Brendan Smith

Fianna Fáil · Cavan-Monaghan

Activity on Agriculture — 543 events (12 lobbying · 529 questions · 3 votes) full profile →

• 2026-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in having a food product conferred with protected geographical indication (PGI) status (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21333/26]
• 2026-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if simplification of schemes and a reduction in paper work for farmers will be a key policy issue for him during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21334/26]
• 2026-03-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the schemes available to compensate farmers who have suffered substantial losses due to ash dieback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18052/26]
• 2026-02-10
  PQ
  Asked Taoiseach

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach which Cabinet committee oversees agriculture; and when it will next meet. [69859/25]
• 2026-01-29
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions at the EU Agriculture Council in relation to the need to ensure that the CAP post-2027 will be adequately funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6878/26]
• 2026-01-29
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the particular policies he has identified that need to be advanced at EU level while Ireland holds the Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6879/26]
• 2026-01-29
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he put forward at the recent EU Agriculture Council concerning the need to provide adequate funding for a properly resourced CAP post 2027; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7233/26]
• 2026-01-21
  LOBBY
  ESB Energy and Natural Resources

  • Engagement continues with Principal Officers in the Departments of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Climate, Energy and the Environment on proposed amendments to Section 98 of the Electricity Supply Act to support the safe and resilient management of forestry corridors around electricity overhead lines. Support from TDs is being sought to advance the required legislative changes
• 2026-01-21
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA Finance

  • Aquaculture
• 2026-01-20
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 2 returns Agriculture

  • Irish Food Price Analysis
  • IFA Budget 2026 Briefing
• 2026-01-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the recent public tender process for the issuing of horse passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4464/26]
• 2026-01-17
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 6 returns FinanceTaxation

  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Farm Schemes - Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS)
  • Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Suckler Cow and Beef
  • Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Sheep
  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Cross Sector Support - Farm Finance
  • Agri Taxation - Stamp Duty on Agricultural Land
  • VAT and Taxation on Farm Inputs
• 2026-01-16
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 2 returns Energy and Natural ResourcesFinance

  • Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) - Energy From Farms
  • Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Animal Health Ireland
• 2026-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in honouring the commitment in the Programme for Government to defend the interests of Irish farmers in all discussions on the proposed Mercosur Trade Deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1887/26]
• 2025-12-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in relation to the proposed EU/Mercosur trade deal, with specific reference to the need to protect the Irish agri-food sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73549/25]
• 2025-12-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if cross-Government measures will be introduced to reduce the sale of land to non-farming interests and particularly large-scale businesses, with specific reference to the need to support small farm holders who may wish to buy neighbouring farm land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73611/25]
• 2025-12-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the new forestry reconstitution scheme will open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73677/25]
• 2025-12-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeline for the issue of approvals for TAMS applications under the fencing measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73688/25]
• 2025-12-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the up-to-date position regarding the retention of the Nitrates Derogation from the end of 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71292/25]
• 2025-11-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he proposes to have further discussions at an early date with the EU Commissioner for the Environment in relation to the need to retain the Nitrates Derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66610/25]
• 2025-11-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date at EU Council discussions in relation to the need to ensure that adequate funding is provided for CAP in the next Multiannual Financial Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66609/25]
• 2025-11-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals that he will outline at the EU Agriculture Council in relation to the absolute need to protect food production in Europe, with particular reference to the food sector in this country, in all discussions on the proposed Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66906/25]
• 2025-11-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of recent discussions he had with the EU Commissioner in relation to the need to review the Nitrates Derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62622/25]
• 2025-11-04
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of State property under the remit of his Department (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59421/25]
• 2025-11-04
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is proposed to amend legislation and regulations in relation to forestry taking into account the widespread concerns of communities regarding power outages which have occurred as a direct result of trees falling on power lines and telecommunication lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59849/25]
• 2025-11-04
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he proposes to implement to ensure that forestry plantations are properly maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59850/25]
• 2025-10-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in ensuring that adequate funding is provided for CAP in the next Multiannual Financial Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57544/25]
• 2025-10-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in ensuring that adequate funding is provided for CAP in the next Multiannual Financial Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57543/25]
• 2025-10-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had with the EU Commission and at the Agriculture Council in relation to the retention of the Nitrates Derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54531/25]
• 2025-10-01
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the issues raised in correspondence by a national association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52300/25]
• 2025-09-15
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 4 returns Agriculture

  • GAEC-2 - IFA Spring Lobbying 2025
  • ACRES - IFA Spring Lobbying 2025
  • TB Forum
  • Nitrates Derogation - IFA Spring Lobbying 2025
• 2025-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made regarding the reduction of severe weather impacts on critical infrastructure and essential services through the introduction of tree corridors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47234/25]
• 2025-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals that he will outline at the EU Agricultural Council in relation to the need to protect food production in Europe in discussions on the proposed Mercosur Trade Deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47295/25]
• 2025-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals that will be finalised in respect of the provision of financial support for farmers who have incurred serious financial losses due to damage to forestry caused by storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47337/25]
• 2025-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the up-to-date position at EU level regarding the need to retain the nitrates derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47398/25]
• 2025-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the up-to-date position at EU level in relation to the need to ringfence funding for CAP post 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47399/25]
• 2025-07-29
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in obtaining an extension of the nitrates derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43241/25]
• 2025-07-29
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of his most recent discussions with other EU agriculture ministers, and at the EU Agriculture Council, in relation to the need to ringfence funding for the CAP post 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43242/25]
• 2025-07-29
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions he has had to date with the EU Agriculture and Environment Commissioners and at the Agriculture Council on the need to retain the nitrates derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43616/25]
• 2025-07-03
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the up-to-date position regarding supports for farmers whose forestry was severely damaged due to storms, including storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36647/25]
• 2025-07-03
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions at the EU Agriculture Council in relation to the future funding of CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36646/25]
• 2025-07-01
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when new EU regulations and conditions attaching to such regulations will be applied (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36043/25]
• 2025-06-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give detailed consideration to a recent briefing note of the Northern & Western Regional Assembly: Regional Infrastructure Priorities for the Northern and Western Region, June 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35165/25]
• 2025-06-10
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when PG1 status will be approved in respect of a food product (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29061/25]
• 2025-05-29
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he proposes to introduce additional measures to assist in reducing the sales of farm land to non-farming interests, and particularly large-scale businesses, with specific reference to the need to provide more support to small farm holders who may wish to buy neighbouring farm land for farming purposes when such options arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28815/25]
• 2025-05-29
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if cross-Government measures will be introduced to reduce the sale of land to non-farming interests and particularly large-scale businesses with specific reference to the need to support small farm holders who may wish to buy neighbouring farm land to help make their holdings viable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28827/25]
• 2025-05-17
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA Agriculture

  • Windblow Task Force
• 2025-05-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give detailed consideration to issues of concern of the IFA (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23105/25]
• 2025-05-01
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in establishing a compensation package for farmers whose plantations were damaged due to Storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22009/25]
• 2025-05-01
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the requirement to replant land where plantations were badly damaged due to Storm Éowyn will be reviewed, taking into account that some of these areas are not suitable for plantation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22010/25]
• 2025-05-01
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in ensuring that the State retains the Nitrates Derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22013/25]
• 2025-04-10
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the widespread damage caused by falling trees in recent storms affecting ESB transmission lines, telecommunication lines and other critical infrastructure, if measures will be implemented across Departments to ensure that diseased trees are felled and financial support provided to landowners and households in view of the substantial costs involved in felling trees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18348/25]
• 2025-04-02
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when protected geographical indication (PGI) status will be approved in respect of boxty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16136/25]
• 2025-03-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give detailed consideration to the issues outlined in correspondence from a local authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14274/25]
• 2025-03-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if additional funding is being provided to his Department this year due to additional expenditure arising following storm Éowyn; if additional funding is provided, the programmes and schemes that will benefit from this additional expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14562/25]
• 2025-03-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine where fallen trees impede access on public roads and/or damage ESB transmission lines and telecom provider lines on public roads or on private property and where the ownership of such property is not readily known to the local community or to the local authority or emergency services, if there is provision to provide statutory agencies or public utility providers with the names of the owners of such property to ensure that they can be requested, without delay, to remedy the difficulties that have arisen or to bill them for emergency work that may need to be carried out by or on behalf of statutory agencies or public utilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12970/25]
• 2025-03-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that existing legislation and regulations are adequate to ensure the provision of safe corridor widths for tree planting adjacent to ESB transmission lines; if not, the proposals, if any, there are to amend existing protections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10530/25]
• 2025-02-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if grant aid will be provided to farmers, particularly small-scale landholders whose outhouses/farm buildings were damaged during storm Éowyn; if details of such a scheme will be announced at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8751/25]
• 2025-02-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when compensation measures will be introduced for farmers whose forestry plantations were badly damaged in storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8916/25]
• 2025-02-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to the extension of deadlines for specific work to be carried out by participants in ACRES in view of delays that have occurred due to recent storms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5407/25]
• 2025-02-12
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to give further consideration to the appointment of a community representative, or representatives, particularly from the areas worst affected by recent storms and the damage caused by falling trees, to the recently appointed Forestry Task Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5101/25]
• 2025-02-12
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional measures being introduced to ensure the proper maintenance of forests and plantations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5102/25]
• 2025-02-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when guidelines and details of grant aid will issue to farmers whose forestry plantations have been damaged by storm Éowyn; if this matter will be dealt with as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3485/25]
• 2025-02-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 336 of 7 November 2024, if further consideration will be given to the introduction of supports to help small-scale farm holders purchase neighbouring farm land when such options occur; if measures will be introduced to help reduce the sale of farm land to non-farming interests and particularly large-scale businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3559/25]
• 2025-01-22
  PQ
  Asked Enterprise

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has outlined clearly at the EU Agriculture Council his opposition to the proposed Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1969/25]
• 2025-01-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 323 of 17 November 2022 and 601 of 22 November 2022, the additional measures that have been implemented to ensure that there is an adequate inspection programme concerning maintenance of forests, both in public and private ownership; if the Forestry Standards Manual 2015 was reviewed and updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1337/25]
• 2025-01-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will convene as a matter of urgency a working group comprising of officials from his Department and other Departments and statutory agencies to deal with the recurring problems of fallen trees causing damage to ESB transmission lines, resulting in power outages and huge inconvenience, costs and hardship to communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1338/25]
• 2025-01-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions taken to date, and proposals advanced, regarding the need to retain the nitrates derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1970/25]
• 2025-01-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that all valid 2023/2024 applications for ACRES are finalised, and payments issued without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1971/25]
• 2025-01-20
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 18 returns AgricultureEmployment

  • Regional Veterinary Laboratories - IFA Submission to all Political Parties and Dáil Éireann Candidates for the 2024 General Election
  • VAT Rate on Vaccines - IFA Submission to all Political Parties and Dáil Éireann Candidates for the 2024 General Election
  • Johnes
  • BVD
  • Spent Mushroom Compost Scheme
  • Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR)
  • Parasite Control Programme
  • Development of Vaccine for TB - IFA Submission to all Political Parties and Dáil Éireann Candidates for the 2024 General Election
  • Deer Management Programme - IFA Submission to all Political Parties and Dáil Éireann Candidates for the 2024 General Election
  • Equine
  • Seed Potato
  • Farmer Liability in Payment for TB Testing
  • Wildlife Control Programme
  • Beef Calf from Dairy Herds Rearing Scheme
  • Suckler Cow Supports - IFA Submission to all Political Parties and Dáil Éireann Candidates for the 2024 General Election
  • Suckler Cow & Beef
  • Dairy - 2024 General Election
  • Cost of Employment
• 2025-01-18
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 29 returns AgricultureEU Affairs

  • Fallen Animals
  • Tillage Survival Scheme
  • Tillage Expansion Scheme - I2024 General Election
  • Organic Farming
  • Aquaculture - 2024 General Election
  • Farm Forestry
  • Roadside Ash Dieback Scheme - 2024 General Election.
  • Amendments to State Aid Guidelines to Support Farmers with Ash Dieback
  • Designated Natura Areas
  • Areas of Natural Constraints (ANCs)
  • Beef Sustainability Scheme - IFA Submission to all Political Parties and Dáil Éireann Candidates for the 2024 General Election
  • Sheep - IFA Submission to all Political Parties and Dáil Éireann Candidates for the 2024 General Election
  • Pig Stability Fund
  • Dog Control - IFA Submission to all Political Parties and Dáil Éireann Candidates for the 2024 General Election
  • Simplified, Fully Funded Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
  • Generational Renewal
  • Producer Organisations (POs)
  • EU Trade Policy
  • Pigs - 4 Day Notification of Organic Nutrient Movements
  • Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Transition Period
  • Milling Industry Support - IFA Submission to all Political Parties and Dáil Éireann Candidates for the 2024 General Election
  • Hedge Cutting and Controlled Burning
  • Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS)
  • Agriculture Appeals
  • Soil Monitoring and Resilience
  • Utilisation of Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS)
  • Agri Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) - IFA Submission to all Political Parties and Dáil Éireann Candidates for the 2024 General Election
  • Protected Urea
  • Fertiliser Register
• 2025-01-17
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 2 returns Energy and Natural ResourcesBanking and Financial Institutions

  • Measures Implementing Ireland's Biomethane Strategy
  • Banking
• 2025-01-16
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 2 returns Finance

  • Stamp Duty on Agricultural Land - IFA Submission to all Political Parties and Dáil Éireann Candidates for the 2024 General Election
  • VAT & Taxation on Farm Inputs
• 2025-01-15
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 6 returns AgricultureEU Affairs

  • Agricultural Rainy-Day Fund
  • Rural Social Scheme - IFA submission to all Political Parties and Dáil Éireann Candidates for the 2024 General Election
  • Farm Safety
  • Emergency Humanitarian Support Scheme - IFA Submission to all Political Parties and Dáil Éireann Candidates for the 2024 General Election
  • Green Public Procurement Policy
  • Agri-Food Regulator
• 2024-11-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions he had at EU level in relation to the need to reduce the regulatory burden and unnecessary paper-work on farmers participating in different schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45755/24]
• 2024-11-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if cross-Government measures will be introduced to reduce the sale of land to non-farming interests and particularly large-scale businesses with specific reference to the need to support small farm holders who may wish to buy neighbouring farm land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45991/24]
• 2024-11-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when additional measures will be implemented to address the outbreak of bovine TB in parts of the country; if there are sufficient personnel in all district veterinary offices to deal with disease-control issues; if he will ensure compensation payments are issued without delay to affected herdowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45425/24]
• 2024-11-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason unacceptable delays are occurring in issuing foal passports by Horse Sport Ireland; the measures that will be implemented to reduce such delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45104/24]
• 2024-10-23
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when PGI status will be approved in respect of a food product (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43475/24]
• 2024-09-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals under consideration by the EU Agriculture Council to have additional funding provided for CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38124/24]
• 2024-09-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions to date to reduce the regulatory burden and associated paperwork on farmers participating in different schemes; the proposals to alleviate such burdens at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38123/24]
• 2024-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when additional measures will be implemented to address the outbreaks of bovine TB in parts of the country; if there are sufficient personnel in all district veterinary offices at present dealing with disease-control issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37523/24]
• 2024-09-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that balancing payments for ACRES will issue without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37172/24]
• 2024-09-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when advance payments for ACRES 2024 will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37173/24]
• 2024-09-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give further consideration to the provision of financial assistance to persons who do not have forest plantations and are not availing of any forestry schemes who need to have ash dieback trees removed on their property adjacent to public roads from a safety point of view; if he is aware that there are substantial costs for individuals and households in having such diseased trees removed; if he is aware that this issue is particularly of concern to households on low incomes such as persons in receipt of pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35982/24]
• 2024-09-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the introduction of a farm retirement scheme with funding from CAP and/or national resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35983/24]
• 2024-09-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is an up-to-date review available concerning the adequacy of fodder stock for the coming winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35984/24]
• 2024-07-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the planned payment dates in 2024 for the areas of natural constraints scheme and the basic income support for sustainability scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30820/24]
• 2024-07-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the planned payment dates in 2024 for applicants under ACRES; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30821/24]
• 2024-07-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in expediting the processing and approval of applications for planting and felling forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30822/24]
• 2024-07-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, in conjunction with other Departments or agencies, further consideration can be given to assisting people with the costs of felling small numbers of trees with ash dieback, where such people do not have plantations and are not participants in any Department scheme, and may have a very small number of trees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30823/24]
• 2024-07-03
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that payments due under Acres will issue at the earliest possible date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28648/24]
• 2024-05-30
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the pension of a person (details supplied) to ensure they are receiving the correct grade/scale and rate of pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24466/24]
• 2024-05-23
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if assistance will be given to farmers who do not have a forest plantation or are not availing of any forestry schemes to have ash dieback trees removed where such trees pose a danger to public safety due to their locations along public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23332/24]
• 2024-05-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if financial assistance would be given to farmers who do not have forest plantation and are not availing of any forestry schemes, to have ash die back trees removed as such trees are a danger to public safety due to their siting along public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22777/24]
• 2024-05-02
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the preparatory work being undertaken and the measures being implemented to ensure retention of the nitrates derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20087/24]
• 2024-04-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that will be implemented to deal with difficulties that have emerged from ash dieback and the concerns about spruce bark beetle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18425/24]
• 2024-04-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current position regarding the inclusion of hedgerows in the assessment of carbon sequestration for the national inventory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18426/24]
• 2024-04-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the schemes available at present to compensate farmers who have suffered substantial losses due to ash dieback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14254/24]
• 2024-03-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put forward to the European Commission in relation to the need to reduce the regulatory burden on farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11375/24]
• 2024-02-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on his attendance at a meeting (details supplied). [1697/24]
• 2024-02-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the issues he proposes to progress at a sectoral level through the work of the North-South Ministerial Council; if meetings will be held at an early date under the auspices of the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8392/24]
• 2024-02-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the schemes available to compensate farmers who have suffered substantial losses due to ash dieback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8125/24]
• 2024-02-01
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all eligible applicants under tranche 2 of ACRES will be accepted on to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4903/24]
• 2024-01-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the up to date position regarding the issue of payments under ACRES; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2095/24]
• 2023-12-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when approval will issue in respect of targeted agricultural modernisation scheme, TAMS, applications relating to animal welfare-related investments and the construction of slurry and manure storage facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55733/23]
• 2023-12-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when approvals will issue in respect of TAMS applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55732/23]
• 2023-12-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the widespread concerns of farmers regarding delays in the issue of some ACRES payments; if a partial payment can be issued for those applicants pending processing and finalising of all applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56096/23]
• 2023-12-12
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the widespread concerns of farmers in relation to recent changes introduced to the Eurostar evaluations by an organisation (details supplied) and the difficulties it is causing for some farmers participating in the suckler carbon efficiency programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55395/23]
• 2023-11-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expected timeline for approval to issue in respect of TAMS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51376/23]
• 2023-11-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the supports that are available from his Department to public bodies to plant trees on publicly owned lands; if such supports are available to community and voluntary organisations to carry out similar work on grounds to where they have access to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49196/23]
• 2023-10-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made to date in finalising data on the sequestration of carbon by hedgerows to ensure the inclusion of hedgerows in the national inventory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46950/23]
• 2023-10-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when approvals will issue in respect of tranche 1 of TAMS 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46951/23]
• 2023-07-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department, and all agencies under the remit of his Department, have their telephone contact details on their websites and on other media platforms; if all stationery and headed notepaper used in correspondence with the public contain relevant phone contact details, taking into account that everybody is not in a position to correspond by e-mail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36689/23]
• 2023-07-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals, if any, to have further discussions at the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers in relation to the need to protect food production in the EU and ensure food security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34705/23]
• 2023-07-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that will be implemented to ensure that adequate supports are in place to continue to assist in the production of safe, high-quality and sustainably produced food due to this sector’s importance in providing food supply at home and in export earnings which are critical to the national economy and employment throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34706/23]
• 2023-07-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the incentives available for farmers and agri-food businesses to install solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35454/23]
• 2023-06-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that funding is allocated from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve for primary farm producers, in view of the challenges posed by Brexit for the farming sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31481/23]
• 2023-05-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the proposed EU nature restoration regulation has been considered at the Council of Agriculture Ministers; if so, the proposals he put forward; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25213/23]
• 2023-05-24
  VOTE
  Agriculture and Food Supply Chain Bill 2022 · 2 divisions

  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 54–67
  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion passed · 53–66
• 2023-05-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that will be implemented to deal with the increasing prevalence of wild deer, particularly in view of dangers posed to many motorists by deer running wild on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21322/23]
• 2023-03-30
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals, if any, to compensate farmers who have suffered substantial losses due to ash dieback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15930/23]
• 2023-03-30
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will have dribble bars included in the next TAMS programme due to the importance of this machinery on smaller-scale farms and on farms with heavy soils and in drumlin terrain such as Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15931/23]
• 2023-03-30
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that water quality reports for 2022 will be included in the review of the nitrates action programme in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15932/23]
• 2023-03-30
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that will be taken at EU and national level to help offset the additional farm input costs due to the increase in fertiliser costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15933/23]
• 2023-03-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the details of funding allocations made to date under the BREXIT Adjustment Reserve Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13119/23]
• 2023-03-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in reducing the delays in processing and finalising tree planting and tree felling licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11871/23]
• 2023-03-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there have been discussions at the EU Agriculture Council in relation to the need to introduce measures to help offset the increased costs of fertilisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11872/23]
• 2022-12-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports that are available to farmers to install solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62855/22]
• 2022-12-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers who had to cease willow production will receive compensation payments under the Just Transition Programme due to the substantial costs that they have incurred in exiting such production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63015/22]
• 2022-12-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made to date in eliminating the delays in processing applications for forestry planting and felling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63101/22]
• 2022-12-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of funding provided for forestry research to date in 2022; the estimated level of funding to be provided for such work in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63102/22]
• 2022-12-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made to date in preparing data on the sequestration of carbon by hedgerows to ensure the inclusion of hedgerows in the national inventory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63106/22]
• 2022-12-13
  PQ
  Asked Taoiseach

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee that deals with agriculture will next meet. [59342/22]
• 2022-12-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce appropriate measures to ensure there is a proper spread of forestry throughout the country in view of the recently announced national forestry programme; if his attention has been drawn to concerns in some communities of excessive tree planting in some areas causing difficulties for communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61183/22]
• 2022-12-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when is it proposed to introduce revised compensation payments in respect of animals that are depopulated due to tuberculosis, TB; if he will ensure that the compensation levels reflect the market value of the animals and that appropriate payment levels are also introduced for pedigree animals to reflect their value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61182/22]
• 2022-11-23
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) will be given detailed consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58258/22]
• 2022-11-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the amendment of forestry regulations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57245/22]
• 2022-11-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that the existing inspection programmes concerning maintenance of forests is adequate, given that the increasing incidents of falling trees are resulting in power outages and are causing serious problems for communities over large areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57246/22]
• 2022-10-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when provision will be made in the TB compensation scheme to provide for realistic payments for pedigree animals that are depopulated; if his attention has been drawn to the adverse impact that the loss of some pedigree herds will have on the livestock sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52959/22]
• 2022-10-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when compensation payments will be increased in respect of the depopulation of animals and herds due to TB; if particular provision will be made to pay proper compensation to owners of pedigree animals to reflect their market value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52958/22]
• 2022-10-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when fees for students attending agricultural colleges will be reduced to a level similar to fees for students attending colleges of further education as there is a significant differential at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49242/22]
• 2022-10-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that a clear message goes from Government to the multiples that an adequate price needs to be paid, without delay, to pig and poultry primary producers in view of the difficulties facing those sectors at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48958/22]
• 2022-07-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide detailed consideration of the issues outlined in correspondence by a national organisation (details supplied) in relation to the need to ensure that farming and the agri-food sector are not adversely impacted by sectoral emissions targets; if he will ensure that the importance of this sector in its very sizeable contribution to the national economy and also its role in food security are taken fully into account in all assessments in relation to emissions reductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41302/22]
• 2022-07-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that farmers finishing on an existing environmental scheme in 2022 have the opportunity to participate in the new agri-climate rural environment scheme in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41357/22]
• 2022-07-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a farmer in one of the co-operation project zones under the agri-climate rural environment scheme will have the opportunity to access ACRES General; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41358/22]
• 2022-07-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that there will be adequate capacity in the new agri-climate rural environment scheme to enable all potential applicants' avail of this scheme in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41359/22]
• 2022-07-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of felling and planting licences issued on a yearly basis since 2018 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41737/22]
• 2022-07-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in resolving the peat supply issues affecting the horticulture and mushroom sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41738/22]
• 2022-07-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that compensation payment levels will be increased without further delay in respect of the depopulation of herds due to TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38353/22]
• 2022-07-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment levels will be increased to reflect present market levels for herds that are depopulated due to TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38354/22]
• 2022-06-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if compensation levels in respect of the depopulation of herds will be increased, without delay, to reflect the market value of cattle, given that the present compensation levels are very low, resulting in farmers suffering major financial losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33790/22]
• 2022-06-02
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when measures will be implemented to assist the mushroom and horticulture sectors due to the difficulties that have arisen in relation to peat harvesting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28812/22]
• 2022-04-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there have been discussions at European Union level in relation to the need to provide assistance to farmers to mitigate the very substantial increase in fertiliser costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21646/22]
• 2022-03-31
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an additional financial support package will be introduced to assist the pigmeat sector through present difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17030/22]
• 2022-03-31
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when measures will be introduced to ensure there is an adequate supply of domestic peat for the mushroom and horticulture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14870/22]
• 2022-03-30
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if urgent consideration will be given to the issues outlined in correspondence (details supplied) in view of the serious difficulties facing the pigmeat sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17112/22]
• 2022-03-03
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments under the scheme of support announced for the pigmeat sector will issue to farmers; if he will ensure that payments issue without delay in view of the serious financial pressures facing this sector at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12310/22]
• 2022-02-23
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that will be implemented to assist the mushroom and horticulture sectors due to the difficulties that have arisen in relation to peat harvesting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10416/22]
• 2022-02-10
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is proposed to revise costings for farm improvement works to be grant-aided under TAMS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6998/22]
• 2022-01-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is proposed to revise costings for farm improvement works to be grant-aided under targeted agricultural modernisation scheme, TAMS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3415/22]
• 2022-01-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at the recent European Council of Agriculture Ministers in relation to the serious difficulties facing the pigmeat sector at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2801/22]
• 2022-01-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures including financial support that will be introduced to support the pigmeat sector through the present serious difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2817/22]
• 2022-01-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department can support an increase in processing capacity at pigmeat plants due to present difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2818/22]
• 2022-01-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if financial assistance will be made available through existing Covid-19 and Brexit related support funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2824/22]
• 2021-12-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will introduce as a matter of urgency to ensure that there is an adequate supply of domestic peat for the mushroom and horticulture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60783/21]
• 2021-12-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made to date to ensure that hedgerows, all small-scale planting and all small blocks of scrub are included in the national inventory calculations for carbon credits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60784/21]
• 2021-12-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the initiatives that are being taken to assist agri-food businesses deal with the effect of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60789/21]
• 2021-12-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in eliminating unacceptable delays in processing applications for forest planting and felling; the additional measures that will be introduced in 2022 to speed up the processing of such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61013/21]
• 2021-12-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of funding to be provided by his Department in 2022 for the promotion and support of the social enterprise sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59930/21]
• 2021-12-01
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give favourable consideration to the issues detailed in correspondence concerning the need to improve the conditions of a Department scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59312/21]
• 2021-11-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals there are to intensify co-operation with international forestry organisations in relation to research projects which could be carried out in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56768/21]
• 2021-11-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if hedgerows, all small-scale planting and all small blocks of scrub are measured in the inventory of forest cover; if so, the way they are measured; the percentage of the State that is occupied by such forest cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55384/21]
• 2021-11-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the agencies that carry out forestry research; the level of expenditure on such research in 2020 and 2021; the level of funding to be provided for this research in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55385/21]
• 2021-11-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional measures that will be implemented to eliminate the unacceptable delays in processing applications for forest planting and felling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55398/21]
• 2021-10-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in implementing measures to assist the mushroom and horticulture sector due to the serious difficulties that have arisen in sourcing horticultural peat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51712/21]
• 2021-10-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if TAMS grant aid will be increased for the purchase of low emission slurry spreading machinery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51706/21]
• 2021-10-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will introduce as a matter of urgency to ensure that there is an adequate supply of domestic peat for the mushroom and horticulture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50312/21]
• 2021-10-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that the concerns of the mushroom and horticulture sector in relation to the harvesting of horticultural peat are addressed in view of the importance of peat for that sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50313/21]
• 2021-10-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns in relation to the inadequate pigmeat processing capacity at present due to shortage of qualified personnel; if measures will be implemented as a matter of urgency to address this matter as delays in processing pigs will lead to animal welfare issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50100/21]
• 2021-09-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if urgent consideration will be given to the issues outlined in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the poultry sector; if he will ensure that this matter is given urgent attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46376/21]
• 2021-07-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he had recent discussions with representative groups and other Departments in relation to the urgent need to resolve the difficulties facing the mushroom and horticulture sectors and the harvesting of peat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41063/21]
• 2021-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he is taking to prohibit unfair trading practices in order to strengthen the position of primary producers in the agri-food sector. [38525/21]
• 2021-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeline for the development of the national food ombudsman; and when he expects the office to be established. [38524/21]
• 2021-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will introduce as a matter of urgency to ensure that there is an adequate supply of domestic peat for the mushroom and horticulture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38911/21]
• 2021-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that the concerns of the mushroom and horticulture sector in relation to the harvesting of horticultural peat are addressed in view of the importance of peat for that sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38912/21]
• 2021-06-30
  PQ
  Asked Taoiseach

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach if there is a Cabinet committee or sub-committee that deals with agriculture. [34655/21]
• 2021-05-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in having beef exports to China resumed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28477/21]
• 2021-05-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that will be implemented to deal with the backlog in forestry felling and planting licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26987/21]
• 2021-05-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that there is adequate processing capacity in the dairy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26975/21]
• 2021-05-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will establish a compensation scheme for a sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23741/21]
• 2021-05-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 261 of 25 March 2021, if there have been recent discussions with the European Commission in relation to the issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23565/21]
• 2021-05-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will implement to reduce the delays in processing and approving tree felling and tree planting licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23590/21]
• 2021-05-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if grant aid will be made available for small scale poultry businesses which were totally dependent on selling their product to the hospitality sector pre-Covid-19 and have lost such market for the past 14 months; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that such enterprises are unable to avail of Covid-19 business supports due to the fact they are not rateable; if he will ensure that appropriate grant aid is put in place as a matter of urgency to ensure that such businesses remain operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21009/21]
• 2021-03-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if discussions are ongoing with the European Commission on EU market support measures (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16224/21]
• 2021-03-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the likely timescale for decisions at EU level on the Brexit adjustment reserve; the schemes being developed by his Department to avail of such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16259/21]
• 2021-03-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if products will be eligible for EU market support measures in the event of such supports being activated by the European Commission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13822/21]
• 2021-03-10
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funding will be provided to assist farmers in the construction of agricultural underpass crossings on non-national roads in which such facilities are deemed essential in the interests of public safety and particularly road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13073/21]
• 2021-03-04
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will amend as a matter of urgency the arrangements in place at present for cattle sales with particular reference to pedigree cattle sales in view of difficulties that have arisen (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12366/21]
• 2021-03-03
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the agrifood sector will be supported through the Brexit adjustment reserve; the likely timescale for the development of such schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11307/21]
• 2021-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that will be implemented to address the difficulties for the mushroom, horticulture and nursery sectors due to the difficulties arising from the cessation of peat production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8989/21]
• 2021-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the next meeting of the beef task force will take place; the agenda for the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8990/21]
• 2020-12-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the issues discussed at the most recent meeting of the beef forum; the date and agenda for the next meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44395/20]
• 2020-12-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in ensuring that approved merchant stores will continue to sell veterinary medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44396/20]
• 2020-12-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in reducing the delays in processing forestry felling applications which have adversely affected the supply of timber products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44397/20]
• 2020-12-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated acreage of forestry affected by ash dieback disease; the costs incurred in implementing measures to counteract the spread of this disease; the further measures to be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44398/20]
• 2020-11-10
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the conditions applicable to mart sales at present and enable the presence of a limited number of buyers at the ringside, properly and appropriately spaced in accordance with public health regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35331/20]
• 2020-11-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the ANC and single farm payments issued to date to farmers in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the percentage of applicants still awaiting initial payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34517/20]
• 2020-11-03
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions with his counterpart in the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the difficulties that will face the agri-food sector on an all-Ireland basis post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33527/20]
• 2020-11-03
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions at the EU Agriculture Council in relation to the funding of the CAP post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33526/20]
• 2020-09-29
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to the issues raised (details supplied) by a local authority in relation to correspondence issued by his Department to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26964/20]
• 2020-09-29
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give detailed consideration to the issues raised in a 2021 Budget Submission by an Association (details supplied); if the concerns of the sector which will be adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27290/20]
• 2020-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that suitably qualified persons, licensed merchant stores and veterinary pharmacies will be able to continue the prescribing and supply of anthelmintics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26213/20]
• 2020-09-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a requirement to have a deep clean carried out in a meat processing facility in which staff members have had a positive Covid-19 test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25223/20]
• 2020-09-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will implement to deal with delays in felling forestry which is causing serious problems for the timber industry and shortage of supplies for other sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24594/20]
• 2020-09-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position on funding for CAP post 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23969/20]
• 2020-09-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timescale for the completion of discussions on the future funding of CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23970/20]
• 2020-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a payment to compensate sheep farmers in view of the market disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22303/20]
• 2020-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase payments under the sheep welfare scheme due to the market disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the difficulties that will arise due to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22304/20]
• 2020-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to establish a sheep taskforce in relation to the long-term issues facing the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22305/20]
• 2020-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to reconvene the tuberculosis forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22547/20]
• 2020-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the recent changes to the tuberculosis eradication programme with particular reference to the issue of tuberculosis herd history risk statements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22548/20]
• 2020-07-30
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the GLAS scheme will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20453/20]
• 2020-07-30
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the outcome of discussions at the recent EU Agriculture Council in relation to CAP funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20454/20]
• 2020-07-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a felling licence will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19160/20]
• 2020-07-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a commitment made by his Department to provide a compensation payment to farmers (details supplied) will be honoured without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17424/20]
• 2020-06-23
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if additional resources will be provided to source new markets for pigmeat in view of the recent reduction in prices paid to pig farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12477/20]
• 2020-06-23
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific details of the recently announced aid scheme for the beef sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12501/20]
• 2020-06-23
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a financial support package for the sheep sector due to the adverse impact of Covid-19 resulting in market instability and loss of income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12502/20]
• 2020-06-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the proposals he put to the EU Commission in relation to the need to increase the proposed budget for CAP post-2020; if he has outlined to the EU Agriculture Commissioner that the most recent budget proposals are not adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10252/20]
• 2020-06-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the GLAS scheme will reopen for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10253/20]
• 2020-06-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to extend GLAS pending the introduction of a new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10254/20]
• 2020-06-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when beef exports to China will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10334/20]
• 2020-06-03
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the recent Teagasc report on farm incomes; the measures he will introduce to support beef, dairy and sheep farmers in view of the projected loss of income for these sectors; the additional financial supports that will be provided at EU and national level in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9257/20]
• 2020-05-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the next meeting of the Beef Taskforce will take place; the issues to be discussed at the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7990/20]
• 2020-05-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the boat capacity licensed to date for the export of live animals in 2020; if he is satisfied that this capacity is adequate; if not, the plans he has to licence additional capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7999/20]
• 2020-05-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if urgent consideration will be given to the issues raised in correspondence from an association (details supplied) in view of the need to have marts functioning as much as possible with appropriate restrictions in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6660/20]
• 2020-05-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will establish a compensation scheme in respect of the culling of poultry flocks which has resulted in huge losses for a number of poultry farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6689/20]
• 2020-05-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific proposals he put forward at the recent EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in relation to the urgent need to provide adequate financial support for the farming sector in view of the additional difficulties that have arisen for different sectors due to Covid-19; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6717/20]
• 2020-03-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date on implementing the measures agreed in August 2019 in discussions with stakeholders regarding the difficulties facing the beef sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2932/20]
• 2020-03-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at the recent beef task force meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2933/20]
• 2020-03-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he plans to implement to assist the beef sector in light of the inadequate returns to primary producers and the financial difficulties caused to many farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2934/20]
• 2020-03-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the latest data on the value of trade with the UK for agrifood products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3698/20]
• 2020-03-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions at the EU Agriculture Council of Ministers on funding for CAP post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3753/20]
• 2020-03-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans he put forward at recent EU Agriculture Council of Ministers meetings on the need to ensure there is no reduction in funding for CAP post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3754/20]
• 2020-03-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date on the proposals put forward by an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3755/20]
• 2019-12-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the concerns in many areas in relation to the increase in the wild deer herd and the difficulties posed for farmers and motorists in rural areas; the measures he plans to implement to reduce the herd; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53697/19]
• 2019-12-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the provisions being made at EU level in relation to the funding of CAP from 2020 pending the completion of a new CAP programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53720/19]
• 2019-12-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the present funding levels for CAP will be maintained pending the completion of the new CAP programme post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53721/19]
• 2019-12-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the new markets projected to be open for beef exports in 2020; the estimated value of such markets on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53722/19]
• 2019-12-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce grant aid to assist farmers with necessary land reclamation and on-farm drainage works in which ongoing farming activities are being hindered due to the increased rainfall over recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53723/19]
• 2019-12-12
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the inaugural meeting of the beef task force; when the task force will meet again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52442/19]
• 2019-12-12
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of payments made to date to farmers in County Cavan under the ANC, single farm payment and BEEP; his plans to issue outstanding payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52443/19]
• 2019-12-12
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of payments made to date to farmers in County Monaghan under the ANC, single farm payment and BEEP; his plans to issue outstanding payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52444/19]
• 2019-12-12
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue under BEAM; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52445/19]
• 2019-12-12
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeframe to approve and issue forestry thinning licences in view of the concern of some applicants regarding long delays in finalising such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52447/19]
• 2019-12-04
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the beef market task force will meet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50668/19]
• 2019-11-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the beef market task force will meet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49064/19]
• 2019-11-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he has implemented following the Irish beef sector agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49065/19]
• 2019-11-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he plans to assist beef producers attain at least the average EU price for their livestock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49069/19]
• 2019-11-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if delays in finalising the EU budget will impact on the CAP budget; if so, the effects on schemes supported through CAP funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46902/19]
• 2019-11-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions between his officials and an association (details supplied) regarding funding for the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44872/19]
• 2019-11-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the criteria applicable to BEAM will be improved in view of the likely shortfall in drawing down the full funding available for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45464/19]
• 2019-10-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the agencies and organisations represented at the recent beef task force meeting; the issues discussed; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42828/19]
• 2019-10-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans he intends to propose at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting regarding the need to protect the CAP budget post 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41952/19]
• 2019-10-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at recent EU Agriculture Council meetings regarding CAP funding post 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41953/19]
• 2019-10-03
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in implementing the measures announced following recent negotiations with farming organisations and the meat sector in relation to the urgent need to improve price returns to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40446/19]
• 2019-10-03
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the most recent proposals put forward at the EU Agriculture Council in relation to the need to ensure there is no reduction in funding for CAP post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40447/19]
• 2019-10-01
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the concerns of councillors will be addressed (details supplied) in view of the severe income pressure on farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39885/19]
• 2019-09-26
  VOTE
  Agriculture

  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 38–84
• 2019-09-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the recent discussions with stakeholders relating to the difficulties facing the beef sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38140/19]
• 2019-09-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ensure that detailed and urgent consideration is given to the submission by an association (details supplied) in relation to the need for additional financial support due to the financial pressures on these businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37921/19]
• 2019-09-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress in the resumed talks in addressing the issues facing the beef sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37702/19]
• 2019-09-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions with the stakeholders in relation to the serious problems facing the beef sector; if the retail sector has been involved in such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37703/19]
• 2019-09-06
  PQ
  Asked Business

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has raised at recent European Council meetings Irish concerns on a proposed Mercosur deal and its adverse effects on the beef, poultry and pig meat sectors; the stage the assessment of the proposed trade deal being undertaken by her Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36547/19]
• 2019-09-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a comprehensive package of market support measures to assist the agricultural sector due to the adverse impacts of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36491/19]
• 2019-09-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has secured agreement from the European Commission to ease the state aid limitation on the provision of support for the agricultural sector due to the difficulties that will arise from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36494/19]
• 2019-09-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 719 of 11 June 2019, the progress made in transposing and enforcing the EU unfair trading practices directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36506/19]
• 2019-09-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans he put forward at the most recent EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting in relation to the need to provide adequate assistance to the agrifood sector here due to the adverse impacts of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36537/19]
• 2019-09-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of recent talks with farming organisations and meat industry representatives in relation to the serious difficulties facing the beef sector; if particular measures have been implemented following the talks; if so, the actions he plans to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36902/19]
• 2019-09-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if talks will be convened with farming organisations, representatives of the meat industry and retailers in view of the ongoing serious difficulties facing the beef sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36903/19]
• 2019-07-23
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had recent discussions with the French authorities in relation to the need to increase lairage facilities at Cherbourg; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32047/19]
• 2019-07-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeline for the opening of the South Korean market for beef exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31246/19]
• 2019-07-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quantity of beef products exported to the United States of America in each of the years 2016 to 2018; the expected export level for 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31247/19]
• 2019-07-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department carried out an ongoing economic assessment of a proposed Mercosur deal as the talks progressed over the past 12 months; the outcome of such assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31256/19]
• 2019-07-04
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has outlined clearly to the European Commission his opposition to the proposed Mercosur deal; the actions he plans to have the deal rejected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29019/19]
• 2019-07-04
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of his most recent discussions with the EU Agriculture and Trade Commissioners in relation to the proposed Mercosur deal; if he has outlined clearly his opposition to such a deal due to the adverse impacts it will have on agriculture here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29020/19]
• 2019-07-03
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of co-operation and planning that exists between his Department and its counterparts in Northern Ireland and the UK in relation to the protection of the agrifood sector on an all-island basis due to the adverse impacts of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28183/19]
• 2019-07-03
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions being held with his counterparts in Northern Ireland and the UK in relation to the need to minimise disruption to the agrifood sector both North and South in the context of Brexit in view of the interdependence of the sector on an all-island basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28182/19]
• 2019-06-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the issues discussed at the recent EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council; if he put forward specific proposals on the need to provide adequate assistance to the agrifood sector due to the adverse impacts of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26307/19]
• 2019-06-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had recent discussions with the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development on the need to minimise the conditions that will be attached to the beef fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26308/19]
• 2019-06-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of increase in organic production on an annual basis since 2010; the incentives that are available to encourage organic food production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25679/19]
• 2019-06-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to appoint an independent retail regulator further to the EU legislation on unfair trading practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23767/19]
• 2019-06-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when details of the scheme to assist the beef sector will be announced; if the total funding will be €100 million; when farmers are likely to receive this financial aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24090/19]
• 2019-05-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of support for the agrifood sector from the EU as a Brexit mitigation measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21361/19]
• 2019-05-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to implement measures to assist the suckler beef sector in view of ongoing difficulties facing farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21074/19]
• 2019-04-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had at EU level on the need to protect the fishing and seafood industry in view of the problems that will arise with Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18295/19]
• 2019-04-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers whose agri-environment options scheme, AEOS, contracts have expired will be enabled to participate in GLAS; if the scheme will be reopened for such applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18326/19]
• 2019-04-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had at EU level on the need to relax state aid rules and have adequate measures in place to assist the agrifood sector in the event of severe market disturbance arising from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18327/19]
• 2019-04-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are ongoing discussions with the authorities in Northern Ireland on the need to protect the agrifood sector and deal with issues that may arise from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18328/19]
• 2019-03-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the issues discussed at the recent Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14703/19]
• 2019-03-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he put forward at the recent Council of Ministers meeting in respect of the need to provide specific assistance to the agrifood sector in the event of a no-deal Brexit; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14704/19]
• 2019-03-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had recent meetings with the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development regarding the need to implement measures to support the agrifood sector in the event of a no-deal Brexit; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14705/19]
• 2019-03-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had recent meetings with the European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries regarding the issues arising for the fisheries sector here due to Brexit; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14706/19]
• 2019-03-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had recent discussions with the European Commissioner for Trade regarding the difficulties that will arise for the agrifood sector in the event of a no-deal Brexit; if measures will be implemented to protect Irish trade with Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14707/19]
• 2019-02-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has discussed with the French authorities the need to increase lairage facilities at Cherbourg; if he has had discussions with a company (details supplied) about scheduling of sailings in view of delays in the export of calves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10169/19]
• 2019-02-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions with the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Phil Hogan, and the EU Commissioner for Trade, Ms Cecilia Malmström, on the need to have an immediate EU-wide response to support the beef sector and farm incomes following the comments of the British Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Mr. Michael Gove, MP, on the imposition of tariffs on Irish products and the likely import of beef from South America and other markets in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10170/19]
• 2019-02-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions with the EU Commissioners for Agriculture and Rural Development and Trade to put in place supports for the agri-food sector in the event of a no-deal Brexit; if there are plans to put such supports in place without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10171/19]
• 2019-02-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional measures he plans to implement to support the farming and agri-food sector in view of the recent comments by the British Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Mr. Michael Gove, MP, in relation to the imposition of tariffs on food imports to Britain in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9413/19]
• 2019-02-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the issues discussed at his recent meeting with the European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Mr. Karmenu Vella; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8924/19]
• 2019-02-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put to the European Commission to introduce measures to support the pig sector in view of continuing inadequate price returns to producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7595/19]
• 2019-02-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce measures to support primary producers in the pigmeat sector in view of the closure of some pig units; if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing pressures on individual farms to survive due to inadequate returns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7596/19]
• 2019-02-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to change the rate of premium payments for afforestation to ensure that full-time farmers receive a higher rate of payment than persons who are not dependent on farming for an income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7158/19]
• 2019-02-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans he will present to the European Commission in regard to the need to introduce a package of market supports and direct aid for farmers in view of the difficulties arising from poor prices for livestock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7206/19]
• 2019-02-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional measures he plans to introduce to enable growth in the live export trade in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7207/19]
• 2019-02-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans he will present to the EU agriculture Commissioner and the EU trade Commissioner regarding the need to protect farming interests here in negotiations concerning a proposed Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7208/19]
• 2019-02-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the recent discussions he has had with the European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries on the need to protect the Irish fisheries sector post Brexit; the issues discussed; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6183/19]
• 2019-02-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if indications have been given at recent European Council of Agriculture Ministers meetings and at meetings with the European agriculture Commissioner on the funding level for CAP post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5622/19]
• 2019-02-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of recent discussions at the European Council of Agriculture Ministers and with the European agriculture Commissioner on CAP reform and funding for CAP post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5621/19]
• 2019-02-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has put specific proposals to the Council of Agriculture Ministers and to the European Commissioner on the need to provide assistance to the farming and agrifood sectors in the event of trading difficulties and market disturbance due to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5615/19]
• 2019-01-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he plans to implement to support the suckler beef sector in view of growing concerns regarding its viability and the lack of an adequate return to the primary producer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2785/19]
• 2019-01-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding paid to date to applicants in County Cavan under the 2018 areas of natural constraint scheme and basic payment scheme; the percentage of applicants awaiting payment; when all payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54109/18]
• 2019-01-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding paid to date to applicants in County Monaghan under the 2018 areas of natural constraint scheme and basic payment scheme; the percentage of applicants awaiting payment; when all payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54110/18]
• 2018-11-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide assistance to the pig sector in view of difficulties due to low prices and high feed costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45606/18]
• 2018-11-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put forward at EU level in relation to the need to provide assistance to the pig sector due to low prices and high feed costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45607/18]
• 2018-11-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of grant applications under TAMS II in relation to the upgrading or provision of new poultry units for turkeys, that is, turkey grow houses; the number of applications approved; the additional capacity such grant aid will assist to increase turkey production; the number of applications per county; the number of applications approved to date; the number of projects completed and grant aid issued in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45927/18]
• 2018-10-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the low-cost agri-loan scheme will be made available as promised in budget 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41644/18]
• 2018-10-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position in relation to Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, funding post-2020; the proposals he has put forward in relation to the need to increase the CAP budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41645/18]
• 2018-10-10
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to amend the scheme of grant aid towards the provision or upgrading of poultry units to include turkey grow houses, which are excluded at present from grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41490/18]
• 2018-10-10
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if grant aid will be introduced towards the provision of new or upgraded poultry units for turkeys in view of the potential of growing this particular market and substitute for imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41491/18]
• 2018-09-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce low cost credit facilities for farmers facing financial difficulties; when the scheme will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36827/18]
• 2018-09-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he plans to introduce to ensure that there are adequate supplies of fodder and foodstuff for the coming winter and spring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36828/18]
• 2018-09-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put to the European Commission in relation to the provision of assistance to farmers facing difficulties with inadequate fodder supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36931/18]
• 2018-07-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at the recent EU Agriculture Council on the Common Agricultural Policy post 2020 with particular reference to simplification issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34477/18]
• 2018-07-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at the recent EU Agriculture Council on the need to ensure that there will be no reduction in Common Agricultural Policy funding post 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34478/18]
• 2018-07-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there have been discussions recently at the EU agriculture Council on the need to protect the agrifood sector in Ireland in negotiations on a possible Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34886/18]
• 2018-07-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions recently with the EU agriculture and trade Commissioners on the need to protect the agrifood sector in Ireland in negotiations on a possible Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34887/18]
• 2018-07-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of the fodder transport subsidy scheme in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34888/18]
• 2018-07-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department and the statutory agencies are engaged with farming and agrifood representatives in relation to the development of a strategy to ensure adequate feed and fodder supplies for the remainder of 2018 and the early part of 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34889/18]
• 2018-07-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions there have been on the European Commission proposals aimed at banning unfair trading practices in the food supply chain; if he put forward specific proposals in regard to the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34915/18]
• 2018-07-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the new low-cost loan scheme will be introduced at an early date in view of the particular financial pressures on farming at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34916/18]
• 2018-07-12
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put forward at the European agriculture Council regarding the need to increase the CAP budget post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31485/18]
• 2018-07-12
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions at the EU agriculture Council on funding of CAP post 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31486/18]
• 2018-06-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the conditions pertaining to the movement of live cattle North and South and exports of live cattle to Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28109/18]
• 2018-05-30
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions at the EU Agriculture Council in relation to the future funding of CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23727/18]
• 2018-05-30
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he put forward at the EU Agriculture Council in relation to the need to increase funding for CAP post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23728/18]
• 2018-05-30
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if additional supports will be introduced to improve suckler farm incomes in view of the ongoing pressures on the particular sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23985/18]
• 2018-05-30
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a review of underspend in different subheads in his Department's estimates has been completed; if such underspend will be reallocated to support suckler farm incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23988/18]
• 2018-05-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions with the banks in relation to the need to introduce low-cost loans to assist farmers facing particular difficulties and additional costs due to the fodder crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21066/18]
• 2018-05-10
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the continuation of the fodder transport scheme to mid-May will be ensured (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20695/18]
• 2018-05-02
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of recent discussions he had with the European Agriculture and Trade Commissioners on the need to protect the agrifood sector here in negotiations on a possible Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19254/18]
• 2018-04-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the need to increase the CAP budget post 2020 was raised at the recent European Council meeting. [15157/18]
• 2018-04-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put forward at EU level on the need for the European Commission to introduce measures to support the dairy sector in view of the downward pressure on prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18291/18]
• 2018-04-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if payment will be made to farmers in respect of the transport costs of purchased fodder in circumstances in which farmers had to source fodder supplies long distances from their farms and such supplies were bought in advance of the introduction of the transport subsidy; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some farmers in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan had to buy fodder from early 2018 due to cattle being housed early in the autumn of 2017 and the lack of a second cut of silage necessitated the purchase of fodder for many farmers from January 2018 onwards; if such cases will be included under the transport scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18294/18]
• 2018-04-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16414/18]
• 2018-04-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the transport subsidy will be applicable to all fodder sourced from outside our jurisdiction including Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16800/18]
• 2018-04-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a meal voucher scheme in view of the ongoing fodder shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16801/18]
• 2018-04-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will seek measures to be implemented at EU level to support pig producers in view of ongoing downward pressure on prices and increasing costs of feed stuff and other input costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16818/18]
• 2018-03-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures to be implemented at national and or EU level to support pig producers in view of recent pressure on prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14336/18]
• 2018-03-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at the recent EU agriculture Council of Ministers meeting in relation to the need to increase the CAP budget post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14378/18]
• 2018-03-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the balancing payments in respect of GLAS will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13513/18]
• 2018-03-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of GLAS applicants in County Cavan awaiting the balancing payment; when same will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13514/18]
• 2018-03-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of GLAS applicants in County Monaghan awaiting the balancing payment; when same will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13515/18]
• 2018-02-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if indications have been given at the EU Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers in relation to funding level for CAP post 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7113/18]
• 2018-02-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of recent discussions at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers on CAP reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7112/18]
• 2018-02-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expenditure on areas of natural constraint in 2017; the financial provision in his Department's Estimates for ANC in 2018; if the additional funding will be allocated on a proportionate basis to all recipients of ANC payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7180/18]
• 2018-02-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to change the rate of premium payments for afforestation to ensure that full-time farmers receive a higher rate payment than persons that are not dependent on farming for an income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5655/18]
• 2018-02-01
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the outcome of recent discussions he had with the European Agriculture and Trade Commissioners on the need to protect the agrifood sector here in negotiations on a possible Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5148/18]
• 2018-01-30
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there have been discussions at the European Agriculture and Fisheries Council on the need to have fertiliser costs reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3989/18]
• 2018-01-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a fodder aid scheme in view of the serious difficulties facing many persons in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan in which there are fodder shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1804/18]
• 2018-01-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of applicants under the Basic Payment Scheme 2017 and Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme 2017 paid to date in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1805/18]
• 2018-01-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of applicants under the Basic Payment Scheme 2017 and Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme 2017 paid to date in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1806/18]
• 2018-01-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of applicants under the Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Schemes, GLAS, due for payment in 2017 paid to date in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1807/18]
• 2018-01-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of applicants under the Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Schemes, GLAS, due for payment in 2017 paid to date in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1808/18]
• 2018-01-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is expected to have final approval secured for the export of beef to China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2013/18]
• 2017-12-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to invest in facilities for public use; if such investment will be made in 2018 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54060/17]
• 2017-12-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to upgrade or provide new facilities in 2018 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54061/17]
• 2017-12-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give further consideration to the introduction of a fodder aid scheme following the Fianna Fáil Private Members' motion on this issue and the difficulties facing farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54121/17]
• 2017-12-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put forward to the European agriculture Commissioner for funding to be provided under the crisis reserve fund to finance a fodder support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52503/17]
• 2017-12-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the recent CAP reform proposals outlined by the new European Agriculture Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51756/17]
• 2017-12-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the recent CAP reform proposals outlined by the European Agriculture Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51768/17]
• 2017-12-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions he has had on the need to protect the progress made in the development of an all-island animal health plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52020/17]
• 2017-11-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions he has had at European Union level or with the Iranian authorities regarding the possible export of beef to Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49507/17]
• 2017-11-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of recent discussions he has had with the EU agriculture and trade Commissioners regarding the need to protect the beef sector in negotiations regarding a Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49043/17]
• 2017-11-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of farmers in County Cavan paid the single farm payment to date in 2017; the timeframe for the remainder to be issued; when it is proposed to commence payment of the balance of the single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48586/17]
• 2017-11-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of farmers in County Monaghan paid the single farm payment to date in 2017; the timeframe for the remainder to be issued; when it is proposed to commence payment of the balance of the single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48587/17]
• 2017-11-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of farmers in County Cavan paid the areas of natural constraint payment to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48588/17]
• 2017-11-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of farmers in County Monaghan paid the areas of natural constraint payment to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48589/17]
• 2017-11-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put forward at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers on the need to reduce the cost of fertilisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47528/17]
• 2017-11-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being put in place in view of the concerns, particularly in the north west, about a possible fodder shortage in early 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47271/17]
• 2017-11-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if specific programmes introduced for small and medium enterprises due to difficulties arising from Brexit will include the farming agri sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46810/17]
• 2017-11-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase substantially the expenditure limit for pigs and poultry units in relation to the upgrading or replacement of existing facilities in respect of TAMS applications in view of the fact that the present limit is restricting investment in these sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46352/17]
• 2017-11-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a study prepared for the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development regarding the potential impact of Brexit on the agriculture industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46842/17]
• 2017-11-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to raise with the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers the concerns outlined in the report prepared for the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development regarding the likely impact of Brexit on the agriculture industry with particular reference to border controls here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46843/17]
• 2017-10-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had specific engagement with farming and agrifood interests in Northern Ireland on the difficulties that will arise for this sector due to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45601/17]
• 2017-10-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of areas of natural constraint payments made to date in County Cavan; when the remaining payments will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45602/17]
• 2017-10-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of areas of natural constraint payments made to date in County Monaghan; when the remaining payments will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45603/17]
• 2017-10-10
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on an European Commission memo in relation to the trading of agrifood products on an all Ireland basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42809/17]
• 2017-10-03
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions he has had with the EU Agriculture Commissioner and the EU Budget Commissioner in regard to the need to protect CAP funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41645/17]
• 2017-10-03
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put forward at EU level in relation to the need to protect the CAP budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41644/17]
• 2017-10-03
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a farmer participating on a farm retirement scheme would be in breach of the criteria of this scheme if they engaged in hobby farming (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41618/17]
• 2017-09-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce long-term, low-cost loan measures to assist agribusinesses to improve competitiveness due to the particular challenges that will arise from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39347/17]
• 2017-09-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to assist the beef sector due to difficulties that have arisen from the decline in the value of sterling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39349/17]
• 2017-09-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to assist the mushroom sector due to difficulties that have arisen from the decline in the value of sterling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39350/17]
• 2017-09-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of mushroom farmers and businesses that have been approved to participate in the special agriloan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39351/17]
• 2017-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of employees at decentralised offices (details supplied); his plans to reduce the level of services administered from that office; if so, the number of employees affected; if this proposal will result in a freeze or embargo on other staff wishing to transfer to that location from other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36776/17]
• 2017-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding provided in his Department's Estimates for 2017 for the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme; the expenditure to date; the projected expenditure by the end of 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38548/17]
• 2017-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will establish an enterprise stabilisation fund to assist sectors that face particular difficulties due to the reduction in the value of sterling since mid-2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38677/17]
• 2017-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects exports of beef to China to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38678/17]
• 2017-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received and approved respectively under the Scottish derogation initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38681/17]
• 2017-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he plans to implement to assist the beef sector due to difficulties that have arisen from the decline in the value of sterling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38910/17]
• 2017-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he plans to implement to assist the mushroom sector due to difficulties that have arisen from the decline in the value of sterling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38911/17]
• 2017-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of mushroom farmers and businesses that have been approved to participate in the special agri-loan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38912/17]
• 2017-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce long-term low-cost loan measures to assist agribusinesses improve competitiveness due to the particular challenges that will arise from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38918/17]
• 2017-07-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to meet with the British Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in relation to his recent announcement that Britain will withdraw from the London fisheries treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32535/17]
• 2017-07-11
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans under consideration at European Union level in relation to the need to provide adequate market supports for the dairy sector to counter volatility resulting in poor milk prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32536/17]
• 2017-07-04
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to put forward at EU level the need to protect the CAP budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31524/17]
• 2017-07-04
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions he has had with the EU agriculture and budget Commissioners regarding the need to protect CAP funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31525/17]
• 2017-06-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the review of the areas of natural constraint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28150/17]
• 2017-06-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to change the premium payments for afforestation to ensure that full time farmers receive a higher rate payment than persons that are not dependent on farming for an income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28151/17]
• 2017-06-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions with the EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety regarding the need to introduce new requirements pertaining to the import of meat products from Brazil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29183/17]
• 2017-06-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions with the EU Agriculture Commissioner and with the EU Trade Commissioner regarding the need to protect the European beef sector in discussions on Mercosur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29184/17]
• 2017-06-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made to date at EU level regarding the possible reopening of the Russian market for some food products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27235/17]
• 2017-05-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the request of a local authority regarding schemes which are under the aegis of his Department (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21936/17]
• 2017-05-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the provisions being made to enable a person to submit an eligible application under the young farmers scheme by 15 May 2017 when it is not possible for this person to have the green certificate course completed before 20 June 2017; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that changes made by his Department regarding the timeline for completion of courses is an issue of particular concern to dry stock farmers; if the necessary changes will be made in order to ensure that such farmers are not denied the opportunity to submit eligible applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22146/17]
• 2017-04-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received nationally and approvals issued to date under the TAMS 2 scheme; the number of applications received for counties Cavan and Monaghan; the approvals issued to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19076/17]
• 2017-04-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of GLAS and AEOS applications awaiting final approval and payment for counties Cavan and Monaghan; when it is proposed to have the outstanding payments issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19083/17]
• 2017-04-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is proposed to publish data in respect of the review of the areas of natural constraint; when the review is likely to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19084/17]
• 2017-04-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there has been progress at EU level on the possible re-opening of the Russian market for some food products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19085/17]
• 2017-04-04
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when outstanding payments for GLAS and AEOS will be issued to persons in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16519/17]
• 2017-03-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if persons who have given long service as temporary veterinary inspectors with his Department will have public service pension entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13450/17]
• 2017-03-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions he has had with the Minister of Agriculture in the Northern Ireland Executive, the British Secretary of State with responsibility for agriculture and the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development regarding the arrangements that will need to be put in place to facilitate the movement of agricultural products freely throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland following Britain's exit from the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12374/17]
• 2017-03-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to implement additional measures to assist the mushroom sector as a result of the particular difficulties facing this sector due to a weakening in the value of sterling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12373/17]
• 2017-03-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he put forward at the recent Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting on CAP post 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12629/17]
• 2017-03-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he detailed at the recent Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting the need to provide additional funding for CAP post 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12630/17]
• 2017-03-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions with the EU Agriculture Commissioner regarding the ruling by the World Trade Organisation that Russia's 2014 import bans on live pigs, pork and other pork products from the EU are illegal; the measures being implemented to restore the export of pig products to Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12402/17]
• 2017-03-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of persons in counties Cavan and Monaghan who have not received 85% of their total 2016 payment under GLAS 1, GLAS 2 and AEOS; the reason for this delay; when payments will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12428/17]
• 2017-03-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of persons in counties Cavan and Monaghan availing of the areas of natural constraint scheme; the status of the process of reviewing qualifying areas for the areas of natural constraint scheme; if his Department has completed the mapping exercise in counties Cavan and Monaghan; when the maps will be published; the consultation that will be undertaken with representative organisations; if his Department plans to hold public meetings to assist in the best possible engagement by persons in this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12429/17]
• 2017-03-07
  PQ
  Asked Public

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if persons who have given long service as temporary veterinary inspectors with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will have public pension service entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11984/17]
• 2017-03-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all valuers that are on his Department's approved list of valuers in respect of the depopulation of part or full herds due to disease are experienced in the cattle trade and in the sale and purchase of animals and up to date with livestock valuations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11378/17]
• 2017-03-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average time in having cattle removed from a farm following positive tests that necessitate partial or full depopulation of herds; the timeframe his Department adheres to in having a second valuation carried out when the person refuses to accept the first valuation; if there have been incidents of diseased animals remaining on farms for undue periods due to delays on his Department's part in finalising valuations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11379/17]
• 2017-03-02
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional supports that have been provided for the mushroom sector since the fall in the value of sterling following the British referendum on membership of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11106/17]
• 2017-03-02
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that have been introduced to assist sectors that are heavily or totally dependent on the sterling area for their export markets and that have been impacted negatively since the British referendum on EU membership and the fall in the value of sterling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11108/17]
• 2017-02-23
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a recent publication (details supplied) in relation to the need to implement a range of measures to ensure that the agrifood sector remains competitive and innovative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9348/17]
• 2017-02-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all the provisions of the Forestry Act 2014 have been implemented; if not, when all provisions will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8176/17]
• 2017-02-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a recent publication on the impact of Brexit on the agrifood sector (details supplied); his further views on the need to implement some specific measures as advocated in this publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8752/17]
• 2017-02-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress being made to meet the demand for courses (details supplied); if additional personnel will be recruited to enable demand to be met and to eliminate the delays that occur for farmers wishing to participate on such courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6282/17]
• 2017-02-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to improve financial supports in respect of the bovine viral diarrhoea eradication programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6294/17]
• 2017-02-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered the request of farming organisations in relation to the need to provide additional support for suckler farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5920/17]
• 2017-02-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total funding provided for forestry in 2016 and 2017; the level of funding provided for each programme; if any of this expenditure is sourced from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5921/17]
• 2017-01-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put forward to the European Commission and-or at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers in relation to the need to introduce a comprehensive programme to reduce fertiliser costs throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3609/17]
• 2017-01-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals, he has put forward to the European Commission and-or at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers in relation to the review of areas of natural constraint; the status of such proposals; the current status of the EU review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3610/17]
• 2017-01-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of GLAS, green low carbon agri-environment scheme, payments due to be issued to applicants in County Monaghan before the end of 2016 which were not issued by the target date; the number of those payments that have issued in the interim; the number outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3101/17]
• 2017-01-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of GLAS payments due to be issued to persons in County Cavan before the end of 2016 which were not issued by the target date; the number of those payments that have issued in the interim; the number outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3100/17]
• 2017-01-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the agriculture cashflow support loan scheme; if all aspects of this scheme are operational at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3153/17]
• 2017-01-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures in place to deal with avian influenza; if consideration is being given to the implementation of additional preventative measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2279/17]
• 2016-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce new measures to assist the mushroom sector due to the particular difficulties that have arisen for that sector since June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40938/16]
• 2016-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress on the opening of the market for beef and sheep meat to Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40939/16]
• 2016-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to widespread concerns in communities in County Cavan and elsewhere in relation to the purchase of land for afforestation by persons who are not dependent on farming as an income; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that in many cases farmers who wish to purchase adjoining holdings to make their own farms viable are deprived of these opportunities due to the demand for such land from non-farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40940/16]
• 2016-12-07
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason farmers who purchased entitlements in 2014 to try and make their farm holdings viable are not able to draw down payments on these entitlements now; the reason there was a change in 2015 relating to criteria for such transfer of entitlements; if he proposes to reverse those changes and enable such persons to draw down full entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38927/16]
• 2016-11-30
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the EU Report on the food supply chain was discussed at the recent Council of Agriculture Ministers; if so, the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38004/16]
• 2016-11-30
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the recent EU report on the food supply chain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38005/16]
• 2016-11-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at the recent Council of Agriculture Ministers on the need to improve dairy prices due to the ongoing income pressures on dairy farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36707/16]
• 2016-11-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 651 of 15 November 2016, if persons applying under the sheep fencing scheme TAMS II who had their applications rejected due to not having sheep at the time of submitting the application will have their applications reviewed with a view to approval if they have sheep on the holding prior to the approval of a payment claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36745/16]
• 2016-11-23
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the new initiatives he will undertake to increase live cattle exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36567/16]
• 2016-11-23
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the recent beef forum meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36568/16]
• 2016-11-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in dealing with ash dieback disease; the number of confirmed findings of this disease in each of the years 2012 to date in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35661/16]
• 2016-11-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average length of time it takes to respond to reports of possible ash dieback disease; the average time it takes to complete appropriate investigations and determine a positive or negative finding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35662/16]
• 2016-11-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that have arisen for some applicants under the sheep fencing scheme TAMS II where farmers were told in advance of submitting the application that it was not necessary to have sheep at that time and where applications are now being disallowed on the basis of not having sheep on the farm holding at the time of application; if he will ensure that this unacceptable change in criteria will be reversed without further delay and that all applications that met with the relevant criteria at the time of submitting the applications will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35163/16]
• 2016-11-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if national lottery funding is available at present through his Department to support the work of community groups; if so, if there are specific programmes eligible for grant assistance; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33265/16]
• 2016-11-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of trade promotion visits organised by agencies under the remit of his Department, such as Bord Bia and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, which had representation from Northern Ireland on such missions in each of the years 2010 to 2015 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33686/16]
• 2016-11-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase Teagasc education staff at colleges such as Ballyhaise Agricultural College, County Cavan, in view of the increased demand for the green cert programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33726/16]
• 2016-09-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a targeted sheep scheme to the value of €25 million from early 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27720/16]
• 2016-09-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to reopen the beef data and genomics programme to facilitate new entrants to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27721/16]
• 2016-09-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received and approvals issued to date under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme II; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27462/16]
• 2016-09-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of funding provided under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme II in his Department's Estimates for 2016; the expenditure incurred to date; the projected expenditure on this scheme by the end of 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27463/16]
• 2016-09-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent meeting of the beef forum and the issues discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27464/16]
• 2016-09-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine , further to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 19 July 2016, the further consultation he has had with the European Commissioner or with other member states in relation to the need to abolish EU tariffs on the import of fertiliser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27465/16]
• 2016-09-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of recent discussions at the EU Council of Ministers on the need to support the dairy sector due to present difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27466/16]
• 2016-09-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions at the recent EU Council of Ministers on the need to have additional food products exempted from the Russian ban on exports from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27467/16]
• 2016-09-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an advance payment of 70% of the basic payment scheme; if this will issue by mid-October 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27468/16]
• 2016-09-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he considered a request from an organisation (details supplied) on the urgent need to provide financial assistance to dairy farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25966/16]
• 2016-09-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if payment will be made to a person (details supplied) under the pig compensation scheme; if he will ensure that no further delay occurs in having this payment made as requested in written representations to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26285/16]
• 2016-09-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received and approvals issued to date under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme II in Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26332/16]
• 2016-09-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will commence under the basic payment scheme and the areas of natural constraints scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26333/16]
• 2016-09-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the recent request of an association (details supplied) to provide immediate financial aid to dairy farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26334/16]
• 2016-09-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide financial assistance to a sector (details supplied) due to difficulties that have arisen due to the weakening of Sterling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26349/16]
• 2016-07-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent European Agriculture and Fisheries Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24110/16]
• 2016-07-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals to increase the number of places on courses in the Teagasc agricultural colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24111/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments under the areas of natural constraint scheme will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22803/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has put proposals to the EU Agriculture Commissioner in relation to the postponement of super-levy fines for 2016 and 2017 in view of the crisis affecting dairy farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22804/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the GLAS scheme will reopen; the number of persons to be approved for this scheme in 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22805/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to meet at an early date his counterpart in the British Government, with particular reference to the recent EU membership referendum, and the issues that will affect farming and the agrifood sector and the implementation of the CAP; the issues of common concern to farmers throughout all of Ireland and Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22806/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the next meeting of the beef forum will be held; the issues to be discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22832/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in implementing Food Harvest 2020, for each sector provided for in that strategy, published in July 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22833/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he had discussions with the EU Agriculture Commissioner, and-or with other members of the EU Commission, regarding the need to abolish the EU tariffs on the import of fertiliser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22834/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the necessary provisions will be implemented to enable farmers to access low-cost short-term loans, due to serious cash flow pressures at present, as provided for at the EU Agriculture Council in respect of state aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22835/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he will make at the next EU Agriculture Council in respect of the need to support the dairy sector through its present difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22836/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if additional resources will be provided to Bord Bia to assist client companies exporting to Northern Ireland and Britain due to difficulties arising from the weakening of the value of sterling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22845/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the export of live cattle to Turkey is likely to commence; if all the necessary protocols have been put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22846/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at the recent European Union Agriculture and Fisheries Council on to the need to have additional food products exempted from the Russian ban on exports from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22847/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at the recent European Union Agriculture and Fisheries Council on the ongoing difficulties facing the pigmeat sector; the proposals there are to provide additional assistance at European level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22848/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has secured agreement from the European Commission to have an advance payment of 70% of the basic payment scheme by mid-October 2016 in view of the income difficulties facing farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22849/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in the implementation of the report prepared by the pig industry stakeholder group; the timeline for the implementation of the measures proposed in that report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22850/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of any discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development following the British decision to leave the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22861/16]
• 2016-07-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the date for the next meeting with the Northern Ireland Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in sectoral format, as provided for in the North-South Ministerial Council; the issues to be discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22862/16]
• 2016-07-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to the European Union Agriculture Commissioner relating to the urgent need to provide additional support for the dairy sector following the Commissioner's statement (details supplied) that the provision of further support for that sector is justified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19971/16]
• 2016-06-23
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 284 of 2 June 2016, if funding has been allocated to the Irish Pig Society to provide compensation to smaller scale pig producers, following on from the pigmeat compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17786/16]
• 2016-06-16
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the continued licensing of glyphosate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16419/16]
• 2016-06-15
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions he had at European Union level on the lifting of the Russian ban on certain food imports from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16253/16]
• 2016-06-02
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the conditions of the pigmeat compensation scheme to ensure small scale producers are eligible for payment as the existing criteria are too restrictive and deny small scale farmers of a payment; if he is aware that these small scale producers need this payment to remain viable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14234/16]
• 2016-05-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received and approval issued under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12331/16]
• 2016-05-26
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding provided in his Department's Estimates for 2016 and the expenditure to date under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12332/16]
• 2016-05-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to assist dairy farmers through present financial difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10580/16]
• 2016-05-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he proposes to introduce to assist dairy farmers following the decision by the European Union agriculture Council at the March 2016 meeting to give member states the option to provide farmers with state aid up to €15,000 per year for a period up to three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10581/16]
• 2016-05-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he proposes to introduce to assist pig producers following the decision by the European Union agriculture Council at the March 2016 meeting to give member states the option to provide farmers with state aid up to €15,000 per year for a period up to three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10582/16]
• 2016-05-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of dairy farmers subject to a superlevy penalty at present; the total penalty incurred by the State and the amount paid to the European Union to date; when the remainder of the superlevy penalty has to be paid to the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10583/16]
• 2016-05-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to defer payments due by farmers to his Department in respect of the superlevy penalty, in view of the serious income problems affecting many dairy farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10584/16]
• 2016-04-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for clarification of entitlements under the basic payment scheme, with particular reference to the administration of estates, as outlined in correspondence (details supplied); to provide clarity in respect of this issue to enable persons to prepare applications under the 2016 scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8778/16]
• 2016-04-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of his meetings with the European Commissioner for Agriculture and with the European Commissioner for Trade in relation to the proposed Mercosur trade deal; if he has outlined total opposition to such a deal given the adverse impact on European agriculture of such a development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8624/16]
• 2016-04-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has to establish a pork forum, similar to the beef forum, representative of all the interests within the pigmeat sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7687/16]
• 2016-04-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at the recent European Union Agriculture Council in relation to the serious problems facing the pigmeat sector; the proposals there are to provide additional assistance at European level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7688/16]
• 2016-04-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at the recent European Union Agriculture Council in relation to the serious problems facing the dairy sector; the proposals there are to provide additional and much needed assistance at European level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7694/16]
• 2016-04-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the proposals he put forward to the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development and at the Council of Ministers meeting relating to the urgent need to provide appropriate supports for the dairy industry due to the serious decline in returns to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6033/16]
• 2016-04-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the proposals he put to the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development and at the Council of Ministers meeting relating to the urgent need to provide support to the pigmeat sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6034/16]
• 2016-04-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the progress made at European Union level in having additional food products exempted from the Russian ban on exports from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6035/16]
• 2016-04-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will announce details of force majeure provisions in respect of the 2016 area aid scheme and the single payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6036/16]
• 2016-01-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total payments made to persons in County Cavan under the 2015 single farm payment, disadvantaged areas, rural environment protection and agri-environment options schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3629/16]
• 2016-01-28
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total payments made to persons in County Monaghan under the 2015 single farm payment, disadvantaged areas, rural environment protection and agri-environment options schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3630/16]
• 2016-01-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will extend the deadline for persons to avail of training in the spraying of chemicals and pesticides; if he is aware that the short timeline causes particular difficulties for smaller companies where a number of employees may need to partake in a training course but due to work commitments cannot all train at the one time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3435/16]
• 2016-01-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a flat rate payment will be used in the allocation of compensation for pig producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2061/16]
• 2015-12-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the grant aid paid to farmers in County Cavan under the rural environment protection scheme and the agri-environment options scheme in each of the years from 2009 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46195/15]
• 2015-12-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the grant aid paid to farmers in County Monaghan under the rural environment protection scheme and the agri-environment options scheme in each of the years from 2009 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46196/15]
• 2015-12-10
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of applicants in County Cavan paid to date under the 2015 areas of natural constraint scheme and the single payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44629/15]
• 2015-12-10
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of applicants in County Monaghan paid to date under the 2015 natural constraint scheme and the single payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44630/15]
• 2015-12-10
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that outstanding payments due to farmers in counties Cavan and Monaghan under the natural constraint scheme and the single payment scheme will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44631/15]
• 2015-11-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the difficulties arising for some young farmers due to the date for enrolment for the green certificate being brought forward from 30 September 2016 to 31 December 2015; of the particular concerns for some young persons who had emigrated and who were planning to return home to take up farming in 2016; if the original date of 30 September 2016 will be restored as the qualifying date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41837/15]
• 2015-10-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers who obtain the certificate in agriculture in Northern Ireland have the same entitlements in the participation in schemes and tax exemptions as farmers who have a green certificate; if there are any particular differences in relation to the status and validation of these courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36412/15]
• 2015-10-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the planting of hedgerows will be one of the measures included in tranche 2 of the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, as in tranche 1 of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36107/15]
• 2015-10-06
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the findings of a report on the effects of the seal population on fish stocks, which was commissioned by his Department, will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34529/15]
• 2015-09-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the proposals he put forward at the recent EU Agriculture Council in relation to the need to assist dairy farmers due to the very serious drop in milk prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32318/15]
• 2015-09-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the specific proposals he put forward at the recent EU Agriculture Council in relation to the need to increase the intervention price for dairy products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32319/15]
• 2015-09-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals, he put forward at the recent EU Agriculture Council in relation to the need to provide support for the pigmeat sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32320/15]