Pat Buckley
Question:294. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if a special visa programme has been considered for Palestinians undergoing war and genocide in Gaza and the West Bank. [36759/25]
View answerVisa Agreements
Questions (294)
Written answers
I can assure the Deputy that my Department continues to work closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and across Government to ensure a coordinated national response to the complex and evolving humanitarian crises in Gaza. This includes work both to evacuate Irish citizens and their families who may require visa assistance and, in accordance with a Government decision in September 2024, to support the evacuation of a number of sick children from Gaza for treatment and care.
My Department is in regular contact with the Embassy of Ireland in Israel regarding a number of visa applications, from residents of Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. The Embassy are actively engaging with applicants to gather the required documents to ensure that the Visa Division of my Department have everything needed to progress these applications.
While events in Gaza are being kept under constant review, there are no current plans to put in place a programme along the lines suggested by the Deputy.
If any Deputy or Senator wishes to seek assistance with Irish visa applications they can contact my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (295)
Aidan Farrelly
Question:295. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide an estimate of the cost to place Garda trainees on the first point of the Garda pay scale, from day one of training in phase one. [36765/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Trainee allowance increased from €305 to €354 per week with effect from 1 October 2024 and has increased by a total of €170 per week when compared with 2023.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that an estimate of the cost to place Garda trainees on the first point of the Garda pay scale from day one of training in phase one would result in an increased cost over the 35-week training period of €15,171 per recruit.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (296, 297)
Aidan Farrelly
Question:296. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to provide for Garda trainees to commence training on point one and or a high percentage of point one, from day one of phase one of training. [36766/25]
View answerAidan Farrelly
Question:297. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he and or his officials have engaged with An Garda Síochána leadership team and or the Minister and or his officials at the Department of Public Expenditure; National Development Plan Delivery and Reform regarding further enhancement of the Garda trainee allowance system and or pay scales. [36767/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 297 together.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has increased the Garda Trainee allowance over the last two budgets - from €305 to €354 per week with effect from 1 October 2024 and by a total of €170 per week when compared with 2023.
Insofar as further increases to the allowance are concerned, these will be considered in the context of the annual Estimates process, having regard to the overarching commitment to recruit at least 5,000 Gardaí over the lifetime of the Government.
Question No. 297 answered with Question No. 296.
Citizenship Ceremonies
Questions (298)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:298. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the length of time it is taking from Irish citizenship ceremonies to when new citizens receive their certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36782/25]
View answerWritten answers
All certificates of naturalisation for attendees of a citizenship ceremony are issued via registered post and applicants can expect to receive their certificate within 6-8 weeks.
I want to assure anyone who is waiting for their certificate of naturalisation that they do not need to renew their immigration permission whilst they await a certificate.
By not issuing certificates on the day of the ceremonies, my Department has been able to simplify the administrative steps required to be completed at registration desks. This in turn has made it possible to significantly increase the number of attendees who can attend any one day of ceremonies.
These steps are part of an overall programme of work to speed up the naturalisation process for applicants. This includes introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting.
My Department held 24 citizenship ceremonies last year, an increase from the 15 ceremonies held in 2023, and the 6 that were held in 2022. My Department has already held 13 ceremonies this year and will continue to hold more ceremonies on a regular basis during 2025.
In just over two years the Citizenship Division of my Department has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications in 2023 and made more than 31,000 decisions in 2024.
Visa Applications
Questions (299)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:299. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on a visa stamp 4 application by a person (details supplied); and if the case will be expedited. [36783/25]
View answerWritten answers
The application referred to by the Deputy was submitted on 25 June 2025.
The Registration Office within Immigration Service Delivery of my Department provide a live processing date, which is updated every Monday, and is available at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/renewing-your-registration-permission-if-you-live-in-the-republic-of-ireland/#processing
They are currently processing applications submitted from the week starting 13 June 2025. In order to ensure a fair and equitable service, renewals are processed in order of date submitted.
If the application is approved, the person concerned can expect to receive their new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card within the following 10-15 working days.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at www.portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
Immigration Status
Questions (300)
Conor D McGuinness
Question:300. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will intervene in a case regarding an application for leave to remain (details supplied). [36799/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department is unable to publish any information that would identify any person as being an international protection applicant. This is a separate matter to the law dealing with data protection matters more generally.
My officials and I are legally obliged, under Section 26 of the International Protection Act 2015, to ensure that the identity of any person who applies for international protection is kept confidential. Section 26(1) sets out that:
“the Minister and the Tribunal and their respective officers shall take all practicable steps to ensure that the identity of applicants is kept confidential”.
As I am sure you will appreciate, these confidentiality requirements are especially important for an asylum-seeker, whose claim inherently supposes a fear of persecution by the authorities of their home country and whose situation, or that of their family or friends still living in the country from which they have sought protection, can be jeopardised if the protection of their personal information is not ensured.
An applicant for such protection status, or their legal representative, should contact either the International Protection Office (IPO) or the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) directly, as appropriate if they wish to receive an update on the status of their case.
Contact information for The International Protection Office can be found at: www.ipo.gov.ie/en/ipo/pages/contactus.
Contact information for The International Protection Appeals Tribunal can be found at: www.protectionappeals.ie/contact-us/.
Both the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) are fully independent in deciding whether or not to grant international protection. Each application is examined individually on its own merits, in line with national and international asylum law. They are also bound by confidentiality provisions in respect of applicants as set out in the International Protection 2015 Act.
Additionally, I can assure you it is my intention to continue to ramp up investment in the end-to-end international protection process to speed up decision making. This will support reaching key targets, including making 25,000 decisions in the IPO in 2025 and to increase the number of appeals at the IPAT completed over the course of 2025.
Visa Applications
Questions (301)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:301. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide a detailed report on the current average processing times for visa applications submitted by Irish citizens for their non-EEA spouses; the number of such applications presently awaiting a decision; the total number of spousal visa applications submitted by Irish citizens over the past 24 months; the number of personnel currently assigned to process these applications; and if he will outline the reasons for the significant delays being experienced—delays which in many cases exceed 15 months—causing considerable emotional and logistical hardship for Irish citizens and their families seeking to reunite with their lawful spouses. [36870/25]
View answerWritten answers
I can advise the Deputy that there are currently seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. They are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade process certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated sanction from my Department.
I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants, and I want to assure anyone who has made an application for a visa that my Department is doing everything possible to progress these applications as quickly as possible. In recent months, additional resources and staff have been assigned to my Department’s Visa Division which I expect will reduce the waiting times for all applications.
I can advise the Deputy that majority of join family visas receive a first instance decision within the 12-month business target. In 2024 the average processing time for join family visa applications, where the sponsor was an Irish national, was 139 days. This figure includes join family visa applications made by spouses, children and other family members.
Processing times for all applications are influenced by a number of factors and some applications may take considerably longer than average to progress to finalisation. The time it can take varies depending on the type and complexity of application; individual circumstances; peak application periods; such as holidays or the start of the school year; and, crucially, the quality and completeness of the application lodged.
In 2024, approximately 201,000 visa applications, of all types, were received by the Visa Division of my Department. This reflects an increase of 21%, compared to 2023, with over 35,000 additional applications received. These increases have continued, in the first five months of 2025, my Department's Visa Division received approximately 88,400 visa applications and has issued over 76,900 decisions. This reflects an increase in applications of 14%, compared to the same period in 2024.
My officials are working to meet the increased level of demand, and over 5,400 additional visa decisions have issued in the first five months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
Table 1 below details the number of join family visa applications received for spouses of an Irish nationals from 01 July 2023 to 30 June 2025 and the first instances decisions issued.
Table 1: Join Family spouse of Irish national Visa applications received and decisions issued.
|
Time period |
Received |
Granted at first instance |
Refused at first instance |
|
2023 July to December |
478 |
294 |
196 |
|
2024 January to December |
1,044 |
500 |
184 |
|
2025 January to June |
530 |
263 |
64 |
*Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
I can advise the Deputy there are currently 66.6 whole time equivalent staff currently assigned to the Dublin Visa Office who are responsible for processing visa applications, visa appeals, and correspondence related to these applications. Please note that this figure excludes Visa Office staff whose duties do not relate to join family visa applications for spouses of Irish nationals.
Table 2 below details the number of staff working across the seven overseas Visa Offices, broken down by Visa Officers posted from my Department’s Visa Division and staff employed locally.
Table 2: Staff working across the seven overseas visa offices
|
Office |
Posted |
Local |
Total |
|
Abu Dhabi |
4 |
6 |
10 |
|
Abuja |
4 |
5 |
9 |
|
Ankara |
5 |
4 |
9 |
|
Beijing |
5 |
8 |
13 |
|
London |
5 |
2 |
7 |
|
New Delhi |
6 |
21 |
27 |
|
Moscow |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Total |
30 |
48 |
78 |
Legislative Reviews
Questions (302)
Barry Ward
Question:302. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of outdoor recreation businesses and others in relation to the consistent issue of signed personal liability waivers not being regarded in court proceedings; if he will consider amending existing legislation to strengthen laws regarding personal responsibility in liability cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36892/25]
View answerWritten answers
It is not possible for me as Minister to comment or intervene in any way in relation to how particular court proceedings are conducted or on the outcome of those proceedings. The conduct of any court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge. The separation of powers is enshrined in the Constitution to ensure judges are independent in the exercise of their functions.
It is a matter for individual litigants to determine whether they wish to appeal a judgment of any court of first instance.
Insurance reform continues to be a key priority for the Government. The Programme for Government commits to the publication of a new Action Plan for Insurance Reform, with a focus on encouraging further competition in the market and working with stakeholders to enhance transparency and affordability across all types of insurance.
With regard to the use of waivers as described by the Deputy, I would point out that significant changes to the legislation governing occupiers’ liability were contained in the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 which amended the Occupiers Liability Act 1995 and came into effect on 31 July 2023.
As part of the overall suite of amendments to occupiers’ liability, the 2023 Act inserts a new section 5A into the Occupiers Liability Act 1995, which provides for the voluntary assumption of risk by entrants. Under the new section 5A, an occupier does not owe obligations to visitors or recreational users in situations where they have willingly accepted a risk and where they are capable of comprehending the nature of that risk. Acceptance of the risk is based on the entrant’s words, or conduct, and does not require proof of communication with the occupier. As such, a written agreement, such as a waiver, is not necessary to limit or release an occupier from liability.
International Protection
Questions (303)
Pat Buckley
Question:303. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to deny any future IPAS application for a hotel (details supplied) and to support the reinstatement of the hotel for tourist accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36894/25]
View answerWritten answers
I will write to the Deputy directly once this information is to hand.
Asylum Seekers
Questions (304)
Pat Buckley
Question:304. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to commit to a balanced approach to national refugee support that considers the unique economic needs of towns such as Youghal, County Cork. [36895/25]
View answerWritten answers
Since 2022, against the backdrop of war in Ukraine, increased applications for international protection, and the acute shortages of accommodation, it has not been possible for the State to apply specific policies in relation to distribution of accommodation centres, including a geographic or county-by-county based dispersal plan.
In relation to the State's Ukraine response, the level of need for accommodation among people fleeing this war has now reduced and is expected to continue to do so. Properties are being returned to their former use, for example in tourism, hospitality and education, and to private use.
In 2024, over 12,000 beds were returned from use by my Department's Ukraine response to tourism, among a total of 15,000 beds returned to private use in the period.
As a result, the Department is no longer seeking to add new accommodation centres to the portfolio of State-supported Ukraine accommodation.
This should allow growth of the tourism sector in the areas concerned, with an acknowledgment of the contribution made by these areas and providers to support the historic humanitarian and State response to people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
In relation to the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), the number of people applying for international protection has increased significantly in this same period. IPAS was accommodating approximately 7,000 people at the end of 2021, and at the end of 2024, the resident total had grown to over 32,000 people.
As we respond to changing trends, and work toward a more stable and sustainable accommodation system in this sector, accommodation is being developed and delivered through a range of channels, with a focus on developing more State-owned accommodation.
Ireland has adopted and is now working to implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum in mid-2026. Reforming and speeding up processing of applications should also serve over time to reduce the scale of the demand for international protection accommodation.
The Department is also working to increase the amount of State-owned international protection accommodation, and creating a more stable and sustainable accommodation system.
It is hoped that the creation of a core supply of State-owned accommodation, of both emergency and permanent options, will also allow more strategic direction over accommodation types, location and dispersal patterns nationwide.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (305)
Matt Carthy
Question:305. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí at each level in An Garda Síochána from trainee Garda to Commissioner who, prior to joining An Garda Síochána, had served in police services of other states, including specifying which police service, for the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36953/25]
View answerWritten answers
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (306)
Matt Carthy
Question:306. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the details of all refurbishment or expansion planned for Garda training college in the next five years including projected costs, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36955/25]
View answerWritten answers
By law, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business. This includes all decisions related to the upgrade of the Garda Estate. Works on the Estate are undertaken by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in cooperation with the Garda Authorities. This includes planning and completion matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Capital Investment Programme for the years 2023-2030 was developed following detailed engagement between An Garda Síochána, the OPW and my Department. This Programme identifies a series of estate projects reflecting Garda priorities and emerging needs. The provision of upgraded, refurbished and additional contemporary Garda facilities nationwide is included in this Programme. A number of these Capital projects are at various stages of development and are being delivered in conjunction with the OPW.
Following the formation of the current Government this year, a review of the National Development Plan (NDP) is required. In that context, a review of the Garda Capital Investment Programme for the years 2025-2035 is now ongoing, having regard to the current, medium- and long-term needs of An Garda Síochána.
More specifically, An Garda Síochána, with OPW, are considering options to expand the capacity of the Garda College in Templemore so that higher numbers can be trained each year, in order to meet the Programme For Government commitment to recruit at least 5,000 new Gardaí. This work is at an early stage and is still being scoped.
I am aware that there are current plans to carry out significant refurbishment to the roof at the Garda College. This project is currently in the tender assessment stage.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (307)
Matt Carthy
Question:307. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of gardaí who retired in each of the past five years, and in to date in 2025, upon reaching 30 years of service, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36961/25]
View answerWritten answers
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (308)
Matt Carthy
Question:308. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of gardaí currently working in the protective services units in An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36962/25]
View answerWritten answers
Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a central priority for me, this Government, for the Department and for the Garda Commissioner.
'Zero Tolerance,' the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV), set out an ambitious five-year programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept DSGBV or the attitudes which underpin these crimes.The Strategy has a significant focus on improving the system for victims of these terrible crimes and on ensuring there is a full range of supports and services available nationwide to support and empower victims and survivors.
I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána and my Department are continuing to work hard to strengthen trust and confidence in the system, so that victims will feel empowered to come forward and report what has happened to them and get justice.An Garda Síochána prioritise and proactively respond to incidents of domestic abuse. The nationwide roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) ensures that when vulnerable victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence present to Gardaí, they are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance.
There is now a DPSU in every Garda Division.
An Garda Síochána have advised that there are a total of 428 gardaí working in Protective Services Units as of the 31 May 2025. The table at the following link offers a breakdown of staffing numbers by division.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (309)
Matt Carthy
Question:309. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the annual cost of increasing the strength of the roads policing unit of An Garda Síochána by 100; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36965/25]
View answerWritten answers
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
Fisheries Protection
Questions (310)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:310. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department have engaged with the Marine Institute regarding a formal stock assessment of sprat and the introduction of a total allowable catch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36042/25]
View answerWritten answers
I thank the Deputy for her question. Sprat is a small pelagic schooling fish that occurs inshore. Sprat is a short-lived species and an important prey fish for many marine species thus vital to the ocean food chain as well as an important source of income for inshore fishermen.
The International Council of the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) considers sprat to be a data limited stock which means that more detailed data is required in order to form a full understanding of the state of the stock.
The Marine Institute has been actively involved in work on sprat through research, surveys and fisheries catch sampling. From this work they have data and information on the biology, population dynamics and stock structure of Sprat around Ireland.
Studies have not to date shown evidence of separate stocks in the Celtic seas, and ICES considers sprat in ICES divisions 6 & 7 to be a single stock. Sprat around the Irish coast are known to perform seasonal migrations between winter feeding and summer spawning grounds.
The last acoustic survey for sprat in the Celtic Sea and the south Irish Sea was conducted by the Marine Institute in October 2024 as part of their annual survey series, ongoing since the early 2000s. The survey results are available on their website. This survey showed no evidence of sprat moving northwards and no collapse in the abundance of the species over the scale of the surveyed area.
At this time, there is no proposal from the EU Commission for a Total Allowable Catch, or TAC, and quota management arrangement for fodder fish such as sprat in the waters around Ireland. Ireland will, of course, have regard for a possible TAC and quota regime or other appropriate conservation measures going forward if recommended in the scientific advice to support the sustainable management of these stocks.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (311)
Conor D McGuinness
Question:311. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers awaiting ACRES payments, by county, date of application, and date of approval. [35863/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme or ACRES is the flagship environmental scheme provided under the 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan, with €1.5 billion in Exchequer and EU funding allocated over the course of the scheme. There are currently just under 54,000 participants in ACRES.
Payments in respect of ACRES continue to issue on a weekly basis as cases pass all required validation checks. A total of €512.2 million has now issued since ACRES payments commenced at the end of 2023.
In the case of the 2023 scheme year, almost 99% of participants have been paid in full. As regards 2024, 97% of participants have received their advance payments, and almost 94% of participants have now received a balancing payment.
Payment details on a per county basis are outlined in the table at the following link.
Veterinary Services
Questions (312)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:312. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the provision in place to help farmers gain access to a vet if they are having trouble doing so; and the plans he has to increase the number of large animal vets working within the agriculture sector. [36696/25]
View answerWritten answers
The most recent figures from Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) in their recently published Workforce Report indicates 3,564 registered veterinary practitioners veterinarians and 1,265 registered veterinary nurses in Ireland. 68.2% of registered veterinary practitioners were employed in clinical practice of whom 35.5% were working in mixed practices with 12.5% working in Farm Animal only practice work.
The report made seven recommendations as follows:
1: Promoting the Role of the Veterinary Nurse.
2: VCI to Host Public Stakeholder Consultation on Out of Hours Emergency Veterinary Care.
3: Actions to Support Registrants & Improve Work Life Balance.
4: Financial Supports and Subsidies.
5: Increased Engagement with the Public and Service Users.
6: Increased Veterinary Engagement across State Agencies, Government Bodies and Other Relevant Stakeholders.
7: Economic and Social Research Institute Further Analysis.
My Department will engage with the VCI on any areas identified in their report where collaboration between my Department and the VCI can help to support and develop the veterinary profession in Ireland including in the areas of large animal practice.
My Department will also engage with Veterinary Ireland on the availability and provision of veterinary services in large animal practice.
Last year saw the announcement by the Government of the development of two new veterinary colleges in Ireland, one in the South East Technological University and one in the Atlantic Technological University. These new schools of veterinary medicine will make an important contribution towards the future supply of veterinary practitioners in Ireland into the future.
My Department continues to keep the issue of the availability of farmed animal veterinary services under review.
Agriculture Supports
Questions (313)
Sorca Clarke
Question:313. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any Departmental research has been undertaken into the mental health impacts of climate-related crop failure or weather events on farmers; if psychological supports are integrated into CAP advisory services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36699/25]
View answerWritten answers
Farm safety, health and wellbeing is a priority for this Government. The Programme for Government has a specific focus on farmer mental health and well-being, recognising the unique challenges faced by the sector. I secured dedicated funding of €2.5 million In Budget 2025 which enables my Department to continue to implement existing and new initiatives to improve farm safety, health and wellbeing.
As part of the recent 2025 Thematic Research Call issued by my Department, I sought proposals that focus on farmer’s safety, health and wellbeing including proposals focusing on “Enhancing Farmer Resilience: Understanding the impact of crisis events on farmers’ wellbeing and designing practical supports to help them to adapt to and deal with the effects”. Such crises events include disease outbreaks and weather events. Applications under this thematic call are currently being evaluated with the first tranche of awards expected to be announced later this year.
My Department has also supported the UCD-led study “Farming Minds: Developing evidence-based interventions to enhance farmer mental health”.
My Department, in collaboration with the HSE and the Department of Health, are co-funding On Feirm Ground 2’. The programme aims to equip farm advisors, Department staff, private veterinary practitioners, farming organisations, and other agri-professionals and service providers with the necessary skills to engage and signpost farmers to health services.
Earlier this year, I funded the printing and distribution of the HSA’s ‘Guidance on Managing Fatigue with Farm Work’ booklet to approximately 125,000 farmers.
Farm safety, health and wellbeing is a priority for me and my colleague, Michael Healy-Rae T.D., Minister of State with special responsibility for Farm Safety. This Government will continue to engage with stakeholders and invest in supports to improve the health and wellbeing of farmers and the farming community.