Pat Buckley
Question:630. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is legal for a greyhound to be killed at a knackery; and if so, the legal basis for undertaking this practice. [56679/25]
View answerAnimal Welfare
Questions (630)
Written answers
The euthanasia of any animal is not permitted at a Department authorised knackery premises, accordingly, greyhounds may not be killed at knackeries, unless for immediate welfare concerns.
My Department would welcome and encourage individuals with any information around alleged euthanasia at knackeries to make this information available to my Department in the local Regional Veterinary Office. Enforcement procedures will be taken by my Department should any breach of a knackery premises approval be found.
Animal Welfare
Questions (631)
Pat Buckley
Question:631. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the proposed statutory instrument to provide that euthanasia of a greyhound must only be carried out by a veterinary surgeon (details supplied). [56680/25]
View answerWritten answers
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
RCE, under its code of practice for the care and welfare of greyhounds, has set down standards to be applied to the euthanasia of greyhounds.
No statutory instrument relating to the euthanasia of greyhounds has been adopted by my Department.
Animal Welfare
Questions (632)
Pat Buckley
Question:632. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an exhaustive list of those who have been appointed as ‘authorised officers’ under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. [56681/25]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013, my Department has primary policy responsibility for the welfare of all animals. Since the introduction of the Act, approximately 1,000 staff within my Department have been designated as authorised officers. A large number of these authorised officers are based in my Department’s network of Regional Veterinary Offices throughout the country, providing nationwide coverage. In addition, authorised officers have also been appointed in the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Rásaíocht Con Éireann and the Irish Horse Racing Board.
Members of An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service are directly authorised under the Act. Local authorities are also empowered to appoint authorised officers under the Act. Any queries regarding the number of authorised officers by these bodies should be referred to the relevant organisation directly.
A feature of the enforcement of the Act is my Department can work alongside An Garda Síochána and the Local Authority on certain enforcement matters, resulting in a very effective and efficient use of resources.
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 - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (633)
Eoghan Kenny
Question:633. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount that has been spent by his Department to conduct tendering processes for public infrastructure projects in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56685/25]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy is being collated by my Department and a response will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.
Following a review of all our tendering processes, I wish to inform the Deputy that the Department has not conducted any tendering processes for public infrastructure projects in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 or 2024.
Animal Diseases
Questions (634)
Claire Kerrane
Question:634. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is considering raising the TB compensation ceilings to closer align with actual value to farmers who suffer huge financial lost when impacted by TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56702/25]
View answerWritten answers
Bovine TB is an ongoing challenge for Irish farmers. I am acutely aware of the emotional and financial impacts of bovine TB on farmers, their families and rural Ireland.
I secured an increased budget allocation of €85 million for bTB in Budget 2026, providing a total budget of €157 million. I am confident that this increased budget will allow the revamped bTB programme to focus on tackling disease levels.
The objective of the new measures in the Bovine TB Action Plan is to reduce the number of farms affected by bTB and decrease costs for farmers and the taxpayer.
My Department provides a range of financial supports that focus on compensating farmers for both direct and indirect losses incurred as a result of a TB breakdown on the farm. The primary support scheme is the On Farm Market Valuation scheme where animals removed as reactors receive compensation subject to scheme ceilings equivalent to their market value in the event they were not disclosed as TB reactors. In the period up to 31 August 2025, of the 24,724 animals valued under the On Farm Market Valuation scheme, just under 97% of animals were valued below the scheme ceilings.
As part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working Group was established to review the financial modelling of various elements of the Bovine TB Eradication programme. As a result of the agreement reached in this Group, over the last two years there were rate enhancements to the Income Supplement Scheme, the Hardship Grant and the Depopulation Grant as well as enhanced ceilings for select animals being removed as part of the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme. In addition, the Financial Working Group also expanded the eligibility criteria under the Income Supplement Scheme and Hardship Grant Schemes.
My focus at present is on reducing the levels of disease, which will reduce the impact of bTB on Irish farm families.
Animal Welfare
Questions (635)
Pat Buckley
Question:635. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the Control of Dogs Act 1986 and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 were not on the Summer Legislative Agenda despite previously being on the legislative agenda since Autumn 2020 (Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010) and Autumn 2023 (Control of Dogs Act 1986). [56720/25]
View answerWritten answers
On 1 June 2025, policy and legislative responsibility under the Control of Dogs Act (1986) transferred to my Department from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. On 1 August 2025, all policy and legislative responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act (2010) transferred to my Department.
A high-level group, namely the Dog Control Stakeholder Group, was established last year to consider policy and legislative matters, specifically the Control of Dogs Act and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. The group's remit includes considering the need for legislative change. I am committed to reviewing all legislation relating to dogs and in this regard will be guided by the recommendations of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter in due course.
Animal Welfare
Questions (636)
Pat Buckley
Question:636. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the division of responsibility for dog control and dog breeding since legislative and policy control have moved to his Department. [56721/25]
View answerWritten answers
On 1 June 2025, policy and legislative responsibility under the Control of Dogs Act (1986) transferred to my Department from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
On 1 August 2025, all policy and legislative responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act (2010) transferred to my Department. In both cases, Local Authorities retain responsibility for all operational and enforcement matters. Inspections of dog breeding establishments are carried out by ex-Local Authority veterinarians who transferred to my Department in January of this year, as well as by local authority dog wardens.
Animal Welfare
Questions (637)
Pat Buckley
Question:637. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the fact that legislative and policy control for the control of dogs has moved to his Department, who specifically will be responsible for deciding which dogs in local authority dog shelters will be euthanised; and if a standard national euthanasia policy will be implemented. [56722/25]
View answerWritten answers
Policy and Legislative responsibility for Dog Control transferred to my Department from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht on 1 June 2025 and for Dog breeding establishments (DBE) on 1 August 2025. Local authorities retain responsibility for all operational, implementation and enforcement matters. A decision on which dogs in local authority dog shelters are euthanised and matters relating to the implementation of policy is a matter for local authorities.
A high-level stakeholder group was established in 2024 to consider policy and legislative matters, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. The stakeholder group’s remit includes considering the need for legislative change. I am committed to reviewing all legislation relating to dogs and in this regard will be guided by the recommendations of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter in due course.
Animal Breeding
Questions (638)
Pat Buckley
Question:638. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific date for making the results of his Department’s consultation on surgical artificial insemination in greyhounds available for public review; and a specific timeline in respect of the next steps following this consultation. [56723/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) announced in April 2024 that it had updated its Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Practitioners to prohibit veterinarians from carrying out surgical artificial insemination in dogs due to ethical and welfare considerations.
However, this new prohibition does not apply to greyhounds, as the practice is provided for in legislation under the Artificial Insemination of Greyhound Regulations 2005.
The report of the Working Group on Control of Dogs, which was approved by Government in March 2023, and has been published online at gov.ie, includes a recommendation that surgical artificial insemination in canines be prohibited, where the word canine encompasses all breeds of dogs.
In 2024, my Department held a public consultation on whether the practice of carrying out surgical artificial insemination in greyhounds should be banned or not. It is anticipated that the results of the public consultation will be published by the end of 2025.
My Department is closely examining this issue and will be providing advice on an appropriate course of action in the near future.
Animal Welfare
Questions (639)
Pat Buckley
Question:639. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific date when he expects the publication, and entry into force, of the regulations banning the use of dogs and cats electronic shock collars operated by hand-held remote controls. [56724/25]
View answerWritten answers
The use of remotely controlled electronic shock collars in dogs and cats has been banned in several European countries on the grounds of animal welfare. The Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare, which was established by my Department under an independent chair, as part of my Department's wider animal welfare strategy, advises me on animal welfare matters and considered the question of whether the use of remotely controlled electronic shock collars on dogs and cats ought to be banned in Ireland.
As part of this process, my Department held a public consultation, in 2024, with the results available here: gov - Animal Welfare (www.gov.ie).
The proposed ban in Ireland relates only to the use of electronic shock collars which are operated by a hand-held remote control. It does not relate to the use of collars which are part of a fencing/containment system to prevent straying or to anti-bark collars. The Regulation will provide for those currently using these shock collars on their dogs to register with the department, provide the dog’s microchip ID and dog licence number, and continue to use the collars for the lifetime of that dog.
My Department is working on the regulation and I anticipate it will be published in due course.
Control of Dogs
Questions (640)
Pat Buckley
Question:640. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the date when the Dog Control Statistics for 2024 will be published. [56725/25]
View answerWritten answers
Statistics in respect of a range of the dog control responsibilities of local authorities are published annually on Gov.ie. Information up to and including 2023 is available on the the dog control statistics page www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/collections/dog-control-statistics/.
The 2024 dog control statistics report is at an advanced stage and I hope to be in a position to have it published in the immediate term.
Control of Dogs
Questions (641, 642)
Pat Buckley
Question:641. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding the Dog Control Stakeholder Group, the sub groups which have been, or are in the process, of being set up; the membership of any such sub-groups; if terms of reference will be put in place for any such sub-groups; if so, if they will be made publicly available; if the minutes of any such sub-group meetings will be made publicly available; if any members of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group or any of its sub-groups are being paid for their roles; if there is any overlap with the work of the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare; and the way in which this is being dealt with in practice. [56726/25]
View answerPat Buckley
Question:642. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare if he will confirm if any members of the council or any of its sub-groups are being paid for their roles; if there is any overlap with the work of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group; and, if so, the way this is being dealt with in practice. [56727/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 641 and 642 together.
From 1 June 2025, all policy and legislative responsibility for the Control of Dogs Act transferred to my Department from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. This was followed by policy and legislative responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act on 1 August 2025.
In March 2024, the then Minister for Rural and Community Development established the Dog Control Stakeholder Group to review the Control of Dogs Act and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. The stakeholder group comprises members with a broad range of expertise including academics, veterinary surgeons, local authorities, farming interests, charities working in the field and animal welfare experts.
Three sub-groups of the stakeholder group were established to focus on specific areas relating to dog control and welfare, namely Dog Breeding Establishments; Training and Education; and Traceability & Neutering. The sub-groups work with the main stakeholder group and will recommend areas of improvement in the dog control and welfare environment.
The membership of the three sub-groups is laid out in the attached document. While terms of reference were established for each of the sub-groups, it is not intended to publish these or any of the minutes of the sub-group meetings. The sub-groups report to the Chairperson of the main stakeholder group at its regular meetings and the minutes of these meetings are published on my Department's website at www.gov.ie
I can confirm that none of the members of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group receive any compensation for their participation. The only member of the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare (ACCAW) to receive any payment is the independent chairperson.
While there is no overlap between the work of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group and the ACCAW, there are members common to both. ACCAW members are updated in relation to any developments regarding the control of dogs. When the Dog Control Stakeholder Group submits its recommendations to me, matters therein pertaining to the welfare of dogs may, if necessary, be referred to the ACCAW for consideration.
The work of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group is complex in nature, requiring full consideration of all aspects of the relevant legislation. I look forward to the group completing its work and I will consider its recommendations upon receipt of its report.
Dog Breeding Establishments Sub-Group Members
|
Association of Pet Dog Trainers Ireland |
|
|
DAFM |
|
|
Dog’s Trust |
|
|
Hunting Association of Ireland |
|
|
Irish Blue Cross |
|
|
Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) |
|
|
MADRA |
|
|
Veterinary Ireland |
|
Education and Training Sub-Group Members
|
Association of Pet Dog Trainers Ireland |
|
|
County and City Management Association |
|
|
DAFM |
|
|
Dogs Trust |
|
|
Dublin City Council (Animal Welfare and Control Unit) |
|
|
Irish Blue Cross |
|
|
Irish Farmers Association |
|
|
Irish Kennel Club |
|
|
Irish Veterinary Nursing Association |
|
|
MADRA |
|
|
National Association of Regional Game Councils |
|
|
Veterinary Ireland |
|
Traceability & Neutering Sub-Group Members
|
DAFM |
|
|
Dog’s Trust |
|
|
Irish Blue Cross |
|
|
Irish Farmers Association |
|
|
Irish Veterinary Nursing Association |
|
|
MADRA |
|
|
National Association of Regional Game Councils |
|
|
UCD School of Veterinary Medicine |
|
Question No. 642 answered with Question No. 641.
Animal Welfare
Questions (643)
Pat Buckley
Question:643. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to preparing a "positive list" i.e. a list of species permitted to be kept as pets by private owners, particularly given the recent public outcry following footage of a zebra inside a pub in County Clare. [56728/25]
View answerWritten answers
In November 2021, the then Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, established the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare (ACCAW) comprising independent members, with a range of expertise and experience.
ACCAW advises me on policy matters and where appropriate, issues guidelines and recommendations in relation to companion animals. Among items under consideration, by ACCAW, is a positive list of species permitted to be kept as pets. ACCAW will revert to me when they have fully considered the matter.
The matter of animal welfare is a constantly evolving topic and all aspects are kept under on-going review.
Animal Welfare
Questions (644)
Pat Buckley
Question:644. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to implementing Lucy’s Law in the Republic of Ireland given that it is being implemented in Northern Ireland and in view of the fact the puppy trade is exacerbated given the Border (details supplied). [56729/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.
My Department keeps the Act under review in light of key developments in the area of animal health and welfare, the legislative environment more generally, and having regard to the practical lessons learned from operating the Act.
A high-level stakeholder group was established in 2024 to consider policy and legislative matters, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.
The stakeholder group’s remit includes considering the need for legislative change. This requires in-depth analysis and consultation to ensure that amendments are not just robust, fit for purpose and implementable, but that they also deliver the best outcomes for communities.
My Department is committed to reviewing all legislation relating to dogs, and in this regard will be guided by the recommendations of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter in due course.
Airport Policy
Questions (645)
Roderic O'Gorman
Question:645. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated full-year costs that would be needed to ensure his Department officials are present at Dublin Airport between the hours of 7am-10.30pm, seven days a week. [56741/25]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has a presence in Dublin Airport, both at the border control post (BCP) performing sanitary and phytosanitary controls on consignments imported into the EU through Dublin Airport and in the arrivals hall in Terminals 1 and 2 where compliance checks on pets arriving into Ireland and inspection of passenger baggage for personal consignments of food or plants are performed. Currently the BCP operates from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. My Department are present in the arrivals halls of the terminals from 7am to 9pm, seven days per week.
The estimated costs of extending the hours of service from those currently in operation to 7am to 10.30 pm, seven days a week is €1.58m approximately. Please note that this is based on the assumption that the extended hours would apply to my Department's presence in the arrivals hall. The calculated cost is based on the current allocation of staff and the estimated additional resources required.
I am satisfied that the current opening hours are sufficient to meet the existing demand.
Emigrant Support Services
Questions (646)
Cormac Devlin
Question:646. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the work being done by his Department, and agencies under its remit, to facilitate, in line with the commitment under the Programme for Government, the easier return to Ireland for emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56780/25]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no specific remit in relation to returning emigrants.
Departmental Investigations
Questions (647, 648)
Holly Cairns
Question:647. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of instances of illegal tree felling and hedgerow removal that have been reported to his Department; the number of investigations conducted into same; and the number of offences determined to be found, from 2023 to date, in tabular form. [56799/25]
View answerHolly Cairns
Question:648. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of prosecutions taken by his Department in instances of illegal tree felling and hedgerow removal; and to provide details of enforcement actions conducted, from 2020 to date, in tabular form. [56800/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 647 and 648 together.
Forestry in Ireland operates within a legal and regulatory framework, namely, the Forest Act 2014 and the Forestry Regulations 2017 (SI No 191 of 2017). The regulation of forestry is necessary in order to protect forests, and also to ensure that forestry operations and activities are carried out in compliance with the principles of sustainable forest management. Compliance with forestry licence conditions is an important element of the forestry licencing process and is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the forestry licencing system.
The felling of trees requires a licence, as per Section 7 of the Forestry Act 2014. Felling of trees without such a licence is an offence. Tree felling licences carry an obligation to replant the area felled. Section 26 of the Forestry Act describes offences and penalties, and includes the provision for the issuing of Replanting Orders. Failure to comply with a Replanting Order is also an offence.
My Department carries out monitoring of licence holders for compliance with licence conditions. Typically, a Replanting Order is the primary method used - although prosecutions for non-compliance with the Forestry Act are also used - to ensure the replanting obligation is met in full.
The protection of hedgerows comes under different legislation to that of Forestry, namely, the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations. Field boundaries such as hedgerows, stone walls and clay banks are afforded protection under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations (EIA) S.I. 456 of 2011 (as amended by S.I. No. 142 of 2013 and S.I. No. 407 of 2017). Any proposed land restructuring works may require screening and approval by my Department under the EIA regulations.
Where hedgerow removal has been deemed to have occurred in breach of EIA screening requirements:
• land will be subject to inspection by department officials;
• reinstatement or mitigation works will be required and enforced, and prosecution may occur;
• works carried out will be reported to relevant divisions within my Department, including the Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme.
Details of the figures requested are set out below.
|
Year |
Number of reports of Alleged Illegal Felling |
Number of investigations |
Number of prosecutions |
Number of Replanting Orders |
|
2020 |
51 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
2021 |
89 |
18 |
0 |
18 |
|
2022 |
151 |
11 |
0 |
11 |
|
2023 |
196 |
142 |
2 |
30 |
|
2024 |
176 |
138 |
3 |
14 |
|
2025 |
108 |
72 |
1 |
2 |
Hedgerow Removal
|
Year |
Number of reports alleged hedgerow removal |
Number of investigations |
Number of prosecutions |
Number of Reinstatement Orders |
Number of Prohibition Notices |
|
2020 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2021 |
28 |
28 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
2022 |
14 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
2023 |
21 |
21 |
0 |
7 |
3 |
|
2024 |
17 |
17 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
|
2025 |
27 |
27 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
Question No. 648 answered with Question No. 647.
National Parks and Wildlife Service
Questions (649, 662, 668)
Holly Cairns
Question:649. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a National Parks and Wildlife Service report (details supplied); the actions his Department is taking to investigate this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56801/25]
View answer
Pádraig Rice
Question:662. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the ongoing investigation into the felling of trees in Cork (details supplied); the actions taken by his Department to date on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57093/25]
View answerEoghan Kenny
Question:668. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the investigation into tree felling in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57322/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 649, 662 and 668 together.
My Department received a report on 16th July 2025 from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of a large-scale reclamation of private land in Rathcoole, County Cork. From the investigation so far, the site does not consist of 30 acres of native forest but was a network of fields separated by extensive hedging, with trees at different stages of their lifecycle spread throughout the area, including in the hedging.
The overall site is approximately 30 acres in size. The incident involved the alleged removal of a network of hedgerows and the resultant merging of smaller fields into larger ones, along with the removal of a number of trees from within the hedgerows and elsewhere in the site. Necessary site visits have been completed, and the investigation is ongoing. My Department is considering the most appropriate response to the incident, but let me assure the Deputy that I am taking the matter extremely seriously.