Written Answers Nos. 690-711
690. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his expenditure on advertising, detailing the objective, duration, media platforms, advertising agency or agencies and cost of each advertising campaign, in each of the years 2015 to 2025. [37024/25]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated by the Department and a reply will be forwarded within 10 working days.
691. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department's expenditure on media training in each of the years 2015 to 2025; the firms contracted to provide training; and the position or grade of those availing of training, for example, Minister, Secretary General, principal officer and so on. [37042/25]
View answer692. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department's expenditure on media consultancy in each of the years 2015 to 2025; the consultancy firms involved; and the nature of each contract, in tabular form. [37059/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 691 and 692 together.
My Department has a Communications Unit which deals with a wide range of external communications matters, including press engagements, media events and public relations.
My Department has engaged with companies that commonly provide public relations or media consultancy services and this the details of this are provided in the table below. However, I wish to advise the Deputy that this expenditure was for interview training and preparation. There was no recorded spend from 2015 and to date 2025 for media consultancy assistance.
|
Year |
Company |
Training provided |
Amount |
Personnel availing of the training |
|
2015 |
Appian Point Ltd |
Interview training |
€1,000 |
Information unavailable |
|
2016 |
RMS International Associates |
Interview training |
€4,400 |
Information unavailable |
|
2016 |
Baker Tilly Glennon International |
Interview training |
€1,100 |
Information unavailable |
|
2024 |
Drury Communications Limited |
Interview training |
€5,412 |
8 Veterinary Inspectors (SI) |
693. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action his Department will take with the large spread of ragwort, especially on the roadsides of Kerry, as this causes the spread from farm to farm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37101/25]
View answerMy Department is responsible for overseeing the control and the prevention of the spread of certain weeds under the Noxious Weeds Act, 1936. Under the Act, it is an offence not to prevent the spread of these weeds, which includes ragwort.
My Department wrote to all Local Authorities, including Kerry County Council, in May 2025, reminding them of their obligations under the legislation and requesting their assistance in the eradication of noxious weeds from public lands.
Under this legislation, a person responsible for land may either be the owner, occupier, user or manager of the land. A Local Authority continues to be deemed responsible for the maintenance and control of public roads and adjoining areas and, as such, has responsibility for the control of the noxious weeds on these roads and lands.
694. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Horse Sport Ireland will accept a late horse registration application from a farmer in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37127/25]
View answerThe question of whether to accept a particular horse registration application is a matter for Horse Sport Ireland. Horse Sport Ireland may be contacted directly, at info@horsesportireland.ie or (045) 850 800).
695. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide comparative data between the number of cattle that fail the bovine TB skin test and the number of cattle subsequently confirmed to have TB lesions at slaughter; if he will review current testing methodologies for accuracy in light of these figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37145/25]
View answer696. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of animals slaughtered with TB actually have TB; if he will review current testing methodologies for accuracy in light of these figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37146/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 695 and 696 together.
Bovine TB is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. In recent years, bTB levels have continued to deteriorate, herd incidence has increased from 4.94% in 2023 to 6.04% in 2024. As of 29th June 2025, over a 12-month period we had a herd incidence of 6.40% with over 43,290 reactors. This disease is having an impact on our farmers and their families emotionally and financially throughout rural Ireland.
When cattle are slaughtered as reactors under the TB Eradication Programme, it is because they have tested positive for infection with TB. It is not routine to perform culture or other laboratory tests on all TB reactors, and such tests are generally less sensitive than the skin test and other ante-mortem tests.
Visual inspection of reactor carcases at post-mortem finds that, on average, over the last three years from 2024 to 2022 a range of 24-36% of such reactors had visible lesions of tuberculosis, meaning the infection has progressed to a stage where the disease process has caused such significant tissue damage that it can be seen with the naked eye.
The table below shows Total Reactors, Number Lesions and Lesion % rate over the last 3 years 2024 – 2022. Generally lower lesion rates indicate a higher proportion of new infections relative to older infections and earlier detection of positive animals overall.
If a reactor does not have visible disease lesions, it does not mean it is not infected; visual inspection cannot detect the presence of microscopic lesions and bacteria within the tissues of such animals. Most TB reactors have “no visible lesion” (NVL) when the routine postmortem examination is carried out by veterinary staff at slaughter plants.
The majority of such NVL animals are in fact infected with TB- they have just been detected sufficiently early that lesions have not become apparent to the naked eye.
My Department has produced leaflets and videos to explain how the tests work and what to expect from them and are available on www.bovinetb.ie/.
Table of TB Reactors and Lesions 2024 - 2022
|
Year |
Total Reactors |
No. Lesions |
Lesion % |
|
2024 |
41,682 |
9,931 |
24% |
|
2023 |
28,901 |
8,011 |
28% |
|
2022 |
23,393 |
8,391 |
36% |
697. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on TAMS grant payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37154/25]
View answerThe person named submitted a grant aid application for a roller on 8 July 2024 under the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS), which is a measure under the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3).
My Department issued an approval letter to proceed with the investment on 28 November 2024 and a claim for payment was subsequently received on 11 February 2025. Following an inspection on 11 April 2025 it was noted that an updated farm safety certificate in respect of the applicant was required to progress the payment claim. This was communicated to the applicant's advisor on 28 April. Once this certificate is submitted, my Department will be in a position to finalise the payment claim.
698. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of purchase orders processed by his Department in 2023 that were not included in the published reports of purchase orders over €20,000; the number of purchase orders excluded due to their value falling below the €20,000 threshold, and the total combined value of those purchase orders; and the number of purchase orders excluded because they related to transactions other than for goods or services, for example, grants-in-aid or reimbursements, in line with reporting conventions. [37224/25]
View answerThe information requested is not readily available in the format sought by the Deputy.
A response providing the requested information will be issued to the Deputy in 10 working days.
|
2023 Expenditure by Purchase Order |
|||
|
No of Purchase Orders |
Expenditure |
||
|
Under €20,000 |
Procurement |
996 |
€4,176,833.39 |
|
Other Transactions |
11,910 |
€23,931,946.14 |
|
|
Subtotal |
12,906 |
€28,108,779.53 |
|
|
Over €20,000 |
Procurement |
883 |
€190,218,972.99 |
|
Other Transactions |
824 |
€251,262,628.29 |
|
|
Subtotal |
1,707 |
€441,481,601.28 |
|
|
Total |
14,613 |
€469,590,380.81 |
|
699. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to confirm receipt of a complaint from an person (details supplied) in Dublin mid-west regarding the neglect of an animal; to confirm that an investigation will take place or if an investigation is underway; when an investigation will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37341/25]
View answerMy Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously and responds to any reports of alleged animal cruelty or legislative non-compliance. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare, for all animals.
My Department is aware of this case but does not comment on individual 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 to Phone No 01 607 2379 and email address animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
700. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is implementing to enhance financial supports for small farmers with annual incomes below €20,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37384/25]
View answerMy Department operates a wide range of schemes to support farmers in their farming businesses, including those with annual incomes under € 20,000.
Funding is provided through Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 schemes operated under Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan (CSP). The many measures/schemes within the CSP have been designed to ensure that farmers, irrespective of scale, enterprise or land type have focused supports to assist their farm business. Total payments of c. €1.8bn are distributed each year to farmers under the CSP.
Recognising the distinct sectoral pressures that exist my Department also operates a number of nationally funded schemes outside the CSP but complementary to it. These schemes were introduced to deal with the particular pressures that exist, for example in the livestock sector. As an example, in Budget 2025, some €32m was allocated to schemes supporting the beef sector.
Many of the schemes already in place have a front loading element to payments, to assist smaller farmers. A prime example of this is the Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS). It is designed to redistribute CAP funds from larger farms to medium and smaller sized farms, with payments over €118m issuing annually to all active farmers on their first 30 hectares.
Also recently under simplification measures implemented by my Department, farms under 10 hectares have become exempted from controls related to compliance with conditionality requirements.
701. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the 2023 review of ash dieback, the progress that has been made in implementing the recommendations to support affected forestry owners; the specific timelines in place to address this ongoing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37385/25]
View answerAn Independent Review Group was established in 2023 to review the supports available to Ash forest owners with Ash Dieback. The Group submitted a report with their findings to my Department and in response Government approval was secured for an Ash Dieback Action Plan which addresses all 13 of the Review Group's recommendations.
It provides for, among other things, an additional €79.5 million in funding to pay for a new Climate Action Performance Payment. This payment of €5,000 per hectare is available to forest owners who fully engage with my Department's reconstitution schemes and carry out replanting. This brings the overall financial package of supports available to over €230 million.
The Ash Dieback Task Force was established in 2024. It is comprised of relevant stakeholders including representatives of ash forest owners. Its purpose is to provide for effective engagement with those affected by ash dieback, facilitate a coordinated response, and support the swift implementation of the Plan. It held its first meeting in May 2024 , has met five times overall, and is scheduled to meet four times per year until the end of 2027.
The Task Force continues to be a useful forum for discussion around the implementation of the Reconstitution Scheme and the associated Climate Action Performance Payment (CAPP) with members contributing many useful recommendations.
I am pleased to report that in the past 18 months, Reconstitution Scheme approvals have issued for over 3,450 hectares and payments of more than €11million have issued to ash forest owners.
My Department aims to deal with ash dieback fully before the end of the current Forestry Programme in 2027.
702. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline, with respect to the Nature Restoration Law, the assurances he can provide that Irish farmers will not face mandatory rewetting obligations; the way in which his Department is ensuring farmer consultation in shaping related policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37386/25]
View answerWith regard to the specific requirements to rewet organic soils in agricultural use, the nature restoration regulation is quite clear that the obligation is on the state, not on landowners in relation to rewetting.
The Government has been clear that any restoration measures that landowners choose to participate in will be completely voluntary.
From the outset, the Government has committed to an open and transparent engagement process to underpin the development of a National Restoration Plan (NRP) that works for society and for nature. A fully accessible, inclusive multi-tiered model has been developed to ensure the views of all citizens, at all levels are captured and reflected in the final NRP. This process is led by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the leading authority for the Nature Restoration Law nationally.
The Leaders’ Forum is a cross-sectoral dialogue at the most senior level to discuss the overall trajectory of the NRP and identify key risks and opportunities. Two Leaders' Forum meetings have taken place to date which included individuals representing farmer organisations. A 3rd Farmer-focussed forum “farming for the future” will take place on 9 July.
A separate Community Conversation exercise is being developed and this will launch over the summer. It will be a locally-led participatory engagement model that aims to inform and hear the views of groups around the country. This will provide opportunities at all levels for genuine exploration and dialogue and to create a country-wide conversation about what EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) means for all citizens including those in our farming communities.
703. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made in establishing a verifiable framework for farmers to trade carbon credits; the way in which his Department is addressing the integration of carbon sequestration into existing agri-environmental schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37387/25]
View answerWork is ongoing in developing a verifiable framework for carbon farming at both at EU and national level.
I welcome the recent carbon removals and carbon farming (CRCF) regulation (EU/2024/3012), creating the first EU-wide voluntary framework for certifying carbon removals and carbon farming across Europe. In addition, by 2026, the Commission will assess whether to expand the scope of carbon farming to include greenhouse gas emission reductions from livestock activities.
To implement the CRCF regulation and Carbon farming, the Commission is taking the following steps:
• Adoption of EU certification methodologies for different activities by 2025
• Adoption of third-party verification rules: The Commission will issue implementing acts to set technical rules for third-party verification requirements by 2026.
• Recognition of certification schemes: By 2030, the Commission will approve certification schemes able to apply CRCF rules through Decisions, following a comprehensive assessment of governance, rules, and procedures, typically granting recognition for five years.
In tandem with developments at EU level, I committed to developing a National Framework for Carbon Farming to provide guidance to farmers and landowners on the overarching principles needed to develop Carbon Farming in Ireland.
My Department held a public consultation in September 2023 on Carbon Farming and positive feedback was received from stakeholders regarding the opportunity to diversify farm income. Stakeholders were supportive of an approach that included carbon removal, greenhouse gas reductions and biodiversity measures in a National Carbon Farming Framework. Furthermore, stakeholders considered it important that the Framework supports and compliments the environmental measures within the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027.
Nationally, there are knowledge and data gaps that will need to be bridged to support Carbon Farming. In response, I have identified and funded many key research and demonstration activities that will help to provide baseline information on key activities within the agricultural and land use sectors. By way of example, Teagasc have recently launched a country wide network of Signpost Farms to showcase how best practice management techniques can be adopted on a wide range of enterprises and soil types.
To support the development of a National Carbon Farming Framework, a necessary first step is to provide guidance to stakeholders in the areas of carbon removal, emission reductions, and ecosystem services. This is a new complex policy area, and more work is planned as outlined in the recent Programme for Government.
Our farm families and landowners are key to meeting national climate change targets, and I am committed to delivering a National Carbon Farming Framework. In the meantime, I will continue to provide financial support to farmers delivering carbon sequestration through a variety of EU and nationally funded schemes. The current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plan provides the overarching mechanism for supporting farmers in the maintenance of carbon in for example hedgerows and grassland. This includes the National Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) which offers a range of actions for individual farmers.
704. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current backlog of targeted agricultural modernisation scheme applications; the number of unprocessed applications; the average processing time, broken down by region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37388/25]
View answerThe Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings.
More than 45,000 applications have been received across the first eight tranches of TAMS 3. This compares to 15,144 applications received over the same number of tranches in the 2014-2022 TAMS 2 scheme.
Of the 45,274 applications received, a total of 30,263 applications have received approval to proceed with their investments. There have been 892 applications withdrawn by applicants, while a total of 2,692 applications have been rejected due to ineligibility under the terms and conditions of the scheme.
Tranche 8 of TAMS 3 closed for applications on 6 June last, with a total of 5,364 applications received. Applications received across all of the measures in Tranche 8 are currently being processed. Once the initial HQ processing is completed, all applications will be subject to a ranking and selection process, which is a regulatory requirement for all TAMS 3 applications.
Approvals are then issued to eligible applicants in line with the Farmer's Charter agreement, within three months of ranking and selection and no longer than six months following the closure of a tranche.
Overall, the scheme has proved very popular, with an unprecedented level of applications received. My Department will continue to issue approvals in a timely manner to allow farmers sufficient time to proceed with their proposed on-farm investments.
The table below sets out the average processing time per county.
|
County |
Applications Received |
Applications Approved |
Average Days Between Submission and Approval |
|
Carlow |
840 |
576 |
165 |
|
Cavan |
2084 |
1419 |
164 |
|
Clare |
1935 |
1249 |
172 |
|
Cork |
5829 |
4050 |
172 |
|
Donegal |
2776 |
1754 |
185 |
|
Dublin |
234 |
150 |
159 |
|
Galway |
3942 |
2543 |
174 |
|
Kerry |
2454 |
1575 |
166 |
|
Kildare |
887 |
600 |
173 |
|
Kilkenny |
1819 |
1269 |
183 |
|
Laois |
1236 |
852 |
176 |
|
Leitrim |
847 |
534 |
183 |
|
Limerick |
1705 |
1080 |
172 |
|
Longford |
962 |
652 |
170 |
|
Louth |
504 |
367 |
145 |
|
Mayo |
2634 |
1596 |
202 |
|
Meath |
1540 |
1029 |
150 |
|
Monaghan |
1462 |
923 |
165 |
|
Offaly |
1209 |
855 |
177 |
|
Roscommon |
1673 |
1136 |
197 |
|
Sligo |
998 |
581 |
193 |
|
Tipperary |
3085 |
1937 |
217 |
|
Waterford |
1144 |
801 |
193 |
|
Westmeath |
1141 |
801 |
163 |
|
Wexford |
2028 |
1408 |
161 |
|
Wicklow |
753 |
526 |
170 |
|
Overall |
45721 |
30263 |
177 |
705. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific supports or emergency flood relief schemes available to farmers affected by flooding events not caused by their actions; the way in which his Department is coordinating with local authorities on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37389/25]
View answerThe unpredictable nature of extreme weather/flooding events and the resulting impact on agriculture does not lend itself to a ready made scheme template where local effects vary with the event.
My Department in recent years has provided a number of schemes to support farmers who have been badly affected by extreme weather/flooding. These include the Shass Landslide, The Shannon Callows, The Unharvested Crop Loss Support, The Fodder Transport Support Measure and most recently The Cooley Flood Damage Relief Scheme.
These schemes are targeted to extreme weather events which occurred at a specific time which negatively impacted on agriculture. Each scheme was different in its objectives and attributes to provide the most targeted and beneficial support possible to the farmers affected, underlining the need for customised supports in each case. Each scheme was designed to take account of the unique circumstances that existed and to ensure that the particular needs of those most impacted were met.
Notwithstanding this, my Department continues to explore the possibility of having a common approach to such weather events with other State bodies and stakeholders.
706. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the payment supports available to small suckler farmers who are not in receipt of any agricultural payments or supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37498/25]
View answerIn order for a farmer to avail of funding under CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) and nationally funded farm schemes, they may in the first instance be required to submit a valid BISS and other area based schemes application. This is an annual application submitted via my Department’s online system and provides details of the area farmed and the nature of farming undertaken by the applicant in a particular year.
This eligibility criterion is clearly set out in the terms and conditions applicable to each scheme.
The submission of such an application allows my Department to carry out control checks on the areas declared and active farming requirements in order to ensure compliance with various scheme regulations.
My Department provides significant support to the suckler beef sector under the EU co-funded Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) and the exchequer-funded 2025 Beef Welfare Scheme (BWS). However, generally speaking, the submission of a valid BISS application annually is a qualifying condition for participation in suckler support schemes. This is the case for both SCEP and the 2025 BWS.
In addition to dedicated supports for the suckler beef sector, my Department also administers various schemes that are open to farmers generally irrespective of their particular enterprise, including those funded under the CSP which is worth almost €9.8 billion over the duration of the current programming period.
Details of the eligibility and other conditions for participation in all schemes operated by my Department are available on its website.
707. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the payment supports that are recommended as introductory farm payments for farmers not receiving any supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37499/25]
View answerMy Department operates a wide range of schemes to ensure that farmers across all enterprise types receive targeted supports. Broadly there are three types of schemes; area based, livestock based and grants for farm modernisation.
For any farmer wishing to apply for area based schemes they must submit an annual area based application by 15 May. This application allows the farmer to apply for a wide range of schemes. Some like the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) require that a farmer already has payment entitlements, while others like the ECOscheme and Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) can be applied for annually and once the farmer complies with the requirements they will receive payment.
Separately there are a number of livestock support schemes that are part of the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) and also a number of nationally funded schemes. Again like the area-based schemes a farmer must apply and depending on the enterprise type they operate (e.g. sheep or cattle) they may be eligible for a number of these schemes.
My Department also operates the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMS). These provide grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holding.
To ensure that a farmer avails of the correct supports it is important that the specifics of the farm type, enterprise and farmer background are taken into account. Prior to the closing date for area-based applications in May my Department operates a number of clinics where farmers can attend to get assistance with their applications. In 2025 a total of 16 were held throughout the country. These clinics are an exceptionally useful support, particularly where a new farmer is trying to understand the various support schemes that may be relevant.
I would encourage any new farmer to engage directly with my officials who would also be happy to assist in any way possible.
708. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to examine a mechanism to engage with stakeholders on the design of national agriculture schemes as of July 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37652/25]
View answerThe programme for Government "Securing our Future" contains a commitment to
"examine a mechanism to engage with stakeholders on the design of national agriculture schemes."
My Department is committed to ongoing contact and engagement with stakeholders on the design of both nationally funded and CAP funded schemes.
In the case of nationally funded schemes, meetings were held earlier this year on the National Sheep Welfare Scheme, the National Beef Welfare Scheme and the National Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme where there was constructive engagement between stakeholders and my Department.
In the case of CAP funded schemes, there is significant engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders on all aspects of Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan. In addition, ongoing changes to the CAP Strategic Plan are brought to consultation with stakeholders through the CAP monitoring committee.
In addition to those mechanisms, my Department takes it obligations under the Farmers' Charter very seriously. The Farmers' Charter Monitoring Committee meets quarterly (the last meeting for example was held on the 12th of June) and all areas concerned with schemes meets with farm bodies to discuss and monitor scheme deliverables.
My Department remains open and ready to engage with stakeholders to help ensure the best outcome for farmers and farming in Ireland.
709. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to review the eligibility criteria for the succession planning advice grant to ensure better take-up as of July 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37653/25]
View answerThe new Programme for Government emphasises supporting intergenerational farm succession. Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agri-food sector, highlights that ensuring generational renewal in farming is vital for the sector’s long-term viability and social sustainability in rural Ireland.
The Succession Planning Advice Grant is a relatively new scheme launched in September 2023, to encourage and support farmers aged 60 years and above to seek succession planning advice. It provides up to 50% of vouched legal, accounting and advisory costs, subject to a maximum payment of €1,500.
Applications may be submitted all year round, but payments are made in annual tranches. Under the first tranche, payments of €61,354 issued to 52 eligible applicants. Interest has been growing and under the second tranche, payments of €224,450 issued to 180 eligible applicants. This autumn, “Transferring the Family Farm Clinics” will be held in six different locations across the country. At these, my Department’s officials will be available to provide clear guidance on eligibility criteria and requirements for the Succession Planning Advice Grant.
Farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. Last October, an independent Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established. The Commission is taking an objective, evidence-based approach examining the range of factors involved that contribute to the age demographic in the sector. I am expecting the Commission to report to me on policy options in the coming weeks, and this will ensure that we have an objective analysis of the issue in advance of preparations for the next CAP. It is not intended to make any changes to the scheme in advance of the Commission's report.
710. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the programme for Government commitments to ensure sufficient employment permits to support the agrifood sector, including the equine, dairy, horticulture, fish and food processing industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37654/25]
View answer711. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for Government commitments to ensure sufficient employment permits to support the agrifood sector, including the equine, dairy, horticulture, fish and food processing industries; what engagement he or his Department has had with officials in the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in respect of the efficient processing of general employment permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37655/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 710 and 711 together.
My colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has policy and operational responsibility for employment permits. Arising from my ongoing engagement with sector stakeholders, my Department is in regular contact with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) regarding the labour shortages that exist in certain sub-sectors of agri-food.
Where there has been difficulty recruiting sufficient labour from within Ireland and the European Economic Area, my Department continues to work closely with DETE to ensure that there are employment permits made available to recruit additional labour, while recognising that this should be the last resort for filling vacancies. I am informed that 3,626 employment permits issued in 2024 to the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Sector, of which 1,912 were new permits and 1,714 were renewals. Agri-food was the sector in receipt of the second most General Employment Permits last year, followed by the healthcare sector.
In addition, the Seasonal Employment Permit (SEP) Pilot Scheme launched earlier this year. This permit is a short-term employment permit for a non-EEA national to work for a maximum of 7 months per calendar year in a seasonally recurrent employment. It is designed to support targeted economic sectors, such as horticulture, in addressing labour shortages.
I will continue to work closely with the sector and with the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to help ensure that there is sufficient labour available to the agri-food sector.
