Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their contributions. Deputy Durkan touched on several issues. One of the specific issues he raised was in respect of felling licences and the delays in that regard. It was also the last point raised by Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan. There has been a backlog in that area. We are working very hard to allocate additional resources to try to reduce that backlog and get to a situation where there is a reasonable timeframe for responses to applications for forestry licences. For example, we have 15 colleges now, whereas previously there was one. There are ten additional forestry inspectors as well. We also brought through legislation in October to try to streamline the process.

Deputy Dillon has been in touch with me previously regarding supports for the beef sector and the issues around the BEAM scheme in particular. I was glad very recently to be able to confirm an extension to that scheme such that 2021 is a new reference year to allow farmers who were struggling to meet the 5% nitrogen reduction criteria to opt for a new reference year of January to December should they so wish. At least half of applicants are already on course to meet the 5% reduction and there is no change to their situation, but those in trouble have the opportunity to opt for the new reference year.

Deputy Dillon has previously raised with me the issue around green certificate courses and the challenges in that regard in County Mayo in particular. It is a matter on which I am engaged with Teagasc in terms of trying to increase the capacity for online part-time courses to facilitate those students and the demand that exists.

On the representations of Deputy O'Sullivan with regard to harness racing, it is an issue on which he has been in regular contact with me. I recently facilitated a meeting with the Irish Harness Racing Association to discuss the potential for funding. It is a matter I am examining and on which I will revert to the Deputy.

On prescription-only veterinary medicines, I am aware of the concerns in the farming community and the licensed merchant community regarding the changes that are due on 1 January 2022. There is a stakeholder group working to try to find a practical way to implement the requirement and address those concerns.

I take on board the Deputy's representations regarding point-to-point racing. The issue of the importance of the point-to-point racing sector has been raised by several Deputies. I have taken those points on board.

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