Tuesday, 25 Mar 2025

Written Answers Nos. 599-615

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Legislative Reviews

Questions (599)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

599. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will commence an urgent review of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 and a consultation with the relevant stakeholders to ensure this legislation delivers reasonable and proportionate enforcement of EU and domestic laws and that we are fully harmonised with other EU member states in enforcing EU regulations and domestic legislation. [13292/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Fisheries Control Regulation provides for a Union fisheries control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy and establishing a level playing field across the EU on fisheries control. The current Control Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/2842) entered into force in January 2024 and updates and amends the previous Control Regulation (Regulation (EC) 1224/2009).

My Department is working with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), and with other relevant Departments and agencies, to introduce the required measures to implement, at national level, the relevant provisions of Council Regulation (EU) 2023/2842. While this may involve amending existing or introducing new legislation, it is not envisioned that there will be a full scale review of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 at this time.

Animal Welfare

Questions (600)

Paul Murphy

Question:

600. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the case of persons (details supplied); if he will instruct his Department to take all necessary measures to ensure existing animal rights legislation is enforced and regular inspections of facilities are conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13314/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. The welfare of equines is protected by legislation, and neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals, is not acceptable in our society. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner.

My Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, local authorities, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.

My Department keeps the Act under review in light of key developments in the areas of animal welfare, the law and having regard to the practical lessons learnt from operating the Act.

My Department is aware of this matter however, it would not be appropriate to comment further on ongoing cases.

My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation.

The dedicated e-mail address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:

Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.

Email address - [e-mail]

Renewable Energy Generation

Questions (601)

Ryan O'Meara

Question:

601. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will be involved in the development of planning guidelines for solar farms, given the potential impact these developments may have on agricultural lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13359/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As part of the Programme for Government, this Government has committed to introducing planning guidelines for solar farms and to provide certainty in the development of solar energy in agriculture. While issues regarding planning fall under the remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, my Department will input into the development of these guidelines due to the potential impact on agricultural land.

The Department supports the production of indigenous renewable energy, with on-farm renewable energy generation activities offering farm diversification opportunities which can contribute in a positive way to the decarbonisation of the energy system. However, it is important that food production is not negatively impacted by the development of solar farms and Ireland continues to be a world leader in the production of sustainable agri-food produce.

Energy Infrastructure

Questions (602)

Ryan O'Meara

Question:

602. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department plans to carry out an analysis of the development of significant energy infrastructure and large energy users on prime agricultural, tillage and farm lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13361/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

National energy policy, which includes the development of renewable energy projects, is a matter for the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DECC), with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) being responsible for the granting of planning licenses and enforcing regulations in this area. However, my Department is particularly interested in this area from an agricultural perspective.

My officials and I work closely with Departments across Government on energy related matters as they pertain to agriculture, and will continue engage on land use policy both nationally and at EU level in relation to this key issue.

My Department supports the production of indigenous renewable energy, with on-farm renewable energy generation activities offering farm diversification and income opportunities that can contribute in a positive way to the decarbonisation of the energy system.

As landowners, and subject to planning and other considerations, farmers have rights that are protected by the Constitution, and a legitimate interest in maximising their income from their holdings. Against that background my department provides a range of options to farmers wishing to engage in different kinds of farming activities on their land.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to provide supports to farmers to ensure that Ireland remains a world leader in the production of sustainable agri-food produce.

Beef Sector

Questions (603)

Matt Carthy

Question:

603. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the levels of Irish beef exports, by category, to the UK, for each month since January 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13377/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

According to the CSO, beef exports in 2024 amounted to approximately €3 billion in value and 492,000 tonnes in volume, of which the UK (including Northern Ireland) accounted for €1.42 billion in value and 208,000 tonnes in volume.

In 2023, beef exports amounted to approximately €3 billion in value and 484,000 tonnes in volume, of which the UK (including Northern Ireland) accounted for €1.37 billion and 216,000 tonnes.

The spreadsheet at the link below provides a separate value and volume breakdown of beef exports to the UK by category and month for the years 2023 and 2024. The data is tabulated as follows:

1.The UK including Northern Ireland;

2. Northern Ireland only; and

3. The UK excluding Northern Ireland.

Note that the 2024 trade statistics are still preliminary figures and may be subject to revision at a later date.

Beef Exports

Agriculture Supports

Questions (604)

Grace Boland

Question:

604. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he envisages the need for supports for farmers and Irish food producers in the event of the introduction or increase of tariffs on the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13380/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As a small, open exporting economy, Ireland is sensitive to any change in global trading conditions. Therefore, any imposition of tariffs by the U.S. authorities will if enacted have the potential to pose significant challenges for Irish exporters of agri-food products to the US. This is of particular concern as the US is the second largest market for Irish agri-food exports after the UK with exports last year valued at almost €2 billion.

Ireland and the European Union want to avoid a series of escalating tit-for tat tariffs. Ireland’s view on tariffs is clear: they are economically counterproductive and would disrupt deeply integrated transatlantic supply chains.

My Department continues to work in close coordination with the European Union, other Irish Government Departments and industry stakeholders to fully understand the potential impacts. I participated in a meeing of the Government Trade Forum chaired by the Tánaiste last week to discuss these issues.

Our reaction to any tariffs will be motivated by protecting the interests of European and Irish businesses, workers and consumers from unjustified measures. In relation to Irish food and drink sector concerns, while engagement on trade issues takes place between the EU Commission and the US, I can assure you that the Commission is aware of Irish concerns and those of other member states.

I urge stakeholders to engage with the EU public consultation process currently underway in relation to possible countermeasures.

I will lead a trade mission to the US in April, travelling to Washington DC, and other locations, to meet with US Government officials, State legislators, and private companies where I will promote the importance of this trading relationship.

Agriculture Supports

Questions (605)

Grace Boland

Question:

605. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the efforts to support generational transfer of Irish farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13381/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The new Programme for Government acknowledges the importance of this issue and prioritises “supporting inter-generational farm succession”. Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agri-food sector, states that generational renewal in farming is critically important to ensure the future viability and social sustainability of the Irish agri-food sector and of rural Ireland.

Demographic challenges for the agricultural sector are not unique to Ireland and the challenge of attracting young people into a career in farming is widely recognised, both at national and EU level, including in the recent EU Commission Vision for Agriculture and Food.

Under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027, I am providing substantial investment in achieving generational renewal and measures include:

• A Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers’ Scheme, to help young farmers establish their farming businesses. Payments under 2024 CISYF commenced in early December 2024. To date payments totalling €35.6 million have issued.

• The National Reserve 2023-2027 provides support to two priority categories of Young Farmer and New Farmer. Payments of some €3.1 million have issued in respect of the 2024 scheme.

• Additionally, under the TAMS capital investment measure, a higher grant rate of 60% for qualified young farmers continues to be available.

• A Collaborative Farming Grant Scheme to provide financial support to encourage farmers to form partnerships with young, trained farmers.

• The Succession Planning Advice Grant provides financial support towards the costs incurred for independent legal and financial advice for older farmers about succession planning.

As well as the supports available under the CSP, there is a strong suite of national taxation measures, access to finance supports and comprehensive education & training. In addition, Teagasc’s annual “Transferring the Family Farm Clinics” guide farmers on succession. Despite the significant existing supports, the age demographic of farm-holders is not improving significantly.

Farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decision. Last October, an independent Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established. The Commission is adopting an objective, evidence-based approach to examining all the complex factors involved that contribute to the age demographic in the sector. It is engaging closely with stakeholders, including a public consultation. As part of the Food Vision process, a report is due to issue on policy options before the end of June this year. This will ensure that we have an objective analysis of the issue in advance of preparations for the next CAP.

Agriculture Supports

Questions (606)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

606. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding or supports available to new farmers starting out in mushroom production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13442/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am providing a range of supports to the Irish mushroom sector, an important sector that makes a significant contribution to the rural economy.

The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector provides grant aid towards capital investments in specialised plant and equipment including renewable energy, as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production. This Scheme is 100% funded by this Government. Mushroom producers and new producers are eligible to apply for this scheme and those that applied for the 2025 scheme will receive their letters of notification shortly.

The 2025 Scheme of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Feasibility/Desk Studies) and the 2025 Scheme of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Capital Investments) are designed to assist in increasing innovation and diversification among primary producers in the horticulture sector including the mushroom sub sector. Mushroom producers that applied for these schemes will be notified in the coming weeks.

Mushroom growers are also eligible for supports under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. The EU funded Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables provides an invaluable support to the mushroom sector. A large percentage of Ireland’s five Producer Organisation Scheme members are mushroom producers and can avail of significant financial supports across a range of measures. This scheme is for current producers but it is something that should certainly be considered by new farmers starting out in mushroom production.

The National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 sets down a clear vision to grow a more profitable, value-added sector, driven by innovation and sustainability and provides a road map for the sector to achieve this potential. I am committed to seeing this sector, grow and flourish in the years ahead and my Department is working collaboratively with stakeholders to progress all key strategic actions in the National Strategy for Horticulture.

Fishing Industry

Questions (607)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

607. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that key stakeholders representing inshore and islands fishermen are no longer participating in the North West Herring Committee; if he will meet with those stakeholders (details supplied) to examine changes to the committee that will help all participants trust the process and reach a consensus on the allocation of herring. [13469/25]

Reply not received from Department.

Fishing Industry

Questions (608)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

608. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been brough to the fact that key stakeholders representing inshore and island fishermen are no longer participating in the North West Herring Committee; if he will meet with stakeholders (details supplied) to examine changes to the committee. [13469/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In August 2023, the then Minister announced the outcome of the limited review of the 2012 Herring Management Policy in relation to the Herring 6a South quota for non-ringfenced vessels.

Following this limited review, the then Minister established a North-West Herring Advisory Committee (NWHAC), comprising one representative from each of the six Producer Organisations, one representative from the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, one representative from the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association, and one representative from the Fish Co-Operative umbrella group. This committee was to be supported by organisations such as, but not exclusive to, the Marine Institute, BIM and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority.

The primary purpose of the NWHAC was to advise the Minister within the policy framework in relation to the management arrangements of the Herring 6a South quota and fishery, including such matters as contingency and opening/closing dates.

I am aware that some members of the NWHAC have indicated that they have withdrawn from the Committee. My Department has engaged with the NWHAC and the relevant organisations, and has outlined suggestions to facilitate their continued engagement in order to ensure that representative bodies of the relevant sectors involved in the North West Herring fishery work through the Committee to express their views and come to a common industry position in relation to the management of this fishery. However, if that does not prove possible, the provision of advice/recommendations on this fishery will have to revert to the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC).

The QMAC is a formal consultative committee involving fishing industry representatives from the catching, inshore and processing sectors. The QMAC meets on a monthly basis to make recommendations to me as Minister on monthly/bi-monthly/quarterly regimes for particular stocks, and industry representatives bring the benefit of their knowledge and experience of fishing to these discussions.

Fishing Industry

Questions (609)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

609. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to secure an Irish quota for bluefin tuna; the increase in bluefin tuna quota allocated to the European Union under International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas over the past decade. [13470/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Bluefin Tuna quota available to the EU is allocated each year to Member States based on relative stability, as established in the late 1990s. At that time, Ireland did not have a track record of commercial fishing for Bluefin Tuna, and accordingly, did not receive a quota allocation.

A small Bluefin Tuna by-catch quota is available to Ireland, primarily for use in our important Northern Albacore Tuna fishery and Celtic Sea Herring fishery where there can be Bluefin Tuna by-catch.

In 2018, Ireland was successful in securing, for the first time, an agreement that allowed Ireland to set up a catch-tag-release fishery to contribute to the collection of scientific data for the Bluefin tuna stock. A Catch-Tag-Release science-based fishery for authorised recreational angling vessels has been in place since 2019 and supports the collection of valuable data on the migratory patterns of Bluefin Tuna in Irish waters. This fishery is most beneficial to Ireland as it increases our knowledge of the behaviour and abundance of Bluefin Tuna in Northwestern waters while also providing a small but valuable tourism benefit to peripheral coastal communities.

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for the conservation of tuna stocks, including Bluefin Tuna, in the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas. The EU is a contracting party to ICCAT.

A recovery plan for Bluefin Tuna was adopted by ICCAT in 2006 to address the alarming depletion in the levels of this stock. This resulted in greatly reduced catch limits in the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic Ocean in an effort to rebuild stocks. As the stock began to improve, ICCAT moved from a recovery to a management plan in 2018. A new Bluefin Tuna management plan was adopted in 2022 which saw an increase for all contracting parties with a share of Bluefin Tuna, including the EU.

Ireland has made clear to EU Member States and the European Commission that Ireland considers that there is a case for an allocation of Bluefin Tuna quota to be made available to Ireland for a targeted fishery, in light of this increase and the data collected in the Catch-Tag-Release science-based fishery.

Ireland has requested the opening of discussions at EU level to progress our case. However, opening up this issue is difficult as other Member States are resistant to any discussion on amending relative stability for this stock. Any change to the existing system of quota allocations would require a majority of Member States to agree under the Qualified Majority Voting system. Any change to the current relative stability would involve a loss for some other Member States and, therefore, poses particular challenges in a qualified majority voting context.

Notwithstanding these challenges, I believe that there is a strong case for Ireland given the abundance of Bluefin Tuna in our waters and I will continue to pursue it at every opportunity.

Fishing Industry

Questions (610)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

610. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the Brown Crab Working Group; the way the work of the group can lead to the sustainability of the species for coastal communities and identify new markets for Ireland's seafood industry. [13471/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Brown Crab Working Group was established last year to review the management of brown crab fishing in Ireland and to develop management options to support the sustainability of brown crab stocks, which are so important to Irish fishers and coastal communities. The matter of identifying markets for Irish seafood was outside the scope of the Working Group’s terms of reference, but I can assure the Deputy of Bord Bia’s ongoing work in that regard.

The Working Group consisted of industry representatives from the seafood Producer Organisations, the National and Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums and the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association. It was supported by my Department and representatives from the Marine Agencies. Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) chaired the Working Group and provided the secretariat.

The Working Group met in Athlone on two separate occasions in September and October 2024, when it thoroughly reviewed the status of brown crab stocks as well as management options. At the second session, Working Group members agreed a set of recommendations to support the sustainable management of Irish brown crab stocks.

BIM (as Chair) finalised these recommendations into a report that it submitted to my Department on behalf of the Working Group. These recommendations are currently under consideration.

Additionally, as the Working Group has concluded its work, I would like to thank the industry representatives for their engagement and commitment to this process, which was very welcome.

Fishing Industry

Questions (611)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

611. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will urgently review the landing obligation requirements at piers and harbours around the coast, in cooperation with the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority, to ensure fishermen operating smaller vessels are not endangered. [13472/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Landing Obligation, or Discards Ban, was introduced on a phased basis beginning in 2015, and has been fully implemented since 2019. It is illegal to discard any species covered by the Landing Obligation, other than permitted exemptions. These exemptions are fish species covered by a high survivability exemption, a de minimis exemption, fish which has been damaged by predators, prohibited species and species not managed under the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and Quota system.

As regards the process of landing fish, under EU rules, certain quantities and species of fish must be landed into designated ports. In addition, landings by Third Country vessels (including UK-registered Northern Ireland vessels) must take place at ports designated for that purpose.

The lists of these designated ports is available on the website of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) www.sfpa.ie.

There are significant practical and cost implications for the State in the designation of ports, in that, for any ports designated, Ireland is obliged to ensure that it has in place a meaningful control presence.

The current ports designated, and the opening days and times for those ports, were decided in order to allow vessels to continue to land into Irish ports, while ensuring that the SFPA has the capacity to continue to perform its vital control functions effectively.

The designation of ports for landings does not preclude vessels from coming into ports for force majeure reasons such as safe harbour.

Public Procurement Contracts

Questions (612)

Albert Dolan

Question:

612. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to detail the total expenditure on public procurement by his Department and its agencies, including spending on goods, services and works acquired through public procurement processes, in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [13549/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The table below provides my Department's total procurement expenditure in each of the years 2020 to 2024.

Year	Amount (ex-vat)
2020	€130,956,293
2021	€161,920,134
2022	€197,187,948
2023	€301,310,632
2024	€265,107,660

As regards the 13 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue as soon as possible.

Departmental Bodies

Questions (613)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

613. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a list of regulatory, appeal or other bodies, either funded by or under the remit of his Department, which are quasi-judicial in nature. [13569/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I wish to inform the Deputy that a list of regulatory, appeal or other bodies, either funded by or under the remit of my Department, which are quasi-judicial in nature, is set out below:

• The Agriculture Appeals Office

• The Forestry Appeals Committee

• The Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board

• Sea-Fishing Boat Licensing Appeals

• The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board

• The Greyhound Racing Control Committee

• The Greyhound Racing Appeal Committee

• The National Milk Agency

Legislative Programme

Questions (614)

Pat Buckley

Question:

614. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he intends to publish the heads of the Animal Health and Welfare (Amendment) Bill; for an outline of the issues he intends to address in the Bill; the consultations he intends to hold; and if he will provide for pre-legislative scrutiny. [13608/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides a comprehensive and modern legislative framework within which to address issues relating to Animal Welfare. The different aspects of the act are kept under constant review, having due regard to experience gained in administering the Act.

The Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

This is in line with consistent policy statements made by successive Ministers since the Act came into operation.

All aspects of Animal Health and Welfare legislation will be considered in bringing forward any proposals to amend the Act.

Agriculture Supports

Questions (615)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

615. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide information relating to grants available to farmers for the construction of livestock underpasses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13667/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grant aid for livestock underpasses under public roads in the Animal Welfare Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme (AWNSS), Organic Capital Investment Scheme (OCIS), Women Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (WFCIS) and the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS).

A TAMS application for an underpass must be accompanied by the appropriate planning permission for the project. An engineer's report is required to be submitted with the application, together with detailed drawings and farm field layout plan. The engineer's report must be completed by a Chartered Engineer with experience in the design of bridges and underpasses. The report is required to ensure that the underpass is correctly designed, so that the underpass is structurally sound and that all road safety issues have been addressed.

A Road Opening Licence is required prior to the commencement of any works on the public road. All works shall be completed in accordance with the Road Opening Licence and the Guidelines for Managing Openings in Public Roads.

The processes in respect of road openings are set out in the Guidelines for Managing Openings in Public Roads, available on the Road Management Office (RMO) website. The application process is managed through the MapRoad Roadworks Licensing system (MRL).

Further details can be found on my Department's website in Specification 199, which details the Minimum Specification for Farm Roadways and Underpasses.

• Written Answers Nos. 580-598
• Written Answers Nos. 616-630