Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2001 > Committee on Agriculture, Food and Marine > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and Marine, 2001

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

_______________

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL

ón gComhchoiste um Thalmhaíocht, Bia agus an Mhuir Obair an Chomhchoiste

ANNUAL REPORT

of the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine Work of the Joint Committee

2001

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Content and Format of Report

This report has been prepared pursuant to paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Standing Order 79A, Dáil Éireann and paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Standing Order 63, Seanad Éireann which provides for Joint Committee reports and work programmes as follows–

•review of its procedure and its role

•annual work programme

•laying minutes of proceedings

•making an annual report.

The Committee approved the annual report at its meeting of March 2002

2. Functions and Powers of the Joint Committee

The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine was established by Order of Dáil Éireann of 13th November, 1997 and Order of Seanad Éireann of 19th November, 1997 as part of a programme of Oireachtas reform involving the refining of the Committee system to enable more detailed examination of Government Departments including–

•public affairs administered by each Department

•legislature and expenditure proposals of each Department

•certain matters relating to bodies under the aegis of each Department.

The Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee were modified by further Orders of Dáil Éireann of 28th April, 1998 (new subparagraph (2)(a)(iv) added) and Seanad Éireann of 30th April, 1998 (new subparagraph (2)(a)(iv) added) and the Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee, as so modified, are set out at Appendix 1.

In addition, further powers were accorded to the Joint Committee, by a resolution of Dáil Éireann of 2 July 1999 to amend Standing Order 78A of Dáil Standing Orders, enabling the Committee to “consider and report to Dáil Éireann on such proposals for EU legislation as may be referred to it from time to time by any Committee established by Dáil Éireann (whether acting jointly with the Seanad or otherwise) to consider such proposals and upon which has been conferred the power to refer such proposals to another Select Committee”. A corresponding provision was made by way of amendment to Standing Order 65 of Standing Orders of Seanad Éireann on 30 June 1999.

3. Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Convenors and Membership

Deputy John Browne (Wexford) was elected as Chairman of the Joint Committee on 25 November, 1999. The Chairman of the Joint Committee is also Chairman of the Dáil Select Committee.

Deputies John Brady and P.J. Sheehan are the Convenors of the Committee whose function it is to ensure the availability and attendance of Members or their substitutes for meetings of the Committee and, in particular, to ensure Members’ availability for divisions.

The Members of the Joint Committee are set out at Appendix 2.

4. Meetings, Attendance and Recording

Meetings of the Joint Committee took place in the committee rooms in Leinster House 2000 and in Kildare House. Meetings were in public unless otherwise ordered by the Joint Committee.

Televised coverage of public meetings of the Joint Committee was broadcast live within the Leinster House complex and was available for subsequent public broadcasting.

Verbatim written reports of public meetings of the Select Committee in relation to Bills and Estimates for the Public Services were published and may be purchased from the Government Publications Sales Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.

5. Number and Duration of Meetings

The Joint Committee met on 18 occasions in the period under report. The number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 26 hours. The date and subject matter of each public meeting is set out at Appendix 3.

The Dáil Select Committee met on 8 occasions in the period under report and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 12 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out at Appendix 4.

Records of attendance by Members of the Joint Committee and their duly nominated substitutes at meetings of the Joint Committee are set out at Appendix 5.

Records of attendance by Members of the Dáil Select Committee and their duly nominated substitutes at meetings of the Dáil Select Committee are set out at Appendix 6.

Minutes of proceedings of the Joint Committee meetings in public session are attached at Appendix 7.

6. Work of the Committee

6.1 Joint Committee

On the 18 occasions the Committee met it dealt, inter alia, with the following matters:

•Meeting with the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish Cattle & Stockowners Association and the Irish Creamery Suppliers Association re: crisis in the Beef Industry

•Meeting with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development re: BSE and the Beef Industry

•Meeting with SIPTU re: difficulties resulting from the destruct scheme

•Meeting with the Irish Fish Producers Organisation in relation to the necessity for an appeals mechanism for Sea Fishing Boat Licences

•Meeting with the Minister of State at the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources re: motions on marine pollution, the appeals mechanism for Sea Fishing Boat Licences

•Meetings with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development re: the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease

•Work Programme of the Joint Committee

•Meetings with representatives from an Bord Bia re: beef markets

•Meeting with representatives form the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland

•Meeting with representatives from the Livestock Producers and Suppliers Association re: cattle dealing

•Meeting with the IFA National Sheep Committee re European Sheep Policy Reform

•Meeting with representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development on Prescription Order Medicines

•Meeting with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural re: EU Common Organisation of the market for sheep meat

6.2 Dáil Select Committee

On the 8 occasions the Committee met it dealt with the following matters:

•Horse and Greyhound Racing Bill, 2001

•Supplementary Estimate – Vote 31, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

•Revised Estimates, Vote 31, for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

•Revised Estimate - Vote 30, the Department of Marine and Natural Resources

•Agriculture Appeals Bill, 2001

•Adventure Activities Standards Authority Bill, 2000

•Fisheries [Amendment] Bill, 2000 [Seanad]

•Supplementary Estimate – Vote 30, Department of Marine and Natural Resources

•Second Supplementary Estimate – Vote 31, Department of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development

7. Groups and Individuals attending before Committee

In the year under report the Joint Committee met with the following:

•The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Joe Walsh

•The Minister of State for the Department of Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Hugh Byrne

•Various Semi State Bodies

•Numerous organisations connected with agriculture, food and the marine and representatives of the Department of Agriculture and Food

8. Joint Committee Reports

During the year under report the Joint Committee published the following reports:

•Work Programme 2001

9. Travel by the Joint Committee

The Joint Committee undertook four visits during the course of the year, as follows:

(i)Brussels, 25-26 April 2001: Attendance by the Chairman Mr John Browne,T.D., Mr John Brady, T.D., Mr Seymour Crawford, T.D., where they met with the EU Commissioner Mr David Byrne and the IFA permanent representative Mr Michael Treacy

(ii)Chicago, 15-21 October 2001: Attendance by the Chairman Mr John Browne, T.D., Mr Seymour Crawford, T.D., Mr Tom Hayes, T.D., Mr Michael Kitt, T.D., Mr P J Sheehan, T.D. and Senator Peter Callanan who attended the World Wide Food Expo’ 01

10. Function and Powers

The Committee is satisfied with its present procedures and role following the modification of its orders of reference in 1998 and 2001

________________

John Browne T.D.

Chairman

March 2002

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

ORDERS OF REFERENCE

Dáil Éireann

13th November, 1997, (** 28th April, 1998),

(*** 14^th Feb., 2001) Ordered:

(1) (a)That a Select Committee, which shall be called the Select Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, consisting of 14 members of Dáil Éireann (of whom 4 shall constitute a quorum), be appointed to consider such

(i)Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, and

(vi)Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of those Departments,

(vii)Proposals contained in any motion, including any motion within the meaning of Standing Order 149(A) concerning the approval by the Dáil of international agreements involving a charge on public funds, ***

as shall be referred to it by Dáil Éireann from time to time.

(b)For the purpose of its consideration of Bills under paragraph (1)(a)(i), the Select Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 78A(1), (2) and (3).

(c)For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of their ex officio membership of the Select Committee in accordance with Standing Order 84(1), the Minister for Agriculture and Food and the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (or a Minister or Minister of State nominated in their stead) shall be entitled to vote.

(2) (a)The Select Committee shall be joined with a Select Committee to be appointed by Seanad Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to consider-

(i)such public affairs administered by the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources as it may select, including bodies under the aegis of those Departments in respect of Government policy,

(ii)such matters of policy for which the Ministers in charge of those Departments are officially responsible as it may select,

(iii)the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Ministers in charge of those Departments pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and shall be authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act,

** (iv)such Annual Reports or Annual Reports and Accounts, required by law and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies under the aegis of the Department(s) specified in paragraph 2(a)(i), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select.

Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993.

Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body or by the Minister in charge of that Department; and

(v)such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas,

and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

(b)The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be 5, of whom at least 1 shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a member of Seanad Éireann.

(c)The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 78A(1) to (9) inclusive.

(3)The Chairman of the Joint Committee, who shall be a member of Dáil Éireann, shall also be Chairman of the Select Committee.

Seanad Éireann

19th November, 1997, (** 30th April, 1998), Ordered:

(1) (a)That a Select Committee consisting of 5 members of Seanad Éireann shall be appointed to be joined with a Select Committee of Dáil Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to consider-

(i)such public affairs administered by the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources as it may select, including bodies under the aegis of those Departments in respect of Government policy,

(ii)such matters of policy for which the Ministers in charge of those Departments are officially responsible as it may select,

(iii)the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Ministers in charge of those Departments pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and shall be authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act,

** (iv)such Annual Reports or Annual Reports and Accounts, required by law and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies under the aegis of the Department(s) specified in paragraph 1(a)(i), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select.

Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993.

Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body or by the Minister in charge of that Department; and

(v)such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas,

and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

(b)The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be 5, of whom at least 1 shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a member of Seanad Éireann.

(c)The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 62A(1) to (9) inclusive.

(2)The Chairman of the Joint Committee shall be a member of Dáil Éireann.

APPENDIX 2

JOINT COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND THE MARINE

List of Members

Deputy Seymour Crawford replaced Deputy David Staunton on 29 March, 2001

APPENDIX 3

Meetings of the Joint Committee

APPENDIX 4

Meetings of the Select Committee

APPENDIX 5

Attendance at Meetings of the Joint Committee 2001

14/02/01 John Bruton also in attendance

20/02/01 ditto

27/02/01 Min. of State at the Dept. pf the, Marine and Natural Resources also in attendance

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

A Indicates Apologies from Members

P Indicates Members Present

Attendance at Meetings of the Joint Committee 2001 contd.

21-01-01 also in attendance Senator Pat Moylan, Deputies Mary Upton, Ned O’Keeffe, Seymour Crawford and Seamus Quirke. 21.03.01 Deputy Ned O’Keeffe also in attendance.

09-5-01 also in attendance Deputies Ned O’Keeffe, Brendan Smith and Pat Moylan.

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

A Indicates Apologies from Members

P Indicates Members Present

Attendance at Meetings of the Joint Committee 2001 contd.

11.07.01 Deputy Donal Carey was also in attendance

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

A Indicates Apologies from Members

P Indicates Members Present

Attendance at Meetings of the Joint Committee 2001 contd.

10.10.2001 also in attendance Deputy Ned O’Keeffe and Senator Pat Moylan

07.11.2001 also in attendance Deputies Ned O’Keeffe, Denis Naughton, John Browne and Matt Brennan.

14.11.2001 also in attendance Deputy Ned O’Keeffe. 21.11.2001 Deputy Tom Hayes was also in attendance.

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

A Indicates Apologies from Members

P Indicates Members Present

Attendance at Meetings of the Joint Committee 2001 contd.

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

A Indicates Apologies from Members

P Indicates Members Present

APPENDIX 6

Attendance at Meetings of the Select Committee 2001

30.05.2001/13/05/2001 Mr. Joe Walsh, T.D., (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development) was also in attendance. 20.06.2001 Mr. Frank Fahey, T.D, Minister for the Marine & Natural Resources was also in attendance.

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

A Indicates Apologies from Members

P Indicates Members Present

Attendance at Meetings of the Select Committee 2001 contd.

26.06.2001 Eamon O Cúiv T.D., Min. of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources also attended. 24.10.2001 Mr. Hugh Byrne, T.D., Min. of State at the Dept. of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources also attended. 28.11.2001 Mr. Noel Davern, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development also attended.

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

A Indicates Apologies from Members

P Indicates Members present.

APPENDIX 7

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 17 January, 2001

1.The Joint Committee met in Room G2 in Kildare House.

2.Members present: Deputies Louis Belton (in substitution for David Stanton), John Brady, Mattie Brennan (in substitution for Billy Kelleher), John Browne (Wexford) [in the Chair], Paul Connaughton, Michael Creed (in substitution for Alan Dukes), Gerry Reynolds, P.J. Sheehan and Mary Upton (in substitution for Willie Penrose); and Senators Camillus Glynn (in substitution for Peter Callanan), Tom Hayes, Rory Kiely, Pat Moylan (in substitution for Francis O’Brien (for part of the Meeting)), Francis O’Brien.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Michael Moynihan and Senator Fergal Quinn.

3.Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the Meeting of 19 December, 2000 were agreed to.

4.Discussion with representatives of the IFA, ICSA and ICMSA re. crisis in the Beef Industry

Prior to the discussion a number of Members expressed the view that Mr. Joe Walsh, T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, should meet with representatives of the ICSA, which is in dispute with his Department.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Kevin Kinsella and Mr. Derek Breen of the IFA; Mr. Charlie Reilly, Mr. Eddie Punch, Mr. Joe Kilmartin and Mr. Albert Thompson of the ICSA; and Mr. Pat O’Rourke and Mr. Kieran Dolan of the ICMSA to the Meeting.

The Committee heard a presentation from each organisation. This was followed by a detailed question and answer session.

The Chairman thanked the representatives for attending and the visitors withdrew.

It was agreed that officials of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development be invited to the next Meeting of the Committee.

5.Delegation from the House of Commons

The Chairman advised the Committee of a request received form the British Embassy to meet with a delegation from the Select Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries of the House of Commons to discuss the policy on the implementation of IACS (Integrated Administration and Control System) in Ireland. It was agreed that an informal meeting in the matter be held at 11.30 a.m. on Tuesday, 30th January and that appropriate briefing be requested from the Department.

6.Any other Business

Senator Kiely again raised the matter of Milk Quotas. Information had been sought, in error, by the Clerk to the Committee on the case of the Milk Rights Group which was before the Committee in June, 2000. It materialised that Senator Kiely's request had in fact referred to precise information relating to the number of applicants under the Milk Restructuring Scheme and the quota allocated to each applicant. The Chairman undertook to have the information supplied to Senator Kiely as a matter of urgency.

7.Adjournment

The Committee adjourned at 1.05 p.m. until Wednesday, 31 January at 2 p.m.

__________________________

John Browne, T.D., (Wexford),

Chairman.

31 January, 2001.

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 14 February, 2001

1.The Joint Committee met at 10.02 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Members present: Deputies Harry Blaney, John Brady, John Browne (Wexford) [in the Chair], Michael Collins, Paul Connaughton, Alan Dukes, Michael Moynihan, Dan Neville (in substitution for P.J. Sheehan) Willie Penrose and David Stanton; and Senators Peter Callanan, Tom Hayes and Rory Kiely.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Senators Francis O’Brien and Fergal Quinn.

Deputy John Bruton attended pursuant to S. O. 84 (3) [Dáil].

3.Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the Meeting of 17 January, 2001 were agreed to.

4.Presentation by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Tom Moran, Assistant Secretary General, Mr. Seamus Healy, Assistant Secretary General, Mr. Albert Costelloe, Deputy Veterinary Inspector and Mr. Kevin Smyth, Assistant Principal.

The Committee heard a presentation regarding BSE and the Beef Industry from Mr. Tom Moran. A number of questions were put to Mr. Moran.

___________

The Meeting was suspended from 10.50 a.m. until 11.09 a.m.

__________

The question and answer session resumed with all Members participating. The Committee heard from Mr. Moran, Mr. Healy and Mr. Costelloe in reply.

On the conclusion of the question and answer session the Department officials withdrew.

5.Correspondence

The Committee had before it for consideration the following items of correspondence:

(a)letter of 31 January from SIPTU requesting that the Committee hear a presentation in relation to the Beef Processing Industry; it was agreed to invite a delegation to attend the next meeting of the Committee;

(b)letter of 1 February, from the Irish Fish Producers' Organisation regarding an appeals mechanism for Sea Fishing Boat licences; it was agreed to invite a representative of this Organisation to attend the next Meeting of the Committee; and

(c)correspondence of 2 February relating to the case of specified farmers in the Limerick area who have been affected by illnesses occurring in their livestock; it was agreed that briefing in the matter be sought from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

6.Any other Business

It was agreed to invite Mr. Joe Walsh, T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development to attend the Meeting of the Committee scheduled to be held on 28 February to discuss the Milk Rights Quota.

7.Adjournment

The Committee adjourned at 12.44 p.m. until Tuesday, 20th February at 2.30 p.m.

______________________________

John Browne, T.D., (Wexford),

Chairman,

20 February, 2001.

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of Meeting of Tuesday, 20 February, 2001

1.The Joint Committee met at 3 p.m. in Room G5, Kildare House.

2.Members present: Deputies John Brady, John Browne (Wexford) [in the Chair], Michael Collins, Paul Connaughton, Seymour Crawford (in substitution for Alan Dukes), Michael Moynihan, Willie Penrose, P.J. Sheehan and David Stanton; and Senators Peter Callanan, Rory Kiely and Senator Fergal Quinn.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Senator Tom Hayes.

3.Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the Meeting of 14 February, 2001 were agreed to.

4.Presentation by SIPTU

The Chairman welcomed a delegation from SIPTU comprising-

Mr. John O’Connor, Vice-President,

Mr. John Kane, National Industrial Secretary,

Mr. Pat Carthy, and

Mr. Billy Crowley.

The Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Jack O’Connor of SIPTU on behalf of workers in the Beef Processing Industry who are experiencing difficulties resulting from the destruct scheme initiated in response to BSE. A question and answer session followed with all Members contributing. The Committee heard from Mr. O’Connor and Mr. Kane in reply on behalf of SIPTU.

It was agreed that letters issue to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, the Minister for Social Community and Family Affairs, the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment and the Taoiseach outlining the Committee's concerns in the matter and requesting information on the steps, if any, to be taken to address the difficulties experienced by the workers in this sector.

On the conclusion of the question and answer session the SIPTU officials withdrew.

5.Presentation by the Irish Fish Producers' Organisation

The Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Mark Lochrin of the Irish Fish Producers' Organisation in relation to the necessity for an appeals mechanism for Sea Fishing Boat Licences.

It was agreed to discuss the matter with Mr. Frank Fahey, Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, at the next Meeting of the Committee.

6.Adjournment

The Committee adjourned at 4.32 p.m. until Tuesday, 27 February at 6 p.m.

________________________

John Browne, T.D., (Wexford),

Chairman,

27 February, 2001.

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of Meeting of Tuesday, 27 February, 2001

1.The Joint Committee met at 6.19 p.m. in Room G5, Kildare House.

2.Members present: Deputies Harry Blaney, John Browne (Wexford) [in the Chair], Michael Collins, Paul Connaughton, Alan Dukes, Billy Kelleher, Michael Moynihan, Willie Penrose, P.J. Sheehan and David Stanton; and Senators Peter Callanan, and Rory Kiely

3.Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the Meeting of 20 February, 2001 were agreed to.

4.Meeting with the Minister of State at the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources.

i)Consideration of Motions approving accession by the State to: The International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation,1990 and The 1996 Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by dumping of Wastes and other Matter, 1972.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Hugh Byrne, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, together with his officials to the meeting and thanked the Minister of State for attending at such short notice.

The Committee then proceeded with consideration of motions on marine pollution. The Minister of State made a brief presentation on the two international instruments. A question and answer session followed with all Members contributing. The Chairman stated that a message would be sent to the Clerks of the Dáil and the Seanad confirming that the Joint Committee had considered the motions.

ii]Necessity for an Appeals Mechanism in relation to Sea Fishing Boat Licences.

The Chair reminded Members that following discussions held at its last meeting between the Joint Committee and Mr Mark Lochrin of the Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation on the necessity for an appeals mechanism in relation to applications for sea fishing boat licences, it had been decided to hold a brief discussion on the matter at its next meeting. The Minister for State made a brief presentation to the Committee. He stated that a relatively small number of applications for licences were refused and that a formal customer complaints system was already in place in the Department. In addition, individuals were entitled to lodge complaints with the Ombudsman. The Department was conducting an ongoing review to ensure that Ireland’s obligations with regard to both national and EU requirements were being adhered to. However, he did not consider that an appeals mechanism for sea fishing boat licence applications necessary. There followed a short question and answer session. Upon its conclusion the Chairman thanked the Minister of State for attending the meeting. The Minister for State at the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources and his officials withdrew.

5.Presentation by officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development regarding the outbreak of Root and Mouth Disease.

Mr Aidan Murray and Mr Billy McAteer made a presentation to the Committee on the outbreak of the Foot and Mouth Disease in Britain and Northern Ireland and measures being taken to prevent it spreading into Ireland. This was followed by a question and answer session with Members.

6.Adjournment.

There being no other business the Joint Committee adjourned at 8 p.m. until Wednesday, 14 March at 4 p.m.

_________________________

John Browne, T.D., (Wexford),

Chairman,

8 March, 2001.

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 14 March 2001.

The Joint Committee met at 2.00 p.m. in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2001 at 4.00 p.m.

Members Present: Deputies John Brady, John Browne (Wexford) [in the Chair] Paul Connaughton, Seymour Crawford (in substitution for Alan Dukes) Willie Penrose, P.J. Sheehan; and Senators Peter Callanan, Francis O’Brien, Mary Harney (in substitution for Fergal Quinn).

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Harry Blaney and Gerry Reynolds.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed and signed.

It was agreed that there should be a meeting with the Minister for Agriculture, Food & Rural Development and his officials on the milk situation before the additional allocations are made. There is a particular problem with regard to allocations to young farmers.

There was a broad discussion on the Foot and Mouth outbreak with all the members present contributing their viewpoint.

It was decided to seek a meeting with Commissioner David Byrne and to invite in representatives from An Bord Bia.

There was also a recommendation for a meeting with Professor Michael Gibney of the Nutrition Department of Trinity College Dublin to discuss his paper on Food Consumption on the Island of Ireland.

Adjournment

The meeting concluded at 4.50 p.m.

___________________________

John Browne, T.D., (Wexford)

Chairman,

21 March, 2001.

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of Meeting of 21 March 2001.

1.The Joint Committee met at 2.30 p.m. in Committee Room 1 LH 2000.

2.Members Present: Deputies John Brady, John Browne (Wexford) [in the Chair] Michael Collins, Paul Connaughton, Seymour Crawford (in substitution for David Stanton) Alan Dukes, Michael P. Kitt, Michael Moynihan, Willie Penrose, P.J. Sheehan; and Senators Peter Callanan, Francis O’Brien and Feargal Quinn.

Deputy Ned O’Keeffe attended pursuant to S.O. 84 (3) [Dáil].

3.The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed and signed.

4.Private Session

5.In Public Session the delegation from An Bord Bia were introduced:

Mr. Michael Duffy, Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Aidan Cotter, Operations Officer.

Bord Bia activities have been affected over the past six months firstly by the re-emergence of BSE and in recent weeks by Foot and Mouth and this should be put in the context of an Irish food industry producing 10% of GDP. Mr. Duffy explained the current market situation, domestic, United Kingdom, France, other EU and international markets. Potential loans due to a Foot and Mouth outbreak would have very serious consequences and would greatly facilitate competitors. Various promotional activities are being adjusted given the present uncertain situation.

6.A question and answer session followed with all Members present contributing.

7.The Chairman then thanked the delegation and the meeting concluded.

_________________________

John Browne, T.D., (Wexford)

Chairman

April, 2001.

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of Meeting of Wednesday 28 March 2001.

1.The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 4 LH 2000 at 4 p.m.

2.Members Present: Deputies Harry Blaney, John Brady, John Browne (Wexford) [in the Chair] Michael Collins, Paul Connaughton, Billy Kelleher, Michael Moynihan, Willie Penrose, P.J. Sheehan; and Senators Peter Callanan, and Senator Fergal Quinn.

3.Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Alan Dukes.

4.Deputies Seymour Crawford, Ned O’Keeffe, Mary Upton, and Séamus Quirke attended pursuant to S.O. 84 (3) [Dáil] and Senator Pat Moylan attended pursuant to S.O. 74 [Seanad].

5.The minutes of the previous meeting of were agreed and signed.

6.Private Session

7.In public session the Joint Committee met with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development i.e. Mr. Séamus Healy, Assistant Secretary, Albert Costelloe, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer and Aidan Murray, Principal Officer.

The delegation explained the philosophy and methodology behind the Department’s approach to the Foot and Mouth outbreak, paying particular attention to exclusion zones, North/South considerations and the use of slaughtering out and the general curtailment of public activities.

8.There followed a question and answer session to which all Members attending contributed. All expressed solidarity with the farming community as well as serious concerns at the prospect of the outbreak spreading.

9.The Chairman thanked the officials for giving their time at a particularly difficult juncture and for informing the Committee so comprehensively.

10.The next meeting was arranged for the 11 April 2001 at 4.00 p.m.

11.The Joint Committee adjourned at 6. 10 p.m.

__________________________

John Browne, T.D., (Wexford)

Chairman,

April , 2001.

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of Meeting of Wednesday 9 May, 2001.

1.The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 2 LH 2000 at 4 p.m.

2.Members Present: Deputies Harry Blaney [in the Chair], John Brady, Michael Collins, Paul Connaughton, Seymour Crawford, Billy Kelleher, Michael Kitt, Michael Moynihan, Willie Penrose, P.J. Sheehan; and Senators Peter Callanan, and Rory Kiely.

3.Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies John Browne (Wexford) and Alan Dukes.

4.Deputies Ned O’Keeffe and Brendan Smith attended pursuant to S.O. 84 (3) [Dáil] and Senator Pat Moylan attended pursuant to S.O. 74 [Seanad].

5.[Private Session]

6.[Private Session]

7.[Private Session]

8.[Private Session]

9.[Private Session]

10.In public session, at 4.10 p.m. the Committee welcomed Messers Pat Brady, John Molloy, Danny O’Toole and Kevin Bracken from the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland.

The delegation outlined what they saw as the need for support for the retention and development of local abattoirs to operate in addition to large, mainly export geared, plants. In support of their argument they cited greater disease control, more reliable traceability and a shorter food chain leading to a better guarantee of food safety.

(Senator Peter Callanan acted as temporary Chairman, from 4.25 p.m. to 4.40 p.m.)

There followed a question and answer session to which all Members attending contributed. All expressed support for the continuation of local abattoirs and it was agreed that officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, responsible for policy in this area, would be invited before the Committee.

11.The Chairman thanked the delegation for informing the Committee so comprehensively.

12.The meeting concluded at 5.40 p.m

__________________

Johnny Brady, T.D.,

Temporary Chairman.

30th May 2001

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of meeting of Wednesday 30 May, 2001

1.The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000 at 2.30 p.m.

2.Members present:- Deputies John Brady, Michael Collins, Seymour Crawford, Alan Dukes, Michael Kitt, Willie Penrose and P.J. Sheehan; Senators Peter Callanan, Rory Kiely and Francis O’Brien.

Deputy Ned O’Keeffe attended pursuant to S.O. 84(3) [Dáil].

Apologies were received from Deputies Browne and Blaney; and from Senator Quinn.

3.[Private Session]

4.The meeting adjourned at 3.10 p.m.

________________

John Browne, T.D. (Wexford)

Chairman

13^th June, 2001

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of Meeting of Wednesday 13^th June, 2001

1.The Joint Committee met in private session at 7.31 p.m.

2.Members Present: Deputies John Brady, John Browne (Wexford) [in the Chair], Michael Collins, Seymour Crawford, Willie Penrose, P.J. Sheehan; and Senators Peter Callanan, Rory Kiely.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Gerry Reynolds and Senator Fergal Quinn.

3.[Private Session]

4.Adjournment: The Joint Committee adjourned sine die at 7.36 p.m.

________________

John Browne, T.D. (Wexford)

Chairman.

July, 2001

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 11 July, 2001

1.The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000 at 4.02.p.m.

2.Members present: Deputies Harry Blaney (in the chair), Johnny Brady, Michael Collins, Seymour Crawford, Alan Dukes, Michael Lowry, Ned O’Keeffe (in substitution for Michael Moynihan) Willie Penrose and P.J. Sheehan Senators Peter Callanan, Rory Kiely, Francis O’Brien and Fergal Quinn.

3.The Chairman acknowledged that apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies John Browne (Wexford) and Billy Kelleher.

4.Deputies Donal Carey and Tom Hayes attended pursuant to S.O. 84(3) [Dáil] and Senator Frank Chambers attended pursuant to S.O. 74 [Seanad]

5.[Private Session]

[Public Session]

6.The Joint Committee met with a delegation from the Livestock Producers and Suppliers Association. The delegation consisted of Mr. Stephen Foley, Mr. David Murphy, Mr. Séamus Scallon, Mr. Paul Ridney and Mr. Michael Mullins.

The delegation outlined the current situation in relation to cattle dealing and in particular the problems faced by members of their association.

There followed a detailed question and answer session during which all Members present made a contribution.

The Chairman thanked the delegation for coming before the Joint Committee.

7.During any other business the Committee agreed to invite members of the Expert Advisory Group on Foot and Mouth to meet with it along with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development who have responsibility for dealing with the matters raised by the National Livestock Producers and Suppliers Association

8.The Meeting was adjourned at 6.01 p.m.

________________________

John Browne, T.D., (Wexford)

Chairman

25 July, 2001.

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of Meeting of Wednesday, 25 July, 2001

1.The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000 at 4.05 p.m.

2.Members present: Deputies Johnny Brady, (in the chair in the absence of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman), John Browne, Tommy Broughan (in substitution for Willie Penrose) (for part of the meeting) Seymour Crawford, Michael Kitt, Ned O’Keeffe (in substitution for Michael Collins) Willie Penrose Gerry Reynolds and P.J. Sheehan Senators Peter Callanan, Rory Kiely and Francis O’Brien.

3.[Private Session]

[Public Session]

4.The acting Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, extended a welcome to Mr. Séamus Healy, Ms. Bríd Cannon and Mr. Michael Corry from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

Professor Michael Monaghan from the Expert Advisory Group on Foot and Mouth Disease to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. The main purpose of this meeting was to explain firstly, the situation re foot and mouth including the reasons certain restrictions are still considered necessary and secondly the inter-linked subject of cattle dealing.

Following a presentation by the visiting delegation a question and answer session took place during which all Members took part.

Following the discussion, the Chairman thanked the visiting delegation.

The meeting adjourned sine die at 6.21 p.m.

________________________

John Browne, T.D., (Wexford)

Chairman

October, 2001.

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of Meeting of Wednesday 3 October 2001.

1.The Joint Committee met in Private Session in Committee Room 4 LH 2000 at 3.30 p.m.

2.Members Present: Deputies John Brady, John Browne (Wexford) [in the Chair], Paul Connaughton, Seymour Crawford, Alan Dukes, P.J Sheehan and Senators Peter Callanan, Rory Kiely, Francis O’Brien, Feargal Quinn.

3.[Private Session]

4.The meeting adjourned at 3.50 p.m.

_________________

John Browne, T.D

Chairman

October, 2001

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of the meeting 10 October 2001.

1.The Committee met in Committee Room 4, LH 2000 on Wednesday 10^th October, 2001 at 3.05 p.m.

2.Attendance:

Members Present:

Deputies: John Browne (in the Chair), Harry Blaney, John Brady, Michael Collins, Paul Connaughton, Seymour Crawford, Alan Dukes, Billy Kelleher, Michael Kitt, Michael Moynihan, Willie Penrose, Gerry Reynolds and P.J. Sheehan.

Senators: Peter Callanan, Mary Henry (in substitution for Senator Feargal Quinn) and Francis O’Brien.

Deputy Ned O’Keeffe and Senator Pat Moylan attended pursuant to S.O. 84(3) of Dáil Éireann and S.O. 74(2) of Seanad Éireann respectively.

3.[Private Session]

Public Session:

4.Presentation by An Bord Bia

Mr. Michael Duffy C.E.O. and Mr. Aidan Cotter, Operations Officer of Bord Bia made a presentation on the beef markets in the light of BSE and Foot and Mouth.

During their presentation they pointed out the following:-

EU consumption was showing signs of recovery but it is still expected to be lower in 2001 than 2000.

Total EU production is expected to rise in 2001 leading to an estimated surplus of 1.2 million tonnes of beef in the EU for the year.

Initiatives have been taken to counteract the problems caused, namely, the organising of a European Meat Forum and the establishment of an independent structure within Bord Bia to oversee the beef assurance scheme.

In terms of markets, a rise of 40% is projected in respect of Britain for the current year, due to the Foot and Mouth outbreak but that the markets in Holland, Italy and France have all been adversely affected.

A question and answer session followed with contributions from Deputies Dukes, Brady, Connaughton, Crawford, O’Keefe and Senator Mary Henry.

The Chairman then thanked Mr. Duffy and Mr. Cotter.

5.Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5.00 p.m.

_________________________

John Browne, T.D., (Wexford)

Chairman.

December, 2001.

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of the meeting 7^th November 2001.

1.The Committee met in Committee Room 4, LH 2000 on Wednesday 7^th November 2001 at 4.07p.m.

2.Attendance:

Members Present:

Deputies: John Browne (Wexford)(in The Chair), Deputies Harry Blaney, John Brady, Michael Collins, Paul Connaughton, Seymour Crawford, Alan Dukes, Billy Kelleher, Michael P. Kitt, Michael Moynihan, Willie Penrose and P.J. Sheehan,

Senators: Peter Callanan, John Connor, Rory Kiely, Francis O’Brien and Feargal Quinn.

3.Prior to the presentation by IFA, Deputy Dukes expressed disappointment at the absence of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development at the meeting, as there would not be time before the next meeting of the EU Farm Council in Brussels. The Chairman agreed to contact the Minister personally to see if arrangements could be made for them to attend a meeting of the Committee on 14^th November 2001.

4.Presentation by IFA National Sheep Committee

The Chairman welcomed Mr Tom Parlon President, IFA, Mr Frank Corcoran Chairman, IFA National Sheep Committee Mr Laurence Falon, Mr Kevin Kinsella (Members), Mr Michael Berkery, General Secretary IFA and Members of the IFA to the meeting.

The Chairman invited Mr Parlon to make a presentation to the Committee on the European Sheep Policy Reform and Ewe Premium Representatives from the IFA responded to questions raised by Members. The Chairman and members of the Committee paid tribute to the outgoing president of the IFA Mr. Parlon whose term of office would expire in December 2001.

5.Other Business

The Chairman referred to correspondence received from Deputy Dukes asking the Minister and officials of this Department to appear before the Committee on Prescription Order Medicines.

It was agreed to invite to the Minister and/or officials to a meeting of the Committee.

Deputy Brady referred to his request to the Committee to visit the AI Group offices in Enfield and it was agreed to consider the matter at a future meeting.

There being no further business the meeting concluded at 5.30 p.m.

___________________________

John Browne TD (Wexford)

Chairman

November 2001

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of the meeting 14^th November 2001.

1.The Committee met in Committee Room 4, LH 2000 on Wednesday 14^th November 2001 at 4.19 p.m.

2.Attendance:

Members Present:

Deputies: John Browne (Wexford)(in The Chair), John Brady, Michael Collins, Paul Connaughton, Seymour Crawford, Alan Dukes, Willie Penrose and P.J. Sheehan.

Senators: Peter Callanan, Rory Kiely, and Feargal Quinn.

Deputy Ned O’Keeffe attended pursuant to S.O. 84(3) of Dáil Éireann.

3. [Private Session]

Public Session:

4.EU Common Organisation of the market for sheep meat:

A delegation from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, consisting of Mr Tom Moran, Mr Richard Healy and Ms Patricia Cannon, addressed the Joint Committee. After the presentation there followed a question and answer session with the Members of the Joint Committee, following which, the Chairman thanked the officials for attending.

The following resolution was then agreed by the Joint Committee and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas by way of a report.

“That the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine recommend to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development that the EU Council of Ministers provide for the following:-

•a fixed ewe premium of _ 32 per head;

•a Rural World Premium of _ 7 per head; and

•in the calculation of extensification premia on farms with both cattle and sheep, the first 15 livestock unit equivalents of sheep be ignored.”.

4.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 5.25 p.m.

__________________

John Browne, T.D.

Chairman

November, 2001

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of the meeting 21st November 2001.

1.The Committee met in Committee Room 4, LH 2000 on Wednesday 21^st November 2001 at 4.40 p.m.

2.Attendance:

Members Present:

Deputies: John Browne (Wexford)(in The Chair), Harry Blaney, John Brady, Michael Collins, Paul Connaughton, Seymour Crawford, Alan Dukes, Michael Moynihan, Willie Penrose, Gerry Reynolds and P.J. Sheehan.

Senators: Peter Callanan, Rory Kiely, and Feargal Quinn.

Deputies Tom Hayes and Mary Upton attended pursuant to S.O. 84(3) of Dáil Éireann.

3. [Private Session]

Public Session:

4.Temporary Chairman

The Committee agreed that the Vice Chairman Deputy Blaney, would take the Chair in the unavoidable absence, for part of the meeting, of Deputy Browne. Deputy Blaney took the Chair from 5.15 p.m. to 5.55 p.m..

5.Prescription Order Medicines

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Séamus Healy, Mr. Pat Brangan and Mr. Philip Kirwan from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. The officials made a presentation on Prescription Order Medicines (proceedings were suspended from 5.17 p.m. to 5.36 p.m. due to a vote in the Dáil). This was followed by a question and answer session in which all of the Members took part. Afterwards the Chairman thanked the officials for meeting with the Joint Committee.

6.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6.20 p.m.

__________________

John Browne, T.D.(Wexford)

Chairman

December, 2001

Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minutes of meeting of Thursday 13 December, 2001

1.The Joint Committee met in Private Session in Committee Room 4 LH 2000 at 11.44 a.m.

2.Members Present: Deputies John Brady, Michael Collins, Seymour Crawford, Willie Penrose, P.J. Sheehan and Senators Peter Callanan and Senator Fergal Quinn.

3.[Private Session]

4.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 12.15 p.m. sine die.

____________________

John Browne, T.D.,

Chairman.

January, 2002

APPENDIX 8

The Work Programme of the Committee was agreed at the meeting of 13^th December, 2001

WORK PROGRAMME 2002

1.Legislation

(i)Veterinary Medicines Bill, 2002.

(ii)Land Commission Bill, 2002.

(iii)Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission Bill, 2002.

2.Estimates

Such Estimates and Supplementary Estimates for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and for the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources that are referred to it by Dáil Éireann.

3.Meeting with Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

The Joint Committee agreed that it should meet with the Minister in order to discuss a number of matters, namely:-

(i)the changeover from headage payments to area aid payments particularly for sheep producers in mountain areas;

(ii)the current sheep tagging regime;

(iii)the restriction on farmers regarding waste management;

(iv)the official policy in the EU on milk quotas and the manner in which it was restructured;

(v)the beef trade situation;

(vi)the stated difficulties in obtaining payment for farm restructuring work;

(vii)the efforts needed to back up work by Bord Bia to market beef;

(viii)the difficulty of getting cattle under 30 months of age into factories;

(ix)proposals on animal medicines;

(x)proposals in relation to spreading fertilizer and slurry;

(xi)young farmers installation aid scheme and specifically income units threshold and low interest development loans;

(xii)the simplification of rules and documentation for all schemes;

(xiii)the continuation of the 30 day restriction on the re-sale of cattle by dealers;

(xiv)issues for the Finance Bill relating to the matters of concern to the Committee;

(xv)slaughter policy of the Department

(xvi)animal diseases, especially B.S.E., foot and mouth and sheep scrapie.

4.Food Safety and animal health

The Joint Committee should meet with experts on animal health and on food safety. Representatives from the Irish Medicines Board, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and EU Commissioner David Byrne are seen as key people in these matters.

5.Rural Development and re-generation

The Joint Committee is interested in fully informing itself on the current status of developments in this area.

6.Consideration of Statements of Strategy under Public Service Management Act.

The Committee is required under its Orders of Reference to consider the Strategy Statement of both the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources. The Committee will select aspects of these statements on an ongoing basis and will report on the progress made by both Departments in relation to the achievement of their aims and objectives.

7.Conferences and Fact Finding Missions

The Committee shall participate in Conferences and fact-finding missions relevant to subject matters, falling within the terms of reference of the Committee, as it sees fit.

8.Delegations

The Committee shall meet delegations from counterpart committees of other parliaments.

9.Meeting with representatives of Progressive Genetics Ltd.

The Committee agreed at a previous meeting to visit this firm.

10.Matters relating to the fishing industry

11.Matters relating to the offshore oil and gas industries.

12.EU Directives.

The examination of current proposals for EU Directives affecting agriculture.

13.Various matters, administered by both the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and the Department of Marine and Natural Resources that may arise at short notice.