzyme activity analyses on animal samples. covered include referral of diagnostic surveillance In 2017, it carried out analysis on 1,841 samples cases, forensic cases such as suspect poisonings, for heavy metals. It participated in and provided applied research and surveillance studies. analytical services to an interagency investigation This laboratory also provides the histological and supported nineteen multi-divisional field processing and immunohistochemistry capability investigations and follow up of suspect toxicity in for the Veterinary Laboratory Service. It processed herds. With other divisions it developed a risk based approximately c. 29,000 slides in 2017 with standard protocol for suspect lead investigations. staining methods and special staining techniques including immunohistochemistry. VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH REGULATORY LABORATORY Cassettes Processed 2017 The Veterinary Public Health Regulatory Laboratory H&E prep Recut_H&E TB H&E Total H&E (VPHRL) is accredited by INAB to ISO 17025:2005, cases cases slides slides with more than 30 analytical tests covering residues, produced contaminants, microbiological and parasitological 22,498 2,228 4,118 28,844 analysis currently on its scope.
VPHRL is the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for 6 groups of residues (Antithyroid agents, Beta- agonists, Chloramphenicol and Dapsone, Antibacterial substances including sulphonamides and quinolones, Carbadox and Chemical Elements) and also for Shiqa- toxin producing E. coli (STEC or VTEC) and Trichinella.
No. samples for NRCP 2017 broken down by species and substance for identification
7000 Éanlaith Mucúil Caoirigh Beach Mheala 6000 Fia – Feirme Gabhar Buaibheach Éanúil ní Éanlaith 5000 Eachaí Fia - Fiáin 4000
3000
2000
1000
0 AnǎbioǎcsBeta- Carbadox Chemical Chloramp- Phenicols Sulphon- ThyrostatsTrenboloneZeranol agonists Elements henicol amides
23 Laboratory Service
No. samples tested by different methodologies
7000 7000 6000 6000 5000 5000 4000 4000 3000 3000 2000 2000 1000
1000 0 Screening Screening Screening Screening Screening Confirmatory Confirmatory 0 GC-ECD ICP-MS Inhibitory LCMSMS RIA ICP-MS LCMSMS Screening Screening ScrMicreeningobial Screening Screening Confirmatory Confirmatory GC-ECD ICP-MS Inhibitory LCMSMS RIA ICP-MS LCMSMS Anǎbioǎcs in animal ǎssues MicrobialThyrostats in Urine Calcium and Lead in honey CarbadoxAnǎbioǎcs in in Liver animal ǎssues SulphonamidesThyrostats in Urine in Muscle Beta-agonistsCalcium and Lead in Water in honey
TetracyclinesCarbadox in Liver in Muscle PhenicolSulphonamidess in Muscle Beta-agonists in UrineWater
QuinolonesTetracyclines in inMuscl Muscle e PhenicolChemicals Elements in Muscle Beta-agonists in ReǎnaUrine
PenicillinsQuinolones in in Muscl Musclee ChemiclaChemical Elements in animalMuscle ǎssue Beta-agonists in LiverReǎna
ZeranolPenicillins in Muscle CarbadoxChemicla Elementsin Muscle/Live in animalr ǎssue ChloramphenicoBeta-agonists in lLiver TrenbolineZeranol Cadmium,Carbadox inLead Muscle/Live and Arsenicr in Milk Chloramphenicol Trenboline Cadmium, Lead and Arsenic in Milk
24 25 Laboratory Service
National Residue Control Plan A breakdown of the total number of samples tested Ireland’s Residue Plan for 2017 was approved by the under the 2017 National Residue Control Plan and relevant European Commission services within the related residues and contaminants testing at the deadlines specified under the Directive. VPHRL and the non-compliant samples encountered is given in tables below: The testing under the National Residue Control Plan (NRCP) covers 18 distinct residue groups which fall Microbiology into three broad categories: VPHRL provides laboratory support for import controls and the inspectorate based at meat plant, • banned substances such as growth-promoting ensuring compliance with national and international hormones and beta-agonists, standards of food safety and hygiene. Over 1,900 • approved veterinary medicines official samples of meat and meat products were • environmental contaminants. taken at the point of manufacture and at the border inspection posts and tested for a range During 2017, more than 10,000 samples from food of of microbiological parameters in 2017. Of these animal origin were tested under the NRP and related samples, 6 were positive for Salmonella (three were in residues and contaminants testing at the VPHRL. imported poultry) and 1 for Listeria monocytogenes. In 2017 VPHRL was also charged with testing of In 2017, VPHRL continued the testing of beef additional milk samples as a result of our inter-agency carcases and meat trimmings for STEC bacteria to investigation in the Silvermines area. support the exporting of Irish beef to the US market
National Residue Plan and related residues and contaminants testing
Compounds No. samples No. non-compliant and Compounds confirmed Thyrostats 305 urine + 22 water from 15 bovine, 2 ovine Thiouracil (32 screen poultry houses positive) Trenbolone 447 66 screened positive samples submitted to the State Laboratory for confirmatory analysis Beta-Agonists 530 retina 3 positive results, one screening positive 536 urine that was followed by 2, all sotalol. Follow up 307 liver investigation revealed cross contamination 35 water of samples with medication being taken by sampling officer Chloramphenicol 140 urine and 1 muscle 0 Phenicols 373 muscle and 30 eggs 0 (Chloramphenicol, Florfenicol and Thiamphenicol) Antibiotics 5838 muscle samples Muscle: 2 OTC, 2 PEN G, 1 Marbofloxacin all (of which 2174 were suspects) suspects 293 kidney Milk: 1 Pen G 357 milk Honey: 2 CTC 127 eggs 20 honey subcontracted to FERA Sulphonamides 558 0 (incl. Dapsone) Carbadox 92 0
25 Laboratory Service
with a total of 640 swabs and 22 trimmings samples • 30 non-conformance reports in relation to water analysed and all found negative. samples • 2 non-conformances reports in relation to VPHRL carries out water testing with a total of 346 animal-by-products samples official samples tested in 2017 for a range of physico- chemical and microbiological properties. Of these The three laboratories have Quality Management 15 samples were found to contain microbiological Systems in place based on the ISO17025:2005 contamination of E. coli, Coliforms, Faecal Enterococci standard to meet the requirements of the National and/or Clostridium perfringens. Accreditation Board (INAB). In 2017, the laboratories continued to maintain and extend their scopes of In addition VPHRL supports the certification of animal accreditation. by-products. During 2017, a total of 750 official samples of rendering products were enumerated for Backweston received accreditation for six additional levels of Enterobacteriaceae while 75 samples from test methods and two extensions to scope. composting plants were checked for levels of E. coli. Collectively the three laboratories have 62 accredited Results showed that 6 samples had levels of >300 test methods across multiple matrices. cfu/g of Enterobacteriaceae. Continued participation in inter-laboratory trials Trichinella organised by European Union Reference Laboratories were also undertaken. The process of amalagamating Testing on 3,396 samples of porcine and 240 horse the DSL in Cork with the Blood Testing Laboratory muscle samples was carried out in 2017 as part of the there commenced in late 2017 with the appointment official monitoring programme, and all of them were of a single site manager and a project team. negative.
Official control samples – Chemistry AGRICULTURE LABORATORIES The Dairy Science Laboratories in Limerick and Backweston conduct compositional analysis of dairy DAIRY SCIENCE LABORATORIES (DSL) products to verify compliance with the labelling The Dairy Science Laboratory service comprises and marketing standards requirements set out in three laboratories, located at Backweston, Cork and Regulation (EC) No 1169/2011 and Regulation Limerick. These provide microbiological and chemical 1308/2013. In addition DSL Backweston carries testing services for milk/ milk product samples taken out analysis of infant formula and follow on formula mainly from dairy food business operators. The work to confirm compliance with the compositional of the laboratories also underpins the certification of parameters set out in Directive 2006/141 EC. dairy products for export. In 2017, 642 samples were analysed to confirm Official control samples – Microbiology compliance with the requirements of the EU In 2017, the Dairy Science Laboratory service legislation detailed above. carried out approximately 20,000 microbiological analyses on 10,059 samples from milk processing National Reference Laboratory (NRL) establishments, liquid milk drinking plants and In 2017, the Backweston Dairy Science Laboratory producers in the horticulture sector to verify operated as the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) compliance with food safety, water and animal- for Listeria monocytogenes, Coagulase-positive by-product legislation. As a result, the following staphylococci in food products, phosphatase in milk notifications were issued: and Total Bacterial Count and Somatic Cell Count in raw milk. • 17 Food Safety hazard notifications • 20 Process Hygiene criteria non-conformances The NRL offers a molecular typing and • 6 Phosphatase/peroxidase criteria non- characterisation service for Listeria monocytogenes conformances isolates, in 2017 PFGE analysis was carried out on
26 27 Laboratory Service
350 isolates and PCR analysis on 1732 isolates. This specifications. Of the samples analysed, 2 were out typing information is returned to the submitting of specification. laboratories and can be of benefit to food business operators in tracing sources of contamination and Plant Health determining if there are persistent strains in particular Backweston premises. The total number of plant pathology samples analysed in 2017 was 1,033 (547 for Horticulture and Plant The NRL also carries out analysis for the detection Health Division and 471 for Forest Service and 15 of Staphylococcal enterotoxins in food. Backweston miscellaneous). The number of positive samples is the only laboratory in the country to provide for quarantine plant pathogens was 437 (43.7%). this service. Molecular typing is also carried out to Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (cause of Chalara/Ash determine if CPS isolates carry the genes necessary Dieback) samples were subsampled in the Cork for enterotoxin production and in 2017 this analysis laboratory and sent to Backweston for analysis. was carried out on 74 isolates. A highlight of 2017 was the output from the FORM Pesticides, Plant Health, Entomology, Feed project, in particular Work Package 4 led by the Microscopy and Seed Testing Laboratories Department, has produced a pathway pest risk analysis for Sitka spruce, highlighting the main threats Pesticides Laboratory to this important forest crop to Ireland. Residues Improvements in biosecurity continued to be made In 2017, the Pesticide Residue Laboratory (PRL) to ensure that the laboratory performs to the carried out the testing required under the pesticide highest standards. As part of the implementation residue control programme agreed under the of the Strategic Review of the Laboratories, work Departments’ service contract with the FSAI. This commenced on the task of achieving accreditation involved analysing: for plant health and greater integration of the laboratories. • 643 samples of fruit, vegetables and 114 samples of cereals for residues of up to 470 pesticides Cork and metabolites. The Cork laboratory tested 1,286 plant samples • 437 samples of food of animal origin for residues for Erwinia amylovora (cause of Fireblight disease of of up to 340 different pesticides and marker Rosaceae) with 25 positive detections and 679 potato PCB’s. samples for Clavibacter michiganensis sepedonicus • 35 infant formulae samples for up to 470 and Ralstonia solanacearum (cause of Ring Rot and pesticides and metabolites were also carried out. Brown Rot of potato). In addition, the Cork laboratory • samples of animal feed were analysed for subsampled Hymenoscyphus fraxineus samples. seven PCB’s used as markers for the presence A student, on placement from Cork Institute of of dioxins and samples of animal feed were Technology investigated the use of LAMP methods analysed for a limited scope of pesticide residues for detection of plant pathogens. and metabolites Entomology The Maximum Residues Level (MRLs) for pesticide residues in food were exceeded in 15 samples. The entomology service undertook the analysis of 341 samples in 2017; of which seven were positive Formulations for quarantine pest species. The service works in The Pesticide Formulation Laboratory (PFL) provides close co-operation with the authorities in Dublin the analytical support necessary to assure the quality Airport and Dublin Port, which are significant entry of plant protection products on the Irish market. In points for horticultural produce into Ireland. 2017, 87 samples of plant protection products were analysed to check that the composition of these In addition, the entomology service is involved in products complied with the authorised product honeybee health. In 2017, the entomology service
27 Laboratory Service
continued to perform the annual monitoring scheme, seeds are required to meet minimum legal standards referred to as the Sentinel Apiary Programme, the aim for germination, analytical purity and other seeds of which is to enable early detection of two damaging content before they are placed on the market. A pests to honeybees (Small Hive Beetle, Aethina tumida total of 9,158 seed tests, on cereals, grasses, forage and Tropilaelaps mite), which are statutory notifiable crops, oilseeds, pulses, vegetables, trees, etc. were pests in the EU. completed during 2017. Approximately 59% of these tests were for germination, 25% for analytical purity, Feed Microscopy 7% for seed health, 5% for seed viability (tetrazolium), The Feed Microscopy Laboratory (FML) is the with the remaining 4% of tests comprised of advisory designated National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for tests such as moisture, other seed determination, the detection of animal protein in feed. In 2017, the thousand seed weight, etc. The quality of cereal seed Laboratory analysed 296 samples for the presence harvested in Ireland during 2017 was generally good of processed animal protein (PAP) and 24 samples but later harvested seed was of poorer quality due to for prohibited material. The laboratory also received higher rainfall. 13 samples of wheat and barley destined for animal feed that also required further testing for botanical The Seed Testing Laboratory in conjunction with the impurities by the seed testing laboratory. Crop Evaluation and Certification Division continued During 2017 the NRL was involved in the a regeneration programme of crop and crop wild development and evaluation of complementary relatives. The Laboratory maintains the National methods for the detection of PAP in animal feed. cereal seed and crop wild relative genebank. Work This included the validation of a porcine PCR assay in on regeneration of seed of “heritage” barley varieties collaboration with the EURL and NRL network. continued in 2017. Seed from the genebank was delivered to the Svalard Global Seed Vault in Norway. Seed Testing The Seed Testing Laboratory provides a seed testing service to other divisions within the Department, seed merchants, farmers, growers and forest nurseries. It is accredited by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). Most agricultural and horticultural
28 29 Strategic Goal 2 Farm/Sector Supports and Controls Provide income and market supports to underpin the rural economy and the environment
29 Promoting Sustainable Farming
Rural Development Programme (RDP) Agri Environment Options Scheme Ireland’s 2014-2020 RDP was formally adopted by (AEOS) the EU Commission in May 2015 and contains a wide Under this Scheme, farmers are paid to undertake range of measures which address all farming sectors actions that address the environmental challenges and support community-led local development of loss of biodiversity, improvement of water quality by means of LEADER projects. Management of and combating climate change. The Scheme is based the overall Programme is shared between the on a menu of actions, from which farmers select Department and the Commission as the RDP is those best suited to their individual circumstances. co-funded by the EU’s European Agricultural Fund Farmers with commonage land or designated Special for Rural Development and the national exchequer. Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas are EU support for the RDP will amount to €2.19 billion in a special category and must follow a Sustainable over the seven-year Programme lifespan and this EU Management Plan prepared by a planner. The overall funding will be supplemented by exchequer funding, objective of the scheme is to deliver the maximum to bring the total support available under the RDP to environmental benefit for funds available. The scheme approximately €4 billion. has three tranches, AEOS 1, AEOS 2, and AEOS 3.
Almost all RDP schemes were operational by the end In 2017 €19.2 million was spent on the AEOS of 2017 with, for example, first payments issuing Schemes. Less than 2,500 participants remain in to farmers participating in the Knowledge Transfer AEOS 3 and their contracts will end by 31 December and Sheep Welfare Schemes. While progress on 2018. the implementation of the RDP is monitored and reported to the Commission annually, evaluation of its Green Low-carbon Agri-Environment contribution to achieving policy objectives is reported Scheme (GLAS) periodically i.e., in 2017, 2019 and 2024. A report assessing Programme results at the end of 2016 was Over 50,000 participants were approved into published in the RDP section of the Department’s GLAS under GLAS 1, 2 and 3. The target level website in July 2017. Programme impacts at the end of participation set in the Rural Development of 2018 will be evaluated as part of an enhanced Programme (RDP) was exceeded well ahead of Annual Implementation Report to be submitted to schedule. GLAS provides support to farmers aimed Commission in June 2019. at encouraging actions that promote biodiversity, protect water quality and combat climate change. GLAS has a range of over 30 actions available for selection by participants in consultation with their Advisor. The maximum annual payment available to participants in this 5 year scheme is €5,000 under the general scheme with provision for payment of up to €7,000 (known as GLAS+) where the participant is required to give exceptional environmental commitments in a limited number of cases. Over €195.5m was paid to GLAS participants in 2017.
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS) The TAMS II suite of measures under the RDP opened in 2015 and remains open on a tranche by tranche basis. Payments were made throughout 2017 as approved works were completed and payment claims submitted to the online system. The measures available under TAMS include:
30 31 Promoting Sustainable Farming
• Young Farmers’ Capital Investment Scheme being funded to produce full project plans. These • Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment will be evaluated in September/October 2018 and Scheme the final projects will be chosen to go through for • Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage implementation. Scheme • Dairy Equipment Scheme Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme • Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme The Heritage Council administers the GLAS • Organic Capital Investment Scheme Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme for the • A Tillage Capital Investment Scheme opened in conservation and repair of traditional farm buildings March 2017. and other related structures on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Payments of €31.25m issued in 2017. The principal objective of this scheme is to ensure those traditional farm buildings and other related Locally-led schemes structures that contribute to the character of the These schemes promote local solutions to specific landscape, and are of significant heritage value, are environmental issues and complement the much conserved for agricultural use. In 2017, grants were more broadly-based GLAS measure under the RDP awarded to 55 applicants to carry out works on 2014-2020. structures.
The Burren Programme is now an established five European Innovation Partnerships year agri-environment scheme. Tranche I brought The EIP initiative funds co-operation between in the first intake of 198 farmers in January 2016, different stakeholders including farmers, researchers, a second tranche in October 2016 brought in 126 advisors and businesses who form an Operational farmers, and the third and final tranche in 2017 Group, to identify innovative solutions to particular brought in 118 applications. It is expected that most challenges. of these will accept Terms and Conditions and join the scheme. The Burren Programme is widely seen as In August, 2017, the second of two Open Calls under a benchmark for environmentally focused farming in the European Innovation Partnerships Initiative (EIP) Europe. issued. Sixty nine proposals were received in the Department for consideration by the evaluation The Hen Harrier and Freshwater Pearl Mussel committee. An overall funding package of €24 million Projects are pilot projects targeting around 2,500 has been set aside to support EIPs under these two farmers who farm habitats crucially important to calls. these two endangered species. A team to administer the Hen Harrier Project was appointed in April 2017 and that programme has now launched and is well Cross Compliance Checks underway. A team to administer the Freshwater EU cross compliance requires that farmers must Pearl Mussel Project will be appointed in early comply with 13 Statutory Management Requirements 2018, following a competition which closed on 20th (SMRs) and seven Good Agricultural and December 2017. Environmental Condition (GAEC) standards, relating to: A broadly based ‘bottom-up’ approach for other locally-led schemes selected on the basis of at least • climate change two calls for proposals has been initiated and is now • good agricultural condition of land well advanced. The first of these was launched in • public, animal and plant health and December 2016 and 118 projects were submitted for • animal welfare evaluation. Following a second round of evaluations, twelve projects were selected for implementation These requirements are monitored by mandatory and those schemes have now launched. Another inspections on between 1-3% of farms annually and Open Call launched in Autumn 2017 and 19 teams are an effective means of protecting the environment are through to the second stage, where they are and ensuring that farmers comply with a wide range
31 Promoting Sustainable Farming
of public goods regulations concerned with food and Knowledge Transfer Programme animal welfare. In 2017, a total of 1,326 Full Cross Ireland’s Rural Development Programme includes Compliance and 4,637 Animal Identification and a provision for a Knowledge Transfer programme Registration inspections were carried out in respect which is informed by experience with previous of the 1-3% requirement for Cross Compliance discussion groups including the Beef Technology inspections Adoption Programme (BTAP). The programme which commenced in 2016 moves away from the task-based Direct Payments approach of previous schemes and focuses on key Annual expenditure of almost €1.4 billion, on the policy priorities including profitability, environmental Basic Payment, Areas of Natural Constraints and sustainability, breeding and herd health. One to one Rural Environment Protection and Agri-Environment engagement between the KT Facilitator and farmer is Options schemes, was made by this Department to complemented by group discussion and the sharing of help achieve the objective of protecting farmers’ experience and information between participants. incomes and of maintaining the optimal number of family farms. Over €1,150 million was paid Over 19,000 farmers participated in the Programme to over 122,000 farmers under the 2017 Basic during 2017 attending meetings and produced a Farm Payment Scheme and €203 million was paid to Improvement Plan with their approved Knowledge 95,000 applicants under the 2017 Areas of Natural Transfer Facilitator. This Farm Improvement Plan Constraints scheme. These direct payments to includes Animal Health Measures completed with an farmers in 2017 were paid within the service delivery approved private veterinary practitioner. Payments on targets of the Farmers Charter and Action Plan. the programme commenced in October, 2017 with almost €14 million issued across all six KT Sectors by Beef Data and Genomics Programme year end. Payments are ongoing. (BDGP) Licensing The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) was approved as an agri environment scheme under the Import licence applications for 2017 increased by Rural Development Programme. It was launched in 13.2% over 2016 figures to 26,063. This was mainly April 2015. Funding of €300m has been allocated for due to new companies applying for poultry import the programme which runs for 6 years from 2015. In tariff quota licences and new poultry products 2017 a new tranche of the Programme, BDGP II, was requiring licences. launched and will cover the period 2017 – 2022.
It is expected that through the use of genotyping and data collection that farmers will be more easily able to identify the best breeding stock from which to source their replacement animals and that the selection of these higher quality animals will ultimately lead to a reduction in emissions from the agricultural sector in Ireland.
24,800 farmers are participating in BDGP I and II. Payments amounting to €38.2m issued to 21,295 participants in December 2017 in respect of 2017 scheme year and a further €6.4m was paid in respect of earlier scheme years. Payments will continue as herds become eligible.
In total, almost €130 million euro has been paid out by the BDGP for the three scheme years to date.
32 33 Customer Service
Table below indicates the progress achieved on the targets specified in the Customer Service Action Plan. Achievement of service delivery targets is predicated on correct scheme requirements and documentation being available.
2017 Performance on Customer Service Delivery Targets
SERVICE TARGET DELIVERY TIME 2017 PERFORMANCE Basic Payment Scheme EU Regulations provide that payments Advance payments commenced on shall be made once a year within 16.10.2017 with balancing payments the period 1 December to 30 June commencing on 1 December. By end of the following year. However, EU 2017 €1.150 billion had been paid to regulations also allowed for 70% over 98% of applicants advance payments from 16.10.2017. Balancing payments commenced on 1.12.2017 Areas of Natural Constraints While there is no regulatory payment Payments under the 2017 ANC date, it is generally accepted that mid/ scheme commenced, on schedule, late September is the earliest date during the week commencing 18 by which payments can start issuing; September 2017 with 75,000 farmers this is acknowledged in the Farmers’ being paid €160m. This is an increase Charter. of 10,000 farmers and €20m on the opening payments in September 2016.
As at 31 December 2017 €199.3m was paid to 92,940 (92%) applicants. Beef Data and Genomics Payments for a scheme year to Payments amounting to €38.2m Programme commence in December of the issued to almost 21,296 participants scheme year in December 2017 TAMS Issue of approval following receipt of 100% valid application within 3 months
Approval for payment following receipt of notice of completion of works and valid supporting documents within 3 months
Issue of payment following approval for payment within 6 weeks Forest Service Grant Annual forestry premium payments The vast majority of valid applications Schemes were paid from 1st January to for approval and payments are made applicants who used the Department within the targets as set out in the online system. The Annual bulk Farmers’ Charter payment run for paper based applications was carried out in April and payments in respect of both types of applications continued throughout the year.
33 Customer Service
Forestry Premium Scheme €26.80m paid in January 2017 bulk premium run in respect of 6,900 online applications
€18.98m paid in April 2017 bulk premium run (paper forms)
The total value of the 20,899 annual forest premiums paid in 2017 amounted to €72m of which: €39.35m was paid in respect of applications made online and €32.65m in respect of paper based applications. Compensation – Bovine TB TB and Brucellosis compensation to 97.1% of Reactor Grant Valuation Eradication and Brucellosis be paid within 3 weeks of the date compensation payments were made Monitoring Schemes of receipt of the required correct within 3 weeks of receipt of all the documentation or of eligibility as per required documentation and over terms and conditions. 99% were made within 8 weeks.
97.4% of Income Supplement, Depopulation and Hardship Grant payments were made within 3 weeks of receipt of the required documentation and over 99% were made within 8 weeks. BSE Scrapie BSE Compensation - 100% All applicants paid within the required paid within 21 days of receipt of time-frame completed documentation
Scrapie Compensation - 100% paid All applicants paid within the required within 21 days of receipt of final time-frame documents Rice 100% Import licenses 24 hours Milk & Milk Products Export licence 24 hours 100% Import licences 100% Tariff quota for unspecified countries of origin 5 working days 100% Non-quota preferential licence 5 working days 100% Tariff quota licence for specified countries 5 working days 100% General import licences 1 working day 100%
34 35 Scheme Operations
Tables below give operational details on the main schemes operated by the Department in 2017
2017 Payments
Scheme Applications received in Applications processed Payments made* € M 2017 in 2017 Basic Payment Scheme/ 123,498 121,939 1,150 Greening Areas of Natural 100,762 94,995 203.2 Constraints AEOS 2,246 1,800 16.197 Farm Waste Management 0 1 0.039 Afforestation Grant 2,281 2,214 22.34 Forestry Premium 20,983 20,899 71.99 Early Retirement 0 0 2.52 Farm Improvement 0 0 0 TB and Brucellosis 4,213 4,206 14.05 Compensation BSE Compensation 17 17 0.019 Scrapie Compensation 8 8 0.151 Beef Genomics Scheme 0 0 0 Beef Data and Genomics 0 24,800 44.65 Programme (BDGP) Investment Aid for 149 149 4.833 Commercial Horticulture Organic Farming Scheme 0 1,588 8.82 Scheme of Organic Grant 5 8 0.093 Aid TAMS (exc. Bioenergy) 6,167 4,159 31.3 Sheep Welfare Scheme 20,845 20,685 16 (represents advance payment at 85% *This column refers to all payments made in 2017 and this can involve commitments over and above applications processed in that year.
35 36 37 Strategic Goal 3 Policy and Strategy Provide the optimum policy framework for the sustainable development of the agri-food sector
37 EU Interactions
EU Interactions reflects the highly integrated nature of agri trade Malta and Estonia shared the role of the President between the two jurisdictions, built up on the basis of of the Council of the European Union in 2017 - trust, quality and confidence over many decades. Malta from January to June and Estonia from July to December. The main items discussed during 2017 by Within these export figures almost 50% of our beef Member States including Ireland, were the continued exports go to the UK, 22% of our dairy products, 47% market difficulties being experienced by farmers of our cheddar cheese, over 60% of our prepared across the dairy and livestock sectors, and CAP consumer food, and almost 100% of our mushrooms. simplification (with a particular emphasis on greening measures and other measures under the so-called Brexit also presents particular challenges for the Omnibus Proposal). Strengthening farmers’ position fisheries sector in the form of potentially restricted across the food supply chain was also a common access to fishing grounds and resources - on average, theme. Discussions also continued on a number 34% of Irish landings by volume and value are taken of legislative proposals, including organics, official from UK waters. For mackerel and prawns, which controls and plant health. account for nearly 50% of the total value of Irish fish quotas, 64% and 39%, respectively, are caught in the UK zone. UK Decision to leave the EU Work continued in 2017 to give effect to the UK’s The initial impact of the Brexit vote on the sector decision to leave the European Union on 30 March has been the effect of sterling volatility on those 2019, following the submission by Prime Minister businesses that have a significant trading relationship May of the Article 50 Notification of Withdrawal on with the UK, and this drop in currency value 30 March 2017. continues to have a negative impact. In the medium to long term, the threats from Brexit are likely to The decision of the UK to leave the EU has the include the possible introduction of tariffs on trade potential to significantly impact Ireland’s agri-food between the EU and UK and potential divergences and fisheries sectors. They are of critical importance in regulations and standards between both countries to the Irish economy, and their regional spread means post-Brexit. they underpin the socio-economic development of rural and coastal areas in particular. In 2017 some The challenges are being addressed through a range 38% (€5.2 billion) of Ireland’s total agri food exports of budgetary measures covering Competitiveness went to the UK while some 47% (€4.1 billion) of total and Market/Product Diversification. The measures agri-food imports came from the UK. This clearly included low cost loan schemes, new agri-taxation measures and increased funding under the Rural Development and Seafood Development Programmes, as well as additional grants to Bord Bia and Teagasc for market development and food innovation measures.
Shortly after the Brexit Referendum result Minister Creed established a Consultative Committee of Stakeholders to ensure a full exchange of information on the potential implications of a UK exit from the EU for the Irish agri-food and fisheries sectors. The work of this Committee continued throughout 2017 with the committee meeting on five occasions. These meetings were complemented by a further five sectoral gatherings hosted by Minister Creed under the All Island Civic Dialogue process.
These engagements afford the Minister and officials
38 39 EU Interactions
an opportunity to get a full understanding of the and private storage, and on import and export actual and potential challenges likely to be faced by licences. Simplification of regulations concerning stakeholders in the event of a hard Brexit and an import and export Tariff Rate Quota and ISAMM opportunity to fully update those stakeholders on the is ongoing. Following its commitment to carry out negotiation process. They also inform the extensive a review of the greening provisions after their first engagement that the Minister and officials conduct year of implementation, the Commission undertook on an ongoing basis with other Member States and a public consultation process in the first quarter of with the European institutions. 2016. The responses from this consultation formed the basis of the Greening simplification measures This EU engagement saw a series of ministerial announced at the Agri-Fish Council in July. Many of bilaterals with counterparts from, among others, the simplification proposals focused on changes to France, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, various rules relating to Ecological Focus Areas. Poland and Austria in the first half of 2017, as well as ongoing contacts during the year with the European Also part of the simplification process, the Omnibus Commission (including Commissioner Hogan) and the Proposal forms part of the European Commission’s Barnier Task Force (including Michel Barnier). mid-term review of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020. In addition to revising the general financial rules concerning multiannual Both EU and UK negotiators are aiming to have the programmes, the Omnibus Proposal includes negotiations on both the Withdrawal Agreement simplification-related changes to some primary CAP (which includes the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol) legislation, including the Direct Payments and Rural and the Future Relationship Framework concluded Development regulations. and agreed by October 2018 so that they can be referred to the European Parliament, the Member Common Fisheries Policy Reform States and the UK Parliament for ratification before The most recent Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), Exit Day of 30 March 2019. Work in this area in 2017 which is reviewed every ten years came into force concluded with agreement on the EU-UK Joint Report on the 1st January 2014 and will remain in place at of 8 December, and an assessment by the European least until the next review which is scheduled for Council that sufficient progress had been made on completion by the end of 2022. The overarching goal Phase One of the exit negotiations. of this policy is to ensure that fishing and aquaculture are environmentally, economically and socially CAP Post-2020 sustainable thus resulting in a competitive and viable The European Commission launched a 12 week seafood sector for all. public consultation process on CAP simplification and modernisation from February – May 2017. In Implementation of the key elements of this policy total 322,000 replies were received, with only 7% continued throughout 2017 at both EU and national describing themselves as being involved in farming; level. The latest multi-annual plan for demersal therefore over 312,000 were from non farmers with stocks in the North-Sea resulted in political specific interest groups such as BirdLife international agreement between the Council, the Commission and and European Environmental Bureau featuring the European Parliament in December 2017. This plan strongly in this regard. forms the basis for future plans, e.g. the North West Waters plan, which is extremely important from an The next stage in the CAP post 2020 process will be Irish perspective, and is expected to be adopted by the publication of the legislative proposals, which are the European Commission in the Spring of 2018. due to be published in June 2018. The discard ban or landing obligation, which is a CAP Simplification key element of the Common Fisheries Policy, is being phased in over a number of years and is due Simplification of the CAP continued in 2017. A to be fully implemented by 2019. The North West number of simplified market measures were adopted Waters Regional Group of Member States, (Ireland, in May, including regulations on public intervention Belgium, France, UK, Netherlands and Spain), set
39 EU Interactions
up to manage fisheries at a regional level under the on sale in Ireland and other affected EU Member Common Fisheries Policy, met regularly throughout States. 2017 to discuss various implementation issues and also to agree to additional measures to apply from The European Commission, in response to the the 1st January 2018 in preparation for the full situation, gave a commitment to undertake a review implementation of the Landing Obligation by the of the marketing standards with a view to a possible target date of January 2019. modification of the existing 12 week rule. In order to ensure harmonised implementation of the derogation The Common Fisheries Policy stipulates that period for “free range eggs” and to take account of fishing will be progressively managed at maximum recent and future prolonged epzootics, it was deemed sustainable yield (MSY) for all stocks by 2020 at necessary to clarify the start of the derogation period the latest. Fishing opportunities or TACs (Total and to provide for a longer derogation period. Allowable Catches) negotiated at the December 2017 Agriculture and Fisheries Council were negotiated Several meetings were held between the Commission and fixed in line with this objective and will bring and the CMO Expert Group, with a view to drafting a 53 out of 76 stocks for which data are available to Delegated Regulation regarding marketing standards Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) levels in 2018, as for free range eggs where hens’ access to open-air opposed to five stocks in 2009. The Minister secured runs is restricted. 215,534 tonnes of quotas worth €266 million for Irish fishermen for 2018. Forestry Sector At the regional level, in 2017 the Department Market situation continued to participate at Forest Europe which Market developments across the EU, particularly in is the platform for pan European forest policy the dairy, livestock and fruit & vegetable sectors, development and implementation. Preliminary work continued to be monitored closely in 2017. The towards re-engagement by Forest Europe members dairy market continued to exhibit signs of recovery. on negotiation of a Forest Europe Legally Binding Combined EU efforts in areas such as market Instrument on Forests in Europe continued in 2017 measures, direct aid and limited voluntary supply and is expected to be upscaled in 2018. control in conjunction with improved global supply and demand dynamics led to a more favourable EU At EU level, during 2017 Member States continued and global dairy market context. to address a range of issues such as illegal logging, deforestation and forest degradation through two A cohort of Member States retained recourse to core instruments under the Forest Law Enforcement, Skimmed Milk Powder (SMP) intervention but at Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan. These significantly reduced levels (circa 90% reduction) are the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) which prohibits compared to the same period in 2016. the first placement of illegal timber on the EU market and which requires all operators to apply robust due Market sentiment and prices for raw milk and diligence systems to ensure the legality of timber and commodities, particularly butter, improved across timber products placed on the EU market. Similarly the EU. The remaining challenge is in respect of the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade SMP, where large volumes remain in intervention and (FLEGT) Regulation also aims to ensure timber where market returns have remained relatively sedate legality through voluntary partnership agreements compared to upturns for other commodities. (VPAs) with developing countries but in this case as a border control measure. Timber imports to the EU Following serious outbreaks of avian influenza in from Indonesia now require FLEGT VPA licensing as the European Union in 2016/2017, the housing an EU border control measure. Upwards of 15 other restrictions for poultry flocks in many countries third countries are in the process of developing and including Ireland extended past the 12 week finalising FLEGT VPAs with the EU. derogation period, provided for in Commission Regulation (EC) No 589/2008. This resulted in In 2017, the Department continued to participate changes to the labelling of egg and poultry products at international level through the United Nations
40 41 EU Interactions
Forum on Forests (UNFF). Among the core themes A provisional deal was reached on both the LULUCF of importance considered at the UNFF were issues and ESR files in December 2017 with final adoption relating to inter alia global implementation of of both files expected in early 2018. The most sustainable forest management, halting deforestation significant elements of the provisional ESR agreement and forest degradation, monitoring, assessment and are: reporting, means of implementation and progress towards achieving forest related sustainable • Starting year 2019 and 5 months based on 2016- development goals under Agenda 2030 and under the 2018 average emissions. newly agreed UN Strategic Plan for Forests. • Use of LULUCF and ETS flexibilities (4% and 5.6% for Ireland respectively). Organic Farming Proposal • Cost effectiveness included in distribution of targets (Ireland’s target reduced from 39% to Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament 30%). and of the Council on organic production and labelling of organic products, repealing Council During 2017, the Department continued its Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 participation in the EU Agriculture, Forests and Other The Commission proposal, first submitted to Council Land Uses (AFOLU) team to promote and seek EU and the European Parliament in March 2014, sought agreement on the Agriculture, Forestry and Other to address identified weaknesses and outstanding Land Use approach to the treatment of the land issues in the existing legislation and provide for legal sector in UN climate change negotiations. certainty to allow the sector to develop. Organisation for Economic Cooperation The dossier has gone through a lengthy co-decision process with negotiations between Council and and Development (OECD) Parliament generating much technical and political The OECD Committee for Agriculture provides debate. In June 2017, the Maltese Presidency and an international forum for senior policy officials, the European Parliament reached a preliminary including Ireland represented by the Department, to agreement on the new regulation in the form of a share experiences and improve mutual understanding revised text. Member States endorsed the agreement of agriculture, trade and agri-environmental policies, and in November 2017, Parliament’s AGRI Committee and to enhance policy performance and effectiveness approved the agreed text. The European Parliament at both the domestic and the international levels. and Council will adopt the text in 2018 before The Committee produces two annual flagship publication in the Official Journal. The new regulation publications: the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook will enter into force on 1 January 2021. The long and the Agricultural Policy Monitoring and Evaluation lead in time is required to develop the detailed rules report (see publications below). As well as attendance via delegated and implementing acts and provide at the main Committee, the Department also operators with time to adjust to the new rules. participates in a range of related working committees.
Climate Action OECD Agriculture and Fisheries Home page: http://www.oecd.org/agriculture/ During 2017, discussions continued at EU level on the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions and OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook: removals from Land Use, Land-Use Change and http://www.agri-outlook.org/ Forestry (LULUCF) into the 2030 Climate and Energy Framework. OECD Agricultural Policy Monitoring and Evaluation: http://www.oecd.org/tad/agricultural-policies/ On 13 October 2017 the EU Environmental Council monitoring-and-evaluation.htm agreed a general approach for the Effort Sharing (ESR) and LULUCF Regulations. This enabled the start of trilogue negotiations to progress finalisation of the proposals.
41 International Interactions
World Trade Organisation 2017 that the Commission was preparing an offer in There was no outcome on the Agriculture file at relation to beef. On 28 September, the Commission MC11 in Buenos Aires in December 2017, and no circulated its draft offer for beef and ethanol to agreement on a future work programme. Member States, and this offer was subsequently presented to the Mercosur bloc during the round There was a minor result on Fisheries Subsidies, of negotiations in Brasilia, which took place from with a ministerial decision on a work programme. 2-6 October 2017. Further revised offers, which did Members agreed to continue to engage constructively not include beef or ethanol, were exchanged on 5 in negotiations with a view to adopting an agreement December. by the next Ministerial Conference in 2019 on comprehensive and effective disciplines that prohibit EU-Singapore certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to Negotiations for an EU-Singapore FTA were launched overcapacity and overfishing, and eliminate subsidies in March 2010. They were completed on 17 October that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated 2014 and the FTA entered the legal review phase. (IUU) fishing. However, the approval process by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament was put EU-US (TTIP) on hold pending the outcome of proceedings in The TTIP talks are on hold and it was thought that the European Court of Justice on whether the there might be more clarity on the approach the Commission had the necessary competence to sign current U.S. administration would take earlier this and conclude the agreement alone, or whether the year. A joint EU-US statement on progress to date participation of Member States was necessary in issued on 17 January 2017, and it was hoped that respect of certain aspects (mixed competence). the negotiations would recommence in 2017 in some guise. However, there has been no indication of On 16 May 2017, the European Court of Justice ruled these talks resuming yet. that the Singapore agreement could not be ratified at EU level without the approval of all Member States. It added that any trade deal that includes Canada CETA an out-of-court dispute settlement system would Following a process of legal review, the agreement require ratification by the EU’s 38 national or regional was signed on 30 October 2016. On 15 February parliaments. The Court ruled that some aspects of the 2017, the European Parliament gave its consent for EU-Singapore FTA, are ‘mixed competences’, meaning CETA and on the 21 September 2017 the agreement that the FTA as it stands will have to be ratified not provisionally entered into force. The outcome is a only by the EU but also by the 28 Member States. satisfactory one from an Irish perspective - although increased access to the EU market was granted for After considering this ruling the European Canadian beef, greater access to the Canadian market Commission is now going to change the architecture for EU beef and dairy products (notably cheese) was of future FTAs by splitting them into two categories, secured. investment and trade. An example of this is the new FTA negotiations with Australia and New Zealand, It will enter into force fully when all EU Member which will not have any provisions pertaining to States parliaments have ratified the agreement. investments.
EU MERCOSUR EU-Vietnam Several rounds of negotiations took place between In July 2015 the Commission announced a provisional the EU and Mercosur bloc during 2017 with the last agreement with Vietnam covering the full dismantling round of negotiations taking place in Buenos Aires in of 99% plus of tariffs over 7 years for EU and 10 years December. for Vietnam. On 1 February 2017, the preliminary text of the agreement was published on DG Trade’s 2017 saw a lot of activity in these negotiations website. with indications growing in August and September
42 43 International Interactions
Although the content of the FTA was already agreed States, including Ireland, feel that the Vietnam text - in 2015, ratification has been delayed by the 2017 with perhaps a little more ambition - would be a good opinion of the European Court of Justice on the EU- template for any future agreement. No future rounds Singapore FTA. The Commission and Council are now are scheduled. considering whether to modify the agreement so that parts of it can be ratified more speedily by the EU EU-Mexico alone. Five rounds of negotiations in the modernisation of the trade part of the EU-Mexico Global Agreement EU – Japan took place during 2017, with the last round on 12-22 On the 8 December 2017, the EU and Japan finalised December in Brussels. the Economic Partnership Agreement. The final legal text builds on the political agreement in principle EU-Australia/New Zealand reached at the EU-Japan Summit in Brussels in early The development of Free Trade Agreements July. between the EU and Australia / New Zealand is at an early stage. In June 2016, the Commission The agreement represents a major boost for the EU completed an external study and public consultation. agri-food sector, with considerable additional market Scoping papers in respect of each negotiation were access provided for in relation to beef, pigmeat and subsequently completed. They included a reference dairy (cheese) products. to the need to give due consideration to the particular sensitivities that each side may have, such After legal review and translation of the text into all as for certain agricultural goods, “including through official languages, the Commission will submit it for the use of long dismantling periods, tariff rate quotas the approval of the European Parliament and Member or any other specific treatment agreed by both sides”. States, with the aim for its entry into force before the end of the current mandate of the Commission in On 13 September 2017 the Commission published October 2019. its impact assessment with accompanying documents recommending the opening of negotiations. EU - China The aim of the proposed EU-China Investment The next step is that the Commission will ask agreement is to remove market access barriers to Member States to authorise the launching of investment and provide a high level of protection formal negotiations and to adopt the negotiating to investors and investments in EU and Chinese directives. Negotiations can start once the Council markets. It will replace the 26 existing Bilateral gives its approval. The Commission is ready to start Investment Treaties between China and individual negotiations and aims to finalise them before the end EU Member States with one single comprehensive of its current mandate. investment agreement. During 2016 the EU and China negotiators reached clear conclusions on an TRADE MISSIONS ambitious and comprehensive scope for the EU- China investment agreement and established a joint Minister Creed led a series of trade missions during negotiating text. 2017, beginning in February with the Gulf Region, visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United The 16th round of negotiations took place in Brussels Arab Emirates. This was followed by an extensive the week of 12 December 2017. With the 17th round Trade Mission to the US and Mexico in June - markets of negotiations scheduled to take place in Beijing the that offer many potential opportunities for Irish week of 16 April 2018. exporters.
EU-Philippines The last trade mission of 2017 was to Japan and Two rounds have taken place, with the most recent South Korea. Minister Creed was accompanied by 40 from 13 to 17 February 2017 in Cebu, Philippines. representatives of the Irish food sector, as well as by While these negotiations are only beginning, Member experts from his Department, the Chief Executive of
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Bord Bia and senior representatives from Enterprise • Improved soil carbon, soil health and soil Ireland and Teagasc. fertility under grassland and cropland as well as integrated systems, including water management; Inward trade visits • Improved nutrient use and manure management towards sustainable and resilient agricultural In addition to outward trade missions, the systems; Department hosted high level visiting delegations • Improved livestock management systems. from a wide range of countries in 2017, including China, Japan, South Korea, US, Australia, New This Department was actively involved on the EU Zealand, Mexico, Morocco, Uganda, Iran, Turkey and Agriculture, Forests and Other Land Uses (AFOLU) Ethiopia. team which participated in negotiations on issues related to agriculture at COP 23 to secure this European Forest Institute (EFI) decision. The Department is a member of the EFI, which conducts research and provides policy support on The decision known as the Koronivia Joint Work on issues related to forests. Ireland is an active member Agriculture is a major step which will help create an and supporter of a number of EFI initiatives. These enabling environment for countries and non-state include EFI’s Multi-Donor Trust Fund for policy actors to conduct activities in the agricultural sectors support and the EU REDD Facility which is hosted by that are key to achieving the objectives of the Paris EFI. During 2017 the Department was represented at Agreement. It represents a unique opportunity to Steering Committee level in respect of both of these start looking forward and taking action on the real initiatives. issues facing agriculture in the face of climate change. In particular how the understanding of EFI publications and reports are available at synergies between adaptation and mitigation can www.efi.int be enhanced, how this work can feed into the global stock take and contribute to the Intergovernmental Climate Change Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report on The historic Paris Agreement clearly recognises that agriculture and land use. efforts to limit global temperature increases to less than 2 degrees and to pursue 1.5 degrees must do so It is also worth noting that at COP 23 there was a in a manner that does not threaten food production. significant focus of side events related to agriculture and land use with specific days (eg: farmers day, For the first time in six years, a decision on agriculture agriculture day) which enhanced the interest in the was reached at COP 23 in November 2017. This Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture. It also helped decision recognises the role of agriculture in tackling with a better understanding of the importance of the climate change and achieving the ambitions of the contribution of agriculture and land use to the Paris Paris Climate Agreement. In particular noting Agreement goals. The Department actively followed these events.
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UN - World Food Programme (WFP) UN- Food and Agriculture Organisation The World Food Programme (WFP) is the United (FAO) Nations organisation responsible for the delivery of The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United food assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable Nations is mandated to help eliminate hunger, food people in the world. This Department is the lead insecurity and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry Department for the Irish Government’s relationship and fisheries more productive and sustainable, with the WFP. During 2017 the Department enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food continued its support for the vital work of the systems and increase the resilience of livelihoods United Nations WFP with a total core multilateral to threats and crises. The Department leads on the contribution of €14 million, which includes an Irish Government’s relationship with the FAO and advance on the final payment under Ireland’s current ensured that Ireland’s position on agricultural and Strategic Partnership Agreement with the WFP, development matters was well represented at various funding of €2.5m in line with the commitments made FAO meetings throughout the year. In addition by Ireland at the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016 to paying Ireland’s 2017 subscription of €1.94m and €1.5m to the WFP’s campaign on the crisis in to FAO, further extra budgetary funding of €2.7m the Kasai Province of Democratic Republic of Congo. was provided to the FAO in areas where FAO has a The 2018 advance contribution gives WFP the particular competence and which the Department flexibility to plan and target its funding in the most considers to be of strategic importance. strategic, efficient and effective manner. This support is particularly necessary in the context of the ongoing crisis in the Syria region, where part of the funding is targeted.
Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP) The AADP is a joint initiative with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Its objective is to develop partnerships between the Irish Agri-Food Sector and African countries to support sustainable growth of the local food industry, build markets for local produce and support mutual trade between Ireland and Africa. During 2017, the fund continued its work with three Irish companies, and also held another funding round in which five Irish Agri-food companies were successful. The chosen projects have the potential to create opportunities for Irish business and African farmers in areas such as increasing the quality of potato seed in Kenya and establishing a quality controlled chia seed supply chain in Uganda.
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Food Wise 2025 met four times in 2017 (March, May, June and Food Wise 2025 (www.agriculture.gov.ie/ October). foodwise2025/) sets out a ten year plan for the agri-food sector and is part of a series of rolling ten The Environmental Sustainability Committee year strategies for the sector, following on from Food established to monitor and drive the implementation Harvest 2020. Developed by a range of stakeholders, of the sustainability actions continued to meet during it underlines the sector’s unique and special position 2017. Supported by the Department, the Committee within the Irish economy, and it illustrates the held a grassland symposium on the role of sustainable potential which exists for growth. Food Wise 2025 grassland in Food Wise 2025.This event took the identifies ambitious and challenging projections for form of an open policy debate under the One Vision the industry over the next ten years including: Civil Service Renewal Programme.
• 85% increase in exports to €19bn; and Steps to Success 2017 • The creation of 23,000 additional jobs all along The second annual progress report of Food Wise the supply chain from producer level to high end 2025, entitled “Steps to Success 2017” (www. value added product development. agriculture.gov.ie/foodwise2025/foodwise2025- stepstosuccess2017/), was launched on 6 July 2017. Food Wise identifies the significant growth which Steps to Success 2017 outlines what the Department has occurred in the sector over the last few years and its agencies have achieved in year two and the and the future global opportunities from which plans for year three. Among the highlights of year Ireland is well placed to benefit including: the ending two are: of milk quotas; our reputation for food safety and controls; our natural competitive advantage in • Market openings secured for beef intended for sustainable grass-based production; and a world grinding in the US, reopening of Egyptian and class agri-food industry, all facilitated by support Israel market to Irish beef, enhanced access for from Government and its agencies. The sub-title of Irish beef to Saudi Arabia, beef and beef products Food Wise is “Local Roots, Global Reach”, reflecting to New Zealand and sheepmeat to Iran. the importance of gaining a deep understanding of • In June, the USDA announced that Irish beef sold what consumers, often in distant markets, really want, in the US from Bord Bia approved plants can and communicating those messages back to Irish carry the USDA quality mark, which guarantees farmers and food companies. Equally important is to that it has been raised on more than an 80% communicate key messages about what makes Irish grass diet; out to pasture for six-eight months food unique to the international market. a year, on a sustainable, fully traceable family quality-assured farm; and has been raised In addition to specific sectoral recommendations, without the use of growth hormones; and that Food Wise has five cross-cutting themes: antibiotics have been used responsibly. • The Department have commissioned Bord Bia • Sustainability to undertake a market profiling exercise for • Human capital potential third country and EU markets for Irish • Market Development exports in response to Brexit. This exercise will • Competitiveness feed into an intensified programme of trade • Innovation missions and other initiatives aimed at opening new markets and developing existing markets. Implementation process • The Department’s €150m Agriculture Cash Flow Support Loan in cooperation with the Strategic The implementation process for Food Wise is driven Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) was by the “High Level Implementation Committee” launched in January. (HLIC) and chaired by the Minister for Agriculture, • Progress on the Human Capital actions to Food and the Marine, with participation from other promote careers in the sector. relevant Government Departments and relevant State • The establishment of a ‘high level innovation agencies. The High Level Implementation Committee team’ to review current agri-food sector
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innovation capacity and better market innovation recommendations of CEDRA (Commission for the capability; Economic Development of Rural Areas) were funded by the Department over 2017 (see Figure below). Food Wise 2015 Q4 2017 Updates Total No of Actions: 368 Rural Innovation and Development Fund (CEDRA) 2017 Total Expenditure: €1.39m
50% €717,000
10%
1% 2.% €14,904
€189,627 €194,586
37% €277,393
Acǎon at commencement stage Food Waste Reducǎon Acǎon not yet commenced Other Target achieved Social Farming Substanǎal acǎon undertaken and ongoing Female Entrepreneurs Acǎon commenced and progressing Agri Food Tourism
Food Wise Conference: Challenge, An available fund of €1.5m was used to support the Ambition, Opportunity following areas: The Department hosted the successful conference, “Food Wise: Challenge, Ambition, Opportunity” • Rural Female Entrepreneurs: Funding has helped in Croke Park on 4 December, 2017. 580 people develop the ACORNS training programme which attended the event. The Conference provided a is now in its third year. The programme is aimed forum to review progress to date, understand the at providing early stage female entrepreneurs significant challenges ahead, including in particular living in rural Ireland with the knowledge, Brexit and environmental challenges, and renew the support and networking opportunities to Government’s commitment to provide an enabling advance the development of their businesses. environment for the sustainable growth of the sector. • Social Farming: A number of projects have been funded in this area to enable the design, The purpose of hosting the conference was: development and implementation of a national social farming network and a number of model • To acknowledge the achievements of the sector social farms across Ireland. The intention is in recent years under the Food Harvest 2020 to encourage and generate national benefits strategy and its successor Food Wise 2025, and for disadvantaged groups and to support farm • To assess and prepare for the challenges ahead. diversification in the rural community. • Agri-Food Tourism: This area, linked to actions in Rural Innovation and Development Fund Food Wise 2025, has provided funds to support both the development and expansion of agri- (CEDRA) food trails in rural areas with a view to targeting A range of projects under the Rural Innovation specific supports relevant for the local area and Development Fund (RIDF) linked to the development strategies.
47 National Policy Framework
• Food Waste Reduction: Funding has been (SBCI), and made €145m available to farmers provided to a number of projects to support throughout Ireland at low-cost interest rates of activities that relate to the promotion and/or 2.95%. Distributed and administered through AIB, development of innovative food waste reduction Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank, the Scheme provided techniques with associated environmental farmers with a low cost, flexible source of working benefits. capital, allowing them to pay down more expensive forms of short-term debt, ensuring the ongoing 2017 Action Plan for Jobs financial sustainability of viable farming enterprises. It was designed to assist in addressing the impact of The Department and its agencies contributed to the change in the sterling exchange rate and lower the Government’s 2017 Action Plan for Jobs by commodity prices in some agriculture sectors in undertaking nine headline actions. The specific 2016/17. The Scheme was launched on 31 January agri-food and marine actions in the 2017 Action and by the beginning of March, all of the participating Plan for Jobs aligned with the Food Wise strategy banks had reported that their funds were committed. for the sustainable growth of the sector over the next decade. Highlights include (i) providing specific The loans were available to all livestock farmers, support and advice to food and drinks companies on tillage farmers, horticulture producers and others the impact of Brexit, (ii) securing access to new third involved in primary agricultural production. The country markets for Irish meat and dairy products Department contributed €25m in total, including while maintaining access to existing markets and (iii) €11.1m from the EU’s ‘exceptional adjustment aid implementing supports for the fishing, aquaculture for milk and other livestock farmers’ and €14m in and seafood processing sectors. The agri-food sector national funding. SBCI used this €25m to leverage makes a significant contribution to employment, the fund. SBCI did not provide funding, but 8.6% of total employment or 173,400 jobs, mostly in (along with COSME, the EU programme for the rural areas. Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs) is providing the guarantee required to underpin the Access to Finance loan’s flexibility and lower the cost of the loans. The There continues to be a significant take-up of the SBCI have reported that the provisional drawdown specific agri-food funds provided by the main banks. totals for the Scheme is that there were 4,246 Data from the Central Bank shows that the ‘primary applications totalling €144,903,656, with an average industries’ sector (consisting of primary agriculture, loan size of €34,127 and an average loan period of forestry and fishing) continues to be a large 41 months. component of new Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) lending. Brexit Loan Scheme Minister Creed announced in Budget 2018 that, • The sector accounts for €863m, or 17% of all in partnership with his colleague the Minister for new loans in 2017, while primary agriculture Business, Enterprise and Innovation, they had agreed accounted for €790m of the total. to establish a new “Brexit Loan Scheme” which will • During the same period, new lending to Food and provide affordable, flexible working capital finance Beverage companies was €189m, or some 4% of to Irish businesses that are either currently impacted the total. by Brexit or who will be in the future. The new Brexit Loan Scheme aims to make up to €300m of working The Department, in cooperation with other State capital finance available to SMEs and mid-cap bodies, continues to explore additional funding businesses (up to 499 employees). Given their mechanisms and support for farmers and SMEs in the unique exposure to the UK market, the Department’s agri-food sector. funding (€9m out of total public funding of €23m) ensures that at least 40% of the fund will be available Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme to food businesses. The finance will be easier to The Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme access, more competitively priced (at a proposed was developed by the Department in co-operation maximum interest rate of 4%) and at more favourable with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland terms than current offerings. This will give Brexit-
48 49 National Policy Framework
impacted businesses time and space to adapt and to stamp duty, it means that lifetime transfers of grow into the future. land within families, whether by gift or sale, are strongly protected. An additional measure The Minister also announced that he had secured granting stamp duty relief to those qualifying funding of €25m for the Department to facilitate the under the Farm Restructuring Scheme was also development of new Brexit response loan schemes announced during 2018 for farmers, fishermen and for longer- • An important change to support environmental term capital financing for food businesses. sustainability and promote renewable sources of energy, that where farmers lease farm land for More information on access to finance and other solar panel use, it will be considered as eligible supports available is at http://www.agriculture.gov. for Agricultural Relief and Retirement Relief. ie/agri-foodindustry/agri-foodandtheeconomy/agri- • The continuation of measures to promote and foodbusiness/. support entrepreneurship, as evidenced by the increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit Agri-taxation by €200 to €1,150. Most farmers, foresters, fishermen and small food processors are self- While taxation policy is primarily the responsibility employed and will see their tax liability fall with of the Minister for Finance, the two Departments the increase in the tax credit. continuously liaise on agri-taxation matters with • The new “Key Employee Engagement specific policy objectives to 1) increase the mobility Programme” (KEEP) incentive to help employers and the productive use of land, 2) assist succession recruit and retain key employees. and 3) complement wider agriculture policies • The extension of the Sustainable Energy and schemes. The Agri-taxation Review has been Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) accelerated capital implemented over the past number of budgets, allowance scheme for energy efficient equipment strengthening existing agri-tax measures and to the end of 2020. introducing new measures. Support to the primary agriculture sector in Ireland through the taxation More information on agri-taxation, including a list of system has been estimated at some €350m per measures and the ‘Agri-taxation Review’, is available annum, demonstrating the strong commitment to the at www.agriculture.gov.ie/agri-foodindustry/agri- agriculture, fishing and forestry sectors. taxation/. Succession Farm Partnership Scheme Legislation In June, the Minister launched the Succession In 2017 The Department made some 46 statutory Farm Partnership Scheme. The Scheme provides instruments to underpin the Department’s activities for a €25,000 tax credit over five years to assist in almost all sectors within its remit. Details are with the transfers of farms within a partnership available at www.agriculture.gov.ie/legislation/ structure, promoting and supporting the earlier inter-generational transfer of family farms. It also Some of the more significant S.I.s made in 2017 encourages important conversations within farm include: families about succession planning.
• The Forestry Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 191 of Budget 2018 2017) which restructured the regulatory regime Budget 2018 included some important agri-taxation on foot of the commencement of the Forestry measures: Act 2014. This S.I. updated the legislation on the felling of trees, afforestation, forest road works, • “Consanguinity Relief from Stamp Duty” was aerial fertilisation and transposed Directive EU extended for inter-family farm transactions for 2014/52 on the environment as it relates to an additional three years, and the upper age limit forestry; of 67 for the transferor was removed. Coupled • The European Union (Agricultural or Forestry with the existing “Stamp Duty Relief for Young Vehicle Type Approval and Entry into Service) Trained Farmers”, which is a complete relief from Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 645 of 2017) which
49 National Policy Framework
revoked and updated previous legislation in trends, nationally and on a county by county relation to the type approval of Agricultural basis up until the end of 2016. It tracks forest and Forestry Vehicles and provided for the road building, thinning and clearfelling activity participation of the National Standards Authority as well as a range of other forest management in this process; operations. Trends in Roundwood prices also • The Veterinary Practice Act 2005 (Treatment by feature in the document as does information in non registered person) Regulations 2017 (S.I. relation to forest fire and pest damage No. 278 of 2017) which provided for greater cooperation between registered medical https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration practitioners and veterinary practitioners in forestry/forestservicegeneralinformation/ complex fields of medicine; ForestStatisticsIreland2017090318.pdf • The Registration of Farm Partnerships and Succession Farm Partnerships Regulations • Annual Review and Outlook for Agriculture, 2017 (S.I. No. 273 of 2017) which provided for Food and the Marine 2017 / 2018 the creation of farm partnerships on foot of This contained a broad range of analysis and provisions contained in the Finance Act. commentary relating to the performance of the agri-food sector. Statistical and Analytical Reports https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/ • ‘Woodflow and forest-based biomass energy use migration/publications/2017/AnnualReviewan on the island of Ireland (2016)’. dOutlookFinal270717.pdf This COFORD Connects Note provides the 2016 woodflows for the Republic of Ireland and for • Fact Sheet on Irish Agriculture. the island of Ireland, together with an analysis This regular analysis was reviewed, up-dated and of the use of forest-based biomass for energy disseminated widely in 2017. production. It is based on national wood harvest
and forest product trade data, compiled on https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/ behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food publications/2017/ and the Marine
• Brexit Fact Sheet http://www.coford.ie/media/coford/content/ This regular analysis was produced, up-dated and publications/2016/00795CCNWoodflowPP disseminated during 2017. 48Web070318.pdf
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/ • Forest Statistics - Ireland 2017 publications/2017/ The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has the responsibility for the collection and publication of forest statistics. The 2017 publication provides statistics about afforestation
50 51 National Policy Framework
Aggregate Farm Income
Overview of 2017 Agricultural Output According to the CSO Preliminary Estimate of Output, Input and Income in Agriculture, 2017, aggregate farm income (operating surplus) increased by 35.2% to €3,497.6 million in 2017. This follows an increase of 3.6% in 2016. The overall value of goods output by the sector increased by 13.6%, or €958.3 million, to €8,016.2 million. Intermediate consumption increased by 2%, to €5,203 million.
Output, Input & Income in Agriculture, 2016/2017 2016 2017 % Change (Value) 2016/2017 Value €m Value €m Goods Output at Producer Prices 7,057.9 8,016.2 +14% Agricultural Output at Basic Prices 7,419.6 8,378.5 +13% Intermediate Consumption 5,103.4 5,203.0 +2% Gross Value Added at Basic Prices 2,316.1 3,175.5 +37% Fixed Capital Consumption 812.7 812.7 Net Value Added at Basic Prices 1,503.4 2,362.8 +57% Other Subsidies Less Taxes on Production 1,592.1 1,649.6 +4% Factor Income 3,095.5 4,012.5 +30% Compensation of Employees 507.7 514.8 +1% Operating Surplus 2,587.9 3,497.6 +35% Source: CSO - Output, Input & Income in Agriculture Preliminary Estimates 2017
51 Research and Innovation
National Research Programme grant contribution from the Department/Teagasc). The Department operates three competitive research The ERA-GAS initiative will result in enhanced funding programmes, Food Institutional Research cooperation and better alignment of national research Measure (FIRM), Research Stimulus Fund (RSF) and priorities, and have the scale and scope necessary to the Programme of Competitive Forest Research for maximise the impact of GHG research activities in Development (CoFoRD). Over the last seven years, Europe. some €125m has been invested in agri-food, marine and forestry research through these programmes. The US-Ireland R&D Partnership is a tri-jurisdictional The Department also monitors and evaluates progress alliance between Ireland, Northern Ireland and the on all on-going projects which have received research United States whose aim is to promote collaborative grant awards under FIRM, RSF and CoFoRD. A Call for innovative research projects which create value above Research Proposals was launched in late 2017 and an and beyond individual efforts. A new pilot initiative innovative feature of the 2017 Call was the provision to expand the partnership to include Agriculture of co-funding by the Department of Agriculture, was instigated in 2016 by the Department, DAERA Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Northern and the National Institute for Food and Agriculture Ireland to allow three NI-based research organisations (NIFA) – a federal agency within the United States collaborate with their southern counterparts on Department of Agriculture. On foot of this initiative, applications in selected topic areas. the first award under the Agriculture pilot was made in 2017 for a tri-jurisdictional project that aims at using next generation DNA sequencing methods Irish Research Council (IRC) Partnership to develop accurate diagnostics that can predict During 2017, the Department continued its pneumonia disease susceptibility/resistance in cattle partnering arrangement with the IRC on their (BRDC-Seq). A new US-Ireland R&D Partnership Call Employment Based Postgraduate Programme, in Agriculture was also launched in 2017 the results by funding two projects in the area of agri-food. of which will be known in 2018. This programme allows companies to partner with research institutions to undertake a specific in-house Horizon 2020 programme of research part-funded by themselves and the State. Horizon 2020 (2014-20) is the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. The Department and the Marine Institute (MI) are Other Transnational Initiatives responsible for Societal Challenge 2 (SC-2) funding In 2017, the Department continued to use funding programme of Horizon 2020 which has a fund of under its competitive research programmes to enable €3.8 billion - including €850m allocated to the Irish researchers to participate in collaborative Bio-based Industries (BBI) Joint Undertaking. The transnational partnerships through selected Department and MI provide National Delegates (ND) European Research Area Networks (ERA-Nets) and and National Contact Points (NCP) for SC-2 which the US-Ireland R&D Partnership Programme in covers Agri-food, Forestry and Marine activities, Rural Agriculture. Development and the Bioeconomy and also provides a representative to the BBI States Representative A notable highlight in 2017 was the EU Joint Group. The Government has set a national drawdown Programming Initiative on Agriculture, Food Security target of €1.25 billion for Horizon 2020 including the and Climate Change (FACCE-JPI) that brought drawdown target of €77m (2%) from the SC2 budget together 14 of its member countries in a European which, by 2017, Ireland was on target to achieve. Research Area Network Cofund for Monitoring & The Irish drawdown from the BBI & SC-2 funding Mitigation of GHG’s from Agri- and Silvi-culture programmes for 2017 was €2million. (ERA-GAS). Ireland, through both Teagasc and the Department, played a central role in the coordination, Codex Alimentarius management and evaluation processes for this Call which resulted in funding of €14.1m for ten projects, Ireland’s active participation in Codex continued in with Irish partners involved in five of them (four of 2017. The Department continues to operate the Irish the Irish partnered project benefited from a €1m Codex Advisory Committee (ICAC), which met twice
52 53 Research and Innovation
in 2017 and afforded the main stakeholders in Ireland an opportunity to contribute to the formulation of the Irish position on all Codex issues. Officials from the Department, other Government Departments and State Agencies represented Ireland at 8 sessions of different Codex Committees in 2017 and related EU Council Working Party meetings reflecting the mix of expertise required to deal with the complex range of issues under discussion. The Department made a significant contribution of €500,000 to the Joint FAO/WHO Codex Trust Fund. The Codex Trust Fund supports developing and transitioning countries to build strong, solid and sustainable national capacity to engage in Codex activities.
European Innovation Partnerships The EIP initiative funds co-operation between different stakeholders including farmers, researchers, advisors and businesses who form an Operational Group, which brings together farmers, researchers, advisors and agri businesses together to identify innovative solutions to particular challenges.
In August, 2017 the second of two Open Calls under the European Innovation Partnerships Initiative (EIP) issued. Sixty nine proposals were received in the Department by October, 2017 for consideration by the evaluation committee.
An overall funding package of €24 million has been set aside to support EIPs under these two calls
53 Food and Drink Sector
Overview Pudding (PGI). The Sneem Black Pudding application The agri-food sector continued to play a vital role has completed National Consultation and is awaiting in Ireland’s economy in 2017 with agri-food exports PGI registration on the successful completion of the accounting for 11% of total exports, €13.6 billion in European Consultation. total representing an increase of 74% since 2009. Implementation of EU Regulation The UK remained Ireland’s largest agri-food export destination, with exports totalling €5.2 billion in 2017 110/2008 – verification visits or 38% of total exports (a 7% increase on 2016). Following the submission to the European Exports to the EU (excluding the UK) and the Rest Commission of technical files for Ireland’s three of the World both totalled €4.2 billion in 2017, each protected spirit drinks geographical indications accounting for 31% of total exports. The top three (GIs) - Irish Cream, Irish Poitin and Irish Whiskey - a export categories in 2017, were Dairy Produce, Beef tailored verification system was established in 2015. and Beverages accounting for over €8 billion of total Verification checks for Irish Cream are carried out by worldwide exports. The agri-food sector also makes a the Department and those for Irish Poitin and Irish significant contribution to employment, 8.6% of total Whiskey by the Revenue Commissioners. The three employment or 173,400 jobs, mostly in rural areas. spirit drinks are protected on an all-island basis.
Spirit Drinks Applications for verification is required for premises involved in the brewing, fermentation, distillation, Highlights of 2017 maturation, bottling and labelling of these spirit In 2017 Irish Whiskey exports continued to grow drinks. Under Regulation 110/2008 a charge is and exceeded €575m for the first time and brought required for these visits. cumulative growth of the category to over 100% in the five years since 2012. The most important market In 2017, the Department received applications from was the United States. six premises involved in Irish Cream production while
Irish Whiskey 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Total exports €m 276,032 316,916 348,067 442,427 503,764 576,189 Exports to United States €m 122,129 147,161 165,397 233,343 291,049 340,866
Together with Irish Cream exports, which were valued the Revenue Commissioners carried out verification at €326m, this represented a major contribution checks on forty Irish Whiskey premises. In addition by Irish spirit drinks to the export performance of they also carried out verification checks on eleven Ireland’s food and drinks industry. Irish Poitin premises.
Geographical Indication Schemes for Food Food Competitiveness Fund (GIs) The Department provides funding to Enterprise Within the EU the PDO (Protected Designation of Ireland to assist food companies to improve Origin), PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) and competitiveness through: TSG (Traditional Specialities Guaranteed) schemes offer potential to recognise quality foods that are (i) lean manufacturing programmes linked to a geographical region. During 2017, the (ii) leadership development at CEO and 2nd tier Department worked with a number of proposers management level to develop applications, and to progress existing (iii) training and expressions of interest. Ireland currently has 7 (iv) €5,000 innovation vouchers used by companies registered food GIs - Oriel Sea Salt (PDO) and Oriel to commission research from universities, Sea Minerals (PDO), Blaa/Waterford Blaa (PGI), Teagasc and Institutes of Technology. Connemara Hill Lamb (PGI), Clare Island Salmon (PGI), Imokilly Regato (PDO), and Timoleague Brown Expenditure on these measures in 2017 amounted to
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€1.95 million, a minimal decrease from 2016. Large implementation of the Food Dudes programme since projects are completed over a year or more. it was first rolled out in Ireland in 2005. It is the Department of Agriculture’s/Ireland’s programme of Beef and Sheep-Meat Capital Investment implementation of the EU School Fruit and Vegetables Scheme Scheme and has operated in Ireland through this EU funding since 2009. Food Dudes aims to increase Residual payments under the Scheme, which is sustained fruit and vegetable consumption amongst managed by Enterprise Ireland and funded by the primary school children through repeated tasting Department, amounted to €2.46 million in 2017. of fruit and vegetables over a 16 day intervention It is a significant increase from the previous year as period with the support of accompanying measures all projects are practically fully completed at this in the form of role models (Food Dudes Heroes) stage. The Scheme funded investments, which were and small rewards. In the 2016/17 school year, selected on a competitive basis, to improve efficiency 129,019 children and 825 schools participated in the and add value to primary processing. programme.
EU Promotion Programmes for Agricultural School Milk Scheme Products The School Milk Scheme has operated in Ireland
since 1982 with the aim to promote and encourage EU regime the consumption of milk among school children. The The new policy (2016), with a tag-line ‘Enjoy, It’s from School Milk Scheme is run by the Department and is Europe’, aims to assist agri-trade bodies in opening managed by the National Dairy Council in conjunction markets and diversifying trade partners as well with participating Cooperatives and Local Authorities increasing consumer awareness of the efforts of EU with the financial support of the EU. Since 2017, the farmers. EU funding between 50% to 70% is available School Milk Scheme has merged with the School Fruit with optional national funding of 20 %. and Vegetables Scheme enabling an improved and more effective Scheme. A call for proposals issued in February 2017 and submissions were evaluated by the new EU Artisan, Local and Speciality Food Consumer, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive In 2017, the development of artisan, local and Agency (CHAFEA). A Bord Bia proposal for €2.025m speciality food was advanced through measures for a Mushroom programme in the UK and Ireland supported by the Department, Bord Bia and Teagasc. was among those selected for funding commenced The Department funded €32,400 in bursaries for 18 in January 2018. As it is a single agency programme, students undertaking the annual Diploma in Speciality the Department will be the EU paying agency. Food Production in University College Cork. The Multi-Member State programmes will be managed by Diploma meets skills recommendations in FoodWise CHAFEA. 2025. It combines insights into the challenges of creating a small food enterprise, the skills required to There are a number of Programmes currently running; make a business successful and essential elements “Milk Moments”; “Cheese Up Your Life”; European Lamb of food science. Students include speciality food “Tasty Easy Fun” Potato – “More than a bit on the side” producers, farmers who wish to add value to their and European Beef and Lamb – “Excellence in Food farm produce, small retailers who wish to expand into Safety & Sustainability” organic and other artisan food producers, restaurants and chefs. Teagasc, Bord Bia and the FSAI provided Food Dudes Programme/School Fruit & modules on marketing, food science and food safety. Vegetables Scheme The Food Dudes Programme is an evidence-based Approval was secured in 2016 for funding for incentivised behaviour changing programme four years, up to 2019-2020, which will enhance developed by the Food and Activity Research Unit, strategic planning. A sustainability course module was Bangor University, Wales. Under its’ horticulture developed for the 2017-2018 year. remit, Bord Bia manages and oversees the
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Labelling to develop new standards, to improve existing EU Regulations on wines, spirit drinks, aromatised standards and to ensure timely and efficient auditing wines, fruit juice, coffee, chocolate, jams, jellies and and certification of members of QA schemes. marmalades set out product-specific labelling rules to Safeguarding the integrity of the schemes requires ensure authenticity and to protect both consumers continual review and systems improvement and producers. During 2017, the Department carried particularly given high membership and industry and out checks at retail level to ensure that product labels public recognition. were in conformity with these Regulations and with general labelling requirements as prescribed by the The Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme Regulations on the provision of Food Information (BLQAS) was renamed the Sustainable Beef & Lamb to Consumers. Discussions within EU, initiated Assurance Scheme (SBLAS) in April 2017 reflecting a information workshops, seminars and training courses number of sustainable measures. At farm level Origin strongly identified the increase and prevalence Green (Ireland’s national sustainability programme of internet fraud against EU registered PDO and for the food and drink industry is supported by the PGI products in the Food and Drink sector. The Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme which Department has been proactively examining potential incorporates a number of sustainability measures. A online evocation and misinformation on Irish websites model to measure the carbon footprint of farms was and social media. This has led to mutual cooperation developed in 2011 with Teagasc and The Carbon and recognition from counterparts in other Member Trust and has PAS 2050 (Publicly Assured Systems) States. The Department has also coordinated multi- status. This is the first national QA programme agency responses to requests and queries from other globally to track environmental criteria in parallel Member States. with regular QA monitoring. On farm inspections take place every 18 months. Teagasc has also developed a Carbon Navigator which can assist farmers to identify Bord Bia and reduce their carbon footprint and production Bord Bia supported Irish food and drink companies costs. This is currently being rolled out under the Beef with market insight and expertise as they sought to Genomics Scheme. The sustainability measures in the build long-term trading relations in export markets Bord Bia Beef QA scheme are central to the priority in the UK, continental Europe and internationally. given to sustainability by major purchasing companies Bord Bia’s strategic framework “Making a World of at home and abroad. Difference 2016-2018“ set out five pillars supporting its programmes and services, which will contribute to The Scheme received €6.1m in Department funding delivery of the Food Wise 2025 export targets. These in 2017 to fund independent farm inspections and are: certification. By the end of 2017 - 51,554 herds were certified, representing over 90% of all beef herds (i) Informed by consumer insight in Ireland. The scheme is also configured to meet (ii) Enabled by valued people, talent and international standard ISO 17065 with Irish National infrastructure Accreditation Board (INAB) accreditation and (iii) Underpinned by Origin Green independent verification. (iv) Realised by effective routes to market and increased business conversion Origin Green (v) Supported by strong brand communications in the digital age The Origin Green sustainability programme operates on a national scale, linking the entire food and drink sector and is an important deliverable of FoodWise Sustainable Assurance Schemes 2025. Origin Green incorporates measurement Bord Bia runs Quality Assurance Schemes for beef, processes that ensure companies have the lamb, dairy, pigmeat, poultry eggs and horticulture. information and a framework to enhance sustainable The Bord Bia Quality logo denotes that products practices. have been produced to the QA specification and this provides a platform for promotion to increase By the end of 2017, over 570 companies had signed consumer awareness. Bord Bia works continuously up and registered to Origin Green, with 272 of these,
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representing over 90% of food and drink exports, fully verified members. This means they have committed to a minimum of six sustainability targets under the Origin Green Charter and have had their sustainability plans independently verified by international auditors, SGS. Their progress is reviewed annually to ensure they are making progress to reach their goals. In addition to producers and processors, Origin Green now has six verified members in its retail and food service programme: Lidl Ireland, Musgraves, Sodexo Ireland, McDonalds Ireland, Compass Ireland and HMS Host Ireland.
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MEAT participants and represented an advance payment rate of 85%. Balancing payments will issue in Q2 2018. Beef Production and Trade The beef market in 2017 showed significantly The scheme represents a clear acknowledgement of improved performance on 2016. Beef exports the contribution the sheepmeat sector makes to the increased by 1.7% in terms of volume and by 5% to Irish agri-food sector, which in 2016 saw an increase €2.5bn in value. in exports of sheepmeat of 3% in volume and 4% in value terms to €240 million supporting some 35,000 The downward trend in live animal exports recorded farm families directly, as well as providing several in 2016 was reversed during 2017. Live exports of thousand jobs indirectly in rural areas. all livestock are estimated to have increased by 21% in 2017 to €175m, with €115m of these accounted Under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) for by the live cattle market. Up to the beginning of 2014-2020 provision has been made for improving December 2017, cattle exports have totalled almost efficiency and profitability in sheep production 181,000 head, which represents an increase of 34%, under the Knowledge Transfer measure which or 46,000 head, on 2016 levels. The opening up of has a budget of €100m. The experience in the the Turkish market in 2017 impacted very positively. Sheep Technology Adoption Programme (STAP) has informed the development of this measure. In Beef Policy Developments addition to profitability, the emphasis is on the key Minister Creed hosted a meeting of the Beef Forum issues of business skills, environmental sustainability during 2017 with key stakeholders from the Irish beef and herd health, with increased interaction between sector to discuss how best to future proof the sector individual farmers and advisors in order to customise by formulating a cohesive approach to dealing with information exchange. The Knowledge Transfer ongoing challenges. Programme for the sheep sector was launched in 2016. Over 4,000 farmers participated in Year One S.I. 49 of 2016 governing the establishment of of the Knowledge Transfer Sheep Programme which Department approved Producer Organisations was concluded in August, 2017. brought into force in order to encourage collaborative working at producer level in order to increase 2017 Market Access bargaining power. Very significant progress was made on a wide range of market access issues in 2017 including: Sheep sector Sheep numbers reached a ten year high at 2.94 • The re-opening of the Egyptian market for Irish million head in 2017. Sheepmeat export volumes rose beef from a number of establishments by 14% to 57,000 tonnes, coupled with a minor fall • The signing of a Protocol on the export of frozen in prices, which yielded an overall growth of 12 % boneless beef from Ireland to China between in value terms to almost €275m. France and the UK Minister Creed and the Minister for AQSIQ, Zhi remain the largest markets for Irish sheepmeat. Shuping, in Dublin in April • The agreement of a veterinary health certificate The new Sheep Welfare scheme, which was included and the approval of pigmeat plants for the export in the Programme for Government and launched in of Chilled/Frozen Pork from Ireland to Chile. December 2016, completed its first year in 2017. • The revision of the veterinary health certificate The scheme provides support of €10 per ewe to for the export of beef to Singapore. The new farmers with breeding ewe flocks and will run for a certificate provides for the export of boneless 4 year period up to 2020. The scheme is renewable beef derived from cattle of all ages as well as annually. bone-in beef from cattle aged less than thirty months. The first advance payment under the scheme, issued • The agreement of a revised veterinary health in November 2017. €16 million was paid to 20,685 certificate for the export of beef from Ireland to Saudi Arabia. The new certificate will cover
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the export of beef and processed beef products & Mexico and Japan & South Korea. An including minced beef and cooked beef. application for pigmeat access in Mexico • The agreement of a veterinary health certificate was submitted, an application for sheepmeat for the export of frozen bovine tripe from Ireland access to Japan is underway as well as slow to Namibia. but steady progress in relation to beef access • Agreement was reached with the South African in South Korea. authorities on a number of changes to the certificate for the export of beef from Ireland to PIGMEAT South Africa. There is no longer a requirement The pigmeat sector had a solid 2017 with the total that animals aged over 72 months be tested for value of exports growing to €790 million; an 8% BSE. increase on 2016. Clear evidence of the accurate • A total of five successful incoming inspection direction and focus of the Food Harvest 2020 and visits were hosted in 2017 on meat market Food Wise 2025 strategies is underlined by the access as follows: growth in export values from €330 million in 2010 • Japan – February 2017 in relation to beef which represents growth of almost 140% over that and sheepmeat eight year period. • South Korea – June 2017 in relation to beef access Trade to the UK, the largest destination for Irish • China (CNCA) – August/September 2017 in pigmeat products, grew by 8% to €445 million last relation to beef access year. Growth to third country markets - which now • USA (FSIS) – September 2017 in relation to accounts for 25% of total value - was also strong beef and pigmeat rising to €199 million. China is now the largest • Chile – November 2017 in relation to beef third country market with exports of €102 million; a access threefold increase in value since 2012. • All of these inspection visits were crucial either in relation to the maintenance of existing market Irish pig supplies at meat export plants rose by 1.2 access or to seeking new market access. For % to almost 3.3 million head compared to 2016. The example, significant progress was made along combination of genetic improvements coupled with the path towards beef market access for China stronger producer prices throughout most of the year including both the signing of the Ministerial resulted in higher carcase weights. This saw overall Protocol and the CNCA inspection visit. pigmeat production around 4% higher at 277,000 • In April 2017, the Minister launched a 7 Point tonnes. Action Plan on Intensifying market access efforts and work commenced on a range of those On the price front 2017 was a mixed year for the actions: sector, with prices falling towards the end of the • Bord Bia undertook a major data based year, as demand from China lost momentum and US market profiling exercise for potential third- production reached record highs. Chinese demand is country markets for Irish exports. The initial expected to stabilise in 2018 as reconfiguration of the results were launched at the Food Wise pig sector in China gathers pace. conference in December and will help inform the Department’s market access work. Domestic demand for pork remained strong last • Work commenced on a website portal year with consumption of pork by Irish consumer with information on market access and up over 1% on 2016. Growth in EU markets, where certification conditions across meat and demand for Irish produce grew by as much as 30% other products. during 2017, will also provide opportunities for • An intensified programme of trade missions further market diversification to mitigate the potential to promote Irish food and drink on EU consequences of Brexit. and third country markets is underway. Meat market access was also a significant component of the three Ministerial Trade Pig Implementation Strategy Group Missions in 2017 to the Gulf States, USA The Pig Implementation Strategy Group met
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four times during 2017. Chaired by Dr. Sean 2017 saw Irish egg companies continuing to secure Brady, the group oversees implementation of the increased market access for hen eggs into third recommendations set out in the 2016 report of the countries in the Middle East. There were 269 Pig Industry Stakeholder Group. The report, which consignments (more than 7 million eggs) of Irish contains over 60 recommendations, addresses a produced hen eggs exported for sale at retail level in number of challenges for the pig sector under a wide these Middle Eastern countries. range of themes including Bio-Security, Animal Health & Welfare, Quality Assurance, Veterinary Medicines, Over 800 farms are involved in commercial poultry and Salmonella Control. production in Ireland, broken down between poultry for meat, egg production, breeding farms and Pig Salmonella Control Programme hatcheries. The industry supports around 6,000 jobs, primarily in rural areas. Under the Pig Salmonella Control Programme monthly samples are taken at factories for all producers who Over 95.5 million birds were slaughtered in export- supply more than 200 pigs for slaughter per annum. approved plants during 2017, 87 million of which Over the course of 2017 almost 20,500 samples from were chickens. This represents a 5.25% increase in 361 herds were taken and tested in order to provide production over 2016. Egg exports also increased in up to date results for both farmers and processors on value by over 22% in 2017. salmonella prevalence.
Ireland now exports poultry products to almost 40 POULTRY AND EGGS international markets and export values increased by 4.5% to €295m in 2017. The UK accounts for The Department’s Poultry official control programme over 80% of export volumes and value although this seeks to verify compliance by Food Business figure shifted downwards somewhat during 2017 Operators with EU food safety and authenticity law. suggesting some diversification in export markets. A growing understanding and utilisation of so-called Official controls on egg producers and poultrymeat 5th Quarter products, such as feet, together with producers are implemented through inspections of international demand for cuts which are not in Food Business Operators (FBOs) in order to verify demand domestically, will ensure the continuation of their compliance with food safety and authenticity export opportunities for the sector. legislation. Almost 2,500 inspections were undertaken on poultry meat and egg establishments Over 200 poultry farmers participated in Year One in 2017 under Food Hygiene and Marketing of the Knowledge Transfer Poultry Programme which Standards legislation. 297 egg samples were sent for concluded in August, 2017. Payments commenced in various analyses in 2017. October 2017 and are ongoing.
At the end of 2017, there were a total of 248 hen MILK egg units registered with this Department, a slight increase on the 2016 figure. Dairy Markets The key challenges for the dairy sector were price Summary of Current Hen Egg Producer Categories in volatility, market turbulence, and balancing product 2017 supply with demand. Strong global demand and Hen Egg Producer Registered Total Hen demographic trends demonstrate longer-term Category Units Places positive potential for milk and dairy products Free Range 172 42% internationally, notwithstanding factors such as the ongoing Russian Ban, volatility in global and Chinese Enriched Caged 36 54% demand, along with adverse weather conditions Organic 33 3% experienced in regions of Europe and Oceania, Barn 7 1% coupled with sustained production increases among key global producers. Total 248 100%
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The overall dairy sector in Ireland during 2017 was CROPS in a much better place compared to previous years of uncertainty in the marketplace and other challenges Cereals felt in farming communities. Positive growth in market The overall production of cereals for the country was returns for milk and dairy products was reflected in estimated to be close on 2.3 million tonnes for 2017 favorable farm-gate prices of approximately 36.4 which is a slight increase on 2016. This increased cents per litre (yearly average, including VAT and production was achieved despite a 14% decrease bonuses paid). in the area being sown to cereals in 2016. A similar level of production was maintained through increased Irish milk production in 2017 approached 7.5 billion yields across all cereal crops harvested in 2017. litres, up from 6.8 billion litres in 2016 and an increase of almost 50% on the 2007-2009 average (Food The total cereal area harvested in 2017 was Harvest target). This is primarily on foot of strong 263,000ha representing a fall of 14,000ha from 2016. prices and good weather throughout 2017. The area of winter barley exceeded winter wheat for the second successive year. In 2017, Ireland exported dairy products to approaching 140 countries with a value exceeding Area, Yield and Production of Cereals 2017* €4.6 billion, an increase of over 17% compared to 2016, representing high-quality value-added Area, Yield and Production of Cereals 2017* produce. Infant Formula products are key products Area (000 Yield (t/ha) Production to the sector, accounting for over €1.2billion of dairy ha) (000 exports, as well as base powders for final product to tonnes) be produced in other countries. Wheat 64.9 658 EU Market Measures Winter 58.5 10.37 606 Dairy commodity prices on European and global Spring 6.4 8.08 52 markets experienced particular turbulence during 2017, with butter prices reaching record highs while Barley 174.4 1442 SMP returns fell below intervention price, alongside Winter 63.3 9.10 576 a significant quantity of European SMP stocks in public intervention as a result of poor returns during Spring 111.1 7.80 866 previous years. Efforts by the European Commission to stabilize the market were supported by Minister Oats 23.7 198 Creed and officials from the Department. Winter 14.0 8.92 125 EU market support measures continued throughout Spring 9.7 7.51 73 the intervention period during 2017. Public intervention stocks of SMP at January amounted to Totals 263 2298 approx 348,000 tonnes, with an additional 27,000 tonnes offered to buying-in during the year bring the Source: Teagasc Estimated Cereal Production 2017 cumulative total across the EU to approx 376,000 *refers to all production, which is subsequently sold or tonnes at the end of the year. Ireland has at all times used alternatively, typically for feed insisted that the Commission act responsibly in the disposal of stocks, and that these stocks be managed in a prudent manner.
Minister Creed hosted the fifth meeting of the Dairy Forum during 2017 with key stakeholders from the Irish dairy sector to discuss how best to future-proof the sector by formulating a cohesive approach to dealing with ongoing challenges.
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Fertiliser and Lime Inspection Programme • Enhanced Knowledge Transfer The sale of fertiliser and lime in Ireland is regulated • Simplification of the regulations for improved by both EU and Irish legislation. This legislation implementation ensures that products are labelled accurately and • Targeting soil fertility and nutrient use efficiency meet minimum nutrient requirements. As part of the improvement fertiliser and lime inspection programme for 2017 a total of 238 samples were taken at manufacturer’s 2017 Nitrates Derogation premises (168 fertiliser samples and 60 lime samples). The Nitrates Directive requires that farmers comply 620 individual analyses were carried out for fertilisers with a stocking rate limit of 170 kgs of which resulted in an out of tolerance of 2.8%. 240 Nitrogen (N) from livestock manure per hectare per individual lime analyses were carried with a result of year (the equivalent of two dairy cows/ha). 7,014 5.7% out of tolerance. farmers applied for the derogation in 2017, a 3%
Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 Nitrogen (tonnes) 1,365,762 1,359,511 1,377,754 1,510,972 (-6%) (-0.46%) (+1.34%) (+9.6%) Phosphorous(tonnes) 778,409 798,303 805,600 899,337 (-6%) (+2.56%) (+0.9%) (+11.6%) Potassium (tonnes) 795,158 807,175 815,204 911,933 (-5%) (+1.5%) (+1%) (+11.87%) TOTAL (tonnes) 1,402,878 1,395,399 1,411,913 1,522,809 (-5.66%) (-0.53%) (+1.18%) (+9.98%)
Two new ground limestone quarries were licensed increase on 2016 figures, allowing them to farm at during 2017. There are a total of 47 active quarries a higher stocking rate, up to 250 kgs N/ Ha subject licensed in 2017. to additional conditions. In December 2017, Ireland secured a renewal of our Nitrates Derogation for Ground limestone usage was down on the previous 2018 -2021. year by 24% to 737,118 tonnes. This follows increases in lime use in 2015 and 2016. Nitrogen and Phosphorus (N&P) Data 2017 The Department’s online system, www.agfood. Year 2015 2016 2017 ie provides farmers with detailed N&P statements, Ground 893,730 967,281 737,118 reflecting stocking rates on their holding. Statements Limestone are available online for the end of June, August, sales October, November and December periods and tonnes interim statements issue to farmers who registered to receive data by text. Written statements for 2017 % change +10% +8.2% -24% issued to farmers that had cattle recorded as being in excess of the 170kg/ha limit, or 250 kg/ha for those Nitrates Action Programme 2017 who applied for a Derogation. In addition, advisors In 2017, Ireland agreed with the European can also receive nitrogen and phosphorus data for Commission on our fourth Nitrates Action Programme their clients at intervals during the year. (NAP) for 2018-2021. The Good Agricultural Practices for Protection of Waters Regulations (S.I. Agricultural Catchment Programme 2017 No. 605 of 2017) gives effect to Ireland’s 4th NAP; The Agricultural Catchment Programme (ACP) is a the main changes to the NAP are joint research and advisory programme operated by Teagasc in six agricultural catchments • New strengthened water protection measures to across the country. It was established to evaluate the break nutrient and transport pathways
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effectiveness and impact of the Good Agricultural indicated that 2018 -2020 afforestation levels may Practice measures that Irish farmers are required to not be achieved within existing structures. it was also implement under the Nitrates Directive. considered that a broadleaf planting target of 30% of overall planting would not be reached. The MTR Phase 3 of the ACP commenced in January 2016 and included: a public call for submissions; consideration runs to 2019 and builds on the gains and experiences of the submissions received; the circulation of from earlier phases of the programme. resultant draft proposals; consultation meetings with stakeholders and the European Commission; the New scientific knowledge coming from the ACP to undertaking of a Strategic Environmental Assessment; date indicates a positive response to Ireland’s Nitrates and Appropriate Assessment screening exercise Regulations, i.e. reduced nutrient inputs, increased on the draft proposals. The overall process was nutrient management and some evidence of reduced completed in early 2018. nutrient losses from agricultural land to water. The National Forest Inventory The findings supported key agri-environmental The third National Forest Inventory (NFI) is statistical policies and strategies, including the successful review and multi-resource inventory carried out in 2017 on of Ireland’s Nitrates Regulations in 2017 and the 2nd the national forest estate. Multi-resource information River Basin Management Plan was recorded including information on forest area and species composition, growing stock (m3), biodiversity, Forestry health and vitality, carbon content and soil type; for Forests cover 10.5% of the land area of the country. the entire national forest estate. While this is one of the lowest levels in Europe, as the European (EU28) average is about 33%, forest Field data collection for the third NFI cycle was cover in Ireland increased by some 320,000 hectares completed during the summer of 2017. Data analysis between 1985 and 2012, one of the highest levels of has commenced and will be finalised in 2018. The increase in forest cover among developed countries. repeated NFI cycles have provided results on aspects The level of afforestation (new planting) over the such as forest area change, volume increment and period 2008-2017 is shown below. Afforestation in latest harvesting volume estimates. This allowed, for Ireland had shown a gradual increase with payments the first time, the monitoring of Sustainable Forest in respect of 6,500 hectares of new forests made by Management (SFM) on a temporal basis. the Department in 2016, the comparable figure for 2017 was 5,536 hectares. Council for Forest Research and Development (COFORD) Afforestation levels 2008-2017 (hectares) The COFORD research and development advisory 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 council 2016-2018 has established Working Groups 6,652 6,252 6,156 6,293 6,500 5,536 in the following areas:
A midterm review (MTR) of the measures introduced • Forest Policy Review as part of the Forestry Programme 2014 -2020 (FP) • Forest genetic resources was undertaken by the Department in 2017. Forestry • Land availability and the promotion of planting targets were compared against the outturn afforestation for 2015 and 2016 and reasons identified for non- • The forest sector and the bioeconomy achievement of targets, following which measures • Wood mobilisation and roundwood production were proposed to help address barriers to achieving forecasting these targets. It was noted that the total area of new • The management of mixed forests forests for which payments issued in the years from • Long term forest research issues 2015 to 2017 was some 7% less than the targets set at the beginning of the Programme. Lower than In 2017, the Forest Sector and the Bioeconomy expected planting activity for native woodlands, Working Group published a report Growing the Irish agroforestry and forestry for fibre during this period Forest Bioeconomy outlining the value and contribution
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that forestry can make in decarbonizing the economy. Group Certification for Private Forest Owners Forest certification is a voluntary process used by Further information on the council and the objectives forestry owners to reassure consumers that the wood and work being undertaken in the working groups is and wood products they buy comes from sustainably available at www.coford.ie. COFORD publications and managed forests. Certification independently assesses working group reports are available at www.coford.ie. forest management planning and practices against a sustainable forestry management standard. According Initiatives to support private forest owners to the COFORD Wood Mobilisation Group Report, to manage forests few privately owned forests (estimated to account for Since the 1980s, some 22,000 individual landowners less than 1,000 hectares of private forests in total) are have established new forests, amounting to almost certified under the FSC or the PEFC in Ireland. 300,000 hectares. This represents an investment by the State of approximately €3 billion. According to Organic Farming the All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast 2016 While the Organic Sector in Ireland is still relatively – 2035, published by COFORD, wood production is small in relation to agriculture as a whole, the Organic set to double from 4 million cubic metres to 8 million Sector is one experiencing considerable growth at cubic metres by 2035 mostly from these privately present. There are currently 2,127 organic operators owned forests. In order to realise, and maximise, the in Ireland, of whom over 1,700 are farmers. The return on the investment by the State and landowners area of land under organic production has expanded in forestry to date, the mobilisation (harvesting, dramatically under the current Rural Development extraction and use) of this timber is essential, thereby Programme, thanks to the suite of supports that also creating economic activity along the supply chain have been put in place. Latest figures indicate that through activities such as harvesting, transportation, there are now some 71,000 hectares under organic replanting and processing. production, an increase of nearly50% on the position at the start of the Programme in 2014. There is a Certain barriers to the mobilization of private timber slight reduction in 2017 compared to 2016 due to have been identified, including: the fact that some farmers completed their five year contracts and did not avail of the option to extend a) a highly fragmented private forest estate, their contract. b) knowledge gap preventing effective forest management in many privately owned forests Organic Farming Operators and Hectarage and 2014 2015 2016 2017 c) an absence of forest culture amongst many private owners. 1,587 2,084 2,127 2,136 (48,143ha) (61,435ha) (72,364ha) (70,722ha) As the level of supply from the private sector increases, the lack of forestry certification is likely to A range of organic events took place in 2017 to raise become an additional barrier to wood mobilisation. awareness on organic farming. In February 2017, In order to address these barriers, the Department Bord Bia and BIM co-ordinated Ireland’s participation initiated preliminary work on two projects, namely the at Biofach, which is a most important international development of Forestry Knowledge Transfer Groups trade event for organic food industry professionals and Group Certification for Private Forest Owners. and companies. Those attending the event, both from Europe and further afield, are predominantly Knowledge transfer groups for forestry purchasing decision-makers from the retail, food In order to help address the barriers identified, the service and distribution sectors. Department decided to run a pilot project to test the feasibility of a knowledge transfer group scheme for Other events in 2017 included the demonstration private forest owners modelled on the Department’s organic farms programme organised by Teagasc, existing Knowledge Transfer Group (KTG) programme. which involved 12 farms covering a range of different enterprises.
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Organic capital grant schemes under the RDP The first statutory National Adaptation Framework continued to provide grant aid for investments by (NAF) document was developed during the year and farmers and processors in facilities and equipment. approved by Government in December 2017. Grant aid of 40% of the cost, up to a maximum of Under the NAF, twelve key sectors have been €60,000, in the case of on-farm investments and identified where sectoral adaptation plans are €0.5m for investments off-farm is available. Grant aid required to be prepared. The Department is the amounting to €574,427 was awarded in 2017. lead Department for three of these priority areas: agriculture, forestry and seafood matters. Genetic Resources The first National Mitigation Plan (NMP) was An annual call for proposals in relation to published in July 2017 by the Minister for the conservation of plant, animal, forestry, Communications, Climate Action and Environment. microorganisms, invertebrates and aquatic genetic The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine resources is made under the Genetic Resources Grant was actively involved in this process as one of the Aid Scheme. In 2017, seven projects on conservation key sectors contributing to the Plan. Chapter six of of plant, animal, aquatic and invertebrate genetic the Plan sets out the mitigation measures currently resources were awarded a total of €58,000. in place in the agriculture, forest and land use sector and a series of actions to drive mitigation within the Climate Change sector. The long-term policy vision for the agriculture and land use sector is ‘an approach to carbon neutrality Distribution of Irish agriculture emissions 2016: in the agriculture and land use sector, including The Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) forestry, which does not compromise the capacity produced their first Annual Review for 2017 towards for sustainable food production’. During 2017 the year end. It considered national greenhouse work continued in the pursuit of opportunities for gas inventory data from 1990-2015. In relation to abatement and opportunities for balancing residual agriculture, the Review states that all cost-effective emissions through increasing carbon sequestration measures to reduce emissions in the agriculture and and fossil fuel and energy intensive materials land sector should be adopted and there remains displacement and substitution. a pressing need to define what is meant by carbon neutrality and the need to implement policies to Adaptation and Mitigation Planning ensure delivery on this objective. The CCAC June In August 2017 the Department published a non- 2017 Periodic Report also referred to research which statutory document Adaptation Planning - Developing has shown that a switch to lower emission fertilisers Resilience to Climate Change in the Irish Agriculture would be effective in reducing greenhouse gas and Forest Sector. This document was prepared emissions and suggested that this switch should be under the 2012 National Climate Change Adaptation made. Framework. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) produced The aim of the document was to identify and discuss their report on Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions adaptation challenges that need to be considered (GHGs) in November 2017. It noted that agriculture regarding developing resilience to the effects of emissions increased by 2.7% or 0.52 Mt CO2eq in climate change within the agriculture and forest 2016. The most significant drivers for the increased sectors. emissions in 2016 are higher dairy cow numbers (+6.2%) with an increase in milk production of 4.0%. The published document outlined a joined up The 2016 emission figures have since been finalised. approach to adaptation planning within the agriculture and forestry sector and is a first step towards reducing vulnerability and building resilience in both sectors.
65 Sustainable Production
Distribution of Irish agriculture emissions 2016: Total Agriculture and Land Use Emission Levels
National target Vs 1990 2016 1990 baseline CO2eq CO2eq Variance Tons Tons % 56.7% 9.8% Overall total 26.52 21.81 -17.76%
2.7% agricultural and 2.3% land use emission levels Total agricultural 19.47 19.58 0.56% CO2eq emission 28.2% levels - Carbon Dioxide 0.40 0.46 15.00% (CO2) Manure management Agricultural soils - Methane (CH4) 12.76 12.65 -0.86% Lime and Urea Enteric fermentaǎon - Nitrus Oxide 6.31 5.87 -6.97% Agricultural (N2O) combusǎon Total agricultural land use related Greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland 2016 emission levels - Grassland and 7.05 5.78 -18.01% 1.6% 20.4% Cropland - Forestry -3.55 9.8% (annualised)
7.4% Clean Air Strategy As part of Ireland’s implementation of the National 1.6% 32.3% 1.4% Emissions Ceiling (NEC) Directive, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment developed a draft Clean Air Strategy which was open 20% to public consultation during March and April 2017. As a principle stakeholder in relation to ammonia and particulate matter (PM) emissions the Department 2.1% 3.5% made a submission to this consultation. Waste Public Services
Energy Industries Transport Engagement at EU and International level In 2017, the Department continued to actively Residenǎal Industrial Processes engage in the whole of government approach to Manufacturing F-Gases negotiations with the Commission and other Member Combusǎon Commercial States on climate policy. Agriculture Services Bioenergy The main contribution of the agriculture sector is in the supply of bioenergy feedstock, whether from biomass in the form of wood products such as forest thinnings and wood fuel, Animal By Products (ABP)
66 67 Sustainable Production
or other agri-food by-products such as straw, slurries Steering Group and continued working with the and processing waste, e.g. whey from cheese-making. DCCAE on the Draft Bioenergy Plan.
Up to one third of the annual forest harvest (about 1 During 2017 SEAI published a report on the million cubic metres of roundwood) is used for energy Assessments of Cost and Benefits of Biogas and generation in one form or another, but mainly as Biomethane in Ireland: https://www.seai.ie/resources/ process heat in board manufacture and for kiln-drying publications/Assessment-of-Cost-and-Benefits-of- softwood timber. Firewood has become a significant Biogas-and-Biomethane-in-Ireland.pdf. One of the market (ca. 300,000 cubic metres of the total). key findings by the SEAI shows that potential surplus Forest-based biomass production has the potential to grass could contribute 86% of the potential renewable increase to 2.2 million cubic metres by 2020. energy output, however favourable economics are central to this such as high carbon price and optimum The mid-term review of the Forestry Programme cost efficiency of grass production. Also there is 2014-2020 was carried out during 2017 with potential for biogas/biomethane to contribute 28% of the review published in February 2018. This has gas supply by 2050. resulted in substantial increases in the grants and premiums paid for growing trees suitable for fibre and The Department supports energy efficiency under biomass. Under the mid-term review of the Forestry TAMS in the form of the Pig and Poultry Investment Programme supports for tree species suitable for Scheme (PPIS) and the Young Farmer Capital short-rotation forestry were increased in the Forestry Investment Scheme (YFCIS) which provides supports for Fibre option of the afforestation scheme. for Renewable Heat technologies in the form of supports for biomass boilers. Air-source heat pumps The All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast 2016- are also currently supported under PPIS and YFCIS 2035 foresees that wood available for bioenergy use schemes and they may be used as part of a water will more than double over the forecast period, from heater under the Dairy Equipment Scheme. Grant 1.8 million cubic metres in 2016 to 4.2 million cubic aid is also available under PPIS and YFCIS schemes metres in 2035. The bulk of this material is likely to for solar panels used for electricity production come from thinning in privately owned farm forests. (photovoltaic) and water heating that are permanently Depending on market conditions there is potential to erected to buildings used for pig, poultry and egg augment these supplies through increased recovery production. of harvesting residues on suitable sites, greater levels of thinning, and through the planting of fast growing In 2017, collaboration between the Sustainable tree species. Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and Teagasc to help dairy farmers reduce their energy use and save on The Department continued to support the promotion electricity costs was launched. The Energy Efficiency of the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance scheme and the in Dairy Sector pilot scheme funded high efficiency provision of advice on forest-based biomass supply pumps which can dramatically reduce electricity chains and fuels. See www.woodenergy.ie. New wood consumption on dairy farms. energy supply chain software was developed through the Department and made available through the SEAI have confirmed that the Energy Efficiency in coford.ie and woodenergy.ie websites. In addition, a Dairy Sector pilot scheme is due to reopen in May number of workshops related to this software were 2018. organised nationally. The Department continued to support the promotion The SEAI also updated their biomass supply of the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance scheme and the curves for the period to 2035 where a number of provision of advice on forest-based biomass supply agricultural materials are considered - https://www. chains and fuels. See www.woodenergy.ie. New wood seai.ie/Renewables/Bioenergy/Sources/Bioenegy- energy supply chain software was developed through Supply-Curves-2015-2035/Bioenergy-Supply- the Department and made available through the Curves-2015-2035.html coford.ie and woodenergy.ie websites. In addition, a number of workshops related to this software were The Department is a member of the Bioenergy organised nationally.
67 68 69 Strategic Goal 4 Seafood Sector Deliver a sustainable, growth driven sector focused on competitiveness and innovation driven by a skilled workforce delivering value added products in line with market demands
69 Seafood
Overview impacted demand. In addition, the Irish pelagic sector The Irish seafood industry comprises of the has been impacted by increased competition from the commercial sea fishing industry, the aquaculture Faroe Islands and Iceland, particularly for mackerel. industry and the seafood processing industry. The Volumes of pelagic fish exported from Ireland seafood industry is based on the utilisation of a increased by 13 % in 2017 compared to 2016 figures. high quality, indigenous natural resource, which has excellent potential for added value and makes a The pelagic sector accounted for 26% of total seafood significant contribution to the national economy in export values and 45% of volumes in 2017. Export terms of output, employment and exports. values for this category reached €172m in 2017 up 6% on same period 2016. Increases in the mackerel and blue whiting quota were the main reasons for the Seafood exports increase in pelagic exports. The increased cost of raw The seafood sector offers huge potential for material particularly herring and mackerel has also expansion as global demand for seafood as a impacted the competitiveness of pelagic processors healthy premium protein increases. Over the next packing value added product for export. Currency decade, consumption is projected to grow by 42 fluctuations and the impact of Brexit have resulted in million tonnes per annum according to the Food a loss of returns for companies selling into the UK. and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) as the world population is set to reach 8 billion by 2025. It is clear Total whitefish exports increased by 16% in value that a huge expansion in food production, including terms in 2017 to reach €72m driven by an 84% seafood, will be required world-wide to meet this increase in volume. The Spanish market accounts need. for 51% of total export value from this category and increased in value by 6% during this period. The UK is Over the last seven years, the performance of the the next most important market for the Irish whitefish Irish seafood industry in export markets has been sector accounting for 18% of export values and very positive. Total seafood exports have increased in decreased by 7% in value in 2017. value terms by 79% between 2010-2017. There was an increase in export volumes of 41% over this same Similarly, total shellfish exports decreased by 6% in period. These figures reflect a jump of 26% in average value in 2017 to a total value of €231m driven by unit export prices reflecting the strength of demand decreased volumes (6%). France, the largest export for Irish seafood in export markets. market for Irish shellfish, accounting for 34% of value, decreased export values by 5% during this period. In 2017, Irish seafood exports increased by 10% in Trade to Italy and Spain also decreased by 11% in value terms to reach €666 million. This reflects a both cases. Shellfish exports to China showed strong decrease of 0.5% in export volumes while unit prices growth (up 12%). Shellfish exports to Japan and increased by almost 10% demonstrating the strength South Korea declined by 12% and 13% respectively. of demand in most key markets. Irish organic salmon Promotional activities with key customers and exports drove this increase in export value with both trade show participation boosted trade to China in volumes and unit prices increasing significantly to particular. lead to a 69% increase in value for this product. The main EU markets, namely France, UK, Spain, and Italy Salmon exports increased by 69% in value driven by continue to dominate seafood exports with Poland, a 33% increase in volume and significant increases in Holland and Germany, accounting for around 72% of average price in 2017. Export values stood at €121m total exports by value. in 2017. The French market continues to dominate Irish salmon exports, accounting for over 48% of total Main product trends value. The German market demonstrated strong The pelagic sector improved in 2017 with volume and growth increasing by 23% in value and 36% in volume. value of exports increasing after a challenging 2016. The UK market recorded a strong performance Ongoing restrictions in trade to Russia and a currency increasing by 18% in value while exports to Poland crisis in West Africa, where there is a lack of foreign rose significantly from €2m in 2016 to €23m in 2017. reserves to pay for fish imports have significantly Salmon prices have been firm due to production
70 71 Seafood
problems in Chile and a good international demand • Phased ending of discards which outpaced supply. The discard ban or landing obligation, which is a key element of the CFP, is being phased in Oyster exports stood at almost €37 million, up 9% on over a number of years and is due to be fully the same period in 2016 despite a marginal decrease implemented by 2019. The North West Waters in volumes exported. The French market continues Regional Group of Member States, (Ireland, to dominate Irish oyster exports accounting for 73% Belgium, France, UK, Netherlands and Spain), is in of total sales with the value of trade increasing by 5% place to manage fisheries at a regional level under during this period. The key trend within this sector the CFP, meets regularly to agree discard plans in recent years has been the continued focus by the and other fisheries measures in consultation companies in developing sales to markets in Asia such with the relevant stakeholders. The group met as to Hong Kong (+20% in value), China (+107% in regularly throughout 2017 to discuss various value), and Singapore (+8% in value) directly from implementation issues for the landing obligation Ireland. Sales to these three regions now account for and also agreed to the inclusion of additional 17% of the value of all Irish exports. measures from the 1 January 2018 to support the phasing in of the landing obligation by the target Total mussel export values grew 11% in 2017 date of January 2019. (reaching a value of €17mn) with an 8% increase • Maximum Sustainable Yield in volumes exported. France, previously Ireland’s Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) is the largest export market for mussels, decreased by 7% in level which allows the highest catch of fish value accounting for 36% of total sales. In response while keeping stocks sustainable in the long to a competitive market in mainland Europe Irish term. Under the current CFP fishing is to be exporters have looked at other destinations. Sales progressively managed at Maximum Sustainable have increased both in the domestic market and Yield levels by 2020 at the latest. The catch limits in the Netherlands (+62% in value), which in 2017 proposed by the European Commission in the became Ireland’s largest export market for mussels. Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea has Promotional campaigns such as the Bord Bia ‘Flex seen over exploitation decline drastically over your mussels’ campaign was reported by producers the last number of years. Fishing opportunities to have had an extremely beneficial effect on the negotiated at the December 2017 Agriculture & domestic market. Fisheries Council were fixed for 2018 in line with this objective. A total of 53 fisheries stocks out Common Fisheries Policy of the 76 stocks for which data are available are now within the required levels and well on target The seas around Ireland (ICES Sub Areas 6 and 7) to meet the objectives set out in the CFP. contain some of the most productive and biologically • Multi-annual fisheries plans sensitive areas in EU waters. The fisheries stocks The aim of multi-annual fisheries plans is to within these areas come under the remit of the restore and maintain fish stocks at sustainable Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The natural, clean levels while ensuring the social and economic water around Ireland’s 7,500km of coastline has viability for fishermen operating in certain provided exceptionally good seafood for thousands of regions. To date four multi-annual plans have years and it is important to protect this resource for been proposed by the European Commission in future generations. line with the CFP. Discussions on the North Sea multi-annual plan for demersal stocks resulted The current Common Fisheries Policy goes from 1 in political agreement between the Council, January 2014 and until the next review scheduled for the Commission and the European Parliament completion by 2022. The main objective of this policy in December 2017. These negotiations were is to allow for the rebuilding of fish stocks in European carefully monitored by Ireland as they will inform waters over time which will support the viability of the the Commission approach to a plan for the North Irish fishing industry through long term management West Waters which is expected to be proposed of stocks, reducing and eliminating discards and by the European Commission in early 2018. rebuilding stocks to Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY).
71 Fisheries Management and Conservation
Fish Quota Management 2017 Harbour, the festival showcased Ireland’s abundant In 2017 the Department was responsible for marine resources – raising awareness of the value managing over 233,610 tonnes of fish quotas. As and opportunities provided by the sea and also part of this management process, under the Sea- celebrated Ireland’s maritime heritage. SeaFest is a Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, 1,521 key part of Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth (Ireland’s authorisations and amendments were issued. In Integrated Marine Plan) and its goal of increasing addition, 77 Fisheries Management Notices and six participation and engagement with the sea. SeaFest Statutory Instruments were brought into effect by is coordinated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the Minister to support the management of Ireland’s the Inter-Departmental Marine Coordination Group, fisheries. a Group chaired by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Key partners in the event include Also in 2017, 40 separate Demersal (whitefish and BIM, Bord Bia and a range of national, regional and prawn) fish stocks were managed in consultation with local partners. the Quota Management Advisory Committee. Catch The 2017 SeaFest event represented the largest limits set out in the Fisheries Management Notice ever attendance since the inaugural event in Cork in are displayed on the Department’s web-site and 2015. SeaFest 2017 featured a range of public access, circulated to industry representative organisations. business, academic and innovation related events. This included BIM’s Seafood Experience, aimed at 2018 Total Allowable Catches & Quotas building a greater appreciation of Irish seafood and its In the context of preparing for the annual EU producers. The event also saw the launch by Minister negotiations, a Sustainability Impact Assessment Creed of Ireland’s first Marine Science Museum in on Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas for Galway City. 2018 was presented to the Dáil by the Minister in November, 2017. The Sustainability Impact As part of SeaFest, the fourth annual ‘Our Ocean Assessment was developed following input from the Wealth Summit’ was held with approximately 340 marine agencies including the SFPA, BIM and MI and delegates in attendance. The Summit, opened by a meeting involving all relevant stakeholders which Minister Creed, brought together national and took place in November 2017. international speakers, industry experts, business development agencies and the Irish business and The EU Fisheries Council in December 2017 agreed marine research community. The theme of the 2017 TACs and quotas for 2018. The Minister secured Summit was ‘Rethinking Boundaries and Innovation 215,534 tonnes of quotas worth €266 million for Irish for a Sustainable Marine Economy’. This theme was fishermen for 2018. One of the key achievements chosen to seek new approaches and ways of thinking of these negotiations was the +15% increase in the in order to enable Ireland’s marine potential to be Nephrops (Prawn) quota worth over €10.6m for the realised. Irish fleet. The total value of the whitefish quota at Two government reports were launched by Minister €152m amounts to a +8% increase in value from last Creed at the 2017 Summit: year. The Commission also proposed a complete ban on angling for sea bass for six months of the year. • The Annual Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth Ireland successfully argued for an all year round ‘catch Review of Progress and release’ fishery that would not endanger the stock • A new National Marine Research & Innovation while protecting this vital tourism resource. Strategy 2017-2021
SeaFest 2017 – Harnessing Our Ocean Other key events which took place in the city during Wealth – Developing Ireland’s Blue SeaFest included BIM’s National Seafood Conference, The Digital Ocean – Ireland’s Marine Engineering Economy and Technology Conference and associated Marine SeaFest, Ireland’s National Maritime Festival, was Show (a cross agency event organised by the Marine attended by over 100,000 people in 2017. Held over Institute, IDA, EI, SFI and SEAI), and the third annual a three-day period from 30 June to 2 July in Galway Marine Industry Awards.
72 73 Fisheries Management and Conservation
Aquaculture Licensing Directives to adequately assess the impact of aquaculture licensing in ‘Natura 2000’ areas. The Minister commissioned an Independent Review of Aquaculture Licensing in December 2016 and the report of the Review Group was submitted to Mid-Term Assessment - National Strategic the Minister at the end of May 2017. The Review Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Group carried out a detailed examination of the Development existing aquaculture licensing process, undertook Following its 2015 publication, implementation of the comprehensive stakeholder consultation and looked National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture at comparative national and international consent Development is underway, with 22 of the 24 systems to determine best practice for managing actions proposed in the Plan being fully or partially a complex licensing process in a transparent, implemented in 2017. environmentally appropriate and legally robust manner. Both Food Wise 2025 and the National A Mid-Term Assessment was carried out in 2017. Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development This Assessment examined progress on the National identified issues with the current licensing system Strategic Plan in accordance with guidance from and recommended an independent review to examine the European Commission to Member States, which the existing challenges and propose improvements in focused on the four headings below. line with best-practice internationally. The report has been published online at http://www.fishingnet.ie/ • Priority Area 1 - Simplification of administrative independentaquaculturelicensingreview2017/. procedures • Priority Area 2 - Spatial planning The Department has engaged in detailed • Priority Area 3 - Enhance the competitiveness of consideration of all 30 recommendations with a EU aquaculture view to preparing a comprehensive Implementation • Priority Area 4 - Promoting a level playing field Strategy. This Implementation Strategy takes account for EU operators by exploiting their competitive of legislative, environmental, technical and public advantages interest issues that have a bearing on the sustainable development of the industry. Overall Conclusions BIM survey data shows that there was an overall The Report’s findings will represent a new departure increase in output of some 10% across all the species in the regulation of aquaculture which will not only over the 2015 to 2016 period. In 2016, the industry facilitate the establishment of a well functioning produced approximately 44,000 tonnes. Value rose licensing system but will also help to achieve the to a level of €168m at first point of sale at the end of necessary balance between the very legitimate needs 2016. These figures indicate that the trend of decline of industry and public expectations in relation to has reversed in recent years. The MANP aims for environmental protection. an increase in production to 81,700 tonnes by end of 2023. While considerable growth is required to In 2017, 109 licence determinations were made reach this level, the outlook at present is positive, and by the Minister. The Department is actively continued implementation of the actions identified in working towards the achievement of 300 licence the MANP should greatly assist in this objective. determinations for 2018 with a further 300 projected for 2019. This will meet a core recommendation of Value of Production €000 the Aquaculture Licensing Review Group. While there will always be licence applications in the pipeline, the 190,000 achievement of 600 determinations over the next two years will effectively eliminate the backlog as an issue. 170,000 150,000 At the end of 2017 appropriate assessments had 130,000 been received by the Department in respect of twenty six bays. These appropriate assessments fulfil 110,000 2010 2012 2014 2016 the requirement under the EU Birds and Habitats
73 50,000 45,000
40,000
35,000
30,000 2010 2012 2014 2016 190,000
170,000Fisheries Management and Conservation
150,000
130,000
110,000 2010 2012 2014 2016
Production Volume (tonnes) breed a number of times. The Lobster transitional arrangements for v-notching lobsters over 127mm 50,000 were due to expire on 1 January 2018 but were 45,000 extended to 1 January 2019 to allow for further talks 40,000 on the best way to conserve the stocks in the long term. 35,000
30,000 Management of the all-island mussel seed fishery 2010 2012 2014 2016 continued in 2017, with the autumn fishing season commencing in September. A fourth surveillance Sea-Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2017 audit of the fishery was carried out in November The Government approved the publication of the 2017 as part of the fishery’s conditional MSC Sea-Fisheries (Amendment) Bill in early 2017. The (Marine Stewardship Council) certification. The Bill seeks to provide legislative amendments to the audit, completed by SAI Global, found that the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 fishery continues to operate in a well-managed in order to address the Supreme Court finding in and sustainable way and provided for its continued October 2016 that fishing by Northern Ireland vessels certification. within the 0-6 nautical mile zone of the territorial waters of the State is not permitted by law. The Bill Implementation of Natura 2000 Directives was published in February 2017 and is before the Natura 2000 is an EU network of core breeding Oireachtas. and resting sites for rare and threatened species, and some rare natural habitat types which are Developing Sustainable Inshore Fisheries protected in their own right. The Marine Institute The National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) met (the state agency responsible for marine research, on three occasions during 2017 to discuss and technology development and innovation in Ireland) develop proposals concerning inshore fisheries and previously prepared a risk assessment of sea-fisheries their interactions with Natura 2000 sites. The NIFF interactions with Natura 2000 protected species and is supported by a network of six Regional Inshore habitats along the South and West coasts of Ireland. Fisheries Forums (RIFFs), which involve representation It expects to complete a similar assessment for from inshore fisheries and other marine stakeholders. protected bird species in 2018. These assessments A dedicated website now provides information on the are being made under Article 6.2 of the European work of the Forums: www.inshoreforums.ie. Union’s Habitats Directive. A similar risk assessment was completed by the Institute in 2013 for fishing The Minister approved an industry-proposed activities in Natura 2000 sites in the Irish Sea (East Minimum Conservation Reference Size (MCRS) of coast). The Institute also prepared a schedule for 65mm for velvet crab, following discussions with the addressing the risks identified based on the type of NIFF on the results of a 2016 public consultation fishery and the nature of the risk posed. Working on the proposal. The Minister also approved with the National and Regional Inshore Fisheries recommendations from the NIFF to hold public Forums, the Government has commenced actions to consultations on two other industry-led management address risks posed by sea-fisheries activities on a proposals, which would see increases to the MCRS priority basis. for brown crab as well as the razor clam fishery in the North Irish Sea. An appropriate assessment of the mussel seed fishery in Castlemaine Harbour was concluded in The Lobster V-notching programme provides grant early 2017, with the Minister adopting the modified aid to fishermen to implement lobster v-notching fisheries Natura plan and issuing a fisheries Natura programmes aimed at conserving lobster stocks. The declaration for the fishery. The Castlemaine seed primary intention of the lobster V-notching method fishery commenced in September 2017, in line with is to improve the sustainability of Ireland’s lobster the fishery in the Irish Sea. In addition, the Minister stocks by protecting female lobsters so that they can issued a fisheries Natura declaration to introduce measures developed with industry to mitigate risks
74 75 Fisheries Management and Conservation
posed by scallop fishing to Natura 2000 sites off The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development the Wexford coast. The measures were published Act 2015, building on the National Climate Change for public consultation in 2016 and they include Adaptation Framework, provides for the preparation restrictions on the use of dredging and trawling of Sectoral Adaptation Plans. A Seafood Sector fishing gear in the Hook Head and Saltee Islands. Adaptation plan has been progressed with input from SACs along with GPS monitoring of boats carrying the Marine Institute and BIM as well as expert advice such fishing gear in those areas. Also, the cockle from UCC. A draft plan is expected to be published for fishery in Dundalk Bay took place, with fishing public consultation in 2018 in advance of a final plan commencing in July 2017. being presented to the Minister.
Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Development Programme
In 2017, the total voted expenditure on this costing €1,997,978, comprises an extension of the programme was €21m, of which €17.5m was fendering replacement using a robust steel section to spent on the Fisheries Harbour Centres, with a replace the existing greenheart timber fendering and further €0.3m spent on Cape Clear Island and for the provision of mooring dolphins at the root of the maintaining a range of piers, lights and beacons pier to facilitate stern on berthing and safe mooring of around the coast under the Department’s remit. vessels on Landing Pier and Wharf. The significant investment on these works is project managed by the Department’s Engineering Division Dunmore East which also provides technical support and advisory The upgrade of the West Wharf in Dunmore East and inspection services on all fishery harbour at a cost of €1,336,000 entails major upgrading of developments. the existing west wharf and fendering system which due to age and major corrosion of the concrete Key Projects in Fishery Harbour Centres in reinforcement must be replaced. This project will 2017 further enhance the facilities at the port, following on from the substantial dredging project completed in Dingle 2015. The investment of €4,213,890 will improve maneuverability of vessels and will result in Local Authority Harbour Infrastructure efficiencies for both vessel turnaround and onshore In 2017 a total of €2.8m was spent on works at Local users and create possibilities for small cruise ships to Authority owned harbours, piers and slipways under use the harbour and generate extra revenue for the the Fishery Harbour & Coastal Infrastructure Capital Department in addition to also creating opportunities Development Programme and the Marine Leisure & for the private sector industries. Marine Tourism Programme. A total of 52 projects from coastal Local Authorities around the country Killybegs benefited from the funding. The Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre Landing Pier Fendering Upgrade and Mooring Dolphins project,
75 76 77 Strategic Goal 5 Corporate Development Maintain and develop strategic, operational, regulatory and technical capacity to achieve operational excellence
77 Financial Management
OVERALL EXPENDITURE Summary of EU Receipts in 2016 and 2017 2016 2017 The Department was responsible for Voted €m €m expenditure of over €1.387billion in 2017. In addition to voted expenditure, the Department spent €1.214 EAGF 1100 1228 billion in EU EAGF funded schemes, bringing total EAFRD* 383 186 expenditure to €2.6 billion. Veterinary Fund 11 11 Fisheries (FIFG, EFF, 3 23 Expenditure on Irish Agriculture, 2017 EMFF**) EAGF 1,214 Other 4 3
Direct payments 1,190 Total 1501 1451 Source: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Intervention/APS 2 * Includes receipts transmitted to the Department of Rural & Other Market Supports 26 Community Development ** Advance funding on EMFF not booked to A&A Other (4)
Voted Expenditure (excluding 1,164 Financial Controls Administration) The Department operates a comprehensive range *Programme A – Food Safety, 80 of financial management, control and accounting Animal and Plant Health and systems to comply with EU, national accounting and Animal Welfare governance requirements.
*Programme B – Farm/Sector 659 In accordance with stringent EU accreditation Support and Controls requirements, the Department submitted its independently certified annual accounts of *Programme C – Policy and 318 expenditure to the EU Commission. The Department’s Strategy performance as a national Paying Agency continued *Programme D – Seafood Sector 107 to be monitored during 2017 by the Accreditation Review Group (ARG). The Secretary General chairs Administration 223 this group which includes representatives from the Total Voted Expenditure 1,387 Department of Public Expenditure & Reform and the Revenue Commissioners. It met on four occasions Total Expenditure 2,601 during 2017. One of the Group’s key duties is to ensure that the recommendations of the Certification EU Receipts Body for the previous year are implemented and that The Department claimed and received funding from all EU audit findings are followed up appropriately. the EU in 2017 in respect of measures financed from the following EU Funds: Audit Committee The Audit Committee was established to provide • EAGF (European Agriculture Guarantee Fund ) independent and objective advice to the Secretary • Veterinary Fund and General on the internal audit policies, the • Fisheries Fund management of risk appropriate to the functioning of the Department and the operation of the internal audit function. The Committee operates under a Charter which defines the purpose, authority and reporting relationships of the Audit Committee, Internal Audit Unit and management of the Department.
78 79 Financial Management
The Committee met five times in 2017 and the Risk Management structures in the Department have Chairman also met with the Secretary General on been strengthened, through the recruitment of staff three separate occasions and presented to the to the Risk Management Team (Finance Division), Department’s Management Board. The Annual Report the designation of a Risk Officer (Finance Division) for 2016 expressed satisfaction with the controls and the re-establishment of the Risk Management operated by the Department and the Chairman cited Committee. Oversight of Risk Management has been the valuable contribution which the Internal Audit enhanced and a project has commenced to replace Unit makes to the overall governance environment the current Risk Management Database with a system in its evaluation and improvement of controls in the that is more robust, flexible and easier to use. Department. CAP Beneficiaries Website Internal Audit Unit In accordance with EU Regulation 1306/2013 The Internal Audit Unit (IAU) completed a substantial Member States must ensure annual ex-post body of internal and scrutiny audit work during 2017 publication of the beneficiaries of CAP funding to help maintain the highest standards of corporate both legal and non-legal persons. Material must and financial management and accountability within be published no later than 31 May each year. The the Department. Department published the following information in 2017: The IAU operates in accordance with best practice and the professional internal auditing standards of • The name of the beneficiary, unless the amount the Institute of Internal Auditors. The IAU follows of payment under CAP funds was less than a comprehensive and widely recognised approach €1,250 in which case the individual was be towards finalising its annual audit programme identified by a code including consideration of: • The municipality where the beneficiary is resident • The amount of payment corresponding to each • The Department’s Risk Register, measure (scheme) received by a beneficiary • Details of expenditure (national and EU), and • The nature and description of each measure • Consideration of the full audit universe. The above requirements are directly applicable and During 2017 the Unit completed fifteen internal binding in their entirety and the Department does audit reports and the IAU is represented in a number not have any discretion as to how or what might be of different audit networks, including the Heads published. of Internal Audit Forum, the EU network of audit bodies and the UK Interdepartmental Internal Prompt Payment Audit Group. The Director of Internal Audit attends During 2017, a total of 91 invoices were paid outside the Department’s Accreditation Review Group, the 30 day period provided for in regulations made Investigations Steering Group and Risk Management under the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997 and Team meetings and acts as a recipient of Protected incurred late interest penalties. The total interest plus Disclosures. penalties paid amounted to €7,583. The value of all invoices that were paid late amounted to €665,943 Risk Management which represents 0.41% of the €154,878,456 total Potential high impact, far-reaching, high level risks payments falling within the terms of the Regulations. which carry potentially very serious consequences The average delay in excess of the 15 day payment for the Department, the agri-food sector and in the period was 28.5 days. wider context, for the public and national interests were identified for each business area. These There is also a requirement since 2009 for revised strategic risks were integrated into the Risk Government Departments to pay Irish suppliers within Management system operating in the Department 15 days. Details of this Department’s compliance with and form the platform within the system on which all this requirement are set out in the following table: business and operational risks are built.
79 Financial Management
Prompt Payments Jan-Dec 2017 Through the dissemination of key policy information, advice and support in the preparation of tenders Payments Number Value Percentage and other procurement related matters, and also made through the provision of a training programme across Within 15 22,730 €132,727,025 83.50% a number of Divisions, the Unit has sought to ensure days best practice at operational level so that effective Within 16 4,044 €21,103,508 14.87% value for money is achieved in a compliant manner. to 30 days In excess 554 €1,047,923 1.63% At a more strategic level, work commenced on a of 30 days* Procurement Policy which aims to consolidate best practice guidelines and ensure that procurement Total 27,328 €154,878,456 100% processes are implemented consistently across the * This figure is considerably inflated by invoices where suppliers Department, with roll-out expected in Q2, 2018. delayed submitting valid tax clearance certificates in accordance Various SAP projects on procurement expenditure with Revenue requirements. Late interest does not apply to these cases. were initiated and will facilitate improved financial reporting and closer alignment of Department spend with Office of Government Procurement (OGP) Public Procurement procurement categories. These and other initiatives The Central Procurement Unit (CPU) was will continue to be rolled-out over 2018. established in 2011, and enhances the Department’s procurements at both strategic and operational level in accordance with national and EU regulations and guidelines.
80 81 Staff and Organisational Management
HR Strategy induction training was greatly increased in 2017 due The Department is committed to ensuring that a to the increase in recruitment and assignment of staff highly skilled, motivated and efficient workforce is from other Departments. in place to meet our on-going business needs. We are also committed to supporting a positive working In addition, the Department delivered a range environment for all our staff that provides equality of of specialised training for technical, veterinary, opportunity, career opportunities and an environment engineering, scientific and laboratory staff. The that supports family friendly systems, and work-life European Commission Better Training for Safer Food balance. (BTSF) programme of formal and eLearning courses was utilised by numerous staff who are involved in Workforce planning is a key tool in enabling our Official controls at policy and implementation level. organisation to forecast its current and future staffing needs. As a management function it drives In 2017, the Department also began the the full range of HR activities including recruitment, implementation of its new Learning and Development deployment, performance, learning and development. Policy document which outlined how Learning and Development needs would be identified, delivered The Department’s Mobility policy was launched at and evaluated over the following three years. the end of 2016 and advanced throughout 2017. The aim of the Mobility policy is to support the business Civil Service Awards needs of the Department while balancing the needs of There were seven projects submitted from the individuals and managers. It enables the Department Department for the Civil Service Excellence and to develop a workforce with a wide knowledge Innovation Awards. The Department project “Farm base and to offer strong development opportunities Hazardous Waste Collection Scheme 2015-2016” for all staff. Regular movement of staff across the was shortlisted to be in the final overall nominations Department promotes a culture of sharing new ideas and won the Excellence through Collaboration Award. and best practices as well as contributing to a flexible, The goal of the project was to assess and estimate resilient workforce that can adapt and react within the the types and quantities of hazardous wastes present challenging environment in which we operate. on farms and facilitate its collection, recovery and disposal. Equality and Diversity The Department actively supports and promotes Asset Management equality in all aspects of its activities. The statutory The Department continued to give effect to the employment target for people with disabilities is 3% range of measures set out in the Property Asset and in 2017 the Department was well in excess of Management Action Plan and coordinates the that target at 4.1%. Following on from success in responses of State Bodies under its aegis. The previous years the Department participated again in measures include population of data on the State the Job Shadow Initiative, facilitating twelve work Property Register and participation in Property placements and also three WAM placements under Managers Network workshops. The Department the Willing, Able and Mentoring programme. Two of continued to consolidate its property portfolio these placements were extended by three months to seeking out opportunities for shared facilities enable projects to be completed. and services with other Public Sector Bodies and identifying areas for additional savings in the Training and Development accommodation area. The Division also focused on The Department provided a wide range of Learning realising savings through the continued use of the and Development opportunities in 2017 in areas Office of Government Procurement contracts and such as leadership, management, interpersonal and retendering for other contracts. In addition, improved communication skills, finance, IT, and health and business processes made possible by leveraging the safety. Induction courses now include practical managed print solution and new postal equipment content of greater relevance to the work carried out in resulted in additional savings. the Department. The number of new staff undergoing
81 Staff and Organisational Management
Energy Efficiency Farm Safety The Department is committed to energy efficiency Farm safety is one of the most important issues facing and effective energy management. It is working farming today. Statistics show that accidents on with the key stakeholders to assist in the delivery farms cause more workplace deaths than all other of the National target set for the Public Sector of occupations combined. Between 2008 and 2017 33% energy efficiency by 2020. The Department there were 210 fatal accidents on farms. In 2017, has been working with the DCCEA, SEAI, OPW and there were 24 fatal farm accidents, with 14 of these other key stakeholders on the implementation of the accidents occurring to farmers aged 65 or over. Energy Efficiency Strategy. In 2017, the Department signed up to the SEAI Partnership Programme making While the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is the commitments to best practice in energy management organisation with primary responsibility for securing across the organisation. The Department continued health and safety at work, the Department has taken its participation in the OPW Energy Efficiency a number of steps over recent years, in tandem with Programme for public sector bodies – “Optimising some of the other State and industry organisations, to Power at Work”. The programme, which has been raise awareness of the problem and educate farmers running since 2008, encourages behavioural change and their families on the dangers of working in this with the aim of identifying and eliminating wastage, industry. generating savings through staff awareness and a series of minor works. The Energy Team has Farm safety also forms an integral part of all building participated in the SEAI Energy MAP Training and specifications drawn up by the Department, and workshops to both improve energy management additional safety elements were included during practices and identify opportunities for larger scale the revision of a number of specifications in 2017, works. It is working closely with OPW, high energy including a requirement that all pens in new animal users within the Department and bodies under our housing must be accessible from outside of an animal aegis to establish good energy management practices area. These specifications set out the minimum across the group and increase energy efficiencies. standard to which all work must be completed and The Department has been working with the SEAI to include safety related requirements such as all slurry develop a pipeline of projects to deliver the energy agitation points being external and guidelines on the efficiencies required. Ongoing progress towards safe agitation of slurry. These specifications are freely reaching targets is dependent on the availability of available to all farmers. funding to deliver on the capital projects identified in the pipeline of projects. In addition, a mandatory Health and Safety element is included in the Knowledge Transfer Programme under Health and Safety the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme. These groups will directly engage with farmer In 2017, the State Claims Agency (SCA) Enterprise participants on the important issue of farm safety. Risk Management Recognition Awards presented the Each of the approximately 1200 Knowledge Transfer Department’s Health and Safety Section with three Groups were required to hold a meeting on the topic awards: of health and safety in Year One of the programme. In addition, each of over 19,000 farmers completed • Category A Award for being the first Government a farm health and safety component to the one to Department to implement and continually one Farm Improvement Plan completed with their develop an internationally recognised Health approved facilitator. and Safety Risk Management System across the organisation. • Two Category B Recognition Awards for the development and implementation of a Health and Wellbeing Initiative and a Farm Safety Event to provide practical health and safety training and information to the Department farm employees.
82 83 Developing IT Capability
Major ICT Developments in 2017 software systems. • Data centre hosting for Teagasc The Department is critically dependent on • Network support and sharing of information and communication technology (ICT) for telecommunication links with Bord Iascaigh the delivery of its schemes and services. The major Mhara (BIM) and the sharing of content ICT developments in 2017 included the following: management facilities and technical infrastructure to host and update their Information Security redeveloped website. The Department successfully received ISO 27001:2013 Information Security certification Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in August 2016 and successfully maintained this certification in 2017 via bi-annual audits. The Department continued to enhance its online facilities with the introduction of new functionality, including a simpler way to apply online where no ICT Shared Services changes had been made year on year. The ‘Preliminary In line with the Public Service ICT Strategy, the Check’ facility also advised farmers of certain errors Department further expanded the provision of ICT which could be corrected without penalty. The infrastructure shared services during 2017 which number of BPS applications filed online, through BPS includes: iNet, in 2017 increased by 13,000 to over 114,000 cases. This represents approximately 87% of all • Department of Communications, Climate Action applications. and Environment (DCCAE): Full ICT infrastructure support is provided in DCCAE, including hosting Advance payments began on 16th October with of various DCCAE and GSI websites. balancing payments made in the first week in • Department of the Taoiseach (DoT): This December. The total amount issued in respect of Department continued to provide a network 2017 BPS claims is now over €1.171bn to 123,496 support to Department of the Taoiseach. The farmers. bulk of phone services in DoT are now provided via a Department-hosted Voice over Internet An enhancement was applied in 2017 to enable Protocol (VoIP) phone system, which is managed famers to submit their claims for GLAS payment as internally by ICT staff. part of their BPS submission. • Payroll Shared Service (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform): This Department Development work commenced on new online continues to provide ongoing support, including facilities which will enable farmers to trade their BPS server maintenance and security for the entitlements. These new facilities are to be officially Government’s central payroll facility implemented launched in March 2018. in 2014. By the end of 2017 this environment paid circa 130,000 current and former civil Rural Development Plan (RDP) 2014-2020 servants. • Department of Health (DoH), and Department of Analysis and development work continued in 2017 in Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA): Department regards to systems support for the new RDP Schemes agreed to provide phone services to DoH and under CAP 2014-2020, including: DCYA in Q2 2018 via the Department-hosted Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system, • Ranking and Selection which will be managed internally by ICT staff. Under the RDP a number of the schemes • Shared services are provided for the delivered require Ranking and Selection Department’s Non-Commercial State Sponsored Functionality. The Department’s Ranking and Bodies (NCSSBs) at various levels, such as: Selection System (RASS) was enhanced to • Full ICT email, DFS and network support for provide this functionality for the GLAS III scheme the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) to select applications based on pre-determined and provision of software development assessment criteria. This selection process and maintenance of catch and inspection determined which applications were entitled to
83 Developing IT Capability
proceed to the approval process of the scheme. • Sheep Welfare Scheme (SWS) • Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) The first payments under this scheme issued in 115,613 farmers applied for this scheme in November 2017 with €16m advance payment 2017. Approximately 87.9% of these applications issuing to approximately 20,000 applicants. An (101,704) applied online by way of their BPS online facility to enable applicants to express application. First payments for 2017 issued in an interest in continuing in the scheme was September, on schedule. developed during 2017 and was implemented in • Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme January 2018. (GLAS) A number of enhancements were made to the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) Generic Claims Processing System (GCPS) to The LPIS is the Department’s spatial database. Each handle this scheme in 2017. Functionality to year circa €1.7 billion is paid out to Irish farmers process the third tranche of the GLAS was also based on the data within LPIS. It contains over developed during the year. 1.3 million polygons/parcels representing the land holdings of over 130,000 farmers. The system Functionality to enable the processing of was built on now legacy technology and has been payment applications for 2017 was developed the subject of several EU Audits. The audits have with 2017 advance payments, including first time highlighted several areas where improvements are payments for the GLAS III scheme commencing needed to ensure continued compliance with EU in November. Regulations that govern the EU funded payments. In 2017 the Department took the decision to update New online facilities were also provided in 2017 this system with the aim of, inter alia, address the to support GLAS training. In addition payments in EU findings to include improvements to positional respect of participants commenced in November accuracy on land parcels and align departmental GIS 2017 and to trainers in December. data to Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) Prime 2 data • Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes and redevelop the core GIS application that is used to (TAMS II) make parcel changes. In 2017 a LPIS Rebuild project Approvals and payments continued in 2017. board was formed and work began on the rebuild. It New inspection functionality in respect of fixed is expected to go live on a pilot basis in Q4 2018 and investments (buildings etc) was also developed in full rollout to start in 2019. 2017, for release in 2018. Functionality to enable applicants to apply to extend the permitted completion date for an investment was also DeMinimis Schemes developed for release in early Q1, 2018. Facilities for payment of the following schemes were • Knowledge Transfer Schemes (KT) provided: In 2017, functionality was provided for the three year Knowledge Transfer Programme. Three • BVD Compensation for Beef and Dairy 2016 online systems were developed; a dedicated • Ex Gratia BVD Compensation for Beef and Dairy online system for scheduling and reporting 2016 attendance at meetings and national events as • Kerry Purebred Cattle well as two purpose built online systems for the • Weather Related Crop Loss Support Measure Farm Improvement Plan used by advisors and the • Flood Damage Relief Measure 2017 Animal Health Measures used by vets. • Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) Inspections In April 2017, BDGP 2 was launched with almost The Agriculture Field Inspection and Testing (AFIT) 1800 applications received by the closing date. system is a shared business system allowing for the Work has continued on the development of the coordinated allocation, scheduling, tracking, data system to support both BDGP 1 and BDGP 2 and entry of inspections and any associated penalty over €35million was paid to 23,194 farmers for calculations. The system is available nationwide and the 2017 Scheme Year. currently caters for over 120 different inspection types including Animal Welfare, BPS, AEOS, GLAS,
84 85 Developing IT Capability
TAMS, KT, Ante-Mortem in Factories and Veterinary Websites Plant Health inspections. New functionality was During 2017, improvements were made to the developed to reduce further the paper processes in Departments’ website www.agriculture.gov.ie and a the field using ruggedised tough-books. There was an number of related sub-sites to improve the usability increased use of GPS devices to ensure more accurate of those sites for readers and visitors. Our continued measuring of land parcels. Bar-code readers were also commitment to accessibility included a number of provided to facilitate automation of Bovine Passports pilot schemes within the Department to review the validation. process for improving the standard of documentation and availability to a wider audience. The deployment Land Management of Browsealoud (screen reading technology) on all The Generic Land Management system (GLAM) is a websites is designed to facilitate improved access for new system being developed to enable the recording those customers with visual impairments. of land management plans. Such plans are / will be required by a number of locally led schemes under the New, mobile friendly designs were implemented on RDP 2014-2020. Facilities were provided in 2017 in several subsites, and a review of the structure and respect of the Hen Harrier and Burren schemes. content of the main agriculture website commenced to improve the organisation of information on the Online Services website to make it more readily available for readers and visitors. Several promotion activities were conducted in 2017 to highlight the benefits of the Department’s online services portal www.agfood.ie, and the number of SAP Financial System farmers registered to use online services continued The Department’s SAP Financial Management System to increase. At year end, some 117,000 farmers were is a key component of ensuring that the Department registered for agfood services either as individuals maintains its Accredited EU Paying Agency Status. or through their agents, representing over 90% of all The main system enhancements and business process farmers (BPS applicants). improvements implemented during 2017 include :
• SMS Messaging • New facilities implemented for billing of SMS offers a cost effective and efficient means inspection charges at Border Inspection Posts in of communication to alert farmers and other Dublin Port and Shannon Airport, clients on topics of interest including various • Provision of a SAP Contract register with scheme closure dates, payment dates, etc. In enhanced internal purchasing controls total, 1,101,988 Text Messages issued to Farmers introduced, and other customers in 2017 on a wide range • A new asset register established for the Fisheries of issues. At end of 2017, over 132,000 clients Harbour Fund, (including Farmers) had provided their mobile • Revised and enhanced facilities implemented phone numbers to the Department and had for scanning and storage of documentation also permitted use of those numbers for the associated with vendor management, Department messages and alerts. • Remittance Advice printing on A4 sized paper enabled. This is part of a series of measures that • Transactional SMS will remove paper based notifications over future The facility enabling the automated electronic years. based linking of farmers to their agents for • The Collections Management solution were various schemes, using agfood.ie and interactive further enhanced and implemented into new SMS, resulted in successful linking of more than business units. 17,622 farmers to agents and farmers to partners using this method in 2017, saving time and During 2017, the SAP system processed over one administrative burden for farmers, agents and the million payments to farmers/vendors. Over 30,000 Department. purchase orders were created for goods/services received and some 33,000 sales invoices were issued
85 Developing IT Capability
for services provided. Access to and use of the In parallel with preparations on the technical side, a Financial Self Service (FSS) application that allows significant business process review was completed farmer/vendor clients to view their accounting across the five Marine Divisions in the Department. information on-line and print a Statement/Remittance This involved a detailed analysis and documentation advice continued to increase during 2017. Over of the existing main business processes which was 40,000 farmers/vendors had accessed the FSS then used to explore future service opportunities to application by the end of 2017. identify the various ICT supports required to support those improved processes for the Industry and the The Integrated Fisheries Information Department in future years. System (IFIS) The main new services implemented in 2017 included: IFIS is the principal computer system to support the management and control of sea fishing activities • Enhancements to the National Fish Quota and the implementation of the Common Fisheries management facilities, Policy (CFP). It includes a number of related systems • Revised web services facility for Fisheries Co- including the Electronic Recording System (ERS), an Ops to capture sales notes information. on-vessel system (ieCatch), an Inspectors Module (ieInspect) and a customer portal (fishingnet.ie). Small Systems Support As part of the new CFP arrangements the European ICT support arrangements for over 60 small business Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) programme has support systems were consolidated into one team been agreed and will run for the life of current CFP to during 2017. 2020. The EMFF programme will include significant computer systems development over this period to ICT support services for staff operating farmer support monitoring, control and management of sea helpdesks were greatly expanded in 2017 in line with fishing activity. Analysis and development works the extension of improved farmer/customer services towards modernising IFIS and its related systems supports for the various scheme payments areas. In commenced in 2017 and will be on-going over the addition, some applications in the small systems that life of the EMFF Operational Programme. This is were based on old and less secure technology were necessary to ensure the stability of existing services upgraded and improved to modern and more secure and to provide opportunities for expanded mobile and platforms. digital services in future years.
86 87 Corporate Affairs
Data Protection obliged to have regard to human rights and equality A total of 23 Subject Access Requests were received issues in the performance of their functions. under Section 4 of the Data Protection Acts in 2017, a decrease of 8% from the previous year. In this regard the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has incorporated the following values The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in its Statement of Strategy 2016 – 2019: comes into force on 25 May 2018. This EU Regulation enhances individuals’ privacy rights and • A strong commitment to diversity, gender imposes significant additional obligations on all equality and the fair and equal treatment of all, organisations that process personal data. In 2017, • a deep-rooted public service ethos of the Data Protection Unit brought together a GDPR independence, integrity and impartiality. Project Group within the Department with the aim of examining this Regulation, identifying the implications The Department has established a Working Group at for the Department and putting in place policies, senior level which works on an assessment of human practices, systems and guidelines to ensure the rights and equality issues relevant to its functions. Department meets its compliance requirements. The Group’s management board sponsor is the Assistant Protected Disclosures Act 2014 Secretary with responsibility for Corporate Affairs. Two protected disclosures were made in 2017. Both The group has wide representation from key Divisions were submitted directly to the Department. Although across the Department. This GDPR Project Group met a submission was also made to the Confidential seven times in 2017 and continues to meet in order Recipient it was found not to be a Protected to continue its work towards ensuring a high level of Disclosure. compliance with the Regulation. Inheritance Enquiry Unit Press and Information Office The Inheritance Enquiry Unit continues to advise The Press and Information Office is responsible for and assist the families and legal representatives issuing press releases on behalf of the Department, of deceased farmers in the process of transferring dealing with queries received from the media as well agricultural schemes and the issuing of outstanding as general information queries. payments. In 2017, it responded to requests for assistance from over 1,542 families and released In 2017, 236 Press Releases and Department a total of €13.3m in payments to the estates of Statements were issued by the Press Office and over deceased farmers. 1,200 different media queries were processed. In the region of 2,000 general queries received via the Service to Assist Bereaved Farm Families Department’s [email protected] mailbox were The Department provides a service to assist bereaved also processed. The Press Office led on a number farm families who have suffered a sudden loss and of nationwide communication campaigns utilising who may not have experience in dealing with the press, radio and social media to promote the various type of day-to-day issues that might bring them into schemes and services the Department administers. contact with the Department in relation to schemes and services. Two contacts with the service were Public interaction with the Department’s Twitter made in 2017. account continued to increase in 2017 with a 50% increase in twitter followers. Social media was also increasingly used to publicise new and existing Complaints Procedure schemes, staff contributions at Agriculture related 43 customer service complaints were received by the events and to issue Press Releases. Department’s Quality Service Unit in 2017 and were examined and responded to in line with Department’s Public Sector Duty customer complaints procedure. This represents a 28% decrease in complaints compared to 2016. Under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act, 2014, all public bodies are statutorily
87 Corporate Affairs
Office of the Ombudsman In 2017, the Office received 638 appeals, an increase The Department responded to a total of 43 individual of 6.7% on 2016. 707 cases were closed in 2017 cases from the Office of the Ombudsman in 2017, a which included appeals outstanding from the previous decrease of 35% compared to the previous year. years, and this was 15% higher than the number closed in 2016. A summary of the outcome of cases received and decided in 2017 is as follows: Freedom of Information (FOI) A total of 391 FOI applications were received during Outcome of appeals received in 2017 2017. This represents a 13% increase compared to 2016. Appeals Allowed, Partially Allowed or 37% Revised by the Department Farmers’ Charter of Rights Appeals Withdrawn, Invalid and Out of Time 10% The Farmers’ Charter of Rights 2015-2020 sets out Disallowed 53% specific delivery targets to our farmer customers and covers the various schemes operated by the Review of the Agriculture Appeals Act, Department. The Farmers’ Charter continues our commitment to the principles of Quality Customer 2001 Service set out in our Customer Charter and Customer The Programme for Partnership Government provided Action Plan 2015 - 2020. for a review of the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001, to ensure the independence and efficiency of the Progress under the Charter is overseen by a appeals office in dealing with appeals from farmers. monitoring committee under an independent In fulfilment of this undertaking, the Minister for chairperson. The committee is comprised of Agriculture, Food and the Marine established a representatives of farm organisations and Department Review Committee to carry out the review and furnish of Agriculture, Food and the Marine staff. The its Report, to include recommendations as regards the monitoring committee met on four occasions in 2017. legislation governing and the future operation of, the Agriculture Appeals Office. The Review Committee The Agriculture Appeals Office submitted its Report to the Minister and its recommendations are currently under consideration The Agriculture Appeals Office provides a free, by the Department, particularly with regard to independent, statutory appeals service to farmers legislative changes that may be required. who are dissatisfied with decisions in relation to their entitlements under the schemes set out in the Schedule to the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001. The Office’s Annual Reports are on the website: www. agriappeals.gov.ie
88 89 Appendices
89 Appendix A Organisation of the Department
Organisation of the Department At 31 December 2017 the Department employed a total of 3108 full-time equivalent staff.
The senior management team is the Management Board. This is headed by Aidan O’Driscoll, Secretary General and comprises eight Assistant Secretaries General/Directors, the Chief Veterinary Officer, the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, the Chief Inspector, and the Director of Laboratory Services.
MB/Director Deputy Function Head of Division Location Cecil Beamish Aquaculture & Foreshore John Quinlan Clonakilty Seafood and Management Marine Marine Programmes Paschal Hayes Clonakilty Marine Engineering Noel Clancy Clonakilty Sea Fisheries Administration Kevin Moriarty Clonakilty Seafood Policy and Josephine Kelly Clonakilty Development Martin Blake Animal Health & Welfare Dermot Murphy Dublin Chief Veterinary NDCC/Contingency Sally Gaynor Dublin Officer Response: Animal Health International Michael Sheahan Veterinary Public Health Peter Maher Dublin Director of Implementation Operations Veterinary Northern Area Thomas McTague Regions Management Team Veterinary Southern Area Pat Meskell Regions Management Team Investigations Division Pat Flanagan Backweston ERAD, Veterinary Colm Forde Backweston Medicines, and Veterinary Council of Ireland Ruminant Animal Health & Eoin Ryan Backweston ERAD Paula Barry-Walsh Audit, Enforcement, Ethics, Hazel Sheridan Backweston VPHIS Deputy Organisational Governance, Chief Veterinary Animal Remedies Officer TSE, Animal By-Products & John Griffin Dublin Animal Health Surveillance Veterinary Public Health Dave Nolan Dublin Policy & International Trade Animal Identification & Martin Farrell Backweston Movement Milk & Meat Hygiene & Tom Loftus Portlaoise Animal By-Products Dairy Controls Nicholas Dublin Finnerty Non-Ruminant Animal Joe O’Flaherty Dublin Health, Animal Welfare
90 91 Appendix A Organisation of the Department
MB/Director Deputy Function Head of Division Location Donal Sammin James Choiseul Bacteriology John Egan Backweston Director of Head of Dairy Science Labs Eoin O’Brien Backweston Laboratories Agricultural Labs Pathology John Moriarty Backweston Vacant Pesticides, Seed Testing & AnnMarie Dillon Backweston Head of Veterinary Plant Health Labs Regional Veterinary Labs & Michael Casey Backweston Blood Testing Lab Veterinary Public Health Montserrat Backweston Regulatory Laboratory Gutierrez Virology Ronan O’Neill Backweston Bill Callanan Donal Coleman Pesticides Controls Tom Medlycott Backweston Chief Inspector Director Pesticides Registration Aidan Moody Backweston Plant Health & Horticulture Barry Delany Backweston Feedstuffs, Fertilisers, Grain Louise Byrne Backweston and Poultry Crops Evaluation & Vacant Backweston Certification Crop Policy Production & Vacant Backweston Safety Livestock Breeding, Gerry Greally Portlaoise Production & Trade Cavan Nitrates, Biodiversity & Jack Nolan Wexford Engineering Climate Change & Edwina Love Portlaoise BioEnergy Policy Brendan Gleeson EU Division David Buckley Dublin International & Brexit & international Trade Paul Savage Dublin Brexit Permanent Representation Breffini Brussels Brussels Carpenter Agricultural Counsellors & Attachés Sinead McPhillips Food Industry Development Marian Byrne Dublin Agri-Food Meat & Milk Policy Maria Dunne Dublin Strategy Economics & Planning Vacant Dublin Research Food & Codex Richard Howell Dublin
91 Appendix A Organisation of the Department
MB/Director Deputy Function Head of Division Location Eilis O’Connell Accommodation, ISO, Grainne Mulligan Dublin, HR & Corporate Health & Safety Portlaoise Communications Management Services Corporate Affairs, F.O.I, Kay Ryan Dublin, Minister’s Office Portlaoise Human Resources Sharon M. Dublin, Murphy Portlaoise Legal Services Derek Elliot Dublin, Cavan Sean Keevey IMT Animal, Customer, Joe Hanly Dublin, Information Financials & Fisheries Portlaoise, Management Systems Backweston Technology IMT Direct Farm Alan King Dublin, Payment Systems Portlaoise
IMT Infrastructure Darren Murray Dublin IMT Co-ordination & Louise Jevens Dublin PMO Kevin Smyth Accounts Colm McKiernan Cavan Governance Agriculture Appeals Angela Robinson Portlaoise Finance Division & Heber McMahon Dublin, Central Procurement Portlaoise Unit Internal Audit Group Gordon Conroy Dublin, Portlaoise Horse & Greyhound Rebecca Dublin, Racing & Teagasc Chapman Cavan Colm Hayes Agricultural Environment William Fahey Castlebar, Rural Development & Structures Regions Forestry Division Bridgeena Nolan Johnstown Castle Forest Sector Eugene Hendrick Dublin Development/COFORD Forest Service Seamus Dunne Dublin, Regions Inspectorate Forestry International Stephen Dublin Fitzpatrick Organics, Market Ronan O’Flaherty Wexford Supports & Locally Led Agri Environment & On Miriam Cadwell Wexford Farm Investment CAP Rural Development Patricia Kelly Dublin
92 93 Appendix A Organisation of the Department
MB/Director Deputy Function Head of Division Location Paul Dillon BPS(Inspections; Paul McKiernan Portlaoise Direct Payments Financial Control; Policy Co-ordination; Risk Management), Beef Data & Genomics Programmes, Commonage, Greening, LPIS Rebuild Project Basic Payment Fintan O’Brien Portlaoise Scheme(Operations) Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme, Knowledge Transfer & Innovation Unit CAP/Single Payment Bernadette Castlebar, Entitlements & Financial Brennan Portlaoise Controls Direct Payments Thomas Keating Dublin, Regions Integrated Controls
93 Appendix B State Bodies
Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board Bord Iascaigh Mhara Kilminchy Court Crofton Road Dublin Road Dun Laoghaire Portlaoise Co. Dublin Co. Laois A96 E5AO R32 DTW5 Tel: 01 214 4100 Tel: 057 863 1912 Website: www.bim.ie Email: [email protected] Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Irish Sea Fisheries Board, is the Irish State agency with responsibility This is an independent board which handles the for developing sustainable Irish Sea Fishing and appeals process for aquaculture licensing. All Aquaculture industries. BIM was established under Board members are engaged on a part-time basis. the Sea Fisheries Act 1952. BIM provides a range A person aggrieved by a decision of the Minister on of services including advisory, financial, technical, an application for an aquaculture licence or by the marketing and training supports to all sectors of the revocation or amendment of an aquaculture licence Irish seafood industry. BIM’s primary objective is to may, make an appeal to the Board in writing within expand the volume, quality and value of output from one month of the publication or notification of such a the seafish and aquaculture sectors by focusing on decision, revocation or amendment. the opportunities for growth in these sectors while promoting responsible environmental practices. Bord Bia Clanwilliam Court Bord na gCon Lower Mount Street Green Park Dublin 2 Dock Road D02 A344 Limerick Tel: 01 668 5155 V94 Y17X Website: www.bordbia.ie Tel: 061 448000 Website: www.igb.ie Bord Bia promotes, assists and develops the marketing of Irish food including drink, seafood Bord na gCon is a commercial state body, established and livestock and the production, marketing and under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly to consumption of horticultural produce. control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Bord na gCon regulates It operates quality assurance schemes for beef, pork all aspects of greyhound racing in Ireland including and bacon, horticultural and egg products. In response the licensing of the different tracks, the issuing of to growing demand from international customers for permits to officials, bookmakers, trainers and the quality assured, sustainable food and drink products, implementation of the rules of racing. Bord Bia developed Origin Green – a world-first, nationwide sustainability programme for the entire Irish food and drink industry, introduced in 2012.
With its headquarters in Dublin, Bord Bia has a network of overseas offices in Amsterdam, Dubai, Dusseldorf, London, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, New York, Paris, Shanghai (Asia Office), Singapore, Stockholm and Warsaw.
94 95 Appendix B State Bodies
Coillte CGA Marine Institute The Irish Forestry Board Rinville Newtownmountkennedy Oranmore Co Wicklow Co. Galway A63 DN25 H91 R673 Tel: 01 201 1111 Tel: 091 387200 Website: www.coillte.ie Website: www.marine.ie
Coillte CGA is a private limited company, which The Marine Institute (MI) is the national agency operates in forestry and related activities on a with responsibility for Marine Research, Technology commercial basis. The company is co-owned by the Development and Innovation (RTDI). The Institute Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the was established under the 1991 Marine Institute Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Act. The role of the MI is to promote the sustainable company was established under the Forestry Act, development of marine industry through strategic 1988 which sets out its objectives and duties. funding programmes and essential scientific services that safeguard the marine environment through Horse Racing Ireland research and environmental monitoring. The Institute undertakes and co-ordinates marine research and Ballymany development that has the potential to promote The Curragh economic development create employment and Co Kildare protect the marine environment. R56 XE37 Tel: 045 455455 Website: www.hri.ie National Milk Agency Holly Park Studio Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state Holly Park Avenue body, established under the Horse and Greyhound Blackrock Racing Act 2001. Horse Racing Ireland is the national Co. Dublin authority for horse racing in Ireland and is responsible A94 R6F7 for the overall administration, promotion and Tel: 01 660 3396 development of the industry. Website: www.nationalmilkagency.ie
Irish National Stud Company Ltd The National Milk Agency was established in 1994 under the Milk (Regulation of Supply) Act, 1994 and is Tully responsible for the regulation of the supply of milk for Kildare liquid consumption throughout the State. It is funded R51 KX25 by means of a statutory levy on milk used for liquid Tel: 045 521251 consumption. Website: www.irish-national-stud.ie
The chairman of the Agency is appointed by the The Irish National Stud Co. Ltd keeps a range of top Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Five class stallions with a view to making quality bloodlines members of the Agency are directly elected by available to the thoroughbred horse industry in registered producers while the other members are Ireland. The Japanese Gardens and St. Fiachra’s appointed by the Minister following nominations from Garden, both of which are located on the grounds designated organisations. of the Stud, plus the opportunity for visitors to view the horses standing at the Stud have proven to be a major tourist attraction through the years. The Stud also engages in farming activities and trains people for employment in the bloodstock sector.
95 Appendix B State Bodies
Teagasc Veterinary Council of Ireland Agriculture and Food Development Authority 53 Landsdowne Road Oak Park Ballsbridge Carlow Dublin 4 R93 XE12 D04 NY29 Tel: 059 917 0200 Tel: 01 668 4402 Website: www.teagasc.ie Website: www.vci.ie
Teagasc the Agriculture and Food Development The Veterinary Council of Ireland which regulates the Authority is the national body providing integrated practice of veterinary medicine was established on research, advisory and training services to the 1 January 2006 under section 11 of the Veterinary agriculture and food industry and rural communities. Practice Act 2005. It has 19 members which Established under the Agriculture (Research, Training reflects interests such as education, animal welfare, and Advice) Act 1988, its mission is to support consumers and food safety and a balance as between science-based innovation in the agri-food sector and veterinarians and others. The principal function of wider bio-economy so as to underpin profitability, the Council is to regulate and manage the practice competitiveness and sustainability. It is governed of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in the by an eleven member Authority appointed by the State in the public interest. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and has representatives from the farming organisations, the food industry, the universities, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Teagasc staff.
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) National Seafood Centre Clonakilty Co. Cork P85 TX47 Tel: 023 885 9300 Website: www.sfpa.ie
The SFPA is the statutory authority responsible for the enforcement of sea-fisheries protection and seafood safety legislation in the Ireland and throughout Ireland’s exclusive fishing limits. It was established on 1 January 2007 under the Sea- Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 and its principal responsibilities are to enforce sea fisheries legislation and seafood safety legislation fairly and consistently and to ensure that the marine fish and shellfish resources from the waters around Ireland are exploited sustainably and may be consumed safely for the long term benefit of all.
96 97 Appendix C Vote 30 - 2017
€000
ADMINISTRATION 223,461
i SALARIES, WAGES AND ALLOWANCES 162,511 ii TRAVEL AND SUBSISTENCE 7,762 iii TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT AND INCIDENTAL EXPENSES 5,010 iv POSTAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES 4,023 v OFFICE EQUIPMENT AND EXTERNAL IT SERVICES 30,681 vi OFFICE PREMISES EXPENSES 5,862 vii CONSULTANCY SERVICES AND VALUE FOR MONEY AND POLICY REVIEWS 365
viii SUPPLEMENTARY MEASURES TO PROTECT THE FINANCIAL INTERESTS OF 759 THE EU ix LABORATORY SERVICES 6,488
A. FOOD SAFETY, ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH AND ANIMAL WELFARE 80,177
A.3 Food Safety, Animal and Plant Health and Animal Welfare 80,177 TB & Bruc. Eradication 32,570 TVIs Meat Inspection 20,477 Fallen Animals Scheme 6,705 National Beef Assurance Current 5,394 Vet. Testing & Research 4,544 Animal Welfare incl. Control of Horses 3,442 Oth. Animals Dis. Measures 3,020 Pesticide / Plant Protect 1,044 BSE Comp. & Related Costs and Testing 912 Scrapie 400 Other 1,669
B. FARM/SECTOR SUPPORT AND CONTROLS
B.3 Agri-environmental Schemes 224,469 GLAS 195,583 Agri Envir Scheme 16,199 Organic Farming Scheme 8,225 Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes 1,794 REPS 92 Other 2,576 B.4 Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme 205,298
97 Appendix C Vote 30 - 2017
B.5 Development of Agriculture and Food (Farm) 37,109 Targeted Agricultural Measures (RDP.SCHEMES) 31,296 Horticulture Industry 4,833 Organic Sect 939 Other 41 B.6 Beef Data & Genomics Programme 47,137 B.7 Knowledge Transfer 13,784 B.8 Animal Welfare Scheme for Sheep 15,851 B.9 Early Retirement Scheme 2,504 B.10 Forestry and Bio Energy 101,574 Afforestation 93,630 Forestry Support Scheme (current 1060 capital 5881) 6,941 Forestry Development 606 Other 397 B.11 Control & Other Support Scheme Costs 10,594 B.12 Other Schemes 718
C. POLICY AND STRATEGY 317,770
C.3 Research Quality & Certification 21,870 Quality Assurance Scheme 6,145 R&D in the Food Sector 5,472 Research Stimulus Fund 4,056 Forestry Research 1,653 Livestock Breeding 1,435 Cattle Breeding Authority 990 Equine Breeding 850 Improvement of Livestock 23 Other 1,246 C.4 Development and Promotion of Agriculture and Food (Non Farm) 7,815 Marketing & Processing 4,436 Food & Horticulture Promotion Programme 2,302 Other 1,077 C.5 Teagasc Grant 128,130 C.6 An Bord Bia Grant 40,775
98 99 Appendix C Vote 30 - 2017
C.7 Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund 80,000 Horse Racing Ireland 64,000 Bord ná gCon 16,000 C.8 Cedra Rural Innovation & Development Fund 1,394 C.9 Food and Donations – World Food Programme 14,000 C.10 Other Services 23,786 Brexit Loan Response Scheme 9,000 International Cooperation 5,293 General Legal Expenses 2,196 Non-Thoroughbred Horse Industry 2,060 Misc. Pension Payments 1,815 Rural Development Technical Assist 1,388 Other capital Johnstown Castle 950 Other 1,084
D. SEAFOOD SECTOR 107,310
D.3 Fisheries 27,686 Development and Upgrading of Harbours for Fisheries Capital 20,769 Seafood Development Programme 5,673 Environmental Compliance 1,203 Other 41 D.4 Marine Institute Grant 31,332 D.5 Bord Iascaigh Mhara Grant 33,462 D.6 Sea Fisheries Protection Authority 10,731 D.7 Haulbowline Remediation Project 4,099 Total Gross Voted Expenditure 1,387,756
99 Appendix C Vote 30 - 2017
RECEIPTS 258,906
Appropriations in Aid E.1 Recoupment of Salaries, etc. of officers on loan to outside bodies -378 E.2 Forfeited Deposits & Securities under EU intervention, export refund etc. -179 E.3 Refunds from Veterinary Fees for inspection at poultry and other meat plants -18,666 E.4 Receipts from Veterinary Fees for Live Exports -633 E.5 Receipts from fees for dairy premises inspection services -7,263 Receipts from Sale of Vaccines, livestock, farm produce, etc. at Veterinary E.6 Research Laboratory and farm at Abbotstown; recoupment of quarantine -693 expenses at Spike Island Receipts from Seed Testing fees, certification fees, licensing fees, pesticides, E.7 -3,117 registration fees, etc. and receipts from Backweston Farm Receipts from farmer contributions towards the cost of eradicating bovine E.8 -6,945 disease E.9 Land Commission receipts -360 E.10 Other Receipts -2,204 EU Co Funding Transfers Market Intervention expenses and financing costs for other FEOGA(Guarantee) E.11 -1,050 section measures E.12 Intervention Stock Losses, etc. -1,038 E.13 EAFRD (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) -169,091 E.14 Veterinary Fund -10,959 E.15 Other Guarantee Receipts from EU (Agriculture) -1,187 Fisheries Related Receipts E.16 Proceeds of Fines and Forfeitures in respect of Sea Fisheries -87 E.17 Receipts under the 1933 Foreshore Act and the 1954 State Property Act -166 EU –Recoupment in respect of expenditure on the Conservation & Management E.18 0 of Fisheries E.19 Aquaculture Licence Fees -876 E.20 EU Receipts for EMFF -16,725 E.21 EFF (Fisheries) 2007-2013 -5,917 E.22 Receipts from Sustainable Foods Systems Ireland -26 E.23 Receipts from pension-related deduction on public service remuneration -11,346 Total Receipts -258,906 Net Expenditure 1,128,850
100 101 Appendix D Performance Budgeting
STRATEGIC GOAL 1 FOOD SAFETY, ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH AND ANIMAL WELFARE
“To promote and safeguard public, animal and plant health and animal welfare for the benefit of consumers, producers and wider society”
Inputs – Financial & Human Resources
2 0 1 7 E s ti m a t e * 2017 Outturn Current Capital Total Current Capital Total €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 A.1 ADMINISTRATION – PAY 89,923 0 89,922 89,808 0 89,808 A.2 ADMINISTRATION – NON-PAY 32,580 3,441 36,021 30,710 3,619 34,329 A.3 Food Safety, Animal and Plant 85,329 300 85,629 80,004 173 80,177 Health and Animal Welfare
Programme Total: €204,314 *2017 Estimate as amended by Supplementary Estimate
Staff Numbers 2 0 1 7 E s ti m a t e 2017 Actual Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 1,718 1,670
Programme A: Context and Impact Indicators
Number of major food safety incidents Animal Disease and welfare measurements as 2015 2016 2017 reported to OIE 0 0 0 (data in brackets = exotic diseases incidents, Brucellosis cases, TB herd incidence, BSE cases)
Number of tests accredited under the National 2015 2016 2017 Reference Laboratory function one BSE case no BSE case One case of 2015 2016 2017 BSE (atypical) 455 tests 610 tests 171 tests Retained Retained accredited accredited accredited* Official Official
Brucellosis Free Brucellosis Free * These figures are in respect of accredited test status status methods currently in use in DAFM Laboratories, some of which may be used for multiple analyses and/or Responded Responded to with multiple matrices. to 642 calls 686 calls on the on the animal animal welfare welfare helpline helpline Maintenance of access to existing export markets and opening of new trade areas 12 Wild bird cases of HPAI 2015 2016 2017 H5N8 notified 6 new trade 5 new trade 2 new trade to the OIE areas opened or areas opened or areas opened or reopened reopened reopened
101 Appendix D Performance Budgeting
STRATEGIC GOAL 2 FARM / SECTOR SUPPORTS AND CONTROLS
“Provide income and market supports to underpin the rural economy and the environment”
Inputs – Financial and Human Resources
2017 Estimate* 2017 Outturn Current Capital Total Current Capital Total €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 B.1 ADMINISTRATION - PAY 50,098 0 50,098 50,035 0 50,035 B.2 ADMINISTRATION – NON-PAY 17,170 893 18,063 16,368 885 17,253 B.3 Agri-environmental Schemes 258,250 1,000 259,250 223,717 752 224,469 B.4 Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme 206,500 0 206,500 205,298 0 205,298 B.5 Development of Agriculture and Food 855 56,200 57,055 839 36,271 37,109 (Farm) B.6 Beef Data & Genomics Programme 49,000 0 49,000 47,137 0 47,137 B.7 Knowledge Transfer 22,821 0 22,821 13,784 0 13,784 B.8 Animal Welfare Scheme for Sheep 17,000 0 17,000 15,851 0 15,851 B.9 Early Retirement Scheme 2,611 0 2,611 2,504 0 2,504 B.10 Forestry and Bio Energy 2,175 109,415 111,590 1,891 99,683 101,574 B.11 Control & Other Support Scheme 11,887 0 11,887 10,594 0 10,594 Costs B.12 Other Schemes 89 0 89 718 0 718
Programme Total: €726,326
*2017 Estimate as amended by Supplementary Estimate
Staff Numbers 2017 Estimate 2017 Actual Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 975 953
102 103 Appendix D Performance Budgeting
Programme B: Context and Impact Indicators
Gross value added of agriculture, forestry and fishing to the overall economy 2015 2016 2017 €4,l35m €4,093m Information not yet available
Area for which afforestation grants paid 2015 2016 2017 6,293 ha (+2.2%) 6,500 ha (+3.3%) 5,536 (-14.8%)
Area of land farmed organically 2015 2016 2017 61,435 ha (27.6%) 72,364 ha (17.8%) 70,722 ha (-3%)
Agriculture related Greenhouse Gas emissions, as measured by the EPA (1990 baseline year emissions: 20.124mt CO2 eq.) 2015[1] 2016 2017 18.744 mt CO2 eq 19.250 mt CO2 eq Information not available
Ammonia (NH3) emissions, as reported to the EU (year 2000 baseline: 121.4kt) 2015 2016 2017 106.88 kt 115.52 kt Information not available
Family Farm Income in Disadvantaged areas 2015 2016 2017 €23,140 €22,174 Information not available
Retain EU Paying Agency status and secure draw down of EU funding 2015 2016 2017 Achieved €1,571m in EU Funds Achieved €1,482m in EU Funds Achieved €1,451 in EU Funds
103 Appendix D Performance Budgeting
STRATEGIC GOAL 3 POLICY AND STRATEGY
“Provide the optimum policy framework for the sustainable development of the agri- food sector.”
Inputs – Financial & Human Resources
2 0 1 7 E s ti m a t e * 2017 Outturn Current Capital Total Current Capital Total €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 C.1 ADMINISTRATION - PAY 14,894 0 14,894 14,874 0 14,874 C.2 ADMINISTRATION – NON-PAY 5,819 263 6,082 5,492 260 5,752 C.3 Research Quality & Certification 21,757 0 21,757 21,870 0 21,870 C.4 Development and Promotion of 5,683 1,331 7,014 5,329 2,485 7,815 Agriculture and Food (Non Farm) C.5 Teagasc Grant 124,920 3,210 128,130 124,920 3,210 128,130 C.6 An Bord Bia Grant 41,092 0 41,092 40,775 0 40,775 C.7 Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund 58,756 21,244 80,000 58,756 21,244 80,000 C.8 CEDRA Rural Innovation & 1,500 0 1,500 1,394 0 1,394 Development Fund C.9 Food Aid Donations – World Food 14,000 0 14,000 14,000 0 14,000 Programme C.10 Other Services 22,161 1,500 13,661 22,836 950 23,786
Programme Total: €338,396
*2017 Estimate as amended by Supplementary Estimate
Staff Numbers 2017 Estimate 2017 Actual Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 285 263 Teagasc 1,029 1,009 Bord Bia 118 100
Programme C: Context and Impact Indicators
2015 2016 2017 1. Value of agri-food exports (CSO) €10,825m €12,228m €13,581m 2. Value (% change) of primary output of agriculture €7,132m €7,057m €8,016m* (+2.3%) (-1.0%) (+13.6%)
*Preliminary figure for 2017
104 105 Appendix D Performance Budgeting
STRATEGIC GOAL 4 SEAFOOD SECTOR
“Deliver a sustainable, growth driven sector focussed on competitiveness and innovation driven by a skilled workforce delivering value added products in line with market demands.”
Inputs – Financial and Human Resources
2017 Estimate* 2017 Outturn Current Capital Total Current Capital Total €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 D.1 ADMINISTRATION - PAY 7,804 0 7,804 7,794 0 7,794 D.2 ADMINISTRATION – NON-PAY 3,601 203 3,804 3,415 201 3,616 D.3 Fisheries 7,020 23,700 30,720 5,687 21,999 27,686 D.4 Marine Institute Grant 21,563 10,000 31,563 21,332 10,000 31,332 D.5 Bord Iascaigh Mhara Grant 21,588 18,000 39,588 20,467 12,995 33,462 D.6 Sea Fisheries Protection Authority 11,800 1,000 12,800 10,246 485 10,731 D.7 Haulbowline Remediation Project 0 8,000 8,000 0 4,099 4,099
Programme Total: €118,720
*2017 Estimate as amended by Supplementary Estimate
Staff Numbers 2017 Estimate 2017 Actual Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 222 222 Marine Institute 138 132 Bord Iascaigh Mhara 121 140 Sea Fisheries Protection Authority 126 99
Programme D: Context and Impact Indicators Value (€m) of Total seafood sales 2015 2016 2017 998 1,017 1,094 Source CSO
Value added (€m) of seafood exports 2015 2016 2017 280 275 303 Source BIM
105 Appendix E EAGF/EARFRD Guarantee Receipts 2017
The following shows the payments made in Ireland from the the EAGF fund and EAFRD & other EU receipts during the 2017 financial year
EU-funded expenditure managed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
2017 2016 EAGF €m €m Direct Payment/Single Payment Scheme 1,190 1,300 Intervention/Aid to Private Storage 2 3 Other market supports 26 7 Other (4) (61)
Co-funded receipts (measures co-funded by EU) 2017 2016 €m €m Agriculture EAFRD Rural Development Programmes 169 383 Veterinary fund 11 11 Other co-financing receipts 2 4
Fisheries EMFF and EFF Fisheries Programmes 23 3 1,419 1,650 Only the EU co-funding on these programmes is shown in this table. EMFF advance funding of €8.5m received in 2016/2017 not receipted to A&A
106 107 107 108 109 109 www.agriculture.gov.ie Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2017
Ullmhaithe ag an Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara www.agriculture.gov.ie Clár an ábhair
Súil Siar ar an mbliain 2017 2 Príomh-Ghnóthachtálacha 3
SPRIOC STRAITÉISEACH 1 SPRIOC STRAITÉISEACH 5 Sábháilteacht Bia, Sláinte Ainmhithe agus Plandaí Forbairt Chorparáideach agus Leas Ainmhithe Bainistíocht Airgeadais 84 Sábháilteacht Bia 8 Bainistíocht Foirne agus Eagraíochta 87 Sláinte agus Leas Ainmhithe 12 Acmhainn TF a Fhorbairt 90 Sláinte Plandaí 18 Gnóthaí Corparáideacha 94 Seirbhís Saotharlainne 21
AGUISÍNÍ SPRIOC STRAITÉISEACH 2 Aguisín A Tacaíochtaí agus Rialúcháin Feirme/Earnála Leagan Amach na Roinne 97 Feirmeoireacht Inbhuanaithe a Chur Chun Cinn 32 Seirbhís do Chustaiméirí 35 Aguisín B Oibríochtaí Scéime 37 Comhlachtaí Stáit 101
Aguisín C SPRIOC STRAITÉISEACH 3 Vóta 30 Talmhaíocht, Bia agus Muir 2017 104 Beartas agus Straitéis Idirghníomhaíochtaí AE/Idirnáisiúnta 40 Aguisín D Creat an Bheartais Náisiúnta 49 Buiséadú Feidhmíochta 108 Taighde & Nuálaíocht 55 An Earnáil Bia & Deochanna 57 Aguisín E Príomhtháirgíocht 61 Fáltais Ráthaíochta EAGF/EAGGF 2017 112 Táirgeacht Inbhuanaithe 66
SPRIOC STRAITÉISEACH 4 An Earnáil Bia Mara Forléargas ar an Earnáil Bia Mara 74 Iascaigh a Bhainistiú agus a Chaomhnú 77 An Clár Forbartha Caipitil Infreastruchtúir Cuanta Iascaigh agus Cósta 81
1 Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2017
Ráiteas Misin Freastal ar Rialtas agus ar mhuintir na hÉireann tríd an earnáil agraibhia a threorú, a fhorbairt agus a rialú, sláinte an phobail a chosaint agus oiread buntáistí sóisialta, eacnamaíochta agus comhshaoil is féidir a thabhairt chun cinn.
Ráiteas Físe Earnáil agraibhia nuálach agus inbhuanaithe atá ag feidhmiú de réir na gcaighdeán is airde
Tá an Tuarascáil Bhliantúil seo curtha ar fáil ar aon dul leis na cuspóirí atá leagtha amach sa Ráiteas Straitéise 2016 - 2019
1 Súil Siar ar an mbliain 2017
Lean an earnáil talmhaíochta agus bia le ról ríthábhachtach a seo ar feadh na bliana 2017 agus bhí cúig chruinniú acu. bheith aici i ngeilleagar na hÉireann, agus b’ionann onnmhairí Rinne cúig thionól bhreise a thionóil an tAire Creed faoi agraibhia agus 11% d’onnmhairithe iomlána ag baint €13.6 phróiseas Idirphlé Sibhialta Uile-Oileánda, comhlánú ar billiún amach rud a chiallaigh fás os cionn 74% ón mbliain na cruinnithe seo. 2009. Tá an Ríocht Aontaithe fós ar an gceann scríbe is mó d’onnmhairí agraibhia na hÉireann le honnmhairithe de €5.2 D’fhógair an tAire Creed i mBuiséad 2018, go raibh billiún sa bhliain 2017 nó 38% d’onnmhairithe iomlána (ardú comhaontú déanta aige, i gcomhpháirtíocht lena 7% ó 2016). B’fhiú onnmhairithe chuig an AE (gan an Ríocht chomhghleacaí, an tAire Gnó, Fiontair agus Nuálaíochta, Aontaithe san áireamh) agus an chuid eile den domhan “Scéim Iasachta Brexit” nua a bhunú a chuirfidh caipiteal araon agus €4.2 billiún in 2017. Bhí Earnáil na Déiríochta, oibre atá inacmhainne agus solúbtha ar fáil do ghnólachtaí na Mairteola agus na nDeochanna ar na trí chatagóir Éireannacha atá faoi thionchar ag Brexit i láthair na huaire onnmhairithe ab airde sa bhliain 2017 a chiallaigh os cionn nó a bheidh faoi thionchar ag Brexit amach anseo. €8 billiún in onnmhairithe ar fud an domhain mhóir. Fuair an tAire Creed maoiniú de €25m don Roinn freisin le Leanadh le hobair a dhéanamh sa bhliain 2017 le feidhm a héascú a dhéanamh ar fhorbairt scéimeanna iasachta nua thabhairt do chinneadh na Ríochta Aontaithe an tAontas chun dul i ngleic le Brexit linn na bliana 2018 chun cuidiú Eorpach a fhágáil an 30 Márta 2019, tar éis don Phríomh- le feirmeoirí agus le hiascairí agus do mhaoiniú caipitil Aire May Fógra Aistarraingthe Airteagal 50 a chur faoi bhráid fadtéarmach do ghnólachtaí bia. an 30 Márta 2017. Sheol an Coimisiún Eorpach próiseas comhairliúcháin phoiblí Ar an gcéad tionchar a bhí ag vóta Brexit ar an earnáil ná 12 sheachtain ó mhí Feabhra – mí na Bealtaine 2017 ar luaineacht steirling ar na gnólachtaí sin a bhfuil caidreamh shimpliú agus ar nuachóiriú CAP. Bhí na freagraí a fuarthas suntasach trádála acu leis an Ríocht Aontaithe agus leanann ón gcomhairliúchán seo mar bhonn do na bearta simplithe an titim seo sa luach airgeadra le tionchar diúltach a bheith maidir le glasú a fógraíodh ag an gComhairle Agra-éisc i mí aige. Is dóigh, sa mheántéarma go fadtéarma, go n-áireofar Iúil. Dhírigh go leor de na tograí simplithe ar athruithe ar ar na bagairtí ó Brexit tabhairt isteach taraifí ar thrádáil rialacha éagsúla a bhaineann le Ceantair Fócais Éiceolaíochta. idir an tAE agus an Ríocht Aontaithe agus go bhféadfadh dibhéirseacht a bheith i rialacháin agus i gcaighdeáin idir an Ar an gcéad chéim eile de phróiseas CAP iar-2020 beidh dá thír i ndiaidh Brexit. foilsiú moltaí reachtúla, atá le foilsiú sa dara leath de 2018.
Tá aghaidh á thabhairt ar na dúshláin trí raon bearta Leanadh le monatóireacht ghrinn a dhéanamh ar fhorbairtí buiséadacha a chlúdaíonn Iomaíochas agus Éagsúlú margaidh ar fud an AE sa bhliain 2017, go háirithe in Margaidh/Táirge. Áirítear sna bearta, scéimeanna iasachta earnálacha na déiríochta, beostoic agus torthaí agus glasraí. ar chostas íseal, bearta agra-chánachais nua agus maoiniú Lean an margadh déiríochta le comharthaí a léiriú go raibh an níos mó faoina Cláir Forbartha Tuaithe agus Forbartha Bia margadh sin ag teacht chuige féin. Bhí comhthéacs margadh Mara, chomh maith le deontais bhreise do Bhord Bia agus déiríochta AE agus domhanda a bhí níos fabhraí mar thoradh do Theagasc ar mhaithe le forbairt margaidh agus le bearta ar iarrachtaí cónasctha AE i réimsí ar nós bearta margaíochta, nuálaíochta bia. cúnamh díreach agus rialú margaidh deonaigh teoranta i gcomhar le dinimic soláthair agus éileamh domhanda Bhunaigh an tAire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara, Michael feabhsaithe. Creed, TD, Coiste Comhairleach Geallsealbhóirí, lena chinntiú go mbeadh malartú faisnéise iomlán ann maidir leis na himpleachtaí féideartha ar earnálacha agraibhia agus iascaireachta na hÉireann mar gheall go bhfuil an Ríocht Aontaithe ag fágáil an AE. Leanadh le hobair an Choiste
2 3 Príomh-Ghnóthachtálacha
Sheol an tAire Creed an Straitéis Náisiúnta um Shláinte Chomhaontaigh Comhairle Chomhshaoil an AE, i mí Ainmhithe Shaothraithe 2017-2022 i mí Iúil 2017. Tá Deireadh Fómhair 2017 cur chuige ginearálta i leith ról ag an Straitéis in iarrachtaí leanúnacha na hÉireann Comhroinnt Díchill (ESR) agus Rialacháin LULUCF. feabhas a chur ar a clú i ndáil le hardchaighdeáin sláinte Chuidigh sé sin ó thaobh tús a chur le hidirphlé ainmhithe agus le leathnú a dhéanamh ar a sciar de trípháirteach maidir le tabhairt chun críche na dtograí a mhargaí idirnáisiúnta. Cuireann an Straitéis treochlár ar chur chun cinn. fáil chun oibriú i gcomhpháirtíocht leis na geallsealbhóirí go léir sa tionscal agraibhia ar mhaithe le feabhas a chur Thángthas ar bheart sealadach ar chomhaid LULUCF ar shláinte ainmhithe. agus an ESR araon i mí na Nollag 2017 agus táthar ag súil le glacadh deiridh an dá chomhad go luath sa bhliain 2018. Is iad na gnéithe is suntasaí maidir le comhaontú Sa bhliain 2017, bhunaigh an tAire Coiste Athbhreithnithe sealadach an ESR: Achomhairc Talmhaíochta chun tabhairt faoi athbhreithniú agus le Tuarascáil a sholáthar, le moltaí a thabhairt san • Bliain tosaithe 2019 agus 5 mhí bunaithe ar mheán áireamh maidir leis an reachtaíocht a rialaíonn an Oifig astaíochtaí 2016-2018. Achomhairc Talmhaíochta agus maidir le feidhmiú na • Úsáid solúbthacht LULUCF agus ETS (4% agus 5.6% hoifige sin amach anseo. Chuir an Coiste Athbhreithnithe d’Éirinn faoi seach). a Thuarascáil faoi bhráid an Aire agus tá moltaí na • Éifeachtúlacht costais san áireamh i ndáileadh na Tuarascála faoi bhreithniú ag an Roinn i láthair na spriocanna (tá sprioc na hÉireann laghdaithe ó 39% huaire, go háirithe maidir leis na hathruithe reachtúla a go 30%). d’fhéadfadh a bheith riachtanach.
I mí Lúnasa 2017, eisíodh an dara Gairm Oscailte faoi Rinne an tAire Creed sraith misin trádála a stiúradh le Thionscnamh na gComhpháirtíochtaí Nuálaíochta linn na bliana 2017, ar cuireadh tús leo i mí Feabhra trí Eorpacha (EIP). Fuair an Roinn seasca a naoi togra atá le chuairt ar Réigiún na Murascaille, lena n-áirítear, Ríocht cur faoi bhreithniú an choiste meastóireachta. Tá pacáiste na hAraibe Sádaí agus Aontas na nÉimíríochtaí Arabacha. maoinithe foriomlán €24 milliún curtha ar leataobh chun Leanadh leis sin le misin trádála forleathan chuig Stáit tacú le EIP’nna faoin dá Ghairm seo. Aontaithe Mheiriceá agus Meicsiceo i mí an Mheithimh – margaí a bhfuil an acmhainneacht acu deiseanna a chur ar fáil d’onnmhaireoirí na hÉireann. Tugadh an Chéad Tuarascáil Shuirbhé Uile-Oileánda maidir le Sláinte Eachaí, a bhí coimisiúnaithe ag an Roinn agus ullmhaithe ag Ionad Eachaí na hÉireann, chun críche Ar mhisean trádála deiridh na bliana 2017, tugadh i mí na Nollag 2017. cuairt ar an tSeapáin agus ar an gCóiré Theas. Bhí 40 ionadaí ó earnáil bia na hÉireann in éineacht leis an Aire Creed, chomh maith le saineolaithe óna Roinn féin, Bhí infheistíocht láidir in earnáil na Gairneoireachta Príomhfheidhmeannach Bhord Bia agus ionadaithe freisin sa bhliain 2017 nuair a íocadh €4.8m faoin Scéim sinsearacha ó Fhiontraíocht Éireann agus ó Teagasc. Cúnamh Deontais Gairneoireachta Tráchtála a thacaigh le hinfheistíochtaí iomlána de €12m. Bhí infheistíocht ina earnálacha níos lú le feiceáil leis an fhás ar shíolta péactha Rinne an Roinn óstach ar chomhdháil rathúil, “Food Wise: agus ar tháirgeadh leannlusa mar gheall ar an éileamh ar Challenge, Ambition, Opportunity” i bPáirc an Chrócaigh, bhia sláintiúil agus ar éileamh ón tionscal grúdaireachta. an 4 Nollaig. D’fhreastail 580 duine ar an imeacht. Chuir an Chomhdháil fóram ar fáil le hathbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar dhul chun cinn go dtí seo, le tuiscint a fháil Chomh maith le misin trádála thar lear, rinne an Roinn ar na dúshláin shuntasacha atá romhainn, lena n-áirítear óstach ar thoscaireachtaí a bhí ar cuairt ó raon leathan Brexit agus na dúshláin ó thaobh an chomhshaoil, agus tíortha sa bhliain 2017, lena n-áirítear, an tSín, an le hathnuachan a dhéanamh ar thiomantas an Rialtais tSeapáin, an Chóiré Theas, na Stáit Aontaithe, an Astráil, timpeallacht chumasaithe a sholáthar d’fhás inbhuanaithe an Nua-Shéalainn, Meicsiceo, Maracó, Uganda, an Iaráin, na hearnála. an Tuirc agus an Aetóip.
3 Príomh-Ghnóthachtálacha
Thángthas ar chinneadh maidir le talmhaíocht den Sheol an tAire an Scéim Comhpháirtíochta Feirme i chéad uair le sé bliana ag an COP 23 i mí na Samhna gcomhair Comharbais i mí an Mheithimh. Déanann an 2017. Aithnítear sa chinneadh seo ról na talmhaíochta Scéim foráil do chreidmheas cánach de €25,000 thar chun dul i ngleic le hathrú aeráide agus le huaillmhianta cúig bliana chun cuidiú le feirmeacha a aistriú laistigh de Chomhaontú Aeráide Pháras a bhaint amach. struchtúr comhpháirtíochta, ag tacú le agus ag cur luath- aistriú ó ghlúin go glúin feirmeacha teaghlaigh chun cinn. Déanann an Scéim comhráite tábhachtacha a spreagadh Chomh maith le síntiús €1.94 milliún na hÉireann do freisin laistigh de theaghlaigh feirme maidir le pleanáil a 2017 a íoc leis an FAO, chuir an Roinn tuilleadh maoinithe dhéanamh do chomharbas. buiséadach breise de €2.7m ar fáil don FAO i réimsí a bhfuil cumas ar leith ag an FAO agus go measann an Roinn go bhfuil tábhacht straitéiseach leo. Lean onnmhairithe Uisce Beatha Éireannach ag fás sa bhliain 2017 agus sháraigh €575m den chéad uair riamh a chiallaigh fás carnach de 100% na catagóire sna Lean Ciste Forbartha Agraibhia na hAfraice lena chuid cúig bliana ón mbliain 2012. Cuireadh luach de €326m oibre le trí chuideachta Éireannacha, agus reáchtáladh ar onnmhairithe Uachtar Éireannaigh agus bhí Stáit babhta eile maoinithe agus d’éirigh le cúig chuideachta Aontaithe Mheiriceá ar an margadh ba thábhachtaí. Agraibhia Éireannach. Tá acmhainneacht ag na tionscadail atá roghnaithe deiseanna a chruthú do ghnólachtaí Éireannacha agus d’fheirmeoirí san Afraic i réimsí ar nós Tá Grúpaí Oibre bunaithe ag an gcomhairle chomhairleach cur le cáilíocht prátaí síl i gCéinia agus slabhra soláthar um thaighde agus forbairt 2016-2018 COFORD i faoi rialú caighdeáin do shíl chia i Uganda. réimsí Beartais Foraoiseachta; soláthar talún agus cur chun cinn an fhoraoisithe; gluaiseacht adhmaid agus an réamhaisnéis maidir le táirgeadh lomán cruinn agus an Le linn na bliana 2017 lean an Roinn ag tacú le hobair earnáil foraoiseachta agus an bithgheilleagar. fhíorthábhachtach an Chláir Domhanda Bia (WFP) na Náisiún Aontaithe le bun-dheonachán iltaobhach iomlán de €14m, lena n-áirítear réamhíocaíocht maidir leis an Cheadaigh an Rialtas an Bille Iascaigh Mhara (Leasú) íocaíocht deiridh faoi Chomhaontú Comhpháirtíochta a fhoilsiú i dtús na bliana 2017. Féachann an Bille le Straitéisí reatha na hÉireann leis an WFP, maoiniú €2.5m foráil a dhéanamh do leasuithe reachtaíochta ar an Acht ar aon dul leis na tiomantais a thug an tír seo ag Cruinniú Iascaigh Mhara agus Dlínse Muirí 2006 chun aghaidh a Mullaigh Domhanda maidir le Cúrsaí Daonnúla sa bhliain thabhairt ar thorthaí na Cúirte Uachtaraí i mí Deireadh 2016 agus €1.5m d’fheachtas an WFP don ghéarchéim Fómhair 2016 nach bhfuil cead de réir an dlí ag árthaí i gCúige Kasai i bPoblacht Dhaonlathach an Chongó. ó Thuaisceart Éireann a bheith ag iascach laistigh de Tugann an réamhíocaíocht do 2018 an tsolúbthacht don chrios 0-6 muirmhíle d’uiscí teorann an Stáit. Foilsíodh WFP chun a cuid maoinithe a phleanáil agus a dhíriú ar an Bille i mí Feabhra 2017 agus tá an Bille os comhair an an mbealach is straitéisí, is inniúla agus is éifeachtaí. Tá an Oireachtais anois. tacaíocht seo riachtanach go háirithe i gcomhthéacs na géarchéime reatha i réigiún na Siria áit ar a mbeidh sciar D’fhreastail os cionn 100,000 duine ar SeaFest, mór dá maoiniú dírithe. Féile Náisiúnta Mhuirí na hÉireann sa bhliain 2017. Reáchtáladh an fhéile i gCuan na Gaillimhe thar thréimhse Chuir an Roinn agus a cuid gníomhaireachtaí le Plean trí lá ón 30 Meitheamh go dtí 2 Iúil. Chuir an fhéile Gníomhaíochta do Phoist an Rialtais 2017 trí thabhairt taispeántas de scoth ar fáil d’acmhainní mara flúirseacha faoi naoi gcinn de ghníomhaíochtaí príomha. na hÉireann – mhéadaigh an fhéile feasacht ar an luach agus ar na deiseanna atá á gcur ar fáil ag an fharraige agus rinneadh ceiliúradh freisin ar oidhreacht mhuirí na hÉireann a bhfuil a clú ar fud an domhain. Is dlúthchuid de Shaibhreas ár nAigéin a Shaothrú (Plean Mara Comhtháite d’Éirinn) is ea SeaFest agus é mar sprioc léi cur leis an rannpháirtíocht leis an fharraige.
4 5 Príomh-Ghnóthachtálacha
Mar chuid de SeaFest, reáchtáladh an ceathrú ‘Cruinniú Táthar ag tuar san All Ireland Roundwood Production Mullaigh Saibhreas ár nAigéin a Shaothrú’ bliantúil agus Forecast 2016-2035 go dtiocfaidh ardú faoi dhó ar an d’fhreastail thart ar 340 toscaire. Thug an Cruinniú adhmad a bheidh ar fáil le haghaidh úsáide bithfhuinnimh Mullaigh, a d’oscail an tAire Creed, cainteoirí náisiúnta thar an tréimhse réamhaisnéise, ó 1.8 milliún méadar agus idirnáisiúnta, saineolaithe tionscal, gníomhaireachtaí ciúbach sa bhliain 2016 go dtí 4.2 milliún méadar forbartha gnó agus gnólachtaí Éireannacha agus an ciúbach sa bhliain 2035. Is dóigh go dtiocfaidh an chuid pobal taighde mara le chéile. Bhí ‘Rethinking Boundaries is mó den ábhar sin ó fhoraoisí feirme faoi úinéireacht and Innovation for a Sustainable Marine Economy’ phríobháideach. Ag brath ar na coinníollacha margaidh, tá mar théama ag Cruinniú Mullaigh na bliana 2017. an acmhainn ann na soláthairtí sin a ardú trí aisghabháil Roghnaíodh an téama seo le cur chuige agus bealaí nua mhéadaithe na n-iarmhar saothraithe ar láithreáin smaointeoireachta a lorg le hacmhainneacht mara na oiriúnacha, dlús tanúcháin níos airde, agus trí phlandú hÉireann a bhaint amach. speicis chrainn a fhásann go tapa.
Sa bhliain 2017, bhí táirgí déiríochta á dtáirgeadh ag D’éascaigh an Roinn, i gcomhar leis an nGníomhaireacht Éirinn go dtí thart ar 140 tír ar luach a sháraigh €4.6 um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil, Teagasc, na húdaráis áitiúla, billiún, ardú os cionn 17% i gcomparáid leis an mbliain WEEE Éireann, Ardán Athchúrsála na hEorpa, Enva Ireland 2016, a léirigh táirge breisluacha ar ardchaighdeán. Tá Ltd. tionscnamh lenar cumasaíodh bailiú, athshaothrú táirgí Foirmle do Naíonáin mar phríomhtháirge ag an agus diúscairt fuíollábhair ghuaisigh ó fheirmeacha. Sa earnáil, agus is ionann iad agus os cionn €1.2 billiún in bhliain 2017, oibríodh 10 n-ionad bailithe agus bhain onnmhairithe déiríochta, chomh maith le bunphúdair do beagnach 2,400 feirmeoir úsáid as na hionaid chun tháirgí deiridh a bheidh á dtáirgeadh i dtíortha eile. timpeall ar 175 tonna d’fhuíollabhar guaiseach agus beagnach 85 tonna de chadhnraí agus dramhthrealamh leictreach a dhiúscairt i mbealach sábháilte, freagrach, Thug an Roinn faoi athbhreithniú lár téarma (MTR) sa ag cosaint na sláinte daonna agus an chomhshaoil leis bhliain 2017 ar bhearta a thugadh isteach mar chuid sin. Tugadh aitheantas do rathúlacht an tionscadal den Chlár Foraoiseachta 2014 -2020 (FP). Rinneadh idirghníomhaireachta seo ag Gradaim um Barr Feabhais comparáid idir spriocanna plandála foraoise in aghaidh agus Nuálaíocht na Státseirbhíse 2017 tráth ar bronnadh aschur do 2015 agus 2016 agus ar na cúiseanna a duais “Barr Feabhais trí Chomhoibriú” ar an tionscadal. aithníodh nach raibh na spriocanna sin bainte amach, agus ina dhiaidh sin moladh bearta chun cuidiú le haghaidh a thabhairt ar bhacainní ó thaobh na spriocanna a bhaint amach.
Tá ardú 79% idir 2010-2017 tagtha ar iomlán na n-onnmhairithe bia mara i dtéarmaí luacha. Bhí ardú 41% sa tréimhse céanna tagtha ar mhéid na n-onnmhairithe. Sa bhliain 2017, bhain onnmhairithe bia mara na hÉireann €666 milliún amach.
Chomhaontaigh an Chomhairle um Iascach an AE i mí na Nollag 2017 TAC’nna agus cuótaí do 2018. Dhaingnigh an tAire cuóta de 215,534 tonna arbh ionann é agus €266 milliún don bhliain 2018 d’iascairí na hÉireann.
5 6 7 Sprioc Straitéiseach 1 Sábháilteacht Bia, Sláinte Ainmhithe agus Plandaí agus Leas Ainmhithe
Sláinte an phobail, ainmhithe agus plandaí agus leas ainmhithe a chur chun cinn agus a chosaint ar mhaithe le tomhaltóirí, táirgeoirí agus an pobal trí chéile
7 Sábháilteacht Bia
Rialuithe Sábháilteachta agus Sláinteachais hAllmhaireoirí Beatha, Orgánaigh Ghéinmhodnaithe, Bia Rialuithe maidir le Feirmeoireacht Orgánach agus le Lipéadú, Sláinteachas Bhia ar mhaithe le hÉilliú Lean an Roinn le caighdeáin sábháilteachta agus Micribitheolaíochta a chosc agus na Córais Náisiúnta sláinteachais bia a dheimhniú sa bhliain 2017 trína Iniúchta. conradh seirbhíse le hÚdarás Sábháilteachta Bia na hÉireann (FSAI) a fheidhmiú. Bainne agus Feoil Tháinig Conradh Seirbhíse nua trí bliana i bhfeidhm Bunaithe ar an bprionsabal bunúsach go bhfuil ón 1 Feabhra 2017. Clúdaíonn raon an chonartha gach oibreoir gnó bia agus beatha freagrach as rialuithe maidir le: sábháilteacht an bhia/bheatha atá á tháirgeadh acu, ní mór go mbeidh gach bunaíocht déiríochta agus feola • Sláinteachas feola ag comhlíonadh ceanglais na Rialacháin Eorpacha • Bainne agus táirge bainne um Shláinteachas Bia (ar a dtugtar an “Pacáiste • Uibheacha agus táirgí uibheacha Sláinteachais”). Ní mór go mbeidh Oibritheoirí Gnó • Lotnaidicídí Bia (FBO’nna) ag cloí freisin le prionsabail an HACCP • Gairneoireacht (anailís ghuaise agus pointí rialúcháin criticiúla) a • Poist Chigireachta Teorann bhfuil glacadh leo go hidirnáisiúnta, a thugann an • Iarmhair tsolúbthacht do FBO’nna le córais rialúcháin a chur • Treoir maidir le Zónóisí in oiriúint do riachtanais sainiúla a gcuid oibríochtaí • Lipéadú bia féin. Ar feadh na bliana 2017, lean an Roinn le monatóireacht agus fíorú a dhéanamh lena chinntiú Sa bhliain 2017, rinne an Roinn imscrúdú ar 61 gearán go raibh na bunaíochtaí ceadaithe go léir den sórt maidir le bia a chomhordú agus bhain 27 acu seo le sin ag comhlíonadh na bprionsabal i gcónaí. Tá liosta mear-fholáireamh maidir le bainne thar ceann an FSAI de na bunaíochtaí bia atá ceadaithe agus cláraithe á agus Choimisiún na hEorpa. Réimsigh na gearáin seo choinneáil ar a láithreán gréasáin ag an Roinn. (http:// ó chomhréireacht le reachtaíocht lipéadaithe, ábhair www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodsafetyconsumerissues/ choimhthíocha a líomhnaíodh a fuarthas i dtáirgí DAFMapprovedestablishments/) agus saincheisteanna maidir le caighdeán. Rinneadh comhordú ar na himscrúduithe seo sa bhreis ar Tugann an Roinn faoina rialúcháin riosca-bhunaithe an ghnáthmhonatóireacht bia lena chinntiú nach féin ar bhunaíochtaí atá faoina maoirseacht. Le linn sáraítear an leibhéal uasta inghlactha iarmhair. na bliana 2017, chuaigh córas rialúcháin na Roinne i monarchana feola ó fhócas cigireachta aonair go Bhí an Roinn rannpháirteach freisin i gcúig Mhisean samhail iniúchta. Bhí tionchar ag an fhócas nua ar Iniúchta/Faisnéise na Stiúrthóireachta Ginearálta iniúchtaí leathana measúnú riosca ar ghníomhaíochtaí don tSláinte agus Sábháilteacht Bia maidir le ar an líon foriomlán rialúchán. Tugadh faoi 2,267 rialachán ar bhunaíochtaí feola sa bhliain 2017 ar mhaithe le fíorú go bhfuil na ceanglais reachtúla cuí á gcomhlíonadh ag gach céim den táirgeadh, den phróiseáil agus den dáileadh. Áiríodh ar rialúcháin forlíontacha teicniúla 4,766 cuairt ar FBO’nna feola. Tugadh faoi 1,611 rialúchán ar bhunaíochtaí déiríochta. Chomh maith leis sin d’eisigh an Roinn 47,177 teastas mar thacaíocht do thrádáil na feola agus 26,539 teastas mar thacaíocht do thrádáil déiríochta chuig margaí inmheánacha agus idirnáisiúnta.
Seirbheáladh 431 fógra ar an iomlán (422 bainne & 9 feola) ar FBO’nna Bainne agus Feola, á gcur ar an eolas maidir le sáruithe na Rialacháin Sláinteachais agus tugadh faoi ghníomh leantach de réir mar ba ghá.
8 9 Sábháilteacht Bia
Rialúcháin maidir le Beatha Ainmhithe Faireachas ar Iarmhair sa Bhia Áirítear ar rialúcháin maidir le hábhar beatha, Rinneadh tástáil ar thart ar 18,500 sampla sa bhliain cigireacht agus iniúchtaí ar Oibritheoirí Gnó Ábhair 2017, tógadh na samplaí seo ar fud gach aon cheann Bheatha (FeBO’nna) i ndáil le dlí Beatha an AE trí de na hocht speiceas a tháirgeann bia, chom maith le shamplaí a thógáil de bheatha ainmhithe ag gach céim bainne, le huibheacha agus le mil. Bhí 99.75% de na den slabhra bia, viz. allmhairiú, stóráil, déantúsaíocht tástálacha diúltach ó thaobh iarmhair a leanann leis an agus úsáid ag leibhéal na feirme. Tá samplaí ábhar treocht ó thaobh easnamh ginearálta iarmhair i dtáirgí beatha faoi réir ag raon leathan anailíse, lena bia na hÉireann. Díreach os cionn 50 sampla nach n-áirítear, anailís cháilíochtúil lena fhíorú cé chomh raibh ag cloí leis na rialúcháin agus bhain a bhformhór cruinn is atá an t-eolas lipéadaithe a theastaíonn chun sin le hiarmhair i gcógais údaraithe. Thug Údarás go mbeidh ceannaitheoirí in ann an rogha is fearr is Sábháilteachta Bia na hÉireann faoi mheastóireacht féidir a dhéanamh ó thaobh a gcuid riachtanas, agus riosca mar fhreagra ar gach aon toradh a bhí tástálacha chun sábháilteacht ábhair bheatha agus bia dearfach agus fuarthas amach nach raibh aon a chinntiú. riosca sábháilteachta bia neamh-inghlactha ann do thomhaltóirí agus ní raibh gá le haon táirge a thógáil Sa bhliain 2017, tugadh faoi 1,140 cigireacht ar den mhargadh. Rinneadh imscrúdú ar gach aon an iomlán. Is le nósanna imeachta HACCP a bhain toradh dearfach ar an fheirm bhunaidh ar mhaithe leis 55% de na fógraí eisíodh ar FeBO’nna. Sáruithe na bearta forfheidhmithe a bhí riachtanach a thógáil. sláinteachais a bhí i 20% eile agus sáruithe a bhain le lipéadú agus le hinrianaitheacht araon a bhí i 7% faoi Ceadú, Scrúdú agus Rialúchán Táirgí seach. Bhain formhór den chuid eile, 11% le sáruithe Cosanta Plandaí agus Táirgí Bithicídeacha maidir le gnéithe éagsúla eile de tháirgeadh an ábhair Déantar údarú ag leibhéal náisiúnta ar tháirgí bheatha. Rinneadh taifeadadh ar na sáruithe go léir lotnaidicídí ina bhfuil substaintí ceadaithe gníomhacha a cuireadh in iúl d’FeBO’nna, déileáladh leo agus de réir na meastóireachta criosaithe, aitheantais rinneadh iad a réiteach. fhrithpháirtigh agus an critéar cinnteoireachta a chomhaontaítear ag leibhéal AE. Leanadh le measúnú Tógadh 1,466 sampla d’ábhar beatha ainmhithe mionsonraithe agus le hobair piarmheasúnaithe ar in 2017 agus seoladh chuig líon saotharlanna iad 17 substaint ghníomhach le linn na bliana 2017, le hanailísí éagsúla a dhéanamh orthu. As an líon tugadh an próiseas rialacháin chun críche i ndáil le iomlán anailísí a tugadh fúthu, rinneadh cinneadh 13 substaint. Rinneadh dul chun cinn maidir le hobair go raibh 6% acu lasmuigh de na leibhéil lamháltais piarmheasúnaithe ar 81 táirge sa bhliain 2017. Chomh anailíseacha. Rinneadh taifeadadh ar gach toradh maith leis sin deonaíodh údaruithe trí phróiseas tástála lamháltais a bhí déanta lasmuigh, déileáladh an aitheantais fhrithpháirtigh maidir le 181 táirge leo agus rinneadh iad a réiteach mar chuid den Chlár cosanta plandaí agus do 34 táirge bithicídeach le linn Rialaithe Oifigiúil maidir le Beatha Ainmhithe. na bliana.
Onnmhairithe Beatha Ainmhithe Níl ceadaithe ach táirgí cosanta plandaí agus táirgí Lean an Roinn le rochtain margaidh Tríú Tír do bithicídeacha atá san áireamh sa Chlár Oifigiúil a chur bheatha ainmhithe a éascú. Rinneadh beatha ar an margadh. Áiríodh 1,166 táirge cosanta plandaí ainmhithe a onnmhairiú chuig 61 Tríú Tír in 2017 ina raibh 228 substaint ghníomhach iontu sa Chlár agus tháinig ardú 38% ar an líon deimhniúchán ag deireadh 2017. Tá mionsonraí le fáil ar láithreán onnmhairiúcháin sa bhliain 2017 i gcomparáid leis an gréasáin na Roinne, agus is féidir iad sin a cheistiú trí mbliain 2016. ainm táirge de réir na substainte gníomhaí nó de réir feidhme agus bairr. Ag tarraingt le deireadh na bliana Líon Líon Tríú Tíortha 2017, bhí 2,578 táirge san áireamh sa Chlár Táirgí Deimhniúchan a ghlac le Bithicídeacha in Éirinn. onnmhairiúcháin a honnmhairithe Eisíodh Rinne an Roinn éascú, i gcomhar leis an 2016 908 52 nGníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil, Teagasc, 2017 1,252 61 na húdaráis áitiúla, WEEE Éireann, Ardán Athchúrsála
9 Sábháilteacht Bia
na hEorpa, Enva Ireland Ltd. ar thionscnamh lenar Rialúcháin Allmhairithe ar Tháirgí ceadaíodh bailiú, aisghabháil agus diúscairt dramhaíl Ainmhithe ghuaiseach ó fheirmeacha. Sa bhliain 2017, bhí 10 Sa bhliain 2017 bhí 2,551 coinsíneacht de tháirgí n-ionad bailithe ag feidhmiú agus bhí os cionn 2,400 allmhairithe ainmhíocha agus iascaigh trí Phointí feirmeoir ag baint úsáide as na hionaid le thart ar 175 Cigireachta Teorann (BIP’nna) ceadaithe do chead tonna de dhramhaíl ghuaiseach, beagnach 85 tonna isteach san AE. de cheallraí agus de dramhthrealamh leictreonach a dhiúscairt ar bhealach sábháilte agus freagrach, Eisíodh ceadúnais nó údaraithe do na táirgí seo de réir a thugann cosaint don tsláinte daonna agus don rialacha náisiúnta mar a leanas: chomhshaol. Tugadh aitheantas do rathúlacht an tionscadal idirghníomhaireachta seo ag Gradaim 2017 2016 2015 um Barr Feabhais agus Nuálaíochta na Státseirbhíse 2017 nuair a bronnadh gradam “Barr Feabhais trí Samplaí trádála agus 233 762 782 Chomhoibriú” ar an tionscadal. taighde* Táirgí neamh-chomhchui 12 8 14 Tugann an Roinn faoi ghníomh leanta maidir le bhithe sáruithe ar na Leibhéil Uasta Iarmhair (MRL’nna) agus Coinsíneachtaí ath-allmh 42 58 17 úsáidí neamhúdaraithe atá aitheanta ag Saotharlann airithe Rialaithe na Lotnaidicídí. Sa bhliain 2017, thóg an Clár Náisiúnta um Rialú Iarmhair Lotnaidicídí samplaí Gníomhairí pataigineacha 21 33 37 agus rinne anailís ar 1,234 mír bia. Rinneadh sárú ar Vacsaíní Uathghineacha 7 4 3 MRL’nna le haghaidh iarmhar lotnaidicídí sa bhia i 15 *Tabhair ar aird le do thoil gur cuireadh córas nua i bhfeidhm de na samplaí a rinneadh anailísiú orthu (1.2%) ach sa bhliain 2017 le ceadúnais samplacha Trádála agus Taighde níor aithníodh aon riosca do shláinte an tomhaltóra. a údarú, a bhain amach an ceanglas iarratas a dhéanamh de Bhain ocht sárú le táirgí nach de bhunús na hÉireann réir an bhoinn coinsíneachta chomh maith leis an athrú go dtí ceadúnas bliantúil. iad a raibh sampláil déanta orthu mar chuid den chlár faireacháin. I ngach cás, eisíodh litreacha foláirimh inar cuireadh in iúl do na mórdhíoltóirí agus do An Córas Sainaitheanta agus Gluaiseachta na hoifigigh seo go gcuirfí an táirgeacht faoi réir Ainmhithe (AIM) caingean reachtúil dá mbraithfí sárú in athuair. Bhain Déanann an Córas Sainaitheanta agus Gluaiseachta sé sárú le táirgí de bhunús na hÉireann. Rinneadh Ainmhithe (AIM) bainistíocht ar shainaithint eallach, imscrúdú ar na táirgeoirí a bhí i gceist maidir le cás muca, capaill, caoirigh agus gabhair. Déanann an córas féideartha neamhchomhlíonadh. Bhí sárú amháin bainistíocht ar ghluaiseacht caoirigh, gabhair agus ann a bhain le rialúcháin allmhairithe. Sa bhreis air muca ag leibhéal tréada agus ar eallach ag leibhéal sin, rinneadh imscrúdú ar chásanna i ndáil le húsáidí aonair chun críocha inrianaitheachta agus chun tacú neamhúdaraithe lotnaidicídí agus tionscnaíodh le honnmhairithe. Oibríonn an córas ar bhonn 24-7 gníomh leanta, lena n-áirítear spriocdhíriú ar tháirgí le i marglanna, monarchana feola agus ag láithreacha sampláil a dhéanamh orthu amach anseo. onnmhairithe agus cuireann an tsaoráid ar líne ar chumas feirmeoirí agus gníomhairí údaraithe le Tástáil/diúscairt ainmhithe a fhaigheann clárúcháin laonna agus gluaiseacht eallach a sheoladh bás isteach go leictreonach. Sa bhliain 2017, chuir an Roinn tacaíocht airgid ar fáil le thart ar 60,000 ainmhí a fuair bás a bhailiú, Sa bhliain 2017, seoladh isteach 63% den 2.36m go háirithe, bó-ainmhithe os cionn 48 mí d’aois, i iomlán de chlárúchán laonna go leictreonach agus gcomhair samplála mar a cheanglaítear faoi chlár rinneadh próiseáil go leictreonach ar 82% d’fógraí náisiúnta faireachais leantach an BSE. gluaiseachta arb ionann é agus 5.55m ainmní.
Tá 40 cnioglann ceadaithe ag an Roinn faoi rialacháin Áirítear ar na príomhfheabhsúcháin ar chóras an ABP le hainmhithe a fuair bás a bhailiú agus iad a ríomhaireachta AIM sa bhliain 2017 dhiúscairt. • Saoráidí curtha i bhfeidhm chun idirghníomhú
10 11 Sábháilteacht Bia
le córas ríomhphas Bovex an AE le malartú leictreonach faisnéise pas d’onnmhairithe buaibheacha a cheadú, • Saoráid fhiosrúcháin incháilitheachta an tslabhra soláthair a bhfuil forbairt déanta air d’Oibritheoirí Gnó Bia atá ag déileáil le capaill. • Soláthar saoráidí ag monarchana feola faoi mhaoirseacht na Roinne le deis a thabhairt le taifeadadh a dhéanamh ar shonraí an Bheartais Glan Beostoic do chaoirigh, • Saoráid fhiosrúcháin incháilitheachta gluaiseachta tugtha isteach do lucht coimeádta tréada bó, • Cuireadh feabhas ar scáileáin ar líne chun cur le taithí an úsáideora ar ghairis móibíleacha, • Tacaíochtaí feabhsaithe do shaoráid oiliúna le soláthar scileanna oiliúna agra-dhigiteacha a chur chun cinn do lucht coimeádta tréada
11 Sláinte agus Leas Ainmhithe
Galair Andúchasacha Infhógartha Líon na nÉan Fiáine a tástáladh d’Fhliú na nÉan sa Tá sé mar thosaíocht ag an Roinn a bheith san airdeall bhliain 2017 i gcónaí ó thaobh tabhairt isteach galair ar nós Galar Bliain Líon na nÉan Líon dearfach Crúibe is Béil, Fliú na nÉan, an Galar Gormtheanga Fiáine a tástáladh agus Fiabhras Afracach na Muc agus tá sé léirithe 2017 134 12 (H5N8) ag taithí roimhe seo nach bhfuil aon dul as ach an trádáil a rialáil i gceart, ardleibhéil den bhithshlándáil Pleanáil Theagmhasach agus den fhaireachas a chinntiú mar aon le socruithe Tá pleananna teagmhais ardtosaíochta i bhfeidhm do teagmhasacha agus reachtaíocht láidir chun déileáil ghalair andúchasacha. Tá na pleananna seo bunaithe go pras agus go héifeachtach le bagairtí agus ar reachtaíocht AE atá ann cheana agus ar chritéir ráigeanna galair. a aithníodh le linn ráigeanna san Eoraip san am a caitheadh. Tá sé mar aidhm leo maolú a dhéanamh Bhí eipidéim de Fhliú na nÉan san Eoraip sa ar an riosca ó thaobh an ghalair a thabhairt isteach bhliain 2017 nach bhfacthas a leithéid riamh in Éirinn agus éascú a dhéanamh thabhairt isteach roimhe seo, lenar bhain ráigeanna de Fhliú Éanúil láithreach bearta rialaithe i gcás briseadh amach Ardphataigineach (HPAI) H5N8 in éanlaith agus ráige leis an ngalar a dhíothú. Bhí fócas leanúnach na cásanna in éanlaith fiáine i 30 tír ar fud na hEorpa. Roinne sa bhliain 2017 ar phleananna agus socruithe Níor aithníodh aon ráigeanna in éanlaith sa tír seo le teagmhais atá ann cheana féin a athbhreithniú, a linn na bliana 2017. Deimhníodh, áfach, HPAI H5N8 i bheachtú agus thabhairt cothrom le dáta agus a 12 éan fiáin le linn na tréimhse sin. . chinntiú go bhfuil na bearta go léir atá riachtanach i bhfeidhm maidir le haon chás a bhfuil amhras faoi nó Rinne foireann na Roinne imscrúdú ar chásanna a maidir le haon chás a dheimhnítear. raibh amhras fúthu ó thaobh galair andúchasach le linn na bliana 2017 BSE Galar 2017 Tá an Roinn freagrach as comhordú éifeachtach a dhéanamh ar bheartais agus ar fhaireachas BSE, as Cásanna a Cásanna socruithe tástála agus cúitimh agus as maoiniú a imscrúdaíodh Deimhnithe a raibh dhéanamh ar na nithe sin, mar a fhoráiltear i Rialachán amhras fúthu (CE) 999/2001 agus I.R. 532/15. Aithníodh cás investigated amháin dearfach BSE Aitíopúil sa bhliain 2017. Fliú na nÉan 1 0 An Scráibeach (éanlaithe) Is galar infhógartha éigeantach í an scráibeach in 0 An galar 1 Éirinn. Aithníodh trí thréad nua sa bhliain 2017, agus gormtheanga scráibeach aitíopúil amháin agus dhá scráibeach An galar crúibe is 1 0 chlasaiceach. béil Tugadh faoi 21,337 tástáil scráibeach sa bhliain 2017, Garaimicsivíreas 2 2 faoin gClár Faireachais Ghníomhaigh, a chuimsigh: (colúir) 10,537 caora a tástáladh i monarchana maraithe; Fiabhras Clasaiceach 1 0 10,590 caora básaithe; 210 caora bánaithe; agus ar na Muc 154 gabhar a bhí básaithe. Artairíteas Víreasach 4 0 Tá an Clár Géinitíopa Náisiúnta (NGP) i bhfeidhm Eachaí chun lucht póraithe caorach a spreagadh ardú a chur Pireaplasmóis Eachaí 3 0 ar fhrithsheasmhacht ghéiniteach i gcoinne scráibeach Fothach 0 0 sa Tréad Náisiúnta. Is clár deonach atá anseo agus ó Iomlán 13 2 tugadh isteach é sa bhliain 2004 go dtí deireadh na bliana 2017 rinneadh 86,072 caora ar an iomlán a ghéintíopáil.
12 13 Sláinte agus Leas Ainmhithe
Córas Ríomhaireachta do Shláinte Tá na treochtaí le trí bliana anuas leagtha amach sa Ainmhithe (AHCS) ghraf thíos.
Is é an Córas Ríomhaireachta don tSláinte an córas 20000 príomhúil ríomhaireachta lena dtugtar tacaíocht don 3.50% Roinn chun a clár tástála galar a bhainistiú do ghalair ainmhithe, an Eitinn, an Bhrúsallóis, an BSE agus 16914 17266 3.45% 15000 an BVD in eallach agus galar Aujeskey i Muca. Ar 15,317 3.40% an iomlán, déanann an córas taifeadadh ar os cionn 10% 8 milliún de thástálacha ar bhonn bliantúil agus tá 3.35% curtha go mór aige le éifeachtúlachtaí riaracháin 10000 i bhfeidhmiú an chláir TB agus le baint amach 3.30% stádas saor ó Bhrúsallóis. Baineann thart ar 1,200 duine d’fhoireann na Roinne agus 1,000 Tréidlia 5000 3.25%
Príobháideach úsáid as an fheidhmchlár ar bhonn 3823 3682 3885 3.20% laethúil.
0 3.15% Tá feabhas agus forbairt tagtha ar an AHCS de réir 2015 2016 2017 a chéile in imeacht na mblianta. Chomh maith le Tréada atá srianta feabhsúcháin theicniúla a thabhairt chun críche le linn na bliana 2017, rinneadh seachadadh ar líon Líon frithghníomhaithe feabhsúcháin ar an gcóras freisin. Áirítear orthu sin: Minicíocht TB
• Athruithe ar na rialacha maidir le taifeadadh a Tá ardú ag teacht ar riosca bunúsach maidir le TB dhéanamh ar chúrsaí taistil atá chun cinn do mar gheall ar an ardú suntasach ar líon na n-eallaí sa PVP’nna do thástálacha áirithe TB. tréad náisiúnta agus méideanna tréada aonair atá i • Athruithe maidir le hincháilitheacht agus le bhfad níos mó. Áirítear ar líon na bhfrithghníomhaithe híocaíochtaí a ríomh faoin scéim Forlíonadh ní amháin dearbhchlónna tástála craicinn ach Ioncaim. dearbhchlónna tástála fola gháma-inteirféaróin • Forbairt saoráidí a bhaineann le srianta (GIF) freisin a dhéanann suas thart ar 25% de na uathoibríocha agus díshrianadh tréada BVD. frithghníomhaithe. Baintear úsáid as tástáil GIF • Forbairt feidhmiúlacht bhreise chun bainistíocht i mbriseadh síos TB ardriosca agus is féidir leis a dhéanamh ar ráig de ghalar Aicme A. ainmhithe ionfhabhtaithe a aithint a d’fhéadfadh nach mbeadh feicthe ag an tástáil craicinn caighdeánach. GALAIR AICME B Roimh 2016, níor baineadh úsáid as tástáil GIF chomh minic sin. Tugann na dearbhchlónna breise Eitinn Bhólachta GIF seo in 2016-17 an léargas maidir le níos mó Rinneadh tástáil sa bhliain 2017 ar thart ar 98.4% ainmhithe a bheith ionfhabhtaithe i gcomparáid leis den tréad náisiún i gcomhair eitinn bhólachta (TB). an mbliain 2015 nuair ab ionann iad agus ainmhithe Bhí ardú ar líon na bhfrithghníomhaithe a braitheadh, ionfhabhtaithe nach raibh feicthe sna blianta roimhe 17,266 in 2017 i gcomparáid le 16,914 in 2016. sin. Mar sin féin, tacaíonn treochtaí i líon Tháinig ardú ar mhinicíocht tréada ó thaobh TB de ó na bhfrithghníomhaithe agus i minicíocht tréada 3.27% go 3.47% sa tréimhse chéanna. leis an ngá le fócas as an nua a bheith ar an gclár díothaithe TB.
13 Sláinte agus Leas Ainmhithe
Caiteachas TB & BR 2015 – 2017
12000 11262 11272 2015 10500
10000 2016
2017
8000 7048 6461 6307 6000 4759 3732
4000 3675 3545 3538 3464 3365 2731 2127 1980
2000 1666 1580 1048 995 1010 531 533 540
0 Cúiteamh Luacháil Táillí Táillí Tréidlia Soláthairǐ Taighde TB FiadhúlraCostais Eile Margaidh Luachála – Tástáil ar an Fheirm
Scéimeanna Cúitimh Straitéis TB 2030 Is í an Scéim Luachála Margaidh ar an Fheirm an Tá sé beartaithe ag an Aire Fóram Geallsealbhóra TB príomhbheart le cúiteamh a thabhairt d’fheirmeoirí a bhunú sa bhliain 2018 le tograí a chur chun cinn a as fáil réidh le frithghníomhaithe. Tugtar cúiteamh mbeidh ar a gcumas díothú an ghalair a bhaint amach faoi scéimeanna eile, an Deontas do Bhánú Tréad, faoin mbliain 2018. Tar éis breithniú na dtograí seo, Forlíonadh Ioncaim agus Deontais Chruatain do cuirfidh an tAire Straitéis Díothaithe TB 2030 faoi chaillteanais ioncaim mar gheall ar shrianta. Caitheadh bhráid an Rialtais lena ceadú. thart ar €14m le linn na bliana 2017 ar na gnéithe cúitimh go léir do na Scéimeanna Díothaithe TB agus Ionchúisimh Monatóireacht Brúsallóis. Le linn na bliana 2017, bhí dhá ionchúiseamh rathúla ann, díreach mar a chéile leis an mbliain 2016. Cómhaoiniú AE Cuireadh cás nua amháin faoi bhráid oifig an Phríomh- D’íoc an AE €10.4m le haghaidh clár díothaithe Aturnae Stáit le hionchúiseamh a bhreithniú in 2017 eitinne bólachta (TB) na hÉireann 2016 i Mí Lúnasa i gcomparáid le trí chás a cuireadh faoi bhráid in 2016. 2017. Ba €11m an figiúr comhfhreagrach do chlár na bliana 2015. Meastar go dtiocfaidh laghduithe eile ar Sláinte Ainmhithe Éireann an gcómhaoiniú atá an AE a dhéanamh faoin gclár . Is é príomhról Sláinte Ainmhithe Éireann aghaidh a thabhairt ar ghalair ar a dtugtar galair “táirgeachta” Tobhaigh do Ghalair Bhólachta nó galair “neamhrialaithe” agus é mar aidhm leis Níor tháinig aon athrú ar fháltais ó Thobhaigh do feabhas a chur ar bhrabúsacht, inmharthanacht agus Ghalair Bhólachta ag €6.94m sa bhliain 2017 mar a iomaíochas feirmeoirí beostoic. Sa bhliain 2017, chuir chéile le 2016.. an Roinn maoiniú de €710,000 ar fáil don AHI agus meaitseáil geallsealbhóirí sa tionscal an maoiniú sin.
14 15 Sláinte agus Leas Ainmhithe
Tá an AHI ag díriú ar líon príomhchláir a bhaineann a sholáthar don Aire ó thaobh dearcadh eolaíochta le Buinneach Víreasach Bhólachta (BVD), ar shaincheisteanna sa chás gá a bheith le tuairim Rineatraicéíteas Tógálach Buaibheach (IBR), galar saineolaí neamhspleách. Baineann an Coiste úsáid Johne, Seiceáil Sláinte Mairteola agus Maistíteas. Tá as an eolas eolaíochta is fearr atá ar fáil le comhairle na cláir seo formhuinithe ag an Roinn agus déantar a thabhairt maidir le sláinte agus leasa ainmhithe na tagairt dóibh sa FH2020. hÉireann a chosaint agus a fheabhsú agus cuireann tacaíocht eolaíochta neamhspleách ar fáil don Aire Chuir AHI tús le clár díothaithe BVD sa bhliain 2013. agus don Roinn ar chúrsaí sláinte agus leasa ainmhithe Ní féidir ainmhithe atá ionfhabhtaithe go seasmhach sa chás tacaíocht den sórt sin a bheith mar cheanglas leis an víreas, a dhíol trí na marglanna agus ní mór iad faoi reachtaíocht an Aontais Eorpaigh. Cuireadh a dhiúscairt chuig cnioglann, seamlas nó monarcha Coiste nua le chéile sa bhliain 2017 agus rinne sé feola. Tá an ráta comhlíonta leis an gceanglas tástála scrúdú ar líon ábhair sláinte agus leasa ainmhithe. don BVD beagán níos ísle ná 100% de na gamhna a Áirítear ar na hábhair reatha impleachtaí leasa na bheirtear agus atá á dtástáil don ghalar. dteorainneacha ama atá molta do choilleadh eallaigh agus caorach, dí-adharcadh/díbhachlú eallaigh, agus An Chomhairle Chomhairleach ar Leas píosa a bhain d’eireaball caorach agus úsáid a bhaint Ainmhithe Feirme as srianadh le linn marú neamhstiúdta/éagumasaithe. Is comhlacht comhairleach neamhspleách don Aire í an Chomhairle Chomhairleach ar Leas Ainmhithe Eagraíochtaí Leasa Ainmhithe Feirme (FAWAC), a bhfuil bonn ionadaíochta Sa bhliain 2017, thug an Roinn tacaíocht do forleathan aici lena n-áirítear comhlachtaí ionadaíocha 111 eagraíocht ar fud na tíre atá bainteach go tréidliachta, eagraíochtaí leasa ainmhithe, comhlachtaí díreach le seirbhísí cúraim agus leasa ainmhithe a feirmeoireachta agus Ranna Rialtais – Thuaidh agus sheachadadh, le maoiniú de €2.56 milliún. Is mar Theas. Ó bunaíodh í sa bhliain 2002, tá aitheantas á ranníocaíocht amháin atá an maoiniú i gceist i leith fháil ag an FAWAC as a ról ríthábhachtach ó thaobh costais foriomlána na heagraíochta. Éilítear ar na sláinte ainmhithe a chur chun cinn. Cuireann sí hiarratasóirí go léir comhlíontacht iomlán le rialacháin comhairle shuntasach atá úsáideach ar fáil don Aire sláinte agus leasa ainmhithe a léiriú. Is ceanglas agus tá sraith leabhráin treoirlínte foilsithe aici a maoinithe atá ann anois go mbeidh gach iarratasóir chlúdaíonn raon réimsí ar nós, na feirmeoireachta cláraithe leis an Rialtóir Carthanachta. Tá mionsonraí déiríochta, mairteola, muiceola, caoireola agus éineola maidir leis na hiarratasóirí rathúla le fáil ar láithreán mar aon le treoirlínte leasa ainmhithe do chapaill ag gréasáin na Roinne ag: http://www.agriculture. tionóil agus margaidh. Sa bhliain 2017, d’fhoilsigh an gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/animalwelfare/ FAWAC leabhrán treoirlínte maidir le hEotanáis do fundingtoanimalwelfareorganisations/ Mhuca ar an Fheirm. Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil ar an láithreán gréasáin ag www.fawac.ie. Rialú Capall Tugadh isteach an tAcht um Rialú Capall 1996 le An Córas Foláirimh / Idirghabhála Luaithe haghaidh a thabhairt ar na rioscaí a chruthaítear Is é cuspóir an chórais, a fheidhmíonn faoin FAWAC, don phobal ó chapaill atá ar strae nó tréigthe. Faoin creat a chur ar fáil lenar féidir fadhbanna leasa reachtaíocht is iad na húdaráis áitiúla atá freagrach ainmhithe a aithint agus déileáil leo sula dtéann siad as an Acht a chur i bhfeidhm, agus d’fhéadfadh an thar fóir. Eascraíonn cásanna leasa ainmhithe mar tAire Talmhaíochta cúnamh airgeadais a sholáthar gheall ar fhadhbanna a bhaineann le sláinte agus do na húdaráis áitiúla i dtreo caiteachas a tabhaíodh cúinsí pearsanta úinéir an tréada agus sna cúinsí sin maidir le rialú gníomhaíochtaí capall. Sa bhliain 2017, comhairlíonn ionadaithe EWS d’fheirmeoirí cúnamh a chuir an Roinn maoiniú de €534,000 ar fáil d’údaráis lorg óna gcleachtóirí ginearálta (GP).. áitiúla i dtreo caiteachas a tabhaíodh faoin Acht. Leanann an Roinn le rannpháirtíocht leis na húdaráis Coiste Comhairleach Eolaíochta um áitiúla ar bhonn leanúnach in iarracht coigiltis agus éifeachtúlachtaí a bhaint amach i bhfeidhmiú an Shláinte agus Leas Ainmhithe Achta. Chomh maith leis sin, cuirtear maoiniú ar Tá sé mar phríomhfheidhm ag an gCoiste comhairle fáil d’údaráis áitiúla le tionscadal capall a fhorbairt
15 Sláinte agus Leas Ainmhithe
ina gceantair faoi seach a chuidíonn le pobal agus Capall Uile-Oileánda a bhí coimisiúnaithe ag an Roinn ceannaireacht a chothú mar aon le hoideachas in agus ullmhaithe ag Ionad Eachaí na hÉireann, chun úinéireacht fhreagrach capall i measc daoine óga. críche i mí na Nollag 2017.
Onnmhairithe Beo Tionscadal maidir le Táblaí Luachála Tá ról tábhachtach ag onnmhairithe beo ó thaobh Éanlaith iomaíocht praghais a spreagadh d’eallach baile Sa bhliain 2017, bhronn an Roinn conradh le táblaí agus ó thaobh malairt ionad margaidh a chruthú luachála éanlaith a bhunú a mbainfear úsáid astú le d’fheirmeoirí. D’ísligh an Roinn an táille cigireachta méideanna cúitimh atá iníoctha a chinneadh i gcás tréidlia a bhí iníoctha ar onnmhairiú beo laonna faoi ráig den fhliú éanúil nuair a bhíonn gá lena gcuileáil. trí mhí d’aois ó €4.80 go €1.20 in aghaidh an ainmhí an bhliain seo caite. Rinne sé sin treisiú tábhachtach ar an trádáil agus thug cothromas níos fearr maidir leis BEOSTOC na táillí a bhí iníoctha ar laonna, laonna coiscthe agus ar eallach lánfhásta. Tháinig ardú 20%, go dtí díreach Eallach os cionn 100, 000, sa bhliain 2017 i gcomparáid le Lean Cónaidhm Phórú Eallaigh na hÉireann (ICBF) le 2016. dul chun cinn iontach a dhéanamh sa bhliain 2017 ar mhaithe le cur an méid is fearr is féidir le gnóthachan Stádas Saor ó Aujeszky Bainte Amach ag géiniteach an tréada náisiúnta déiríochta agus Éirinn mairteola. Bhain Éire stádas saor ón nGalar Aujeszky amach sa bhliain 2012. Mar réigiún atá saor ón nGalar Aujeszky Chuir an Roinn maoiniú de €1.07m ar fáil do is féidir le húinéirí tréada Éireannacha muca beo thionscadail atá dírithe ar fheabhas a chur ar a onnmhairiú chuig réigiúin eile atá saor ó AD gan bhrabúsacht ar nós tástáil sleachta, feachtas eolais an costas ard a bhaineann le leithlisiú éigeantach, phórúcháin, taighde ar mheasúnuithe géiniteacha faireachas tréada agus tástáil fola. Choinnigh Éire agus feabhsúchán sonraí. stádas saor ó Aujeszky in 2017. Áirítear ar bhuaicphointí sonracha don ICBF sa bhliain 2017; Seoladh na Straitéise Náisiúnta Shláinte Ainmhithe Saothraithe 2017-2022 • Feidhmiú leanúnach an Chláir Géanómaíochta Sheol an tAire Creed an Straitéis Náisiúnta Shláinte agus Sonraí Mairteola. Réitigh an tionscnamh seo Ainmhithe Saothraithe 2017-2022 i mí Iúil 2017. Tá atá maoinithe ag an RDP an bealach do sheoladh an chothabháil is fearr is féidir a dhéanamh ar shláinte na Measúnuithe ar an nGéanómaíocht Mairteola. ainmhithe ríthábhachtach do bhrabúsacht agus • Glacadh ard leanúnach leis na tairbh Déiríochta d’inbhuanaitheacht tionscail feirmeoireachta agus AI atá roghnaithe go géanómaíoch, agus 60% de próiseála na hÉireann amach anseo agus le sláinte an na hinseamhnuithe déiríochta taifeadta i leith na phobail agus an comhshaol a chosaint. dtarbh seo. Léiríonn na torthaí i gcónaí ó thréad an Next Generation sa Chloch Liath, agus le Tá ról ag an Straitéis in iarrachtaí leanúnacha na torthaí an ‘Daughter Proven’ araon go bhfuil siad hÉireann chun cur lena clú d’ardchaighdeáin sláinte seo ag cuidiú le ráta an ardaithe ghéinitigh sa ainmhithe agus le leathnú a dhéanamh ar a sciar tréad déiríochta Náisiúnta a luathú. den mhargadh idirnáisiúnta. Cuireann an Straitéis • Tuilleadh feabhsaithe ar an mbunachar treochlár ar fáil ó thaobh obair a dhéanamh i sonraí pórúcháin eallaigh Náisiúnta. Leantar gcomhpháirtíocht leis na geallsealbhóirí go léir i le méideanna móra de shonraí riachtanacha dtionscal an agraibhia le sláinte ainmhithe a fheabhsú. a bhailiú ó raon foinsí ar nós feirmeacha tráchtála agus geallsealbhóir tionscail, sonraí Foilsiú na Tuarascála maidir le Faireachas atá riachtanach do tháirgeadh innéacsanna Galair Capall pórúcháin ar ardchaighdeán. • Rinneadh cothabháil ag beagnach 0.69m bó ar Tugadh an chéad Tuarascáil Suirbhé maidir le Sláinte
16 17 Sláinte agus Leas Ainmhithe
an líon bó déiríochta atá á mbleán agus atá á Tacaíocht don tionscal capall dtaifeadadh. neamhfholaíochta • Leanann an clár tástála sleachta, Gene Ireland le Aithníonn an Roinn go gcuireann an tionscal capall tástáil a dhéanamh ar an raon tarbh óg a oireann neamhfholaíochta go mór leis an ngeilleagar agus do na coinníollacha uathúla féar-bhunaithe don le creatlach sóisialta an iliomad pobal ar fud na tíre. táirgeadh Cuireann an earnáil go mór le hioncam a chruthú ó fhiontar luachmhar malartach feirme ó thaobh na Chuir an Roinn deontas de €990m ar fáil don ICBF fostaíochta, na turasóireachta, forbairt tuaithe agus freisin in 2017 chun tacú lena chuid gníomhaíochta ó thaobh pobail agus saol sóisialta agus cultúrtha na oibriúcháin ghinearálta. tíre. Thug Indecon International Consultants, a bhí fostaithe ag an Aire le “Athbhreithniú a dhéanamh Caoirigh ar ábhair áirithe a bhain le hEachspórt Éireann” a Tá an Clár Náisiúnta chun Feabhas a Chur ar an Phóir dtuarascáil chun críche i mí an Mheithimh 2017 agus Chaorach á fheidhmiú ag Sheep Ireland, agus iad ag cuireadh Coiste Idir-Rannach ardleibhéil le chéile le obair i gcomhair leis na geallsealbhóirí. Chuir an Roinn cur i bhfeidhm moltaí na gcomhairleoirí a stiúradh. maoiniú infheistíochta de €365,000 ar fáil do raon bearta atá leagtha amach le clár pórúcháin de scoth a Sa bhliain 2017, chuir an Roinn €2.560m ar fáil don chur i bhfeidhm. Rinneadh dul chun cinn suntasach i earnáil seo mar chuidiú deontais d’Eachspórt Éireann raon réimsí le linn na bliana 2017, lena n-áirítear: ; do ghníomhaíochtaí atá dírithe ar fheabhas a chur ar an gcaighdeán i measc spóirt capall na hÉireann agus • Fás leanúnach sa líon lucht póraithe reithí chun an earnáil a fhorbairt. San áireamh sa tsuim seo ginealaigh atá rannpháirteach i LambPlus, a bhí leithdháileadh de €650,000 go sainiúil le héascú bhfuil os cionn 40% de reithí a díoladh sa bhliain a dhéanamh ar mhargaíocht, cur leis an duaischiste ar 2017 mar thoradh air, trí fháil a bheith ar fhigiúirí fud raon comórtas agus le roinnt imeachtaí nuálacha Eurostar. a spreagadh, bhí €130,000 san áireamh freisin do • Fás leanúnach sa chéatadán de reithí pórúcháin thionscnaimh pórúcháin. ar an margadh a taifeadadh dá bhfeidhmíocht in 2017. Tá soláthar déanta faoin gClár nua Forbartha Tuaithe • Seoladh Innéacsanna Teirminéil nua agus (RDP) chun feabhas a chur ar éifeachtúlacht agus ar Innéacsanna Athsholáthair nua le cur in ionad an bhrabúsacht san earnáil trí bheart Aistrithe Eolais ag a tsean-Innéacs ‘Luach Foriomlán na Caorach’. bhfuil buiséad de €100m. • Leathnú na Tástála Lárnaigh Sleachta Sheep Ireland (CPT), trí ardú a chur ar líon na gcaorach Bhí os cionn 300 póraitheoir rannpháirteach i tráchtála atá á dtaifeadadh dá bhfeidhmíocht sa mbliain a haon de Chlár Aistrithe Eolais Eachaí a chlár seo. tugadh chun críche i mí Lúnasa 2017. D’fhreastail • Naisc bhreise bunaithe le Better Farm, clár na rannpháirtithe seo ar chruinnithe chomh maith le caorach Theagaisc trí chomhroinnt sonraí. Plean Feabhsúcháin Feirme a chur ar fáil i gcomhar • Tuilleadh ardú tagtha ar fheasacht an fheirmeora lena n-éascaitheoir ceadaithe. Rinne siad comhlánú tráchtála mar thoradh ar an iliomad imeachtaí freisin ar Bhearta Sláinte Ainmhithe i gcomhar le poiblí maidir leis na buntáistí a bhaineann le tréidlia ceadaithe. Leanadh le cruinnithe agus le measúnachtaí géiniteacha chaoirigh gníomhartha faoin bPlean Feabhsúcháin Feirme do Bhliain a Dó i Ráithí 3 agus 4 den bhliain 2017. Sa Chuir an Roinn €190,000 breise ar fáil do Sheep bhliain 2017, chuir an Roinn €850,000 ar fáil do Ireland mar thacaíocht ghinearálta maoinithe le linn bhearta a bhain le heachaí. na bliana 2017.
Tionscail Rásaíochta Capall agus Con Sa bhliain 2017, fuair Rásaíocht Capall na hÉireann €64m agus fuair Bord na gCon €16m ón gCiste Rásaíochta Capall agus Con.
17 Sláinte Plandaí
Sláinte Plandaí contúirteach nach bhfuil ar fáil in Éirinn) a bheith ann. Bhí gá leis an reachtaíocht seo le haghaidh a thabhairt Rinneadh na suirbhéanna córasacha, spriocdhírithe ar an riosca suntasach d’earnáil na bprátaí dúchasacha don Chalara fraxinea, ar a dtugtar go coitianta an galar a d’fhéadfadh eascairt as ráig den Epitrix. ‘Críonadh Siar na bhFuinseog’ a tionscnaíodh in 2013, arís sa bhliain 2017. Léirigh torthaí nua na bliana Sa bhliain 2017, lean an Roinn agus DAERA orthu ag 2017 chomh maith le torthaí ó shuirbhéanna roimhe obair i dtreo an chomhchuspóra stádas maith sláinte seo leathnú leanúnach dáileadh ginearálta geografach plandaí a bhaint amach agus a choimeád ar an oileán an ghalair. Bhí an galar le fáil a bheag nó a mhór i trí chomhroinnt leanúnach eolais, eolaíochta agus ngach contae de na 26 contae in Éirinn. Chuir oifigigh cumais dhiagnóiseach. ón Roinn seo agus ón Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs i dTuaisceart Éireann i bhfeidhm Chomh maith leis sin, cuireadh clár gníomhaíochta athbhreithniú cuimsitheach na Straitéise Rialaithe cuimsitheach sláinte i bhfeidhm sa bhliain 2017 le Chalara Uile-Oileánda ar tugadh faoi sa bhliain 2016. cothabháil a dhéanamh ar ardstádas sláinte plandaí na Dhírigh an t-athbhreithniú, go háirithe ar nuachóiriú hÉireann agus le reachtaíocht de chuid na hÉireann agus ar fhorfheidhmiú spriocdhírithe scéimeanna agus an AE a chomhlíonadh. Rinneadh cigireacht tacaíochta ar nós na Scéime Cúitimh agus na Scéime ghrinn ar phlandaí, ionaid gharraíodóireachta, um Fheabhsú Coillearnach. páirceanna poiblí, gairdíní príobháideacha agus ar an timpeallacht níos leithne do láithreacht lotnaidí Lean an Roinn le suirbhé a dhéanamh do láithreacht coraintín agus sa chás go raibh a leithéid ann, orgánach dhíobhálach Phytophthora ramorum sa cuireadh bearta díothaithe i bhfeidhm. Sa bhliain bhliain 2017. Braitheadh lorg den ghalar i bplandlanna 2017 áiríodh ar shuirbhéanna sláinte plandaí: gairneoireachta /ionaid gharraíodóireachta agus ar phlandaí a allmhairíodh ó Bhallstáit eile. Scriosadh na • Rinneadh cigireacht ar 922 láthair do lorg plandaí agus na plandaí óstacha ionfhabhtaithe go léir Phytophthora ramorum sa chomharsanacht. • Tógadh 1,406 sampla don Smól Dóite (Erwinia amylovora) Deimhnigh an Roinn an chéad lorg den orgánach • Tugadh faoi 1,437 cigireacht don Mhianadóir díobhálach Dothistroma septosporum in Éirinn in dhá Duille (Liriomyza sp) fhoraois ag tús mhí Meán Fómhair 2016. Cuireann • Tugadh faoi 944 cigireacht don Tobacco Whitefly an galar seo as do raon crainn buaircíneacha agus (Bemisia tabaci) go háirithe líon speicis péine. Thug an Roinn faoi • Tógadh 867 sampla dn Néimeatóid Órga (PCN) shuirbhéanna ar phlandaí óstacha i bplandlanna sa (Globodera sp) bhliain 2017 mar a cheanglaítear faoi Threoir an AE • Tugadh faoi 520 cigireacht don Xylella fastidiosa maidir le Sláinte Plandaí 2000/29/CE lena chinntiú • Tógadh181 sampla don Beet Necrotic Yellow nach raibh an galar ann. Ní raibh aon lorg den ghalar Vein Virus seo i bplandlanna sa bhliain 2017. • Tugadh faoi 210 cigireacht don Ghobachán Pailme Rua (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) Baictéar is ea Xylella fastidiosa a ionfhabhtaíonn • Tugadh faoi 143 cigireacht do Palm borer fíocháin xylem raon leathan óstach plandaí (os cionn (Paysandiisia archon) 300 speiceas plandaí). Rinne Éire suirbhé ar an ngalar sa bhliain 2017 agus ní bhfuarthas aon lorg den ghalar Chomh maith leis sin, rinneadh cigireacht ar 390 seo. Sa bhliain 2017, rinneadh leasú ar reachtaíocht plandlann do láithreacht Anoplophora chinensis agus AE maidir le Xylella fastidiosa. Bhí páirt lárnach ag an Anoplophera glabripenni, ní raibh aon lorg ann de tír seo san idirbheartaíocht seo lena chinntiú go bhfuil na lotnaidí seo. Tugadh faoi chigireacht dhian agus an chosaint is fearr is féidir i bhfeidhm ar eagla go sampláil ar phrátaí síl agus ar phrátaí margaidh sa dtiocfadh an galar seo isteach sa tír. bhliain 2017. Ní raibh aon lorg ann den lobhadh fáinneach i bprátaí, den donnlobhadh ná den Epitrix Thug Éire reachtaíocht náisiúnta isteach a in 2017. Tugadh faoi chigireachtaí freisin ar ábhar fhorchuireann ceanglais bhreise ar onnmhairithe síolraithe plandaí i roinnt láithreacha ar mhaithe lena prátaí ó Bhallstáit ina bhféadfadh an t-orgánach chinntiú go raibh ábhar a bhí saor ó ghalar ar fáil. díobhálach Epitrix (ciaróg dhreancaidiúil atá
18 19 Sláinte Plandaí
• Sa bhliain 2017, faoin gClár Rialuithe Allmhairithe An Líon Cineálacha a Measúnaíodh in 2017 Sláinte Plandaí; tugadh faoi 3,237 cigireacht Barr Uimhir ar choinsíneachtaí plandaí agus táirgí plandaí a allmhairítear go díreach go hÉirinn trí Aerfort Gránaigh 159 Bhaile Átha Cliath ó thríú tíortha. Is ionann é sin Féar 93 agus ardú 4.7% ar líon na gcoinsíneachtaí a bhí Arbhar Indiach 20 faoi réir ag Rialuithe Allmhairithe Sláinte Plandaí Ráib Olashíl 25 sa bhliain 2016. Baineann an príomhardú leis an ardú suntasach in onnmhairiú coinsíneachtaí Seamair 15 bláthanna gearrtha, tá ardú 76% tagtha air seo. Prátaí 13 Chuir cigirí sláinte plandaí cosc ar 77 ábhar Pónairí Leathana 11 allmhairithe sa bhliain 2017, áirítear ar na * Ní chuirtear san áireamh cineálacha a dhúbláiltear i dtrialacha cúiseanna a bhí leo seo, fuarthas lorg orgánaigh difriúla. rialaithe agus lorg orgánaigh díobhálacha, bhí teastais fíteashláintíochta neamhiomlán ann Reáchtáladh Lá Oscailte ar éirigh thar barr leis i mí nó ní raibh a leithéidí ann in aon chor nó bhí an an Mheithimh i gcomhar le Cumann Trádála Síl na doiciméadacht a bhí curtha ar fáil calaoiseach. hÉireann ag lárionad measúnaithe cineálacha barr na • Sa bhliain 2017 faoi Chlár Rialuithe Allmhairithe Roinne ag Feirm Bhacastúin, Léim an Bhradáin, Co. Sláinte Plandaí na Roinne; rinne cigirí sláinte Bhaile Átha Cliath. Óstáladh imscrúduithe trialacha plandaí cigireacht agus deimhniú ar 1,000 agus cuairteanna eolais freisin do ghrúpaí leasmhara coinsíneacht, rud a rinne éascú ar a n-onnmhairiú síolraitheoirí, gníomhairí, comhairleoirí agus feirmeoirí ó ghnólachtaí Éireannacha go 39 tríú tír ar fud ag trí lárionad na Roinne agus ag ionaid trialacha an domhain. Áirítear ar na coinsíneachtaí is mó a seachtracha eile. dheimhníodh sa bhliain 2017, beatha ainmhithe chun na Síne, an India agus an Chóiré, prátaí chun Deimhniú Síolta na hÍoslainne agus an UAE, cásanna muisiriúin Tá an National Catalogue of Agricultural Plant chun na hAfraice Theas, an tSeapáin, Iosrael agus Varieties (NCAPV) agus an Official Journal of Ceanada agus bláthanna gearrtha chuig Stáit National Plant Variety Rights (PVR) ar fáil ar láithreán Aontaithe Mheiriceá. gréasáin na Roinne. Maidir leis na bpríomhbharr talmhaíochta, ní ceadaithe ach síolta de na cineálacha Measúnacht ar Éagsúlacht na mBarr sin a liostaítear sa chatalóg seo nó a liostaítear in aon Bhí coinníollacha cur sásúil ar an iomlán do bharr Chatalóg Náisiúnta aon Bhallstáit eile, a chur ar an an gheimhridh agus do bharr an earraigh araon. Bhí margadh in Éirinn. coinníollacha sábhála sa bhliain 2017 go maith le haghaidh na heorna geimhridh agus le haghaidh ráib https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/ olashíl an gheimhridh. Bhris an aimsir le linn míonna publications/2017/NationalCatalogueAgricultural Lúnasa agus Meán Fómhair agus bhí coinníollacha PlantVarieties2017IRELAND150318.pdf sábhála don bharr a bhí fanta níos dúshlánaí. Rinneadh measúnú ar 336 cineál féir, seimre, eorna, Tá an Common Catalogue of Varieties of Agricultural cruithneachta, coirce, arbhair Indiaigh fhoráiste, ráibe Plant Species an AE le fáil ag http://ec.europa.eu/ olashíl, pónairí agus prátaí sna trialacha Náisiúnta food/plant/plant_propagation_material/plant_variety_ agus i dtrialacha Liosta Molta in 2017. Roghnaíodh catalogues_databases/search/public/index.cfm as na trialacha seo na cineálacha de gach speiceas ab oiriúnaí do tháirgeoirí Éireannacha agus foilsíodh iad i Leabhráin Liosta Molta atá le fáil ar láithreán gréasáin na Roinne.
19 Sláinte Plandaí
Achar na mBarr a Deimhníodh in 2017 plandála agus sábhála. Tá roinnt saincheisteanna maidir le sláinte plandaí a bhfuil tionchar acu ar bharra Achar na mBarr Tonnaí Síolta áirithe mar údar imní i gcónaí agus tá sé soiléir go a Ceadaíodh a Deimhníodh mbeidh roinnt caillteanais ann. Bhí éileamh margaidh faoin Scéim faoin Scéim in Éirinn do tháirgeadh seasmhach i gcónaí ar fud Deimhniúcháin Deimhniúcháin gach aon fo-earnáil. Síolta in 2017 Síolta in 2017 (heicteáir) Luach an Aschuir Gairneoireachta ag geata na feirme, Gránaigh 8,442 51,329 2016 -2017 Prátaí 264 2,744 Táirge 2016 2017 Athrú % c Ráib Olashíl 265 790 €m €m 2016 v’s Pónairí 314 1,519 2017 Muisiriúin 121.7 118.2 -2.8 Sa bhliain 2017, allmhairíodh an síol féir go léir a Prátaí 86.5 80.3 -7.1 úsáideadh in Éirinn mar shíol deimhnithe agus rinne Glasraí Goirt 70.0 70.6 0.8 an Roinn maoirseacht ar fhoirmliú agus lipéadú na Barra Cosanta 86.3 88.9 3.0 meascán de shíolta féir. Barra Torthaí 11.0 11.2 1.6 Saotharlann Prátaí Síl Allamuigh Bleibíní, 8.8 9.1 3.7 Le linn na bliana 2017, rinneadh cothabháil ar 725 bláthanna cineál (lena n-áirítear, síológa prátaí nach bhfuil allamuigh agus ainmnithe go fóill) in vitro ag na Saotharlanna Prátaí, earnáil an Tops, Ráth Bhoth, Co. Dhún na nGall. Rinneadh duilliúir táirgeadh ar thart ar 37,000 miontiúbar prátaí as 39 cineál éagsúil prátaí, mar aon le 15 shíológ prátaí Barra crua 45.4 53.9 18 nár ainmníodh, i dtolláin víreas-dhíonacha. Rinneadh plandlainne, tástáil ar deich gcinn de shíológ prátaí nua maidir lena agus earnálacha sainiúlacht, a n-aonfhoirmeacht agus a seasmhacht de gairneoireachta réir mar atá forordaithe ag an Aontas Idirnáisiúnta do eile Chosaint Cineálacha Nua Plandaí (UPOV). Rinneadh Iomlán 429.9 432.4 0.6 cothabháil freisin ar bhailiúchán tagartha allamuigh de Foinse: Meastacháin DAFM.. 601 cineál práta a ainmníodh. Cé gur chuidigh téarnamh an gheilleagair níos leithne Tar éis d’Oifig Éagsúlachta Plandaí an Chomhphobail le cothabháil a dhéanamh ar fhás aschur san earnáil, (CPVO) an cúram a chur ar an tSaotharlann Prátaí tá tionchar diúltach aige trí ghanntanas saothair a Síl sa bhliain 2016, leanann an tsaotharlann le bheith ar fáil chun oibriú ar fheirmeacha ar fud na himscrúduithe teicniúla a fheidhmiú maidir le hearnála. Beidh an tsaincheist maidir le ganntanais sainiúlacht, aonfhoirmeacht agus seasmhacht thar saothair mar dhúshlán tábhachtach ó thaobh a cheann don Ipomea batatis (práta milis). Is í an cothabháil a dhéanamh ar fhorbairt agus ar fhás san tSaotharlann Prátaí Síl an chéad agus an t-aon oifig a earnáil sa bhliain 2018. bhfuil an cúram seo uirthi maidir le himscrúdú teicniúil a dhéanamh ar an Ipomea batatis. Bhí cúrsaí infheistíochta san earnáil láidir sa bhliain 2017 agus íocadh €4.8m faoin Scéim Chabhrach Gairneoireacht Infheistíochta d’Fhorbairt na hEarnála Tráchtála Gairneoireachta a thacaigh le hinfheistíochtaí de Bhí coinníollacha réasúnacha fáis in Éirinn sa bhliain €12m ar an iomlán. Bhí infheistíocht sna hearnálacha 2017 rud a chiallaigh gur baineadh amach na torthaí níos lú soiléir ó thaobh an fháis i dtáirgeadh síol a rabhthas ag súil leo. Bhí tionchar ag na leibhéil péactha agus leannlus mar gheall ar an éileamh ísle solais ar bharra cosanta agus bhí tionchar ag na ó thionscail an bhia shláinte agus ó thionscal na coinníollacha aimsire a bhí ag athrú de shíor ar dhátaí grúdaireachta.
20 21 Seirbhís Saotharlainne
SAOTHARLANNA TRÉIDLIACHTA Tá Galar an Chraicinn Chnapaigh (athchogantaigh), (muca), heipitíteas E (muca) agus Fliú Bólachta "#$%& AN RANNÁN VÍREOLAÍOCHTA (eallach) ar roinnt de na nósanna imeachta diagnóise Cuireann an Rannán Víreolaíochta ar chumas na víreasacha nua a tugadh isteach sa bhliain 2017.'()* +% Roinne galair víreasacha in ainmhithe feirme a ,)*-+ aithint agus a thréithriú. Cuireann an Rannán Patrúin taiscthí gnéithe saotharlainne agus eolaíochta ar fáil Bhí an patrún tástálacha a éilíodh ar feadh na bliana maidir le hullmhacht éigeandála atá riachtanach le 2017 réasúnta seasta. cosaint a thabhairt i gcoinne galair víreasacha atá andúchasach in Éirinn agus na seirbhísí diagnóiseacha, imscrúdaitheacha agus comhairleacha sin atá 20000 riachtanach le rialú agus monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar ghalair víreasacha in ainmhithe feirme na hÉireann. 15000 Sa bhliain 2017, ghlac an Rannán le ról nua na Saotharlainne Náisiúnta Tagartha (NRL) do víris Capripox na nAthchogantach, chomh maith lena 10000 bheith i mbun óstach a dhéanamh faoi láthair ar naoi NRL’nna eile. 5000
Tá an raon víris atá á láimhseáil ag an Rannán éagsúil agus leathan, lena n-áirítear an Galar Crúibe is Béil, 0 JFMA MJ JASOND Fliú na nÉan, an Galar Gormtheanga, BVD, IBR, Fiabhras Clasaiceach na Muc, Confadh agus PRRS. Eile Buaibheach Éanúil
Achoimre ar fhigiúirí tástála na bliana 2017.
Speiceas Tástálacha Tástálacha do víreas Iomlán (% den iomlán) d’antasubstaintí Buaibheach 50,554 22,176 39 Mucúil 3,790 4,586 4 Eachaí 1,861 314 1 Athchogantaigh beaga 3,125 1,335 2 Éanúil 95,866 4,995 53 Iomlán 155,196 33,406 na 5 príomhthástáil sa bhliain 2017.
Brath Líon Brath víris Líon Diagnóis Éanúil Líon antasubstaintí 1 BVD 9,584 BVD 5,203 M. gallisepticum 37,206 2 IBR 7,356 IBR 1,548 Avian influenza 33,121 3 Schmallenberg 5,752 PRRSV 1,536 M. synovia 7,266 4 Bluetongue 3,914 BHV4 1,463 M. meleagridis 2,109 5 Johnes 3.602 BRSV 1,378 AEV 2,109
Bhí raon de 118 tástáil dhifriúil ag an Rannán Víreolaíochta agus baineadh úsáid astu sa bhliain 2017 ar fud 40 maitrís difriúla – ar an mhaitrís is coitianta sa bhliain 2017 bhí séiream (88%), maipíní (4%), agus scamhóg (2%).
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AN RANNÁN BAICTÉAREOLAÍOCHTA bhliain 2017 go bhfuil an tír seo saor ó Echinococcus multilocularis i gcónaí, atá ar cheann de na zónóisí Déanann an tsaotharlann seo óstach ar líon seadánacha is marfaí sna réigiúin mheasartha agus feidhmeanna Saotharlainne Náisiúnta Tagartha Artacha den Leathsféar Thuaidh. Rinneadh scrúdú ar an AE maidir le pataiginí zónóiseacha an bhia, an os cionn 400 sampla ó gach aon chontae sa tír don bheathaithe agus de bhunús ainmhithe. Áirítear seadán. Tugann sé sin an deis d’Éire leas a bhaint as orthu seo Salmonella, Campylobacter, Mycobacteria, maolú maidir le saorghluaiseacht, a chinntíonn go Frithsheasmhacht Fhrithmhiocróbach agus Seadáin. bhfaigheann madraí atá á dtabhairt isteach sa tír ó Baineadh amach comhlánú na dtrialacha inniúlachta a Bhallstáit eile agus nach bhfuil saor ón ngalar seo, an bhí eagraithe ag Saotharlanna Tagartha Pobail an AE. chóireáil frith-heilminteach cuí sula n-allmhairítear iad. Saothraíodh na samplaí seo a leanas do Salmonella le linn na bliana 2017: Chomh maith le samplaí caighdeánacha chun galair riospráide a dhiagnóisiú, áiríodh leis na samplaí a • 1,480 sampla ó fheirmeacha éanlaithe tástáladh i gcomhair Mycoplasma bovis sreabhán • 605 sampla a bhain le min nó muileann ailt nó samplaí bainne ó bha déiríochta sa bhliain beathaithe 2017, chomh maith leis sin, tuairiscíodh i roinnt tréad • 680 sampla ó chonablaigh éanlaithe nó muca déiríochta go raibh comharthaí cliniciúla an airtrítis • 736 sampla múirín nó fotháirge gaolmhar agus an mhaistítis a bhaineann le Mycoplasma bovis le fáil i mba déiríochta. Chomh maith le:
Ar mhaithe le tacaíocht a thabhair don chlár • 640 sampla a fuarthas ó shaotharlanna díothaithe TB sa bhliain 2017: seachtracha do steiréitíopáil. • Bhí 770 sampla ó mhuca agus ó fheoil faoi • Rinneadh tástáil ar shampla a bhailíodh i réir ag modhanna roghnacha saothraithe monarchana feola ó 5,511 bó-ainmhí, ó thaobh chun tacair ionadaíocha d’aonraíoch E. coli fianaise eitinne. agus Campalabaictéir a chur ar fáil, chomh • Rinneadh 3,925 tástáil histeapaiteolaíochta agus maith le tástálacha roghnacha ar leith chun 3,230 saothrú ar na fíocháin seo. tréithchineálacha atá frithsheasmhach in aghaidh • Rinneadh tástáil ar 2,002 séiream i TB ELISA ábhair fhrithmhiocrábaigh a aonrú. chun tacú le himscrúdú tréad. • Bhí an Rannán rannpháirteach i líon • Bailíodh 332 saothrú ar fhíocháin broic mar chuid tionscadail taighde maidir le frithsheasmhacht de thabhairt chun siúil an bhroic tar éis ráig den fhrithmhiocróbach agus rinne sé monatóireacht TB buaibheach nó trialacha de vacsaín broc. ar an tástáil fhrithmhiocróbach i roinnt • Rinneadh tástálacha speiceasaithe saotharlanna príobháideacha a sholáthraíonn an míceabhaictéaracha ar 982 aonraíoch. tástáil d’oibreoirí gnólachtaí bia. • Rinneadh aonrú ar fospeiceas paratuberculosis den Mycobacterium avium ó 168 de 851 sampla a Bhí antashubstaintí le brath i 3,652 (17.9%) de chuireadh isteach le haghaidh galar Johne. na 20,390 sampla sú matáin ó mhuca maraithe a tástáladh faoin gClár Náisiúnta Rialála Salmonella do mhuca.
Ag feidhmiú mar NRL do sheadáin, léiríodh le sampláil éigeantach náisiúnta na sionnach a rinneadh sa
22 23 Seirbhís Saotharlainne
AN RANNÁN PAITEOLAÍOCHTA díothaithe galair, chomh maith le saintacaíochtaí do na Saotharlanna Réigiúnacha Tréidliachta (RVL’nna). Cuimsíonn an Rannán Paiteolaíochta trí dhisciplín, Cuireann an tsaoráid iarbháis laistigh den Rannán Paiteolaíocht, Micribhitheolaíocht Chliniciúil agus paiteolaíochta seirbhísí saotharlainne tréidliachta Bithcheimic/ tocsaineolaíocht. Tá sé mar phríomhról diagnóiseacha agus paiteolaíochta anatamaíche ag an Rannán saineolas agus acmhainní paiteolaíochta ar fáil maidir le faireachas, le béim faoi leith ar na diagnóise a sholáthar chun tacú le freagrachtaí na hearnálacha muc agus éanlaith. Tá na mionsonraí Roinne maidir le sláinte ainmhithe. Áirítear leis maidir leis na torthaí ar fáil sa Tuarascáil Uile-Éireann seo, tacaíocht saotharlainne do chláir náisiúnta ar Fhaireachas Galair. (https://www.agriculture.gov. ie/rvlreport/). Taiscthí Diagnóiseacha don Phaiteolaíocht
SPEICEAS Conablach Diagnóis Féatas Eile Iomlán Éanúil 156 260 2 418 Buaibheach 69 132 66 20 287 Cervine 67 67 Eachaí 1 37 34 72 Caoirigh 66 9 82 2 159 Mucúil 548 208 7 763 Eile 9 7 1 49 66 Móriomlán 916 653 156 107 1,832
Taiscthí na Saotharlainne Náisiúnta Tagartha (NRL) TSE– 2017
Caoirigh Toradh NRL Catagóir Faireachais 2015 2016 2017 Scráibeach Aitíopúil Gníomhach 6 1 1 Scráibeach Chlasaiceach Gníomhach 1 1 11 Scráibeach Chlasaiceach Éighníomhach 0 0 0 Diúltach Gníomhach 1 1 0 Diúltach Éighníomhach 1 0 1 Diúltach SMFS 0 0 0 Iomlán 9 3 13
Tabhair ar aird go raibh an líon mór cásanna scráibeach chlasaiceach don bhliain 2017 mar gheall ar 10 gcás go príomha in aon tréad amháin. Níor cuireadh isteach cásanna scraibeacha a raibh amhras fúthu ach do 4 thréad.
Buaibheach Toradh NRL Catagóir Faireachais 2015 2016 2017 BSE Dearfach Gníomhach 1 0 1* (Clasaiceach) BSE Dearfach Éighníomhach 0 0 0 Diúltach Gníomhach 0 0 0 Diúltach Éighníomhach 11 17* 16 Neamhoiriúnach Éighníomhach 0 0 0
*1 chás amháin tuairiscithe in 2017 a sampláladh an 30 Nollaig 2016 Nóta: Ba chás L- Éighníomhach a bhí sa chás BSE a deimhníodh in 2017 – an chéad chás den chineál L- in Éirinn.
23 Seirbhís Saotharlainne
Saotharlann Tarchurtha na Roinne don Saotharlann Ceimice Cliniciúla/ Histeapaiteolaíocht Tréidliachta Paiteolaíochta Ceimicí Cuireann an Rannán Paiteolaíochta tarchur agus Feidhmíonn an tsaotharlann seo, i measc seirbhísí tacaíocht shaineolach histeapaiteolaíocht ar fáil eile, anailísí miotail (macra, rianta agus troma) agus don Roinn agus do na Saotharlanna Réigiúnacha meitibilítí agus gníomhaíochta einsíme ar shamplaí Tréidliachta (RVL’nna). Áirítear ar na réimsí a ainmhithe. Sa bhliain 2017, tugadh faoi anailís chlúdaítear tarchur na gcásanna faireachais ar 1,841 sampla maidir le miotail throma. Bhí an diagnóisigh, cásanna fóiréinseacha ar nós nimhithe, tsaotharlann rannpháirteach agus chuir seirbhísí taighde feidhmeach agus staidéir faireachais. anailíseacha ar fáil d’imscrúdú idirghníomhaireachta Cuireann an tsaotharlann seo próiseáil histeolaíochta agus thug tacaíocht do naoi n-imscrúdú dhéaga agus cumas histiceimice imdhíonachta ar fáil don allamuigh agus do chásanna tocsaineachta amhrasach tSeirbhís Saotharlainne Tréidliachta freisin. Rinneadh i dtréada. I gcomhair le rannáin eile, rinne an próiseáil ar thart ar 29,000 sleamhnán sa bhliain saotharlann forbairt ar phrótacal riosca bhunaithe 2017 le modhanna caighdeánacha ruaimnithe agus d’imscrúduithe stiúrtha amhrasacha. le teicníochtaí speisialta ruaimnithe lena n-áirítear an histiceimic imdhíonachta. SAOTHARLANNA RIALAITHEACH um SHLÁINTE PHOIBLÍ TRÉIDLIACHTA Caiséid a Próiseáladh in 2017 Tá an tSaotharlann Rialaitheach um Shláinte Ullmhú Athghearrtha Sleamhnáin Iomlán na Phoiblí Tréidliachta (VPHRL) creidiúnaithe le INAB cásanna _H&E H&E TB sleamhnán do ISO 17025:2005, le níos mó ná 30 tástáil H&E H&E a anailíseach a chlúdaíonn iarmhair, éilleáin, anailíse táirgeadh micribhitheolaíochta agus seadeolaíochta faoina scóip 22,498 2,228 4,118 28,844 i láthair na huaire.
Is í VPHRL an tSaotharlann Náisiúnta Tagartha (NRL) do 6 grúpa iarmhar (Oibreáin fhritíoróideacha, Béiteagónaithe, Clóraimfeineacól agus Dapsón, Ábhair Fhrithbhaictéaracha lena n-áirítear sulfónaimídí agus cuineolóin, Carbadocs agus Dúile Ceimiceacha) agus freisin do E. coli (STEC nó VTEC) agus Trichinella.
Líon samplaí do NRCP 2017 briste síos de réir speiceas agus substaint lena sainaithint
7000 Éanlaith Mucúil Caoirigh Beach Mheala 6000 Fia – Feirme Gabhar Buaibheach Éanúil ní Éanlaith 5000 Eachaí Fia - Fiáin 4000
3000
2000
1000
0 Antaibheathaigh Béite- CarbadocsDúile Clóraimf- Phenicols Sulfón- Tíreastait TreanbólónZeranol agónaithe ceimiceacha eineacól aimídí
24 25 Seirbhís Saotharlainne
Líon samplaí a tástáladh agus modheolaíochtaí difriúla á n-úsáid
7000 7000 6000 6000 5000 5000 4000 4000 3000 3000 2000 2000 1000 1000 0 0 Scagthástáil Scagthástáil Scagthástáil Scagthástáil Scagthástáil ICP-MS LCMSMS GC-ECD ICP-MS Coscaire LCMSMS RIA Deimhnithe Deimhnithe Scagthástáil Scagthástáil ScagthástáilMiocróbach Scagthástáil Scagthástáil ICP-MS LCMSMS GC-ECD ICP-MS Coscaire LCMSMS RIA Deimhnithe Deimhnithe Antaibheathaigh i bhġochán ainmhí MiocrTíreastaitóbach i bhfual Cadmiam agus Luaidhe i Mil CarbadocsAntaibheathaigh in AE i bhġochán ainmhí SulfónaimídíTíreastait i bhfua i matánl Béite-agónaitheCadmiam agus Luaidhe in Uisce i Mil
TeitriciglínCarbadocs iin Matán AE PhenicolSulfónaimídís i matán Béite-agónaithe iin bhfua Uiscel
CuineolóinTeitriciglín i Matán DúilePhenicol ceimiceachas i matán Béite-agónaithe i Reiǎnebhfual
PeinicillinCuineolóin i Matáni Matán Dúile ceimiceacha i bhġochánmatán ainmhí Béite-agónaithe ini Reiǎne Ae
ZeranoPeinicillinl i Matán CarbadocsDúile ceimiceacha i Matan/Ae i bhġochán ainmhí ClóraimfeineacóBéite-agónaithe lin Ae TreanbólónZeranol Cadmiam,Carbadocs Luaidhe i Matan/Ae agus Arsanaic i mBainne Clóraimfeineacól Treanbólón Cadmiam, Luaidhe agus Arsanaic i mBainne
25 Seirbhís Saotharlainne
Plean Náisiúnta Rialaithe Iarmhair Le linn na bliana 2017, tástáladh os cionn 10,000 Cheadaigh seirbhísí ábhartha an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh sampla de bhia de bhunús ainmhí faoin NRP agus Plean Náisiúnta Rialaithe Iarmhair na hÉireann don faoin tástáil ar iarmhair agus ar éilleáin ghaolmhara ag bhliain 2017 laistigh de na spriocdhátaí atá sonraithe an VPHRL. Sa bhliain 2017 cuireadh de dhualgas ar faoin Treoir. VPHRL tástáil a dhéanamh freisin ar shamplaí breise bainne mar thoradh ar imscrúdú idirghníomhaireachta Clúdaíonn an tástáil faoin bPlean Náisiúnta Rialaithe i gceantar Bhéal Átha Gabhann. Iarmhair (NRCP) 18 grúpa iarmhar ar leithligh a thagann faoi thrí chatagóir leathana: Tá briseadh síos tugtha sna táblaí thíos ar líon iomlán na samplaí a tástáladh faoin bPlean Náisiúnta • ábhair choiscthe ar nós hormón fás-spreagthach Iarmhair 2017 agus ar an tástáil ar iarmhair agus ar agus béite-agónaithe, éilleáin ghaolmhara ag an VPHRL agus na samplaí • cógais tréidliachta atá ceadaithe, neamhchomhlíontachta ar thángthas trasna orthu: • éilleáin chomhshaoil.
An Plean Náisiúnta Iarmhair agus tástáil ar iarmhair agus ar éilleáin ghaolmhara
Comhdhúile Líon Samplaí Líon neamhchomhlíontachta agus Comhdhúile a deimhníodh Tíreastait 305 fual + 22 uisce ó thithe 15 buaibheach, 2 gabhar Tiúraicile (32 éanlaith scagthástáilte go dearfach) Treanbólón 447 66 scagthástáilte go dearfach seolta chuig an tSaotharlann Stáit d’anailís deimhniúcháin Béite-Agónaithe 530 reitine 3 toradh dearfach, scagthástáil dearfach amháin 536 fual a leanadh le péire (2), sotalol go léir. Léirigh 307 ae imscrúdú leantach traséilliú samplaí le cógais a 35 uisce bhí á dtógáil ag an oifigeach samplála
Clóraimfeineacól 140 fual agus 1 matán 0 Phenicols 373 matán agus 30 ubh 0 (Clóraimfeineacól, Florfenicol agus Thiamphenicol) Antaibheathaigh 5838 sampla matán Matán: 2 OTC, 2 PEN G, 1 Marbofloxacin, iad go (a raibh amhras faoi 2174 acu) léir faoi amhras 293 duán Bainne: 1 Pen G 357 bainne Mil: 2 CTC 127 ubh 20 mil ligthe ar fhochonradh le FERA Sulfónaimídí lena 558 0 n-áirítear Dapsone) Carbadocs 92 0 Dúile Ceimiceacha 414 matán 1x luaidhe i mil (faoi amhras) 83 bainne 16 mil
26 27 Seirbhís Saotharlainne
Micribhitheolaíocht siad seo seirbhísí tástála micribhitheolaíochta agus Cuireann an VPHRL tacaíocht saotharlainne ar fáil ceimiceacha ar fáil do shamplaí bainne/táirgí bainne a do rialúcháin allmhairithe agus don chigireacht thógtar ó oibreoirí gnólachta bia déiríochta den chuid atá bunaithe ag monarchana feola, ag cinntiú is mó. Tá obair na saotharlanna mar bhonn taca le comhlíontacht le caighdeáin náisiúnta agus deimhniú na dtáirgí déiríochta d’onnmhairiú freisin. idirnáisiúnta sábháilteachta agus sláinteachais bhia. Tógadh os cionn 1,900 sampla oifigiúil den fheoil Samplaí maidir le rialú oifigiúil – Micribhitheolaíocht agus de tháirgí feola ag an bpointe déantúsaíochta Sa bhliain 2017, thug an tseirbhís Saotharlainne agus ag ionaid imscrúdaithe teorann agus tástáladh Eolaíochta Déiríochta faoi thart ar 20,000 iad do réimse paraiméadar micribhitheolaíochta sa anailís mhicribhitheolaíochta ar 10,059 sampla ó bhliain 2017. As na samplaí sin, bhí 6 cinn dearfach do bhunaíochtaí próiseála bainne, ó mhonarchana Salmonella (trí cinn in éineoil allmhairithe), agus ceann bainne leachtaigh agus ó tháirgeoirí san earnáil amháin (1) do Listeria monocytogenes. gairneoireachta chun monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar chomhlíonadh na reachtaíochta um shábháilteacht Sa bhliain 2017, lean an VPHRL le tástáil a dhéanamh bhia, uisce agus fo-tháirgí ainmhithe. Mar thoradh air ar chonablaigh mairteola agus gearrthóga feola i sin, eisíodh na fógraí seo a leanas: gcomhair baictéar STEC chun tacú le honnmhairiú mairteola ó Éirinn chuig an margadh na Stáit • 17 Fógra guaise don tSábháilteacht Bhia Aontaithe, tógadh 640 maipín agus 22 gearrthóg ar • 20 Neamhchomhlíonadh an critéar um an iomlán agus bhí na torthaí go léir diúltach. Tugann Shláinteachas Próisis an VPHRL faoi thástáil uisce agus rinneadh 346 • 6 Neamhchomhlíonadh an critéar Fosfatáise/ sampla oifigiúil a thástáil do bhliain 2017 do raon Sárocsaíodáise airíonna fisiciceimiceacha agus micribhitheolaíochta. • 30 Tuarascáil neamhchomhlíontachta maidir le As na samplaí sin fuarthas amach go raibh éilliú samplaí uisce micribhitheolaíochta i 15 sampla de E. coli, Coliforms, • 2 Tuarascáil neamhchomhlíontachta maidir le Faecal Enterococci agus/nó Clostridium perfringens. samplaí d’fho-tháirgí ainmhithe
Chomh maith leis sin tacaíonn an VPHRL le Tá Córais Bainistíochta Cáilíochta i bhfeidhm deimhniúchán fotháirgí ainmhithe. Le linn na bliana ag na trí shaotharlanna bunaithe ar chaighdeán 2017, áiríodh 750 sampla oifigiúil de tháirgí rindreála ISO17025:2005 chun freastal ar cheanglais Bhord san iomlán i gcomhair leibhéal de Enterobacteriaceae Náisiúnta na hÉireann um Chreidiúnú (INAB). Sa agus rinneadh scrúdú ar 75 sampla ó phlandaí bhliain 2017, lean na saotharlanna le cothabháil a múirínithe i gcomhair leibhéal de E. coli. Taispeánadh dhéanamh ar agus ag cur lena scóip creidiúnaithe. sna torthaí go raibh leibhéil >300 cfu/g de Enterobacteriaceae i 6 sampla. Bhain Bacastún creidiúnú amach do shé mhodh tástála breise agus do dhá shíneadh scóipe. Tá Trichinella 62 creidiúnú maidir le modhanna tástála ag na trí shaotharlanna ar fud an iliomad maitrísí nuair atá siad Tugadh faoi thástáil ar 3,396 sampla mucúil agus 240 go léir curtha i dtoll a chéile. sampla matán capaill sa bhliain 2017 mar chuid den chlár monatóireachta oifigiúil, agus bhí siad go léir Tugadh faoi rannpháirtíocht leanúnach freisin i diúltach. dtrialacha idirshaotharlainne a bhí eagraithe ag Saotharlanna Tagartha an Aontais Eorpaigh. SAOTHARLANNA TALMHAÍOCHTA Cuireadh tús leis an bpróiseas i ndeireadh na bliana SAOTHARLANNA EOLAÍOCHTA 2017 leis an DSL i gCorcaigh a cónascadh leis an DÉIRÍOCHTA (DSL) tSaotharlann Tástála Fola nuair a ceapadh bainisteoir láithreáin agus foireann tionscadal. Cuimsíonn an tseirbhís Saotharlainne Eolaíochta Déiríochta trí shaotharlanna atá lonnaithe i mBacastún, Corcaigh agus Luimneach. Cuireann
27 Seirbhís Saotharlainne
Samplaí maidir le rialú oifigiúil – Ceimic Lotnaidicídí, Sláinte Plandaí, Déanann na Saotharlanna Eolaíochta Déiríochta Feithideolaíocht, Micreascópacht i Luimneach agus i mBacastún stiúradh ar anailís Beathaithe agus Saotharlanna Tástála Síl chomhdhéanta ar tháirgí déiríochta chun fíorú a dhéanamh go bhfuil na ceanglais caighdeán Saotharlanna Lotnaidicídí lipéadaithe agus margaíochta atá leagtha síos i Rialachán (EC) Uimh. 1169/2011 agus Rialachán Iarmhair 1308/2013 á gcomhlíonadh. Chomh maith leis sin, Sa bhliain 2017, thug an tSaotharlann Iarmhair tugtar faoi anailís i DSL Bhacastúin ar bhainne foirmle Lotnaidicíde (PRL) faoin tástáil a bhí riachtanach do naíonáin agus ar bhainne foirmle leantach do faoin gclár rialúcháin iarmhar lotnaidicíde atá naíonáin chun a dheimhniú go bhfuil na paraiméadair comhaontaithe faoi chonradh seirbhíse na Roinne leis chomhdhéanaimh atá leagtha síos i dTreoir 2006/141 an FSAI. I gceist leis seo bhí anailísiú ar: CE á gcomhlíonadh. • 643 sampla torthaí agus glasraí agus ar 114 Sa bhliain 2017, rinneadh anailís ar 642 sampla chun a sampla gránach d’iarmhair suas le 470 lotnaidicíd dheimhniú go raibh na ceanglais reachtaíochta AE atá agus meitibilít. mionsonraithe thuas á gcomhlíonadh. • 437 sampla bia de bhunús ainmhí d’iarmhair suas le 340 lotnaidicíd difriúla agus PCB’nna marcála. Saotharlanna Náisiúnta Tagartha (NRL) • tugadh faoi 35 sampla d’fhoirmle naíonáin d’iarmhair suas go dtí 470 lotnaidicíd agus Sa bhliain 2017, d’fheidhmigh Saotharlann Eolaíochta meitibilít freisin. Déiríochta Bhacastúin mar an tSaotharlann Náisiúnta • rinneadh anailís ar shampla beatha ainmhithe Tagartha (NRL) do Listeria monocytogenes, maidir le seacht gcinn de PCB’nna a bhí á stafalacocais a ghineann téachtáis i dtáirgí bia, n-úsáid mar mharcóirí do láithreacht dhé-ocsainí fosfatáis sa bhainne agus Áireamh Baictéarach Iomlán agus rinneadh anailís ar bheatha ainmhithe do agus Áireamh na gCeall Sómach sa bhainne amh. raoin theoranta d’iarmhair agus de mheitibilítí lotnaidicíde. Cuireann an NRL seirbhís tíopála agus tréithrithe mhóilínigh d’aonraígh Listeria monocytogenes ar Sáraíodh an Leibhéal Uasta d’Iarmhair (MRL) fáil, sa bhliain 2017, rinneadh anailís PFGE ar 350 d’iarmhair lotnaidicíde sa bhia i 15 sampla. . aonraíoch agus anailís PCR ar 1732 aonraíoch. Cuirtear an fhaisnéis tíopála sin ar ais chuig na Foirmliúcháin saotharlanna taiscthe agus is féidir le hoibreoirí Cuireann an tSaotharlann Foirmliúcháin Lotnaidicíde gnólachtaí bia leas a bhaint astu chun foinsí (PFL) an tacaíocht anailíseach ar fáil atá riachtanach éillithe a rianú agus chun a fháil amach an bhfuil chun cáilíocht na dtáirgí cosanta plandaí ar mhargadh tréithchineálacha buana in áitribh áirithe. na hÉireann a ráthú. Sa bhliain 2017, rinneadh anailís ar 87 sampla de tháirgí cosanta plandaí chun a Tugann an NRL faoi anailís freisin ar bhrath na sheiceáil go raibh a gcomhdhéanamh ag comhlíonadh neintreatocsainí Stafalacocúla sa bhia. Is í saotharlann na sonraíochtaí táirgí údaraithe. As na samplaí a Bhacastúin an t-aon saotharlanna sa tír a chuireann ndearnadh anailís orthu bhí 2 shampla nach raibh ag an tseirbhís seo ar fáil, tugtar faoi thíopáil mhóilíneach cloí le sonraíocht. freisin chun a fháil amach an bhfuil géinte in aonraígh CPS atá riachtanach chun eintreatocsainí a tháirgeadh Sláinte Plandaí agus sa bhliain 2017 rinneadh an anailís sin ar 74 Bacastún aonraíoch. Sa bhliain 2017 rinneadh anailís ar líon iomlán de 1,033 sampla paiteolaíochta planda (547 don Rannán Gairneoireachta agus Sláinte Plandaí agus 471 don tSeirbhís Foraoiseachta agus 15 ilghnéitheach). Ba é líon na samplaí dearfacha do phataiginí planda coraintín ná 437 (43.7%). Rinneadh foshampláil ar
28 29 Seirbhís Saotharlainne
shamplaí den Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (an chúis le fhíneog Tropilaelaps) lotnaidí nach mór a fhógairt faoi Chalara/) i saotharlann Chorcaigh agus cuireadh go reachtaíocht AE. Bacastún iad le hanailís a dhéanamh orthu. Micreascópacht Beathaithe Ar bhuaicphointe na bliana 2017 bhí an toradh a bhí Is í an tSaotharlann Micreascópachta Beathaithe ar thionscadal FORM, go háirithe Work Package 4 a (FML) an tSaotharlann Náisiúnta Tagartha (NRL) atá bhí faoi stiúir na Roinne, a bhfuil conairanailís riosca ainmnithe chun an phróitéin ainmhithe a bhrath lotnaidí curtha ar fáil aige don Sprús Sitceach, rud a in ábhar beathaithe. Sa bhliain 2017, rinne an léiríonn na príomhbhagairtí atá ann don fháschoill seo tSaotharlann anailísiú ar 296 sampla do láithreacht atá tábhachtach don tír seo. an phróitéin próiseáilte ainmhí (PAP) agus 24 sampla d’ábhair choiscthe. Fuair an tsaotharlann 13 Leanadh le feabhsúcháin a dhéanamh ar sampla freisin de chruithneacht agus d’eorna a bhí bhithshlándáil lena chinntiú go bhfuil an tsaotharlann dírithe ar bheatha ainmhithe agus chiallaigh sé seo ag feidhmiú ag na caighdeáin is airde. Leanadh le go raibh tástáil bhreise na saotharlainne tástála síl hobair, mar chuid de chur i bhfeidhm Athbhreithniú riachtanach le tástáil a dhéanamh ó thaobh eisíontas Straitéiseach Saotharlanna, le creidiúnú a bhaint luibheolaíoch. amach do shláinte agus le comhtháthú níos fearr a dhéanamh ar shaotharlanna. Le linn na bliana 2017, bhí an NRL bainteach le forbairt agus meastóireacht a dhéanamh ar Corcaigh mhodhanna comhlántacha le PAP a bhrath i mbeatha Rinne an tSaotharlann i gCorcaigh tástáil ar 1,286 ainmhithe. Áiríodh anseo bailíocht ar mheasúnacht sampla plandaí don Erwinia amylovora (an chúis leis PCR mucúil i gcomhar le líonra an EURL agus NRL. an ngalar Smol Dóite Rosaceae), agus bhí 25 sampla dearfach agus 679 sampla prátaí do Clavibacter Tástáil Síl michiganensis sepedonicus agus Ralstonia solanacearum Cuireann an tSaotharlann Tástála Síl seirbhís tástála (an chúis le Lobhadh Fáinneach Prátaí agus le síl ar fáil do rannáin eile laistigh den Roinn, do Donnlobhadh Prátaí). Chomh maith leis sin, rinne an cheannaithe síl, d’fheirmeoirí, do shaothróirí agus do tSaotharlann i gCorcaigh foshampláil ar shamplaí den phlandlanna foraoise. Tá creidiúnú ag an tsaotharlann Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Rinne mac léinn, a bhí ar ón gCumann Idirnáisiúnta don Tástáil Síl (ISTA). Ní shocrúchán oibre ó Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Chorcaí mór don chuid is mó de na síolta talmhaíochta agus imscrúdú ar úsáid modhanna LAMP le pataiginí planda gairneoireachta caighdeáin íosta a shásamh don a bhrath. phéacadh, do ghlaine anailíseach agus d’ábhair shíolta eile sula gcuirtear ar an margadh iad. Cuireadh 9,158 Feithideolaíocht tástála síl i gcrích le linn na bliana 2017, ar ghránaigh, Thug an tseirbhís fheithideolaíocht faoi anailís ar féir, barra foráiste, ola-shíolta, piseánaigh, glasraí, 341 sampla sa bhliain 2017; bhí seacht gcinn acu sin crainn, srl. Bhain thart ar 59% de na tástálacha dearfach do speicis lotnaide coraintín. Oibríonn an seo le péacadh, 25% le glaine anailíseach, 7% le tseirbhís go dlúth leis na húdaráis in Aerfort Bhaile folláine síolta agus, 5% le hinmharthanacht síolta Átha Cliath agus ag calafort Bhaile Átha Cliath, (tetrazolium), agus chuimsigh an 4% de thástálacha atá ina phointe iontrála suntasach don táirgeadh a bhí fanta tástálacha comhairleacha ar nós taise, gairneoireachta isteach chun na hÉireann. breithniú do shíolta eile, meáchan míle síol, srl. Bhí caighdeán na síolta gránaigh a baineadh in Éirinn le Chomh maith leis sin, tá baint ag an tseirbhís linn na bliana 2017 go maith go ginearálta, ach bhí feithideolaíochta le sláinte an bheach mheala. Sa na síolta gránaigh a baineadh níos faide amach sa bhliain 2017, lean an tseirbhís fheithideolaíochta bhliain ar dhroch-chaighdeán mar gheall ar an titim leis an scéim mhonatóireachta bliantúil a chur i mhór báistí. bhfeidhm, ar a dtugtar an Clár Sentinel Apiary, tá sé mar aidhm leis an gclár luathaimsiú dhá lotnaid a Lean an tSaotharlann Tástála Síl i gcomhair leis an chumasú a dhéanann dochar do na beacha meala (an Rannán Meastóireachta agus Deimhniúcháin Bairr le Chiaróg Choirceoige Bheag, Aethina tumida agus an clár athghiniúna bairr agus gaolta fiáin bairr. Déanann
29 Seirbhís Saotharlainne
an tSaotharlann cothabháil ar bhanc géinte Náisiúnta síolta gránaigh agus gaolta fiáin bairr. Leanadh le hobair ar athghiniúint a dhéanamh ar shíolta de chineálacha eorna “oidhreachta” sa bhliain 2017. Cuireadh síolta ón bhanc géinte chuig an Svalard Global Seed Vault san Iorua.
30 31 Sprioc straitéiseach 2 Tacaíochtaí agus Rialúcháin Feirme/Earnála Tacaíochtaí ioncaim agus margaidh a sholáthar le taca a chur faoin ngeilleagar tuaithe agus faoin timpeallacht
31 Feirmeoireacht Inbhuanaithe a Chur Chun Cinn
An Clár Forbartha Tuaithe (RDP) An Scéim um Roghanna Comhshaoil Ghlac an Coimisiún Eorpach go foirmiúil le RDP Talmhaíochta (AEOS) 2014-2020 na hÉireann i mí na Bealtaine 2015, agus Íoctar feirmeoirí faoin Scéim seo chun tabhairt tá raon leathan beart ann a thugann aghaidh ar gach faoi ghníomhartha a thabharfaidh aghaidh ar earnáil feirmeoireachta agus a thugann tacaíocht dhúshláin comhshaoil a bhaineann le cailliúint na d’fhorbairt áitiúil faoi stiúir an phobail trí thionscadail bithéagsúlachta, feabhsú cháilíocht an uisce agus LEADER. Tá bainistíocht an Chláir foriomláin á roinnt comhrac an athraithe aeráide. Tá an Scéim bunaithe ag an Roinn agus ag an gCoimisiún mar go bhfuil an ar roghchlár beart, óna roghnaíonn feirmeoirí na RDP cómhaoinithe ag Ciste Eorpach Talmhaíochta bearta is fearr a oireann dá n-imthosca aonair. Tá um Fhorbairt Tuaithe an AE agus ag an státchiste na feirmeoirí le talamh coimíneachta nó le Limistéir náisiúnta. Is ionann tacaíocht an AE don RDP agus faoi Chaomhnú Speisialta nó Limistéir faoi Chosaint €2.19 billiún thar shaolré seacht mbliana an Chláir Speisialta i gcatagóir faoi leith agus ní mór dóibh agus déanfaidh an státchiste forlíonadh ar an maoiniú Plean Bainistíochta Inbhuanaithe a leanúint a AE sin chun tacaíocht €4 bhilliún a chur ar fáil ar an bheidh ullmhaithe ag pleanálaí. Tá sé mar chuspóir iomlán faoin RDP. foriomlán leis an scéim seachadadh a dhéanamh ar an mbuntáiste comhshaoil is fearr is féidir óna cistí atá Bhí scéimeanna go léir beagnach an RDP i mbun ar fáil. Tá trí thráinse sa scéim, AEOS 1, AEOS 2, agus feidhme faoi dheireadh na bliana 2017 le, mar AEOS 3. shampla, íocaíochtaí á n-eisiúint d’fheirmeoirí a bhí rannpháirteach sna Scéimeanna Aistrithe Eolais Sa bhliain 2017, caitheadh €19.2 milliún ar agus um Leas na gCaorach. Cé go bhfuiltear i Scéimeanna AEOS. Tá níos lú ná 2,500 rannpháirtí in mbun monatóireachta agus i mbun tuairisciú don AEOS 3 agus beidh a gcuid conarthaí críochnaithe an Choimisiún ar bhonn bliantúil maidir le feidhmiú an 31 Nollaig 2018. RDP, tá meastóireacht á dhéanamh freisin ar an gcion a chuireann sé le cuspóirí beartais a bhaint agus tá An Scéim Ghlas do Thimpeallacht na sé seo á thuairisciú go tréimhsiúil, m.sh. sna blianta Talmhaíochta ar Bheagán Carbóin (GLAS) 2017, 2019 agus 2024. Foilsíodh tuarascáil ar thorthaí measúnaithe an Chláir ag deireadh na bliana 2016 i Ceadaíodh os cionn 50,000 rannpháirtí isteach gcuid an RDP ar láithreán gréasáin na Roinne i mí Iúil i nGLAS faoi GLAS 1, 2 agus 3. Sáraíodh an 2017. Déanfar meastóireacht ar thionchair an Chláir spriocleibhéal rannpháirtíochta a bhí leagtha síos ag deireadh na bliana 2018 mar chuid den Tuarascáil sa Chlár Forbartha Tuaithe (RDP) i bhfad chun cinn Feidhmiúcháin Bliantúil a bheidh le cur faoi bhráid an ar an sceideal. Cuireann GLAS tacaíocht ar fáil Choimisiúin i mí an Mheithimh 2019. d’fheirmeoirí atá dírithe ar ghníomhartha a spreagadh a chuireann an bhithéagsúlacht chun cinn, a thugann cosaint don cháilíocht uisce agus a théann i ngleic le hathrú aeráide. Tá raon atá os cionn 30 gníomh ar fáil faoi GLAS agus is féidir le rannpháirtithe iad a roghnú i gcomhairle lena gComhairleoir. Is €5,000 an t-uasíocaíocht bliantúil atá ar fáil don rannpháirtí faoin scéim 5 bliana seo faoin scéim ginearálta le foráil d’íocaíocht suas go dtí €7,000 (ar a dtugtar GLAS+) nuair a éilítear ar an rannpháirtí tiomantais comhshaoil eisceachtúla a thabhairt i líon teoranta cásanna. Íocadh os cionn €195.5m le rannpháirtithe GLAS sa bhliain 2017.
Scéimeanna Spriocdhírithe Nuachóirithe Talmhaíochta (TAMS) Osclaíodh sraith bearta TAMS II faoin RDP sa bhliain 2015 agus tá siad oscailte fós ar bhonn tráinse ar
32 33 Feirmeoireacht Inbhuanaithe a Chur Chun Cinn
thráinse. Rinneadh íocaíochtaí ar feadh na bliana bonn leathan aige maidir le scéimeanna eile a 2017 de réir mar a bhí oibreacha ceadaithe á threoraítear go háitiúil agus a roghnaítear bunaithe dtabhairt chun críche agus de réir mar a chuireadh ar dhá ghairm togra ar a laghad. Seoladh an chéad éileamh íocaíochta faoi bhráid ar an gcóras ar líne. cheann i mí na Nollag 2016 agus seoladh 118 Áirítear ar na bearta atá ar fáil faoi TAMS: dtionscadal isteach chun measúnú a dhéanamh orthu. Roghnaíodh dhá thionscadal déag lena gcur i • An Scéim Infheistíochta Caipitil d’Fheirmeoirí bhfeidhm tar éis an dara babhta measúnachta, agus Óga tá na scéimeanna seo seolta anois. Seoladh Gairm • An Scéim um Threalamh Leata Sciodair Oscailte eile i bhFómhair na bliana 2017 agus tá 19 Astaíochtaí Ísle foireann imithe ar aghaidh go dtí an dara céim, áit • An Scéim um Leas Ainmhithe, Sábháilteachta a bhfuil maoiniú á fháil acu le pleananna tionscadal agus Stóráil Cothaitheach iomlána a chur ar fáil. Déanfar measúnú orthu seo i • An Scéim um Threalamh Déiríochta míonna Meán Fómhair/Deireadh Fómhair 2018 agus • An Scéim Infheistíochta Muc agus Éanlaithe roghnófar na tionscadail deiridh lena gcur tríd lena • An Scéim um Infheistíocht Chaipitil Orgánach gcur i bhfeidhm. • Osclaíodh an Scéim um Infheistíocht Caipitil Curaíochta i mí an Mhárta 2017. Scéim na bhFoirgneamh Feirme Traidisiúnta Déanann an Chomhairle Oidhreachta an Scéim Eisíodh íocaíochtaí de €31.25m in 2017. Deontais Foirgnimh Feirme Traidisiúnta GLAS a riaradh chun caomhnú agus dheisiú a dhéanamh Scéimeanna faoi threoir áitiúil foirgnimh traidisiúnta feirme agus ar struchtúir Cuireann na scéimeanna seo réitigh áitiúla chun ghaolmhara eile thar ceann na Roinne Talmhaíochta, cinn i leith saincheisteanna sonracha comhshaoil a Bia agus Mara. Is é príomhchuspóir na scéime seo a dhéanann comhlánú ar an mbeart GLAS ag a bhfuil chinntiú go ndéantar caomhnú ar mhaithe le húsáid réimse i bhfad níos leithne faoi RDP 2014-2020. talmhaíochta ar na foirgnimh traidisiúnta feirme seo agus ar struchtúir ghaolmhara eile a chuireann le Tá Clár Bhoirne ina scéim bhunaithe comhshaoil saintréith an tírdhreacha agus lena mbaineann luach talmhaíochta cúig bliana anois. Glacadh leis na chéad ard oidhreachta. Sa bhliain 2017, ceadaíodh deontais fheirmeoir, 198 feirmeoir faoi Thráinse I i mí Eanáir do 55 iarratasóir le tabhairt faoi oibreacha ar na 2016, glacadh le 126 feirmeoir faoin dara tráinse struchtúir. agus glacadh le 118 feirmeoir faoin tríú tráinse agus an tráinse deiridh sa bhliain 2017. Táthar ag súil Comhpháirtíochtaí Nuálaíochta Eorpacha go nglacfaidh a bhformhór seo le Téarmaí agus le Déanann tionscnamh an EIP maoiniú ar chomhoibriú Coinníollacha agus go rachaidh siad isteach sa scéim. idir na geallsealbhóirí difriúla, lena n-áirítear, Féachtar ar Chlár Bhoirne mar thagarmharc don feirmeoirí, lucht taighde, comhairleoirí agus fheirmeoireacht atá dírithe ar an gcomhshaol san gnólachtaí, a chuimsíonn Grúpa Oibríochta le réitigh Eoraip. nuálacha a aithint i leith dúshláin áirithe.
Is ionann Tionscadal Chromáin na gCearc agus I mí Lúnasa, 2017, eisíodh an dara ceann de dhá Tionscadal na nDiúilicíní Péarla Fionnuisce agus Ghairm Oscailte faoi Thionscnamh Comhpháirtíochtaí tionscadail phíolótacha a dhíríonn ar thart ar 2,500 Nuálaíochta Eorpacha (EIP). Fuair an Roinn seasca feirmeoir a bhíonn ag feirmeoireacht i ngnáthóga atá a naoi togra a bheidh le cur faoi bhráid coiste fíorthábhachtach don dá speiceas sin atá i mbaol. meastóireachta lena mbreithniú. Tá pacáiste Ceapadh foireann le Tionscadal Chromán na gCearc maoinithe foriomlán de €24 milliún curtha ar leataobh a riaradh i mí Aibreán 2017 agus tá an clár sin seolta le tacú le EIP’nna faoin dá ghairm seo. anois agus i mbun feidhme. Ceapfar foireann le Tionscadal na nDiúilicíní Péarla Fionnuisce a riaradh go luath sa bhliain 2018, tar éis comórtais a tugadh Seiceálacha Tras-Chomhlíonta chun críche an 20 Nollaig 2017. Ceanglaíonn tras-chomhlíonadh an AE ar fheirmeoirí cloí le 13 Cheanglas Bainistíochta Reachtúla Tionscnaíodh cur chuige ‘ón mbun aníos’ a bhfuil (SMR’anna) agus le 7 gcaighdeán um Dhea-Riocht
33 Feirmeoireacht Inbhuanaithe a Chur Chun Cinn
Talmhaíochta agus Comhshaoil (GAEC) maidir le:: ainmhithe ionaid a aimsiú agus mar thoradh air sin go mbeidh ainmhithe le caighdeán níos airde ar fáil as a • athrú aeráide dtiocfaidh ísliú ar astaíochtaí ón earnáil talmhaíochta • dea-riocht talmhaíochta na talún in Éirinn. • sláinte poiblí, ainmhithe agus planda agus • leas ainmhithe Tá 24,800 feirmeoir rannpháirteach i BDGP I agus II. Eisíodh íocaíochtaí arbh ionann iad agus €38.2m Déantar monatóireacht ar na ceanglais sin trí ar 21,295 rannpháirtí i mí na Nollag 2017 maidir le imscrúduithe éigeantacha ar thimpeall 1-3% scéim na bliana 2017 agus íocadh €6.4m eile maidir le d’fheirmeacha go bliantúil, agus is bealach éifeachtach scéimeanna blianta níos túisce. Leanfar le híocaíochtaí atá ann chun cosaint a thabhairt don chomhshaol de réir mar a cháilíonn tréada. agus chun a chinntiú go gcomhlíonann feirmeoirí réimse leathan rialachán earraí poiblí a bhaineann le Ar an iomlán, tá beagnach €130 milliún euro íoctha bia agus le leas ainmhithe. Sa bhliain 2017, tugadh amach ag an BDGP do na trí scéim go dtí seo. faoi 1,326 imscrúdú Tras-Chomhlíonta Iomláin agus faoi 4,637 imscrúdú Sainaitheantais agus Clárúchán An Clár um Aistriú Eolais Ainmhithe maidir le ceanglais 1-3% d’imscrúduithe Tá foráil i gClár Forbartha Tuaithe na hÉireann do Tras-Chomhlíonta. chlár um Aistriú Eolais, a fhaigheann eolas ó thaithí le grúpaí díospóireachta roimhe seo, lena n-áirítear Íocaíochtaí Díreacha an Clár um Ghlacadh le Teicneolaíocht Mhairteola Bhí caiteachas bliantúil de beagnach €1.4 billiún, ar na (BTAP). Bogann an clár, ar cuireadh tús leis sa scéimeanna um Íocaíocht Bhunúsach, Limistéir Srianta bhliain 2016, amach ó chur chuige tascbhunaithe Nádúrtha, Cosaint na Timpeallachta Tuaithe, agus an scéimeanna roimhe seo agus díríonn ar thosaíochtaí Scéim um Roghanna Comhshaol Talmhaíochta, chun príomhbheartais, lena n-áirítear brabúsacht, cabhrú le cuspóir na Roinne seo a bhaint amach, sé inbhuanaitheacht na timpeallachta, pórúcháin agus sin ioncaim fheirmeora a chosaint agus an líon is sláinte tréada. Tá an rannpháirtíocht duine le duine mó is féidir d’fheirmeacha teaghlaigh a choimeád. idir éascaitheoir KT agus an feirmeoir comhlánaithe ag Íocadh os cionn €1,150 milliún le os cionn 122,000 díospóireacht grúpa agus ag roinnt taithí agus eolais feirmeoir faoin Scéim um Íocaíocht Bhunúsach 2017 idir rannpháirtithe. agus íocadh €203 milliún le 95,000 iarratasóir faoin Scéim Limistéir Srianta Nádúrtha 2017. Rinneadh na Bhí os cionn 19,000 feirmeoir rannpháirteach sa Chlár híocaíochtaí díreacha sin le feirmeoirí sa bhliain 2017 le linn na bliana 2017, d’fhreastail siad ar chruinnithe laistigh de na spriocanna soláthartha seirbhíse na agus chuir siad Plean Feabhsúcháin Feirme le chéile i Cairte um Chearta le haghaidh Feirmeoirí agus faoin gcomhar lena nÉascaitheoir Eolais Ceadaithe. Áiríonn bPlean Gníomhaíochta. an Plean Feabhsúcháin Feirme seo Bearta Sláinte Ainmhithe atá curtha i gcrích i gcomhair le tréidlia An Clár um Shonraí agus Ghéanómaíocht príobháideach ceadaithe. Cuireadh tús le híocaíochtaí Mhairteola (BDGP) ar an gclár i mí Deireadh Fómhair 2017 agus eisíodh beagnach €14 milliún faoi dheireadh na bliana, ar fud Ceadaíodh an Clár um Shonraí agus Géanómaíocht gach earnáil de shé Earnáil KT. Táthar ag leanúint le Mhairteola (BDGP) mar scéim timpeallacht na híocaíochtaí. talmhaíochta faoin gClár Forbartha Tuaithe. Seoladh an clár in Aibreán 2015. Tá maoiniú de €300m leithdháilte don chlár a bheidh ar siúl ar feadh 6 bliana Ceadúnú ón mbliain 2015. Sa bhliain 2017, seoladh tráinse nua Tháinig ardú 13.2% ar iarratais ar cheadúnais den Chlár, BDGP II, a chlúdóidh an tréimhse ó 2017 allmhairithe don bhliain 2017 go 26,063 i gcomparáid – 2022. le 2016. Tharla sé sin go príomha mar gheall ar chuideachtaí nua a bheith ag iarraidh ceadúnais faoin Táthar ag súil trí úsáid na géinitíopála agus trí bhailiú gcuóta um tharaif onnmhairí éanlaithe agus freisin bhí sonraí go mbeidh sé níos éasca ar fheirmeoirí na gá le ceadúnais le haghaidh tháirgí nua éanlaithe. bpórtha is fearr a aithint lena mbeidh ar a gcumas
34 35 Seirbhís do Chustaiméirí
Léirítear sa tábla thíos an dul chun cinn a baineadh na spriocanna soláthair seirbhíse a bhaint amach ní amach ar na spriocanna atá sonraithe sa Phlean mór go mbeadh ceanglais na scéime i gceart agus go Gníomhaíochta um Sheirbhís do Chustaiméirí. Chun mbeadh doiciméadacht ar fáil.
2017 Feidhmíocht maidir le Spriocanna Soláthair Seirbhíse do Chustaiméirí
SEIRBHÍS SPRIOC-AM SEACHADTA FEIDHMÍOCHT 2017 An Scéim Íocaíochta Déantar foráil i Rialacháin an AE nach Cuireadh tús le réamhíocaíochtaí Bunúsaí mór íocaíochtaí a dhéanamh uair an 16.10.2017 agus cuireadh tús amháin in aghaidh na bliana laistigh le híocaíochtaí cothromaithe an 1 den tréimhse ón 1 Nollaig go dtí Nollaig. Faoi dheireadh 2017 bhí an 30 Meitheamh don bhliain dár €1.150 billiún íoctha le os cionn 98% gcionn. Ceadaigh Rialacháin AE, áfach, d’iarratasóirí réamhíocaíochtaí 70% ón 16.10.2017. Cuireadh tús le híocaíochtaí cothromaithe 1.12.2017 Limistéir Srianta Nádúrtha Cé nach bhfuil aon dáta rialála Cuireadh tús, ar sceideal, le íocaíochta i gceist, glactar leis go híocaíochtaí scéim ANC 2017, an ginearálta gurb é lár/deireadh mhí tseachtain dar tús an 18 Meán Mheán Fómhair an dáta is luaithe Fómhair 2017 agus íocadh €160m faoinar féidir tús a chur le heisiúint le 75,000 feirmeoir. Is ionann é seo íocaíochtaí; aithnítear é sin i gCairt na agus ardú 10,000 feirmeoir agus bhFeirmeoirí. €20m ar íocaíochtaí tosaigh i Meán Fómhair 2016.
Amhail 31 Nollaig 2017 bhí €199.3m íoctha le 92,940 (92%) iarratasóir. An Clár um Shonraí agus Tús le cur le híocaíochtaí do bhliain Eisíodh íocaíochtaí arbh ionann iad Ghéanómaíocht Mhairteola scéime i mí na Nollag na bliana agus €38.2m ar bheagnach 21,296 scéime. rannpháirtí i mí na Nollag 2017 TAMS Eisíodh cead tar éis iarratais bailí a 100% fháil laistigh de 3 mhí
Cead le haghaidh íocaíochta tar éis oibreacha a bheith críochnaithe agus doiciméid tacaíochtaí bailí a fháil laistigh de 3 mhí
Íocaíocht eisithe tar éis cead le haghaidh íocaíochta laistigh de 6 seachtaine Scéimeanna Deontais um Rinneadh íocaíochtaí bliantúla um Déantar formhór mór na n-iarratas Sheirbhís Fhoraoise préimh fhoraoiseachta ó 1 Eanáir bailí ar chead agus na n-íocaíochtaí le hiarratasóirí a d’úsáid córas ar de réir na spriocanna mar atá leagtha líne na Roinne. Rinneadh an babhta amach i gCairt na bhFeirmeoirí bliantúil d’íocaíochtaí builc as iarratais bunaithe ar pháipéar i mí Aibreáin agus leanadh le híocaíochtaí maidir leis an dá chineál iarratas ar feadh na bliana
35 Seirbhís do Chustaiméirí
An Scéim Préimhe €26.80m íoctha sa bhabhta . Foraoiseachta préimheanna builc í mí Eanáir 2017 maidir le 6,900 iarratas ar líne
€18.98m íoctha sa bhabhta préimheanna builc í mí Aibreán 2017 (foirmeacha páipéir)
B’ionann agus €72m luach iomlán na 20,899 préimh foraoiseachta bliantúla a íocadh sa bhliain 2017 agus astu sin: íocadh €39.35m maidir le hiarratais ar líne agus €32.65m maidir le hiarratais a rinneadh ar pháipéar. Cúiteamh – na Scéimeanna Cúiteamh TB agus Brúsallóis le Rinneadh 97.1% de na híocaíochtaí um Dhíothú TB Buaibheach híoc laistigh de 3 seachtaine den cúiteamh as Luacháil Dheontais agus Monatóireachta dáta óna bhfaightear na doiciméid Frithghníomhaí laistigh de 3 Brúsallóis chearta atá riachtanach nó ón dáta seachtaine tar éis na doiciméid incháilitheachta de réir téarmaí agus riachtanacha go léir a bheith faighte coinníollacha agus rinneadh os cionn 99% laistigh de 8 seachtaine. Rinneadh 97.4% de na híocaíochtaí maidir leis an Deontas Forlíonta Ioncaim, an Deontas Bánaithe agus an Deontas Cruatain laistigh de 3 seachtaine de na doiciméid riachtanacha go léir a bheith faighte agus rinneadh os cionn 99% laistigh de 8 seachtaine. BSE Scráibeach Cúiteamh BSE - 100% íoctha laistigh Na hiarratasóirí go léir íoctha laistigh de 21 lá tar éis den doiciméadacht den chreat ama éilithe chomhlántach a bheith faighte
Cúiteamh Scráibeach - 100% laistigh Na hiarratasóirí go léir íoctha laistigh de 21 lá tar éis de na doiciméid den chreat ama éilithe deiridh a bheith faighte Rís Ceadúnais Allmhairithe 24 uair 100% Bainne & Táirgí Bainne - Ceadúnas onnmhairithe - 24 uair 100% Ceadúnais allmhairithe 100% Cuóta taraife um thíortha bunaidh neamhshonraithe 5 lá oibre 100% Ceadúnas fabhrach neamhchuóta 5 lá oibre 100% Ceadúnas cuóta taraife do thíortha sonraithe 5 lá oibre 100% Ceadúnais allmhairithe 1 lá oibre 100% ginearálta
36 37 Oibríochtaí Scéime
Tugtar mionsonraí oibríochta sna táblaí thíos maidir leis na príomhscéimeanna a bhí á bhfeidhmiú ag an Roinn sa bhliain 2017
Íocaíochtaí 2017
Scéim Iarratais faighte in 2017 Iarratais próiseáilte in Íocaíochtaí déanta* 2017 Scéim Íocaíochta 123,498 121,939 1,150 Bunúsaí/Glasíocaíocht Limistéir Srianta Nádúrtha 100,762 94,995 203.2 AEOS 2,246 1,800 16.197 Bainistíocht Dramhaíola 0 1 0.039 Feirme Deontas Foraoisithe 2,281 2,214 22.34 Préimh Fhoraoiseachta 20,983 20,899 71.99 Luathscor 0 0 2.52 Feabhsúchán Feirme 0 0 0 Cúiteamh TB agus 4,213 4,206 14.05 Brúsallóis Cúiteamh BSE 17 17 0.019 Cúiteamh Scráibeach 8 8 0.151 An Scéim Géanómaíochta 0 0 0 Mairteola An Clár um Shonraí 0 24,800 44.65 agus Ghéanómaíocht Mhairteola (BDGP) Cúnamh Infheistíochta 149 149 4.833 don Ghairneoireacht Ghnó An Scéim Feirmeoireachta 0 1,588 8.82 Orgánaí An Scéim um Chúnamh 5 8 0.093 Deontais Orgánach TAMS (gan 6,167 4,159 31.3 Bithfhuinneamh san áireamh) An Scéim Leasa 20,845 20,685 16 Caorach (a chiallaíonn réamhíocaíocht 85% *Tagraíonn an colún seo do gach íocaíocht a rinneadh in 2017 agus d’fhéadfadh sé go mbeadh tiomantais ag gabháil leo sa bhreis ar íocaíochtaí a próiseáladh an bhliain sin.
37 38 39 Sprioc Straitéiseach 3 Beartas agus Straitéis An creat beartas is fearr is féidir a sholáthar leis an earnáil agraibhia a fhorbairt go hinbhuanaithe
39 Idirghníomhaíochtaí an AE
Idirghníomhaíochtaí AE Sa bhliain 2017 cuireadh thart ar 38% (€5.2 billiún) Bhí ról Uachtarán Chomhairle an Aontais Eorpaigh d’onnmhairithe iomlán agraibhia na hÉireann chun á roinnt idir Málta agus an Eastóin sa bhliain 2017 na Ríochta Aontaithe agus tháinig thart ar 47% (€4.1 – Málta ó Eanáir go Meitheamh agus an Eastóin ó billiún) d’allmhairithe iomlán agraibhia ón Ríocht Iúil go Nollaig. Ar na príomhmhíreanna a ndearna Aontaithe. Tugann sé seo léiriú soiléir ar nádúr na Ballstáit, lena n-áirítear Éire, plé orthu le linn na comhtháite na trádála agraibhia idir an dá dhlínse, bliana 2017, bhí na deacrachtaí margaidh leanúnacha atá bunaithe ar iontaobhas, cáilíocht agus muinín le a bhí ag cur as d’fheirmeoirí ar fud na n-earnálacha blianta beaga anuas. déiríochta agus beostoic agus Simpliú an CAP (le béim faoi leith ar bhearta glasaithe agus bearta Laistigh de na figiúirí onnmhairithe téann beagnach eile Thogra Omnibus mar a thugtar air). Ar théama 50% d’onnmhairithe mairteola na tíre seo chuig an coitianta freisin bhí neartú a dhéanamh ar sheasamh Ríocht Aontaithe, 22% dár dtáirgí déiríochta, 47% de na bhfeirmeoirí ar fud an tslabhra soláthair. Leanadh cháis chéadair, 60% de bhianna ullmhaithe tomhaltais le plé ar líon tograí reachtúla freisin, lena n-áirítear agus beagnach 100% de mhuisiriúin. feirmeoireacht orgánach, rialuithe oifigiúla agus sláinte plandaí. Tá dúshláin ar leith i ndán d’earnáil na hiascaireachta freisin ó Brexit, i bhfoirm rochtain a d’fhéadfadh a bheith srianta chuig meánna agus acmhainní Cinneadh na Ríochta Aontaithe an AE a iascaireachta, tógtar 34% den mhéid éisc a thugtar fhágáil i dtír in Éirinn de réir méid agus luach ó fharraigí na Leanadh le hobair sa bhliain 2017 le feidhm a Ríochta Aontaithe. Tógtar ronnaigh agus cloicheáin, thabhairt do chinneadh na Ríochta Aontaithe an arbh ionann iad agus beagnach 50% de luach iomlán tAontas Eorpacha a fhágáil an 30 Márta 2019, tar éis chuóta iascaigh na hÉireann, 64% agus 39% faoi don Phríomh-Aire May Fógra Aistarraingthe Airteagal seach, ó limistéar iascaireachta na Ríochta Aontaithe. 50 a chur faoi bhráid an 30 Márta 2017. Ar an gcéad tionchar a bhí ag vóta Brexit ar an Tá sé de chumas ag cinneadh na Ríochta Aontaithe earnáil ná luaineacht steirling ar na gnólachtaí sin an AE a fhágáil tionchar suntasach a bheith aige ar a bhfuil caidreamh trádála suntasach acu leis an earnálacha agraibhia agus iascaireachta na hÉireann. Ríocht Aontaithe, agus leanann an titim seo sa luach Tá siad seo ríthábhachtach do gheilleagar na hÉireann, airgeadra le tionchar diúltach a bheith a bheith aige. agus ciallaíonn a scaipeadh réigiúnach go bhfuil siad Is dóigh go bhféadfadh sé go n-áireoidh na bagairtí ó mar bhonn taca le forbairt shocheacnamaíoch na Brexit sa mheántéarma go fadtéarma tabhairt isteach gceantar tuaithe agus na gceantar cósta go háirithe. féideartha taraifí ar thrádáil idir an AE agus an Ríocht Aontaithe agus dibhéirseacht fhéideartha rialacháin agus caighdeáin idir an dá thír tar éis Brexit.
Tá aghaidh á thabhairt ar na dúshláin trí raon bearta buiséadacha a chlúdaíonn Iomaíochas agus Éagsúlú Margaidh/Táirge. Áiríodh ar na bearta, scéimeanna iasachta ar chostas íseal, bearta agra-chánacha nua agus maoiniú méadaithe faoina Cláir Forbartha Tuaithe agus Cláir Forbartha Bia Mara, chomh maith le deontais bhreise do Bhord Bia agus Teagasc do bhearta forbartha margaidh agus nuálaíochta bia.
Bhunaigh an tAire Creed, go gairid tar éis toradh an Reifrinn ar Brexit, Coiste Comhairleach Geallsealbhóirí, lena chinntiú go mbeadh malartú faisnéise iomlán ann maidir leis na himpleachtaí féideartha ar earnálacha agraibhia agus iascaireachta na hÉireann mar gheall go bhfuil an Ríocht Aontaithe
40 41 Idirghníomhaíochtaí an AE
ag fágáil an AE. Leanadh le hobair an Coiste seo ar Ar an gcéad chéim eile de CAP Iar-2020 beidh foilsiú feadh na bliana 2017 agus bhí cúig chruinniú ag an tograí reachtacha, agus táthar ag súil iad sin a fhoilsiú gcoiste sin. Rinne cúig thionól breise a thionóil an i mí an Mheithimh 2018. tAire Creed faoi phróiseas Idirphlé Sibhialta Uile- Oileánda, comhlánú ar na cruinnithe seo. Simpliú an CAP Leanadh le simpliú an CAP sa bhliain 2017. Glacadh le Tugann an rannpháirtíocht seo deis don Aire agus do roinnt bearta margaidh simplithe sa Bhealtaine, lena na hOifigigh tuiscint a fháil ar na fíor-dhúshláin agus n-áirítear rialacháin ar idirghabháil phoiblí agus stóras ar na dúshláin féideartha a d’fhéadfadh a bheith i príobháideach, agus ar cheadúnais allmhairithe agus ndán do gheallsealbhóirí ó thaobh Brexit crua de agus onnmhairithe. Táthar ag leanúint le simpliú rialacháin cuireann sé an deis ar fáil leis na geallsealbhóirí sin maidir le Cuóta Rátaí Taraife agus ISAMM allmhairithe a thabhairt cothrom le dáta maidir leis an bpróiseas agus onnmhairithe. Ag leanúint dá thiomantas idirbheartaíochta. Cuireann siad eolas ar fáil freisin tabhairt faoi athbhreithniú ar fhorálacha glasaithe tar don rannpháirtíocht fhorleathan atá á stiúradh agus éis dóibh a bheith ag feidhmiú ar feadh bliana, thug an Aire agus ag na hOifigigh le Ballstáit eile agus le an Coimisiún faoi phróiseas comhairliúcháin phoiblí hInstitiúidí Eorpacha. sa chéad ráithe den bhliain 2016. Bhí na freagraí a fuarthas ón gcomhairliúchán seo mar bhonn eolais Bhí sraith cruinnithe déthaobhacha aireachta i gceist do na bearta simplithe maidir le glasú a fógraíodh ag le rannpháirtíocht an AE seo lena macasamhla, agus an gComhairle Agra-éisc i mí Iúil. Dhírigh go leor de ina measc sin bhí an Fhrainc, an Ghearmáin, an na tograí simplithe ar athruithe ar rialacha éagsúla a Danmhairg, an Bheilg, an Pholainn agus an Ostair sa bhaineann le Ceantair Fócais Éiceolaíochta. chéad leath de 2017, chomh maith le teagmhálacha leanúnacha le linn na bliana leis an gCoimisiún Mar chuid den phróiseas simplithe freisin, tá Togra Eorpach (lena n-áirítear, an Coimisinéir Hogan) agus Omnibus mar chuid d’athbhreithniú lár téarma an Tascfhórsa Barnier (lena n-áirítear Michel Barnier). Choimisiúin Eorpaigh ar Chreat Airgeadais Ilbhliantúil 2014-2020. Chomh maith le leasú a dhéanamh ar Tá an AE agus an Ríocht Aontaithe araon ag díriú ar na rialacha airgeadais ginearálta a bhaineann le cláir an idirbheartaíocht ar an gComhaontú Aistarraingthe ilbhliantúla, áirítear i dTogra Omnibus, athruithe (a áiríonn Prótacal na hÉireann/Thuaisceart Éireann) simplithe a bhaineann le cuid de phríomhreachtaíocht agus an Creat maidir le Caidreamh don Todhchaí a CAP, lena n-áirítear rialacháin maidir le hÍocaíochtaí bheith tugtha chun críche agus comhaontaithe faoi Díreacha agus Forbairt Phobail. mhí Deireadh Fómhair 2018 ionas gur féidir iad a chur faoi bhráid Pharlaimint na hEorpa agus na mBallstát lena ndaingniú roimh an Lá Fágála an 30 Márta 2019. Leasú an Chomhbheartais Iascaireachta Tugadh an obair ar an réimse seo chun críche sa Tháinig an Comhbheartas Iascaireachta (CFP) is bhliain 2017 le comhaontú ar Chomhthuarascáil AE/ déanaí, a ndéantar athbhreithniú air gach uile deich na Ríochta Aontaithe an 8 Nollaig chomh maith leis an mbliana, i bhfeidhm an 1 Eanáir 2014, agus beidh measúnú a rinne an Chomhairle Eorpach maidir le dul sé i bhfeidhm go dtí an chéad athbhreithniú eile chun cinn leordhóthanach a bheith déanta ar Chéim 1 ar a laghad a bheidh curtha i gcrích faoi dheireadh den idirbheartaíocht fágála. na bliana 2022. Is é sprioc uileghabhálach an bheartais seo a chinntiú go mbeidh iascaireacht CAP Iar-2020 agus dobharshaothrú inbhuanaithe ó thaobh an chomhshaoil, ó thaobh an gheilleagair agus go Sheol an Coimisiún Eorpach próiseas comhairliúcháin sóisialta agus go mbeidh earnáil bia mara atá phoiblí 12 seachtain ó mhí Feabhra – mí na Bealtaine inmharthana agus iomaíoch do chách mar thoradh air. 2017 ar shimpliú agus ar nuachóiriú CAP. Fuarthas 322,000 freagra ar an iomlán, agus ní raibh bainteach Leanadh le cur i bhfeidhm príomhghnéithe an le feirmeoireacht ach 7% acu sin dar leo féin; dá bhrí bheartais seo ar feadh na bliana 2017 ag leibhéal sin, bhí os cionn 312,000 nach raibh bainteach le AE agus ag leibhéal náisiúnta araon. Bhí comhaontú feirmeoireacht agus bhí grúpaí leasmhara sonracha ar polaitiúil idir an Chomhairle, an Coimisiún agus nós BirdLife international agus an European Environmental Parlaimint na hEorpa i mí na Nollag 2017 mar thoradh Bureau go mór chun tosaigh maidir leis sin.
41 Idirghníomhaíochtaí an AE
ar an bplean ilbhliantúil is déanaí don stoc grinnill domhanda feabhsaithe. sa Mhuir Thuaidh. Beidh an plean seo mar chuid de phleananna amach anseo, m.sh. an plean do na Choinnigh cohóirt de Bhallstáit rochtain ar an Farraigí Thiar Thuaidh, atá thar a bheith tábhachtach idirghabháil maidir le Púdar Bainne Bhearrtha (SMP) ó dearcadh na hÉireann de, agus a bhfuiltear ag súil ach ag leibhéil a bhí laghdaithe go mór (thart ar laghdú go nglacfaidh an Coimisiún Eorpach leis in Earrach na 90%) i gcomparáid leis an tréimhse céanna sa bliana 2018. bhliain 2016.
Tá an cosc ar chaitheamh éisc ar ais i bhfarraige Tháinig feabhas ar mheon an mhargaidh ar fud an nó an oibleagáid maidir le tabhairt i dtír éisc, atá ar AE ó thaobh praghsanna bainne amh agus phríomhghné an Chomhbheartais Talmhaíochta, tráchtearraí, go háirithe im. Baineann an dúshlán á thabhairt isteach ar bhonn céimnithe ar feadh atá ann i gcónaí le SMP, áit a bhfuil méideanna móra líon blianta agus tá sé ceaptha a bheith curtha i fós in idirghabháil mar go bhfuil torthaí margaidh bhfeidhm go hiomlán faoin mbliain 2019. Tháinig réasúnta mall i gcomparáid leis an gcor chun feabhais Grúpa Réigiúnach Farraigí Thiar Thuaidh na mBallstát ar thráchtearraí eile. (Éire, an Bheilg, an Fhrainc, an Ríocht Aontaithe, an Ísiltír agus an Spáinn) a bunaíodh le bainistíocht a Tar éis briseadh amach tromchúiseach fliú éanúil san dhéanamh ar iascaireacht ag leibhéal réigiúnach faoin Aontas Eorpach sna blianta 2016/2017, sháraigh na gComhbheartas Talmhaíochta, le chéile ar bhonn srianta ó thaobh éanlaithe clóis a choinneáil laistigh rialta ar feadh na bliana 2017 le saincheisteanna i go leor tíortha, lena n-áirítear in Éirinn, an tréimhse éagsúla feidhmithe a phlé agus leis na bearta breise maolaithe 12 seachtaine, a ndearnadh foráil dó i atá le cur i bhfeidhm ón 1 Eanáir 2017 a chomhaontú Rialachán Uimhir 589/2008 (EC) an Choimisiúin. freisin mar ullmhúchán do chur i bhfeidhm iomlán na Bhí athrú ar lipéadú táirgí uibheacha agus éanlaithe hOibleagáide maidir le Tabhairt i dTír don spriocdháta a bhí ar díol in Éirinn agus i mBallstáit AE eile mar d’Eanáir 2019. thoradh air sin.
Ordaítear sa Chomhbheartas Iascaireachta go Thug an Coimisiún Eorpach, agus é ag freagairt ndéanfar bainistíocht ar iascaireacht ag uastoradh don riocht seo, tiomantas go dtabharfaidh faoi inbhuanaithe (MSY) do gach stoc faoin mbliain 2020 athbhreithniú ar chaighdeáin mhargaíochta le súil ar a dheireanaí. Rinneadh na deiseanna iascaireachta le mionathrú a dhéanamh ar an riail 12 seachtaine nó TAC’nna (an Ghabháil Iomlán is Incheadaithe) a atá ann i láthair na huaire. Ar mhaithe le feidhmiú pléadh ag Comhairle Talmhaíochta agus Iascaireachta comhchuibhithe na tréimhse maolaithe do “uibheacha mhí na Nollag 2017 a idirbheartú agus a shocrú ar saor-raoin” agus leis an mbriseadh amach maidir le aon dul leis an gcuspóir seo agus tabharfaidh sé sin sláinte ainmnithe le gairid agus ar feadh tréimhse 53 as na 76 stoc a bhfuil sonraí ar fáil ina leith chuig fada amach anseo a thógáil san áireamh, measadh leibhéil uastoradh inbhuanaithe (MSY) sa bhliain go raibh sé riachtanach soiléiriú a thabhair maidir le 2018 i gcoinne chúig stoc in 2009. Dhaingnigh an tús na tréimhse maolaithe agus foráil a dhéanamh do tAire cuóta de 215,534 tonna arbh ionann agus €266 thréimhse maolaithe níos faide. milliún don bhliain 2018 d’iascairí na hÉireann. Bhí roinnt cruinnithe ar siúl idir an Coimisiún agus Staid an Mhargaidh Sainghrúpa an CMO, le súil le Rialachán Tarmligthe a dhréachtadh maidir le caighdeáin margaidh Leanadh le monatóireacht ghrinn a dhéanamh le linn d’uibheacha saor-raoin áit a bhfuil srianta curtha i na bliana 2017 ar fhorbairtí margaidh ar fud an AE, bhfeidhm ó thaobh cearca ó bheith amuigh faoin aer. go háirithe in earnálacha na déiríochta, beostoic, torthaí agus glasraí. Leanann an margadh déiríochta le comharthaí a léiriú go bhfuil sé ag teacht chuige An Earnáil Foraoiseachta féin. Bhí comhthéacs margadh déiríochta AE agus Lean an Roinn sa bhliain 2017, de bheith domhanda a bhí níos fabhraí mar thoradh ar iarrachtaí rannpháirteach ag leibhéal réigiúnach, leis an cónasctha AE i réimsí ar nós bearta margaíochta, gComhdháil Aireachta um Chosaint Foraoisí san cúnamh díreach agus rialú margaidh deonach teoranta Eoraip, is ardán atá anseo d’fhorbairt agus do chur i i gcomhar le dinimic an tsoláthair agus éileamh bhfeidhm an bheartais foraoise Uile-Eorpach. Lean
42 43 Idirghníomhaíochtaí an AE
comhaltaí na Comhdhála Aireachta um Chosaint faoi bhráid na Comhairle agus Pharlaimint na hEorpa Foraoisí san Eoraip leis an réamhobair i dtreo ar dtús i mí an Mhárta 2014, aghaidh a thabhairt caidreamh a athbhunú maidir le hidirbheartaíocht ar laigí aitheanta agus ar shaincheisteanna a bhí ag ar ionstraim dlí-cheangailteach Foraoisí san Eoraip seasamh amach sa reachtaíocht reatha agus le foráil sa bhliain 2017 agus táthar ag súil cur leis sin sa a dhéanamh do dheimhneacht dhlíthiúil le deis a bhliain 2018. thabhairt don earnáil le forbairt a dhéanamh.
Lean na Ballstáit le linn na bliana 2017, ag leibhéal Chuaigh an sainchomhad faoi phróiseas AE, le haghaidh a thabhairt ar raon saincheisteanna comhchinnteoireachta a bhí fada agus chruthaigh ar nós, lománaíocht mhídhleathach, dífhoraoisiú agus idirbheartaíocht idir an Chomhairle agus an díghrádú foraoise trí dhá ionstraim croíláir faoi Phlean Pharlaimint go leor díospóireachta a bhí teicniúil Gníomhaíochta Forghníomhú an Dlí, Rialachas agus agus polaitiúil. I mí an Mheithimh 2017, tháinig Trádáil i dtaca le Foraoisí (FLEGT). Is iad sin Rialachán Uachtaránacht Mhálta agus Parlaimint na hEorpa an Aontais Eorpaigh maidir le hAdhmad (EUTR) a ar réamhchomhaontú maidir leis an rialachán nua i chuireann toirmisc adhmad neamhdhleathach a chur bhfoirm téacs athbhreithnithe. Rinne na Ballstáit an ar mhargadh an AE agus a cheanglaíonn ar gach comhaontú a fhormhuiniú i mí na Samhna 2017, agus oibreoir córais díchill cuí a fheidhmiú ar mhaithe le cheadaigh Coiste Talmhaíochta na Parlaiminte an dlíthiúlacht na dtáirgí adhmaid agus an t-adhmad a téacs comhaontaithe. Glacfaidh Parlaimint na hEorpa chuirtear ar an margadh AE a chinntiú. Ar an gcaoi agus an Chomhairle leis an téacs sa bhliain 2018 sula chéanna, tá sé mar fheidhm leis an Rialachán maidir bhfoilseofar san Iris Oifigiúil é. Tiocfaidh an rialachán le Forfheidhmiú an Dlí, Rialachas agus Trádáil i dtaca nua i bhfeidhm an 1 Eanáir 2021. Tá tréimhse fada le Foraoisí (FLEGT) dlíthiúlacht adhmaid a chinntiú trí ama riachtanach leis na rialacha mionsonraithe a chomhaontú comhpháirtíochta deonach (VPA’nna) le fhorbairt trí achtanna a tharmligean agus trí achtanna tíortha atá i mbéal forbartha ach sa chás seo is beart a fhorfheidhmiú agus le ham a sholáthar d’oibreoirí le rialaithe teorann atá i gceist. Éilítear ceadúnais FLEGT dul i dtaithí ar na rialacha nua.. VPA ar tháirgí adhmaid ón Indinéis chun an AE anois mar bheart rialaithe teorann. Tá os cionn 15 tríú tír Gníomhú ar son na hAeráide eile ag obair le FLEGT VPA’nna a fhorbairt agus a Le linn na bliana 2017, leanadh le díospóireacht ag thabhairt chun críche leis an AE. leibhéal AE ar chuimsiú astaíochtaí gás ceaptha teasa agus a n-aistriú ó Thalamhúsáid, Athrú sa Talamhúsáid Sa bhliain 2017, lean an Roinn de bheith agus Foraoiseacht (LULUCF) isteach i gCreat rannpháirteach trí Fhóram na Náisiún Aontaithe Fuinneamh Aeráide 2030. maidir le Foraoisí (UNFF) ag leibhéal idirnáisiúnta. I measc téamaí croíláir thábhachtacha a breithníodh Chomhaontaigh Comhairle Chomhshaoil an AE, an 13 ag UNFF bhí saincheisteanna a bhain inter alia le Deireadh Fómhair 2017 cur chuige ginearálta i leith feidhmiú ar bhonn domhanda na bainistíochta Comhroinnt Díchill (ESR) agus Rialacháin LULUCF. inbhuanaithe foraoisí. Dífhoraoisiú a stopadh agus Chuidigh sé sin ó thaobh tús a chur le hidirphlé díghrádú foraoise, monatóireacht, measúnú agus trípháirteach maidir le tabhairt chun críche na dtograí tuairisciú, bealaí cur chun feidhme agus dul chun a chur chun cinn. cinn i dtreo spriocanna forbartha inbhuanaithe a bhaint amach faoi Chlár Oibre 2030 agus faoi Phlean Thángthas ar bheart sealadach ar chomhaid LULUCF Straitéiseach d’Fhoraoisí an UN a comhaontaíodh agus an ESR araon i mí na Nollag 2017 agus táthar le déanaí. ag súil le glacadh deiridh an dá chomhad go luath sa bhliain 2018. Is iad na gnéithe is suntasaí maidir le Togra Feirme Orgánaí comhaontú sealadach an ESR: Togra le haghaidh Rialachán ó Pharlaimint na hEorpa agus ón gComhairle ar tháirgeadh orgánach agus ar • Bliain tosaithe 2019 agus 5 mhí bunaithe ar lipéadú táirgí orgánacha, lena leasaítear Rialachán mheán astaíochtaí 2016-2018. (CE) Uimhir 834/2007 na Comhairle • Úsáid solúbthachta LULUCF agus ETS (4% agus Rinneadh iarracht le togra an Choimisiúin, a cuireadh 5.6% d’Éirinn faoi seach).
43 Idirghníomhaíochtaí an AE
• Éifeachtúlacht costais san áireamh i ndáileadh na spriocanna (tá sprioc na hÉireann laghdaithe ó 39% go 30%).
Le linn na bliana 2017, lean an Roinn lena rannpháirtíocht le foireann Talmhaíochta, Foraoiseachta agus Úsáidí Eile Talún (AFOLU) an AE chun comhaontú AE a iarraidh agus a chur ar aghaidh don chur chuige Talmhaíochta, Foraoiseachta agus Úsáidí Eile Talún do chóireáil na hearnála talmhaíochta in idirbheartaíocht na NA ar athrú aeráide.
Eagraíocht um Chomhar agus Fhorbairt Eacnamaíochta (OECD) Soláthraíonn Coiste Talmhaíochta an OECD fóram idirnáisiúnta d’oifigigh sinsearacha beartais, lena n-áirítear Éire, a ndéanann an Roinn ionadaíocht uirthi, le taithí a chomhroinnt agus feabhas a chur ar chomhthuiscint beartais talmhaíochta, trádála agus agra-chomhshaoil, agus le feabhas a chur ar fheidhmíocht agus ar éifeachtúlacht beartais ag leibhéil baile agus ag leibhéil idirnáisiúnta araon. Cuireann an Coiste dhá fhoilseachán bhliantúla ceannródaíocha ar fáil: Agricultural Outlook an OECD-FAO agus tuarascáil Agricultural Policy Monitoring and Evaluation (féach na foilseacháin thíos). Chomh maith le freastal ar an bPríomhchoiste, bíonn an Roinn rannpháirteach freisin i gcoistí oibre gaolmhara.
Leathanach baile an OECD Agriculture and Fisheries: http://www.oecd.org/agriculture/
OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook: http://www.agri- outlook.org/
OECD Agricultural Policy Monitoring and Evaluation: http://www.oecd.org/tad/agricultural-policies/ monitoring-and-evaluation.htm
44 45 Idirghníomhaíochtaí Idirnáisiúnta
An Eagraíocht Dhomhanda Trádála babhta deiridh idirbheartaíochta ar siúl i Buenos Aires Ní raibh aon toradh ar an gcomhad Talmhaíochta ag i mí na Nollag. Comhdháil Airí11 i Buenos Aires i mí na Nollag 2017 agus níor thángthas ar aon chomhaontú maidir le clár Bhí go leor gníomhaíochta ar siúl thart timpeall ar oibre amach anseo. an idirbheartaíocht sin sa bhliain 2017 agus ba léir go raibh tairiscint á ullmhú ag an gCoimisiún maidir Bhí miontoradh ann ó thaobh Fóirdheontas le mairteoil i míonna Lúnasa agus Meán Fómhair Iascaireachta agus cinneadh aireachta maidir le clár 2017. An 28 Meán Fómhair, scaip an Coimisiún oibre. Chomhaontaigh na hairí leanúint ar aghaidh le dréacht-tairiscint do mhairteoil agus d’eatánól chuig rannpháirtíocht chuiditheach in idirbheartaíocht le Ballstáit, agus cuireadh an tairiscint seo faoi bhráid súil le glacadh le comhaontú don chéad Chomhdháil bloc Mercosur le linn an bhabhta idirbheartaíochta Aireachta eile sa bhliain 2019 ar dhisciplíní sa Bhrasília, a bhí ar siúl ón 2-6 Deireadh Fómhair cuimsitheacha agus éifeachtacha a chuireann 2017. Rinneadh tairiscintí breise leasaithe, nach raibh toirmeasc ar chineálacha áirithe fóirdheontais mairteoil nó eatánól san áireamh iontu, a mhalartú an iascaireachta a chuireann le róthoilleadh agus le 5 Nollaig. ró-iascaireacht agus fáil réidh le fóirdheontais a chuireann le hiascaireacht neamhdhleathach, AE-Singeapór neamhthuairiscthe agus neamhrialáilte (IUU) a chosc. Seoladh idirbheartaíocht FTA AE-Singeapór i mí an Mhárta 2010. Tugadh an idirbheartaíocht chun AE-SA (TTIP) críche an 17 Deireadh Fómhair 2014 agus cuireadh Tá cainteanna TTIP curtha ar feitheamh mar go tús leis an gcéim athbhreithnithe dlíthiúil den FTA. rabhthas den tuairim go mbeidh níos mó soiléireachta Cuireadh próiseas ceadaithe Chomhairle na hAirí ann maidir leis an gcur chuige a ghlacadh údaráis agus Pharlaimint na hEorpa ar coimeád, áfach, reatha Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá níos túisce i mbliana. ag feitheamh ar thoradh na n-imeachtaí i gCúirt Eisíodh comhráiteas ón AE-SA maidir leis an dul chun Bhreithiúnais an Aontais Eorpaigh, maidir le cibé a cinn go dáta an 17 Eanáir 2017, agus bhíothas ag súil raibh an inniúlacht riachtanach ag an gCoimisiún as go dtosódh idirbheartaíocht de chineál amháin nó féin leis an gcomhaontú a shíniú agus a thabhairt de chineál eile arís sa bhliain 2017. Níl aon chun críche, nó cibé a raibh gá le rannpháirtíocht chomharthaí ann fós, áfach, go bhfuil tús á chur leis na mBallstát maidir le gnéithe áirithe (meascán na cainteanna seo. inniúlachta).
An 16 Bealtaine 2017, rialaigh Cúirt Bhreithiúnais Ceanada CETA an Aontais Eorpaigh nach bhféadfaí comhaontú Síníodh an comhaontú, tar éis próiseas Singeapór a dhaingniú ag leibhéal AE gan cead athbhreithnithe dlíthiúil an 30 Deireadh Fómhair na mBallstát go léir. Ag cur leis sin, chinn Cúirt 2016. An 15 Feabhra 2017, cheadaigh Parlaimint na Bhreithiúnais an Aontais Eorpaigh go n-éileodh hEorpa CETA agus tháinig an comhaontú i bhfeidhm aon idirbheart trádála a áiríonn córas socraithe go sealadach an 21 Meán Fómhair 2017. Tá an toradh maidir le díospóid lasmuigh den chúirt, daingniú na sásúil ó thaobh dhearcadh na hÉireann de – cé gur 38 parlaimint náisiúnta nó parlaimint réigiúnacha deonaíodh rochtain bhreise do mhairteoil Cheanada de chuid an AE. Rialaigh an Chúirt go bhfuil chuig margadh an AE, baineadh rochtain níos fearr roinnt gnéithe de AE-FTA Singeapór ar ‘inniúlacht amach do mhairteoil agus do tháirgí déiríochta an AE mheasctha’ a chiallaíonn go gcaithfidh, ní amháin an chuig margadh Cheanada (cáis go sonrach). AE ach na 28 Ballstát freisin, an comhaontú mar atá sé a dhaingniú. Tiocfaidh an comhaontú i bhfeidhm go hiomlán nuair a dhaingneoidh Ballstáit an AE go léir an comhaontú. Tá an Coimisiún Eorpach, tar éis an rialú seo a bhreithniú, chun déanamh suas FTA’nna amach anseo AE MERCOSUR a athrú trína roinnt in dhá chatagóir, infheistíocht Bhí roinnt babhtaí idirbheartaíochta ar siúl idir an AE agus trádáil. Ar shampla de sin, tá idirbheartaíocht agus bloc Mercosur le linn na bliana 2017, agus bhí an nua FTA leis an Astráil agus leis an Nua-Shéalainn,
45 Idirghníomhaíochtaí Idirnáisiúnta
nach mbeidh aon fhorálacha ann a bhaineann le le scóip uaillmhianach agus cuimsitheach do hinfheistíochtaí. chomhaontú infheistíochta an AE-na Síne agus chuir siad comhthéacs idirbheartaíochta le chéile. AE-Vítneam Bhí an 16ú babhta idirbheartaíochta ar siúl sa D’fhógair an Chomhairle comhaontú sealadach le Bhruiséil an 12 Nollaig 2017, agus tá sé beartaithe Vítneam i mí Iúil 2015, a chlúdaigh fáil réidh le 99% go mbeidh an 17ú babhta idirbheartaíochta ar siúl i + de tharaifí thar 7 mbliana i gcás an AE agus thar mBéising an tseachtain 16 Aibreán 2018. 10 mbliana i gcás Vítneam. Foilsíodh réamhthéacs an chomhaontaithe an 1 Feabhra 2017, ar láithreán gréasáin Ard-Stiúrthóireacht na Trádála. AE-na hOileáin Fhilipíneacha Bhí dhá bhabhta idirbheartaíochta ar siúl, an ceann is Cé go raibh ábhar an FTA comhaontaithe cheana féin deireanaí acu sin an 13 go 17 Feabhra 2017 i Cebu, sa bhliain 2015, chuir tuairim Chúirt Bhreithiúnais an sna hOileáin Fhilipíneacha. Cé gur ag an tús atá an Aontais Eorpaigh maidir le FTA AE-Singeapór moill idirbheartaíocht seo, tá na Ballstáit, lena n-áirítear ar dhaingniú. Tá an Coimisiún agus an Chomhairle Éire, den tuairim go mbeadh téacs Vítneam – ach é a i mbun breithnithe anois maidir le cibé ar chóir bheith beagán níos uaillmhianaí, ina teimpléad maith mionathrú a dhéanamh ar an gcomhaontú ionas go d’aon chomhaontú amach anseo. Níl aon bhabhtaí eile bhféadfadh an AE as féin codanna den chomhaontú a beartaithe. dhaingniú níos tapa. AE-Meicsiceo AE – an tSeapáin Bhí cúig bhabhta idirbheartaíochta maidir le Thug an AE agus an tSeapáin an Comhaontú um nuachóiriú a dhéanamh ar an gcuid trádála de Chomhpháirtíocht Eacnamaíochta chun críche an 8 Chomhaontú Domhanda an AE-Meicsiceo ar siúl le Nollaig 2017. Cuireann an téacs dlíthiúil deiridh leis linn na bliana 2017, agus bhí an babhta deireadh ar an gcomhaontú polaitiúil i bprionsabal ar thángthas air siúl sa Bhruiséil an 12-22 Nollaig. ag Cruinniú Mullaigh AE-an tSeapáin i dtús mhí Iúil. AE-an Astráil/an Nua-Shéalainn Is ionann an comhaontú agus spreagadh ollmhór Tá forbairt Comhaontuithe Saorthrádála idir an AE d’earnáil agraibhia an AE, a chuireann rochtain bhreise agus an Astráil / an Nua-Shéalainn ag luathchéim. as cuimse ar fáil maidir le mairteoil, táirgí muiceola Thug an Coimisiún staidéar seachtrach agus agus táirgí déiríochta (cáis). comhairliúchán poiblí chun críche i mí an Mheithimh 2016. Tugadh páipéir scóipe chun críche maidir le Tar éis athbhreithniú dlíthiúil a bheith déanta ar gach aon idirbheartaíocht. Áirítear orthu sin, tagairt aistriú an téacs isteach sna teangacha oifigiúla go maidir leis an riachtanas aird chúramach a thabhairt léir, cuirfidh an Coimisiún an comhaontú faoi bhráid ar íogaireachtaí áirithe a d’fhéadfadh a bheith ar gach Pharlaimint na hEorpa agus roimh Bhallstáit lena aon taobh, ar nós earraí talmhaíocht áirithe, “lena cheadú, agus é mar aidhm é a chur i bhfeidhm sula n-áirítear trí úsáid a bhaint as tréimhsí fada díchur, dtagann críoch le sainordú reatha an Choimisiúin i mí taraif-chuótaí trádála nó aon chóireáil sonracha eile a Deireadh Fómhair 2019. chomhaontaíonn an dá thaobh”.
AE – an tSín D’fhoilsigh an Coimisiún, an 13 Meán Fómhair 2017, Tá sé mar aidhm leis an gcomhaontú Infheistíochta a mheasúnacht tionchair le doiciméid tionlacain a maidir leis an AE-an tSín atá molta baic ar rochtain ar mhol idirbheartaíocht a oscailt. an margadh ar infheistíocht a ghearradh amach agus leibhéal ard cosanta a chur ar fáil d’infheisteoirí agus Is éard atá i gceist leis an gcéad chéim eile go d’infheistíocht i margaí an AE agus na Síne. Tiocfaidh n-éileoidh an Coimisiún ar Bhallstáit údarú a comhaontú Infheistíochta cuimsitheach singil amháin dhéanamh ar sheoladh idirbheartaíochta foirmiúil in ionad na 26 Conradh Infheistíochta Dhéthaobhach agus glacadh le treoracha idirbheartaíochta. Is féidir atá ann cheana féin idir an tSín agus Ballstáit ar leith tús a chur le hidirbheartaíocht tar éis don Chomhairle an AE. Le linn na bliana 2016 tháinig idirbheartaithe cead a thabhairt. Tá an Coimisiún ullamh le tús a an AE agus na Síne ar chonclúidí soiléire maidir chur le hidirbheartaíocht agus é mar aidhm aige
46 47 Idirghníomhaíochtaí Idirnáisiúnta
idirbheartaíocht a thabhairt chun críche sula dtagann Thángthas ar chinneadh maidir le talmhaíocht deireadh lena shainordú reatha. den chéad uair le sé bliana ag an COP 23 i mí na Samhna 2017. Aithnítear sa chinneadh seo ról na MISIN TRÁDÁLA talmhaíochta chun dul i ngleic le hathrú aeráide agus le huaillmhianta Chomhaontú Aeráide Pháras a bhaint Rinne an tAire Creed sraith misin trádála a stiúradh le amach. Ag tabhairt aird go háirithe ar: linn na bliana 2017, ar cuireadh tús leo i mí Feabhra trí chuairt ar Réigiún na Murascaille, lena n-áirítear, • carbón feabhsaithe na hithreach, folláine na Ríocht na hAraibe Sádaí agus Aontas na nÉimíríochtaí hithreach agus torthúlacht na hithreach faoi Arabacha. Leanadh leis sin le misin trádála forleathan thalamh féaraigh agus talamh curaíochta chomh chuig Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá agus Meicsiceo i mí maith le córais chomhtháite, lena n-áirítear an Mheithimh – margaí a bhfuil an acmhainneacht acu bainistíocht uisce; deiseanna a chur ar fáil d’onnmhaireoirí na hÉireann. • Úsáid feabhsaithe cothaithigh agus bainistíocht ar aoileach i dtreo córais talmhaíochta Ar mhisean trádála deiridh na bliana 2017, tugadh inbhuanaithe a bhfuil teacht aniar iontu; cuairt ar an tSeapáin agus ar an gCóiré Theas. Bhí • Córais bhainistíochta fheabhsaithe maidir le 40 ionadaí ó earnáil bia na hÉireann in éineacht beostoc leis an Aire Creed, chomh maith le saineolaithe óna Roinn féin, Príomhfheidhmeannach Bhord Bia agus Bhí an Roinn seo rannpháirteach go gníomhach le ionadaithe sinsearacha ó Fhiontraíocht Éireann agus foireann Talmhaíochta, Foraoiseachta agus Úsáidí ó Teagasc. Eile Talún (AFOLU) an AE a bhí rannpháirteach in idirbheartaíocht ar shaincheisteanna a bhain le Cuairteanna trádála isteach talmhaíocht ag COP 23 leis an gcinneadh seo a bhaint amach. Chomh maith leis na misin trádála thar lear, rinne an Roinn óstáil ar thoscaireachtaí a bhí ar cuairt ó réimse Is ionann an cinneadh ar a dtugtar an Koronivia Joint leathan de thíortha in 2017, an tSín, an tSeapáin, an Work on Agriculture agus céim ollmhór a chuideoidh Chóiré Theas, na Stáit Aontaithe, an Astráil, an Nua- le comhshaol cumasaithe a chruthú do thíortha Shéalainn, Meicsiceo, Maracó, Uganda, an Iaráin, an agus do ghníomhaithe neamhstáit chun tabhairt Tuirc agus an Aetóip ina measc. faoi ghníomhaíochtaí in earnáil na talmhaíochta atá ríthábhachtach le cuspóirí Chomhaontú Pháras a Institiúid Foraoiseachta na hEorpa (EFI) bhaint amach. Is ionann é agus deis uathúil chun tús Is comhalta den EFI is ea an Roinn, a dhéanann a chur le gníomhaíochtaí réamhbhreathnaitheacha stiúradh ar thaighde agus a chuireann tacaíocht agus le gníomh a ghlacadh ar na fíorsaincheisteanna beartais ar fáil ar shaincheisteanna a bhaineann le atá i ndán don talmhaíocht ó thaobh athrú aeráide de. foraoisí. Is comhalta gníomhach í Éire agus tacaíonn Go háirithe an bealach inar féidir feabhas a chur ar le líon tionscnaimh EFI. Áirítear orthu sin, Ciste thuiscint a fháil ar shineirgí idir oiriúnú agus maolú, an Iontaobhais Il-Dheontóra an EFI do thacaíocht bealach inar féidir leis seo oibriú leis an stocáireamh beartais agus Saoráid REDD an AE a ndéanann domhanda agus cur leis an tuarascáil speisialta ar an EFI óstach air. Le linn na bliana 2017, rinneadh thalmhaíocht agus ar úsáid talún an Phainéil Idir- ionadaíocht ar an Roinn ag leibhéal Coiste Stiúrtha Rialtasach ar an Athrú Aeráide (IPCC). maidir leis an dá thionscnamh. Is fiú a thabhair ar aird freisin go raibh fócas suntasach Tá foilseacháin agus tuarascálacha an EFI le fáil ag ag COP 23 ar mhionimeachtaí a bhain le talmhaíocht www.efi.int agus le húsáid talún, le laethanta sonracha (m.sh. lá na bhfeirmeoirí, lá na talmhaíochta) a chuir leis an spéis i Athrú Aeráide Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture. Chuidigh sé freisin Aithníonn Comhaontú stairiúil Pháras go soiléir go le tuiscint níos fearr a fháil ar an tábhacht a bhaineann dtagann ardú go dtí níos lú ná 2 chéim ar iarrachtaí leis an gcion a chuireann an talmhaíocht agus úsáid le teorainn a chur ar arduithe na teochta domhanda talún le spriocanna Chomhaontú Pháras. Lean an agus le 1.5 céim a leanúint nach mór é sin ar bhealach Roinn na himeachtaí seo go gníomhach. nach gcuireann as do tháirgeadh bia.
47 Slándáil Bia
NA – An Clár Domhanda Bia (WFP) NA- an Eagraíocht Bhia agus Talmhaíochta Is éard atá sa Chlár Domhanda Bia (WFP) ná (FAO) Eagraíocht na Náisiún Aontaithe atá freagrach as Tá sainordú ag Eagraíocht Bhia agus Talmhaíochta na cúnamh bia a chur ar fáil do na daoine is boichte Náisiún Aontaithe cuidiú le deireadh a chur le hocras, agus is leochailí ar domhan. Tá an Roinn mar Roinn neamhdheimhneacht soláthair bhia agus le míchothú stiúrtha do chaidreamh Rialtas na hÉireann leis an agus an talmhaíocht, foraoiseacht agus iascaireacht WFP. Le linn na bliana 2017 lean an Roinn ag tacú le a bheith níos táirgiúla agus níos inbhuanaithe, hobair fíorthábhachtach WFP na Náisiún Aontaithe córais talmhaíocha agus bia atá cuimsitheach agus le bun-dheonachán iltaobhach iomlán de €14m, lena éifeachtúil a chumasú agus cur le teacht aniar slí n-áirítear réamhíocaíocht maidir leis an íocaíocht bheatha i leith bagairtí agus géarchéime. Tá an Roinn deiridh faoi Chomhaontú Comhpháirtíochta Straitéisí chun tosaigh ó thaobh caidreamh Rialtas na hÉireann reatha na hÉireann leis an WFP, maoiniú €2.5m ar aon leis an FAO agus chinntigh go raibh ionadaíocht dul leis na tiomantais a thug an tír seo ag Cruinniú mhaith á dhéanamh ar sheasamh na hÉireann ag Mullaigh Domhanda maidir le Cúrsaí Daonnúla sa cruinnithe éagsúla an FAO ar feadh na bliana maidir le bhliain 2016 agus €1.5m d’fheachtas an WFP don cúrsaí talmhaíochta agus forbartha. Chomh maith le ghéarchéim i gCúige Kasai i bPoblacht Dhaonlathach síntiús €1.94 milliún na hÉireann do 2017 a íoc leis an an Chongó. Tugann an réamhíocaíocht do 2018 FAO, chuir an Roinn tuilleadh maoinithe buiséadach an tsolúbthacht don WFP chun a cuid maoinithe a breise de €2.7m ar fáil don FAO i réimsí a bhfuil phleanáil agus a dhíriú ar an mbealach is straitéisí, cumas ar leith ag an FAO agus go measann an Roinn is inniúla agus is éifeachtaí. Tá an tacaíocht seo go bhfuil tábhacht straitéiseach leo. riachtanach go háirithe i gcomhthéacs na géarchéime reatha i réigiún na Siria áit ar a mbeidh sciar mór dá maoiniú dírithe.
Clár Forbartha Agraibhia na hAfraice (AADP) Is comhthionscnamh atá sa AADP idir an Roinn seo agus an Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála. Tá sé mar chuspóir leis an gclár comhpháirtíochtaí a fhorbairt idir Earnáil Agraibhia na hÉireann agus tíortha Afracacha chun tacú le fás inbhuanaithe sa tionscal bia áitiúil, chun margaí a thógáil do tháirge áitiúil agus tacú le comhthrádáil idir Éire agus an Afraic. Le linn na bliana 2017, lean an ciste lena chuid oibre le trí chuideachta Éireannacha, agus reáchtáladh babhta eile maoinithe agus d’éirigh le cúig chuideachta Agraibhia Éireannach. Tá acmhainneacht ag na tionscadail atá roghnaithe deiseanna a chruthú do ghnólachtaí Éireannacha agus d’fheirmeoirí san Afraic i réimsí ar nós cur le cáilíocht prátaí síl i gCéinia agus slabhra soláthar faoi rialú caighdeáin do shíl chia i Uganda.
48 49 Creat an Bheartais Náisiúnta
Food Wise 2025 tá sé faoi chathaoirleacht an Aire Talmhaíocha, Bia Tá plean deich mbliana leagtha amach ag Food Wise agus Mara, agus tá rannpháirtíocht ag baill den 2025 (www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodwise2025/) Bhord Bainistíochta agus ag Ranna eile Rialtais agus d’earnáil an agraibhia agus is cuid é de shraith gníomhaireachtaí cuí Stáit ann. Bhí cúig chruinniú straitéisí rollta deich mbliana don earnáil, ag eascairt ag an gCoiste Feidhmiúcháin Ardleibhéil sa bhliain as Fómhar Bia 2020. Cuirtear béim sa phlean, atá 2017 (Márta, Bealtaine, Meitheamh agus Deireadh forbartha ag raon geallsealbhóirí, ar an staid uathúil Fómhair). agus speisialta laistigh de gheilleagar na hÉireann agus léiríonn an acmhainneacht atá ann don earnáil Lean an Coiste Inbhuanaitheachta Timpeallachta a seo le tuilleadh fáis a dhéanamh. Aithnítear réamh- bunaíodh le monatóireacht a dhéanamh air agus le mheastacháin i Food Wise 2025 atá uathúil agus gníomhartha inbhuanaitheachta a thiomáint, lena dúshlánach don tionscal sna deich mbliana atá amach gcruinnithe le linn na bliana 2017. Reáchtáil an romhainn, lena n-áirítear: Coiste, le tacaíocht na Roinne, siompóisiam talamh féaraigh maidir le ról talamh féaraigh inbhuanaithe • Ardú 85% ar onnmhairithe go €19bn; agus i Food Wise 2025. Reáchtáladh an t-imeacht seo i • 23,000 post breise a sholáthar ar fud an tslabhra bhfoirm díospóireachta beartais oscailte faoi Chlár soláthair ó leibhéal táirgeora go forbairt táirge One Vision Civil Service Renewal. breisluach ardleibhéil. Céimeanna i dtreo Rathúnais 2017 Aithnítear i Food Wise an fás suntasach a tharla san Seoladh an dara tuarascáil bhliantúil maidir le dul chun earnáil le blianta beaga anuas agus na deiseanna atá cinn Food Wise 2025, dar teideal “Steps to Success ann ar bhonn domhanda don todhchaí a bhfuil Éire 2017” (www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodwise2025/ i riocht maith le leas a bhaint astu, lena n-áirítear: foodwise2025-stepstosuccess2017/), an 6 Iúil 2017. deireadh a chur le cuótaí bainne; an cháil atá orainn ó Tugann Céimeanna i dtreo Rathúnais 2017 breac- thaobh sábháilteacht agus rialuithe bia; an buntáiste chuntas ar an méid atá bainte amach ag an Roinn iomaíoch nádúrtha maidir le táirgeadh féar bhunaithe agus ag a cuid gníomhaireachtaí i mbliain a dó agus inbhuanaithe; agus tionscal agraibhia den scoth, agus na pleananna atá ann do bhliain a trí. I measc na é sin go léir éascaithe ag tacaíocht ón Rialtas agus óna mbuaicphointí do bhliain a dó tá: chuid gníomhaireachtaí. Is é fotheideal Food Wise ná “Local Roots, Global Reach”, a léiríonn an tábhacht • Margadh atá oscailte suas do mhairteoil i Stáit a bhaineann le tuiscint níos fearr a fháil ag cad atá á Aontaithe Meiriceá agus é i gceist an mhairteoil éileamh i ndáiríre ag an tomhaltóir, i margaí atá i bhfad sin a mheilt, athoscailt margaí na hÉigipte agus ó bhaile go minic, agus an t-eolas sin a thuairisciú Iosrael do mhairteoil na hÉireann, rochtain d’fheirmeoirí agus do chuideachtaí in Éirinn. Tá fheabhsaithe do mhairteoil na hÉireann chun na sé chomh tábhachtach céanna an teachtaireacht hAraibe Sádaí, mairteoil agus táirgí mairteola don phríomha a chur trasna maidir leis an gcúis a seasann Nua-Shéalainn agus caoireoil chun na hIaráine. bia na hÉireann amach ar an margadh idirnáisiúnta. • D’fhógair an USDA, i mí an Mheithimh, gur féidir le mairteoil na hÉireann a thagann ó Chomh maith le moltaí sonracha earnála, tá cúig mhonarchana Bord Bia agus a dhíoltar i Stáit théama tras-rannacha ag Food Wise: Aontaithe Mheiriceá úsáid a bhaint as marc cáilíochta an USDA, a thugann ráthaíocht gur ar • Inbhuanaitheacht os cionn 80% d’féar a tógadh formhór na n-eallaí; • Caipiteal Daonna go raibh siad amuigh ar thalamh féaraigh ar feadh • Forbairt Margaidh 6-8 mí den bhliain, gur tógadh iad ar fheirm • Iomaíochas theaghlaigh ag a bhfuil dearbhú cáilíochta atá • Nuálaíocht inrianaithe go hiomlán agus gur tógadh iad gan úsáid a bhaint as hormón fáis; agus go rabhthas Próiseas feidhmiúcháin freagrach maidir leis an úsáid a baineadh as antaibheathaigh. Tá próiseas feidhmiúcháin Food Wise á thiomáint • Rinne an Roinn coimisiúnú ar Bhord Bia chun ag “Coiste Feidhmiúcháin Ardleibhéil (HLIC)” agus tabhairt faoi chleachtadh próifíliú margaidh do
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mhargaí tríú tír agus do mhargaí AE a d’fhéadfadh Comhdháil Food Wise: Dúshlán, Uaillmhian, a bheith ann d’onnmhairithe na hÉireann mar Deis fhreagra ar Brexit. Cuirfidh an cleachtadh seo Rinne an Roinn óstach ar chomhdháil rathúil, eolas ar fáil do chlár misin trádála níos dlúithe “Food Wise: Dúshlán, Uaillmhian, Deis” i bPáirc an agus do thionscnaimh eile atá dírithe ar mhargaí Chrócaigh, an 4 Nollaig. D’fhreastail 580 duine ar nua a oscailt agus margaí atá ann cheana a an imeacht. Chuir an Chomhdháil fóram ar fáil le fhorbairt. hathbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar dhul chun cinn go • Seoladh Scéim Iasachta um Thacaíocht dtí seo, le tuiscint a fháil ar na dúshláin suntasacha Sreabhadh Airgid sa Talmhaíocht na Roinne i atá romhainn, lena n-áirítear Brexit agus na dúshláin gcomhar le Corparáid Baincéireachta Straitéisí ó thaobh an chomhshaoil, agus le hathnuachan a na hÉireann (SBCI) agus is fiú €150m an scéim a dhéanamh ar thiomantas an Rialtais timpeallacht seoladh i mí Eanáir. chumasaithe a sholáthar d’fhás inbhuanaithe na • Dul chun cinn déanta maidir le Caipitil Daonna le hearnála. gairmeacha san earnáil a chur chun cinn. • ‘foireann nuálaíochta ardleibhéil’ bunaithe Is é an cuspóir a bhí le hóstach a dhéanamh ar an le hathbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar chumas gcomhdháil: nuálaíochta na hearnála agraibhia agus cumas nuálaíochta níos fearr ó thaobh an mhargaidh i • Chun aitheantas a thabhairt don mhéid a bhí láthair na huaire; bainte amach ag an earnáil le blianta beaga anuas faoi straitéis Fómhar Bia 2020 agus a chomharba Food Wise 2025: Nuashonruithe Ráithe 4 2017 Food Wise 2025, agus, • Le measúnú a dhéanamh air agus le hullmhú do na dúshláin atá romhainn.
50% Ciste Forbartha agus Nuálaíochta na 10% Tuaithe (CEDRA) 1% Rinne an Roinn maoiniú ar raon tionscadal faoi Chiste 2.% Forbartha agus Nuálaíochta na Tuaithe (RIDF) a bhí nasctha le moltaí CEDRA (an Coimisiún um Fhorbairt Eacnamaíoch na gCeantar Tuaithe) le linn 2017 (féach Figiúr thíos). Bhí ciste de €1.5m ar fáil a úsáideadh 37% chun tacú leis na réimsí seo a leanas:
• Fiontraithe Tuaithe Ban: Chuidigh maoiniú le Gníomh ag an gcéim tosaithe clár oiliúna ACORNS a fhorbairt, tá an clár trí Gníomh nár cuireadh tús leis fós bliana ar an bhfód anois. Tá an clár dírithe ar Sprioc Bainte Amach eolas, tacaíocht agus deiseanna líonraithe a
Gníomh suntasach glactha agus ar siúl i gcónaí sholáthar ag staid luath d’fhiontraithe ban atá ina gcónaí faoin tuath in Éirinn chun forbairt ar a Gníomh tosaithe agus ag dul chun cinn ngnólachtaí a chur chun cinn. • Feirmeoireacht shóisialta: Tá maoiniú déanta ar Líon Iomlán Gníomhartha: 368 líon tionscadail sa réimse chun líonra náisiúnta feirmeoireachta shóisialta agus líon feirmeacha sóisialta samhlacha a fheidhmiú ar fud na hÉireann. Is éard atá i gceist ná buntáistí ar bhonn náisiúnta a spreagadh agus a ghiniúint do ghrúpaí atá faoi mhíbhuntáiste agus tacú le héagsúlú feirme sa phobal tuaithe. • Turasóireacht agraibhia: Tá maoiniú curtha ar fáil ag réimse turasóireachta agraibhia, nasctha
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le gníomhaíochtaí in Food Wise 2025, chun hearnálacha iascaireachta, dobharshaothraithe agus tacú le forbairt agus leathnú na rianta agraibhia i próiseála bia mara. Cuireann an earnáil agraibhia cion gceantair thuaithe le súil díriú ar thacaíochtaí ar suntasach le fostaíocht, 8.6% den fhostaíocht iomlán leith a bhaineann le straitéisí forbartha ceantair nó 173,400 post, i gceantair thuaithe den chuid is mó. áitiúla. • Cur amú bia a laghdú: Tá maoiniú curtha ar fáil Rochtain ar airgead do líon tionscadail chun tacú le gníomhartha Tá an glacadh suntasach ar na cistí sonracha agraibhia a bhaineann le cur chun cinn agus/nó forbairt atá na príomh bhainc a chur ar fáil. Taispeánann sonraí teicnící nuálacha le laghdú a dhéanamh ar chur ón mBanc Ceannais go leanann earnáil na ‘bpríomh amú bia le buntáistí comhshaoil ghaolmhara. thionscail’ (atá cuimsithe go háirithe de thalmhaíocht, foraoiseacht agus iascaireacht) le bheith mar chuid Ciste Forbartha agus Nuálaíochta na Tuaithe mhór d’iasachtaí Ghnóthais Bheaga agus Mheánacha (CEDRA) 2017 Caiteachas Iomlán2017 Total (SME).
• Is ionann an earnáil agus €863m, nó 17% de na €717,000 hiasachtaí nua go léir in 2017, agus b’ionann feirmeoireacht phríomha agus €790m den iomlán. • Le linn na tréimhse céanna, b’ionann iasachtaí nua do chuideachtaí Bia agus Dí agus €189m, nó €14,904 thart ar 4% den iomlán.
€189,627 €194,586 Leanann an Roinn i gcomhar le comhlachtaí Stáit eile le meicníochtaí maoinithe breise a fhiosrú agus le tacaíocht a thabhairt d’fheirmeoirí agus do SME’nna €277,393 san earnáil agraibhia.
Laghdú ar Chur Amú Bia Scéim Iasachta Tacaíochta Sreafa Airgid do Eile Thalmhaíocht
Feirmeoireacht Shóisialta Rinne an Roinn forbairt ar an Scéim Iasachta Tacaíochta Sreafa Airgid do Thalmhaíocht i gcomhar le Fiontraithe Ban Corparáid Baincéireachta Straitéisí na hÉireann (SBCI), Turasóireacht Agraibhia agus cuireadh €145m ar fáil d’fheirmeoirí ar fud na hÉireann ag rátaí úis 2.95%. Cuireann an Scéim atá á dáileadh agus á riaradh ag an AIB, Banc na hÉireann Plean Gníomhaíochta do Phoist 2017 agus ag Banc Uladh, foinse solúbtha caipiteal oibre ar Chuir an Roinn agus a cuid gníomhaireachtaí le chostas íseal ar fáil d’fheirmeoirí, a thugann an deis Plean Gníomhaíochta do Phoist an Rialtais 2017 trí dóibh cineálacha eile fiachas gearrthéarmach níos thabhairt faoi naoi gcinn de ghníomhaíochtaí príomha. daoire a íoc síos, chun inbhuanaitheacht airgeadais Tháinig na gníomhaíochtaí sonracha agraibhia agus fhiontair feirmeoireachta inmharthana leanúnacha mara sa Phlean Gníomhaíochta do Phoist 2017 i a chinntiú. Rinneadh an Scéim a leagan amach gcomhar le straitéis Food Wise 2025 maidir le fás chun cuidiú le dul i ngleic leis an tionchar a bheadh inbhuanaithe a bhaint amach don earnáil thar na deich ag an athrú ar an ráta malartaithe steirling agus mbliana amach romhainn. Áirítear ar bhuaicphointe ar phraghsanna earraí níos ísle i roinnt earnálacha (i) tacaíocht agus comhairle sonrach a sholáthar do talmhaíochta sna blianta 2016/17. Seoladh an Scéim chuideachtaí bia agus dí maidir le tionchar Brexit, (ii) an 31 Eanáir agus thuairiscigh na bainc go léir atá rochtain a bhaint amach do tháirgí bia agus déiríochta rannpháirteach go raibh an maoiniú go léir tiomanta na hÉireann chuig margaí nua tríú tír agus cothabháil faoi thús mhí an Mhárta. a dhéanamh ar an rochtain margaidh atá ann cheana féin, (iii) tacaíochtaí a chur i bhfeidhm do na Bhí na hiasachtaí ar fáil do na feirmeoirí beostoic,
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do na feirmeoirí curaíochta, agus do na táirgeoirí www.agriculture.gov.ie/agri-foodindustry/agri- gairneoireachta go léir agus do dhaoine eile atá foodandtheeconomy/agri-foodbusiness/ rannpháirteach i dtáirgeadh príomhúil talmhaíochta. Chuir an Roinn €25m ar an iomlán ar fáil, lena Agra-Chánachas n-áirítear €11.1m ó ‘chabhair choigeartaithe Cé gurb é freagracht na Roinne Airgeadais go eisceachtúil d’fheirmeoirí bainne agus beostoic eile’ príomha é an beartas cánachais, bíonn an dá Roinn an AE agus €14m i maoiniú náisiúnta. Bhain an SBCI in idirchaidreamh go leanúnach maidir le cúrsaí úsáid as an €25m seo le giaráil a dhéanamh ar an agra-chánachas le cuspóirí beartais sonracha 1) cur gciste. Ní chuireann an SBCI maoiniú ar fáil, ach (i le soghluaisteacht agus le húsáid táirgiúil talún, 2) gcomhar le ‘COSME’ an Ciste Eorpach Infheistíochta cuidiú le comharbas agus 3) comhlánú a dhéanamh an clár Eorpach d’Iomaíocht Fhiontair agus SME’nna) ar bheartais agus ar scéimeanna talmhaíochta níos tá siad ag cur ráthaíocht ar fáil chun tacú le leithne. Tá Athbhreithniú Agra-Chánachas curtha i solúbthacht na hiasachta agus le costas iasachtaí a bhfeidhm le tamall anuas i líon buiséid, a dhéanann ísliú. Thuairiscigh an SBCI go raibh 4,246 iarratas neartú ar bhearta agra-chánachais atá ann cheana ann le hiomlán de €144,903,656 do tharraingt anuas agus le bearta nua a thabhairt isteach. Meastar go sealadach na Scéime le meánmhéid iasachta de bhfuil tacaíocht d’earnáil phríomha talmhaíochta na €34,127 agus meántréimhse iasachta de 41 mí hÉireann tríd an gcóras cánachais thart ar €350m in aghaidh na bliana, a léiríonn an tiomantas láidir Scéim Iasachta Brexit do na hearnálacha talmhaíochta, iascaireachta agus D’fhógair an tAire Creed i mBuiséad 2018, go foraoiseachta. raibh comhaontú déanta aige, i gcomhpháirtíocht lena chomhghleacaí an tAire Gnó, Fiontair agus An Scéim Comhpháirtíochta Feirme i Nuálaíochta, “Scéim Iasachta Brexit” nua a bhunú gcomhair Comharbais a chuirfidh caipiteal oibre atá inacmhainne agus Sheol an tAire an Scéim Comhpháirtíochta Feirme i solúbtha ar fáil do ghnólachtaí Éireannacha atá faoi gcomhair Comharbais i mí an Mheithimh. Déanann an thionchar ag Brexit i láthair na huaire nó a bheidh Scéim foráil do chreidmheas cánach de €25,000 thar faoi thionchar ag Brexit amach anseo. Tá sé mar cúig bliana chun cuidiú le feirmeacha a aistriú laistigh aidhm le Scéim nua Iasachta Brexit suas le €300m de struchtúr comhpháirtíochta, ag tacú le agus ag cur de chaipiteal oibre a chur ar fáil do SME’nna agus do luath-aistriú ó ghlúin go glúin feirmeacha teaghlaigh ghnólachtaí lárchaipitlithe (suas go dtí 499 fostaí). chun cinn. Déanann an Scéim comhráite tábhachtacha Cinnteoidh, agus a nochtadh uathúil do mhargadh a spreagadh freisin laistigh de theaghlaigh feirme ó na Ríochta Aontaithe á thógáil san áireamh, maoiniú thaobh pleanáil a dhéanamh do chomharbas. na Roinne (€9 milliún as an maoiniú poiblí iomlán de €23m) go mbeidh ar a laghad 40% den chiste ar fáil do ghnólachtaí bia. Beidh sé níos éasca a theacht ar Buiséad 2018 an airgead, a bheidh ar phraghas iomaíoch (ag uasráta Tá roinnt bearta tábhachtacha agra-chánachais san beartaithe ús de 4%) agus ar théarmaí níos fabhraí áireamh i mBuiséad 2018: ná mar atá ar fáil i láthair na huaire. Cuirfidh sé seo an t-am agus an spás ar fáil do ghnólachtaí atá faoi • Cuireadh síneadh le “Faoiseamh i leith Gaol Fola thionchar Brexit chun iad féin a chur in oiriúint agus le ó Dhleacht Stampa” d’idirbheartaíocht maidir le fás a dhéanamh amach anseo. feirmeacha idir theaghlaigh ar feadh trí bliana eile agus baineadh amach an uasteorainn aoise de 67 D’fhógair an tAire freisin go bhfuil maoiniú de €25m don aistreoir. Ciallaíonn sé seo, chomh maith le faighte aige don Roinn d’fheirmeoirí agus d’iascairí “Faoiseamh Dleacht Stampála d’Fheirmeoirí Óga”, agus do mhaoiniú caipitil fadtéarmach do ghnólachtaí arbh ionann é agus faoiseamh iomlán ó dhleacht bia le héascú agus forbairt a dhéanamh ar scéimeanna stampála, go bhfuil cosaint láidir á fháil ag aistriú iasachta nua le linn na bliana 2018 chun dul i ngleic talamh le linn an tsaoil laistigh de theaghlaigh, le Brexit. cibé trí bhronntanas nó trína dhíol. Fógraíodh beart breise freisin a thugann faoiseamh ó Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil maidir le rochtain a fháil dhleacht stampála dóibh siúd a cháilíonn faoin ar mhaoiniú agus ar thacaíochtaí eile ag http:// Scéim maidir le hAthstruchtúrú Feirme.
52 53 Creat an Bheartais Náisiúnta
• Ar athrú tábhachtach tá tacaíocht a thabhairt Foraoiseachta cothrom le dáta agus a rinne foráil d’inbhuanaitheacht comhshaoil agus do chur do rannpháirtíocht an Údaráis um Chaighdeáin chun cinn foinsí fuinnimh in-athnuaite, sá chás Náisiúnta na hÉireann sa phróiseas seo; go dtugann feirmeoirí talamh feirme ar léas lena • Rialacháin an Achta um Chleachtadh Tréidliachta úsáid do phainéil gréine, breithneofar é a bheith 2005 (Cóireáil ó Dhuine Neamhchláraithe) incháilithe d’Fhaoiseamh Talmhaíochta agus 2017 (I.R. Uimh. 278 de 2017) a rinne foráil d’Fhaoiseamh Scoir. do chomhoibriú níos fearr idir lia-chleachtóirí • Leanúint le bearta le fiontraíocht a chur chun cinn cláraithe agus tréidlianna cláraithe i réimsí casta agus tacú leis, mar atá léirithe ag an ardú ó €200 na míochaine; go €1,150 ar an gCreidmheas Cánach d’Ioncam • Rialacháin Comhpháirtíochtaí Feirme Cláraithe Tuillte. Tá formhór feirmeoirí, foraoiseoirí agus agus Comhpháirtíochtaí Feirme i gcomhair próiseálaithe beaga bia féinfhostaithe agus Comharbais 2017 (I.R. Uimh. 273 de 2017) tiocfaidh laghdú ar a ndliteanas cánach agus ardú a rinne foráil do chomhpháirtíochtaí feirme ar a gcreidmheas cánach. a chruthú de bhun forálacha atá san Acht • Dreasacht an “Chláir Rannpháirtíochta um Airgeadais. Príomhfhostaithe” (KEEP) nua, chun cuidiú le fostóirí príomhfhostaithe a earcú agus a Tuarascálacha Staitistiúla agus Anailíseacha choinneáil. • ‘Sreabhadh adhmaid agus úsáid fhuinnimh • Síneadh curtha le scéim liúntais caipitil luathaithe bhithmhaise bunaithe ar fhoraois ar oileán na Údaráis Fuinnimh Inmharthana na hÉireann hÉireann (2016)’. (SEAI) do threalamh éifeachtúil fuinnimh go dtí Cuireann (Nóta Ceangail COFORD) sreabhadh deireadh na bliana 2020. adhmaid Phoblacht na hÉireann agus oileán na hÉireann ar fáil do 2016 chomh maith le Tá tuilleadh eolas maidir le agra-chánachas, lena hanailís ar an úsáid a bhaintear as bithmhais n-áirítear liosta bearta agus ‘Athbhreithniú Agra- chun fuinneamh a tháirgeadh. Tá sé bunaithe ar Chánachas, le fáil anois ag www.agriculture.gov.ie/ shonraí fhómhar adhmaid náisiúnta agus thrádáil agri-foodindustry/agri-taxation/. tháirge foraoise, agus tá sé bailithe ar son na Roinne Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara Reachtaíocht Rinne an Roinn 46 ionstraim reachtúil sa bhliain 2017 http://www.coford.ie/media/coford/content/ mar bhonn taca do ghníomhaíochtaí na Roinne i publications/2016/00795CCNWoodflowPP mbeagnach gach earnáil laistigh dá téarmaí tagartha. 48Web070318.pdf Tá mionsonraí ar fáil ag www.agriculture.gov.ie/ legislation/ • Staitisticí Foraoise - Éire 2017 Tá an Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara Áirítear ar roinnt de na hIonstraimí Reachtúla is freagrach as staitisticí foraoise a bhailiú agus a suntasaí a rinneadh sa bhliain 2017: fhoilsiú. Soláthraíonn foilseachán na bliana 2017 staitisticí maidir le treochtaí foraoisithe, ar bhonn • Na Rialacháin Foraoiseachta 2017 (I.R. Uimh. 191 náisiúnta agus ar bhonn contae ar chontae go de 2017) a rinne athstruchtúrú ar an réim rialála dtí deireadh na bliana 2016. Déanann sé rianú de bhun tús an Achta Foraoiseachta 2014. Thug ar thógáil bóithre foraoise, ar ghníomhaíocht an Ionstraim Reachtúil seo an reachtaíocht maidir tanaithe agus ar ghlanleagan crainn chomh maith le leagan crainn, foraoisiú, oibreacha bóthair le raon oibríochtaí bainistíochta foraoise eile. Tá foraoisí, leasacháin ón spéir cothrom le dáta agus treochtaí i bpraghsanna Lomáin Chruinne mar rinne Treoir AE 2014/52 ar an gcomhshaol mar a ghné sa doiciméad freisin mar aon le heolas bhaineann sé le foraoiseacht a thrasuí. maidir le dóiteán foraoise agus damáiste ó • Rialacháin (Cineálcheadú Feithiclí Talmhaíochta lotnaidí. nó Foraoiseachta agus Dul ar Seirbhís) 2017 an Aontais Eorpaigh (I.R. Uimh. 645 de 2017) a rinne https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration aisghairm agus a thug an reachtaíocht roimhe seo forestry/forestservicegeneralinformation/ maidir le cineálcheadú Feithiclí Talmhaíochta agus ForestStatisticsIreland2017090318.pdf
53 Creat an Bheartais Náisiúnta
• Athbhreithniú agus Ionchais maidir le Ioncam Feirme Comhiomlán Talmhaíocht, Bia agus Mara 2017 / 2018 Bhí raon leathan anailíse agus tráchtaireachta Forléargas ar Aschur Talmhaíochta 2017 anseo maidir le feidhmíocht earnáil an agraibhia. De réir Táirgeadh, Ionchur & Ioncam i dTalmhaíocht Réamh-Mheastacháin 2017 an CSO 2017, tháinig https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/ ardú 35.2% go €3,497.6 milliún ar ioncam feirme migration/publications/2017/AnnualReviewan comhiomlán (barrachas oibriúcháin) sa bhliain 2017. dOutlookFinal270717.pdf Leanann sé sin an t-ardú de 3.6% sa bhliain 2016. Tháinig ardú 13.6%, nó €958.3 milliún, go €8,016.2 • Bileog Eolais ar Thalmhaíocht na hÉireann. milliún ar luach foriomlán aschur earraí ón earnáil. Athbhreithníodh, nuashonraíodh agus scaipeadh Tháinig ardú 2%, go €5,203 milliún ar thomhaltas an anailís rialta seo go forleathan in 2017. idirmheánach.
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/ publications/2017/
• Bileog Eolais Brexit Cuireadh an anailís rialta ar fáil, tugadh cothrom le dáta é agus rinneadh é a scaipeadh le linn na bliana 2017.
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/ publications/2017/
Aschur, Ionchur & Ioncam Talmhaíochta, 2016/2017 2016 2017 % Athraithe (Luach) 2016/2017 Luach €m Luach €m Aschur Earraí ag Praghsanna Táirgeora 7,057.9 8,016.2 +14% Aschur Talmhaíochta ag Bunphraghsanna 7,419.6 8,378.5 +13% Úsáid Idirmheánach 5,103.4 5,203.0 +2% Oll-luach Ionchurtha ag Bunphraghsanna 2,316.1 3,175.5 +37% Úsáid Chaipitil Seasta 812.7 812.7 Glanluach Ionchurtha ag Bunphraghsanna 1,503.4 2,362.8 +57% Fóirdheontais Eile Lúide Cánacha ar 1,592.1 1,649.6 +4% Tháirgeadh Ioncaim Tosca 3,095.5 4,012.5 +30% Cúiteamh le Fostaithe 507.7 514.8 +1% Barrachas Oibriúcháin 2,587.9 3,497.6 +35% Foinse: CSO - Táirgeadh, Ionchur & Ioncam i dTalmhaíocht Réamh-Mheastacháin 2017
54 55 Taighde agus Nuálaíocht
An Clár Taighde Náisiúnta de thionscadail, bhí comhpháirtithe Éireannacha Feidhmíonn an Rialtas trí chlár maoinithe taighde rannpháirteach i gcúig cinn acu (bhain ceithre cinn iomaíoch, An Beart um Thaighde Institiúideach sa de na tionscadail a bhí faoi chomhpháirtíocht na Bhia (FIRM), An Ciste um Spreagadh Taighde (RSF), hÉireann buntáiste as €1m ranníocaíocht deontais agus An Chomhairle Náisiúnta um Thaighde agus ón Roinn/Teagasc). Beidh comhoibriú níos fearr agus Forbairt Foraoise (COFORD). Tá os cionn €125m ailíniú níos fearr tosaíochtaí taighde náisiúnta mar infheistithe i dtaighde agraibhia, mara agus foraoise thoradh ar thionscnamh ERA-Gas, agus beidh an scála trína cláir sin le seacht mbliana anuas. Déanann an agus an scóip aige atá riachtanach le cur an méid is Roinn monatóireacht ar dhul chun cinn ar thionscadail fearr is féidir le gníomhaíochtaí taighde ar thionchar leanúnach a bhfuil gradaim deontais taighde faighte CHG san Eoraip. acu faoi FIRM, RSF agus CoFoRD. Seoladh Gairm Tograí Taighde i ndeireadh na bliana 2017 agus bhí Is ionann Comhpháirtíocht Taighde agus Forbartha soláthar do chómhaoiniú leis an Department of Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá – na hÉireann agus Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), comhghuaillíocht trí dhlínse idir Éire, Tuaisceart Tuaisceart Éireann mar ghné nuálach de Ghairm na Éireann agus Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá agus é bliana 2017, le deis a thabhairt do trí eagraíocht mar aidhm leis tionscadail taighde nuálaíochta atá lonnaithe i dTuaisceart Éireann comhoibriú lena comhoibríocha a chur chun cinn a chruthaíonn luach gcomhghleacaithe sa deisceart maidir le hiarratais i a sháraíonn iarrachtaí an duine aonair. Tionscain réimsí ábhair roghnaithe. an Roinn, DAERA agus an National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) – gníomhaireacht fheidearálach laistigh de Roinn Talmhaíochta Stáit Comhpháirtíocht na Comhairle um Aontaithe Mheiriceá, tionscnamh píolótach nua sa Thaighde in Éirinn (IRC) bhliain 2016 leis an gcomhpháirtíocht a leathnú le Lean an Roinn lena socrú páirtíochta in 2017 leis an Talmhaíocht a thabhairt san áireamh. Bronnadh an IRC ar a gClár Iarchéime Bunaithe ar Fhostaíocht, chéad íocaíocht, de bhun an tionscnamh seo, faoin agus mhaoinigh an Roinn tionscadal amháin i réimse gclár píolótach Talmhaíochta sa bhliain 2017 do an agraibhia. Ligeann an clár seo do chuideachtaí dul thionscadal trí dhlínse a bhfuil sé mar aidhm leis i bpáirt le hinstitiúidí taighde le tabhairt faoi chlár úsáid a bhaint as modhanna seicheamhaithe DNA na sonrach intigh taighde a bheidh páirt-mhaoinithe acu chéad ghlúine eile le diagnóisic chruinn a fhorbairt féin agus ag an Stát. atá in ann so-ghabhálacht/frithsheasmhacht galar niúmóine in eallach (BRDC-Seq) a réamh-mheas. Tionscnaimh Trasnáisiúnta eile Seoladh Gairm Togra nua freisin don Talmhaíocht Sa bhliain 2017, lean an Roinn leis an maoiniú atá aici na Comhpháirtíochta Taighde agus Forbartha Stáit faoina cláir taighde iomaíocha a úsáid le cur ar chumas Aontaithe Mheiriceá-na hÉireann sa bhliain 2017 lucht taighde in Éirinn a bheith rannpháirteach i agus beidh torthaí na Gairme sin ar eolas againn sa gcomhpháirtíochtaí comhoibríocha trasnáisiúnta bhliain 2018. trína Líonraí Réimsí Taighde Eorpacha (ERA-Nets) roghnaithe agus tríd an gClár Chomhpháirtíochta sa Horizon 2020 Talmhaíocht SA-Éire. Creatchlár um Thaighde agus um Nuálaíocht an AE is ea Horizon 2020 (2014-20). Tá an Roinn agus Foras Ar bhuaicphointe suntasach sa bhliain 2017, bhí an na Mara (MI) freagrach as clár maoinithe Horizon Tionscnamh Comhchláreagraithe ar Thalmhaíocht, 2020, Dúshlán Sochaíoch 2 (SC-2) ag a bhfuil ciste de Slándáil Bia agus Athrú Aeráide’ (FACCE-JPI) an €3.8 billiún – lena n-áirítear €850m atá leithdháilte do AE a thug 14 de na ballstáit le chéile i Líonra an Chomhghnóthais Thionscail bunaithe ar Bhithmhais Réimse Taighde Eorpach Cofund le Monatóireacht (BBI). Cuireann an Roinn agus an MI Ionadaithe agus Maolú a dhéanamh ar Ghás Ceaptha Teasa ó Náisiúnta (ND) agus Pointí Teagmhála Náisiúnta (NCP) thalmhaíocht agus ó fhoraoiseacht (ERA-GAS). Bhí ar fáil do SC-2 a chlúdaíonn gníomhaíochtaí Agraibhia, ról lárnach ag an tír seo, trí Teagasc agus tríd an Foraoiseachta agus Mara, Forbairt Tuaithe agus an Roinn araon ó thaobh comhordú, bainistíocht agus Bhitheacnamaíocht agus cuireann siad ionadaí ar fáil meastóireacht próisis don Ghairm seo ar a raibh freisin do Ghrúpa Ionadaíochta Stáit BBI. Bhí sprioc toradh de €14.1m de mhaoiniú do dheich gcinn tarraingthe anuas náisiúnta de €1.25 billiún socraithe
55 Taighde agus Nuálaíocht
ag an Rialtas do Horizon 2020 lena n-áirítear an Na Comhpháirtíochtaí Nuálaíochta sprioc tarraingthe anuas de €77m (2%) ó bhuiséad Eorpacha an SC2, a raibh Éire ar tí é a bhaint amach faoin Déanann tionscnamh an EIP maoiniú ar chomhoibriú mbliain 2017. B’ionann tarraingt anuas na hÉireann ó idir na geallsealbhóirí difriúla, lena n-áirítear, chláir mhaoinithe BBI & SC-2 don bhliain 2017 agus feirmeoirí, lucht taighde, comhairleoirí agus gnólachtaí €2milliún. a dhéanann suas an Grúpa Oibríochta a thugann feirmeoirí, lucht taighde, comhairleoirí agus gnólachtaí Codex Alimentarius agraibhia le chéile le réitigh nuálaíochta do dhúshláin Lean rannpháirtíocht na hÉireann in Codex le linn áirithe a aithint. na bliana 2017. Lean an Roinn orthu freisin ag oibriú Choiste Comhairliúcháin Codex na hÉireann (ICAC) I mí Lúnasa na bliana 2017, eisíodh an dara in 2017, rud a thug deis do na príomhpháirtithe ceann de dhá Ghairm Oscailte faoi Thionscnamh leasmhara in Éirinn a bheith rannpháirteach i na gComhpháirtíochtaí Nuálaíochta Eorpacha bhfoirmliú staid na hÉireann ar shaincheisteanna (EIP). Fuair an Roinn seasca a naoi togra faoi mhí Codex. Sa bhliain 2016, rinne oifigigh ón Roinn, Deireadh Fómhair 2017 do bhreithniú an choiste ó Ranna Stáit agus ó Ghníomhaireachtaí eile Stáit meastóireachta. ionadaíocht ar Éirinn ag na 8 seisiún de Choistí Codex dhifriúla agus ag 16 cruinniú a bhain le Páirtí Oibre Tá pacáiste maoinithe foriomlán €24 milliún curtha ar Comhairle an AE ag léiriú an mheascáin saineolais leataobh chun tacú le EIP’nna faoin dá Ghairm seo. a bhfuil gá leis chun déileáil leis an raon casta saincheisteanna atá faoi chaibidil. Rinne an Roinn ranníocaíocht suntasach de €500,000 le Comhchiste Iontaobhais Codex FAO/WHO. Tacaíonn Ciste Iontaobhais Codex le tíortha atá i mbéal forbartha agus tíortha atá ag athrú chun cur le hacmhainneacht náisiúnta atá láidir, leanúnach agus inbhuanaithe chun a bheith rannpháirteach i ngníomhaíochtaí Codex.
56 57 An Earnáil Bia agus Dí
Forléargas iarratais, agus chun léiriú spéise atá ann cheana féin a Lean an earnáil agraibhia le ról ríthábhachtach a chur chun cinn. I láthair na huaire tá 7 GI cláraithe in bheith aici i ngeilleagar na hÉireann sa bhliain 2017, Éirinn - Oriel Sea Salt (PDO) agus Oriel Sea Minerals le honnmhairithe agraibhia arbh ionann iad agus 11% (PDO), Blaa/Waterford Blaa (PGI), Connemara Hill d’onnmhairithe iomlána, €13.6 billiún ar an iomlán Lamb (PGI), Clare Island Salmon (PGI), Imokilly Regato arbh ionann é agus 74% ón mbliain 2009. Bhí an (PDO), agus an Timoleague Brown Pudding (PGI). Ríocht Aontaithe fós ar an gceann scríbe ba mhó Tá Comhairliúchán Náisiúnta tugtha chun críche ag d’onnmhairithe na hÉireann, le honnmhairithe de €5.2 an iarratas atá istigh ag an Sneem Black Pudding billiún ar an iomlán in 2017 nó 38% d’onnmhairithe agus tá siad ag feitheamh ar chlárú PGI ach an iomlána (7% ardú ar 2016). Bhí onnmhairithe chuig Comhairliúchán Eorpach a bheith tugtha chun an AE (gan an RA san áireamh) agus go dtí an Chuid críche acu. eile den Domhan araon thart ar luach iomlán de Rialachán AE 110/2008 a chur i bhfeidhm €4.2 billiún in 2017, agus b’ionann an dá cheann le chéile agus 31% d’onnmhairithe iomlána. Ar na – cuairteanna fíoraithe trí phríomhchatagóir sa bhliain 2017, bhí Táirgí Tar éis iarratas a chur faoi bhráid an Choimisiúin Déiríochta, Mairteoil agus Deochanna arbh ionann iad Eorpaigh maidir le comhaid teicniúla do na trí agus os cionn €8 billiún de na honnmhairithe iomlána thásc geografacha (GI’nna) na hÉireann - Uachtar ar fud an domhain. Chuir earnáil an agraibhia cion Éireannach, Poitín na hÉireann agus Uisce Beatha suntasach le fostaíocht, 8.6% den fhostaíocht iomlán Éireannach – bunaíodh córas fíoraithe sainoiriúnaithe nó 173,400 post, agus is i gceantair thuaithe a bhí a sa bhliain 2015. Tugann an Roinn faoi sheiceálacha bhformhór sin. fíoraithe d’Uachtar Éireannach agus tugann na Coimisinéirí Ioncaim faoi sheiceálacha fíoraithe do Deochanna Biotáilleacha Phoitín na hÉireann agus d’Uisce Beatha Éireannach. Tá cosaint á fháil ag na trí dheoch biotáilleacha ar Buaicphointí na bliana 2017 bhonn uile-oileánda. Lean onnmhairithe Uisce Beatha na hÉireann ag fás sa bhliain 2017 agus sháraigh €575m den chéad uair Ní mór d’áitreabh atá bainteach le táirgeadh, aibiú, riamh a chiallaigh fás carnach de 100% na catagóire buidéalú agus lipéadú na ndeochanna biotáilleacha sin sna cúig bliana ón mbliain 2012. Ar an margadh is iarratais ar fhíorúchán a dhéanamh. Éilítear táille faoi tábhachtaí bhí na Stáit Aontaithe. Rialachán 110/2008 ar na cuairteanna seo.
Uisce Beatha na hÉireann 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Onnmhairithe Iomlána €m 276,032 316,916 348,067 442,427 503,764 576,189 Onnmhairithe chuig na Stáit Aontaithe €m 122,129 147,161 165,397 233,343 291,049 340,866
I gcomhar le honnmhairithe Uachtar Éireannaigh, Sa bhliain 2017, fuair an Roinn iarratais ó shé áitreabh arbh ionann luach dóibh agus €326m, chiallaigh sé a bhí bainteach le táirgeadh Uachtar Éireannacha, sin gur chuir deochanna biotáilleacha na hÉireann agus thug na Coimisinéirí Ioncaim faoi sheiceálacha ranníocaíocht ollmhór le feidhmíocht onnmhairithe fíoraithe ar dhaichead áitreabh Uisce Beatha Éireann. tionscal bia agus dí na hÉireann. Chomh maith leis sin thug siad faoi sheiceálacha fíoraithe ar aon áitreabh déag a bhí ag déanamh Poitín Scéimeanna Tásca Geografacha i gcomhair na hÉireann. Bia (GI’nna) An Ciste Iomaíochta Bia Laistigh den AE tugann scéimeanna an PDO (Sonrúchán Tionscnaimh faoi Chosaint), an PGI Cuireann an Roinn maoiniú ar fáil trí Fhiontraíocht (Tásc Cosanta Geografach) agus TSG (Speisialtachtaí Éireann chun cuidiú le cuideachtaí bia feabhas a chur Traidisiúnta faoi Ráthaíocht) an deis chun bianna ar iomaíocht trí: cáilithe a bhfuil ceangal acu le réigiún geografach a aithint. Le linn na bliana 2017, d’oibrigh an Roinn i (i) cláir dhéantúsaíochta caola gcomhair le líon togróirí chun forbairt a dhéanamh ar (ii) Forbairt ceannaireachta ag leibhéal CEO agus an
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2ú leibhéal bainistíochta Tá líon Clár ar siúl i láthair na huaire; “Milk Moments”; (iii) Oiliúint agus “Cheese Up Your Life”; European Lamb “Tasty Easy (iv) Dearbháin nuálaíochta de €5,000 a úsáideann Fun” Potato – “More than a bit on the side” agus an cuideachtaí chun coimisiúnú a dhéanamh European Beef and Lamb – “Excellence in Food Safety & ar thaighde ó ollscoileanna, ó Teagasc agus Sustainability” Institiúidí TeicneolaíochtaTeagasc and Institutes of Technology. Clár Food Dudes /Scéim Scoile Torthaí agus Glasraí Bhí caiteachas €1.95 milliún ar na bearta seo sa Clár athraithe iompair dreasaithe atá bunaithe ar bhliain 2017, íoslaghdú ón mbliain 2016. Tugtar fhianaise atá sa Chlár Food Dudes atá forbartha ag an tionscadail mhóra chun críche thar aon bhliain amháin Food and Activity Research Unit, Ollscoil Bangor, sa nó níos faide. Bhreatain Bheag. Déanann Bord Bia bainistíocht agus maoirseacht ar chlár Food Dudes, faoina dhualgas Scéim Infheistíochta Caipitil do Mhairteoil gairneoireachta, ó rinneadh an clár a leathadh amach agus do Chaoireoil den chéad uair sa tír seo sa bhliain 2005. Is é clár Ba €2.46 milliún na híocaíochtaí iarmharacha faoin feidhmithe na Roinne Talmhaíochta/na hÉireann é Scéim sa bhliain 2017, atá á bainistiú ag Fiontraíocht maidir le Scéim Scoile Torthaí agus Glasraí an AE agus Éireann agus á maoiniú ag an Roinn. Is ardú suntasach tá sé á fheidhmiú in Éirinn trí mhaoiniú AE seo ón atá i gceist anseo ó bhlianta roimhe seo mar go bhfuil mbliain 2009. Tá sé mar aidhm le Food Dudes cur le na tionscadail go léir beagnach críochnaithe faoin tomhaltas torthaí agus glasraí i measc leanaí bunscoile tráth seo. Rinneadh infheistíochtaí faoin scéim, a bhí trí ghlasraí agus torthaí a bhlaiseadh arís agus arís roghnaithe ar bhonn iomaíochta, le feabhas a chur eile thar thréimhse idirghabhála 16 lá, le tacaíocht ó ar éifeachtúlacht agus le luach a chur le próiseáil bhearta a ghabhann leis i bhfoirm eiseamláirí (Laochra phríomhúil. Food Dudes) agus duaiseanna beaga. Le linn na scoilbhliana 2016/17, ghlac 129,019 leanbh agus 825 Clár Cur Chun Cinn AE do Tháirgí scoil páirt sa chlár. Talmhaíochta An Scéim Bainne Scoile Réimeas an AE Tá an Scéim Bainne Scoile ag feidhmiú in Éirinn ón mbliain 1982 agus é mar aidhm léi ól an bhainne i Tá sé mar aidhm leis an mbeartas nua (2016), lena measc leanaí scoile a spreagadh agus a chur chun lipéad ‘Bain Sásamh as, Is ón Eoraip é’ chun cuidiú cinn. Tá an Scéim Bainne Scoile á reáchtáil agus an le comhlachtaí agrathrádála margaí nua a oscailt Roinn agus á bainistiú ag an gComhairle Náisiúnta agus éagsúlú a dhéanamh ar chomhpháirtithe Déiríochta le tacaíocht airgeadais ón AE. Ón mbliain trádála chomh maith le cur le feasacht tomhaltóra ar 2017, tá an Scéim Bainne Scoile comhcheangailte leis iarrachtaí fheirmeoirí an AE. Tá maoiniú AE idir 50% an Scéim Scoile Torthaí agus Glasraí rud a chiallaíonn go 70% ar fáil, le maoiniú roghnach náisiúnta de 20 %. Scéim atá níos feabhsaithe agus níos éifeachtaí.
Eisíodh gairmeacha togra i mí Feabhra 2017 agus rinne an Ghníomhaireacht nua Feidhmiúcháin Bia Ceardaí, Bia Áitiúil agus Sainbhia Tomhaltóra, Sláinte, Talmhaíochta agus Bia (CHAFEA) Sa bhliain 2017, cuireadh forbairt bhia ceardaí, bhia meastóireacht ar aighneachtaí. Bhí togra Bord áitiúil agus sainbhia chun cinn trí bhearta ar thug Bia arbh ionann luach dó agus €2.025m do chlár an Roinn, Bord Bia agus Teagasc tacaíocht dóibh. Muisiriúin sa Ríocht Aontaithe agus in Éirinn i measc Rinne an Roinn maoiniú de €32,400 i sparánachtaí cláir a roghnaíodh do mhaoiniú ar cuireadh tús leis i ar 18 mac léinn a bhí ag bualadh faoin Dioplóma mí Eanáir 2018. Mar gheall gur clár gníomhaireachta bliantúil i dTáirgeadh Sainbhia ag Coláiste na aonair atá i gceist, beidh an Roinn ag feidhmiú mar hOllscoile Corcaigh. Freastalaítear sa Dioplóma ar ghníomhaireacht íocaíochta AE. Beidh cláir il- na scileanna atá molta i FoodWise 2025. Déanann Bhallstáit á mbainistiú ag CHAFEA. sé comhcheangal ar thuiscint a fháil ar na dúshláin a bhaineann le fiontar beag bia a chruthú, ar na scileanna a bhfuil gá leo chun go mbeadh rath ar
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ghnó agus ar ghnéithe riachtanacha eolaíochta bia. (i) Curtha ar an eolas ag léargas tomhaltóra Áirítear i measc na mic léinn, táirgeoirí sainbhia, (ii) Cumasaithe ag daoine a bhfuil meas orthu, ag feirmeoirí ar mhaith leo luach a chur lena dtáirge buanna agus ag bonneagar feirme, miondíoltóirí ar mhaith leo leathnú amach (iii) Tacaíocht ó Origin Green mar tháirgeoirí ar bhia orgánach agus bia ceardaí, (iv) Curtha i gcrích trí bhealaí éifeachtacha chuig bialanna agus cócairí. Chuir Teagasc, Bord Bia agus an margaí agus gnóthaí méadaithe FSAI modúil ar mhargaíocht, ar eolaíocht bhia agus ar (v) Le tacaíocht ó chumarsáid bhranda láidir san aois shábháilteacht bhia ar fáil. dhigiteach
Ceadaíodh maoiniú sa bhliain 2016 do ceithre bliana, Na Scéimeanna um Ráthaíocht suas go dtí 2019-2020, cuirfidh sé sin feabhas ar Inbhuanaithe phleanáil straitéiseach. Rinneadh forbairt ar mhodúl Ritheann Bord Bia Scéimeanna um Ráthaíocht inbhuanaitheachta don bhliain 2017-2018. Inbhuanaithe do mhairteoil, uaineoil, déirí, muiceoil, éineoil, uibheacha agus gairneoireacht. Tugann Lipéadú lógó Cháilíocht Bhord Bia le fios go bhfuil táirgí Leag Rialacháin AE amach rialacha lipéadaithe ar táirgthe ar shonraíocht QA agus cuireann sé sin an fhíonta, deochanna biotáilleacha, fíonta cumhraithe, t-ardán ar fáil chun feasacht tomhaltóra a chur chun sú torthaí, caife, seacláid, subha, glóthacha agus cinn agus a ardú. Oibríonn Bord Bia go leanúnach marmaláidí chun barántúlacht a chinntiú agus chun chun caighdeáin nua a fhorbairt, chun caighdeáin custaiméirí agus táirgeoirí araon a chosaint. Le linn atá ann cheana a fheabhsú agus chun iniúchadh na bliana 2017, thug an Roinn faoi sheiceálacha ag agus deimhniúchán tráthúil agus éifeachtach ar leibhéal miondíola lena chinntiú go raibh na lipéid bhaill scéimeanna QA a chinntiú. Éilíonn cosaint a táirge ag teacht leis na Rialacháin sin agus le ceanglais dhéanamh ar ionracas na scéimeanna athbhreithniú lipéadú ginearálta mar a fhorordaítear sna Rialacháin leanúnach agus feabhsú córais go háirithe nuair a ar Fhaisnéis Bhia a sholáthar do Thomhaltóirí. D’aithin thógtar an comhaltas ard agus aitheantas tionscal díospóireachtaí laistigh den AE, ceardlanna eolais agus poiblí san áireamh. tionscanta, seimineáir agus cúrsaí oiliúna, go raibh cruthúnas láidir ann go raibh ardú agus leathnú ag Athainmníodh an Scéim um Dhearbhú Cáilíochta teacht ar chalaois idirlín in aghaidh táirgí cláraithe Mhairteoil agus ar Uaineoil (BLQAS) mar an Scéim PDO agus PGI san earnáil Bia agus Dí. Bhí an Roinn um Ráthaíocht Inbhuanaithe ar Mhairteoil agus ar réamhghníomhach ó thaobh scrúdú a dhéanamh Uaineoil (SBLAS) i mí Aibreán 2017, rud a léirigh ar mífhaisnéis a d’fhéadfadh a bheith ar láithreáin líon bearta inbhuanaithe. Faigheann Origin Green gréasáin agus ar mheáin shóisialta Éireannacha. Bhí (clár ianbhuanaitheachta na hÉireann don tionscal comhoibriú agus aitheantas ó chomhghleacaithe bia agus dí), ag leibhéal feirme, tacaíocht ón Scéim i mBallstáit eile mar thoradh air seo. Tá comhordú um Ráthaíocht Inbhuanaithe ar Mhairteoil agus ar déanta ag an Roinn freisin ar fhreagraí il- Uaineoil, a chuimsíonn líon bearta inbhuanaitheachta. ghníomhaireachta ar iarratais agus ar fhiosruithe ó Rinneadh forbairt ar shamhail le lorg carbóin ar Bhallstáit eile. fheirmeacha a thomhas a fhorbairt sa bhliain 2011 i gcomhar le Teagasc agus leis an Iontaobhas Bord Bia Carbóin agus tá stádas PAS 2050 PAS 2050 (Córais Thug Bord Bia tacaíocht maidir le léargas agus a Dhaingnítear go Poiblí) aige seo. Is é seo an chéad saineolas margaidh do chomhlachtaí bia agus dí chlár QA náisiúnta ar bhonn domhanda le rianú a de chuid na hÉireann nuair a bhíodar ag iarraidh dhéanamh ar chritéir chomhshaoil comhthreomhar caidreamh trádála fadtéarmach a thógáil i margaí le monatóireacht rialta QA. Tugadh faoi chigireacht onnmhairithe sa Ríocht Aontaithe, ar mhór-roinn na feirme gach 18 mí. Tá forbairt déanta ag Teagasc hEorpa agus go hidirnáisiúnta. Leagtar amach i gcreat ar Threoraí Carbóin freisin atá in ann cúnamh straitéiseach Bord Bia “Making a World of Difference a thabhairt d’fheirmeoirí lena lorg carbóin agus 2016-2018” cúig philéar ag tacú le cláir agus seirbhísí, lena gcostais táirgeachta a aithint agus a laghdú. rud a chuirfidh le spriocanna onnmhairithe Food Wise Tá sé seo á leathadh amach faoi láthair faoin 2025 a sheachadadh. Orthu sin tá: Scéim Géanómaíochta Mairteola. Tá na bearta
59 An Earnáil Bia agus Dí
inbhuanaitheachta i Scéim QA Mairteola Bhord Faoi dheireadh na bliana 2017, bhí os cionn 570 Bhia lárnach ó thaobh na tosaíochta a thugann na cuideachta cláraithe le Origin Green, agus tá 272 acu cuideachtaí móra ceannaigh ag baile agus thar lear seo fíoraithe go hiomlán ina gcomhaltaí, arbh ionann d’inbhuanaitheacht. iad agus os cionn 90% d’onnmhairithe bia agus dí. Ciallaíonn sé seo go bhfuil siad tiomanta do sé sprioc Fuair an Scéim maoiniú de €6.1m ón Roinn sa bhliain inbhuanaitheachta ar a laghad faoi Chairt Origin 2017 le cigireacht agus deimhnithe neamhspleácha Green agus tá a gcuid pleananna inbhuanaitheachta a mhaoiniú. Faoi dheireadh na bliana 2017 – bhí fíoraithe go neamhspleách ag iniúchóirí idirnáisiúnta 51,554 tréad deimhnithe, arbh ionann é agus os SGS. Déantar athbhreithniú ar bhonn bliantúil ar cionn 90% de thréada mairteola na hÉireann. Tá an an dul chun cinn atá á dhéanamh acu lena chinntiú scéim cumraithe freisin le caighdeán idirnáisiúnta go bhfuil a gcuid spriocanna á mbaint amach acu. ISO 17065 a bhaint amach le creidiúnú agus fíorú Chomh maith le táirgeoirí agus lucht próiseála, neamhspleách Bhord Náisiúnta na hÉireann um tá sé chomhalta fíoraithe ag Origin Green ina Chreidiúnú (INAB). chlár sheirbhíse miondíola agus bia: Lidl Ireland, Musgraves, Sodexo Ireland, McDonalds Ireland, Origin Green Compass Ireland agus HMS Host Ireland. Oibríonn clár inbhuanaitheachta Origin Green ar scála náisiúnta, agus ceanglaíonn sé an earnáil bhia agus dí ar fad le chéile agus is clár tábhachtach insoláthartha de Food Wise 2025 é. Cuimsíonn Origin Green bearta próiseála a chinntíonn go bhfuil an t-eolas agus an creat ag comhlachtaí chun cleachtais inbhuanaithe a fheabhsú.
60 61 Príomhtháirgíocht
FEOIL Eisíodh an chéad réamhíocaíocht faoin scéim i mí na Samhna 2017. Íocadh €16 milliún le Táirgeadh agus Trádáil Mairteola 20,685 rannpháirtí agus b’ionann é sin agus ráta Léirigh margadh mairteola na bliana 2017 feidhmíocht réamhíocaíochta de 85%. Eiseofar íocaíochtaí fheabhsaithe shuntasach i gcomparáid leis an mbliain comhardaithe sa dara ráithe de 2018. 2016. Tháinig ardú 1.7% ar onnmhairithe Mairteola i dtéarmaí méid agus ardú 5% go €2.5bn i téarmaí luach. Is ionann an scéim agus aitheantas soiléir ar an gcion a chuireann earnáil na caoireola le hearnáil agraibhia Aisiompaíodh le linn na bliana 2017 an treocht anuas na hÉireann, tháinig ardú 3% de réir méid agus 4% in onnmhairithe ainmhithe beo a raibh taifeadadh i dtéarmaí luacha go €240 milliún ar onnmhairithe déantar air in 2016. Meastar gur tháinig ardú 21% caoireola sa bhliain 2016, agus thug tacaíocht in 2017 go €175m ar an onnmhairiú beostoic go dhíreach do 35,000 teaghlach feirme, chomh maith léir, agus bhí €115m acu sin síos don mhargadh leis na mílte post a chruthú go hindíreach i gceantair eallach beo. Suas go dtí mí na Nollag 2017, sheas thuaithe. onnmhairithe eallach ag beagnach 181,000 cloigeann, arbh ionann é agus ardú de 34%, nó 46,000 Tá foráil déanta faoi Chlár um Fhorbairt Tuaithe cloigeann, ar leibhéal na bliana 2016. Bhí tionchar (RDP) 2014-2020 d’fheabhas a chur ar éifeachtúlacht a bhí thar a bheith dearfach ag oscailt mhargadh na agus ar bhrabúsacht táirgeadh caorach faoin mbeart Tuirce sa bhliain 2017 air seo. Aistrithe Eolas ag a bhfuil buiséad de €100m. Chuir taithí an Chláir Teicneolaíochta Uchtú Caoireola Beartas Forbartha Mairteola (STAP) eolas ar fáil d’fhorbairt an bhirt seo. Chomh maith le brabúsacht, tá béim ar na buncheisteanna i Rinne an tAire Creed óstach ar an Fhóram Mairteola scileanna gnó, inbhuanaitheacht timpeallachta agus le linn na bliana 2017 le príomhgheallsealbhóirí ó sláinte na dtréad, le caidreamh níos mó idir feirmeoirí earnáil mairteola na hÉireann le plé a dhéanamh ar an aonair agus comhairleoirí chun malartú eolais a chur mbealach is fearr lena chinntiú go seasfaidh an earnáil in oiriúint. Seoladh an Chláir Aistriú Eolais d’earnáil an aimsir trí chur chuige comhtháite a cheapadh chun na caoireola in 2016. Bhí os cionn 4,000 feirmeoir dul i ngleic le dúshláin leanúnacha. rannpháirteach i mBliain a hAon den Chlár Aistrithe Eolais maidir le Caoirigh a thugadh chun críche i mí Cuireadh Ionstraim Reachtúil 49 de 2016 a rialaíonn Lúnasa 2017. Eagraíochtaí Táirgeoirí atá ceadaithe ag an Roinn, i bhfeidhm ar mhaithe le comhoibriú ag leibhéal táirgeora a spreagadh chun cur le cumhacht mhargála. Rochtain Margaidh 2017 Rinneadh dul chun cinn suntasach ar raon leathan An Earnáil Caorach saincheisteanna maidir le rochtain margaidh sa bhliain 2017, lena n-áirítear: Bhain líon na gcaorach an líon is airde le deich mbliana amach ag 2.94 milliún cloigeann in 2017. • Athoscailt margadh na hÉigipte do mhairteoil na Tháinig ardú 14% go 57,000 tonna ar mhéideanna hÉireann ó líon bunaíochtaí onnmhairithe caoireola, chomh maith le titim bheag • Síniú an Prótacail maidir le honnmhairiú mairteoil i bpraghsanna, a chiallaigh fás foriomlán de 12% dhíchnámhaithe reoite ó Éirinn chun na Síne, idir i dtéarmaí luacha go dtí beagnach €275m. Tá an an tAire Creed agus Aire an AQSIQ, Zhi Shuping, i Fhrainc agus an Ríocht Aontaithe fós ar na margaí is mBaile Átha Cliath i mí Aibreáin mó do chaoireoil na hÉireann. • Comhaontú do theastas sláinte tréidliachta agus cead do mhonarchana muiceola, Muiceoil Tugadh an chéad bhliain den Scéim um Leas na Fuaraithe/Reoite a onnmhairiú ó Éirinn chun na gCaorach chun críche sa bhliain 2017, bhí an Scéim Sile seo san áireamh i gClár an Rialtais agus seoladh í mí • Athbhreithniú ar theastas sláinte tréidliachta le na Nollag 2016. Soláthraíonn an Scéim tacaíocht de mairteoil a onnmhairiú chuig Singeapór. Déanann €10 in aghaidh na caorach d’fheirmeoirí atá ag tógáil an teastas nua foráil d’onnmhairiú mairteoil tréada caorach agus beidh an scéim ar siúl ar feadh 4 dhíchnámhaithe atá díorthaithe ó eallach in bliana go dtí an bhliain 2020. Déantar athnuachan ar aoisghrúpaí éagsúla chomh maith le mairteoil ar an scéim ar bhonn bliantúil.
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an gcnámh ó eallach nach lú ná tríocha mí d’aois. ar imthosca teastasaithe ar tháirgí feola agus • Comhaontú do theastas sláinte tréidliachta ar tháirgí eile athbhreithnithe d’onnmhairiú mairteola ó Éirinn • Tá clár treisithe misin trádála faoi bhealach go dtí an Araib Shádach. Clúdóidh an teastas le bia agus dí na hÉireann a chur chun cinn nua onnmhairiú mairteola agus táirgí próiseáilte ar mhargaí AE agus ar mhargaí tríú tír. Bhí mairteola, lena n-áirítear mairteoil mionaithe agus rochtain margadh feola mar chomhchuid mairteoil cócaráilte. suntasach de thrí Mhisean Trádála Aireachta • Comhaontú do theastas sláinte tréidliachta sa bhliain 2017 chuig Stáit Arabacha na d’onnmhairiú ruipleoige reoite de bhunús Murascaille, SAM agus Meicsiceo agus chuig buaibheach ó Éirinn chun na Namaibe. an tSeapáin agus an Chóiré Theas. Cuireadh • Thángthas ar chomhaontú le hÚdaráis na iarratas ar rochtain muiceola i Meicsiceo hAfraice Theas maidir le líon athruithe ar an faoi bhráid, tá iarratas ar rochtain caoireola teastas d’onnmhairiú mairteola ó Éirinn chun na chun na Seapáine faoi bhealach chomh maith hAfraice Theas. Níl ceanglas ann níos mó maidir leis an dul chun cinn mall ach dul chun cinn le hainmhithe a bheith os cionn 72 mí d’aois agus atá seasmhach freisin maidir le rochtain a bheith tástáilte ó thaobh BSE. mairteola chun na Cóiré Theas. • Rinneadh óstach ar chúig chigireacht isteach ar an iomlán ar rochtain margaidh ar éirigh go maith Muiceoil leo sa bhliain 2017 mar a leanas: Bhí bliain sheasmhach ag earnáil na muiceola sa • An tSeapáin – Feabhra 2017 maidir le bhliain 2017 tráth ar tháinig fás ar luach iomlán go dtí caoireoil agus le mairteoil €790 milliún; ardú 8% ar an mbliain 2016. Tá fianaise • An Chóiré Theas – Meitheamh 2017 maidir shoiléir ann go bhfuil treo agus fócas cruinn straitéisí le rochtain mairteola Fómhar Bia 2020 agus Food Wise 2025 mar bhonn • An tSín (CNCA) – Lúnasa/Meán Fómhair taca leis an fhás ar luachanna onnmhairithe ó €330 2017 maidir le rochtain mairteola milliún in 2010, arbh ionann é agus fás de beagnach • SAM (FSIS) – Meán Fómhair 2017 maidir le 140% thar thréimhse ocht mbliana. rochtain mairteola agus muiceola • An tSile – Samhain 2017 maidir le rochtain Tháinig fás 8% go €445 milliún an bhliain seo caite ar mairteola thrádáil chuig an Ríocht Aontaithe, atá ar an gceann • Bhí na cuairteanna cigireachta seo go léir scríbe táirgí muiceola is mó atá ag an tír seo. Bhí fás ríthábhachtach ó thaobh cothabháil a dhéanamh margaí tríú tír – arbh ionann é agus 25% den luach ar rochtain margaidh atá ann cheana féin nó iomlán anois – láidir freisin, tháinig ardú go €199 chun rochtain margaidh nua a lorg. Mar shampla, milliún air sin. Tá an tSín ar an margadh tríú tír is mó rinneadh dul chun cinn suntasach feadh an anois le honnmhairithe de €102 milliún; fás faoi thrí ar bhealaigh i dtreo rochtain margaidh mairteola luach ón mbliain 2012. chun na Síne, lena n-áirítear, síniú Prótacal Aireachta agus cuairt cigireachta CNCA araon. Tháinig ardú 1.2% go beagnach 3.3 milliún cloigeann • In Aibreán na bliana 2017, sheol an tAire Plean ar sholáthairtí muca na hÉireann i monarchana Gníomhaíochta 7 bPointe maidir le hiarrachtaí ar onnmhairithe feola i gcomparáid leis an mbliain 2016. rochtain margaidh a Neartú agus cuireadh tús le Bhí meáchan conablaigh níos airde mar thoradh ar an hobair ar raon de na gníomhaíochtaí seo: meascán d’fheabhsúcháin géiniteacha chomh maith • Thug Bord Bia faoi chleachtadh ollmhór le praghsanna táirgeora a bhí níos láidre ar feadh atá bunaithe ar phróifíliú margaidh sonraí- na bliana ar fad beagnach. Bhí táirgeadh muiceola bhunaithe do mhargaí tríú tír a d’fhéadfadh foriomlán thart ar 4% níos airde ag 277,000 tonna a bheith ann d’onnmhairithe na hÉireann. mar thoradh air sin. Seoladh na chéad torthaí ag comhdháil Food Wise i mí na Nollag agus cuideoidh Ó thaobh praghas, ba bhliain mheasctha don sé le heolas a chur ar fáil d’obair ar rochtain earnáil a bhí sa bhliain 2017, nuair a tháinig titim margaidh na Roinne. ar phraghsanna ag tarraingt le deireadh na bliana, • Cuireadh tús le hobair ar thairseach láithreán le moilliú ar éileamh ón tSín agus nuair a bhain na gréasán le heolas ar rochtain margaidh agus Stáit Aontaithe buaicphointe amach. Táthar ag súil
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go dtiocfaidh cobhsú ar éileamh na Síne sa bhliain Ghlaineacht Bia agus Caighdeán Margaíochta. 2018 de réir mar a théann athchumraíocht earnáil na sa bhliain 2017, cuireadh 297 sampla ubh chun muiceola sa tSín i dtreise. saotharlainne le hanailísí éagsúla a dhéanamh orthu.
Bhí éileamh muiceola ar an margadh baile fós láidir Faoi dheireadh na bliana 2017, bhí 248 aonad ubh agus bhí caitheamh muiceola i measc tomhaltóirí na chirce cláraithe leis an Roinn seo, ardú de bheagán ar hÉireann suas 1% ar an mbliain 2016. Cuirfidh fás fhigiúr na bliana 2016. i margaí AE, áit ar tháinig fás ar éileamh ar tháirgí de chuid na hÉireann chomh hard le 30% le linn na Achoimre ar na Catagóirí Táirgeora Ubh Chirce bliana 2017, deiseanna ar fáil freisin chun éagsúlacht Reatha in 2017 margaidh a chur chun cinn le maolú a dhéanamh ar na Catagóir Aonaid Iomlán hiarmhairtí a d’fhéadfadh a bheith ag Brexit. Táirgeora Ubh Chláraithe Áiteanna Chirce Reatha Cearca Grúpa Straitéis Feidhmiú Muc Saor-Raon 172 42% Bhí ceithre chruinniú ag an nGrúpa Straitéis Feidhmiú Muc le linn na bliana 2017. Déanann an grúpa, Cás Saibhrithe 36 54% atá faoi chathaoirleacht an Dochtúra Seán Brady, Orgánach 33 3% maoirseacht ar fheidhmiú na moltaí atá leagtha Scioból 7 1% amach i dtuarascáil na bliana 2016 Ghrúpa Pháirtithe Iomlán 248 100% Leasmhara Thionscal na Muc. Tugann an tuarascáil, ina bhfuil os cionn 60 moladh, aghaidh ar líon dúshláin Sa bhliain 2017, lean comhlachtaí ubh Éireannacha ar d’earnáil na muc faoi raon leathan téamaí, lena aghaidh ag fáil níos mó rochtain margadh d’uibheacha n-áirítear, Bithshlándáil, Sláinte agus Leas Ainmnithe, chearca i dtríú tíortha sa Mheánoirthear. Bhí 269 Dearbhú Cáilíochta, Cógais Tréidliachta agus Smacht coinsíneacht (níos mó ná 7 milliún ubh) d’uibheacha Salmonella. cearca Éireannacha onnmhairithe lena ndíol ag leibhéal miondíola i dtíortha an Mheánoirthir. Clár Smachta Salmonella i Muca Faoin gClár Smachta Salmonella i Muca tógtar samplaí Tá os cionn 800 feirm bainteach le táirgeadh éineoil ag monarchana ar bhonn míosúil ó gach táirgeoir muc ar bhonn tráchtála in Éirinn, agus é sin briste síos a chuireann os cionn 200 muc ar fáil ina aghaidh na idir éanlaithe le haghaidh feola, táirgeadh uibheacha, bliana lena marú. Tógadh beagnach 20,500 sampla ó feirmeacha póraithe agus gorlanna. Tacaíonn an 361 tréad le linn na bliana 2017 agus rinneadh iad a tionscal le thart ar 6,000 post, i gceantair thuaithe go thástáil ar mhaithe le torthaí a bhí suas chun dáta a príomha. sholáthar d’fheirmeoirí agus don lucht próiseála araon maidir le salmonella sa tréad. Maraíodh os 95.5 milliún éan i monarchana onnmhairithe ceadaithe le linn na bliana 2017, ba sicíní a bhí in 87 milliún acu sin. Is ionann é seo ÉINEOIL AGUS UIBHEACHA agus ardú 5.25% i dtáirgeadh i gcomparáid leis an mbliain 2016. Tháinig ardú os cionn 22% in 2017 ar Féachann an clár maidir le rialú oifigiúil Éineoil na onnmhairithe ubh de réir luacha freisin. Roinne, le comhlíonadh Oibreoirí Ghnó Bia (FBO’nna) le sábháilteacht bia agus reachtaíocht barántúlachta Tá táirgí éanlaithe á n-onnmhairiú ag an tír seo anois an AE a fhíorú. chuig beagnach 40 margadh idirnáisiúnta agus tháinig ardú 4.5% go €295m in 2017 ar luach onnmhairithe. Tá rialuithe oifigiúla á gcur i bhfeidhm ar tháirgeoirí Is ionann margadh na Ríochta Aontaithe agus os cionn ubh agus ar tháirgeoirí éineoil trí chigireacht Oibreoirí 80% den mhéid agus den luach a onnmhairítear, cé Ghnó Bia (FBO’nna) ar mhaithe le comhlíontacht le gur tháinig athrú anuas de bheagán ar an bhfigiúr sábháilteacht bia agus le reachtaíocht barántúlachta sin sa bhliain 2017 a thug le tuiscint go raibh roinnt a fhíorú. Tugadh faoi 2,500 cigireacht ar bhunaíochtaí éagsúlachta i margaí onnmhairithe. Cinnteoidh éineoil agus ubh sa bhliain 2017 faoin Reachtaíocht tuiscint atá ag dul i méid agus úsáid táirgí ar a dtugtar,
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táirgí an 5ú Ceathrú, ar nós cosa, mar aon le héileamh onnmhairithe déiríochta, chomh maith le bunphúdair idirnáisiúnta ar phíosaí feola nach bhfuil éileamh orthu do tháirgí deiridh a bheidh á dtáirgeadh i dtíortha eile. ag baile, go leanfaidh deiseanna onnmhairithe don earnáil seo. Bearta Margaidh AE Bhí suaiteacht áirithe á brath ag praghsanna Bhí os cionn 200 feirmeoir éanlaithe clóis tráchtearraí déiríochta ar mhargaí Eorpacha agus ar rannpháirteach i mBliain a hAon den Chlár Aistrithe mhargaí domhanda le linn na bliana 2017, nuair a Eolais Éanlaithe, a tháinig chun críche i mí Lúnasa, bhain praghsanna ime amach an praghas ab airde 2017. Cuireadh tús le híocaíochtaí i mí Deireadh riamh agus nuair a thit aschur SMP faoin bpraghas Fómhair 2017 agus táthar ag leanúint ar aghaidh leo. idirghabhála, chomh maith leis an gcainníocht shuntasach de stoic SMP Eorpacha in idirghabháil BAINNE phoiblí mar thoradh ar dhroch-aschuir le linn na mblianta roimhe seo. Thug an tAire Creed agus Margaí Déiríochta oifigigh ón Roinn tacaíocht d’iarrachtaí an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh leis an margadh a chobhsú. Ar na príomhdhúshláin don earnáil déiríochta, bhí luaineacht praghsanna, neamhsheasmhacht margaidh Leanadh le bearta tacaíochta margaidh AE ar feadh na agus cothromaíocht a bhaint amach idir sholáthair tréimhse idirghabhála sa bhliain 2017. B’ionann stoic agus éileamh táirge. Léiríonn éileamh domhanda agus idirghabhála poiblí SMP amhail mí Eanáir agus thart treochtaí déimeagrafacha atá láidir acmhainneacht ar 348,000 tonna, agus thug 27,000 tonna breise ar dhearfach fadtéarmach do bhainne agus do tháirgí thairiscint do cheannach isteach le linn na bliana an déiríochta go hidirnáisiúnta, in ainneoin fachtóirí ar t-iomlán carnach ar fud an AE go dtí thart ar 376,000 nós Cosc leanúnach na Rúise, luaineacht in éileamh tonna ag deireadh na bliana. Bhí Éire ag áitiú ar an domhanda agus in éileamh na Síne, mar aon leis an gCoimisiún feidhmiú go freagrach i gcónaí ó thaobh drochaimsir a bhí i réigiúin de chuid na hEorpa agus diúscairt stoic, agus ag áitiú go ndéanfar bainistiú ar na hAigéine, chomh maith le harduithe ar tháirgeadh na stoic sin ar bhealach stuama marthanacha i measc príomhtháirgeoirí domhanda.
Rinne an tAire Creed óstach ar an gcúigiú cruinniú Bhí seasamh i bhfad níos fearr ag earnáil déiríochta den Fhóram Déiríochta le linn na bliana 2017 le foriomlán na hÉireann le linn na bliana 2017 i príomhgheallsealbhóirí ó earnáil déiríochta na gcomparáid le blianta neamhchinnteachta in áit an hÉireann le plé a dhéanamh ar an mbealach is fearr mhargaidh agus dúshláin eile a bhí i ndán do na pobail lena chinntiú go seasfaidh an earnáil an aimsir trí chur feirmeoireachta sna blianta roimhe sin. Léiríodh fás chuige comhtháite a chur le chéile chun déileáil le dearfach in aschur margaidh do bhainne agus do fadhbanna leanúnacha. tháirgí déiríochta i bpraghsanna fabhracha ag geata na feirme de thart ar 36.4 cent in aghaidh an lítir (meán bliantúil, lena n-áirítear CBL agus bónais a íocadh). BARRA
Bhí táirgeadh bainne na hÉireann ag breith suas ar 7.5 Gránaigh billiún lítear sa bhliain 2017, suas ó 6.8 billiún lítear Meastar go raibh táirgeacht fhoriomlán na ngránach in 2016 agus ardú de beagnach 50% ar an meán in don tír gar do 2.3 milliún tonna do 2017 ardú de 2007-2009 (sprioc an Fhómhair Bia). Tharla sé sin de bheagán ar 2016. Baineadh amach an táirgeacht bhun praghsanna láidre agus aimsir mhaith ar feadh na ardaithe seo in ainneoin laghdú 14% ar an achar a bliana 2017. bhí faoi ghránaigh in 2016. Rinneadh cothabháil ar leibhéal táirgeachta cosúil leis sin trí thorthaí a bhí Sa bhliain 2017, bhí táirgí déiríochta á dtáirgeadh ag ardaithe ar fud gach barra gráin a sábháladh in 2017. Éirinn go dtí thart ar 140 tír ar luach a sháraigh €4.6 billiún, ardú os cionn 17% i gcomparáid leis an mbliain Is 263,000 heicteár an t-achar iomlán de ghránaigh a 2016, a léirigh táirge breisluacha ar ardchaighdeán. Tá sábháladh in 2017 arbh ionann é agus titim de 14,000 táirgí Foirmle do Naíonáin mar phríomhtháirge ag an heicteár i gcomparáid leis an mbliain 2016. Sháraigh earnáil, agus is ionann iad agus os cionn €1.2 billiún in an t-achar d’eorna gheimhridh achar na cruithneachta
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geimhridh don dara bliain as a chéile.
Achar, Toradh agus Táirgeacht na nGránach 2017*
Area, Yield and Production of Cereals 2017* Achar Toradh Táirgeacht (000 (iomlán (000 tonna) heicteár) heicteár) Cruithneacht 64.9 658 Geimhreadh 58.5 10.37 606 Earrach 6.4 8.08 52
Eorna 174.4 1442 Geimhreadh 63.3 9.10 576 Earrach 111.1 7.80 866
Coirce 23.7 198 Geimhreadh 14.0 8.92 125 Earrach 9.7 7.51 73
Iomlán 263 2298 Foinse: Táirgeacht Ghránach Measta Teagasc 2017 *tagraíonn sé don táirgeacht uile a dhíoltar ina dhiaidh sin nó a úsáidtear ar mhalairt slí, mar bheathú go hiondúil
65 Táirgeacht Inbhuanaithe
Clár Imscrúdaithe Leasacháin agus Aoil • Bearta nua cosanta uisce atá neartaithe le bealaí Tá díol leasacháin agus aoil in Éirinn á rialú ag cothaitheacha agus iompair a bhriseadh reachtaíocht AE agus na hÉireann araon. Cinntíonn • Aistriú Eolais Feabhsaithe an reachtaíocht sin go mbíonn na táirgí lipéadaithe • Simpliú a dhéanamh ar rialacháin do chur i go cruinn agus go gcomhlíonann siad íoscheanglais bhfeidhm feabhsaithe. cothaithigh. Mar chuid de chlár imscrúdaithe • Díriú ar thorthúlacht na hithreach ag ar fheabhsú leasacháin agus aoil 2017 tógadh 238 sampla ag éifeachtúil úsáid chothaitheach. áitreabh an déantúsóra (168 sampla leasacháin agus 60 sampla aoil). Tugadh faoi 620 anailís aonair ar Maolú Níotráití 2017 leasacháin a raibh toradh as lamháltas 2.8% orthu. Ceanglaíonn an Treoir Níotráití ar fheirmeoirí teorainn Tugadh faoi 240 anailís aonair ar aol ar a raibh toradh ráta stocála arb ionann í agus 170 kg de Nítrigin as lamháltas 5.7% orthu. Tugadh ceadúnas do dhá (N) ón aoileach beostoic in aghaidh an heicteáir sa chairéal nua aolchloch mheilte le linn na bliana 2017. bhliain (arb ionann é agus dhá bhó bhainne/heicteár) Bhí ceadúnas ag líon iomlán de 47 cairéal gníomhach a chomhlíonadh. Rinneadh 7,014 feirmeoir iarratas ar sa bhliain 2017. an maolú sa bhliain 2017, ardú 3% ar fhigiúirí
Bliain 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 Nítrigin (tonna) 1,365,762 1,359,511 1,377,754 1,510,972 (-6%) (-0.46%) (+1.34%) (+9.6%) Fosfar (tonna) 778,409 798,303 805,600 899,337 (-6%) (+2.56%) (+0.9%) (+11.6%) Potaisiam (tonna) 795,158 807,175 815,204 911,933 (-5%) (+1.5%) (+1%) (+11.87%) IOMLÁN (tonna) 1,402,878 1,395,399 1,411,913 1,522,809 (-5.66%) (-0.53%) (+1.18%) (+9.98%)
Bhí úsáid aolchloch mheilte síos 24% go 737,118 na bliana 2016, agus thug sé sin an deis dóibh tonna i gcomparáid leis an mbliain roimhe sin. Tagann feirmeoireacht a dhéanamh ag ráta stocála níos airde, sé sin i ndiaidh arduithe ar úsáid aoil sna blianta 2015 suas le 250 kgs N/heicteár faoi réir coinníollacha agus 2016. breise. I mí na Nollag 2017, bhain Éire athnuachan ar Mhaolú Níotráití amach do 2018 -2021..
Bliain 2015 2016 2017 Sonraí maidir le Nítrigin agus Fosfar (N&P) Díolacháin 893,730 967,281 737,118 2017 Aolchloch Mheilte in Soláthraíonn córas ar líne na Roinne, www.agfood.ie, aghaidh an ráitis mionsonraithe N&P d’fheirmeoirí, a léiríonn rátaí tonna stócála ar a gcuid gabháltas. Tá ráitis ar fáil ar líne do thréimhsí ó dheireadh Meitheamh, Lúnasa, Samhain % athrú +10% +8.2% -24% agus mí na Nollag agus eisítear ráitis eatramhacha ar fheirmeoirí atá cláraithe le sonraí a fháil trí théacs. Clár Gníomhaíochta Níotráite 2017 Eisíodh ráitis scríofa ar fheirmeoirí don bhliain 2017 Sa bhliain 2017, tháinig Éire ar chomhaontú leis an a raibh eallach cláraithe acu a sháraigh an teorainn gCoimisiún Eorpach maidir leis an gceathrú Clár 170kg/heicteár, nó 250 kg/heicteár dóibh siúd a Gníomhaíochta Níotráite (NAP) do 2018-2021. rinne iarratas ar Mhaolú. Sa bhreis air sin, is féidir le Tugann Rialacháin Cleachtas Maith Talmhaíochta comhairleoirí glacadh le sonraí nítrigine agus fosfair ar maidir le hUiscí a Chosaint (I.R. Uimh. 605 de son a gcliant ag tréimhsí áirithe i rith na bliana. 2017) feidhm do 4ú NAP na hÉireann; is iad na príomhathruithe maidir le NAP Clár na gCeantar Talmhaíochta 2017 Is clár comhpháirteach taighde agus comhairleach
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atá sa Chlár do Cheantar Talmhaíochta (ACP) arna cúiseanna a aithníodh nach raibh na spriocanna sin fheidhmiú ag Teagasc i sé cheantar thalmhaíochta ar bainte amach, agus ina dhiaidh sin moladh bearta fud na tíre. Bunaíodh é chun measúnú a dhéanamh ar chun cuidiú le haghaidh a thabhairt ar bhacainní ó éifeachtúlacht agus ar thionchar na mbeart um Dhea- thaobh na spriocanna sin a bhaint amach. Tugadh Chleachtais Talmhaíochta nach mór d’fheirmeoirí in ar aird go raibh an t-achar iomlán d’fhoraoisí nua ar Éirinn a chur i bhfeidhm faoin Treoir Níotráití. eisíodh íocaíochtaí ina leith do na blianta ó 2015 go 2017 tuairim is 7% níos lú ná na spriocanna a bhí Cuireadh tús le Céim 3 den ACP i mí Eanáir 2016 leagtha síos ag tús an Chláir. Léirigh gníomhaíocht agus leanfaidh sé ar aghaidh go dtí 2019, ag cur leis plandála a bhí níos ísle ná mar a bhíothas ag súil an dul chun cinn agus an taithí ó na céimeanna cláir leis do choillte dúchasacha, agrafhoraoiseacht agus roimhe sin. foraoiseacht le haghaidh snáithín le linn na tréimhse sin go bhféadfadh sé nach mbainfidh amach na Léiríonn an t-eolas nua eolaíochta ón ACP go dtí seo leibhéil fhoraoiseachta do 2018-2020 laistigh de na go bhfuil toradh dearfach ar Rialacháin Níotráití na struchtúir atá ann cheana. Breithníodh freisin nach hÉireann, m.sh. ionchuir laghdaithe cothaitheach, mbainfí amach an sprioc plandála leathanduilleach de bainistíocht mhéadaithe cothaitheach agus 30% den phlandáil foriomlán. Áiríodh san MTR: gairm roinnt fianaise go bhfuil laghdú tagtha ar an méid phoiblí d’aighneachtaí; breithniú na n-aighneachtaí atá cothaitheach ón talamh thalmhaíochta a chailltear faighte; scaipeadh na ndréacht-tograí mar thoradh nuair a théann siad isteach san uisce. ar na haighneachtaí; cruinnithe comhairliúcháin le geallsealbhóirí agus leis an gCoimisiún Eorpach; Tacaíonn na torthaí le beartais agus straitéisí príomha tabhairt faoi Mheasúnacht Straitéiseach comhshaol talmhaíochta, lena n-áirítear athbhreithniú Timpeallachta; agus cleachtadh scagthástála do ar Rialacháin Níotráití na hÉireann sa bhliain 2017 Mheasúnú Oiriúnachta ar na dréacht-tograí. Tugadh agus an 2ú timthriall den Phleanáil do Cheantair an próiseas foriomlán chun críche go luath sa Abhantraí faoin gCreat-treoir Uisce bhliain 2018.
Foraoiseacht An Fardal Náisiúnta Foraoise Clúdaíonn foraoisí 10.5% d’achar talún na tíre. Cé go Is fardal staitistiúil agus ilacmhainne atá sa tríú Fardal bhfuil sé sin ar cheann de na leibhéil is ísle san Eoraip, Náisiúnta Foraoise (NFI) ar an eastát foraoiseachta mar gur timpeall 33% é an meán Eorpach (AE-28), náisiúnta a tugadh faoi sa bhliain 2017. Rinneadh ach tá méadú tar éis teacht ar an gcumhdach foraoise taifeadadh ar eolas ilacmhainne, lena n-áirítear eolas in Éirinn faoi bheagnach 320,000 heicteár idir na ar achar na foraoise agus ar chomhdhéanamh speicis, blianta 1985 agus 2012, ar cheann de na leibhéil ar an stoc fáis (m3), bithéagsúlacht, folláine agus mhéadaithe is airde é i measc na dtíortha forbartha. beogacht, cion carbóin agus cineál ithreach; don Taispeántar thíos an leibhéal foraoisithe (plandú nua) eastát foraoiseachta náisiúnta iomlán. thar an tréimhse 2008-2017. Bhí ardú de réir a chéile ar fhoraoisiú in Éirínn agus rinne an Roinn íocaíochtaí Tugadh bailiú sonraí réimse don tríú timthriall den maidir le 6,500 heicteár d’fhoraoisí nua sa bhliain NFI chun críche le linn samhradh na bliana 2017. Tá 2016, b’ionnan an figiúr inchomparáide do 2017 agus tús curtha le hanailís ar na sonraí agus tabharfar chun 5,536 heicteár. críche é sa bhliain 2018. Tá torthaí curtha ar fáil ag na timthriallta athdhéanta NFI do ghnéithe ar nós athrú Leibhéil Fhoraoisithe 2008-2017 (heicteáir) ar achar na foraoise, breisíocht toirte agus an toirt bainte is déanaí. Thapaigh sé sin an deis, den chéad 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 uair, do mhonatóireacht Bainistíochta Inbhuanaithe na 6,652 6,252 6,156 6,293 6,500 5,536 bhForaoisí (SFM) ar bhonn ama.
Thug an Roinn faoi athbhreithniú lár téarma (MTR) An Chomhairle Náisiúnta um Thaighde agus sa bhliain 2017 ar bhearta a thugadh isteach mar Forbairt Foraoise (COFORD) chuid den Chlár Foraoiseachta 2014 -2020 (FP). Rinneadh comparáid idir spriocanna plandála foraoise Tá Grúpaí Oibre bunaithe ag an gcomhairle in aghaidh aschur do 2015 agus 2016 agus ar na chomhairleach um thaighde agus forbairt COFORD
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2016-2018 sna réimsí seo a leanas: b) bearna eolais a chuireann cosc ar bhainistíocht éifeachtach foraoise i go leor foraoisí atá faoi • Athbhreithniú ar an mBeartas Foraoiseachta úinéireacht phríobháideach agus • Acmhainní géiniteacha foraoise c) easnamh cultúr foraoiseachta i measc go leor de • Soláthar talún agus cur chun cinn an fhoraoisithe na húinéirí príobháideacha • An earnáil foraoisí agus an bithgheilleagar • Gluaiseacht adhmaid agus an réamhaisnéis maidir De réir mar a théann an leibhéal soláthair ón le táirgeadh lomán cruinn earnáil phríobháideach i méid, is dóigh go mbeidh • Bainistíocht na bhforaoisí measctha easpa deimhniúchán foraoiseachta mar bhacainn • Saincheisteanna fadtéarmacha maidir leis an bhreise i leith gluaiseacht adhmaid. Ar mhaithe le taighde foraoise haghaidh a thabhairt ar na bacainní seo, thionscain an Roinn réamhobair ar dhá thionscadal, eadhon, Sa bhliain 2017, d’fhoilsigh Grúpa Oibre na hEarnála forbairt Ghrúpaí Aistrithe Eolas Foraoiseachta Foraoisí agus an Bhithgheilleagair tuarascáil, Growing agus Deimhniúchán Grúpa d’Úinéirí Foraoisí the Irish Forest Bioeconomy, a thug breac-chuntas ar an Príobháideacha. luach agus ar an gcion atá ar chumas na foraoiseachta a dhéanamh le carbón a bhaint as an ngeilleagar. Grúpaí Aistrithe Eolais don Fhoraoiseacht Ar mhaithe le cuidiú le haghaidh a thabhairt ar na Tá tuilleadh eolais maidir leis an gcomhairle agus bacainní atá aitheanta, chinn an Roinn tionscadal le cuspóirí agus le hobair na ngrúpaí oibre le fáil píolótach a reáchtáil le féidearthacht scéim ag www.coford.ie. Tá foilseacháin COFORD agus grúpa aistrithe eolais a thástáil d’úinéirí foraoisí foilseacháin an grúpa oibre le fáil ag www.coford.ie. príobháideacha atá múnlaithe ar chlár Ghrúpa Aistrithe Eolais (KTG) na Roinne féin atá ann cheana. Tionscnaimh le tacaíocht a thabhairt d’úinéirí foraoisí príobháideacha le Deimhniúchán Grúpa d’Úinéirí Foraoisí bainistíocht a dhéanamh ar fhoraoisí Príobháideacha Óna 1980’aidí ar aghaidh, tá 22,000 úinéir talún Próiseas deonach is ea deimhniúchán foraoise a príobháideach tar éis foraoisí nua a bhunú, agus mbaineann úinéirí foraoise úsáid as ar mhaithe le is ionann é sin agus achar de beagnach 300,000 hathdheimhniú do thomhaltóirí go bhfuil an t-adhmad heicteár. Tá infheistíocht Stáit de thart ar €3 billiún agus na táirgí adhmaid atá á gceannach acu ag teacht i gceist leis. De réir Réamhaisnéis Uile-Éireann ó fhoraoisí faoi bhainistíocht inbhuanaithe. Déanann maidir le Táirgeadh Lomán Cruinne 2016 – 2035, atá deimhniúchán measúnú neamhspleách ar phleanáil foilsithe ag COFORD, meastar go dtiocfaidh dúbailt agus ar chleachtais bhainistíochta foraoise in aghaidh ar tháirgeadh adhmaid ó 4 milliún méadar ciúbach go caighdeán bainistíochta inbhuanaithe foraoise. De réir 8 milliún méadar ciúbach faoin mbliain 2035 agus is Thuarascáil Ghrúpa Gluaiseachta Adhmaid COFORD, foraoisí atá faoi úinéireacht phríobháideach a bheidh níl ach fíorbheagán foraoisí atá faoi úinéireacht ina bhformhór sin. Ar mhaithe le cur an méid is fearr phríobháideach (a meastar arbh ionann iad agus is féidir le baint amach an aschuir infheistíochta níos lú ná 1,000 heicteár d’fhoraoisí príobháideacha atá á dhéanamh ag an Stát agus ag úinéirí talún san iomlána) deimhnithe faoin FSC nó faoin PEFC in fhoraoiseacht go dáta, tá an ghluaiseacht adhmaid seo Éirinn. (sábháil, baint agus úsáid) ríthábhachtach, ag cruthú ar an mbealach sin gníomhaíocht gheilleagrach freisin An Fheirmeoireacht Orgánach feadh an tslabhra soláthair trí ghníomhaíochtaí ar nós Cé go bhfuil Earnáil Orgánach na hÉireann réasúnta baint, iompar, athphlandáil agus próiseáil. beag maidir le talmhaíocht ina iomláine, tá fás as cuimse mar sin féin san Earnáil Orgánacha i láthair Tá bacainní áirithe do ghluaiseacht adhmaid aitheanta, na huaire. Faoi láthair tá 2,127 oibreoir orgánach in lena n-áirítear: Éirinn agus is feirmeoirí os cionn 1,700 acu sin. Tá leathnú thar na bearta tagtha ar an achar talún atá faoi a) eastát foraoise príobháideach atá thar a bheith tháirgeadh orgánach faoin gClár Forbartha Tuaithe briste suas, reatha, a bhuíochas sin don tsraith tacaíochtaí atá
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curtha i bhfeidhm. Léirítear sna figiúirí is déanaí le hacmhainní géiniteacha plandaí, ainmhithe, go bhfuil suas agus anuas le 71,000 heicteár faoi uisceacha agus inveirteabrach a chaomhnú. tháirgeadh orgánach, ardú de bheagnach 50% seachas mar a bhí an staid ag tús an Chláir sa bhliain 2014. Tá Athrú Aeráide laghdú de bheagán sa bhliain 2017 i gcomparáid leis Is í an fhís bheartais fadtéarmach don earnáil an mbliain 2016 mar gheall go bhfuil conarthaí cúig talmhaíochta agus úsáide talún ná ‘cur chuige i leith bliana tugtha chun críche ag roinnt feirmeoirí agus neodracht charbóin in earnáil na talmhaíochta agus nár bhain siad leas ar an rogha síneadh a chur lena úsáide talún nach gcuireann as d’acmhainn táirgeadh gconradh. bia inbhuanaithe’. Le linn na bliana 2017 leanadh le hobair a dhéanamh ar dheiseanna a lorg do laghdú Oibreoirí agus Heicteáir na Feirmeoireachta Orgánaí agus ar dheiseanna le cothromú a dhéanamh ar 2014 2015 2016 2017 astaíochtaí iarmharacha trí chur le ceapadh carbóin agus díláithriú agus malartú a dhéanamh ar bhreosla 1,587 2,084 2,127 2,136 iontaise agus ar ábhair atá dian ar fhuinneamh. (48,143 (61,435 (72,364 (70,722 heicteár) heicteár) heicteár) heicteár) Pleanáil d’Oiriúnú agus do Mhaolú Bhí raon imeachtaí orgánacha ar siúl sa bhliain 2017 D’fhoilsigh an Roinn, doiciméad neamhreachtúil i chun cur le feasacht ar an fheirmeoireacht orgánach. I mí Lúnasa 2017, Adaptation Planning - Developing mí Feabhra 2017, rinne Bord Bia agus BIM comhordú Resilience to Climate Change in the Irish Agriculture and ar rannpháirtíocht na hÉireann ag Biofach, atá ar Forest Sector. Ullmhaíodh an doiciméad seo faoin imeacht thrádála idirnáisiúnta ríthábhachtach do gCreat Náisiúnta um Oiriúnú d’Athrú Aeráide na bliana ghairmithe agus cuideachtaí sa tionscal bia orgánaigh. 2012. Tá sé mar aidhm leis an doiciméad dúshláin Is cinnteoirí ceannacháin den chuid is mó iad na oiriúnaithe nach mór a bhreithniú maidir le teacht daoine a fhreastalaíonn ar an imeacht, ón Eoraip aniar a fhorbairt i leith éifeachtaí athrú aeráide laistigh agus níos faide ó bhaile, sna hearnálacha miondíola, den earnáil talmhaíochta agus foraoiseachta a aithint seirbhíse bia agus leithdháilte. agus a phlé.
Áiríodh ar imeachtaí eile sa bhliain 2017 clár na Thug an doiciméad foilsithe breac-chuntas ar chur bhfeirmeacha taispeána orgánacha arna eagrú ag chuige comhleanúnach i leith pleanáil d’oiriúnú laistigh Teagasc, lena raibh 12 fheirm a chlúdaigh raon fiontar den earnáil talmhaíochta agus foraoiseachta agus is éagsúil. ionann é agus an chéad chéim i dtreo leochaileacht a laghdú agus cur le teach aniar sa dá earnáil. Lean na scéimeanna deontais chaipitil d’fheirmeacha orgánacha faoin RDP le cúnamh deontais a sholáthar Rinneadh forbairt ar an gcéad doiciméad reachtúil, d’infheistíochtaí a rinne feirmeoirí agus próiseálaithe an Creat Náisiúnta um Oiriúnú (NAF) le linn na bliana i saoráidí agus i dtrealamh. Tá cúnamh deontais ar agus cheadaigh an Rialtas é i mí na Nollag 2017. fáil de 40% den chostas suas le huasmhéid €60,000 i gcás infheistíochtaí ar an bhfeirm, agus €0.5m i Tá dhá príomhearnáil dhéag aitheanta faoin NAF gcás infheistíochtaí lasmuigh den fheirm. Bronnadh a bhfuil gá acu le pleananna oiriúnaithe earnála a cúnamh deontais arbh ionann é agus €574,427 sa fhorbairt. Is í an Roinn an Roinn stiúrtha do thrí chinn bhliain 2017. de na réimsí tosaíochta seo: cúrsaí talmhaíochta, foraoiseachta agus bia mara. Acmhainní Géiniteacha D’fhoilsigh an tAire Cumarsáide, Gníomhaithe ar Foilsítear gairm tograí bliantúla maidir le caomhnú Son na hAeráide agus Comhshaol an chéad Phlean plandaí, ainmhithe, foraoiseachta, micrea-orgánach Náisiúnta um Maolú i mí Iúil 2017. Bhí an Roinn agus inveirteabrach agus acmhainní géiniteacha Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara rannpháirteach go uisceacha faoin Scéim um Chúnamh Deontais i gníomhach sa phróiseas seo mar cheann de na gcomhair Acmhainní Géiniteacha. Sa bhliain 2017, príomhearnálacha a bhí ag cuidiú leis an bPlean. bronnadh €58,000 ar an iomlán ar sheacht dtionscadal
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Leagtar amach i gCaibidil sé den Phlean na bearta Leithdháileadh Astaíochtaí Talmhaíochta na hÉireann maolaithe atá i bhfeidhm i láthair na huaire in earnáil 2016 na talmhaíochta, na foraoiseachta agus úsáid talún chomh maith leis an tsraith gníomhartha le treallús a chur faoi mhaolú laistigh den earnáil.
56.7% Chuir an Chomhairle Chomhairleach an Athraithe 9.8% Aeráide (CCAC) a gcéad Athbhreithniú Bliantúil do 2017 ar fáil ag tarraingt le deireadh na bliana. 2.7% 2.3% Bhreithníodh san Athbhreithniú sonraí ó fhardal náisiúnta do ghás ceaptha teasa ó 1990-2015. Luaitear san Athbhreithniú ó thaobh na talmhaíochta de, gur chóir glacadh leis na bearta go léir atá 28.2% éifeachtach ó thaobh costais le hastaíochtaí in earnáil na talmhaíochta agus na talún a laghdú agus go bhfuil géarghá ann i gcónaí le sainmhíniú a thabhairt maidir le cad atá i gceist le neodracht charbóin agus gá le Talmhaíocht Bainisǐocht ithreacha aoiligh beartais a fheidhmiú le seachadadh an chuspóra seo Coipeadh Aol agus Uire a chinntiú. Thagair Tuarascáil Thréimhsiúil an CCAC eintreach Dóchán mí an Mheithimh 2017 freisin do thaighde a léirigh talmhaíochta go mbeadh aistriú chuig leasacháin le hastaíochtaí níos ísle éifeachtach le hastaíochtaí gás ceaptha Astaíochtaí Gáis Cheaptha Teasa in Éirinn 2016 teasa a laghdú agus mhol gur chóir an t-aistriú seo a dhéanamh. 1.6% 20.4% Chuir an Ghníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil
(EPA) a tuarascáil ar Astaíochtaí Gás Ceaptha Teasa 9.8% (GHG’nna) na hÉireann ar fáil i mí na Samhna 2017. Thug an Ghníomhaireacht ar aird gur tháinig ardú 2.7% nó 0.52 Mt CO2eq ar astaíochtaí talmhaíochta 7.4% in 2016. Ar phríomhthiománaithe na n-astaíochtaí 1.6% ardaithe sa bhliain 2016 bhí líon níos airde bó bainne 32.3% 1.4% (+6.2%) agus ardú 4.0% ar tháirgeadh bainne. Tá figiúirí maidir le hastaíochtaí don bhliain 2016 tugtha 20% chun críche ó shin.
2.1% 3.5%
Dramhaíl Seirbhísí Poiblí
Tionscail Fuinnimh Iompar
Cónaithe Próisis Tionsclaíocha Dóchán F-Gháis Déantúsaíochta Seirbhísí T Talmhaíocht ráchtála
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Leibhéal Iomlán Astaíochtaí don Talmhaíocht agus aeráide leis an gCoimisiún agus le Ballstáit eile.. d’Úsáid Talún Bithfhuinneamh Sprioc Náisiúnta 1990 2016 Tá príomhionchur na hearnála talmhaíochta sa Vs bonnlíne 1990 soláthar amhábhar bithfhuinnimh, cibé ó bhithmhais i CO2eq CO2eq Athraitheas bhfoirm táirgí adhmaid, cosúil le tanúcháin fhoraoise Tonna Tonna % agus breosla adhmaid, Seachtháirgí Ainmhithe Iomlán foriomlán 26.52 21.81 -17.76% (ABPanna) nó fotháirgí eile agraibhia ar nós tuí, leibhéil na sciodair agus dramhaíl phróiseála, m.sh. meadhg ó n-astaíochtaí dhéanamh cáise.. talmhaíochta agus úsáide talún Baintear úsáid as suas le haon trian den fhómhar Leibhéil iomlán 19.47 19.58 0.56% bliantúil foraoise (thart ar 1 mhilliún méadar ciúbach astaíochtaí de lomáin chruinne) chun fuinneamh de chineál talmhaíochta amháin nó cineál eile a ghiniúint, ach go príomha mar CO2eq theas próisis i ndéantús clár agus chun adhmad bog a thriomú in áith. Tá an t-adhmad tine ina mhargadh - Dé-ocsaíd 0.40 0.46 15.00% tábhachtach anois (thart ar 300,000 méadar ciúbach charbóin (CO2) den iomlán). Tá an acmhainneacht ag táirgeadh na - Meatán (CH4) 12.76 12.65 -0.86% bithmhaise foraoisbhunaithe ardú go dtí 2.2 milliún - Ocsaíd nítriúil 6.31 5.87 -6.97% méadar ciúbach faoin mbliain 2020 (N2O) Iomlán na leibhéil Tugadh faoi athbhreithniú lár téarma ar Chlár astaíochtaí a Foraoiseachta 2014-2020 le linn na bliana 2017 bhaineann le agus foilsíodh an t-athbhreithniú i mí Feabhra húsáid talún 2018. Tá arduithe suntasacha sna deontais agus sna préimheanna a íocadh chun crainn a fhás a oireann - Talamh féaraigh 7.05 5.78 -18.01% do shnáithín agus do bhithmhais mar thoradh ar agus Talamh sin. Faoin athbhreithniú lár téarma cuireadh ardú ar curaíochta thacaíochtaí an Chláir Foraoiseachta do speicis crainn - Foraoiseacht (ar -3.55 a oireann d’fhoraoiseacht gearruainíochta i rogha bhonn bliantúil) Foraoiseacht do Shnáithín na scéime foraoisithe.
Straitéis maidir le hAer Glan Táthar ag tuar san All Ireland Roundwood Production Rinne an Roinn Cumarsáide, Gníomhaithe ar Son na Forecast 2016-2035 go dtiocfaidh ardú faoi dhó hAeráide agus Comhshaol forbairt ar Dhréachtstraitéis ar an adhmad a bheidh ar fáil le haghaidh úsáide Aer Glan a bhí oscailte do chomhairliúchán poiblí le bithfhuinnimh thar an tréimhse réamhaisnéise, ó 1.8 linn míonna Mhárta agus Aibreán 2017 mar chuid de milliún méadar ciúbach sa bhliain 2016 go dtí 4.2 chur i bhfeidhm na Treorach maidir le hUasteorainn milliún méadar ciúbach sa bhliain 2035. Is dóigh go Náisiúnta Astaíochta (NEC) na hÉireann. Chuir dtiocfaidh an chuid is mó den ábhar sin ó fhoraoisí an Roinn, mar phríomhgheallsealbhóir maidir le feirme faoi úinéireacht phríobháideach. Ag brath ar hastaíochtaí amóinia agus ábhar cáithníneach na coinníollacha margaidh, tá an acmhainn ann na (PM), aighneacht faoi bhráid maidir leis an soláthairtí sin a ardú trí aisghabháil mhéadaithe na gcomhairliúchán seo. n-iarmhar saothraithe ar láithreáin oiriúnacha, dlús tanúcháin níos airde, agus trí phlandú speicis chrainn a fhásann go tapa. Rannpháirtíocht ag leibhéal an AE agus Idirnáisiúnta Lean an Roinn ag tacú le forbairt na scéime um Sa bhliain 2017, lean an Roinn de bheith Dhearbhú Cáilíochta an Bhreosla Adhmaid agus le rannpháirteach go gníomhach i gcur chuige rialtais comhairle a sholáthar maidir le slabhraí soláthair agus iomlán i leith na hidirbheartaíochta ar bheartas breoslaí bithmhaise foraois-bhunaithe. Féach www.
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woodenergy.ie. Rinneadh bogearraí nua slabhra agus Teagasc chun cuidiú le feirmeoirí déiríochta úsáid soláthar fuinnimh adhmaid a fhorbairt tríd an Roinn fuinnimh a laghdú agus sábháil a dhéanamh ó thaobh agus tá sé curtha ar fáil trí láithreáin gréasáin coford.ie costais leictreachais. Rinne an scéim phíolótach agus woodenergy.ie Chomh maith leis sin, eagraíodh Éifeachtúlacht Fuinnimh in Earnáil na Déiríochta líon ceardlanna ar bhonn náisiúnta a bhain leis na maoiniú ar chaidéil ardéifeachtúlachta atá in ann bogearraí seo. úsáid leictreachais a laghdú go mór ar fheirmeacha déiríochta. Thug an SEAI a gcuair soláthair bithmhaise cothrom le dáta freisin don tréimhse go dtí an bhliain 2035 ina Tá sé deimhnithe ag an SEAI go bhfuil an scéim bhfuil breithniú déanta ar líon ábhar talmhaíochta - phíolótach Éifeachtúlacht Fuinnimh in Earnáil na https://www.seai.ie/Renewables/Bioenergy/Sources/ Déiríochta ag athoscailt i mí na Bealtaine 2018. Bioenegy-Supply-Curves-2015-2035/Bioenergy- Supply-Curves-2015-20351.html Lean an Roinn ag tacú le cur chun cinn na scéime um Dhearbhú Cáilíochta an Bhreosla Adhmaid agus Tá an Roinn mar chomhalta den Ghrúpa Stiúrtha le comhairle a sholáthar maidir le slabhraí soláthair Bithfhuinnimh agus lean ar aghaidh ag obair leis an agus breoslaí bithmhaise foraois-bhunaithe. Féach DCCAE ar Dhréachtphlean an Bhithfhuinnimh. www.woodenergy.ie Rinneadh bogearraí nua slabhra soláthar fuinnimh adhmaid a fhorbairt tríd an Roinn Le linn na bliana 2017 d’fhoilsigh an SEAI tuarascáil agus tá sé curtha ar fáil trí láithreáin gréasáin coford.ie ar Mheasúnuithe Costais agus Sochair Bithgháis agus agus woodenergy.ie Chomh maith leis sin, eagraíodh Bithmheatán in Éirinn: https://www.seai.ie/resources/ líon ceardlanna ar bhonn náisiúnta a bhain leis na publications/Assessment-of-Cost-and-Benefits- bogearraí seo. of-Biogas-and-Biomethane-in-Ireland.pdf Léiríonn ceann de phríomhthorthaí an SEAI go bhféadfadh an farasbarr féir 86% cur le hacmhainneacht aschur fuinneamh in-athnuaite, tá an eacnamaíocht a bheith fabhrach, áfach, lárnach óna thaobh seo ar nós praghas ard carbóin agus an éifeachtúlacht costais is fearr is féidir de tháirgeadh féir. Tá an acmhainneacht freisin ag bithgháis /bithmheatán 28% a chur leis an soláthar gáis faoin mbliain 2050.
Tacaíonn an Roinn le héifeachtúlacht fuinnimh faoi TAMS i bhfoirm na Scéime Infheistíochta Muc agus Éanlaithe (PPIS) agus na Scéime Infheistíochta Caipitil d’Fheirmeoirí Óga (YFCIS) a chuireann tacaíochtaí ar fáil do theicneolaíochtaí Teas In-athnuaite i bhfoirm tacaíochtaí do choirí bithmhaise. Faigheann teaschaidéil foinse aeir tacaíocht i láthair na huaire freisin faoina scéimeanna PPIS agus YFCIS agus is féidir iad a úsáid mar chuid de théitheoir uisce faoin Scéim Trealamh Déiríochta. Tá cuidiú deontais ar fáil freisin faoi scéimeanna an PPIS agus an YFCIS do phainéil ghréine a mbaintear úsáid astu le leictreachas a tháirgeadh (fótavoltach) agus le huisce a théamh agus atá crochta go buan ar fhoirgnimh a mbaintear úsáid astú do mhuca, éanlaithe agus do tháirgeadh uibheacha.
Sa bhliain 2017, seoladh feachtas comhoibrithe idir Údarás Fuinnimh Inmharthana na hÉireann (SEAI)
72 73 Sprioc Straitéiseach 4 An Earnáil Bia Mara Earnáil inbhuanaithe, faoi thionchar fáis, atá dírithe ar iomaíochas agus nuálaíocht arna spreagadh ag fórsa oibre a bhfuil scileanna acu d’fhonn táirgí breisluacha atá i gcomhréir le héilimh an mhargaidh a sheachadadh
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Forléargas Príomhthreochtaí táirge Tá tionscal bia mara na hÉireann comhdhéanta den Tháinig feabhas ar an earnáil pheiligeach in 2017 tionscal iascaireachta mara tráchtála, an tionscal agus mhéadaigh méid agus luach na n-onnmhairí. dobharshaothraithe agus an tionscal próiseála bia Bhí bliain dhúshlánach ag an earnáil sin in 2016. Bhí mara. Tá an tionscal bia mara bunaithe ar úsáid tionchar mór ar éileamh de bharr srianta a bheith fós a bhaint as acmhainn nádúrtha ardcháilíochta i bhfeidhm maidir le trádáil leis an Rúis agus de bharr dúchasach, a bhfuil cumas den scoth ag baint géarchéim airgeadra san Afraic Thiar, áit a bhfuil easpa léi do bhreisluach agus a chuireann go mór leis cúlchistí réimis ann chun íoc as allmhairí éisc. Ina an ngeilleagar náisiúnta i dtéarmaí táirgiúlachta, theannta sin, bhí tionchar ag iomaíocht níos mó ó na fostaíochta agus onnmhairí. hOileáin Fharó agus ón Íoslainn, go háirithe maidir le ronnaigh, ar earnáil pheiligeach na hÉireann. Tháinig Onnmhairí Bia Mara ardú 13% ar an méid iasc peiligeach a onnmhairíodh as Éirinn in 2017 i gcomparáid le figiúirí 2016. Tá acmhainn ollmhór foráis ag baint leis an earnáil bia mara de réir mar atá níos mó éilimh ar fud an domhain B’ionann an earnáil pheiligeach agus 26% de luach ar bhia mara mar phróitéin shláintiúil den scoth. Sna iomlán onnmhairithe bia mara agus 45% den deich mbliana amach romhainn, tá an Eagraíocht mhéid onnmhairithe in 2017. B’ionann luachanna Bia agus Talmhaíochta (FAO) ag meas go dtiocfaidh onnmhairithe sa chatagóir seo agus €172 milliún méadú 42 milliún tonna in aghaidh na bliana ar in 2017, sin méadú 6% ar an tréimhse chéanna in thomhaltas de bharr go bhfuiltear ag tuar go mbeidh 2016. Ba é an méadú a tháinig ar an gcuóta ronnach daonra 8 billiún ar an domhan faoi 2025. Tá sé soiléir agus faoitín gorm an phríomhchúis a raibh méadú go mbeidh gá le leathnú ollmhór a chur le táirgeadh ar onnmhairí peiligeacha. Bhí tionchar chomh maith bia ar fud an domhain, lena n-áirítear bia mara, chun ag an méadú ar chostas amhábhar, scadáin agus an riachtanas sin a shásamh. ronnaigh go háirithe, ar iomaíochas na bpróiseálaithe peiligeacha a phacáistíonn táirgí breisluacha le Le seacht mbliana anuas, bhí feidhmíocht thionscail haghaidh onnmhairithe. Bhí caillteanas ar thoradh ag bia mara na hÉireann ar na margaí onnmhairí thar a cuideachtaí a bhíonn ag díol leis an Ríocht Aontaithe bheith dearfach. Tháinig méadú 79% ó thaobh luacha de bharr luaineacht airgeadra agus de bharr an de ar onnmhairí iomlána bia mara idir 2010 - 2017. Bhreatimeachta. Tháinig méadú 41% ar an méid a onnmhairíodh sa tréimhse chéanna. Is ionann na figiúirí sin agus léim Tháinig méadú 16% ar luach onnmhairí iomlána iasc 26% ar mheánphraghsanna onnmhairithe an aonaid a geal in 2017 go dtí €72m arna spreagadh ag méadú léiríonn chomh láidir is atá an t-éileamh ar bhia mara 84% ar mhéid. Is ionann margadh na Spáinne agus na hÉireann ar na margaí onnmhairithe. 51% de luach onnmhairithe iomláin na catagóire seo agus mhéadaigh luach na catagóire sin 6% le In 2017, tháinig méadú 10% i dtéamaí luacha de linn na tréimhse sin. Is í an Ríocht Aontaithe an ar onnmhairí bia mara na hÉireann arbh ionann a chéad mhargadh eile is tábhachtaí d’earnáil iasc geal luach agus €666 milliún. Léiríonn sin laghdú 0.5% na hÉireann arbh ionann é agus 18% de luachanna ar an méid a onnmhairíodh cé gur tháinig méadú onnmhairithe. Tháinig laghdú 7% ar luach an 10% ar phraghsanna de réir an aonaid, rud a léiríonn mhargaidh sin in 2017. chomh láidir is atá an t-éileamh sa chuid is mó de na príomh-mhargaí. Chuir onnmhairí bradán orgánach Tháinig laghdú 6% ar luach na n-onnmhairí iomlána na hÉireann borradh faoin méadú sin ar an luach sliogéisc freisin in 2017 go dtí luach iomlán €231m onnmhairithe agus méadú ollmhór ar mhéid agus ar arna spreagadh ag méideanna laghdaithe (6%). phraghas an aonaid agus bhí méadú 69% ar an luach Laghdaigh an Fhrainc, an margadh onnmhairithe is an táirge sin dá bharr. Is iad príomh-mhargaí an AE, mó ó thaobh sliogéisc na hÉireann de, arbh ionann is iad sin An Fhrainc, an Ríocht Aontaithe, an Spáinn an margadh sin agus 34% den luach, luachanna agus an Iodáil, is mó a bhíonn ag onnmhairiú bia onnmhairithe 5% le linn na tréimhse sin. Laghdaigh mara go fóill leis an bPolainn, an Ísiltír agus leis an trádáil chuig an Iodáil agus chuig an Spáinn 11% sa dá nGearmáin, agus is ionann sin agus tuairim is 72% de chás. Bhí fás láidir i ndáil le honnmhairí sliogéisc chuig luach iomlán na n-onnmhairí. an tSín (méadú 12%) Thit onnmhairí sliogéisc chuig
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an tSeapáin agus chuig an gCóiré Theas 12% agus thar a bheith tairbheach ag feachtais chur chun cinn, 13% faoi seach. Chuir gníomhaíochtaí bolscaireachta feachtais de leithéid ‘Flex your mussels’ Bhord Bia ar le príomhchustaiméirí agus rannpháirtíocht i seónna an margadh anseo sa bhaile. trádála borradh faoin trádáil chuig an tSín ach go háirithe. An Comhbheartas Iascaigh Tá roinnt de na limistéir is táirgiúla agus is íogaire Tháinig méadú 69% ar luach na n-onnmhairí bradán, ó thaobh na bitheolaíochta de in uiscí an AE le fáil arna spreagadh ag méadú 33% ar an méid agus sa bhfarraige thart timpeall na hÉireann (Folimistéir ag méaduithe móra ar an meánphraghas in 2017. ICES 6 agus 7). Tagann na stoic iascaigh laistigh de B’ionann luach na n-onnmhairí in 2017 agus €121m. na limistéir sin faoi shainchúram an Chomhbheartais Is é margadh na Fraince fós an margadh is mó i ndáil Iascaigh (CFP). Tá gabháil bia mara den scoth tógtha le honnmhairí bradán na hÉireann agus is ionann an as an uisce nádúrtha, glan ar fud chósta 7,500km na margadh sin agus 48% den luach iomlán. Tháinig hÉireann leis na mílte bliain agus tá sé tábhachtach go forás mór ar mhargadh na Gearmáine, mhéadaigh an dtugtar cosaint don acmhainn seo do na glúnta atá le margadh 23% maidir lena luach agus 36% maidir lena teacht. méid. Bhí feidhmíocht láidir ag margadh na Ríochta Aontaithe áit ar tháinig méadú 18% ar a luach agus Tháinig creat an Chomhbheartais Iascaigh (CFP) tháinig fás mór ar an onnmhairiú chuig an bPolainn reatha i bhfeidhm an 1 Eanáir 2014, agus beidh sé i ó €2m in 2016 go dtí €23m in 2017. Bhí praghsanna bhfeidhm go dtí go dtionólfar an chéad athbhreithniú bradán seasmhach de bharr fadhbanna táirgeachta eile a bhfuil sé i gceist é sin a thabhairt chun críche sa tSíle agus de bharr éileamh maith idirnáisiúnta, faoin mbliain 2022. Is é príomhchuspóir an bheartais éileamh a bhí níos mó ná an méid a bhíothas in ann a seo ná an stoc éisc in uiscí na hEorpa a athbhunú sholáthair. de réir a chéile agus tacóidh sin le hinbhunaitheacht earnáil iascaireachta na hÉireann trí bhainistíocht B’ionann onnmhairí oisrí agus beagnach €37 milliún, fhadtéarmach a dhéanamh ar an stoc, tríd an méid méadú 9% ar an tréimhse chéanna in 2016 fiú is go ábhar muirí aischurtha a dhéantar a laghdú agus raibh laghdú beag ar na méideanna a honnmhairíodh. deireadh a chur leis agus tríd an stoc a athbhunú chun Is é margadh na Fraince fós an margadh is mó Uastáirgeacht Inbhuanaithe a bhaint amach (MSY). d’onnmhairí oisrí na hÉireann arbh ionann na díolacháin iomlána agus 73%. Mhéadaigh an luach • Deireadh a chur le hábhar muirí aischurtha de trádála 5% sa tréimhse sin. Ba é an príomhthreocht réir a chéile laistigh den earnáil seo le blianta beaga anuas ná Tá an cosc ar ábhar muirí aischurtha nó an béim leanúnach á cur ag cuideachtaí ar dhíolacháin oibleagáid gabhálacha, atá ina phríomhghné sa a fhorbairt le margaí san Áise, margaí ar nós Hong Chomhbheartas Iascaigh, á thabhairt isteach sna Cong (+20% ar luach), an tSín (+107% ar luach), agus blianta beaga amach romhainn, agus tá sé i gceist Singeapór (+8% ar luach) díreach as Éirinn. Is ionann go mbeidh sé á chur i bhfeidhm go hiomlán faoin na díolacháin chuig an trí réigiún sin anois agus 17% mbliain 2019. Tá Grúpa Réigiúnach Ballstát ar de luach onnmhairí iomlán na hÉireann. Uiscí an Iarthuaiscirt (Éire, an Bheilg, an Fhrainc, an Ríocht Aontaithe, an Ísiltír agus an Spáinn) ann Mhéadaigh luachanna iomlán onnmhairí diúilicíní chun iascaigh ag leibhéal réigiúnach a bhainistiú 11% in 2017 (go dtí luach €17m) le méadú 8% ar an faoin gComhbheartas Iascaigh, agus tagann an méid a onnmhairíodh. Laghdaigh luach mhargadh na grúpa le chéile go rialta chun pleananna maidir Fraince 7%, an margadh ba mhó ag Éirinn d’onnmhairí le hábhar muirí aischurtha agus beartais iascaigh diúilicíní roimhe seo, agus b’ionann na díolacháin eile a phlé i gcomhairle leis na páirtithe leasmhara iomlána agus 36%. De bharr gur margadh iomaíoch é ábhartha. Tháinig an grúpa le chéile go rialta margadh mhórthír na hEorpa, d’fhéach onnmhaireoirí le linn 2017 chun deacrachtaí feidhmiúcháin na hÉireann le margaí i dtíortha eile a bhaint amach. éagsúla a bhain leis an oibleagáid gabhálacha a Tá méadú tagtha ar dhíolacháin maidir leis an margadh phlé agus aontaíodh chomh maith go n-áireofaí anseo sa bhaile agus san Ísiltír (+62% ar luach). Bhí an bearta breise ón 1 Eanáir 2018 chun tacú leis an Ísiltír ar an margadh onnmhairithe diúilicíní is mó ag oibleagáid gabhálacha a thabhairt isteach de réir Éirinn in 2017. Thuairisc táirgeoirí go raibh tionchar a chéile faoin spriocdháta Eanáir 2019.
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• Uastáirgeacht Inbhuanaithe • Pleananna iascaigh ilbhliantúla Is ionann Uastáirgeacht Inbhuanaithe (MSY) agus Is é an aidhm atá leis na pleananna iascaigh an leibhéal a cheadóidh an gabháltas is airde ilbhliantúla ná an stoc éisc a athbhunú agus iasc ach ag an am céanna a choinneoidh an stoc a choinneáil ag leibhéil inbhuanaithe agus ag leibhéal inbhuanaithe sa bhfadtéarma. Faoin inbhuanaitheacht shóisialta agus eacnamaíoch gComhbheartas Iascaigh reatha, beidh bainistiú na n-iascairí atá ag obair i réigiúin áirithe a á dhéanamh de réir a chéile ar iascaireacht go dtí chinntiú. Tá ceithre phlean ilbhliantúla molta leibhéil Uastáirgeachta Gabháltais faoin mbliain ag an gCoimisiún Eorpach go dtí seo de réir an 2020 ar a dheireanaí. Tá laghdú mór tagtha ar Chomhbheartais Iascaigh. Bhí aontú polaitiúil shaothrú le blianta beaga anuas san Atlantach, idir an Chomhaire, an Coimisiún agus Comhairle sa Mhuir Thuaidh agus sa Mhuir Bhailt de bharr na hEorpa mar thoradh ar phléití ar phlean na dteorainneacha gabháltais atá beartaithe ag Ilbhliantúil na Mara Thuaidh le haghaidh stoic an gCoimisiún Eorpach. Socraíodh na deiseanna ghrinnill. Choinnigh Rialtas na hÉireann súil ghéar iascaireachta a pléadh ag an gComhairle um ar na hidirbheartaíochtaí sin mar gur orthu sin a Thalmhaíocht agus um Iascach i mí na Nollag bheidh cur chuige an Choimisiúin bunaithe nuair 2017 don bhliain 2018 de réir an chuspóra sin. Tá a bheidh plean á chur i dtoll a chéile aige d’Uiscí stoc 53 iascaigh as 76 stoc a bhfuil sonraí ann ina an Iarthuaiscirt a bhfuiltear a cheapadh leith laistigh de na leibhéil atá de dhíth anois agus a mholfaidh an Coimisiún Eorpach ag tús na is léir go mbainfear amach na cuspóirí a leagadh bliana 2018. amach sa Chomhbheartas Iascaigh.
76 77 Iascaigh A Bhainistiú Agus A Chaomhnú
Cuóta Éisc 2017 a Bhainistiú SeaFest 2017 - Feidhm a Bhaint as Bhí an Roinn freagrach as breis is 233,610 tonna Saibhreas ár nAigéin - Geilleagar Gorm na de chuótaí éisc a bhainistiú in 2017. Mar chuid den hÉireann a Fhorbairt phróiseas bainistíochta sin, eisíodh 1,521 údarú D’fhreastail breis is 100,000 duine ar SeaFest, Féile agus leasú faoin Acht Iascaigh Mhara agus Dlínse Náisiúnta Muirí na hÉireann in 2017. Reáchtáladh Muirí, 2006. Ina theannta sin, thug an tAire feidhm an fhéile ar feadh 3 lá ón 30 Meitheamh go dtí do 77 bhFógra Bainistíochta Iascaigh agus do shé an 2 Iúil i gCalafort na Gaillimhe. Léiríodh ag an Ionstraim Reachtúla chun tacú le iascaigh na hÉireann bhféile acmhainní fairsinge mara na hÉireann, ag a bhainistiú. ardú feasachta ar an luach atá leis an bhfarraige agus ar na deiseanna a chuireann an fharraige ar Ina theannta sin in 2017, rinneadh 40 stoc éisc fáil agus rinneadh oidhreacht muirí na hÉireann a Grinnill (iasc geal agus cloicheáin) a bhainistiú i cheiliúradh chomh maith. Is príomhchuid d’Fheidhm gcomhairle leis an gCoiste Comhairleach Bainistíochta a Bhaint as Saibhreas ár nAigéin é SeaFest (Plean Cuótaí. Tá na teorainneacha gabháltais atá leagtha Comhtháite Muirí na hÉireann) agus é mar aidhm leis amach sa bhFógra maidir le Bainistiú Iascaigh le fáil rannpháirtíocht a mhéadú maidir leis an bhfarraige. ar láithreán gréasáin na Roinne agus déantar iad a Is é Foras na Mara a dhéanann SeaFest a chomhordú scaipeadh ar eagraíochtaí tionscail ionadaíocha. thar ceann an Ghrúpa Idir-Rannach Comhordaithe Mara, Grúpa a bhfuil an tAire Talmhaíochta, Bia Méid Iomlán na nGabhálacha & na gCuótaí agus Mara ina chathaoirleacht air. Áirítear ar Incheadaithe 2018 phríomhpháirtnéirí an imeachta - BIM, Bord Bia agus réimse páirtnéirí náisiúnta, réigiúnacha agus áitiúla. I gcomhthéacs a bheith ag ullmhú do chaibidlí bliantúla an AE, chuir an tAire Measúnú Tionchair Ba é imeacht SeaFest 2017 is mó a tharraing lucht Inbhuanaitheachta ar Iomlán na nGabhálacha spéise ó reáchtáladh an chéad SeaFest i gCorcaigh in Incheadaithe (TACanna) agus na gcuótaí do 2018 i 2015. Bhí réimse imeachtaí ar siúl ag SeaFest 2017 láthair don Dáil i mí na Samhna 2017. Rinneadh an a bhfuil fáil ag an bpobal orthu a bhain le cúrsaí gnó, measúnú Tionchair Inbhuanaitheachta a fhorbairt tar cúrsaí acadúla agus an nuálaíocht. Áiríodh orthu sin éis ionchur ó ghníomhaireachtaí mara lena n-áirítear Seafood Experience BIM, a raibh sé d’aidhm leis cur leis SFPA, BIM agus MI agus i ndiaidh cruinnithe ina raibh an meas atá ar bhia mara na hÉireann agus ar lucht na páirtithe leasmhara ábhartha ar fad rannpháirteach a dtáirgthe. Rinne an tAire Creed chéad Mhúsaem iontu i mí na Samhna 2017. Eolaíochta Muirí na hÉireann i gCathair na Gaillimhe a sheoladh ag an imeacht chomh maith. D’aontaigh Comhairle Iascaigh an AE TACanna agus cuótaí 2018 i mí na Nollag 2017. D’éirigh leis Mar chuid de SeaFest, tionóladh an ceathrú Cruinniú an Aire 215,534 tonna cuótaí arbh ionann a luach Mullaigh Shaibhreas ár nAigéin agus d’fhreastail breis agus €266 milliún d’iascairí na hÉireann a fháil do is 340 toscaire air. Ba é an tAire Creed a d’oscail an 2018. Ceann de na príomhnithe a baineadh amach Cruinniú, cruinniú a thug cainteoirí náisiúnta agus de bharr na gcaibidlíochta sin ná an méadú +15% ar idirnáisiúnta, saineolaithe tionscail, gníomhaireachtaí an gcuóta Nephrops (Cloicheán) arbh fhiú breis is forbartha gnó agus pobal gnó agus taighde muirí na €10.6m é d’fhlít na hÉireann. B’ionann luach iomlán hÉireann le chéile. Ba é ‘Rethinking Boundaries and an chuóta iasc geal €152m agus ardú +8% ar luach Innovation for a Sustainable Marine Economy’ téama na bliana anuraidh. Mhol an Coimisiún chomh maith Chruinniú Mullaigh 2017. Roghnaíodh an téama sin go gcuirfí cosc iomlán ar shlatiascaireacht doingean d’fhonn cuir chuige nua agus bealaí smaointeoireachta sé mhí den bhliain. D’éirigh le hÉire cead a fháil chun nua a aimsiú chun go mbainfear an leas is fearr agus is iascaigh ‘gabh agus scaoil’ ar feadh na bliana a chur i féidir as féidearthacht muirí na hÉireann. bhfeidhm nach ndéanfadh aon dochar don stoc agus a thabharfaidh cosaint don acmhainn thábhachtach Sheol an tAire Creed dhá thuarascáil Rialtais ag turasóireachta seo. . Cruinniú Mullaigh 2017:
77 Iascaigh A Bhainistiú Agus A Chaomhnú
• Athbhreithniú ar Dhul Chun Cinn Bliantúil i ndáil amach maidir le cosaint comhshaoil. le Feidhm a Bhaint as Saibhreas ár nAigéin • Straitéis Náisiúnta Nuálaíochta agus Taighde Rinne an tAire 109 gcinneadh i ndáil le ceadúnais in Muirí 2017-2021 nua. 2017. Tá an Roinn ag oibriú go gníomhach i dtreo 300 cinneadh a dhéanamh in 2018 agus táthar ag iarraidh Áirítear ar roinnt de na príomhimeachtaí eile a bhí ar 300 eile a chinneadh in 2019. Sásóidh sin ceann de siúl sa chathair le linn SeaFest Comhdháil Náisiúnta na croímholtaí a bhí ag an nGrúpa Athbhreithnithe Bia Mara BIM, Comhdháil The Digital Ocean - Ireland’s um Cheadúnú Dobharshaothraithe. Cé go mbeidh Marine Engineering and Technology agus Seó Muirí iarratais ar cheadúnais ann i gcónaí, cuirfidh an bainteach (imeacht tras-gníomhaireachta arna eagrú 600 cinneadh a bhaint amach sa dá bhliain amach ag Foras na Mara, IDA, EI, SFI agus SEAI), agus an tríú romhainn deireadh den chuid is mó leis an bhfadhb searmanas bliantúil de Ghradaim Thionscal riaráiste. na Mara. Faoi dheireadh na bliana 2017 bhí Measúnachtaí Ceadúnú Dobharshaothraithe Cuí faighte ag an Roinn i leith fiche a sé chuan. Choimisiúnaigh an tAire Athbhreithniú Neamhspleách Comhlíonann na Measúnachtaí Cuí sin an ceanglas ar Cheadú Dobharshaothraithe i mí na Nollag 2016 faoi Threoracha um Éin agus Gnáthóga an AE chun agus cuireadh tuarascáil an Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe measúnú leordhóthanach a dhéanamh ar thionchar an faoi bhráid an Aire ag deireadh mhí na Bealtaine 2017. cheadúnaithe dobharshaothraithe i limistéir ‘Natura Rinne an Grúpa Athbhreithnithe scrúdú mionsonraithe 2000’. ar an bpróiseas ceadúnaithe dobharshaothraithe atá ann, chuaigh i mbun comhchomhairle Measúnacht Lártéarma - An Plean cuimsitheach le páirtithe leasmhara agus d’fhéach Straitéiseach Náisiúnta um Fhorbairt ar chórais toilithe chomparáideacha náisiúnta agus Inbhuanaithe an Dobharshaothraithe idirnáisiúnta chun an cleachtas is fearr i ndáil le Foilsíodh an Plean Straitéiseach Náisiúnta um próiseas bainistithe casta ceadúnaithe a fháil amach Fhorbairt Inbhuanaithe an Dobharshaothraithe in ar bhealach a bhí trédhearcach, oiriúnach maidir 2015 agus ó shin i leith tá an plean á cur i bhfeidhm. leis an gcomhshaol agus téagartha ó thaobh an dlí Cuireadh 22 de na 24 gníomh a moladh sa Phlean i de. Tugadh ar aird i Food Wise 2025 agus sa Phlean bhfeidhm go hiomlán nó i bpáirt in 2017. Straitéiseach Náisiúnta um Fhorbairt Inbhuanaithe an Dobharshaothraithe go raibh fadhbanna leis Reáchtáladh Measúnacht Lártéarma in 2017. gcóras ceadúnaithe atá ann agus moladh go ndéanfaí Rinne an Mheasúnacht sin an dul chun cinn ar an athbhreithniú neamhspleách chun na dúshláin atá bPlean Straitéiseach Náisiúnta a mheas le treoir ón ann a scrúdú agus feabhsúcháin atá ag teacht leis an gCoimisiún Eorpach chuig Ballstáit, agus bhí sí dírithe dea-chleachtas go hidirnáisiúnta a mholadh. Foilsíodh ar na 4 theideal seo thíos. an tuarascáil ar líne ag http://www.fishingnet.ie/ independentaquaculturelicensingreview2017/. • Limistéar Tosaíochta 1 - Nósanna imeachta riaracháin a shimpliú Tá dianbhreithniú déanta ag an roinn ar gach ceann de • Limistéar Tosaíochta 2 - Pleanáil spásúlachta na 30 moladh agus é i gceist Straitéis Feidhmiúcháin • Limistéar Tosaíochta 3 - Iomaíochas chuimsitheach a ullmhú. Glactar san áireamh sa Dhobharshaothrú an AE a fheabhsú Straitéis Feidhmiúcháin saincheisteanna chun leas an • Limistéar Tosaíochta 4 - Machaire réidh phobail, teicniúla agus comhshaoil a bhfuil baint acu le d’oibritheoirí an AE a chur chun cinn trí leas a forbairt inbhuanaithe an tionscail. baint as a gcuid buntáistí iomaíocha Léireoidh torthaí na Tuarascála imeacht nua maidir Conclúidí Foriomlána leis an dobharshaothrú a rialáil, agus ní hamháin go Léiríonn sonraí shuirbhé BIM gur mhéadaigh an ndéanfaidh sé córas ceadúnaithe atá ag obair go maith t-aschur tríd is tríd 10% maidir le gach speiceas sa a éascú ach cuideoidh sé leis an gcothromaíocht atá tréimhse idir 2015 agus 2016. In 2016, b’ionann an de dhíth idir riachtanais atá thar a bheith dlisteanach líon a tháirg an earnáil agus tuairim is 44,000 tonna. agus an méid a bhfuil an pobal ag súil leis a bhaint
78 79 Iascaigh A Bhainistiú Agus A Chaomhnú
D’ardaigh an luach go dtí leibhéal €168m ag an gcéad Cois Cladaigh (RIFFanna) leis an NIFF. Déantar phointe díolacháin ag deireadh 2016. Léiríonn na ionadaíocht ar na hiascaigh intíre agus ar pháirtithe figiúirí go bhfuil treochtaí meatha ag dul an malairt leasmhara mara eile leis na fóraim sin. Tá láithreán treo le blianta beaga anuas. Tá sé mar sprioc ag gréasáin dá gcuid féin anois ag na fóraim a léiríonn an an MANP an méid a tháirgtear a mhéadú go dtí obair a dhéanann siad: www.inshoreforums.ie 81,700 tonna faoi dheireadh na bliana 2023. Cé go dteastaíonn fás ollmhór chun an leibhéal sin a bhaint Cheadaigh an tAire Íosmhéid Tagartha Caomhnaithe amach, tá cúrsaí ag breathnú go maith faoi láthair, (MCRS) 65mm a thabhairt isteach maidir agus ba chóir, má leantar de na gníomhaíochtaí a leis an luaineachán, mar a bhí molta ag lucht aithníodh sa MANP a chur i bhfeidhm, go gcuideodh tionscail, i ndiaidh pléití leis an NIFF ar thorthaí sin go mór leis an gcuspóir sin. chomhchomhairliúchán poiblí 2016 ar an moladh. Cheadaigh an tAire chomh maith moltaí an NIFF Luach Táirgíochta comhchomhairliúcháin phoiblí a reáchtáil ar dhá mholadh eile ó bhainisteoirí sa tionscail ina méadófaí 190,000 190,000 an MCRS maidir leis an bportán déag chomh maith le 170,000 170,000 hiascaigh scianbhreallach sa Mhuir Éireann Thuaidh. 150,000 150,000 Cuirtear cúnamh deontais ar fáil faoin gclár 130,000 130,000 V-Eangaithe Gliomach d’iascairí chun cláir v-eangaithe 110,000 110,000 gliomach a chur i bhfeidhm atá dírithe ar stoic na 2010 2012 2014 2016 2010 2012 2014 2016 ngliomach a chaomhnú. Is é bunaidhm an mhodh V-eangaithe gliomach ná inbhuanaitheacht stoic Méid Táirgíochta (tonnaí) gliomach na hÉireann a fheabhsú trí na gliomaigh 50,000 bhaineanna a chosaint le go mbeidh siad in ann pórú 50,000 roinnt uaireanta. Bhí na socraithe aistrithe Gliomach 45,000 45,000 do v-eangú gliomach os cionn 127mm le dul in éag 40,000 40,000 ar an 1 Eanáir 2018 agus cuireadh síneadh leo go 35,000 dtí an 1 Eanáir 2019 chun go bhféadfadh tuilleadh 35,000 cainteanna a bheith ann maidir leis an mbealach ab 30,000 30,000 2010 2012 2014 2016 fhearr le stoic a chaomhnú sa bhfadtéarma. 2010 2012 2014 2016
Leanadh den iascaigh um Shíol Diúilicíní uile-oileánda An Bille Iascaigh Mhara (Leasú) 2017 a bhainistiú in 2017 agus cuireadh tús le séasúr iascaireachta an fhómhair i Meán Fómhair. Rinneadh Cheadaigh an Rialtas foilsiú an Bhille Iascaigh Mhara an ceathrú iniúchadh ar an iascaigh i mí na Samhna (Leasú) ag tús na bliana 2017. Féachtar leis an 2017 mar chuid de dheimhniúchán coinníollach MSC mBille seo leasuithe dlíthiúla a dhéanamh ar an Acht (an Chomhairle um Maoirseacht Mara) an iascaigh. Iascaigh Mhara agus Dlínse Muirí, 2006 d’fhonn Léirigh an t-iniúchadh, a raibh SAI Global ina bhun) go aghaidh a thabhairt ar chinneadh na Cúirte Uachtaraí bhfuil an t-iascach ag oibriú i gcónaí ar bhealach atá i nDeireadh Fómhair 2016 nach bhfuil cead de réir dea-bhainistithe agus inbhuanaithe agus socraíodh an dlí ag soithigh as Tuaisceart Éireann a bheith ag deimhniúchán a bhronnadh. iascaireacht laistigh de chrios 0-6 mhuirmhíle uiscí teorann an Stáit. Foilsíodh an Bille i bhFeabhra 2017 agus tá sé os comhair an Oireachtais. Treoracha Natura 2000 a chur i bhfeidhm Is éard is Natura 2000 ann ná líonra AE de Iascaigh Intíre Inbhuanaithe a Fhorbairt phríomhláithreáin phóraithe agus scíthe do speicis atá neamhchoitianta agus faoi bhagairt, agus roinnt Tháinig an Fóram Náisiúnta Iascaigh Cois Cladaigh cineálacha gnáthóg neamhchoitianta nádúrtha a bhfuil (NIFF) le chéile trí huaire in 2017 chun moltaí a bhain cosaint ina gceart féin acu. D’ullmhaigh Foras na le hiascaigh intíre agus a gcuid idirghníomhaíochtaí Mara (an ghníomhaireacht Stáit ar a bhfuil freagracht le láithreáin Natura 2000 a phlé agus a fhorbairt. do thaighde, d’fhorbairt teicneolaíochta agus Tacaíonn gréasán de shé Fhóram Réigiúnacha Intíre nuálaíocht mara in Éirinn) measúnacht riosca roimhe
79 Iascaigh A Bhainistiú Agus A Chaomhnú
seo ar idirghníomhaíochtaí iascaigh mhara le speicis gcomhair comhchomhairliúchán poiblí in 2016 agus agus gnáthóga a bhfuil cosaint Natura 2000 acu ar áiríodh iontu srianta maidir le trealamh dreidireachta feadh chóstaí Theas agus Thiar na hÉireann. Tá sé i agus trálaeireachta iascaireachta a úsáid in SACanna gceist ag an bhForas measúnacht den chineál céanna i Rinn Duáin, an tSailte Mhóir agus an tSailte Bhig ndáil le héin chosanta a thabhairt chun críche in 2018. chomh maith le monatóireacht GPS a dhéanamh ar Tugtar faoi na measúnachtaí sin faoi Airteagal 6.2 de bháid a mbeadh trealamh iascaireachta den chineál Threoir um Ghnáthóga an Aontais Eorpaigh. Thug an sin ar iompar orthu sna limistéir sin. Ina theannta sin, Foras measúnacht riosca den chineál céanna i ndáil le bunaíodh iascach raucan i gCuan Dhún Dealgan, agus gníomhaíochtaí iascaireachta i láithreáin Natura 2000 cuireadh tús leis an iascaireacht i mí Iúil 2017. i Muir Éireann (cósta an Oirthir) chun críche in 2013. D’ullmhaigh an Foras sceideal chomh maith d’fhonn Déantar foráil leis an Acht um Ghníomhú Aeráide agus aghaidh a thabhairt ar na rioscaí a aithníodh bunaithe um Fhorbairt Ísealcharbóin, 2015, a chuireann leis ar an gcineál iascaigh agus an cineál riosca a bhí i an gCreat Náisiúnta Oiriúnú don Athrú Aeráide, chun gceist. Tá tús curtha ag an Rialtas le gníomhaíochtaí Pleananna um Oiriúnú Earnála a ullmhú. Tá dul chun chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar na rioscaí a bhaineann cinn déanta maidir le plean um Oiriúnú don Earnáil le gníomhaíochtaí iascaigh mhara ar bhonn práinne i Bia Mara a raibh baint ag Foras na Mara agus ag BIM gcomhar le Fóraim Náisiúnta agus Réigiúnach Iascaigh leis chomh maith le sainchomhairle a fháil ó UCC. Cois Cladaigh. Tá sé i gceist dréacht-phlean a fhoilsiú i gcomhair comhchomhairliúchán poiblí in 2018 sula gcuirtear an Tugadh measúnacht chuí ar iascach shíolta diúilicíní i plean deiridh i láthair an Aire. Loch na dTrí Caol chun críche ag tús 2017. Ghlac an tAire le plean Natura leasuithe iascaigh agus d’eisigh sé deimhniúchán iascaigh Natura ar an iascach. Cuireadh tús le hiascach síolta Chaisleán na Mainge i Meán Fómhair 2017, ag teacht leis an iascach i Muir Éireann. Chomh maith leis sin, d’eisigh an tAire deimhniúchán iascaigh Natura d’fhonn bearta a forbraíodh le lucht tionscail a thabhairt isteach chun an dochar a d’fhéadfadh iascaireacht muiríní a dhéanamh do láithreáin Natura 2000 amach ó chósta Loch Garman a mhaolú. Foilsíodh na bearta sin i
80 81 An Clár Forbartha Caipitil Infreastruchtúir Cuanta Iascaigh Agus Cósta
In 2017, b’ionann an caiteachas vótáilte iomlán ar an Dún Mór gclár seo agus €21m agus caitheadh €17.5m de sin Is éard atá i gceist leis an uasghrádú atá á dhéanamh ar Lárionaid Chuanta Iascaigh, chomh maith le €0.3m ar an gCé Thiar sa Dún Mór a bhfuil costas breise a chaitheamh ar Chléire agus d’fhonn réimse €1,336,000 ag dul leis ná uasghrádú ollmhór ar an gcé céanna, soilse agus rabhcán timpeall an chósta atá thiar mar atá agus ar an gcóras gardaí atá le hathrú de faoi shainchúram na Roinne a chothabháil. Is é Rannán bharr chomh sean is atá sé agus de bharr creimeadh Innealtóireachta na Roinne a dhéanann bainistíocht ollmhór a bheith déanta ar an treisiú coincréite. tionscadail ar an infheistíocht mhór a dhéantar Cuirfidh an tionscadal seo tuilleadh feabhais ar na i ndáil leis an obair sin agus cuireann an Rannán háiseanna atá sa chalafort, agus sin i ndiaidh an tacaíocht theicniúil agus seirbhísí comhairleach agus tionscadal dreidireachta ollmhór a thabhairt i gcrích imscrúdúcháin ar fáil maidir le gach forbairt ar chuanta in 2015. iascaigh. Bonneagar Chuanta na nÚdarás Áitiúil Príomhthionscadail sna Lárionaid Chuanta In 2017, caitheadh €2.8 milliún ar an iomlán ar an Iascaigh in 2017 obair a rinneadh ar chuanta, céanna agus fánáin Daingean Uí Chúis faoi úinéireacht Údarás Áitiúil faoin gClár Forbartha Caipitil Infreastruchtúir Cuanta Iascaigh agus Cósta Feabhsóidh an infheistíocht €4,213,890 ionramháil agus faoin gClár Fóillíochta Muirí agus Turasóireachta soithí ar a mbeidh éifeachtúlachtaí maidir le seal Muirí. Bhain 52 tionscadal ó Údaráis Áitiúla cósta ar fuirigh shoithí agus le húsáideoirí ar an gcladach mar fud na tíre tairbhe as an maoiniú. thoradh air agus cuirfear deiseanna ar fáil do longa cúrsála an cuan a úsáid agus ioncam breise a ghiniúint . don Roinn chomh maith le deiseanna a chruthú do thionscail na hearnála príobháidí.
Na Cealla Beaga Is éard a bhí i gceist le tionscadal Uasghrádaithe Fhiondair agus Dheilfíní Múrála Ché Turlingthe Lárionad Chuan Iascaigh na gCealla Beaga, a chosain €1,997,978, síneadh a chur leis an athsholáthair fiondar trí phíosa cruach láidir a chur in áit an gharda adhmaid croíghlais a bhí ann agus deilfíní múrála a chur ag bun na cé le go mbeidh soithí in ann dul ar ancaire ann agus iad a mhúráil go sábháilte sa Chaladh agus sa ché.
81 82 83 Sprioc Straitéiseach 5 Forbairt Chorparáideach Acmhainn straitéiseach, oibríochta, rialála agus theicniúil a choinneáil agus a fhorbairt d’fhonn sároibríocht a bhaint amach
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CAITEACHAS FORIOMLÁN Achoimre ar Fháltais AE in 2016 agus in 2017 2016 2017 Bhí an Roinn freagrach as caiteachas Vótáilte de €m €m bhreis is €1.318 billiún in 2017. Chomh maith leis an gcaiteachas vótáilte, chaith an Roinn €1.214 billiún ar EAGF 1100 1228 scéimeanna a bhí maoinithe ag EAGF an AE, agus mar EAFRD* 383 186 sin b’ionann caiteachas iomlán na Roinne agus €2.6 An Ciste Tréidliachta 11 11 billiún. Iascaigh (FIFG, EFF, 3 23 EMFF**) Caiteachas ar Thalmhaíocht na hÉireann, 2017 Eile 4 3 EAGF 1,214 Iomlán 1501 1451 Íocaíochtaí díreacha 1,190 Foinse: An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara * Áirítear fáltais a cuireadh ar aghaidh chuig an Roinn Forbartha Idirghabháil/APS 2 Pobail agus Tuaithe Tacaíochtaí Margaidh Eile 26 ** Réamh-mhaoiniú ar EMFF nach raibh curtha in áireamh do A&A
Eile (4) Rialuithe Airgeadais Caiteachas Vótáilte (gan 1,164 Tá réimse cuimsitheach de chórais bainistíochta Riarachán san áireamh) airgeadais, rialaithe agus airgeadais i bhfeidhm ag *Clár A - Sábháilteacht Bia, 80 an Roinn d’fhonn ceanglais chuntasaíochta agus Sláinte Ainmhithe agus Plandaí rialachais an AE agus na hÉireann a chomhlíonadh. agus Leas Ainmhithe I gcomhréir le ceanglais chreidiúnaithe dochta an *Clár B - Tacaíochtaí agus 659 AE, chuir an Roinn ar aghaidh a cuntais caiteachais Rialuithe Feirme/Earnála bhliantúla, a raibh deimhniú neamhspleách faighte acu, chuig an gCoimisiún Eorpach. Lean an Grúpa *Clár C - Beartas agus Straitéis 318 um Athbhreithniú Creidiúnaithe de a bheith ag *Clár D - Earnáil an Bhia Mara 107 monatóireacht fheidhmíocht na Roinne mar Ghníomhaireacht Íocaíochta náisiúnta le linn 2017. An Administration 223 tArd-Rúnaí atá ina chathaoirleach ar an ngrúpa seo ar Total Voted Expenditure 1,387 a bhfuil ionadaithe ón Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe agus ó na Coimisinéirí Ioncaim. Tháinig Total Expenditure 2,601 an Grúpa le chéile ceithre uaire in 2017. Ceann de phríomhdhualgais an Ghrúpa ná a chinntiú go Fáltais AE gcuirtear i bhfeidhm na moltaí a rinne an Comhlacht Rinne an Roinn éileamh ar mhaoiniú ón AE agus fuair Deimhniúcháin an bhliain roimhe sin agus go leantar sí cistiú ón AE in 2017 i leith beart arna maoiniú ag na suas i gceart gach toradh iniúchta a tháinig ar ais Cistí AE seo a leanas: ón AE.
• EAGF (An Ciste Eorpach um Ráthaíocht An Coiste Iniúchta Talmhaíochta) Bunaíodh an Coiste Iniúchta d’fhonn comhairle • An Ciste Tréidliachta agus neamhspleách agus oibiachtúil a chur ar fáil don • An Ciste Iascaigh Ard-Rúnaí ar bheartais iniúchta inmheánaigh, ar bhainistíocht riosca chuí maidir le feidhmiú na Roinne agus ar an bhfeidhm iniúchta inmheánaigh a oibriú. Oibríonn an Coiste faoi Chairt ina ndéantar cur síos ar chuspóir, údarás agus caidrimh tuairiscíochta an Choiste Iniúchta, an Aonaid Iniúchta Inmheánaigh agus ar bhainistíocht na Roinne.
84 85 Bainistíocht Airgeadais
Tháinig an Coiste le chéile cúig huaire in 2017 agus chóras ar a bhfuil gach riosca gnó agus oibríochta tháinig an Cathaoirleach agus an tArd-Rúnaí le chéile bunaithe a chur le chéile. trí huaire eile taobh amuigh de sin agus chuaigh i láthair Bhord Bainistíochta na Roinne. Léiríodh i Tá na struchtúir Bainistithe Riosca atá sa Roinn dTuarascáil Bhliantúil na Roinne 2016 go rabhthas neartaithe, trí fhoireann a earcú ar an bhFoireann sásta leis na rialuithe atá á bhfeidhmiú ag an Roinn Bainistithe Riosca (An Rannán Airgeadais) Oifigeach agus luaigh an Cathaoirleach an méid luachmhar a Riosca a shocrú (An Rannán Airgeadais) agus an Coiste chuireann an tAonad Iniúchta Inmheánaigh leis an Bainistithe Riosca a bhunú arís. Tá feabhas curtha ar timpeallacht rialachais ina iomláine agus rialuithe sa an Maoirseacht ar Bhainistiú Riosca agus tá tús curtha Roinn á meas agus á bhfeabhsú aige. le tionscadal chun córas atá níos láidre, solúbtha agus níos éasca le húsáid a chur in áit an Bhunachair Sonraí An tAonad Iniúchta Inmheánaigh Bainistithe Riosca atá ann faoi láthair. Chuir an tAonad Iniúchta Inmheánaigh (IAU) cuid mhór oibre iniúchta inmheánaigh agus scrúdaithe i Láithreán Gréasáin Thairbhithe CAP gcrích in 2017 d’fhonn cuidiú an bhainistíocht agus an I gcomhréir le Rialachán 1306/2013 ón AE, ní mór do fhreagracht chorparáideach agus airgeadais atá ar an Bhallstáit a chinntiú go bhfoilsítear liosta dlítheanaigh nó gcaighdeán is airde a choinneáil. neamh-dhlítheanaigh, ex-post thairbhithe chistiú CAP, ar bhonn bliantúil. Ní mór don ábhar a bheith foilsithe tráth Oibríonn an IAU i gcomhréir le dea-chleachtas agus le nach déanaí ná an 31 Bealtaine gach bliain. D’fhoilsigh caighdeáin iniúchta inmheánaigh ghairmiúla Institiúid an Roinn an t-eolas seo a leanas in 2017: na nIniúchóirí Neamhspleácha. Leanann an IAU cur chuige cuimsitheach a bhfuil eolas air go forleathan • Ainm an tairbhí, seachas sa chás go raibh an méid d’fhonn a chlár bliantúil iniúchta a chur i gcrích lena a íocadh faoi chistí CAP níos lú ná €1,250. Sa n-áirítear iad seo a leanas: chás sin déantar an duine aonair a aithint le cód • An bardas ina bhfuil an tairbhí ina chónaí • Clár Riosca na Roinne, • An méid íocaíochta i leith gach beart (scéim) a • Sonraí ar chaiteachas (náisiúnta agus AE), agus fuair an tairbhí • réim iomlán an iniúchta a bhreithniú, agus • Nádúr gach beart agus cur síos orthu
Thug an tAonad cúig cinn déag de thuarascálacha Tá feidhm dhíreach ag na ceanglais thuas agus tá siad iniúchta inmheánaigh chun críche agus rinne an ceangailteach ina n-iomláine agus níl aon tionchar ag IAU ionadaíocht ar réimse éagsúil de ghréasáin an Roinn ar an gcaoi a d’fhéadfaí an t-eolas a fhoilsiú iniúchta, lena n-áirítear Cinn an Fhóraim Iniúchta ná maidir leis an eolas a d’fhéadfaí a fhoilsiú. Inmheánaigh, gréasán chomhlachtaí iniúchta an AE agus Grúpa Iniúchta Inmheánaigh Idir-Rannach na Íocaíocht Phras Ríochta Aontaithe. Freastalaíonn Stiúrthóir an Iniúchta Le linn 2017, ba 91 sonrasc ar an iomlán a íocadh Inmheánaigh ar chruinnithe Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe lasmuigh den tréimhse 30 lá a bhfuil foráil déanta ina Creidiúnaithe na Roinne, an Ghrúpa Stiúrtha leith sna rialacháin faoin Acht um Íoc Pras Cuntas, Imscrúdúchán agus na Foirne Bainistithe Riosca agus 1997 agus ar gearradh pionóis úis dheireanaigh ina gníomhaíonn mar an faighteoir i ndáil le Nochtadh leith. B’ionann líon iomlán na bpionós úis dheireanaigh Cosanta. a íocadh agus €7,583. B’ionann luach na sonrasc ar fad a íocadh deireanach agus €665,943 arbh ionann Bainistiú Riosca sin agus 0.41% de €154,878,456 na n-íocaíochtaí Aithníodh rioscaí ardtionchair, forleithne agus iomlána a bhí laistigh de théarmaí na Rialachán. ardleibhéil a d’fhéadfadh tarlú agus a mbeadh B’ionann an meánmhoill sa bhreis ar an tréimhse impleachtaí fíor-thromchúiseacha acu ar an Roinn, íocaíochta 15 lá agus 28.5 lá. ar an earnáil agraibhia agus i gcomhthéacs níos leithne, ar an bpobal agus ar an leas náisiúnta i Tá ceanglas ann ó 2009 nach mór do Ranna Rialtais ngach réimse gnó. Rinneadh na rioscaí straitéiseacha soláthróirí as Éirinn a íoc laistigh de 15 lá. Tá sonraí athbhreithnithe sin a chuimsiú sa chóras Bainistithe maidir le comhlíontacht an Rialtais i leith an cheanglais Riosca atá sa Roinn chun an t-ardán atá laistigh den sin leagtha amach sa tábla seo a leanas:
85 Bainistíocht Airgeadais
Íocaíochtaí Prasa a ullmhú, agus trí clár oiliúna a chur ar fáil ar feadh réimse Rannán, tá féachta ag an Aonad a chinntiú go Íocaíochtaí Líon Luach Céatadán mbaintear an dea-chleachtas amach ag an leibhéal a rinneadh oibríochta le go mbaintear an luach is éifeachtaí ar Laistigh de 22,730 €132,727,025 83.50% airgead amach ar bhealach comhlíontach. 15 lá Laistigh de 4,044 €21,103,508 14.87% Ag leibhéal níos straitéisí, cuireadh tús leis an obair 16 go 30 lá ar Bheartas Soláthair a bhfuil sé mar aidhm leis na Níos mó ná 554 €1,047,923 1.63% treoirlínte dea-chleachtais a chomhdhlúthú agus 30 lá* a chinntiú go gcuirtear próisis soláthair i bhfeidhm go seasta ar fud na Roinne, agus táthar ag meas go Iomlán 27,328 €154,878,456 100% gcuirfear sin i bhfeidhm i Q2 2018. Tionscnaíodh * Tá an figiúr seo boilscithe go mór mar gheall go raibh soláthróirí tionscadail éagsúla SAP i ndáil le caiteachas soláthair mall ag seoladh isteach deimhnithe bailí imréitigh cánach i agus éascóidh sin tuairiscíocht airgeadais níos fearr gcomhréir le ceanglais na gCoimisinéirí Ioncaim. Níl ús deireanach i gceist sna cásanna sin. agus ailíniú níos dlúithe ar chaiteachas na Roinne le catagóirí soláthair na hOifige um Shainfháil Rialtais. Leanfar de na tionscnaimh sin agus tionscnaimh eile Soláthar Poiblí a chur i bhfeidhm le linn 2018. Bunaíodh an Láraonad Soláthair (CPU) in 2011. Cuireann an Láraonad feabhas ar sholáthair na Roinne ag leibhéal straitéiseach agus oibríochta araon i gcomhréir le rialacháin agus treoirlínte náisiúnta agus AE.
Trí faisnéis a scaipeadh ar phríomhbheartais, comhairle agus tacaíocht a chur ar fáil i ndáil le tairiscintí agus ábhar eile a bhaineann le soláthar
86 87 Bainistíocht Foirne Agus Eagraíochta
Straitéis HR Oiliúint agus Forbairt Tá an Roinn tiomanta a chinntiú go bhfuil fórsa oibre Chuir an Roinn réimse leathan deiseanna Foghlama a bhfuil ardscileanna aige agus atá spreagtha agus agus Forbartha ar fáil in 2017 i réimsí a bhain le éifeachtach ag an Roinn d’fhonn ár gcuid riachtanas ceannaireacht, bainistíocht, scileanna idirphearsanta gnó leanúnach a bhaint amach. Táimid tiomanta agus cumarsáide, airgeadas, TE agus sláinte agus chomh maith tacú le timpeallacht dhearfach oibre sábháilteacht. Áirítear anois mar chuid de na cúrsaí don fhoireann ar fad ina gcuirtear comhdheiseanna, ionduchtúcháin ábhar praiticiúil a bhfuil baint níos mó deiseanna gairme agus timpeallacht a thacaíonn aige leis an obair a bhíonn ar siúl sa Roinn. Bhí méadú le córais atá báúil le teaghlaigh agus ina bhfuil mór ar líon na bhfostaithe nua a cuireadh oiliúint cothromaíocht oibre is saoil ar fáil. ionduchtúcháin orthu in 2017 de bharr méadú a bheith ar an méid daoine a earcaíodh agus foireann a Tá an fórsa oibre a phleanáil ar cheann de bheith á sannadh as Ranna eile. na príomhuirlisí d’fhonn a chur ar chumas na heagraíochta na riachtanais foirne reatha agus amach Ina theannta sin, chuir an Roinn oiliúint speisialaithe anseo a mheas. Mar fheidhm bainistíochta, spreagann ar fáil don fhoireann theicniúil, tréidliachta, sé réimse iomlán de ghníomhaíochtaí HR lena innealtóireachta, eolaíochta agus saotharlainne. Bhain n-áirítear earcú, imlonnú, feidhmíocht, foghlaim agus go leor den fhoireann a bhfuil baint acu le rialuithe forbairt. Oifigiúla ag leibhéal beartais agus feidhmiúcháin úsáid as cúrsaí foirmeálta agus rFhoghlama chlár Oiliúint Seoladh beartas Sothghluaiseachta na Roinne ag níos Fearr do Bhia níos Sábháilte an Choimisiúin deireadh na bliana 2016 agus cuireadh chun cinn é Eorpaigh. i rith na bliana 2017. Is é is aidhm leis an mbeartas Soghluaiseachta tacú le riachtanais ghnó na Roinne In 2017, chuir an Roinn tús chomh maith le cáipéis agus riachtanais dhaoine aonair agus bhainisteoirí nua maidir le Beartas Foghlama agus Forbartha a chur a chothromú. Cuireann an beartas sin ar chumas na i bhfeidhm ina ndéantar cur síos ar mar a dhéanfaí Roinne an fórsa oibre a fhorbairt ag baint úsáid as riachtanais Foghlama agus Forbartha a aithint, a chur bunachar eolais leathan chomh maith le deiseanna ar fáil agus a mheas sna trí bliana eile ina dhiaidh sin. forbartha láidre a chur ar fáil don fhoireann ar fad. Cuireann an Roinn cultúr ina roinntear smaointe Gradaim na Státseirbhíse nua agus ina gcuirtear an dea-chleachtas chun cinn Chuir an Roinn seacht dtionscadal ar aghaidh do tríd an bhfoireann a bhogadh ar bhonn rialta agus Ghradaim um Fheabhas agus Nuáil sa Státseirbhís. bíonn mar thoradh air sin fórsa oibre atá solúbtha, Cuireadh tionscadal na Roinne “an Scéim um Dramhaíl acmhainneach, atá ábalta dul in oiriúint agus freagra Dhainséarach Feirme a Bhailiú 2015-2016” ar a thabhairt laistigh den timpeallacht dhúshlánach ina ghearrliosta deiridh iomlán na n-ainmniúchán agus bhfuilimid ag oibriú. bhuaigh an tionscadal an gradam Barr Feabhas trí
Obair i gComhar amach. Ba é an sprioc a bhí leis Comhionannas agus Éagsúlacht an tionscadal seo ná na cineálacha agus an méid Tacaíonn an Roinn go gníomhach leis an dramhaíl dhainséarach atá ar fheirmeacha a mheas gcomhionannas agus cuireann an comhionannas agus measúnú a dhéanamh air agus bealach a éascú chun cinn i ngach gné dá cuid gníomhaíochtaí. Is é d’fhonn é a thabhairt as, a aimsiú agus fáil réidh leis. 3% an sprioc reachtúil atá ann i ndáil le daoine faoi mhíchumas a fhostú agus in 2017 bhí an Roinn go Bainistiú Sócmhainní mór chun cinn ar an sprioc sin agus 4.1% bainte Lean an Roinn de a bheith ag tabhairt éifeachta amach aici. I ndiaidh chomh maith is a d’éirigh leis an do réimse leathan beart mar atá leagtha amach Tionscnamh Scáthfhoghlama blianta eile, bhí an Roinn sa Ghníomh Bainistithe Sócmhainní Maoine agus rannpháirtíocht arís sa tionscnamh agus éascaíodh comhordaíonn freagairtí na gComhlachtaí Stáit dhá shocrúchán déag oibre agus trí shocrúchán WAM faoina scáth. Áirítear sna bearta líon sonraí ar Chlár faoin gclár Toilteanach, Ábalta agus Meantóireacht. Maoine an Stáit agus rannpháirteacht i gceardlanna Cuireadh síneadh trí mhí le péire de na socrúcháin sin an Ghréasáin Bainisteoirí Maoine. Lean an Roinn de le go bhféadfaí tionscadail a thabhairt chun críche. a punann maoine a chomhdhlúthú agus de a bheidh
87 Bainistíocht Foirne Agus Eagraíochta
sa tóir ar dheiseanna chun áiseanna agus seirbhísí a Sláinte agus Sábháilteacht roinnt le Comhlachtaí eile san Earnáil Phoiblí agus In 2017, bronnadh trí ghradam de chuid Ghradaim réimsí eile ina bhféadfaí tuilleadh a shábháil i réimse Aitheantais Fiontraíochta um Bainistiú Riosca na na cóiríochta a aithint. Dhírigh an Rannán chomh Gníomhaireacht um Éilimh ar an Stát (SCA) ar Rannán maith ar airgead a shábháil trí leanúint d’úsáid a Shláinte agus Sábháilteachta na Roinne: bhaint as conarthaí na hOifige um Shainfháil Rialtais agus tairiscintí a dhéanamh arís ar chonarthaí eile. • Bronnadh Gradam i gCatagóir A ar an Roinn Ina theannta sin, bhíothas in ann airgead a shábháil de bharr í a bheith ar an gcéad Roinn Rialtais mar thoradh ar phróisis ghnó fheabhsaithe ar nós an a rinne Córas Bainistithe Riosca Sláinte agus réiteach priontála bainistithe agus trealamh poist nua Sábháilteachta, a bhfuil aitheantas idirnáisiúnta a úsáid. aige, a chur i bhfeidhm ar fud na heagraíochta agus an córas sin a fhorbairt ar bhonn leanúnach. Éifeachtúlacht Fuinnimh • Bronnadh dhá Ghradam i gCatagóir B ar an Roinn Tá an Roinn tiomanta d’éifeachtúlacht fuinnimh agus de bharr Tionscnamh Sláinte agus Sábháilteachta do bhainistiú fuinnimh atá éifeachtach. Tá an Roinn ag a fhorbairt agus a chur i bhfeidhm agus ar obair i gcomhar le príomhpháirtithe leasmhara d’fhonn Imeacht Sábháilteacht ar an bhFeirm chun oiliúint cuidiú an sprioc Náisiúnta 33% i ndáil le héifeachtacht agus eolas praiticiúil i ndáil le sláinte agus fuinnimh atá socraithe don Earnáil Phoiblí a sábháilteacht a chur ar fáil d’fhostaithe feirme na bhaint amach faoin mbliain 2020. Tá an Roinn i Roinne. mbun oibre leis an DCCEA, SEAI, an OPW agus le príomhpháirtithe leasmhara eile chun an Straitéis um Sábháilteacht ar an bhFeirm Éifeachtúlacht Fuinnimh a chur i bhfeidhm. In 2017, Tá sábháilteacht ar an bhfeirm ar cheann de na ghlac an Roinn páirt i gClár Comhpháirtíochta an SEAI hábhair is tábhachtaí maidir leis an bhfeirmeoireacht agus rinneadh gealltanais ó thaobh an dea-chleachtais sa lá atá inniu ann. Léiríonn staitisticí gur mó básanna i ndáil le bainistiú fuinnimh ar fud na heagraíochta. ar an láthair oibre a tharlaíonn ar fheirmeacha ná Lean an Roinn de a bheith páirteach i gClár um na slite beatha eile go léir in éineacht. Tharla 210 Éifeachtúlacht Fuinnimh do chomhlachtaí earnála timpiste inar maraíodh daoine ar fheirmeacha idir poiblí an OPW - “Optimising Power at Work”. Spreagtar 2008 agus 2017. In 2017, tharla 24 thimpiste ar athruithe iompair leis an gclár, a tugadh isteach sa fheirmeacha inar maraíodh daoine agus ba fheirmeoirí bhliain 2008, agus is é an aidhm atá leis cur amú a bhí 65 bliana d’aois nó níos sine a bhain 14 de na fuinnimh a aithint agus deireadh a chur leis, airgead timpistí sin. a shábháil trí fheasacht ball foirne agus trí shraith mionoibreacha. Bhí an Fhoireann Fuinnimh páirteach Cé gurb é an tÚdarás Sláinte agus Sábháilteachta in Oiliúint agus i gceardlanna MAP Fuinneamh an SEAI (HSA) an eagraíocht ar a bhfuil an phríomhfhreagracht d’fhonn cleachtais bainistithe fuinimh a fheabhsú as sláinte agus sábháilteacht a chinntiú ag an obair, agus deiseanna i ndáil le hoibreacha ar scála níos mó tá roinnt céimeanna glactha ag an Roinn le blianta a aithint. Tá an fhoireann ag obair go dlúth leis an beaga anuas, i gcomhar le roinnt eagraíochtaí Stáit OPW, lucht úsáidte ardfuinnimh laistigh den Roinn agus tionscail eile, chun feasacht a ardú ar an bhfadhb agus le comhlachtaí faoi choimirce na Roinne d’fhonn agus oideachas a chur ar fheirmeoirí agus ar a gcuid dea-chleachtais bainistithe fuinnimh a bhunú ar fud an teaghlach faoi na contúirtí a bhaineann le bheith ag ghrúpa agus éifeachtúlacht fuinnimh a mhéadú. Tá an obair san earnáil seo. Roinn ag obair leis an SEAI d’fhonn sraith tionscadal a fhorbairt chun éifeachtúlacht fuinnimh a chur ar fáil Is cuid lárnach í an tsábháilteacht ar fheirmeacha de réir mar a bheidh ag teastáil. Tá an dul chun cinn de gach sonraíocht foirgneamh arna dréachtú leanúnach i dtreo na spriocanna sin a bhaint amach ag an Roinn, agus áiríodh gnéithe sábháilteachta ag brath ar mhaoiniú a bheith ar fáil chun maith a breise le linn leasuithe a bheith á ndéanamh ar dhéanamh de na tionscadail caipitil a aithníodh sa roinnt sonraíochtaí in 2017, lena n-áirítear go tsraith tionscadal. gcaithfidh bealach isteach ó lasmuigh de limistéar na
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n-ainmhithe a bheith go dtí gach cró i dtithíocht nua ainmhithe. Leagtar amach leis na sonraíochtaí seo na híoschaighdeáin nach mór gach obair a chríochnú chuige agus áirítear iontu freisin riachtanais a bhaineann le sábháilteacht - mar shampla pointí suaite sciodair a bheith seachtrach agus treoirlínte i ndáil le suaitheadh sábháilte an sciodair. Tá teacht saor in aisce ag gach feirmeoir ar na sonraíochtaí sin.
Ina theannta sin, tá gné éigeantach Sláinte agus Sábháilteachta san áireamh sa Chlár Aistrithe Eolais faoin gClár Forbartha Tuaithe 2014-2020. Beidh na grúpaí sin ag plé go díreach leis na feirmeoirí a bheidh rannpháirteach maidir leis an tábhacht a bhaineann le sábháilteacht ar fheirmeacha. B’éigean do gach ceann den tuairim is 1200 Grúpa Aistrithe Eolais cruinniú a reáchtáil ar ábhar an tsláinte agus na sábháilteachta i mBliain a hAon den chlár. Ina theannta sin, chomhlánaigh gach duine den bhreis is 19,000 feirmeoir gné sláinte agus sábháilteachta feirme a bhain leis an bPlean um Fheabhsú Feirme duine le duine lena n-éascaitheoir ceadaithe.
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Forbairtí Ollmhóra ICT in 2017 • Tacaíocht ICT iomlán i ndáil le ríomhphoist, DFS agus gréasáin don Údarás um Chosaint Tá an Roinn ag brath go mór ar an teicneolaíocht Iascaigh Mhara (SFPA) agus forbairt agus faisnéise agus cumarsáide (ICT) d’fhonn a cuid cothabháil bogearraí i ndáil le córais scéimeanna agus seirbhísí a chur ar fáil. Áiríodh ar na bogearraí gabháltais agus imscrúdúcháin a forbairtí ollmhóra ICT in 2017 iad seo a leanas: chur ar fáil. • Ionad sonraí a óstáil do Teagasc Slándáil Faisnéise • Tacaíocht gréasáin agus naisc D’éirigh leis an Roinn deimhniúchán ISO 27001:2013 teileachumarsáide a roinnt le Bord Iascaigh i ndáil le Slándáil Faisnéise a bhaint amach i Lúnasa Mhara (BIM) agus áiseanna bainistíochta 2016 agus d’éirigh léi an deimhniúchán sin a agus bonneagar teicniúil ábhair a roinnt choinneáil in 2017 trí iniúchtaí a rinneadh dhá uair sa d’fhonn an láithreán athfhorbartha a óstáil bhliain. agus a uasdhátú.
Seirbhísí Comhroinnte ICT Scéim na hÍochaíochta Bunúsaí (BPS) I gcomhréir le Straitéis ICT na Seirbhíse Poiblí, chuir Lean an Roinn de a bheith ag feabhsú a cuid áiseanna an Roinn síneadh breise leis an mbonneagar seirbhísí ar líne trí fheidhmiúlacht nua a thabhairt isteach, lena comhroinnte ICT a cuireadh ar fáil in 2017 ina n-áirítear bealach níos simplí le hiarratas a dhéanamh n-áirítear: ar líne sa chás nach raibh aon athrú i gceist bliain i ndiaidh bliana. Chuir an áis ‘Réamhsheiceáil’ ar chumas • An Roinn Cumarsáide, Gníomhaithe ar son na na bhfeirmeoirí é roinnt earraidí a cheartú a gan aon hAeráide agus Comhshaoil (DCCAE): Cuirtear phionós a ghearradh orthu. Tháinig méadú 13,000 ar tacaíocht bonneagair ICT iomlán ar fáil sa DCCAE líon na n-iarratas BPS a rinneadh ar líne, tríd BPS iNet, lena n-áirítear láithreáin gréasáin éagsúla DCCAE in 2017 go dtí breis is 114,000 cás. Is ionann sin agus agus GSI a óstáil. tuairim is 87% de líon iomlán na n-iarratas. • Roinn an Taoisigh (DoT): Lean an Roinn seo de thacaíocht gréasáin a chur ar fáil do Roinn an Cuireadh tús leis na Réamhíocaíochtaí an 16 Deireadh Taoisigh. Déantar an chuid is mó de sheirbhísí Fómhair agus rinneadh na híocaíochtaí comhordaithe Teileafóin i DoT a chur ar fáil anois trí chóras sa chéad tseachtain de mhí na Nollag. Is ionann an teileafóin - Phrótacal Idirlín Guthaithe (VoIP) - méid iomlán a eisíodh go dtí seo le 123,496 feirmeoir i arna óstáil ag an Roinn agus atá á bhainistiú go leith éilimh BPS 2017 agus breis is €1.171bn. hinmheánach ag foireann ICT na Roinne seo. • Seirbhís Comhroinnte Párolla (An Roinn Cuireadh deis leis an gcóras in 2017 le go mbeadh Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe): Leanann feirmeoirí in ann a gcuid éileamh ar íocaíocht GLAS a an Roinn seo de thacaíocht leanúnach a chur ar chur isteach mar chuid dá n-iarratas BPS. fáil, lena n-áirítear cothabháil agus slándáil an fhreastálaí i ndáil le háis lárnach párolla an Rialtais Thosaigh an obair ar áiseanna nua ar líne a fhorbairt a cuireadh i bhfeidhm in 2014. Faoi dheireadh lena mbeidh feirmeoirí ábalta a gcuid teidlíochtaí na bliana 2017, ba tríd an gcóras sin a íocadh BPS bhabhtáil. Táthar chun na háiseanna nua seo a tuairim is 130,000 státseirbhíseach reatha agus sheoladh go hoifigiúil i Márta 2018. iar-státseirbhíseach. • An Roinn Sláinte (DoH), agus an Roinn Leanaí An Plean Forbartha Tuaithe 2014-2020. agus Gnóthaí Óige (DCYA): D’aontaigh an Roinn seirbhísí teileafóin a chur ar fáil don DoH agus Leanadh den obair anailíse agus fhorbartha in 2017 DCYA sa dara ráithe de 2018 trí chóras teileafóin i ndáil le tacaíocht córas do na scéimeanna RDP nua Prótacal Idirlín Guthaithe (VoIP) na Roinne, a faoi CAP 2014-2020, lena n-áirítear: dhéanfaidh an fhoireann ICT é a bhainistiú go hinmheánach. • Rangú agus Roghnú • Cuirtear seirbhísí comhroinnte ar fáil ag leibhéil Caithfidh roinnt de na scéimeanna a cuireadh éagsúla do Chomhlachtaí Stát-tionscanta ar fáil faoin RDP Feidhmiúlacht Rangaithe agus Neamhthráchtála na Roinne (NCSSBanna), ar nós: Roghnaithe a bheith acu. Cuireadh feabhas
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ar Chóras Rangaithe agus Roghnaithe (RASS) agus na Bearta Sláinte Ainmhithe arna n-úsáid ag na Roinne d’fhonn an fheidhmiúlacht sin a tréidlianna. chur ar fáil don scéim GLAS III chun iarratais a • An Clár um Shonraí agus Géanómaíochta bhí bunaithe ar chritéir measúnachta réamh- Mairteola (BDGP) chinnithe a roghnú. Cinneadh leis an bpróiseas Seoladh an BDGP 2, a raibh beagnach 1800 roghnaithe seo na hiarratais a bhí i dteideal dul ar iarratas faighte ina leith faoin dáta deiridh, in aghaidh chuig próiseas ceadaithe na scéime. Aibreán 2017. Leanadh den obair an córas a • Limistéir faoi Shrianta Nádúrtha (ANC) fhorbairt d’fhonn tacú leis an BDGP 1 agus BDGP Chuir 115,613 fheirmeoir isteach ar an scéim 2 araon agus íocadh breis is €35 milliún le 23,194 sin in 2017. Rinneadh tuairim is 87.9% de na fheirmeoir faoin Scéim in 2017. hiarratais sin (101,704) a dhéanamh ar líne in • Scéim Leasa na gCaorach (SWS) éineacht lena n-iarratas BPS. Rinneadh na chéad Rinneadh na chéad íocaíochtaí faoin scéim seo íocaíochtaí do 2017 a eisiúint i Meán Fómhair, de a eisiúint i mí na Samhna 2017 agus rinneadh réir an sceidil a bhí socraithe. réamhíocaíochtaí arbh ionann a luach agus €16m • An Scéim Ghlas do Thimpeallacht na a eisiúint chuig tuairim is 20,000 iarratasóir. Talmhaíochta ar Bheagán Carbóin (GLAS) Rinneadh áis ar líne fhorbairt le linn 2017 a Rinneadh roinnt feabhsúchán ar Chóras Próiseála thabharfadh deis d’iarratasóirí a léiriú go raibh na nGnáthéileamh (GCPS) d’fhonn an scéim sin suim acu fanacht sa scéim agus cuireadh i a láimhseáil in 2017. Forbraíodh feidhmiúlacht bhfeidhm í in Eanáir 2018. d’fhonn an tríú tráinse de GLAS a phróiseáil i rith na bliana chomh maith. An Córas Aitheantais Dáileachtaí Talmhaíochta (LPIS) Forbraíodh feidhmiúlacht chun go mbeifí in Is é an LPIS bunachar sonraí spásúlachta na Roinne. ann iarratais íocaíochtaí 2017 a phróiseáil in Gach bliain, íoctar tuairim is €1.7 billiún le feirmeoirí éineacht le réamhíocaíochtaí 2017, lena n-áirítear na hÉireann bunaithe ar na sonraí atá sa LPIS. Tá íocaíochtaí céaduaire don scéim GLAS III a breis is 1.3 milliún polagán/dáileacht a léiríonn na thosóidh i mí na Samhna. gabháltais atá ag breis is 130,000 feirmeoir ann. Bunaíodh an córas seo leis an teicneolaíocht a bhí Cuireadh áiseanna nua ar líne ar fáil chomh ann ag an am agus tá roinnt Iniúchtaí AE déanta air maith in 2017 chun tacú le hoiliúint ar GLAS. ó shin. Leagadh béim sna hiniúchtaí ar roinnt réimsí Ina theannta sin cuireadh tús le híocaíochtaí a dteastaíonn iad a fheabhsú d’fhonn a chinntiú go na rannpháirtithe i mí na Samhna 2017 agus le leanfar ag comhlíonadh na Rialachán AE a rialaíonn híocaíochtaí na dtraenálaithe i mí na Nollag. íocaíochtaí atá maoinithe ag an AE. In 2017, chinn • Scéimeanna Spriocdhírithe Nuachóirithe an Roinn an córas seo a thabhairt cothrom le dáta Talmhaíochta (TAMS II) d’fhonn, inter alia, aghaidh a thabhairt ar thorthaí an Leanadh de na ceaduithe agus na híocaíochtaí AE chun feabhsúcháin a áireamh maidir le cruinneas in 2017. Forbraíodh chomh maith feidhmiúlacht suímh ar dháileachtaí talmhaíochta agus sonraí GIS cigireachta nua maidir le hinfheistíochtaí seasta na Roinne a thabhairt i gcomhréir le sonraí Prime (foirgnimh etc) in 2017 lena tabhairt isteach in 2 Shuirbhéireacht Ordanáis Éireann (OSI) agus an 2018. Forbraíodh feidhmiúlacht freisin a ligfeadh feidhmchlár a úsáidtear chun athruithe a dhéanamh ar d’iarratasóirí iarratas a dhéanamh síneadh a dháileachtaí a athfhorbairt. Bunaíodh bord tionscadail chur leis an dáta deiridh ceadaithe maidir le Atógáil LPIS in 2017 agus tá tús curtha leis an obair hinfheistíocht lena tabhairt isteach i R1, 2018. ar an atógáil. Meastar go rachaidh sé beo ar bhun • Scéimeanna Aistrithe Eolais (KT) píolótach i R4 de 2018 agus cuirfear tús lena chur i In 2017, cuireadh feidhmiúlacht ar fáil don Chlár bhfeidhm go hiomlán in 2019. Aistrithe Eolais trí bliana. Forbraíodh trí chóras ar líne; sainchóras ar líne d’fhonn sceidealú agus freastal ar chruinnithe agus ar imeachtaí Scéimeanna DeMinimis náisiúnta a thuairisciú chomh maith le dhá chóras Cuireadh áiseanna íocaíochta maidir leis na ar líne sainchuspóra a fhorbairt don Phlean um scéimeanna seo a leanas ar fáil: Fheabhsú Feirme arna húsáid ag comhairleoirí
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• Cúiteamh do Mhairteoil agus do Dhéiríocht BVD agus cliaint eile a chur ar an eolas maidir le 2016 hábhair spéise lena n-áirítear dátaí deiridh • Cúiteamh do Mhairteoil agus do Dhéiríocht BVD scéimeanna éagsúla, dátaí íocaíochtaí, etc. Ex Gratia 2016 Seoladh 1,101,988 Teachtaireacht Téacs chuig • Eallach Folaíochta Chiarraí feirmeoirí agus chuig custaiméirí eile in 2017 • Beart Cailliúint Barr de dheasca na hAimsire maidir le réimse leathan ábhar. Ag deireadh na • Beart Faoisimh ó Dhíobháil Tuilte 2017 bliana 2017, bhí a gcuid uimhreacha teileafóin soghluaiste tugtha ag breis is 132,000 cliant Cigireachtaí don Roinn agus cead tugtha chomh maith acu don Roinn na huimhreacha sin a úsáid chun Is córas gnó roinnte é an córas Iniúchta agus Tástála teachtaireachtaí agus fógraí na Roinne a sheoladh Talmhaíochta Allamuigh (AFIT) lena féidir iontráil chucu. sonraí i ndáil le cigireachtaí agus aon áirimh pionóis • SMS Trasghníomhaíochta bhainteacha a leithdháileadh, a sceidealú agus a lorg D’éirigh leis an áis seo, a éascaíonn ceangal ar bhealach comhordaithe. Tá an córas le fáil anois leictreonach-bhunaithe a dhéanamh idir ar fud na tíre agus freastalaítear faoi láthair ar bhreis feirmeoirí agus a gcuid gníomhairí maidir le is 120 cineálacha éagsúla cigireachta lena n-áirítear scéimeanna éagsúla ar nó agfood.ie agus SMS Leas Ainmhithe, BPS, AEOS, GLAS, TAMS, KT, Ante- idirghníomhach, nasc a dhéanamh idir 17,622 Mortem i Monarchana agus cigireachtaí Tréidliachta feirmeoir agus gníomhaire agus idir feirmeoirí agus Folláine Plandaí. Forbraíodh feidhmiúlacht nua agus páirtnéirí tríd an modh seo in 2017, rud a d’fhonn na próisis páipéir allamuigh a laghdú tuilleadh shábháil am agus anró riaracháin ar fheirmeoirí, agus ina mbaintear úsáid as leabhair láidre, stóinsithe. gníomhairí agus an Roinn. Baineadh úsáid níos mó as gairis GPS lena chinntiú go raibh tomhas níos cruinne á dhéanamh ar dháileachtaí talmhaíochta. Cuireadh léitheoirí barrachód ar fáil Láithreáin Ghréasáin freisin d’fhonn bailíochtú uathoibrithe Phasanna Le linn 2017, cuireadh feabhas ar láithreán gréasáin Bólachta a éascú. na Roinne www.agriculture.gov.ie agus ar roinnt fholáithreán bainteach eile chun feabhas a chur ar Bainistiú Talún úsáideacht na láithreán sin do léitheoirí agus do chuairteoirí. Áiríodh i dtiomantas leanúnach na Córas nua atá á fhorbairt is ea an Gnáthchóras Roinne maidir le hinrochtaineacht roinnt scéimeanna Bainistithe Talún (GLAM) le go mbeifear in ann píolótacha laistigh den Roinn d’fhonn athbhreithniú pleananna bainistithe talún a thaifeadadh. Tá/beidh a dhéanamh ar an bpróiseas chun feabhas a chur pleananna den chineál sin de dhíth i ndáil le roinnt ar chaighdeán na cáipéisíochta agus chomh héasca scéimeanna faoi threoir áitiúil faoin RDP 2014- agus atá sí le fáil ag lucht spéise níos leithne. Le 2020. Cuireadh áiseanna ar fáil in 2017 i leith scéim Browsealoud (teicneolaíocht léitheoireacht scáileán) Chromán na gCearc agus i leith scéim Bhoirinn. anois ar gach láithreán gréasáin, beidh fáil níos fearr ag custaiméirí a bhfuil lagú radhairc orthu ar ár gcuid Seirbhísí Ar Líne láithreán gréasáin. Reáchtáladh roinnt gníomhaíochtaí cur chun cinn in 2017 chun béim a leagan ar na buntáistí a bhaineann Cuireadh dearthaí nua, atá curtha in oiriúint do le tairseach sheirbhísí ar líne na Roinne www.agfood. ghairis shoghluaiste, i bhfeidhm ar roinnt foláithreán, ie, agus d’fhan líon na bhfeirmeoirí a bhí ag clárú chun agus cuireadh tús le hathbhreithnithe ar struchtúr na seirbhísí ar líne a úsáid ag méadú. Ag deireadh na agus ar ábhar phríomhláithreán gréasán na Roinne bliana, bhí tuairim is 117,000 feirmeoir cláraithe do Talmhaíochta chun feabhas a chur ar leagan amach an sheirbhísí agfood cibé ar chláraigh siad iad féin nó ar eolais ar an láithreán gréasáin le go mbeadh an t-eolas cláraíodh iad trína ngníomhairí, agus b’ionann sin agus sin ar fáil ag léitheoirí agus ag cuairteoirí. breis is 90% de na feirmeoirí ar fad (iarratasóirí BPS). Córas Airgeadais SAP • Teachtaireachtaí SMS Tá Córas Bainistithe Airgeadais SAP na Roinne ina Is bealach atá éifeachtach agus éifeachtúlach ó chuid lárnach chun a chinntiú go gcoinníonn an Roinn thaobh costais de é an SMS d’fhonn feirmeoirí
92 93 Acmhainn TF A Fhorbairt
a Stádas AE mar Ghníomhaireacht Chreidiúnaithe Mar chuid de shocruithe nua CFP, tá an clár um An Íocaíochta. Áirítear ar na príomhfheabhsúcháin ar Ciste Eorpach Muirí agus Iascaigh (EMFF) aontaithe an gcóras agus na feabhsúcháin ar an gcóras gnó a agus beidh sé i bhfeidhm ar feadh an chuid eile cuireadh i bhfeidhm in 2017: de thréimhse an CFP atá i bhfeidhm faoi láthair go dtí 2020. Beidh forbairt ollmhór ar na córais • Áiseanna nua curtha i bhfeidhm d’fhonn billí ríomhaireachta i gceist leis an gclár EMFF sa tréimhse maidir le táillí cigireachta ag Pointí Cigireachta sin chun tacú le gníomhaíocht iascaireachta mara a Teorann i gCalafort Bhaile Átha Cliath agus in rialú, a bhainistiú agus monatóireacht a dhéanamh Aerfort na Sionna a eisiúint. air. Cuireadh tús leis an anailís agus leis an obair • Clár Conartha SAP a chur ar fáil ina bhfuil fhorbartha i dtreo an IFIS agus na córais eile a rialuithe ceannacháin inmheánaigh níos fearr a bhaineann leis a nua-aoisiú in 2017 agus leanfar leis thabhairt isteach, sin thar shaolré Chlár Oibríochtúil EMFF. Caithfear • Clár nua sócmhainní bunaithe don Chiste um seo a dhéanamh lena chinntiú go mbeidh na seirbhísí Lárionad Chuanta Iascaigh, atá ann seasmhach agus chun deiseanna a chur ar fáil • Áiseanna athbhreithnithe agus feabhsaithe curtha chun cur le seirbhísí soghluaiste agus digiteacha sna i bhfeidhm chun cáipéisíocht a bhaineann le blianta amach romhainn. bainistiú díoltóirí a scannadh agus a stóráil. • Ábalta anois duillíní íocaíochta a phriontáil ar Chomh maith leis an ullmhúchán atá á dhéanamh sa pháipéar den mhéid A4. Tá sé seo ar fad ina chuid réimse teicniúil, tugadh athbhreithiniú ar phróiseas de shraith beart a chuirfidh deireadh le fógraí ar ollmhór gnó chun críche ar fud cúig Rannán Mara pháipéar sna blianta amach romhainn. na Roinne. Is éard a bhí i gceist leis sin ná anailís • Feabhsaíodh tuilleadh an réiteach Bainistithe agus cáipéisíocht mhionsonraithe a dhéanamh ar na Bailiúchán agus cuireadh i bhfeidhm é in aonaid príomhphróisis ghnó atá ann agus baineadh úsáid ghnó nua. as ansin chun deiseanna seirbhíse amach anseo a chíoradh chun na tacaíochtaí éagsúla ICT atá de dhíth Le linn 2017, próiseáladh breis is milliún íocaíocht le a aithint chun tacú leis na próisis fheabhsaithe sin don feirmeoirí/díoltóirí tríd an gcóras SAP. Cruthaíodh Tionscal agus don Roinn sna blianta amach romhainn. breis is 30,000 ordú ceannaigh d’earraí/seirbhísí a fuarthas agus eisíodh breis is 33,000 sonrasc Áiríodh ar na príomhsheirbhísí nua a cuireadh i díolacháin ar sheirbhísí a cuireadh ar fáil. Leanadh bhfeidhm in 2017: de rochtain a fháil ar an bhfeidhmchlár Financial Self • Feabhas a chur ar áiseanna bainistithe an Chuóta Service (FSS) agus úsáid a bhaint as. Ligeann seo Náisiúnta Éisc, d’fheirmeoirí/chliaint díolacháin féachaint ar a gcuid • Áis seirbhísí gréasáin athbhreithnithe do eolais cuntasaíochta ar líne agus Ráiteas/Duillín Chomharchumainn Iascaigh chun eolas i ndáil le íocaíochta a phriontáil agus tháinig méadú ar a úsáid nótaí díolacháin a fháil. le linn 2017. Bhí rochtain faighte ag breis is 40,000 feirmeoir/díoltóir ar an iarratas FSS ag deireadh na Tacaíocht do Chórais Bheaga bliana 2017. Rinneadh foireann amháin den fhoireann a chuireann tacaíocht ICT ar fáil do bhreis is 60 córas tacaíochta An Córas Lánpháirtithe Faisnéise Iascaigh ghnónna beaga. (IFIS) Is é IFIS an príomhchóras ríomhaireachta a thacaíonn Cuireadh go mór leis na seirbhísí tacaíochta ICT le bainistiú agus le rialú gníomhaíochtaí iascaireachta don fhoireann atá ag obair ar dheasc cabhrach na mara agus leis an gComhbheartas Iascaigh (CFP) a bhfeirmeoirí in 2017 i gcomhréir le tacaíochtaí chur i bhfeidhm. Áirítear ann líon córas gaolmhar seirbhísí do fheirmeoirí/chustaiméirí níos fearr a eile lena n-áirítear an Córas Taifeadta Leictreonach chur fáil sna réimsí íocaíochtaí scéime éagsúla. Ina (ERS), córas ar an soitheach (ieCatch), Módúl Cigirí theannta sin, rinneadh roinnt de na feidhmchláir á bhí (ieInspect) agus tairseach do chustaiméirí á n-úsáid ar na córais bheaga a bhí bunaithe ar shean- (fishingnet.ie). teicneolaíocht agus ar theicneolaíocht nach raibh chomh slán níos mó a thabhairt cothrom le dáta agus a fheabhsú go dtí ardáin a bhí níos sláine.
93 Gnóthaí Corparáideacha
Cosaint Sonraí Dualgas na hEarnála Poiblí Fuarthas 23 Iarraidh Rochtana ar Ábhar ar an iomlán Faoin Acht fá Choimisiún na hÉireann um Chearta an faoi Alt 4 de na hAchtanna um Chosaint Sonraí in Duine agus Comhionannas, 2014, tá ceangal reachtúil 2017, laghdú 8% ar an mbliain roimhe sin. ar gach comhlacht poiblí i ndáil le cearta daonna agus saincheisteanna comhionannais agus ní mór aird a Tiocfaidh an Rialachán Ginearálta maidir le Cosaint thabhairt orthu agus iad ag comhlíonadh a gcuid Sonraí (GDPR) i bhfeidhm an 25 Bealtaine 2018. feidhmeanna. Cuireann an Rialachán AE seo feabhas ar chearta príobháideachais daoine aonair agus cuireann Maidir leis sin, tá na luachanna seo a leanas curtha oibleagáidí móra breise ar gach eagraíocht a bhíonn lena Ráiteas Straitéise 2016-2019 ag an Roinn ag próiseáil sonraí pearsanta. In 2017, bhunaigh Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara: an tAonad um Chosaint Sonraí Grúpa Tionscadail GDPR laistigh den Roinn agus é mar aidhm leis an • Gealltanas daingean d’éagsúlacht, do Rialachán seo a scrúdú, na himpleachtaí a bheadh i chomhionannas inscne agus caitheamh go gceist don Roinn a aithint agus beartais, cleachtais, cothrom agus ar chomhchéim le gach uile dhuine, córais agus treoirlínte a chur i bhfeidhm d’fhonn a • Éiteas seirbhíse poiblí atá fréamhaithe go chinntiú go gcomhlíonann an Roinn a cuid ceanglas. Is domhain sa neamhspleáchas, san iontaofacht, é an Rúnaí Cúnta ar a bhfuil freagracht do Ghnóthaí agus sa neamhchlaontacht Corparáideacha urraitheoir bhord bainistíochta an Ghrúpa. Tá ionadaíocht leathan ó phríomhrannáin Tá Grúpa Oibre bunaithe ag an Roinn ag leibhéal ar fud na Roinne ar an ngrúpa seo. Tháinig Grúpa sinsearach a bhíonn ag obair ar mheasúnú i ndáil le Tionscadail an GDPR le chéile seacht n-uaire in 2017 ceisteanna ar chearta an duine agus comhionannas a agus tá sé fós ag teacht le chéile d’fhonn leanúint bhaineann lena cuid feidhmeanna. lena chuid oibre i dtreo leibhéal ard comhlíontachta a bhaint amach maidir leis an Rialachán. An tAcht um Nochtadh Cosanta, 2014 Rinneadh dhá nochtadh cosanta in 2017. Cuireadh An Oifig Preasa agus Eolais an péire acu ar aghaidh díreach chuig an Roinn. Cé Tá an Oifig Preasa agus Eolais freagrach as preasráitis gur dearnadh aighneacht leis an bhFaighteoir Rúnda, a eisiúint thar ceann na Roinne, déileáil le ceisteanna cinneadh nach Nochtadh Cosanta a bhí ann. ó na meáin chomh maith le ceisteanna i ndáil le heolas ginearálta. An tAonad um Fhiosraithe Oidhreachta Leanann an tAonad um Fhiosruithe Oidhreachta de In 2017, d’eisigh an Oifig Preasa 236 Phreasráiteas a bheith ag cur comhairle agus cúnamh ar fáil do agus Ráiteas Roinne agus próiseáladh breis is 1,200 theaghlaigh agus d’ionadaithe dlí fheirmeoirí atá ar ceist éagsúla ó na meáin. Próiseáladh tuairim is 2,000 shlí na fírinne nuair a bhíonn scéimeanna talmhaíochta ceist ghinearálta a cuireadh ar aghaidh chuig bosca le haistriú agus íocaíochtaí atá ag seasamh amach le poist [email protected] na Roinne chomh maith. heisiúint. In 2017, d’fhreagair an tAonad breis is 1,542 Bhí an Oifig Preasa i gceannas ar roinnt feachtais iarraidh ar chúnamh ó theaghlaigh agus scaoileadh le chumarsáide náisiúnta ag úsáid an preas, raidió agus híocaíochtaí arbh ionann iad agus luach €13.3m chuig na meáin shóisialta chun na scéimeanna agus seirbhísí eastáit na bhfeirmeoirí sin atá ar shlí na fírinne. éagsúla a bhfuil an Roinn ina mbun a chur chun cinn.
Leanadh den mhéid idirghníomhaíochta a bhíonn idir Seirbhís d’Fhonn Cuidiú le Teaghlaigh an Roinn agus an pobal ar chuntas Twitter na Roinne Feirme a bhfuil Duine Muinteartha leo tar ag méadú in 2017. Tháinig méadú 50% ar lucht leanta éis bháis na Roinne ar Twitter. Baineadh úsáid níos mó as Cuireann an Roinn seirbhís ar fáil d’fhonn cuidiú le na meáin shóisialta chun poiblíocht a thabhairt do teaghlaigh fheirme a bhfuil duine muinteartha leo scéimeanna nua agus scéimeanna atá ann cheana, tar éis bháis go tobann agus go bhféadfadh sé nach rannpháirtíocht na foirne ag imeachtaí a bhaineann mbeadh aon taithí acu ag déileáil leis na cineálacha leis an Talmhaíochta agus chun Preasráitis a eisiúint. fadhbanna a bhíonn i gceist go laethúil agus a mbeadh
94 95 Gnóthaí Corparáideacha
orthu teagmháil a dhéanamh leis an Roinn ina leith, scéimeanna atá leagtha amach sa Sceideal atá leis leithéid scéimeanna agus seirbhísí. Fuarthas dhá an Acht um Achomhairc Talmhaíochta 2001. Is féidir theagmháil mar gheall ar an tseirbhís sin in 2017. teacht ar Thuarascálacha Bliantúla na hOifige ar an láithreán gréasáin: www.agriappeals.gov.ie An Nós Imeachta Gearán In 2017, fuair an Oifig 638 n-achomharc, méadú Fuair Aonad um Cháilíocht Seirbhíse na Roinne 43 6.7% ar 2016. Tugadh 707 gcás chun críche in 2017. gearán i ndáil le seirbhís do chustaiméirí in 2017 agus Áirítear sa bhfigiúr sin achomhairc nach raibh réitithe rinneadh iad a scrúdú agus a fhreagairt i gcomhréir le sna blianta roimhe sin, agus b’ionann sin agus méadú nós imeachta gearán custaiméara na Roinne. Is ionann 15% ar an méid cásanna a tugadh chun críche in sin agus laghdú 28% ar líon na ngearán a fuarthas i 2016. Seo a leanas achoimre ar thoradh na gcásanna a gcomparáid le 2016. fuarthas agus a cinneadh in 2017: Oifig an Ombudsman Toradh na n-achomharc a fuarthas in 2017 D’fhreagair an Roinn 43 cás aonair ar an iomlán ó Oifig an Ombudsman in 2017. B’ionann sin agus Achomhairc a Ceadaíodh, a Ceadaíodh 37% laghdú 35% ar líon na bliana roimhe sin. i bPáirt nó a ndearna an Roinn iad a Athbhreithniú Saoráil Faisnéise (FOI) Achomhairc a Tarraingíodh Siar, a bhí 10% Neamhbhailí agus an tAm Caite orthu Fuarthas 391 iarraidh FOI ar an iomlán i rith 2017. Is ionann sin agus méadú 13% ar líon na bliana 2016. Níor Ceadaíodh 53%
An Chairt um Chearta le hAghaidh Athbhreithniú ar an Acht um Achomhairc Feirmeoirí Talmhaíochta, 2001 Leagtar amach sa Chairt um Chearta le hAghaidh Chuir an Clár do Rialtas Comhpháirtíochta deis ar fáil Feirmeoirí 2015-2020 sainspriocanna seachadta chun an tAcht um Achomhairc Talmhaíochta, 2001 dár gcustaiméirí ar feirmeoirí iad i leith scéimeanna a athbhreithniú, chun a chinntiú go bhfuil an oifig agus seirbhísí na Roinne. Leantar leis an tiomantas achomharc a bhíonn ag déileáil le hachomhairc ó atá againn do na prionsabail atá i gceist le Seirbhís fheirmeoirí neamhspleách agus éifeachtach. D’fhonn Ardchaighdeáin do Chustaiméirí sa Chairt Feirmeoirí an t-athbhreithniú sin a thabhairt chun críche, mar a leagadh amach sa Chairt Chustaiméirí agus bhunaigh an tAire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara Coiste Plean Gníomhaíochtaí do Chustaiméirí 2015-2020. Athbhreithnithe le dul i mbun an athbhreithnithe agus chun Tuarascáil, ina gcuirfear moltaí maidir Déanann coiste monatóireachta faoi chathaoirelach leis an reachtaíocht a rialaíonn an Oifig Achomharc neamhspleách maoirseacht ar an dul chun cinn faoin Talmhaíochta chomh maith le hoibríocht na hoifige gCairt. Tá ionadaithe ó eagraíochtaí feirme agus ó sin sa todhchaí. Chuir an Coiste Athbhreithnithe a fhoireann na Roinne Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara ar Thuarascáil ar aghaidh chuig an Aire agus tá na moltaí an gcoiste sin. Tháinig an coiste monatóireachta le a rinne sé á mbreithniú faoi láthair ag an Roinn, go chéile ceithre huaire in 2017. mór mór na moltaí a rinneadh i ndáil le hathruithe dlíthiúla a d’fhéadfadh a bheith de dhíth. An Oifig um Achomhairc Talmhaíochta Cuireann an Oifig um Achomhairc Talmhaíochta seirbhís achomharc neamhspleách, reachtúil agus saor in aisce ar fáil d’fheirmeoirí atá míshásta le cinntí a dearnadh maidir lena gcuid teidlíochtaí faoi na
95 Aguisíní
96 97 Aguisín A Leagan Amach Na Roinne
Leagan amach na Roinne Amhail an 31 Nollaig 2017, b’ionann coibhéis líon na bhfostaithe lánaimseartha a bhí fostaithe ag an Roinn agus 3,108.
Is í an fhoireann shinsearach bainistíochta an Bord Bainistíochta. Is é an tArd-Rúnaí, Aidan O’Driscoll, atá ina cheannasaí ar a bhfoireann sin ar a bhfuil ochtar Ard-Rúnaithe Cúnta/Stiúrthóirí, an Príomhoifigeach Tréidliachta, an Leas-Phríomhoifigeach Tréidliachta, an Príomhchigire, agus Stiúrthóir na Seirbhísí Saotharlainne.
MB/Stiúrthóir Leas-Stiúrthóir Feidhm Ceann an Suíomh Rannáin Cecil Beamish Bainistiú John Quinlan Cloich na Coillte Bia Mara agus Dobharshaothraithe agus Cúrsaí Mara Cladaigh Cláir Mhuirí Paschal Hayes Cloich na Coillte Innealtóireacht Mhuirí Noel Clancy Cloich na Coillte Riar na nIascaigh Mhara Kevin Moriarty Cloich na Coillte Beartas agus Forbairt Bia Josephine Kelly Cloich na Coillte Mara Martin Blake Sláinte & Leas Ainmhithe Dermot Murphy Baile Átha Cliath An NDCC/Freagairt Sally Gaynor Baile Átha Cliath Príomhoifigeach Theagmhasach: Sláinte Tréidliachta Ainmhithe Idirnáisiúnta Michael Sheahan Feidhmiú um Shláinte Peter Maher Baile Átha Cliath Stiúrthóir Phoiblí Tréidliachta Oibríochtaí Foireann Bainistíochta Thomas McTague Réigiúin Tréidliachta Limistéar an Tuaiscirt Foireann Bainistíochta Pat Meskell Réigiúin Tréidliachta Limistéar an Deiscirt Rannán na nImscrúduithe Pat Flanagan Bacastún ERAD, Cógais Tréidliachta, Colm Forde Bacastún agus Comhairle Tréidliachta na hÉireann Sláinte Ainmhithe Eoin Ryan Bacastún Athchogantach & ERAD Paula Barry-Walsh Iniúchadh, Forfheidhmiú, Hazel Sheridan Bacastún VPHIS Leas- Eitic, Rialachas Phríomhoifigeach Eagraíochtúil, Leigheasanna Tréidliachta Ainmhithe TSE, Fotháirgí Ainmhithe John Griffin Baile Átha Cliath & Faireachas ar Shláinte Ainmhithe Beartas um Shláinte Phoiblí Dave Nolan Baile Átha Cliath Tréidliachta & Trádáil Idirnáisiúnta Aithint & Gluaiseacht Martin Farrell Bacastún Ainmhithe
97 Aguisín A Leagan Amach Na Roinne
MB/Stiúrthóir Leas-Stiúrthóir Feidhm Ceann an Suíomh Rannáin Martin Blake Paula Barry-Walsh Bainne & Sláinteachtas Tom Loftus Port Laoise An VPHIS Leas- Feola & Fotháirgí Ainmhithe Príomhoifigeach Phríomhoifigeach Rialuithe Déiríochta Nicholas Baile Átha Cliath Tréidliachta Tréidliachta Finnerty Sláinte Ainmhithe Joe O’Flaherty Baile Átha Cliath Neamhathchogantach, Leas Ainmhithe Donal Sammin James Choiseul Baictéareolaíocht John Egan Bacastún Stiúrthóir na Ceann na Saotharlanna Eolaíochta Eoin O’Brien Bacastún Saotharlann Saotharlann Déiríochta Talmhaíochta Paiteolaíocht John Moriarty Bacastún Folamh Lotnaidicídí, Tástáil Síolta & AnnMarie Dillon Bacastún Ceann na Sláinte Plandaí Saotharlann Saotharlanna Tréidliachta Michael Casey Bacastún Tréidliachta Réigiúnacha & Saotharlann Tástála Fola Saotharlann um Rialú Montserrat Bacastún Sláinte Phoiblí Tréidliachta Gutierrez Víreolaíocht Ronan O’Neill Bacastún Bill Callanan Donal Coleman Rialuithe Lotnaidicídí Tom Medlycott Bacastún Príomhchigire Stiúrthóir Clárú Lotnaidicídí Aidan Moody Bacastún Sláinte Plandaí & Barry Delany Bacastún Gairneoireacht Bianna Ainmhithe, Louise Byrne Bacastún Leasacháin, Gráin agus Éanlaith Chlóis Measúnú & Dearbhú Barr Folamh Bacastún Beartas Táirgiúlachta agus Folamh Bacastún Sábháilteachta Barr Pórú, Táirgeadh & Trádáil Gerry Greally Port Laoise, An Beostoic Cabhán, Níotráití, Bithéagsúlacht & Jack Nolan Loch Garman, Innealtóireacht Beartas um Athrú Aeráide & Edwina Love Port Laoise Bithfhuinneamh Brendan Gleeson Rannán AE David Buckley Baile Átha Cliath Idirnáisiúnta & an An Breatimeacht & Trádáil Paul Savage Baile Átha Cliath Breatimeacht idirnáisiúnta Buanionadaíocht sa Breffini An Bhruiséil Bhruiséil Carpenter Comhairleoirí & Ataiséanna Talmhaíochta
98 99 Aguisín A Leagan Amach Na Roinne
MB/Stiúrthóir Leas-Stiúrthóir Feidhm Ceann an Suíomh Rannáin Sinead McPhillips Forbairt an Tionscail Bia Marian Byrne Baile Átha Cliath Straitéis Agraibhia Beartas Feola & Bainne Maria Dunne Baile Átha Cliath Eacnamaíocht & Pleanáil Folamh Baile Átha Cliath Taighde Bia & Codex Richard Howell Baile Átha Cliath Eilis O’Connell Cóiríocht, ISO & Sláinte Grainne Mulligan Dublin, AD & Cumarsáid & Sábháilteacht Portlaoise Chorparáideach Gnóthaí Corparáideacha, Kay Ryan Baile Átha Cliath, Saoráil Faisnéise, Oifig an Aire Acmhainní Daonna Sharon M. Baile Átha Cliath, Murphy Seirbhísí Dlí Derek Elliot Baile Átha Cliath, An Cabhán Sean Keevey Córais Ainmhithe, Joe Hanly Baile Átha Cliath, Teicneolaíocht Custaiméara, Airgeadais Port Laoise, Bainistíochta & Iascaigh IMT Bacastún Faisnéise Córais Íocaíochtaí Feirme Alan King Baile Átha Cliath, Díreacha IMT Port Laoise
Bonneagar IMT Darren Murray Baile Átha Cliath Comhordú IMT & PMO Louise Jevens Baile Átha Cliath Kevin Smyth Cuntais Colm McKiernan An Cabhán Rialachas Achomhairc Angela Robinson Port Laoise Talmhaíochta An Rannán Airgeadais & Heber McMahon Baile Átha Cliath, an Láraonad Soláthair Port Laoise An Grúpa Iniúchta Gordon Conroy Baile Átha Cliath, Inmheánaigh Port Laoise Rásaíocht Capall & Con Rebecca Baile Átha Cliath & Teagasc Chapman Colm Hayes Timpeallacht & Struchtúir William Fahey Caisleán an Rural Fobairt na Talmhaíochta Bharraigh, Tuaithe Réigiúin An Rannán Foraoiseachta Bridgeena Nolan Caisleán Bhaile Sheonach Forbairt na hEarnála Eugene Hendrick Baile Átha Cliath Foraoiseachta/COSORD Cigireacht na Seirbhíse Seamus Dunne Baile Átha Cliath, Foraoise Réigiúin Foraoiseacht Stephen Baile Átha Cliath Idirnáisiúnta Fitzpatrick
99 Aguisín A Leagan Amach Na Roinne
MB/Stiúrthóir Leas-Stiúrthóir Feidhm Ceann an Suíomh Rannáin Colm Hayes Ábhar Orgánach, Ronan O’Flaherty Loch Garman Rural Fobairt Tacaíocht don Mhargadh Tuaithe & Treorú Áitiúil Agra-Chomhshaoil Miriam Cadwell Loch Garman & Infheistíocht ar an bhFeirm Forbairt Tuaithe CAP Patricia Kelly Baile Átha Cliath Paul Dillon BPS (Cigireachtaí; Rialú Paul McKiernan Port Laoise Íocaíochtaí Díreacha Airgeadais; Comhordú Beartas; Bainistiú Riosca), Cláir um Shonraí & Géanómaíochta Mairteola, Coimíneacht, Glasaíocht, Tionscadal Atógála LPIS Scéim na hÍocaíochta Fintan O'Brien Port Laoise Bunúsaí (Oibríochtaí) Scéim na Limistéar faoi Shrianta Nádúrtha, An tAonad Aistrithe Eolais & Nuálaíochta Teidlíochtaí CAP/ Bernadette Caisleán an Íocaíochta Aonair & Brennan Bharraigh, Port Rialuithe Airgeadais Laoise Rialuithe Lánpháirtithe Thomas Keating Baile Átha Cliath, um Íocaíochtaí Díreacha Réigiúin
100 101 Aguisín B Comhlachtaí Stáit
An Bord Achomhairc um Cheadúnais Bord Iascaigh Mhara Dobharshaothraithe Bóthar Crofton Cúirt Choill Mhinsí Dún Laoghaire Bóthar Bhaile Átha Cliath Co. Bhaile Átha Cliath Port Laoise A96 E5AO Co. Laoise Teil: 01 214 4100 R32 DTW5 Láithreán gréasáin: www.bim.ie Teil: 057 863 1912 Ríomhphost: [email protected] Is é Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), gníomhaireacht Stáit na hÉireann ar a bhfuil an fhreagracht tionscal Is bord neamhspleách é seo a láimhseálann Iascaireachta Mara agus Dobharshaothraithe an próiseas achomharc i ndáil le ceadúnú inbhuanaithe na hÉireann a fhorbairt. Bunaíodh dobharshaothraithe. Tá gach comhalta Boird BIM faoin Acht Iascaigh Mhara 1952. Cuireann BIM páirteach ar an mbord seo ar bhonn páirtaimseartha. réimse seirbhísí ar fáil lena n-áirítear tacaíochtaí Is féidir le duine nach bhfuil sásta le cinneadh an Aire comhairleacha, airgeadais, teicniúla, margaíochta maidir le hiarratas ar cheadúnas dobharshaothraithe agus oiliúna, do gach earnáil i dtionscal bia mara nó maidir le cinneadh ar cheadúnas na hÉireann. Is é príomhchuspóir BIM cur le líon, dobharshaothraithe a chúlghairm nó a leasú, caighdeán agus luach aschuir na n-earnálacha achomharc a dhéanamh i scríbhinn leis an mBord iasc mara agus dobharshaothraithe trí dhíriú ar na laistigh d’aon mhí amháin d’fhoilsiú nó d’fhógra ar an deiseanna foráis atá sna hearnálacha sin chomh maith gcinneadh, ar an gcúlghairm nó ar an leasú sin a fháil.. le cleachtais atá freagracht i leith na timpeallachta a chur chun cinn. Bord Bia Cúirt Chlann Liam Bord na gCon Sráid an Mhóta Íochtarach An Pháirc Ghlas Baile Átha Cliath 2 Bóthar an Duga D02 A344 Luimneach Teil: 01 668 5155 V94 Y17X Láithreán Gréasáin: www.bordbia.ie Teil: 061 448000 Láithreán gréasáin: www.igb.ie Cuidíonn Bord Bia le margaíocht ar bhia na hÉireann, lena n-áirítear deochanna, bia mara agus beostoc a Is comhlacht tráchtála stáit é Bord na gCon a chur chun cinn chomh maith le táirgeadh, margaíocht bunaíodh faoi Acht Tionscail na gCon, 1958, go agus ídiú táirgí gairneoirneoireachta. príomha chun rásaíocht con a rialú agus chun tionscal na gcon a fheabhsú agus a fhorbairt. Is é Oibríonn Bord Bia scéimeanna dearbhú cáilíochta Bord na gCon a rialaíonn gach gné a bhaineann le maidir le mairteoil, muiceoil agus bagún, táirgí rásaíocht con in Éirinn, lena n-áirítear ceadúnú na gairneoireachta agus uibheacha. D’fhonn freagra a gcúrsaí éagsúla, ceadúnais na bhfeidhmeannach, na thabhairt ar éileamh ó chustaiméirí idirnáisiúnta ar ngeallghlacadóirí agus na dtraenálaithe a eisiúint tháirgí bia agus dí a raibh dearbhú cáilíochta ag dul chomh maith le rialacha na rásaíochta a chur i leo agus a bhí inbhuanaithe, éileamh atá ag dul i méid, bhfeidhm. bhunaigh Bord Bia Origin Green - an chéad chlár náisiúnta inbhuanaithe dá leithéid ar fud an domhain do thionscal ar fad bia agus dí na hÉireann, a tugadh isteach in 2012.
Cé go bhfuil ceanncheathrú Bhord Bia i mBaile Átha Cliath, tá líonra oifigí aige thar lear in Amstardam, Dubai, Dusseldorf, Londain, Maidrid, Milano, Moscó, Nua-Eabhrach, Páras, Shang-hai (Oifig na hÁise), Singeapór, Stócólm agus Vársá.
101 Aguisín B Comhlachtaí Stáit
Coillte CGA dhaoine a bhfuil suim acu fostaíocht a fháil in earnáil Bord Foraoiseachta na hÉireann na folaíochta. Baile an Chinnéidigh Co. Chill Mhantáin Foras na Mara A63 DN25 Rinn Mhíl Teil: 01 201 1111 Órán Mór Láithreán gréasáin: www.coillte.ie Co. na Gaillimhe H91 R673 Is cuideachta phríobháideach theoranta í Coillte Teil: 091 387200 CGA, a oibríonn i ngníomhaíochtaí foraoiseachta Láithreán Gréasáin: www.marine.ie agus gníomhaíochtaí gaolmhara eile ar bhonn tráchtála. Tá an chuideachta faoi chomhúinéireacht Is é Foras na Mara (MI) an ghníomhaireacht náisiúnta an Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe agus ar a bhfuil an fhreagracht i ndáil le Taighde, Forbairt an Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara. Bunaíodh an Teicneolaíochta agus Nuálaíocht Mhuirí (RTDI). chuideachta faoin Acht Foraoiseachta, 1988, agus is Bunaíodh an Foras faoin Acht um Fhoras na Mara faoin Acht sin a leagtar amach a cuid cuspóirí agus 1991. Ar cheann de na rólanna atá ag MI tá forbairt dualgas. inbhuanaithe thionscal na mara trí chláir maoinithe straitéiseacha agus seirbhísí riachtanacha eolaíochta Rásaíocht Capall Éireann a thugann cosaint do thimpeallacht na mara trí Baile Mhaine thaighde agus monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar an An Currach timpeallacht. Téann an Institiúid i mbun taighde agus Co. Chill Dara forbairt mhuirí, agus comhordaíonn é, a bhfuil sé de R56 XE37 chumas aige forbairt eacnamaíochta a chur chun cinn, Teil: 045 455455 fostaíocht a chruthú agus timpeallacht na mara a Láithreán Gréasáin: www.hri.ie chosaint.
Is comhlacht tráchtála stáit é Rásaíocht Capall Éireann An Ghníomhaireacht Náisiúnta Bainne a bunaíodh faoin Acht um Rásaíocht Capall agus Stiúideo Pháirc an Chuilinn Con, 2001. Is é Rásaíocht Capall Éireann an t-údarás Ascail Pháirc an Chuilinn náisiúnta do rásaíocht capall in Éirinn agus is air atá An Charraig Dhubh an fhreagracht maidir le riarachán, cur chun cinn agus Co. Bhaile Átha Cliath forbairt iomlán an tionscail. A94 R6F7 Teil: 01 660 3396 Comhlacht Graí Náisiúnta na hÉireann Láithreán Gréasáin: www.nationalmilkagency.ie Teoranta Bunaíodh an Ghníomhaireacht Náisiúnta Bainne faoi An Tulaigh Acht an Bhainne (Soláthar a Rialáil), 1994 agus is í Cill Dara atá freagrach as an soláthar bainne lena thomhailt R51 KX25 ina leacht a rialáil ar fud an Stáit. Déantar an Teil: 045 521251 ghníomhaireacht a mhaoiniú trí thobhach reachtúil ar Láithreán Gréasáin: www.irish-national-stud.ie bhainne lena thomhailt ina leacht.
Coinníonn Comhlacht Graí Náisiúnta na hÉireann An tAire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara a cheapann Teoranta réimse staileanna den scoth d’fhonn cathaoirleach na Gníomhaireachta. Toghann táirgeoirí pórtha ardchaighdeáin a chur ar fáil do thionscal cláraithe cúigear de chomhaltaí na Gníomhaireachta capall folaíochta na hÉireann. Tá tarraingt mhór ag go díreach agus is é an tAire a cheapann na comhaltaí cuairteoirí le blianta fada ar na Gairdíní Seapánacha eile i ndiaidh ainmniúcháin a fháil ó eagraíochtaí agus ar Ghairdín Naomh Fiachra, atá ar thailte na ainmnithe. Graí, agus tóir mhór acu chomh maith ar na capaill sa Ghraí a fheiceáil. Bítear i mbun gníomhaíochtaí feirme sa Ghraí chomh maith agus cuirtear oiliúint ar
102 103 Aguisín B Comhlachtaí Stáit
Teagasc Comhairle Tréidliachta na hÉireann An tÚdarás Forbartha Talmhaíochta agus Bia 53 Bóthar Lansdún Páirc na Darach Droichead na Dothra Ceatharlach Baile Átha Cliath 4 R93 XE12 D04 NY29 Teil: 059 917 0200 Teil: 01 668 4402 Láithreán Gréasáin: www.teagasc.ie Láithreán Gréasáin: www.vci.ie
Is é Teagasc, an tÚdarás Forbartha Talmhaíochta Bunaíodh Comhairle Tréidliachta na hÉireann, a agus Bia, an comhlacht náisiúnta a chuireann rialálann cleachtas an leighis tréidliachta, an 1 seirbhísí comhtháite taighde, comhairleacha agus Eanáir 2006 faoi Alt 11 den Acht um Chleachtadh oiliúna ar fáil don tionscal talmhaíochta agus bia Tréidliachta 2005. Tá 19 gcomhalta ar an gComhairle agus do phobail faoin tuath. Bunaíodh é faoin Acht a dhéanann ionadaíocht ar réimsí spéise éagsúla Talmhaíochta (Taighde, Oiliúint agus Comhairle), mar oideachas, leas ainmhithe, tomhaltóirí agus 1988 agus is é an misean atá aige tacú leis an sábháilteacht bia agus tá cothromas ann idir comhaltaí nuálaíocht ar bhonn eolaíochta san earnáil agraibhia ar tréidlianna iad agus comhaltaí nach tréidlianna iad. agus sa bhithgheilleagar i gcoitinne, chun bonn taca Is é príomhfheidhm na Comhairle cleachtas an leighis a chur faoin mbrabúsacht, faoin iomaíochas agus tréidliachta agus altranas tréidliachta sa Stát agus ar faoin inbhuanaitheacht. Tá sé rialaithe ag Údarás mhaithe le leas an phobail a rialáil agus a bhainistiú. ar a bhfuil aon chomhalta déag atá ceaptha ag an Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara agus ionadaithe ó eagraíochtaí feirme, an tionscal bia, na hollscoileanna, ón Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara agus ó fhoireann Theagasc.
An tÚdarás um Chosaint Iascaigh Mhara (SFPA) An tIonad Náisiúnta Bia Mara Cloich na Coillte Co. Chorcaí P85 TX47 Teil: 023 885 9300 Láithreán Gréasáin: www.sfpa.ie
Is é an SFPA an t-údarás reachtúil ar a bhfuil freagracht an reachtaíocht um chosaint iascaigh mhara agus shábháilteacht bia mara a chur i bhfeidhm i bPoblacht na hÉireann agus ar fud theorannacha eisiacha iascaireachta na hÉireann. Bunaíodh an tÚdarás an 1 Eanáir 2007 faoin Acht Iascaigh Mhara agus Dlínse Muirí 2006 agus is iad na príomhdhualgais atá aige an reachtaíocht Iascaigh Mhara agus an reachtaíocht Sábháilteachta Bia Mara a chur i bhfeidhm go cóir agus go seasmhach chomh maith lena chinntiú go ndéantar leas inbhuanaithe a bhaint as acmhainní iasc agus sliogéisc mara sna farraigí thart timpeall na hÉireann agus gur féidir iad a thomhailt go sábháilte chun leasa gach duine sa bhfadtéarma.
103 Aguisín C Vóta 30 – 2017
€000
Riarachán 223,461
i TUARASTAIL, PÁ AGUS LIÚNTAIS 162,511 ii TAISTEAL AGUS COTHABHÁIL 7,762 iii TRAENÁIL AGUS FORBAIRT AGUS SPEANSAIS THEAGMHASACHA 5,010 iv SEIRBHÍSÍ POSTACHAIS AGUS TEILEACHUMARSÁIDE 4,023 v TREALAMH OIFIGE AGUS SEIRBHÍSÍ SEACHTRACHA TE 30,681 vi SPEANSAIS ÁITREABH OIFIGE 5,862 vii SEIRBHÍSÍ COMHAIRLEACHA AGUS LUACH AR AIRGEAD AGUS 365 ATHBHREITHNIÚ BEARTAS
viii BEARTA FORLÍONTACHA D'FHONN LEASA AIRGEADAIS AN AE A CHOSAINT 759 ix SEIRBHÍSÍ SAOTHARLAINNE 6,488
A. SÁBHÁILTEACHT BIA, SLÁINTE AINMHITHE AGUS PLANDAÍ AGUS LEAS AINMHITHE 80,177
A.3 Sábháilteacht Bia, Sláinte Ainmhithe agus Plandaí agus Leas Ainmhithe 80,177 Díothú Eitinne & Brúsallóise 32,570 Cigireacht Feola TVInna 20,477 An Scéim um Ainmhithe Tite 6,705 An scéim Reatha Náisiúnta Dearbhaithe Mairteola 5,394 Tástáil & Taighde Tréidliachta 4,544 Leas Ainmhithe lena n-áirítear Rialú Capall 3,442 Beartais eile maidir le Galair Eile Ainmhithe 3,020 Lotnaidicídí / Cosaint Plandaí 1,044 Cúiteamh BSE & Costais Ghaolmhara agus Tástála 912 An Scráibeach 400 Eile 1,669
B. TACAÍOCHT AGUS RIALUITHE FEIRME/EARNÁLA
B.3 Scéimeanna Agra-chomhshaoil 224,469 GLAS 195,583 Scéim Agra-chomhshaoil 16,199 An Scéim Feirmeoireachta Orgánaí 8,225 Scéimeanna Comhshaoil arna dTreorú go hÁitiúil 1,794 REPS 92 Eile 2,576 B.4 Scéim na Limistéar faoi Shrianta Nádúrtha 205,298
104 105 Aguisín C Vóta 30 – 2017
B.5 Talmhaíocht agus Bia a Fhorbairt (Feirm) 37,109 Beartais Spriocdhírithe (SCÉIMEANNA RDP) 31,296 An Tionscal Gairneoireachta 4,833 An Earnáil Orgánach 939 Eile 41 B.6 An Clár um Shonraí & Géanómaíochta Mairteola 47,137 B.7 Aistriú Faisnéise 13,784 B.8 Scéim Leasa Ainmhithe do Chaoirigh 15,851 B.9 Scéim Luathscoir 2,504 B.10 Foraoiseacht agus Bithfhuinneamh 101,574 Foraoisiú 93,630 An Scéim Tacaíochta Foraoiseachta (reatha 1060 caipiteal 5881) 6,941 Forbairt Foraoiseachta 606 Eile 397 B.11 Costais Rialaithe & Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Eile 10,594 B.12 Scéimeanna Eile 718
C. BEARTAS AGUS STRAITÉIS 317,770
C.3 Cáilíocht Taighde & Deimhniúchán 21,870 An Scéim Dearbhú Cáilíochta 6,145 R & D san Earnáil Bia 5,472 An Ciste um Thaighde a Spreagadh 4,056 Taighde Foraoiseachta 1,653 Pórú Beostoic 1,435 An tÚdarás um Pórú Beithíoch 990 Pórú Eachaí 850 Feabhsú Beostoic 23 Eile 1,246 Talmhaíocht agus Bia a Fhorbairt agus a Chur Chun Cinn (Nach Feirm atá i C.4 7,815 gCeist) Margaíocht & Próiseáil 4,436 An Clár Cur Chun Cinn Bia agus Gairneoireachta 2,302 Eile 1,077 C.5 Deontas Teagasc 128,130 C.6 Deontas Bhord Bia 40,775
105 Aguisín C Vóta 30 – 2017
C.7 Ciste Rásaíochta Capall agus Con 80,000 Rásaíocht Capall Éireann 64,000 Bord na gCon 16,000 C.8 Ciste Forbartha & Nuálaíochta Tuaithe Cedra 1,394 C.9 Bia agus Tabhartais - Clár Domhanda Bia 14,000 C.10 Seirbhísí Eile 23,786 Scéim Iasachta um Fhreagairt ar mBreatimeacht 9,000 Comhoibriú Idirnáisiúnta 5,293 Speansais Dlí Ghinearálta 2,196 Tionscal na gCapall Neamhfholaíochta 2,060 Íocaíochtaí Pinsin Ilghnéitheacha 1,815 Forbairt Tuaithe - Cúnamh Teicniúil 1,388 Caipiteal eile Caisleán Bhaile Sheonach 950 Eile 1,084
D. AN EARNÁIL BIA MARA 107,310
D.3 Iascaigh 27,686 Forbairt & Uasghrádú Cuanta le haghaidh Caipiteal Iascaigh 20,769 An Clár um Fhorbairt Bia Mara 5,673 Comhlíonadh Comhshaoil 1,203 Eile 41 D.4 Deontas Fhoras na Mara 31,332 D.5 Deontas Bhord Iascaigh Mhara 33,462 D.6 An tÚdarás um Chosaint Iascaigh Mhara 10,731 D.7 Togra Leasúcháin Inis Sionnach 4,099 Iomlán an Chaiteachais Chomhláin Vótáilte 1,387,756
106 107 Aguisín C Vóta 30 – 2017
FÁLTAIS 258,906
Leithreasaí i gCabhair E.1 Aisghabháil ar Thuarastail, etc. ar oifigigh ar iasacht chuig comhlachtaí lasmuigh -378 Éarlais agus Urrúis Forghéillte faoi idirghabháil AE, aisíocaíocht onnmhairithe, E.2 -179 etc. Aisíocaíochtaí ó Tháillí Tréidliachta do sheirbhísí cigireachta ag monarchana E.3 -18,666 éanlaithe agus monarchana feola eile E.4 Fáltais ó Tháillí Cigireachta Tréidliachta d'Onnmhairithe Beo -633 E.5 Fáltais ó tháillí do sheirbhísí cigireachta ar áitribh déiríochta -7,263 Fáltais ó Dhíol Vacsaíní, beostoc, táirgí feirmeoireachta, etc. ag Saotharlann E.6 -693 Taighde Tréidliachta agus feirm i mBaile an E.7 Aba; aisghabháil ar chostais choraintín in Inis Píc -3,117 Fáltais ó Tháillí Tástála Síolta, táillí deimhnithe, táillí ceadúnais, lotnaidicídí, táillí E.8 -6,945 clárúcháin etc, agus táillí ó fheirm E.9 Bhacastúin -360 Fáltais ó ranníocaíochtaí feirmeora i dtreo an chostais a bhaineann leis an ngalar E.10 -2,204 buaibheach a dhíothú Aistrithe Cómhaoinithe AE Costais idirghabhála mhargaidh agus costais airgeadais do bhearta rannóige E.11 -1,050 (Ráthaíocht) FEOGA eile E.12 Caillteanas Stoic Idirghabhála, etc. -1,038 E.13 EAFRD (An Ciste Eorpach Talmhaíochta um Fhorbairt Tuaithe) -169,091 E.14 An Ciste Tréidliachta -10,959 E.15 Fáltais Ráthaíochta Eile ón AE (Talmhaíocht) -1,187 Fáltais a Bhaineann le hIascaigh E.16 Fáltais ó Fhíneálacha agus ó Fhorghéillte i leith Iascaigh Farraige -87 E.17 Fáltais faoin Acht Imeall Trá 1933 agus an tAcht Maoine Stáit 1954 -166 E.18 Aisghabháil AE i ndáil le caiteachas ar Iascaigh a Chaomhnú agus a Bhainistiú 0 E.19 Táillí Ceadúnais Dobharshaothraithe -876 E.20 Fáltais AE don EMFF -16,725 E.21 EFF (Iascaigh) 2007-2013 -5,917 E.22 Fáltais ó Chórais Bhianna Inbhuanaithe na hÉireann -26 E.23 Fáltais ó asbhaint a bhaineann le pinsin ó luach saothair seirbhíse poiblí -11,346 Fáltais Iomlán -258,906 Glanchaiteachas 1,128,850
107 Aguisín D Buiséadú Feidhmíochta
SPRIOC STRAITÉISEACH 1 SÁBHÁILTEACHT BIA, SLÁINTE AINMHITHE AGUS PLANDAÍ AGUS LEAS AINMHITHE
“Sláinte an phobail, ainmhithe agus plandaí agus leas ainmhithe a chur chun cinn agus a chosaint ar mhaithe le tomhaltóirí, táirgeoirí agus an pobal trí chéile”
Ionchuir - Acmhainní Airgeadais & Daonna
2017 Measta* 2017 Toradh Reatha Caipitiúil Iomlán Reatha Caipitiúil Iomlán €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 A.1. RIARACHÁN - PÁ 89,923 0 89,922 89,808 0 89,808 A.2 RIARACHÁN - NEAMH-PHÁ 32,580 3,441 36,021 30,710 3,619 34,329 A.3 Sábháilteacht Bia, Sláinte 85,329 300 85,629 80,004 173 80,177 Ainmhithe agus Plandaí agus Leas Ainmhithe
Iomlán an Chláir: €204,314 *Meastachán 2017 arna leasú ag an Meastachán Forlíontach
Líon Foirne Meastachán 2017 Iarbhír 2017 An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara 1,718 1,670
Clár A: Táscairí Comhthéacs agus Tionchair
Líon na mórchásanna sábháilteachta bia Tomhais i ndáil le Galair agus leas ainmhithe mar a 2015 2016 2017 tuairiscíodh don OIE iad 0 0 0 (sonraí sna lúibíní = cásanna de ghalair andúchasacha, cásanna Brúsallóise, cásanna Eitinne tréada, cásanna BSE) Líon na dtástálacha creidiúnaithe faoi fheidhm na Saotharlainne Náisiúnta Tagartha 2015 2016 2017 2015 2016 2017 cás BSE amháin ní raibh aon Cás amháin de 455 tástáil 610 tástáil 171 tástáil chás BSE ann BSE (aitíopúil) creidiúnaithe creidiúnaithe creidiúnaithe* Cuireadh an OIE ar an eolas * Baineann na figiúirí seo leis na modhanna tástála faoi 12 chás de creidiúnaithe atá á n-úsáid i Saotharlanna DAFM faoi HPAI H5N8 in láthair, roinnt díobh a d’fhéadfadh iad a úsáid do go éin fhiáine leor anailísí agus/nó le go leor maitrísí. Choinnigh Choinnigh an stádas an stádas Rochtain ar mhargaí onnmhairithe atá ann a Oifigiúil - Saor Oifigiúil - Saor choinneáil agus limistéir trádála nua a oscailt ó Bhrúsallóis ó Bhrúsallóis 2015 2016 2017 Thug freagra Thug freagra 6 limistéar nua 5 limistéar nua 2 limistéar nua ar 642 glaoch ar 686 ghlaoch trádála oscailte trádála oscailte trádála oscailte chuig an líne chuig an líne nó athoscailte nó athoscailte nó athoscailte chabhrach leasa chabhrach leasa ainmhithe ainmhithe
108 109 Aguisín D Buiséadú Feidhmíochta
SPRIOC STRAITÉISEACH 2 TACAÍOCHTAÍ AGUS RIALÚCHÁIN FEIRME/EARNÁLA
“Tacaíochtaí ioncaim agus margaidh a sholáthar le taca a chur faoin ngeilleagar tuaithe agus faoin timpeallacht”
Ionchuir - Acmhainní Airgeadais agus Daonna
2017 Measta* 2017 Toradh Reatha Caipitiúil Iomlán Reatha Caipitiúil Iomlán €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 B.1. RIARACHÁN - PÁ 50,098 0 50,098 50,035 0 50,035 B.2 RIARACHÁN - NEAMH-PHÁ 17,170 893 18,063 16,368 885 17,253 B.3 Scéimeanna Agra-chomhshaoil 258,250 1,000 259,250 223,717 752 224,469 B.4 Scéim na Limistéar faoi Shrianta 206,500 0 206,500 205,298 0 205,298 Nádúrtha B.5 Talmhaíocht agus Bia a Fhorbairt 855 56,200 57,055 839 36,271 37,109 (Feirm) B.6 An Clár um Shonraí & 49,000 0 49,000 47,137 0 47,137 Géanómaíochta Mairteola B.7 Aistriú Faisnéise 22,821 0 22,821 13,784 0 13,784 B.8 Scéim Leasa Ainmhithe do 17,000 0 17,000 15,851 0 15,851 Chaoirigh B.9 Scéim Luathscoir 2,611 0 2,611 2,504 0 2,504 B.10 Foraoiseacht agus 2,175 109,415 111,590 1,891 99,683 101,574 Bithfhuinneamh B.11 Costais Rialaithe & Scéimeanna 11,887 0 11,887 10,594 0 10,594 Tacaíochta Eile B.12 Scéimeanna Eile 89 0 89 718 0 718
Iomlán an Chláir: €726,326
*Meastachán 2017 arna leasú ag an Meastachán Forlíontach
Líon Foirne Meastachán 2017 Iarbhír 2017 An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara 975 953
109 Aguisín D Buiséadú Feidhmíochta
Clár B: Táscairí Comhthéacs agus Tionchair
An luach comhlán atá curtha ag talmhaíocht, foraoiseacht agus iascaireacht leis an ngeilleagar ar an iomlán 2015 2016 2017 €4,l35m €4,093m Níl an t-eolas sin ar fáil go fóill
Limistéar inar íocadh deontais foraoisithe ina leith 2015 2016 2017 6,293 ha (+2.2%) 6,500 ha (+3.3%) 5,536 (-14.8%)
Limistéar talún ar a bhfuil feirmeoireacht orgánach á déanamh air 2015 2016 2017 Méadú 27.6% Méadú 17.8 % Laghdú 3 % 61,435 ha ar an iomlán 72,364 ha ar an iomlán 70,722 ha ar an iomlán
Astaíochtaí gás ceaptha teasa a bhaineann le Talmhaíocht, arna thomhas ag an EPA (astaíochtaí bunlíne na bliana 1990: 20.124mt CO2 coibhéis.) 2015[1] 2016 2017 18.744 mt CO2 coibhéis 19.250 mt CO2 coibhéis Níl an t-eolas sin ar fáil
Astaíochtaí Amóinia (NH3), arna dtuairisciú chuig an AE (bunlíne na bliana 2000: 121.4kt) 2015 2016 2017 106.88 kt 115.52 kt Níl an t-eolas sin ar fáil
Ioncam Teaghlaigh Feirme i limistéir faoi Mhíbhuntáiste 2015 2016 2017 €23,140 €22,174 Ní bheidh ar fáil go dtí Samhradh 2018
Stádas AE mar Ghníomhaireacht Íocaíochta a choinneáil agus maoiniú AE a fháil lena tarraingt anuas 2015 2016 2017 Bhain €1,571m i Maoiniú AE Bhain €1,482m i Maoiniú AE Bhain €1,451m i Maoiniú AE amach amach amach
110 111 Aguisín D Buiséadú Feidhmíochta
SPRIOC STRAITÉISEACH 3 BEARTAS AGUS STRAITÉIS
“An creat beartas is fearr is féidir a sholáthar leis an earnáil agraibhia a fhorbairt go hinbhuanaithe.”
Ionchuir - Acmhainní Airgeadais & Daonna
2017 Measta* 2017 Toradh Reatha Caipiteal Iomlán Reatha Caipiteal Iomlán €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 C.1. RIARACHÁN - PÁ 14,894 0 14,894 14,874 0 14,874 C.2 RIARACHÁN - NEAMH-PHÁ 5,819 263 6,082 5,492 260 5,752 C.3 Cáilíocht Taighde & Deimhniúchán 21,757 0 21,757 21,870 0 21,870 C.4 Talmhaíocht agus Bia a Fhorbairt agus a 5,683 1,331 7,014 5,329 2,485 7,815 Chur Chun Cinn (Nach Feirm atá i gCeist) C.5 Deontas Teagasc 124,920 3,210 128,130 124,920 3,210 128,130 C.6 Deontas Bhord Bia 41,092 0 41,092 40,775 0 40,775 C.7 Ciste Rásaíochta Capall agus Con 58,756 21,244 80,000 58,756 21,244 80,000 C.8 Ciste Forbartha & Nuálaíochta Tuaithe 1,500 0 1,500 1,394 0 1,394 CEDRA C.9 Bia agus Tabhartais - Clár Domhanda 14,000 0 14,000 14,000 0 14,000 Bia C. 10 Seirbhísí Eile 22,161 1,500 13,661 22,836 950 23,786
Iomlán an Chláir: €338,396
*Meastachán 2017 arna leasú ag an Meastachán Forlíontach
Líon Foirne Meastachán 2017 Iarbhír 2017 An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara 285 263 Teagasc 1029 1,009 Bord Bia 118 100
Clár C: Táscairí Comhthéacs agus Tionchair
2015 2016 2017 1. Luach na n-onnmhairí agraibhia (CSO) €10,825m €12,228m €13,581m 2. Luach (% athrú) ar an bpríomhaschur talmhaíochta €7,132m €7,057m €8,016m* (+2.3%) (-1.0%) (+13.6%)
*Réamhfhigiúr do 2017
111 Aguisín D Buiséadú Feidhmíochta
SPRIOC STRAITÉISEACH 4 AN EARNÁIL BIA MARA
“Earnáil inbhuanaithe, faoi thionchar fáis, atá dírithe ar iomaíochas agus nuálaíocht arna spreagadh ag fórsa oibre a bhfuil scileanna acu d’fhonn táirgí breisluacha atá i gcomhréir le héilimh an mhargaidh a sheachadadh.”
Ionchuir - Acmhainní Airgeadais & Daonna
2017 Measta* 2017 Toradh Reatha Caipiteal Iomlán Reatha Caipiteal Iomlán €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 D.1 RIARACHÁN - PÁ 7,804 0 7,804 7,794 0 7,794 D.2 RIARACHÁN - NEAMH-PHÁ 3,601 203 3,804 3,415 201 3,616 D.3 Iascaigh 7,020 23,700 30,720 5,687 21,999 27,686 D.4 Deontas Fhoras na Mara 21,563 10,000 31,563 21,332 10,000 31,332 D.5 Deontas Bhord Iascaigh Mhara 21,588 18,000 39,588 20,467 12,995 33,462 D.6 An tÚdarás um Chosaint Iascaigh 11,800 1,000 12,800 10,246 485 10,731 Mhara D.7 Tionscadal Leasúcháin Inis Sionnach 0 8,000 8,000 0 4,099 4,099
Iomlán an Chláir: €118,720
*Meastachán 2017 arna leasú ag an Meastachán Forlíontach
Líon Foirne Meastachán 2017 Iarbhír 2017 An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara 222 222 Foras na Mara 138 132 Bord Iascaigh Mhara 121 140 An tÚdarás um Chosaint Iascaigh Mhara 126 99
Clár D: Táscairí Comhthéacs agus Tionchair Luach (€m) de dhíolachán bia mara Iomlán 2015 2016 2017 998 1,017 1,094 Foinse CSO
Luach curtha (€m) ag onnmhairí bia mara 2015 2016 2017 280 275 303 Foinse BIM
112 113 Aguisín E Fáltais Ráthaíochta EAGF/EAFRD 2017
Léirítear anseo na híocaíochta a rinneadh in Éirinn as an gciste EAGF agus as EAFRD agus as fáltais AE eile le linn na bliana airgeadais 2017
Caiteachas maoinithe ag an AE arna bhainistiú ag an Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara
2017 2016 EAGF Scéim na hÍocaíochta Dírí/Scéim na hÍocaíochta Aonair 1,190 1,300 Idirghabháil/Cúnamh do Stóráil Phríobháideach 3 Tacaíochtaí margaidh eile 26 7 Eile (4) (61)
Fáltais chómhaoinithe (bearta arna gcómhaoiniú ag an AE) 2017 2016 €m €m Talmhaíocht Cláir Forbartha Tuaithe EAFRD 169 383 An Ciste Tréidliachta 11 11 Fáltais comhairgeadais eile 2 4
Iascaigh Clár Iascaigh EMFF agus EFF 23 3 1,419 1,650 Ní thaispeántar ach an cómhaoiniú AE ar na cláir sin sa tábla seo. Réamh-mhaoiniú EMFF €8.5m a fuarthas in 2016/2017 nár admhaíodh chuig A&A
113 114 115 115 www.agriculture.gov.ie