Tuesday, 14 Oct 2025

Animal Diseases

Questions (732)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

732. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a farmer with a TB restricted herd can sell cattle directly to a controlled finishing unit with no conditions attached, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the 30-day TB test window (details supplied); if marts will be allowed to operate under the same conditions as a farmer selling direct to a feedlot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54767/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I published the Bovine TB Action Plan, “Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland”, on 9 September. The Action Plan follows extensive discussions with stakeholders in recent months. I also received support and approval from Cabinet on 24 June to address the current high levels of Bovine TB (bTB). The Action Plan is based on scientific research and veterinary expertise. There are five measures, which are underpinned by 30 actions:

Support herds free of bTB to remain free

Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB

Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a bTB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown

Help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity

Reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading bTB

Farmers from TB restricted herds can currently sell cattle directly to a single controlled finishing unit (CFU) without a pre-movement test. However, CFUs are required to comply with stringent conditions around bio-security and twice-yearly TB testing rules for CFUs with grazing. The new policy regarding the rules for movement of TB test negative animals from restricted herds to CFUs, via online mart sales, including the requirement of a 30 day pre-movement testing, is currently being reviewed by my Department.

Agriculture Supports

Questions (733)

Catherine Callaghan

Question:

733. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ensure that hill farmers are supported in their management of the uplands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54914/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The rules regarding the eligibility for payments of all agricultural lands, including uplands, have been designed to ensure that maximum flexibility is given to farmers so that they can choose the most appropriate methods for their own lands. This allows farmers and their advisors to ensure that management practices chosen suit the particular habitats that exist on their lands.

While most uplands will be grazed with livestock and in the main sheep, where it is necessary to help improve the condition of the lands, farmers may choose other maintenance activities. This could involve controlled burning carried out at the correct time of the year. It may also involve the removal of invasive species that can at times take hold on upland areas or at times it may involve avoiding activities on part of the upland area to allow land recover from previous overgrazing.

My Department published a Guide to Land Eligibility (https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/a-guide-to-land-eligibility.pdf) in 2023 which sets out all options for farmers to ensure their lands remain eligible for payment under area-based schemes such as the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS).

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (734)

Colm Burke

Question:

734. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of participants in ACRES and ACRES-CP who are still awaiting payments for 2024; when these payments will issue, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54882/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Almost €517.2 million has now issued to participants in the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), of which over €267.7 million has issued in respect of participation in 2024. The following table presents the breakdown of the remaining participants awaiting payment for 2024.

General	CP	Total
389	900	1,289

Almost 98% of scheme participants are up to date with payments. My officials are examining all claims on an individual basis to determine the reason why payment has not yet issued and to identify required solutions. Progress continues to be made, as demonstrated by payment runs taking place each week as issues are resolved. Payment runs will continue to issue on a weekly basis as cases pass the required validation checks.

Animal Welfare

Questions (735)

Alan Kelly

Question:

735. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he is taking to regulate sulky racing. [54898/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The use of sulkies on public roads specifically, as with the use of all vehicles, including animal-drawn vehicles, is governed by the relevant provisions of the Roads and Road Traffic Acts. Reviews of this legislation would be a matter for the Minister for Transport.

The drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to prioritise equine welfare and to build on existing inspectorate supports across the country, ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare. In this regard, my Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents and local authorities undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.

My Department also operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:

Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.

Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie