Written answers
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Programme for Government
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline in tabular form the commitments in the Programme for Government pertaining to his ministerial portfolio; the current status of these commitments in terms of implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42872/12]
Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have provided, in the following schedule, details on the implementation status of the commitments in the 2011-2016 Programme for Government for which my Department has primary responsibility. Fuller information is available in the 1st Programme for Government Annual Report which was published in March 2012 while the Government intends to publish its second progress report in March 2013.
DAFM Primary Commitments under the 2011-2016 Programme for Government
Commitment | Status |
|---|---|
| CAP reform will be vital for the future development of the agri-food sector. Our primary aim is to secure a fair overall funding envelope for agriculture under the CAP and a fair share of this budget for Irish agriculture. | In progress |
| We will prioritise a Single Farm Payment system which best benefits active Irish farmers and the Irish grass based system of production. | In progress |
| Further expansion and innovation in our dairy and meat sectors will be a key priority under a reformed CAP and we will work with industry to achieve more intensive levels of production. | In progress |
| We will facilitate cooperation in the sector to move towards market-based pricing in order to reflect improved products and innovation in the meat and dairy sectors and the development of more integrated supply chains. | In progress |
| We will promote greater land mobility and involvement of young farmers by investigating new farm models and farm partnerships between farmers, while retaining our family farm structure. | In progress |
| We will work at an EU level to ensure that programmes targeting the involvement of young farmers in agriculture will be a key policy of the CAP. | In progress |
| New food businesses will be developed through a series of coordinated efforts across the food sector and state agencies, such as building pilot plant kitchens to allow food producers develop and manufacture products on small scale and development by Enterprise Ireland of scaleable manufacturing solutions for food businesses that have the capacity to expand | In progress |
| We will develop a single brand for the Irish agri-food sector globally. Bord Bia will also work in cooperation with producers and small businesses to develop value-added Irish food brands, such as an eco brand, and local brands | In progress |
| We will put in place an Irish seafood strategy to develop Ireland as a European hub for seafood processing, and to grow market profile and demand for Irish seafood products. Bord Iascaigh Mhara will be tasked with assisting Irish companies in adding value to products through innovation | In progress |
| We will take advantage of our links at an EU level to engage in bi-lateral exchanges with other countries to ensure that any changes in EU policy or in WTO negotiations do not place the Irish agri-food sector at a competitive disadvantage. | Completed and ongoing |
| We will move responsibility for agri-payments to a new one-stop-shop as well as developing a new innovation unit in the Department to drive new policy initiatives in the agri-food industry | In progress |
| Further expansion and innovation in our dairy and meat sectors will be a key priority under a reformed CAP and we will work with industry to achieve more intensive levels of production | In progress |
| We support the recommendations of Harvest Food 2020 Report | In progress |
| Building on the existing Food Safety Authority, we will create a single food safety monitoring agency responsible for food safety inspection from farm to fork. | In progress |
| We will create a single food safety monitoring agency, building on the existing Food Safety Authority, responsible for food safety inspection from farm to fork. This will enhance the food traceability system and reduce the burden of red tape on business. | In progress |
| We recognise the contribution that farm gate schemes make to farm incomes. We particularly value agri-environment schemes as an income support and in protecting the environment. As funds permit, we will investigate the possibility of expanding the Agri-Environment Options Scheme to farmers locked out of the scheme following the conclusion of their REPS 3 contracts | Completed and ongoing |
| We will invest in a 14,700 ha per annum afforestation programme | In progress |
| We will amend and strengthen legislation on animal cruelty and animal welfare. | In progress |
| We will negotiate the best possible deal for fishermen in the review of the Common Fisheries Policy | In progress |
| We will support the development of sustainable aquaculture and fish farms by streamlining the licensing process and reducing associated bureaucracy | Completed and ongoing |
| Marine responsibilities will be merged under one Department, for better co-ordination in policy delivery. We will develop an integrated marine and coastal planning process in order to maximise the potential of Ireland’s coastline in fishing, aquaculture, ocean energy and tourism | In progress |
| A Sea Fisheries Sustainability Impact Assessment, based on consultation with all major stakeholders, will be brought before the Dáil annually before EU fisheries negotiations commence | Completed and ongoing |
| We will replace criminal sanctions system for minor fisheries offences with administrative sanction system to bring Ireland into line with other European jurisdictions. | Ongoing consultation with Attorney General’s office |
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