I will begin by thanking the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, and his officials in the Department of Finance for their work and co-operation on this very important measure, which has been a goal of mine since my appointment as Minister of State with special responsibility for farm safety. This is one of a range of measures I have wanted to introduce. The purpose of it is twofold, as the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, outlined but an accelerated capital allowance will incentivise the investment in farm safety measures. In my de…

I would like to follow up on the points made by Deputy Canney on this International Day of People with Disabilities. I am sure the Ceann Comhairle will join me in supporting the County Kildare Access Network's light up Kildare purple week. That is what I am doing with this mask here today. The proposal before the House with regard to the accelerated capital allowance addresses the issues of those who have suffered disablement from farm accidents. It is very much an acknowledgement of them. On the last point made by…

I thank Deputy Cahill for raising this important issue. He will understand, however, that due to it being sub judice and before a judicial review that I do not want to get into the specifics of the matter. I do not want to prejudice any matter before the courts. In general, however, I understand the concern which the Deputy raises. It is an issue of which I was aware. The importance which the Deputy placed on developing alternative markets for Irish dairy produce is absolutely key. I refer to the title of this Topi…

I thank the Deputy for that point, which I take on board. I share the seriousness the Deputy places on this particular development and its overall impact in that part of the State and for the dairy sector in general. Given its importance I will not be drawn into speaking about it specifically because I do not want to prejudice any matter before the courts. Suffice to say, I believe that steps were taken - I say this wearing my hat of responsibility for research and development - and that funding was allocated in th…

I am very happy to vote to express confidence in our Tánaiste and the Government today. I will spend my limited time expanding on my confidence in Tánaiste, on which I look forward to voting shortly, because we all know the amendment to the motion tabled by Sinn Féin has nothing to do with him. It is all about Sinn Féin's focus on political game playing. In June 2020, the leader of Sinn Féin proclaimed, “[B]e very sure you will see in action the most coherent and effective opposition in the history of the State.” P…

It is shameful.

I thank Deputy Griffin for the question. The critical role of the bioeconomy in a sustainable global transition has been widely recognised albeit we are in the early stage of its development. The bioeconomy refers to the development of value from biological resources with a particular focus on converting waste streams into valuable products or, perhaps, streams that were previously seen as waste or having no use and realising their real potential and value. The bioeconomy brings significant potential to provide a s…

Absolutely. In many ways, the bioeconomy looks at the opportunities in products we previously saw as only having one direct use or outcome. In my Department and in my area of responsibility for research and development, we seek to use that money we invest in research and development to develop new opportunities in those areas. The bioeconomy is another way of taking one element of an activity we have done in the past and finding more streams in it. If the Deputy looks at some of the initiatives we have been involve…

I completely agree. It is important to address rural prosperity. The bioeconomy affords an opportunity to develop innovative and valuable bio-based products, redistribute incomes and generate jobs and prosperity in rural areas. We have seen examples of this, including the development, through EU funding, of a biorefinery for dairy waste in Lisheen, County Tipperary, and the development of a marine biorefinery in County Monaghan. I mentioned the carbon-neutral demonstration farm in Cork. My Department supports the s…

I thank Deputy Durkan for the question. There are two parts to this issue. The first is increasing third country market access and furthering trade opportunities. This is absolutely critical and is an integral part of my Department's response to the challenges of Brexit. My Department has been very active in this regard through trade missions and leveraging our network of agricultural attachés around the globe, which have been recently expanded to include a presence in Berlin, Tokyo, Mexico City and, most recently,…

As the Deputy will be aware, successive Governments and Departments have been preparing for every eventuality in regard to Brexit since before it was voted on by the British people, none more so than the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. We are extremely exposed, whether in respect of fisheries or the beef sector, and we face challenges in that regard. The UK land bridge is one tangible example that is critical to us in terms of movement. A recent meat survey showed that 90% of our meat produce goes t…

There has been extensive engagement with all stakeholders in this regard. We are doing all the work we can. It is important that those who export engage with ferry companies, which have said direct ferry sailings options are available. My Department has been very active in encouraging all such elements. There has been significant co-operation with the Department of Transport because of the issues that would arise. Following the end of the transition period, goods moving across the UK land bridge must be placed unde…

I wish to share time with the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, and Deputy Higgins. As Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for new market development, farm safety and research and innovation I welcome the measures that have come about this week in budget 2021. Given that fatal incidents on farms account for almost 50% of all workplace fatal incidents every year but agriculture accounts for only 6% of the overall workforce, it is simply not good enough to c…

I am sharing time with Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan. I thank Deputy Mac Lochlainn and his party colleagues for affording me the opportunity to discuss this important motion. The EU's fisheries control regulation of 2009 established a community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy, CFP. One of the important measures introduced by the control regulation is a points system for serious infringement of the rules of the CFP, which is applicable to the licenceholders of fis…

I thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue and for the kind sentiments she expressed at the start of her contribution. I also thank the Ceann Comhairle for his kind words. I look forward to carrying out my duties to the best of my ability. The issuance of herd test history statements and reports to all cattle herd owners is viewed as just one of several measures that will help herd owners to reduce the risk of bovine TB in their herds. The bovine TB forum interim report identified the need to provide …

I need to clarify that, although the Deputy calls it a system and a proposal, it is neither a system nor a proposal. It is information that has been distilled to farmers previously and that now has been distilled in a clearer way, giving very clear identification as to the risk. It is one key element for farmers in decision making. Farmers make decisions every year on what stock they keep and what stock they cull when bringing in new stock and updating their herd. It is important that farmers have clear access to a…

I am sharing time with Deputy Higgins. I wish the Tánaiste well in what is a crucial role for the country as we face the rebooting and reopening phase for the country after what has been a traumatic few months for everybody, not only from a public health perspective but also from the perspective of business, people's livelihoods and employment. When I hear much of the analysis and the calls for different levels of support, I am a little wary of the specific figures being put forward on what different areas of the b…

It is good to have the Minister back here. I welcome today's announcement by Horse Sport Ireland that the following engagement with Sport Ireland outdoor equestrian sport will be included in phase one of the reopening on 18 May, or at least that is the interpretation they have of it. While responsibility for horse racing and breeding rightly comes under the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and not the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, I believe the precedent set in respect of outdoor equestr…

I am raising the issue of insolvency. Amendments will be needed to the personal insolvency legislation to deal with the issues that will arise as the result of the impact of Covid-19. The response to this unprecedented pandemic has seen significant changes to national policies in the areas of health and business. It will also be necessary for us to take significant action being mindful of what is going to be significant economic and financial fallout for people from the inevitable recession that will unfortunately …

I move: That Dáil Éireann, pursuant to section 4(2)(f)(iv) of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Acts 2003 to 2018, hereby authorises the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission to instruct legal representatives as regards matters arising solely from the performance of parliamentary functions by members of the Houses of the Oireachtas, in relation to legal proceedings where Dáil Éireann is a Notice Party thereto, in the matter of Gemma O’Doherty and John Waters v Minister for Health, Ireland and the Attorney Gener…